After two summers without tours and very limited meetings due to the pandemic and Washington, D.C. being shut down, things around Capitol Hill are getting close to being back to normal. Capitol tours have resumed, museums have almost all reopened, and mask mandates and proof of vaccinations are no longer necessary to enter restaurants – finally. Summer is a great time to visit the nation’s capital to take in some American history and see democracy in action. To book a Capitol tour, please reach out to my Washington, D.C. office. The White House is also technically open for tours on the weekends, but they have not made it easy to get in. 

Of course, the biggest obstacle to any kind of travel these days is cost. With current gas prices, driving 1,000 miles to DC is an extremely expensive option. Flights are no better. Fuel costs are built into airfare which has gone up like everything else. Not to mention, the increased cost of hotels and food while you’re on vacation. That said, more and more people are coming to DC. If you are planning a trip, please contact my office so we can help you see the sights.  

As business picks up, I am so glad to get to see more Missouri faces on Capitol Hill. This year’s winner of the Congressional Art Competition for the Third District flew to Washington, D.C. this week to receive her award and see where her artwork will be showcased in the Capitol. Now that the Capitol is once again open for visitors, people from across the country will be able to enjoy artwork created by students from Congressional districts all over America. Once again, we had excellent entries this year – all of which are worthy of being displayed. Our first runner up, Maggie Deeken will have her art displayed in our Jefferson City office. Second runner up Grace Garner’s artwork will be in our Wentzville office. Every year these kids blow me away with their talents, and it’s so fun to meet our up and coming artists. 

Not only did Missourians show up this week, but Missouri traditions are also hitting the nation’s capital. Folks from Blues Hog BBQ Sauce, Gateway Drum Smokers and Marble Ridge – all located in Washington, MO – traveled to Washington, D.C. to compete in the 30th Annual National Capital Barbeque Battle. There are a lot of states in this country that think they’re home to the nation’s best barbeque, but I think we all know Missouri has them beat. I love talking (and more importantly eating) BBQ, but it was great to hear from these Third District business owners about the issues that are affecting their operations and ability to serve their customers. It is no secret that operating a small business has not been an easy task for the last two years, and as the top Republican on the House Small Business Committee, hearing from my constituents helps me shed light on the issues that matter most to small business owners in our country. 

One of my favorite organizations, the Future Farmers of America was on the Hill this week too. Students from the Hermann Chapter came to my office to discuss what Congress has been up to and issues that are affecting America’s farmers – specifically gas prices and the national diesel shortage that is severely impacting ag operations for farmers and ranchers nationwide. Missouri farmers, ranchers and ag producers play enormous roles in our state’s communities and economy. We rely on them for food, clothing, jobs, and economic growth, so giving our state’s farmers and ranchers the tools they need for success is always at the top of my priority list. And it’s wonderful to hear from the next generation of farmers who are excited to continue our state’s longstanding ag tradition. 

Getting to visit with and facilitate tours for Missourians in our nation’s capital is one of the perks of my job as your Representative. Politics aside, it is a city full of history and some truly incredible buildings and monuments. From the National Archives that houses the Constitution and Declaration of Independence, to the various war memorials, there are countless reminders that while we’ve experienced plenty of troubles, our nation is still the greatest on earth. Again, if you’re interested in planning a trip to Washington, D.C., please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office for help with a Capitol tour or suggested sights to see while you’re in town. We’re here to help!