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Alabama Senator Katie Britt Says Children Are ‘Paying the Price’ for Joe Biden’s Border Crisis

Matt OHern
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Alabama Senator Katie Britt Says Children Are ‘Paying the Price’ for Joe Biden’s Border Crisis

The economic and criminal impacts from an influx of illegal immigrants along the southern border were the focus of Alabama Sen. Katie Britt (R) during a press conference she recently co-hosted. Britt was joiend Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas), and Senators James Lankford (R-Okla.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), John Hoeven (R-N.Dak.), and Ron Johnson (R-Wis.)

Britt and her Republican blamed the Biden Administration’s border policies for endangering vulnerable children in the region and empowering dangerous drug cartels. According to an official news release from Sen. Britt, more than 300,000 unaccompanied minors have crossed into the United States. Nearly 85,000 of those children are now missing and unaccounted for.

Below is a transcript of Sen. Britt’s remarks during the press conference.

“Here we are, Senate Republicans, standing here again talking about the very same topic – the toll that the Biden Border Crisis is taking not only on Americans, but the migrants that are being used and abused to further someone else’s cause. 

Make no mistake, this is both a national security and a humanitarian crisis. Now, I have been to the border. I went three times in the first two months in office because I wanted the real, unvarnished truth. I asked them, ‘tell me even what you think I don’t want to hear. I want to know the full set of facts.’ And one fact is that our courageous Border Patrol agents, ICE, National Guard, and local law enforcement are doing every single thing possible to make sure that Americans maintain their safety and that they help end this crisis, but the bottom line is they’re overextended and they’re under-resourced. 

What has stuck with me the most are the stories that I heard when I was down there. I saw a little baby, six months old, shivering and wet from just getting pulled out of the river with her parents. I saw a little pair of shoes on the ground next to the riverbank. That little pair of shoes has a story. But we need you to help us tell that story. I looked in the eyes of a CBP agent when he said that one of the hardest days he’s ever had in his entire life was pulling the lifeless body of a woman from the Rio Grande who was pregnant with twins. 

Folks, this is having real implications on real people and the only people that are benefiting from Joe Biden’s failed policies, are not Americans, not these migrants. Just as Senator Johnson said, it is essentially terrorists and drug cartels that are making bank and getting their way. 

We need the American people to stand up and stand with us and say ‘enough is enough.’ When you think about these 300,000 unaccompanied children that have come across — let me tell you something. I’m a Momma. Do you think I’m going to let my child wander in hopes that someone finds them on the other side of the border? Absolutely not. 

I have talked to these young women, and it wasn’t that they were raped every day. It was how many times a day they were raped. Folks, this has real implications. You look at the real stories of a 13-year-old boy who is being sent to be a day laborer all day long. He’s not living the American Dream. He’s paying back what his parents owe or he promised to a drug cartel. 

None of these policies that the Biden Administration is putting forth are humanitarian in any way, shape, or form. Senator Johnson said it, but under President Obama, his Secretary of Homeland Security said if we reach 1,000 migrants coming to our border a day, that’s a disaster. It’s a crisis. You all saw when I had Secretary Mayorkas in front of the Homeland Security [Appropriations] Subcommittee, he wouldn’t even call what we have today ‘a crisis.’

Senator Lankford said it earlier, but we have hit over 10,000 encounters a day at our border. Just yesterday, 6,100. Folks, we don’t know who some of these people are that are even getting away. Think about the unknown terrorists that are coming into our communities. You think about the child traffickers, and you think about the fentanyl that we are seeing, just dive into even our classrooms and our schools. We must do more. We must stand up and tell the drug cartels that the American Dream is not for sale, because the people that are paying the price are these kids.”

Georgia Congressman David Scott Votes to Pass the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Bill, Secures Key Provision

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Below is a press release from Georgia Congressman David Scott (GA-13).

Rep. Scott, a Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Committee, voted on passage of H.R. 3935, the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act. The 2023 FAA bill is a comprehensive five-year reauthorization that not only authorizes FAA spending and establishes aviation policy, but also incorporates a key provision spearheaded by Congressman David Scott.

