Dear [firstname] [lastname],
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Hey folks, my team and I have stayed busy both in the district and in Washington! We wanted to highlight some of the great work our team is accomplishing in the newsletter:
My colleagues and I have worked tirelessly to remove DEI curriculums from our Military. Now, I want to take it a step further and eliminate it across the federal government. This is why I have recently introduced a bill to terminate DEI programs in federal agencies. The bill is called the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Dead on Arrival Act (DEI DOA, H.R. 7937).
This bill would:
1. Abolish all DEI offices in the federal government. 2. Further, this would bar any cabinet level agency as well as USAID from implementing any DEI initiatives. Read more about my new bill on Fox News here.
This week, House Armed Services Committee held a hearing to discuss the Navy Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Request for Seapower and Projection Forces. Data shows that the CCP has outpaced our shipbuilding capacity by a great magnitude. Even though our ships are more technologically advanced, quantity often becomes a quality of its own. I believe that Congress must do more across the entire industrial base to provide the right number of ships, planes, missiles, and munitions to our nation’s Navy so that we can establish credible deterrence against hostile competitors. Watch here.
I was also apart of another Armed Services Committee Hearing to speak with Secretary Wormuth, the Secretary of the Army. The Army is changing, and the committee urged them to continue supporting the communities that have supported them for so long. As the Army restructures, fewer positions will be available at Fort Leonard Wood. It will disproportionately impact the surrounding rural area. Congress must ensure that Missouri District Four is not adversely affected. Thank you to Secretary Wormuth for coming, for visiting Fort Leonard Wood, and for the attention paid to our distinguished installation, proudly hosted in MO-04! Watch here.
It was my honor to express my support to Native Americans in small business this week. Navacio, Native American-owned government contracting business, is a fantastic example of what the House Small Business Committee's Indian Small Business Enterprise program can do.
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Last week, my House Armed Services Committee colleagues and I participated in a Quality of Life Press Conference. We spoke about our bipartisan, comprehensive, and in depth policy recommendations to ultimately enhance the quality of life for our service members.
We believe that that those who serve our country should never go hungry or struggle to make ends meet. These are tangible steps to move forward in the right direction. Watch to learn more about our efforts here.
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My colleagues and I held a hearing in Small Business Committee last week, going over the current administration's handling of small businesses. Allowing the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to expire will not only hurt the competitiveness of our small businesses, but it will hurt the jobs they provide and the communities they serve.
Last week, Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio addressed a Joint Meeting of Congress. With China encroaching on Taiwan, I believe our relationship with Japan is more important than ever. Working with our friends can ensure the safety of the Indo-Pacific.
Last week, I also voted 'NO' on the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) reauthorization due to the illegal and unconstitutional surveillance that the program allows the intelligence community to commit on American citizens. We voted ‘YES’ on an amendment authored by Rep. Andy Biggs that would end this warrantless surveillance by requiring a warrant for ANY surveillance done by the intelligence community on American citizens. Unfortunately, this amendment did not pass, and the warrant requirement was not adopted.
Each week, we have meetings to hear about what matters most to you in District Four, to the state of Missouri, and to America! We wanted to highlight a few of those meetings below:
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Last week, America witnessed the devastating attacks Iran launched on Israel. It is clear that Israel is under attack and surrounded. This is the first time Iran has directly attacked Israel. We are in unprecedented times in world history, and we must remain resolute, strong, and unequivocally in supporting our friends, the ally in Israel—the beacon of hope and democracy in the Middle East.
The reported attacks launched by Iran against Israel confirm what I have believed since the beginning. Iran wants to see Israel wiped off the map, but instead of their usual tactic of funding proxies, they have taken direct action.
America must stand with Israel and do whatever necessary to ensure their safety.
The Administration must provide all necessary support for Israel to defend its interests in the region. Anything less than our absolute support is unacceptable. I believe Biden’s policy of appeasement in the Middle East must end. If it doesn't, I fear what comes next.
I traveled to Israel two weeks ago on a Congressional delegation. My colleagues and I saw firsthand the Supernova festival site where innocent young people were slaughtered by Hamas suprise attack. We visited Mount Bentall, from which you can oversee the Israel-Syria and Israel-Lebanon borders, and we even had the opportunity to attend Mass inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. I can tell you that I have never seen people and a country's leadership so resolved to save the innocent hostages being held and finish off these evil terrorists.
We also spent some time at a kibbutz within two miles of Lebanon. This community has been evacuated since the initial attacks on October 7th, making over 600 Israelis refugees within their own country. We also learned that the kibbutz my colleagues and I stayed was hit with rocket fire just 2 hours after we left - truly unbelievable.
Folks, Congress MUST stand with Israel. Hamas must be eradicated. |
Fox Business
For the first time ever in history, Iran itself has directly struck Israel. This was an unprecedented attack.
