After weeks of disorder, voting, and late nights at the Capitol, the House of Representatives has a new speaker: Mr. Mike Johnson of Louisiana. I was proud to support Mike, and I’m confident he will bring our conference together to advance sensible, responsible policy.

He has a tall task ahead. We are still staring down a Nov. 17 deadline to keep the government open, and Congress has three weeks to pass necessary appropriations bills.

Every year, Congress must pass 12 bills covering the federal government’s responsibilities. The House got through four at the end of September, and we passed legislation for Energy and Water on Thursday. I was glad to support the bill as it bolsters national security, prioritizes energy security, and cuts down wasteful spending and unnecessary programs like “climate cops.” (Yes, that’s a real thing.)

The seven remaining bills in question are:

Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration – Our farmers, particularly in Missouri, play a massive role in feeding and fueling America. Accordingly, we must support their operations and communities to protect our nation’s food and drug supply. We’re working to finally end pandemic-era programs and redirect funds from misguided liberal policies to instead prioritize our farmers.

Commerce, Justice, Science – This year’s bill addresses the weaponization of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and reins in overreach of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). It also provides support for law enforcement, greater transparency within our immigration processes, and funding to combat the opioid crisis. Last but certainly not least, I’m glad to see the legislation counter the Chinese Communist Party’s espionage and investment in American research and emerging technologies.

Financial Services – This bill defines how much money the president’s bureaucracies get from taxpayers. Republicans have drawn up a plan to reduce non-defense spending, cut unnecessary funding for President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), bring oversight to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), and reduce spending in unauthorized programs.

Labor, Health & Human Services, Education – This year’s legislation cuts out $60.3 billion in unnecessary spending, a 29% reduction from last year. We can rein in reckless spending by refocusing on critical issues and prohibiting onerous regulations and paperwork. Importantly, the bill still protects life, promotes American values, prioritizes medical research, and combats the opioid epidemic.

Interior, Environment – Every year, Congress allocates funds for managing Federal lands and national parks, protecting the environment, and honoring our treaties to American Indians and Alaska Natives. In addition to fulfilling obligations while preventing overspending, the latest draft returns more power from the federal government to the states, prohibits funding the EPA’s ridiculous climate agenda, and blocks unreasonable restrictions on hunting and fishing.

Transportation, Housing & Urban Development – The Fiscal Year 2024 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Bill reduces wasteful spending across 19 grant programs, including those within the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (DHUD). It also prioritizes funding for safety-related agencies of the DOT and maintains housing assistance for vulnerable Americans, including elderly, disabled, and veteran populations.

Legislative Branch – Like any other institution, it costs money for Congress to operate. However, as we look at cutting reckless spending elsewhere, we must walk the walk and cut the Legislative Branch budget. This year’s bill aims to cut the budget by $262.6 million. It prioritizes maintaining essential oversight functions over the Executive Branch and funding for Capitol Police officers, enabling Members to serve constituents effectively. It also reflects conservative priorities by promoting cost-saving reorganization, requiring unspent funding to help with debt reduction, and imposing restrictions on specific expenditures.

As I’ve written about at length in the recent past, we also face global crises including vicious atrocities waged against our ally Israel. On Wednesday, Speaker Johnson’s first action was to bring forward a resolution committing U.S. support for Israel, which passed with almost unanimous support.

As you can see, we have a full slate of work with a short window to get it done. However, the recent unity found within the Republican Conference, as we rallied behind Speaker Johnson, gives me confidence that we are now stronger than ever. We face an uphill battle, and I encourage you to please reach out with questions as we make progress. As elected representatives, we are accountable to you.