“The Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, located in the Atlanta metropolitan area, is the busiest airport in the world, and showcases the importance of world-class travel infrastructure. I was proud to vote in favor of this bipartisan aviation authorization bill to secure our skies, spur aeronautical innovation, and create good paying jobs in the sector,” said Congressman David Scott. “This legislation, including my provision to increase local engagement between airline regulators and the public, will create a more resilient aviation sector that benefits both the industry and the millions of people it serves. I will continue to advance legislation that invests in the efficiency and safety of our airports, air space, and surrounding communities.”

Increased FAA Community Engagement: Every five years, Congress passes a reauthorization bill to update the FAA’s governing rules and practices—including how the agency conducts outreach to address issues raised by local communities. Congressman David Scott secured a key bipartisan provision aimed at improving local community engagement, ensuring airspace safety, and mitigating aircraft noise around Hartsfield-Jackson and in countless other airports across the nation.

Specifically, the number of annual events in which the FAA must convene with communities in each geographic region would double. This would create more opportunities for impacted communities to have a greater voice in aviation-related matters that directly affect them.

Overview of North Carolina Congressman Don Davis (Democrat)

Matt OHern
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Overview of North Carolina Congressman Don Davis (Democrat)

United States House Rep. Congressman Don Davis Born is a Democrat member of the U.S. House, representing North Carolina District 1.

Davis assumed office on Jan. 3, 2023.

As of July 26, 2023, Davis has declined to say whether he will run for re-election in 2024. Davis’ ultimate decision may hinge on the outcome of redrawn congressional district maps in North Carolina.

The proposed new districts were the key focus of a Supreme Court ruling, which ruled that state courts can curtail the actions of their legislatures when it comes to federal redistricting and elections, rejecting arguments by North Carolina Republicans that could have dramatically altered races for Congress and president in that state and beyond.

Personal Background

Davis was raised in Snow Hill, North Carolina, where he grew up working in tobacco fields. Don is a veteran, educator, minister, and dedicated public servant. He lives in Greene County, NC, with his wife Yuvonka and three sons: Ryan, Justin, and Kyler.

North Carolina District 1

North Carolina’s 1st congressional district is covers the northeastern region of the state, it extends southward into several counties of the Inner Banks and the Research Triangle, just east of Raleigh and Durham. It covers many rural areas of northeastern North Carolina, among the state’s most economically poor, as well as outer exurbs of urbanized Research Triangle. It contains towns and cities such as Greenville, Rocky Mount, Wilson, Goldsboro, Henderson, and Roanoke Rapids.

House Committees

  • Committee on Agriculture
  • Commodity Markets, Digital Assets, and Rural Development
  • General Farm Commodities, Risk Management, and Credit
  • Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry
  • Committee on Armed Services
  • Military Personnel
  • Readiness

Education

After graduating from high school, Davis attended the United States Air Force Academy, and was commissioned into the Air Force where he served for 8 years.

Political Career

Davis, a military veteran, began his career in public service by assuming the role of Snow Hill’s youngest Mayor at the age of 29. During his tenure as Mayor of Snow Hill, Davis focused on restoring public trust in the government by revitalizing the local economy and investing in infrastructure projects. His initiatives included filling potholes and expanding high-speed internet accessibility.

In 2008, Don decided to run for the North Carolina State Senate, a race he won.

One of Davis’ primary legislative agendas has been to bridge the digital divide by advocating for the expansion of high-speed internet services. He also pushed for increased teacher pay, and fought to ensure that military pensions remain tax-exempt

Davis’ legislative achievements extended to the healthcare sector as well. He successfully secured over $215 million in funding for the Eastern Carolina University’s Brody School of Medicine, enhancing access to quality healthcare services in rural North Carolina.

Professional Career Prior to Congress

As a 1st Lieutenant, Don coordinated Air Force One operations at Andrews Air Force Base and supported families of military members killed in action as a mortuary officer.

While stationed at Air Force ROTC Detachment 600, Don returned to eastern North Carolina as an assistant professor of Aerospace Studies at East Carolina University instructing national security affairs and leadership courses. As an educator for over 20 years, Don mentored thousands of students as they completed their studies.