Now, it’s more important than ever that we stand with our friend and ally: Israel.
Watch here.
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Washington Watch
I joined the Washington Watch to express why I believe we need a stand alone Israel support package. Watch here.
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Speaking on the House Floor about SNAP
Agriculture is the backbone of our nation. Through the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, or SNAP, we bridge the gap between the produce of our farmers and the tables of more than 41 million Americans.
SNAP is a pact with our citizens, ensuring that no truly deserving, qualified American goes to bed hungry. Yet, safeguarding the integrity of SNAP is our duty. It is our duty to ensure that every dollar is spent judiciously, reaching only the hungry and not lost to fraud, waste, and abuse.
Watch here.
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Newsmax
I talked on Wake Up America to talk about our recent congressional delegation trip to Israel. The trip reaffirmed our unwavering support for Israel in the conflict against Hamas.
Watch here.
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Tele-Townhall
I live-streamed our telephone townhall with my friend, Congressman Derrick Van Orden.
Typically, these telephone townhalls are delivered exclusively over the phone in a broadcast that is aired only once and available solely to those who call in. My team and I are taking a new approach, while still using the calling approach as the main method of the event. We added a camera setup for a live stream, allowing folks to digitally watch it.
These are fantastic opportunities to engage in conversations with constituents who ask important questions. With this online format, we are able to transform the single-air telephone town hall into a live stream that will last far beyond its original broadcast.
We hope you find this interesting—and thanks to all who tuned in!
Watch here.
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Quality of Life Press Conference
The people that serve are the foundation of our great military.
No service-member should ever struggle to feed their family, afford housing, or make ends meet.
These bipartisan recommendations are comprehensive, detailed and in depth, and ultimately enhance the quality of life—from pay compensation, child care, housing improvements, and much more. These are tangible steps forward in the right direction.
Watch Press Conference here
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Center of Excellence For Veteran Success Ribbon Cutting
It was great for our team to attend the Center of Excellence for Veteran Success Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Stephens College!
This center will serve as a space for female veterans to transition from service member to college student, all in a community environment.
We are so proud of Stephens College for being a piece in the solution to help service members as they transition out of Armed Services. As long as I am in Washington, my team and I will push policies that support our veteran community. Another wonderful day in #MO-04!
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Webster County CommUNITY Partnership Meeting
Our team attended the Webster County CommUNITY Partnership Meeting in Marshfield.
We gave an update on Washington and heard from this month's guest speaker, the Director of Missouri Children's Division, Darrell Missy! Learning about the work they do to get to their ultimate goal of preventing foster care, changing their processes, and staying transparent.
The county is supportive of their initiatives and we are excited to see what they can work towards to get more children out of foster care!
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Fayette Chamber of Commerce Meeting
Our team attended the Fayette Chamber of Commerce meeting in Fayette.
The conversation today focused on how employers can help employees problem solve! My team also got to give an update on policy efforts I am leading in Washington and hear updates on the new chamber website.
Overall, we had a great time learning about the exciting events and growth happening in Fayette!
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Columbia REDI
It was great for our team to join Columbia REDI at their home office in Columbia, along with members from Senator Schmitt and Congressman Luetkemeyer's offices! All of our offices were able to provide updates on everything happening in Washington and discuss what policies we are currently pushing.
This month Mizzou's Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs, Nim Chinniah, talked to everyone about their current healthcare outreach practices and the new Children's Hospital & Birthing center that will open this June.
The team enjoyed hearing how Columbia community outreach is growing!
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Webster County Diversified Agriculture Conference
Our team was pleased to attend the Webster County Diversified Agriculture Conference at Marshfield High School!
The evening started with an overview of services that NRCS and FSA county offices in the southwest region offer. We then participated in break out sessions where we got information on how to successfully move forward by learning best practices on clover potential, homesteading, beef operations, and more. With a Farm Bill on the horizon, it was important to hear from this group. It's conversations like these that help drive our legislation on the Agriculture Committee.
It was a great night with helpful information being shared to help local farmers find ways to help their operations to success!
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Eagle Welding Academy
In honor of April being "National Welding Month", we are honored to highlight Eagle Welding Academy for their tremendous work in #MO-04!
Members of our team visited the Iron Eagle Welding Academy in Stockton, Missouri yesterday. Iron Eagle has been in operation for just over three years and has 40+ students at a time. It's businesses like this that Washington must protect through our legislation. Visits like these also remind me how important our work on the Small Business Committee is.
We are very proud to have them in our district and look forward to see their continuation of success, serving our great community.
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Hey folks! This week, our staff will be hosting mobile office hours in Bates County & Vernon County, ready to assist #MO-04.
We'd love to hear your thoughts, concerns, and questions. Stop by if you need assistance with federal agencies, like the IRS or the VA, and we will be happy to help.
Contact our office if you have any questions: (816) 441-6318. We hope to see you soon!
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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. |
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