This week, Congress has been in session to continue funding the federal government for FY 2019 and pass its final pieces of legislation before a new session of Congress commences next year. Yesterday, House Republicans voted to provide $5.7 billion to strengthen our national security with a wall along the southern border, including technology and infrastructure improvements. To protect our national security, we must stop illegal immigration and other crimes like drug and human trafficking that threaten the safety of our communities. The Senate should take funding for our nation’s security seriously when considering the continuing resolution.

Strengthening our Libraries

On Wednesday, the House sent S. 3530, the Museum and Library Services Act to the Oval Office. Growing up in the mountains of North Carolina, libraries were vital to my own education, and I know that continues to be the case for the North Carolinians I represent. Almost 19 years into the 21st century, libraries are still lifelines to lifelong learners all across this great country. I was proud to support this legislation to honor the place of libraries in our diverse communities and ensure they have funding for library services and technology through Fiscal Year 2023.

Juvenile & Criminal Justice Reform

On Thursday, the House sent S.756, the First Step Act to the President’s desk with a strong bipartisan vote of 358-36. Today, President Trump signed both the First Step Act along with the Committee on Education and the Workforce’s legislation, the Juvenile Justice Reform Act.

The First Step Act is modeled after state-based reforms that have proven to reduce crime, prison populations and taxpayer expenses. The legislation helps low-risk inmates prepare to rejoin society successfully through evidence-based recidivism reduction programs. It also provides sentencing reform, granting greater discretion to judges in sentencing of low-level, nonviolent drug offenders who cooperate with law enforcement while preserving the maximum potential sentences for violent and career criminals. Any savings generated by the reforms under this legislation are automatically reinvested into law enforcement programs to further reduce crime and improve community safety.

The First Step Act is the bipartisan product of the collaboration between lawmakers and a wide criminal justice coalition. It was endorsed by President Trump and backed by a number of law enforcement groups, including the nation’s largest police group and conservative organizations that recognize the need to be tough on crime and increase fairness in the justice system.

  

At Speaker Ryan's signing of the Juvenile Justice Reform Act on Wednesday

On December 22, 1825 the Library of Congress, then located in a room on the west side of the Capitol, caught on fire. This was the second blaze in roughly a decade, and it prompted Congress to request Architect of the Capitol, Charles Bulfinch, to investigate flame retardant materials for the library and the Capitol as a whole. Read more here.

Sincerely,