Sponsored Legislation, Amendments, Bills, Resolutions

  • H.R.4518  – To amend title 38, United States Code, to modify the program of comprehensive assistance for family caregivers of veterans, and for other purposes.
  • H.R.4109 – Honor and Remember Flag Recognition Act.
  • H.R.3809 – Cybersecurity for Rural Water Systems Act of 2023.
  • H.R.3085 – Coast Guard Combat-Injured Tax Fairness Act.
  • H.R.3084 – Veterans Jobs Opportunity Act.
  • H.R.1697 – Promoting Precision Agriculture Act of 2023.
  • H.R.1237 – Sarah Keys Evans Congressional Gold Medal Act.
  • H.Res.122 – Expressing support for States to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act to close the Medicaid coverage gap.

Florida Congresswoman Lois Frankel Statement on Herzog’s Address to Congress

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Below is a statement from Florida Congresswoman Lois Frankel.

Representative Lois Frankel (FL-22), released the following statement after attending Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s address to a Joint Session of Congress.

“Today, I was proud to attend Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s address to a Joint Session of Congress where he was welcomed with enthusiasm by the bipartisan, bicameral audience. He received generous standing ovations as he discussed the importance of the bonds between the United States and Israel,” said Rep. Frankel. “I joined my colleagues in resounding applause as Mr. Herzog declared Israel’s right to exist as a nation and, called on us to reject all forms of antisemitism.”

This week, Rep. Frankel voted in favor of a bipartisan resolution expressing U.S. support of the State of Israel and reiterating the importance of the U.S.-Israel partnership. Frankel serves as a member of the State Foreign Operations Subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee, which provides the bulk of funding for U.S. security assistance to Israel. 

North Carolina Senator Ted Budd Demands Protection for FBI Whistleblowers Accusing Biden of Bribery

Matt OHern
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North Carolina Senator Ted Budd Demands Protection for FBI Whistleblowers Accusing Biden of Bribery

North Carolina’s junior U.S. Senator Ted Budd joined 22 Republican colleagues in the senate who wrote a letter to the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to protect agency whistleblowers who disclosed the existence of FBI records alleging “a criminal scheme involving then-Vice President Biden and a foreign national.”

According to a press release from Sen. Budd, the letter was led by Senators Chuck Grassley (R – Iowa) and Ron Johnson (R – Wis.) The full text of the letter is below.

“We write to you today in support of the brave and courageous Department of Justice (DOJ) whistleblowers who have approached Senator Grassley’s office to disclose wrongdoing within DOJ and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Whistleblowers put their lives, careers, and reputations on the line to bring the truth to light. Whistleblowers have and continue to play a vital role in exposing government misconduct at all levels. Without whistleblowers, Congress would have never known the existence of the unclassified FD-1023 form involving an alleged multi-million dollar bribery scheme between then-Vice President Joe Biden, Hunter Biden and a foreign national.

On October 13, 2022, Senator Grassley wrote to Attorney General Merrick Garland, FBI Director Christopher Wray and U.S. Attorney David Weiss with respect to whistleblower disclosures that indicated the “FBI has within its possession significant, impactful and voluminous evidence with respect to potential criminal conduct by Hunter and James Biden.” DOJ and FBI failed to respond.

On May 3, 2023, Senator Grassley and Chairman Comer wrote to Attorney General Garland and Director Wray noting that DOJ and FBI possess an unclassified FD-1023 that describes an alleged criminal scheme involving then-Vice President Biden and a foreign national relating to the exchange of money for policy decisions.

The FBI refused to even admit this document existed until Senator Grassley informed Director Wray on May 31, 2023, that he had reviewed it.

Then, on June 7, 2023, the FBI agreed to provide the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability in camera access to the document. However, the FBI only provided the unclassified document to the House in a classified facility and with significant redactions.

On June 12, 2023, Senator Grassley spoke on the Senate Floor and noted, based on legally protected whistleblower disclosures, that the FD-1023 provided to the House redacted reference to 17 recordings, which included 15 recordings between the foreign national and Hunter Biden and two recordings between the foreign national and then-Vice President Joe Biden.

DOJ and FBI have refused to produce a fully unredacted version of the FD-1023 to either the Senate or the House. Getting a full and complete 1023 is critical for the American people to know and understand the true nature of the document and to hold DOJ and FBI accountable.

Whistleblowers are brave men and women who perform an invaluable public service and must be protected. Accordingly, we demand that you commit that no taxpayer funds will be used by DOJ or FBI to expose the identity of or retaliate against any whistleblowers. Please respond no later than August 1, 2023 with your commitment to do so.”

