Yesterday marked 20 years since terrorists attacked our nation on September 11, 2001. May we never forget the thousands of Americans who lost their lives on that solemn day, and thank the first responders and our military who stepped up in the days, weeks and months that followed with bravery and resiliency.

As we’ve seen in Afghanistan over the past few weeks, the fight against terrorism still endures today. We must continue to fight for freedom and the values in which our nation was founded upon. I published an opinion piece in The Augusta Chronicle reflecting on the 20^th anniversary that you can read here.

Opposing Biden’s Workplace Vaccine Mandate

The White House’s announcement this week that it will order the Department of Labor to issue a national vaccine mandate for workers employed by a business with 100 or more employees, or require a weekly test before coming to work, is just another example of government overreach by the Biden Administration.

The decision to get a vaccine is personal choice between an individual and their doctor, and I encourage folks to get the vaccine if they are able. But the federal government has no right to place this mandate on private workplaces that have been struggling over the past 18 months and are desperate to hire workers. I am adamantly opposed to this gross overreach, and thank Governor Kemp for his commitment to fight in the courts.

Democrats’ Socialist Spending Spree

The August jobs report was released, and it was a MAJOR disappointment. Only 235,000 jobs were added back to the economy vs. 750,000 expected. This comes as 8.4 million Americans remain unemployed, despite there being 10.9 million job openings in America. This is a direct result of President Biden and House Democrats’ socialist policies that have slowed America’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and are incentivizing Americans to stay out of the workforce.

Rather than address Biden’s economic crisis, Congressional Democrats moved forward with their $3.5 trillion partisan budget reconciliation package as committees met to consider portions of the bill – including both the House Education and Labor and Agriculture Committees that I serve on. Some of the worst provisions being pushed include:

• “Free” community college, at the expense of taxpayers
• Financial aid for illegal immigrants
• Costly, new penalties for businesses
• Penalizes health plans that are voluntarily providing mental health benefits
• Expands government-run health care
• Prioritizes Green New Deal policies

Please know that I am fighting Speaker Pelosi and Democrat leadership with every legislative tool that is available, and I will continue to oppose reckless spending. That is why I offered multiple amendments in the Education and Labor Committee, including to eliminate new one-sided civil monetary penalties on employers; require the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a study 5 years after the bill’s passage that analyzes the impact of the increased spending on the rising cost of college; and require colleges to repay any Pell Grant amount a student receives that goes above the current maximum grant per award year, if the student does not complete their degree or transfer to another institution.

I also offered an amendment in the Agriculture Committee to prevent increases in additional funding for USDA climate change research. I disagreed with all increases in spending under the purview of the Agriculture Committee because we have appropriated over $141 billion in COVID response funding over the past 18 months with almost zero oversight or accountability.

Protecting Small Businesses from Big Union Harassment

It’s already an extremely difficult hiring environment for small businesses, and the last thing employers need is to be targets of big unions’ harassment campaigns. That’s why this week I introduced the Truth in Employment Act to combat the coercive tactic used by union bosses known as “salting.”

In the past, we have seen big unions exploit small businesses that need to hire more workers -- and ultimately force them into unionization by sending in a job applicant who is solely there to gather information and start organizing efforts. This deceptive “salting” practice often leads to costly legal battles if the business does not unionize. The Truth in Employment Act would protect both employers and employees by clarifying language in the National Labor Relations Act so that no employer is forced into hiring a “salt,” and can instead use precious time and resources to hire employees who are there to actually work.

Visiting Emanuel County

It was great to meet with civic leaders in Emanuel County, including Swainsboro Mayor Major Schwabe and Sheriff Jeffrey Brewer. We discussed issues impacting the community, like the need for a skilled workforce and combating COVID-19.

I had the opportunity to visit the Swainsboro Exchange Club and provide an update on the situation in Afghanistan and Democrats’ spending spree.

Thanks to Twin City Mayor, Matt Donaldson, for meeting to discuss issues impacting the city and how we can best serve our students.

Meeting with Hospital Administrators

Meeting with CSRA Parents

As students returned to school for the fall semester, I had the chance to sit down with parents of students in Columbia and Richmond Counties and listen to concerns about federal mandates. I also received feedback and ideas about the state of education today, including on how to reduce learning gaps, support effective programs, and encourage positive behavior and values.

Healthy Future Task Force Update

I’m proud to serve on the Healthy Future Task Force’s Affordability Subcommittee, where we recently held a meeting to help identify the root causes of rising health care costs so we can craft policy solutions that empower consumers and reduce costs.

Downtown Statesboro Rotary Club

It was a privilege to visit the Rotary Club in Downtown Statesboro and provide a brief update on federal spending, election integrity and more.

Visiting Georgia Southern University

It’s always great to visit Georgia Southern! Thanks to Dr. Dominique Halaby, Associate Provost for Innovation and Commercialization, and staff for giving me a tour of the new engineering building.

Statesboro Chamber Legislative Update

I appreciate the opportunity to meet with members of the Statesboro Chamber of Commerce and answer some of their legislative questions, including about COVID-19, the Truth in Employment Act, and issues impacting our farmers.

Meeting with Statesboro Police Chief Mike Broadhead and Bulloch County Sheriff Noel Brown

Thanks to Chief Mike Broadhead and Sheriff Noel Brown for taking some time to discuss issues impacting the community. I appreciate all the work our law enforcement does to keep Georgia’s 12^th District safe!

In Case You Missed It:

I joined The Means Report on WJBF to discuss COVID-19, Afghanistan and more. You can watch the full interview here.

Additionally, I hosted a telephone town hall to provide an update and answer questions from residents of Georgia's 12th District. For those who were unable to participate in the call, here are some of the highlights.

>> You can sign up to participate in future telephone town halls here.

My office is here to help. You can email me ⇒ HERE, contact any of our offices or join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.