Regular order. It’s the fundamental operating procedure that the People’s House is built upon, but as of late, you’d be hard-pressed to find it in the halls of Congress. For over a year, the People’s House has been stuck in a lurch where proxy voting has usurped in-person leadership, where committee proceedings have turned into technological disasters, and the business of the people has been unnecessarily delayed. America must return to normal, people must return to work, and our Republic must move forward. That starts with Congress leading the charge and allowing governance to be placed front and center for the country to see.

This week, I joined members of the House Republican leadership and the Republican Ranking Members of committees in sending a letter to Speaker Pelosi demanding that Congress return fully in person. Thanks to the success of Operation Warp Speed, developed under President Trump, vaccines have been deployed across the country, and those who want to receive a shot can do so. Cases of COVID-19 are rapidly declining as more vaccines are administered and more people discover they have immunity from having had the disease. There is no excuse for Congress not to return to its normal operating capacity given these facts.

So, what are we demanding that Speaker Pelosi do? Here are our topline concerns:

• Introduce legislation that strikes Section 3(s) of House Resolution 8, which allows for proxy voting and remote procedures in the 117^th Congress,

• Instruct the Committee on House Administration to develop guidance for members, staff, and committees to resume full, in-person procedures, and

• Encourage all members and staff to resume fully all pre-pandemic activities.

As the country continues to make substantial progress in defeating COVID-19, Congress must serve as a model not only of progress, but also order. It’s time for America to get back on its feet, and Congress can’t set an example that’s antithetical to that mission. To read our joint letter to Speaker Pelosi, click here.

Fighting Back Against Critical Race Theory

Progress For The USPS

Recently, I was proud to introduce the bipartisan Postal Service Reform Act alongside my colleagues on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee: Chairwoman Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), Ranking Member James Comer (R-KY) and Congressman Gerald E. Connolly (D-VA). This bill will help put the United States Postal Service (USPS) on the road to fiscal stability, make it more efficient and sustainable for generations, and ensure continued service to the American people. Additionally, this legislation will allow the USPS to serve communities in rural areas across the country better – and especially North Carolina’s Fifth District! I’m pleased to see the bipartisan support behind this legislation, and I look forward to its swift passage once it’s brought to the floor of the People’s House.

To read more about this bill, click here.

Quote of The Week

Have a blessed weekend.

Sincerely,