Overview of Tennessee Congressman Andy Ogles (Republican)

Matt OHern
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Overview of Tennessee Congressman Andy Ogles (Republican)

United States House Rep. Andy Ogles is a Republican member of the U.S. House, representing Tennessee’s 5th Congressional District.

Ogles assumed office on January 3, 2023.

Personal Background

Ogles was born in Nashville, Davidson County, Tenn., June 18, 1971. Ogles lives his wife, Monica, live on a farm in Culleoka with their three children, Adley, Drew, and Isaac. He is a Maury county native with deep family roots in Tennessee dating back to the founding of the state.

House Committees

Ogles serves on the the following U.S. House committees:

  • Committee on Financial Services
  • Financial Institutions and Monetary Policy
  • National Security, Illicit Finance, and International Financial Institutions
  • Oversight and Investigations

Education

  • Graduated from Franklin High School, Franklin, Tenn.
  • Graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science at Middle Tennessee State University.

Political Career Prior to Congress

  • Presidential campaign staff of Newt Gingrich.
  • Mayor of Maury County, Tenn.
  • State Director of Americans for Prosperity Tennessee
  • Executive Director of the Laffer Center, which advises the White House and multiple governors on tax policy.

Business Career

  • COO of Abolition International, overseeing operations and investments in 12 countries to fight human trafficking.

Bills Submitted

  • H.R.4630 — To amend the Federal Reserve Act to remove the designation of one of the members of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System as the “Vice Chairman for Supervision”, and for other purposes.
  • H.R.4299 – To prohibit the obligation or expenditure of Federal funds for certain forms that offer an option other than Male or Female to reference the sex of an individual, and for other purposes.
  • H.R.4298 – To prohibit public elementary and secondary schools that receive Federal education funds from hosting or facilitating the hosting of sexualized performances, and for other purposes.
  • H.R.4181 – To designate the area between the intersections of International Drive, Northwest and Van Ness Street, Northwest and International Drive, Northwest and International Place, Northwest in Washington, District of Columbia, as “Tiananmen Square Memorial Boulevard”, and for other purposes.
  • H.R.3529 – FIRE Act
  • H.R.3528 – ZIPPO Act
  • H.R.3527 – MATCH Act
  • H.R.3191 – Defund the OTF Act of 2023
  • H.R.2991 – TEACH Act of 2023
  • H.R.2776 – Go Woke, Go Broke Act
  • H.R.2737 – Stop the Invasion Act
  • H.R.2721 – Ukraine Lend-Lease Accountability Act
  • H.R.2511 – Defund China’s Allies Act
  • H.R.2440 – Covenant School Heroes Congressional Gold Medal Act
  • H.R.943 – It’s Your Fault Act
  • H.R.812 – Inflation Reduction Act of 2023
  • H.Res.494 – Impeaching Kamala Devi Harris, Vice President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors
  • H.Res.493 – Impeaching President Joseph Robinette Biden, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors.
  • H.Res.448 – Recognizing and honoring Daniel Penny of West Islip, New York, for his heroism and courage in apprehending a threat to public safety.
  • H.Res.336 – Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the House should recognize Robert Aitken’s Bible as a historical document of the United States Congress.
  • H.Amdt.229 – An amendment numbered 25 printed in House Report 118-142 to strike section 1224 of the bill, which extends lend-lease authority to Ukraine.
  • H.Amdt.170 -An amendment numbered 2 printed in House Report 118-37 to clarify that the term “athletic programs and activities” includes any activities a recipient chooses to restrict only to members of a team.
  • H.Amdt.162 – An amendment numbered 31 printed in Part B of House Report 118-30 to provide that any entity subject to the jurisdiction of the Government of the Peoples Republic of China, or any entity that is owned by the Government of the Peoples Republic of China may not acquire any interest with respect to lands leased for oil or gas under the Mineral Leasing Act, the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, and may not acquire claims subject to the General Mining Law of 1872.
  • H.Amdt.161 – An amendment numbered 30 printed in Part B of House Report 118-30 to express the Sense of Congress that the royalty rate for onshore Federal oil and gas leases be 12.5%.
  • H.Amdt.107 – An amendment numbered 8 printed in House Report 118-7 to revise the civil penalty for senior government officials to be $50,000.
  •  H.Amdt.106 – An amendment numbered 7 printed in House Report 118-7 to revise the disciplinary action consisting of removal, reduction in grade, debarment from federal employment for a period not to exceed 10 years, suspension, or reprimand.

