As Americans, we pride ourselves on our resilient economy, the unbridled innovation that’s found within the private sector, and a workforce that is second to none. It’s true that we hold strong standards for economic success, but with the recent jobs report from January, there are many reasons for concern. In my newsletter from June 12^th of last year, I spoke with you about the great American comeback that the country was bearing witness to. Jobs came roaring back, the markets were on an upswing, and consumer confidence was rock-solid. So, what changed this past January, and where did that progress go?

Last month, only 49,000 jobs were regained. Compared to last year’s numbers – and the fact that our economy was weathering the devastating effects of COVID – this raises immediate red flags. To add insult to injury, Joe Biden’s policy priority of wiping countless energy jobs off the map not even a month into his presidency just goes to show that America is not off to a strong start. Rather than eliminating countless jobs with the stroke of a pen, he should be working to bring jobs back and respecting the livelihoods of the American people. It’s not a hard concept to grasp, but my hunch is that Joe Biden won’t make that his priority any time soon.

Simply put, the vibrant economy that’s defined this country’s success – both at home and abroad – won’t continue to hold that status if Americans are not put first. Our economy was not built through osmosis. It’s built by everyday people who show up to work and get the job done. For years, I’ve fought against radical policies that would cripple the workforce, and I won’t be stopping any time soon.

If Washington Democrats want to have a debate on how to strengthen the economy and support the workforce, I welcome it and I’ll be there with the facts and proven solutions. Putting a Band-Aid on this issue won’t solve anything. We need commonsense solutions that put people back to work so that Americans can achieve the potential they know they have.

A Wage Hike Will Hurt The Economy

On Monday, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) issued a report that foretells devastating job and economic losses if the national minimum wage is bumped to $15 an hour. It may sound good on paper, but the reality is far from desirable. If the federal minimum wage balloons by 107 percent, close to 1.4 million jobs will be lost around the country – with resulting price hikes for families and consumers. This is the exact opposite of what America - and its many hardworking families – need in the middle of a pandemic. And yet, there are two Democrat-authored bills, H.R. 603, and S. 53, that will be considered both in the House of Representatives and the United States Senate. Let me be clear: Congress should be focused on creating jobs and protecting small businesses, not destroying them with misguided legislation. That must always be the priority.

Returning Safely To The Classroom

On Tuesday, Jen Psaki, the White House Press Secretary announced that the Biden Administration’s goal as of now is to have students return to classrooms for “at least one day a week” in his first 100 days in office. But Psaki commented that the goal of having in-person classes one day a week was simply a, “…bar we are trying to leap over.” This is purely unacceptable, and it disregards the countless families who desperately seek schools to be reopened. I’ve said this countless times and I’ll say it again: the best learning environment for students is in the classroom alongside their peers. Safely reopening schools is the imperative, and with a meager approach of one day in the classroom, students are getting robbed of their educational pursuits.

Republicans on the Education and Labor Committee understand the pressure put on parents, students, and teachers, and we’re not backing down on from our mission to safely reopen schools. The longer the delays become, the more risks these young men and women take on. The clock is ticking, and we don’t have a moment to lose. I’ll continue to stand firm on this issue so that families across this great country will not continue to suffer the devastating effects of our schools being shut down.

Quote of The Week

“I believe the best social program is a job.”

- Ronald Reagan

Have a blessed weekend.

Sincerely,