Representative Mark Alford

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What's Going On In Washington

Hey folks. Our team is staying busy in Washington and in MO-04!

I wanted to highlight some of the things we are working on in Washington:

The State of the Union was held on Thursday. For over 50 years, I believe that Biden's policies have over-promised and under-delivered and this evening was no different.

On Wednesday, the House Small Business Committee held a hearing on Reducing Mismanagement. Right now, the Small Business Administration has a minimal return to work policy along with a staggering 41 open recommendations from the Government Accountability Office. Congress must make sure that the agencies are using their budgets efficiently to complete their duties for the American people. It's time for bureaucrats to get back to work.

This week, the Supreme Court unanimously decided that Trump cannot be taken off the ballot in states like Colorado, Maine and Illinois. I believe this was a huge victory for democracy.

Last week, I passed my first bill out of the House of Representatives. The SBA Rural Performance Act. Entrepreneurship is the lifeblood of this nation and right now, the Small Business Administration (SBA) is not doing enough to support rural small business owners. In 2018, the SBA and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) entered into a Memorandum of Understanding to help both the SBA and the USDA better serve rural communities. This legislation would require reports from the SBA's Office of Rural Affairs and from the SBA and USDA on their 2018 MOU. This is crucial step in the right direction to making the federal government work for Main Street, and I'm proud to see our bill pass the House of Representatives.

We held an Armed Services Committee hearing last week to question Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin.His failure to maintain communication with the President while hospitalized was critical. This recklessness disrupted the continuity of the chain of command.The stakes are simply too high for this type of communication failure to occur.

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 Congresswoman Kat Cammack: here.

Mark's Message

Folks, I watched the State of the Union so you didn't have to. This marks Biden's fourth time addressing Congress, and each time I believe his policies have over-promised and under-delivered.

Let me start by focusing on America: our entire attention is on our southern border.

Every state is a border state. Every community is a border community, and every family has been impacted by the national security crisis at our southern border.

The truth is, Biden's policies have had devastating consequences for communities across the country.

Families and young people are decimated by fentanyl, innocent people are murdered, and over 8.2 million illegal aliens have flooded into the United States.

That's more than the populations of 41 states, including the state of Missouri.

Now, to another topic Biden discussed: Ukraine.

America doesn't have a clear mission in Ukraine; we don't know the endgame, and resources are being slow-rolled.

It's a mess.

Our nation needs strategic clarity in the fog of war, and we do not have that.

Joe Biden's policy prescription is to send more bloated checks to Ukraine.

If Ukraine wants to win, America needs a plan, a clear vision, and execution, none of which is happening.

So, when I say no more money until we get those answers, I mean it.

Lastly, folks, Biden announced his economic agenda under the term "Bidenomics". Let me tell you, Bidenomics is beyond broken.

The annual inflation rate in the United States was 8.6% in May 2022, the highest level since 1981.

One of Biden's first acts when he entered office was to sign off on an unnecessary third stimulus package, which passed through the Democrat-controlled Congress and stands as an example of more reckless, out of control spending from Washington D.C.

Despite these challenges and the destabilizing world around us, the American people are stronger than ever, more aware than ever, and understand that the times we are in require resolute leadership.

House Republicans are holding Biden's feet to the fire, doing everything we can to ensure our country stays on track.

Folks, my colleagues and I are with you.

I stand with the American people in this fight, and together, we will emerge stronger as a people, more unified as a country, and more prosperous as a nation.

God bless you, God bless the Great State of Missouri, and God bless the United States of America.

In The Media

Fox Business

I spoke on Fox Business about Joe Biden's border policies and the recent death of Laken Riley at the University of Georgia. Athens.

Watch here.

Newsmax

I joined Newsmax to express how much America deserves transparency on what Ukraine's end game looks like. I believe U.S. cannot invest one more dime into Ukraine until we get the answers:

What does victory look like?

Can they provide a strategic plan and timeline achieving that victory?

Watch here.

I also spoke about Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin's lack of communication during his recent hospitalization. This behavior is unacceptable, especially when it comes to our nation's chain of command.

Watch here .

NewsNation

I talked with NewsNation about the ongoing threat at our border. The focus of America is on the Southern Border.

Watch here.

Speaking on Reducing Mismanagement in the Small Business Administration

Right now, the Small Business Administration has a minimal return to work policy along with a staggering 41 open recommendations from the Government Accountability Office.

Congress must make sure that the agencies are using their budgets efficiently to complete their duties for the American people.

Watch here.

Speaking on the SBA Rural Performance Act

These businesses are essential to rural America, providing over 54% of employment in rural counties.

This bill will help us understand how the Small Business Administration is helping them succeed.

The legislation requires two reports:

1) The first will give us insight into the Office of Rural Affairs, ensuring they are providing the right help to rural businesses.

2) The second report requires a review of a Memorandum of Understanding between the SBA and the Department of Agriculture. This Trump era MOU was a recognition that agriculture goes hand-in-hand with rural small business.

I am proud to lead the SBA Rural Performance Act.

Watch here.

Down In The District

Telephone Town Hall

We held our first tele-townhall of 2024.

It's so good to hear from folks back home about the issues most important to them like the fentanyl crisis, Ukraine funding, and securing our southern border.

Our district has an incredible voice and spirit, and every day, it's an honor to represent you in Washington.

Thank you to everyone who called in, asked questions, and watched.

Monday's with Mark

My team and I had a great time meeting with constituents in our Raymore office. We are always here to listen to your thoughts, concerns and ideas on policy matters in Washington.

I also hosted our very first Monday's with Mark in our Columbia office. I hope to see you next time!

Buffalo Chamber Meeting

Our team attended the Buffalo Chamber Meeting and learned about upcoming programs and goals within the MU extension.

It was a wonderful opportunity to provide an update on the initiatives being pushed in Washington and hear updates from various Buffalo community members!

Marshfield Chamber Meeting

It was great for our team to attend the Marshfield Chamber Meeting. We heard concerns, updates, and upcoming events in the community. It was a great conversation about the future of the Chamber, the work being done in Congress, and how to make sure everyone involved continues their great work.

Thank you for having us!

HOW CAN MY TEAM HELP?

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.

What's Going On In Washington

Mark's Message

In The Media

Down In The District

HOW CAN MY TEAM HELP?

Office Locations