We started by voting on a landmark piece of legislation -- the Halt Fentanyl Act. I am proud to announce that I cast a decisive 'yes' for this critical bill, which equips our law enforcement with the vital tools to combat dangerous drugs in our communities. This legislation goes beyond short-term fixes, facilitating research into the comprehensive effects of fentanyl. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of this Act. Fentanyl, the leading cause of death among adults aged 18-49, has devastated our communities with far too many stories of lives abruptly ended.

Meanwhile, in our fight for accessibility, I took the house floor to commend Ford's decision to restore AM radio in their 2024 vehicles. This reinstatement might seem minor to some, but it's about much more than radios. This is a step to ensure that all Americans, regardless of their location, maintain access to critical information such as vital news, weather updates, and community announcements. It's a significant victory for Missouri’s 4th congressional district.

Turning to agriculture, we took action against the administration's stringent climate policies through Joint Resolution 11. Last year's EPA regulations, imposing emission standards on heavy-duty vehicles sold after 2027, were a blow to our truckers, farmers, and ranchers. This policy risks escalating vehicle prices, hiking the cost of goods, and endangering the livelihoods of hard-working Americans. Our resolution seeks to reverse this policy and prevent a predicted increase of $42,000 per truck on large rigs.

Next, I led a coalition of 26 House Republicans in a letter addressed to President Biden and Agriculture Secretary Vilsack. Our message was clear - to demand they reject John Kerry's recent comments about our dedicated farmers and ranchers. Our agricultural sector has made impressive strides in reducing global emissions while increasing productivity. We believe it's time our farmers and ranchers received the recognition they deserve.

Lastly, Senator Eric Schmitt and I penned a letter to Assistant Secretary of Treasury Paul Rosen, expressing our concern about China's acquisition of farmland around Whiteman Air Force Base. Whiteman plays a key role in our nuclear triad, deterring adversaries like Communist China. The base is home to the B-2 stealth bomber, with plans to host the B-21 soon, further emphasizing the necessity of protecting the surrounding land.

I voted "NO" on the Fiscal Responsibility Act and you can hear my full thoughts on my vote.

After careful thought, deliberation, constituent consultation, and prayer, I voted “no” on The Fiscal Responsibility Act. While I applaud the efforts of Kevin McCarthy throughout this negotiation process, I cannot in good faith support this debt ceiling package. China is building its military at a much faster pace than we are. This legislation will only exacerbate that deficit. We cannot be expected to properly combat the pacing threat from Communist China if we are capping military spending at 1% growth for FY2025. When factoring in inflation, this operates as a cut.

Secondly, for months, House Republicans have been pushing for a debt ceiling extension of one-year for an amount of $1.5 trillion. With the spending problem this nation has, I cannot support a two-year extension of $4 trillion or 13%. Continuing to allow Congress to spend at this ridiculous rate is unacceptable and it must be stopped.

To make matters worse, I do not believe the administrative pay-as-you-go measure that was put in place is enforceable. This oversight mechanism is intended to prevent the President from cutting trillion-dollar checks, but upon further deliberation, we see that the bill text allows for the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to completely override this measure by proving a waiver and asserting that the spending is “necessary for the agency to carry out it's programs”. This loophole will only allow the unacceptable spending levels we have seen for years.

Lastly, when I came to Washington, I swore to Missourians that I would fight to get rid of the new 87,000 IRS agents that will do nothing but harass hardworking Americans. To say the least, this legislation falls well short of fulfilling that promise. The Fiscal Responsibility Act only cuts $1.4 billion of the $80 billion that was allocated to hire those agents.

After speaking with my team, consulting with numerous constituents, and for the reasons outlined above, I voted ‘no’ on this legislation. As long as I am in Congress, I will never vote for what Washington wants. I will always vote for what Missouri’s 4th District wants and needs; and they need much better than this bill provides.

I was on Washington Watch with Tony Perkins discussing the growing threat from China. I believe we are at a critical moment in human history; China is the number one threat facing American national security and I'm worried we aren't ready.

Watch here

Newsmax

I had the opportunity to speak about the Department of Defense (DoD) recently overestimated aid to Ukraine by a staggering $3 billion. This is a serious accounting error and it has implications for our national security.

This underscores the need for stringent oversight and transparency in regards to the aid sent to Ukraine. Moreover, it should spur a thorough investigation to so this never happens again.

Watch here.

Newnation

I will always be committed to ensuring that Whiteman Air Force Base, a cornerstone of our nation’s military infrastructure, is fully supported to continue its integral role in our defense efforts for years to come.

The B-2 plays a key role in the U.S.’s nuclear triad, which consists of three components: land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), and strategic bombers like the B-2.

Watch here

Mondays With Mark

It was a pleasure for us at the district office in Raymore, Missouri to kickstart our week with our 'Mondays with Mark.'  This week's session was held at our congressional district office. 

This gives me the opportunity for us to stay connected, understand your needs, and respond effectively. 

See everyone next week!

Memorial Day Tribute: Honoring Our Heroes at VFW Post 3118

In honor of Memorial Day, our district office team attended, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 3118 held a moving ceremony at the cemetery in Pleasant Hill, Missouri. Paying tribute to the heroes who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country and freedom.

Supporting Local Business

Patti from our district office team spent a delightful Saturday supporting local businesses and explaining how our office can help them with issues they may be facing with the federal government. Creekside Greenhouse is renowned for its diverse selection of vibrant flowers, rich vegetables, and quality gardening supplies, perfectly illustrating the rich talent and services within our local business community.

One of Our Very Own

I would like to recognize a remarkable 6th grader from our district, Mariah Coffey. This young prodigy was in Washington D.C. from May 31st to June 1st to participate in the prestigious National Spelling Bee. Mariah attends Harrisonville Middle School in Cass County and she's generously being sponsored by the Raymore-Peculiar School District for this national competition.

A round of applause goes to her parents, John and Laura Coffey, who are business owners and commercial property holders in our district. They have indeed raised an admirable family with their five delightful daughters. 

Polk County Community Partnership Meeting

During this month's Polk County Community Partnership Meeting, the focus was on strengthening our bond with local first responders. Specifically, we talked about how to better assist them, understand their needs, and show our appreciation. The meeting was a great exchange of ideas. Becky and Jake from our district office team were present and engaged, reaffirming our commitment to be supportive and what roles we can play through the Congressman's office, such as managing casework and aiding in obtaining federal grant money. 

If anyone you know needs assistance with any agency of the federal government, please contact my team in Raymore, Columbia, or Lebanon. Whether it's the IRS, Social Security, passports, veterans’ affairs, or anything else related to the federal government, please give us a call at one of the following numbers:

• Raymore: 816-441-6318
• Columbia: 573-540-6600
• Lebanon: 417-532-5582

Meanwhile, if you have questions about legislation going through Congress, my office in Washington, D.C. can take care of you. My team in D.C. can be reached at 202-225-2876.

My number one job in Congress is to help folks here in Missouri. Please do not ever hesitate to call my offices at the numbers listed above.

I truly care about and will always be working for you.