Ogles’ Congressional District Map

Endorsements for Congress

  • House Freedom Fund
  • Financial talk show host Dave Ramsey.

Georgia Congressman Rich McCormick Receives Champion of Healthcare Innovation Award

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Below is a press release from Georgia Congressman Rich McCormick.

The Healthcare Leadership Council, a coalition of leaders of the nation’s premier health care companies and organizations, has honored U.S. Representative Rich McCormick, MD, as a “Champion of Healthcare Innovation” at an award ceremony in Washington, DC.

“As a physician and a legislator, I am humbled to receive the Champion of Healthcare Innovation award from the Healthcare Leadership Council,” said Rep. McCormick. “We have much work ahead to provide healthcare to struggling families, lower costs, and improve lives. I will keep fighting!

 “As the capabilities of America’s healthcare innovators to extend and improve lives continue to evolve and expand, so do the challenges we’re facing,” said HLC President Mary R. Grealy. “We need sound policymaking to ensure access to quality care and coverage, improved readiness to meet public health crises, a strong healthcare workforce, progress toward health equity, and continued development of a data-driven, patient-centered healthcare system. We are pleased to honor Rep. McCormick for providing important advocacy and leadership for patients and consumers in these important times.”

The award presentation took place at the Council’s annual Healthcare Innovations Expo on Capitol Hill. The day-long event is dedicated to showcasing new developments in health care technologies, treatments and practices. This year’s event featured, among other displays, medical innovations in cancer treatment, transcatheter therapies, healthcare analytics, stockpile solutions, and expanded access to personalized care in and out of the home.

Tennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn Demands Answers from DHS on Illegal Allen Accused of Raping Children

Matt OHern
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Tennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn Demands Answers from DHS on Illegal Allen Accused of Raping Children

NASHVILLE, TENN. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and members of Tennessee’s Congressional Delegation are demanding more information from Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas regarding an illegal immigrant Camilo Hurtado Campos, an illegal alien who was arrested on June 23, 2023, in Franklin, Tenn, after restaurant workers discovered photos and videos on his phone of him raping and abusing unconscious children.

According to a news release from Sen. Blackburn and a press release from Franklin Tennessee’s Police Dept., detectives have since found hundreds of videos and photos of Campos’ unconscionable abuse of at least 10 boys between the ages of 9 and 17 years old. Campos was able to stay in the United States for over two decades.

Joining Blackburn in her inquiry to Sec. Mayorkas are multiple Republican U.S. House Representatives from Tennessee: Diana Harshbarger, Tim Burchett, Chuck Fleischmann, Scott DesJarlais, Andy Ogles, Mark Green, and John Rose.

The letter to Sec. Mayorkas included the following questions and comments from Sen. Blackburn and the U.S. House Representatives:

How Was Campos Able To Live In The USA Illegally For Two Decades While Being Charged With Numerous Crimes?

“In a complete breakdown of the rule of law, Campos was allowed to remain in the country even though he has a criminal record, having previously been charged with public intoxication and three instances of driving without a license… While this administration has spent years defending its failed border policies as compassionate and humane, there is nothing compassionate about policies that allow a child sexual predator and serial rapist to remain in an American community undetected for more than two decades. The simple fact remains: if Camilo Campos had been arrested at any point in the past twenty years for his violation of federal law, these precious children would not have been subjected to his horrific abuse.”

Every Town Is A Border Town Under President Biden’s Open Border Policies

“President Biden’s decision to allow over 1.5 million “gotaways” to enter the country without consequence is a blatant dereliction of duty, particularly because we know that this group of migrants who evade our border patrol agents often have criminal records and are potentially the most dangerous. Because of this administration’s policies, every state has become a border state, and every town has become a border town.”

Was DHS Aware Of Campos’ Immigration Status, And What Did They Do About It?

“This administration must do more to protect our children and secure our southern border. Please respond to the following questions by July 24, 2023: Was DHS aware that Camilo Campos was in the country illegally? If so, when did the Department become aware of Campos’s immigration status… If not, why was the Department unaware of Campos’s immigration status? Was Campos provided a Notice to Appear when he entered the country illegally?… Did the Department initiate any enforcement actions against Campos?”

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