Hey folks, welcome! My team and I had a busy past two weeks in Washington and in the district. 

As Congress head into the next few weeks in Washington, I wanted to reflect on some of the things we have been working on and will continue to in the future.

Last week, the Small Business Committee held a hearing on expanding capital access for our nation's job creators. The Committee was joined by several witnesses, including Kevin O' Leary. Most of you will know him as a co-host of ABC's 'Shark Tank'.

Capital is not just needed to started a business but also needed to grow one. Capital access is a top issue for entrepreneurs and we will continue to fight for our small business owners in Missouri's fourth district. 

I also sat down with House Agriculture Committee's Ag Labor Working group, to brainstorm a solution to farmers' labor needs. My team and I will continue to have these conversations and stand up for the hard working farmers in Missouri and in America. 

I received an A+ rating from SBA Pro Life for our pro life voting records. My team will never stop protecting life, in all its stages, in this land of the free. I believe that America's greatness lies in us valuing the dignity of life above all else. I were happy to send our prayers and support to all of those who participated in the Washington March for Life!

Lastly, I want to share with everyone that I host a syndicated radio show/podcast in DC with various members of congress every week. This offers a unique opportunity for you to meet the fantastic people I'm working with daily to shape America's policies. It gives you a look into the behind-the-scenes action, sharing the stories, news, and legislation that helps you better understand day-to-day operations in DC. Check out one of our recent episodes with Rep. Morgan Luttrell here.

Folks, unfortunately, I must report to you that Congress has still not fully passed all our individual appropriation bills.

Let's break down what's going on:

It is Congress’s principal duty to fund the government through 12 appropriation bills. These bills are supposed to originate in the House. The fact that we are unable to fulfill this duty is categorically unacceptable.

So far, the House has passed 8 out of the 12 appropriation bills. Here is what the House has passed:

• Defense, 
• State and Foreign Operations, 
• Energy and Water, 
• Legislative Branch, 
• Interior Environment, 
• Transportation-HUD,
• Homeland Security,
• and Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies. 

Which bills are left?

Congress still needs to pass these four:

• Labor, HHS, Education, 
• Commerce, Justice, Science, 
• Agriculture, 
• Financial Services

What now?

Since August of last year, Congress has wasted over 125 days that should have been used to focus on funding our government. The House has passed a continuing resolution to keep the government funded until March 8th, 2024. Between now and then, Congress must finish the final four appropriation bills and do right by the American people.

Where do I stand?

Let me be clear: I did not come to Washington to continue the disastrous policies of "kicking the can down the road" and routinely increasing government spending. 

I pledged to each of you that I would be the loudest, strongest, most consistent unwavering conservative voice for the people of Missouri's Fourth District.

I know that you all do not want another continuing resolution.

Neither do I.

Congress is broken, and I’m fed up with Washington's reckless spending. It's simply unacceptable. 

That is why I voted no on the third continuing resolution of the 118th Congress. 

The days of relying on omnibus bills and continuing resolutions for a single up-or-down vote to fund the entire government MUST come to an end. They are catastrophic for our national debt and cause grave problems for our military.

Congress must get this right.

Our future generations depend on it.

Academy Nominations

One of the aspects I love most about serving as your congressman is the privilege of nominating our brightest and smartest young people for education at our military academies.

These institutions offer world-class education and training for those aspiring to serve our country and become the next generation of military leaders.

Moments like these are why I decided to run for Congress.

It was an honor to present an academy nomination to Elias Oerly to U.S. Air Force Academy and Kase Overstreet to U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

Watch here.

Missouri Seal Anniversary

I celebrated the 202nd anniversary of the Great Seal of Missouri and we recognized the Seal as a symbol of bravery, strength, and unity of the 'Show Me State' on the House floor.

Watch here.

Feeding Missouri

My office was so happy to visit with Feeding Missouri and tour the Food Bank Market in Columbia. We were able to discuss what Congress can do to support food banks like theirs.

Feed Missouri is currently serving over 100k people a month and partnering with 145 food pantries & 197 schools here in Missouri.

Visiting with Constituents

It's always great to stop at the McDonald's in Concordia/Lafayette county and listen to constituents about their concerns. After all, this is their office, not mine.

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.