We've had a busy few weeks within the Small Business Committee. I am thrilled to announce that the Successful Entrepreneurship for Reservists and Veterans (SERV) Act—a bipartisan bill I proudly introduced alongside Congresswoman Sharice Davids—has passed with unanimous support through the House Small Business Committee. This marks a significant stride towards empowering our dedicated veterans and reservists on their entrepreneurial journeys.

During our hearings in the Small Business Committee, we held a hearing on Rural Entrepreneurship, examining the barriers rural small businesses face. I was especially proud to invite Jennifer Cassaday, the owner of Byrd's Pecan Delights in Adrian and the President of the Adrian Chamber of Commerce, to testify and share insights as a rural small business owner. Her comments were impactful, illuminating the tangible challenges of rural entrepreneurship.

In the Armed Services Committee, I had the chance to speak with superintendents from military service academies about their perspectives on academy curriculum and admission. I shared with them that I believe our military's current strategy is deeply misguided. It's a dangerous path if we continue to focus on areas that don't correspond with our most mission-critical objectives. For the sake of our country’s security, we must direct our efforts towards inspiring the next generation of service members, fortifying our military capabilities, and implementing strong deterrent measures to dissuade Communist China from contemplating an invasion of Taiwan.

I also had the opportunity to meet with the FFA chapter leaders from Missouri! Agriculture is essential to our state, and seeing these young individuals become involved is truly inspiring. Congress must support them every step of the way.

Lastly, I want to share with everyone that I host a 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 provides insight 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 our latest episode here with Congressman Pat Fallon of Texas here.

I have the privilege of serving on the Armed Services Committee in Congress. This position offers me a unique perspective on global issues, and I've been dedicating a substantial portion of my focus to monitoring China's increasing military aggression, particularly in relation to America's interests in the Indo-Pacific region.

China has been consistently demonstrating aggressive behavior around Taiwan. This not only threatens regional stability but also poses a potential global economic crisis should China succeed in invading Taiwan. However, China's aggression is not confined to the Indo-Pacific. We've also witnessed its impact directly on our home soil. Part of our focus must be on Chinese espionage activities happening right here in America. This extends from our university system, to our ports and cranes, and even within our government infrastructure. The level of infiltration and intelligence gathering is extensive and deeply concerning.

Moreover, it's crucial to shed light on the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) technology penetration into the United States, particularly through platforms like TikTok. The CCP's influence over TikTok impacts our privacy significantly, with unrestricted access to users' photos, text messages, search history, phone microphone, and camera. This technology not only violates individual privacy but also manipulates what we see and hear. All this supports the CCP's stated goal to emerge as the world's leading economic and military power by 2049.

It is of utmost importance that our country decouples from China. Congress must to reignite the American spirit and economy, focusing on domestic production and solidifying our middle class rather than outsourcing it to China.  Let me be clear: Congress does not want war. It's important to note that the Chinese people are good, but their government - specifically, the CCP - I believe to be evil. To mitigate and deter Communist China, our nation needs to adopt a foreign policy of peace through strength. America must concentrate on maintaining our military as the world's most formidable fighting force and focus our efforts on deterring China. 

Newsmax

I was on Newsmax to discuss emerging insights and potential consequences stemming from the information currently being produced by the House Oversight Committee. This committee is delving into alleged foreign transactions and potential influence peddling associated with then Vice President Joe Biden. 

Watch here.

Fox News

I was on Fox discussing John Kerry's travel around the world lecturing countries on climate change policies, all while flying around on the taxpayer's dime in his private jet and emitting carbon.

Congress must to focus on the most pressing issues of our time: China’s aggression in the Indo-Pacific, stealing our intellectual property, and flooding our borders with fentanyl, which is killing our young people.

Watch here

Fentanyl Forum

Hey folks, I wanted to draw your attention to, and extend an invitation for, an upcoming forum event I am hosting. This event is designed to raise awareness about a significant issue - the fentanyl crisis that's impacting our community, especially our younger people. I believe your involvement and insights are of utmost importance.

Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is 50-100 times more potent than morphine, has been increasingly found crossing our southern border and infiltrating our communities.

The goal of the Fentanyl Forum, set to take place on August 7, 2023 at 7 P.M. at Memorial Station (602 Maurer Parkway, Belton), is to bring together a wide range of voices from across our community to understand the depths of this problem and work toward collective solutions.

Mondays With Mark

Great morning at Byrds Pecans, a small business in Adrian, taking 'Mondays With Mark' on the road.

Hearing from the hardworking people of the 4th district is inspiring, and seeing the small businesses in their natural environment provides a real-life perspective.

Our communities are strong and resilient.

Fisher House Ribbon Cutting

Our district office team, attended the ribbon cutting for the Mid-Missouri Fisher House at Truman VA Hospital.

This facility will provide a home away from home for the families and caregivers of hospitalized Veterans undergoing treatment at the Truman VA Medical Center.

It is designed to accommodate up to 32 families of veterans at any given time, providing a no-cost place to stay for those who must travel to Truman VA Hospital.

Lake Ozark Council of Local Governments (LOCLG) Board Meeting

Our district office team attended the Lake Ozark Council of Local Governments (LOCLG) Board meeting, where they presented a federal update, along with representatives from Senator Eric Schmitt’s office.

The meeting was filled with updates from various cities represented by LOCLG, showcasing their ongoing projects.

LOCLG is currently improving its marketing strategy to effectively reach communities that do not yet utilize their services. The strategy aims to educate these communities about the available programs and encourage their use.

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.