In The News

Just over a week ago, the U.S. House of Representatives convened to officially mark the start of the first legislative session of the 116th Congress – and I am deeply humbled and grateful for the opportunity to continue representing the great people of Georgia’s 12th District in the People’s House.

We have many pressing issues before Congress, and I am hopeful that we can build upon some of the significant accomplishments we’ve made over the past two years working hand in hand with the Senate and the Trump administration.

President Donald Trump signed a host of landmark pieces of legislation into law in 2018, addressing many issues critical to the 12th District, and I’d like to share some of these accomplishments with you:

On Feb. 9, President Trump signed the extension of the Nuclear Production Tax Credit into law, which was included in larger legislation. Georgia-12 is leading the way in the expansion of our nation’s nuclear energy resources, constructing two of the first new nuclear reactors in the United States in more than 30 years at Plant Vogtle. By extending the Nuclear Production Tax Credit we have ensured America’s continued dominance in the global nuclear industry.

On March 23, the STOP School Violence Act became law of the land, and was included in larger legislation. This important bill provides schools, local law enforcement, and students the tools they need to stop threats before they become reality. Schools now are able to coordinate more with local law enforcement; make significant improvements to school security; and train students and personnel to identify violent behavior. The Richmond County School System was a recipient of these funds, and is using them to make great strides to ensure school safety.

The Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act was signed into law May 24. This legislation rolled back harmful regulations of the Dodd-Frank Act, President Barack Obama’s extremely burdensome financial legislation, helping banks get back in the business of lending and allowing our community banks of all sizes to return to the personalized level of service that consumers deserve.

On July 31, President Trump signed the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for 21st Century Act into law. Having faced hiring challenges in my business, and as a member of the House Education and Workforce Committee, I was thrilled to play my part in getting this legislation to promote career and technical education across the finish line and signed into law. This legislation already has begun to bridge the gap between our business and education communities for the in-demand jobs in technical fields.

On Sept. 21, legislation to fund energy and water development, the legislative branch, military construction and veterans affairs was signed into law. This legislation funded critical missions here in the 12th District and surrounding counties, such as appropriating $99 million for a Cyber Instructional Facility and Network Center at Fort Gordon; funding critical missions at Savannah River Site; and providing significant funding for the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project.

Additionally, the signing of the Department of Defense Appropriations Act marked the first time in a decade that funding for our military was signed into law on time and at some of the highest levels in recent history! We secured the largest pay increase for our troops in nine years at a 2.6 percent increase and I was proud that my effort to fully fund the Prisoners Of War/Missing In Action Accounting Agency was included in the final bill.

The SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act was signed into law Oct. 24. This comprehensive, bipartisan legislation addressing the opioid epidemic marks the most significant congressional effort against a single drug crisis in history, advancing treatment and recovery initiatives, improving prevention, protecting communities, and bolstering the fight against deadly illicit drugs.

For the southern part of the district, I was proud to sponsor legislation to rename the Statesboro VA Clinic after Sgt. Maj. Ray Hendrix, which was signed into law by President Trump on Dec. 14. I am thrilled that we were able to get this legislation across the finish line to officially rename this facility to the Ray Hendrix Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic. Additionally, the 2018 Farm Bill was signed into law, and as a member of the House Agriculture Committee and as a member of the Conference Committee, I confidently can say that this five-year authorization bill provides a sense of certainty for our farmers and rural America.

Finally, the First Step Act was signed into law Dec. 21. This historic legislation reforms our criminal justice system and helps prisoners in their effort to return to society, find a good job and reduce the risk of recidivism through re-entry projects such as academic classes, career training and more. The state of Georgia has implemented a number of initiatives to assist prisoners with their re-entry into society, and I am thrilled that our federal criminal justice system will mirror some of these successful programs.

Being elected to represent Georgia’s 12th Congressional District has been one of the greatest honors of my life, and I want you to know that my door is always open, and my staff and I are here to be a resource for you. In 2018 alone, my office scheduled nearly 200 tours of the U.S. Capitol, and closed more than 1,150 cases for constituents having issues with federal agencies, returning more than $4 million to the folks of Georgia-12.

Rest assured, I will remain a strong voice and fighter for Georgia-12 priorities, and I am eager to see what the 116th Congress may bring.