Folks, I hope you had a wonderful holiday season spent with your families, friends, and loved ones. Spending time back in the district always reminds how thankful I am to serve you, represent you, and be your voice in Congress.

As we reflect on our first year in Congress, we are proud to share the significant milestones and contributions we've made on behalf of our constituents in Missouri's Fourth District:

• Successfully Closed Cases: Our office has diligently resolved 726 cases, directly assisting our constituents with various concerns and issues.

• Taxpayer Savings: Through our efforts, we've secured a remarkable $585,323.42 in savings for taxpayers, underscoring our commitment to fiscal responsibility and efficient governance.

• Supporting Religious Liberties and Missouri Values: We've been active proponents of over 100 initiatives that uphold religious freedoms and reflect the core values of our state.

• Legislative Achievements: Our legislative efforts have been fruitful, with 12 bills and amendments successfully passed by the House of Representatives. Our legislation has focused on agriculture, national security, veterans, and small business - advancing policies that benefit our community and the nation.

• Engagement with the Biden Administration: To ensure our constituents' voices are heard at the highest levels, we've sent 20 letters to Biden Administration officials, advocating for policies and actions that align with Missouri values.

As we return to Washington to start the new year, we are laser-focused on the border. Congressional Republicans have made this a clear priority from the outset. Last year, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 2, the Secure the Border Act of 2023. This bill was passed to secure the United States border by addressing immigration, imposing limits to asylum eligibility, and border security. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer repeatedly tells America that H.R. 2 will never pass the Senate. If Biden and Democrats want a supplemental spending bill focused on national security, they must begin with defending America's national security.

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. Hageman here.

Last week, I had the opportunity to visit Del Rio and Eagle Pass alongside Speaker Johnson and over 60 of my House GOP colleagues.

Our mission? To personally witness and bring attention to the devastating consequences of this administration's border policies.  The scene unfolding at the border is deeply troubling. It's a national security and humanitarian disaster.

The numbers since January 2021 are staggering:

• 8 million encounters with illegal aliens nationwide
• 1.7 millions known "gotaways"; individuals evaded capture
• 267 individuals on the terrorist watchlist were apprehended attempting to enter the country illegally
• In total, this accounts for almost 10 million illegal border crossers and gotaways

To put this in perspective, this number surpasses the individual populations of 41 U.S. states. Biden's open border policy is an abject failure, jeopardizing the well-being and security of the American people.

Reflecting on our legislative efforts, it's disheartening to see the stagnation of progress. In May 2023, we, the House of Representatives, successfully passed H.R. 2 – a bill recognized by some as the strongest border package in our history. Yet, it remains in legislative limbo, as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer hasn't brought it up for a vote in the Senate.

Congress must take corrective actions immediately to secure our border. Our nation deserves better, and it's our collective responsibility to ensure a safe, secure, and sovereign United States.

KSHB 41

Let’s be crystal clear— legal immigration is a fabric of America’s past and will be a rich part of its future.

Illegal immigration has not been and cannot ever be.

Watch here.

Working For the People of Missouri 4th

I'd like to share a story about how our office made a significant difference. In August 2023, a young couple received a concerning letter from USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services). The husband, Jason, was given a mere five days to cease working and faced deportation. This situation threatened their family's stability and future in the U.S.

Understanding the gravity of their situation, they reached out to our office for help. We took immediate action. Michele from our team, played an important role in addressing their case. She contacted USCIS, advocating on their behalf. Her efforts were focused on halting the deportation process, while seeking clarity and resolution in his case.

Michele discovered that crucial information had not been appropriately processed, which was jeopardizing his status. Through her hard work, she managed to halt the deportation proceedings, allowing the couple to breathe a sigh of relief. More importantly, she ensured that his green card application process was back on track.

Watch and read the full story here.

Telephone Townhall

We were happy to stay connected with the district while in D.C. 

Right before Christmas, my team and I held a Telephone Townhall so that we could hear your concerns when we could not be in the district that week. We individually addressed questions, concerns and important topics!

You can watch the tele-town hall here.

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.