The tell-tale signs are there. Children and teenagers are back in the school routine, farmers and ranchers continue to work long days in the field, and although the weather hasn’t given us a break – cooler days are on the horizon.
The tell-tale signs are there. Children and teenagers are back in the school routine, farmers and ranchers continue to work long days in the field, and although the weather hasn’t given us a break – cooler days are on the horizon.
With Missourians getting back into the end of summer and fall routine, Congress is doing the same and it’s going to be a very busy few weeks in the month of September.
On the legislative side of things, there is a packed agenda ahead of Congress. This summer has been consumed with the horrific Planned Parenthood videos that continue to be released. As soon as the first video was released, I signed a letter along with my colleagues to House committees of jurisdiction to investigate into Planned Parenthood and the videos. The House Energy and Commerce and House Judiciary Committees are using every investigative tool possible to get the facts behind these abhorrent videos. The committees plan to hold hearings this fall to continue the investigation and I will monitor all the actions. I firmly believe that all life is sacred and I will not turn a blind eye to this heartless disregard for human life.
In addition, this month Congress will vote on the Iran nuclear agreement. Throughout the negotiations, I firmly believed the most important goal was to ensure that Iran could not, in any way, develop the ability to manufacture a nuclear weapon. However, from the information that I have seen, it is clear that in the text of the deal, Iran’s ability to enrich uranium is not eliminated, and anytime anywhere inspections are not included.
The day the Iran nuclear agreement was announced, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a speech outlying his biggest concerns. One line in particular stayed with me after his speech: “The bottom line of this very bad deal is exactly what Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani said today, ‘the international community is removing the sanctions and Iran is keeping its nuclear program.’” Later in the speech, Prime Minister Netanyahu went on to state the agreement is a stunning historic mistake.
And I agree with Prime Minister Netanyahu. Supporting this deal would provide relief to the largest state sponsor of terrorism in the world and could potentially destabilize the entire Middle East. I will oppose a deal that is bad for our country, our allies, and for the safety of our national security.
Lastly, near the end of the month, Pope Francis will address a joint meeting of the United States Congress. Not only am I incredibly humbled and honored to listen to Pope Francis address our great nation, it is also a historic day as it is the first Pope to address Congress. I am greatly looking forward to hearing the message he has to give to Americans.
The issues that face our country are incredibly significant. It is time to ensure that Planned Parenthood is defunded and it is of the upmost importance that Congress opposes the Iran nuclear agreement. As always, I will continue to listen to the concerns of the 3rd District and I look forward to updating you with the progress of what Congress is accomplishing each week.
