When British soldiers set fire to the Capitol in the War of 1812, did Congress abdicate its duty and disband without convening in person? No. Under the direction of President James Madison, Congress reconvened at Blodgett’s Hotel and business was still conducted. During the Spanish Flu epidemic, did Congress close its doors and subject the country to prolonged delay? The answer is still no. So why are Democrats so insistent that proxy voting is the appropriate course of action when history clearly indicates that there was no need for it before?
When millions of Americans chose their respective representatives to be their voice in Washington, the last thing they would expect is for a different member of Congress to cast their representative’s votes. Case in point, one Maryland Democrat voted SEVEN TIMES on the House floor on behalf of members who did not bother to show up and vote. What are the American people supposed to think when their own representatives stay at home, vote by proxy, and refuse to come to Capitol Hill and do their jobs?
But here’s a fact within the Democrats’ proxy voting scheme that should outright concern you: staff members can cast votes of their member even if their member does not indicate via email, text, or over phone which way they’re going to vote. This scheme is frustrating, but not surprising. With over 70 members of Congress choosing to vote by proxy, more than 49 million Americans have had their voice in Washington removed.
For over 231 years, members of Congress found a way to come to Washington and conduct the business of the people in the open. “Phoning in” votes is irresponsible, and it degrades the integrity of the People’s House.
President Trump Protecting Seniors
On Tuesday, President Trump announced sweeping improvements to the Medicare program for seniors. Under his leadership, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has announced that many Medicare Part D plans and Medicare Advantage Plans have now offered to lower out-of-pocket insulin costs to seniors for the 2021 plan year.
Currently, 34.2 million people in the U.S. have diabetes. One in every three seniors on Medicare has diabetes, and over 3.3 million beneficiaries use at least one type of insulin. Participating plans will cap costs at just $35 a month per type of insulin. This is tremendous news. For far too long, seniors have been subject to escalating insulin prices. Now, Americans will save an average of $446 on insulin costs in just a year.
Statement On George Floyd
Over the past few days, I’ve been following the events in Minneapolis and the horrific death of George Floyd. I want to send my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones.
The men and women of law enforcement work every day to ensure that our communities are kept safe and that law and order is upheld. However, when an officer chooses to engage in criminal conduct, justice must be applied swiftly. I applaud both President Trump and Attorney General Barr’s decision to conduct a full inquiry into this horrific incident.
Across the country, peaceful protesters are exercising their right to assemble and speak freely. Sadly, mob rule – perpetrated by anarchists and bad actors – has taken hold in some places. We’ve seen riots, looting, and actions that are purely antithetical to peaceful protesting. There is no excuse for this reckless behavior, and those responsible for committing these heinous acts must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. This is no way to honor Mr. Floyd’s memory, and it creates further discord within our communities.
Our country needs to heal, and the best way to do so is through unity. Lawlessness and brazen attempts to divide the American people are not the way to achieve justice. In these times, we must turn to our faith in God and work with one another to build that unity that our nation desperately needs.
Reminder: Teacher In Congress
The clock is ticking, and the application window is closing soon. This year, my 13th annual Teacher in Congress Internship will take place July 24 – 31, 2020. The internship program will be held in my Washington, D.C. congressional office and will consist of learning activities, including an introduction to the legislative process; tours of the U.S. Capitol, Library of Congress and area museums; briefings with House committee staff; and attending hearings, mark-ups and floor debates.
Due to COVID-19 concerns, the program will be in accordance with appropriate social distancing protocols and guidelines as laid out by the Committee on House Administration and the Office of Attending Physician.
Preference will be given to applicants who:
- Live in the 5th District
- Teach at a public or private school in the 5th District
- Teach grades 9-12 during the 2020-2021 school year
Applicants must be available to arrive in Washington the afternoon of Friday, July 24, 2020 for orientation and stay for the duration of the entire internship. For more information, click here.
New Scam Update
Every week in my newsletter, I highlight the newest types of scams happening across the country so that you can stay abreast of these issues. This week, I want to highlight an issue that many people do not know about when it comes to online scams: fake social media accounts. Recently, a very diligent constituent contacted my office and provided a detailed recollection of how a fake congressional account – posing as me – was conducting an elaborate scheme to steal credit card information and money. Upon notifying us, the scammer’s account was immediately removed and banned from the online platform.
Let me be clear, verified accounts of congressional members will NEVER send you personal messages that ask you to buy products, donate money to random organizations, or solicit you for money in exchange for “gifts”. For reference, here are links to both my verified Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram accounts. If you believe that you have been contacted by a fraudulent congressional account, immediately report the account and contact your representative’s office as a follow up.
District Office Reopening Information
As North Carolina has moved into ‘Phase 2’ of its reopening from the COVID-19 lockdown, I am pleased to report that my district offices are back open to the public by appointment. If you are in need of a visit to my offices in Boone or Clemmons, please call the offices first to schedule a time to visit with a staffer. Please know that the vast majority of my office’s assistance can be provided on the phone, online or over email. My staff will be following the social distancing and daily health screening guidelines as established by the Office of the Attending Physician of the United States Capitol.
Recent Events
Taking video calls from my Boone office
From last year’s Teacher In Congress Internship
Tennis anyone?
