“The best preparation for the future is the present well seen to, and the last duty done.”
This quote by the theologian George MacDonald reminds us that building a better future for ourselves and our children begins by laying a sturdy foundation for growth, security, and individual freedom in the present. Unfortunately, Democrats in Washington have largely failed to bolster this foundation or, in some cases, have caused it to erode.
Today, due to misguided policy decisions by the Biden administration and Congressional Democrats, our nation finds itself in a grim state. And sadly, this condition has come to touch nearly every aspect of your life.
Inflation is a tax on all Americans, and our economy continues to spiral due to out-of-control government spending and policy miscues by Washington Democrats. According to the latest figures, our economy shrunk by 2.5% over the last two quarters signifying that America has entered a recession. Inflation remains at a 41-year high. In North Carolina alone, inflation increased 13.7% from January 2021 to June 2022. This cost every household an average of $641 more a month just to buy daily essentials and an extra $7,691 annually. Additionally, the cost of fuel has devastated families across the country and remains near record highs.
Yet, Washington Democrats have continued to prioritize a leftist agenda over the well-being of you and your family. This is perhaps most evident in Congressional Democrats’ efforts to push through their “Build Back Broke” package that will raise taxes, and throw money at woke climate and social programs that won’t work — including $369 billion in “Green New Deal” initiatives — as well as worsen the inflation crisis. American families are already paying for Washington Democrats’ previous financial missteps, and this new package will only make the current situation worse.
The left’s erosion of American stability extends beyond the economy, as their policies have also weakened the safety and security of communities nationwide. The “Biden Border Crisis” continues to rage. Since President Joe Biden changed to an open border policy, over 3.1 million migrants have attempted to enter our country illegally, including 207,416 in June alone. Additionally, crime in American cities remains out of control thanks to the left’s soft-on-crime and anti-police rhetoric and policies. Homicide rates across the country are up nearly 50% compared to 2020 and six major cities, including New York City and Washington D.C., are on pace to surpass the historic violent crime levels we saw last year.
While some Washington Democrats have sought to change course on the issue of law enforcement, their newfound concern seems more likely due to fear of facing the voters than actual public safety.
Just over a week ago, House Democrats passed a so-called “assault weapons” ban similar to the one imposed back in 1994. This ban did not stop violent crime and severely limited the rights of law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms. This new ban would be no different. I took on Speaker Pelosi to lead the debate(link is external) on the House floor. I made it clear that her ban is unconstitutional and that Pelosi and her friends on the extreme left just want to exploit your fear and the pain of victims to achieve their goal of taking away our guns.
The policy missteps by Washington Democrats are not only making your situation more difficult now but also have the potential to undermine it for years to come. If we are to alter our nation’s course for the better, we must make swift and decisive changes.
First, we must take genuine steps to fix our economy. This begins by stopping needless government spending and tax increases like those included in “Build Back Broke” and creating an economic environment that increases take-home pay, lowers costs, and encourages innovation. We must also lower energy costs, which can be done simply by pursuing an all-of-the-above approach and fully unleashing American energy.
Beyond the economy, we must also take concrete steps to improve the security of our communities. This starts by utilizing proven solutions to secure our border, including reinstating the “remain in Mexico” policy, maintaining Title 42 authority, giving Customs and Border Patrol the resources and support it needs, and finishing the wall. We must also fully support law enforcement and end soft-on-crime rhetoric and policies in our cities. Finally, Congress must not inhibit your ability to defend yourself and your family by allowing unconstitutional gun control regulations to become law. I will always lead the fight for your Second Amendment rights.
The future of our nation depends on the foundation we lay today. As your congressman, I am committed to building one that promotes long-term economic prosperity, public safety, and the protection of your rights.
As a final note, I ask that you please join Renee and me this week in praying for the family and friends of my friend Rep. Jackie Walorski and the other victims of last week’s tragic auto accident. Jackie was a tireless public servant, conservative warrior, beloved wife to Dean, and a friend to so many. She will be dearly, dearly missed.
