President Biden sure knows how to break the wrong kind of records – the ones that nobody in their right mind would want to hang their hat on. One record that comes to mind immediately for families and hardworking North Carolinians in the 5^th District is the price of gas. Day by day, we’re seeing prices grow more absurd. Many are scratching their heads in disbelief and are wondering when we will return to a semblance of normalcy.

To put things into perspective, I’m going to share some numbers and facts with you. According to a report from Yardeni Research, American households will spend upwards of $5,000 this year alone on gas – compared to $2,800 last year. This is a staggering 78% increase. Do you believe that American families can truly afford this?

Last week, JPMorgan released projections that would make anyone grip their wallet. By summer’s end, we could see gas prices surge by another 37%. This means that the national average for a gallon of regular gas would hit $6.20 – diesel prices would be even higher.

In past newsletters to you, I have outlined how the Biden administration has only exacerbated this energy catastrophe through a string of failed and imprudent policy decisions. Instead of waging a war on American energy, here are four things that President Biden should be doing:

• End the federal freeze on oil and gas leases.
• Fast-track pending Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) export permits.
• Expedite approval of all pipeline and energy development.
• Stop the regulatory assault on U.S. energy development and financing.

It’s simple: we must put Americans and American energy first. This administration continues to double down on its own failed agenda and refuses to be held accountable for the catastrophes that it has caused. Every step of the way, I will not hesitate to confront this administration on its gross missteps. My record of supporting energy freedom is clear, and I will continue to fight for hardworking families and taxpayers in the 5^th District. Count on it.

An Important Update

Last fall, the National School Boards Association (NSBA) sent a letter to President Biden calling for the Department of Justice to use counterterrorism tools to investigate parents at school board meetings. Almost immediately, Attorney General Merrick Garland directed the FBI and U.S. Attorneys to launch a task force to target parents. Whistleblowers later told Congress that the FBI had created a unique “threat tag” to effectuate the Attorney General’s directive, which the FBI used to label at least dozens of parents as potential threats.

Last Friday, the National School Boards Association released the results of an internal investigation into the letter. The results of the investigation further confirm that America’s parents were the target of a coordinated political operation, all for doing nothing more than exercising their fundamental right to direct the upbringing of their children. To read my joint statement with House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy, Judiciary Ranking Member Jim Jordan and Oversight and Reform Ranking Member James Comer on these new revelations, click here.

Facebook’s Data Privacy Leak

According to recent reports, the Department of Education used Facebook’s “Meta Pixel” analytical code to collect data from individuals who applied for federal student aid through the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) and shared that information with Facebook. On May 10^th, I joined Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) in sending a letter to Department of Education Secretary Miguel Cardona requesting that he publicly release answers regarding this leak. Since then, he has failed to respond. Recently, we sent a follow-up letter outlining our concerns that the Department of Education is attempting to cover up the leak and its own gross negligence. The American people deserve answers.

Quote of The Week

“A person may cause evil to others not only by his actions but by his inaction, and in either case he is justly accountable to them for the injury.”

-John Stuart Mill

Have a blessed weekend,