Weekly Columns
The most wonderful time of the year is in full swing. Americans across the country are last minute gift shopping, cooking festive meals, and traveling to visit family. Although this is typically a joyous and busy time for many, it’s important to pause and remember the true meaning of Christmas.
Last week, the House passed the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act. This is the single most important piece of legislation to come out of the Armed Services committees annually. This year’s legislation is named after Senator Inhofe, in honor of his tremendous legacy of serving on this committee and advocating for our servicemembers and the safety and security of our nation.
As we approach the end of the year, which means the end of the 117th Congress, both the House and Senate are left with major pieces of legislative work incomplete. Democrats control the process in both the House and Senate, and one-party rule has led us to this stalemate.
Our already struggling economy may face more challenges this holiday season due to a potential railroad strike. As you may know, in September, freight rail companies and unions formed a deal with the help of the Biden Administration. The deal then went to the unions’ membership for negotiations, which has been going on for the last three months.
Thanksgiving serves as a time to reflect on what matters most, by gathering with loved ones and celebrating the blessings of the last year. It also reminds us of how fortunate we are to live in the United States – a country built on freedom and opportunity.
Our economy runs on diesel. It’s used to fuel trucks, ships, trains, and other forms of transportation and construction machinery that are crucial to a functioning supply chain. It allows truckers and farmers to do their critical job, keeping food on shelves and delivering daily necessities to American families.
Veterans Day honors the men and women who have bravely and selflessly served our homeland throughout history, including those among us today, those who have sustained perpetual injuries both physically and mentally, and those who did not make it home.
A nation is not a nation without borders. In President Biden’s first 100 days, he took more than 94 executive actions on immigration that directly resulted in the wide-open southern border and historic crisis we are seeing today.
Before the coronavirus pandemic, our economy was strong. President Biden and House Democrats inherited an economy that was poised to return to its peak. In 2020, the average rate of inflation was only around 1.2% and gas and utility costs were affordable. Sadly, that is no longer the reality for our nation’s economy.
A core responsibility of our government is to provide safety and security to the American people. Concerningly, Democrats in Washington have not only ignored this critical duty but have actively made our nation less safe. The southern border is wide open, crime rates have reached record highs, and the U.S.