The shameful campaign launched by Democrats in Washington to hold our nation’s law enforcement agencies hostage has been defeated. On Tuesday, House Republicans passed the Secure America Act, legislation that fully funds the brave men and women of ICE and CBP for the next three years. President Trump signed this legislation into law the following day. It remains crucial to our national security that both agencies have the resources and pay they need to accomplish their critical and legal missions of preventing illegal aliens from entering the country, protecting American citizens from public safety threats, narcotics, and other contraband and removing criminal illegal aliens who are already within our country.

As I am sure you will recall, the Biden-Harris administration abandoned our nation’s Border Patrol agents and refused to enforce our sovereign borders. This destroyed morale and increased attrition throughout frontline law enforcement who simply wanted to do what they signed up to do: secure America’s borders. When border security is forsaken, national security is forsaken as well. That’s a cold, hard fact. 

The contrast between Republicans and Democrats on border security, national security, and the rule of law is crystal clear. Republicans understand the threats posed by our nation’s adversaries, and we’re the ones leading the charge to confront those threats, protect the homeland, and protect the American people. As Americans face increased threats, it’s as important now than it has ever before to fully fund ICE and CBP so that the nation remains safe. Funding these two agencies is a mandate on the part of Congress – not some sort of suggestion that we are to take lightly.

I am extremely proud to have led the Rules Committee in advancing this legislation to the House floor, and to have taken a stand for those who work around the clock to defend our nation and the American people by voting for this funding measure. Our Republican majorities continue to prove that our top priority is to provide for the public safety and security of American citizens. We will not be deterred in delivering upon that priority.

A Bombshell Report

On Monday, the House Oversight Committee released a new, detailed report that further exposes how Governor Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison helped fuel the explosion of fraud that has occurred in Minnesota. Due to their egregious and willful lack of oversight, an estimated $300 million in federal child nutrition funds and potentially $9 billion in Medicaid-related funds were either lost or placed at serious risk. These findings are eye-popping and cast serious doubt on the effectiveness of Minnesota’s governance and oversight of federal funds. As I have said before, fraudsters who steal funds from hardworking American taxpayers deserve to be punished to the utmost extent of the law – and you can rest assured that I remain very focused on this issue.

To read the full report, click here.

A Piece of American History

It’s wonderful to see the outpouring of attendance at local gatherings and events in celebration of America’s 250^th anniversary – indeed, there’s much to celebrate and appreciate. One local event I hope you will take the time to learn about is Horn in the West, an outdoor drama that tells the story of Daniel Boone and settlers in the Blue Ridge Mountains in their struggle to preserve their freedom during the years before and during the War for Independence. Horn in the West helps tell the story of our founding as a nation in dramatic fashion that is enjoyable for people of all ages. I remain in admiration of everyone who has played a part in keeping the Horn in the West alive and running since 1952.

To learn more about Horn in the West, click here.

Quote of The Week

“The highest priority of any American Government is preservation of the national security.”

— Ronald Reagan

Have a blessed weekend,