As we close out 2019, I always like to take a moment and reflect on the past year. With all of the headlines, endless news coverage, and last week’s vote it would be easy to assume impeachment and the months-long investigations in search of any evidence to support it was the only thing that took place in Congress. And, truth be told, for some of my colleagues it was the only thing they cared to accomplish. However, that last year was filled with many ups and downs for Missourians both in Washington and here at home.

One very positive note is the continued economic success our country and state are experiencing.  Unemployment has stayed at all-time lows while the Bureau of Economic Analysis recently announced wages have gone up by 5.34% compared to last year. In the summer U.S. job openings outnumbered available workers by the widest gap in history. And, the passage of the USMCA is expected to create 176,000 new jobs and add $68.2 billion in economic activity across the country. 

While rising tides lift all ships, the rising of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers earlier this year devastated communities across Missouri. The flooding decimated homes and farmland and prevented many farmers from planting their crops at all. In Mid-Missouri the floods came right on the heels of devastating tornados that injured our neighbors, flattened homes, and destroyed businesses. While Mother Nature reminded us that no economic momentum can stand in her way, the reaction to the disasters in the weeks and months that followed delivered the even more powerful message that at the worst of times we show the best of us. The outpouring of support, resources, and willingness to lend a hand was a testament to the true character of our community and one of my most heartwarming memories of the year. 

In an extremely partisan and slow-moving Congress filled with frustrations, there were also several key victories for our area. Recently the U.S. Export-Import Bank, which financed over $300 million worth of Missouri exports in the last few years, was reauthorized for seven years, keeping foreign markets available to the numerous Missouri small businesses and workers who depend on that access. The House Financial Services Committee passed legislation to renew the National Flood Insurance Program that included several of my provisions to stop forcing Missourians to supplement coverage for wealthy coastal landowners and end taxpayer bailouts when the program’s mismanagement leads to shortfalls. Numerous bills to combat the opioid crisis that is wreaking havoc across the country have passed the House along with my bill to stop the Department of Justice’s Operation Choke Point, and the biggest pay raise for our troops in a decade.

While there were too many politically-motivated theatrics and several missed opportunities throughout the year, we were still able to do some important work. Now that the House is finished with its part in the impeachment process, I look forward to the clean slate the new year brings and getting back to the business that matters to Missouri. As always, I’m proud to be your Congressman and look forward to a productive year working for you and your families in Congress. Happy New Year!