- House Passes Bill to Cut Housing Regulations
- Bill to Reform "Sue and Settle Litigation" Bill Passes Committee
- House Judiciary Holds Hearing on Internet Streaming Competition
- Three Vital Appropriations Bills Move Forward
- Joined Mornings with Maria in an Interview
- Summer Internships Now Open
Making the American Dream Achievable Again
Homeownership remains a cornerstone of the American Dream, and millions of hardworking families continue to aspire toward this fundamental goal. Yet increasingly, this dream remains out of reach for too many Americans. This is not due to a diminished work ethic, but rather to the growth of excessive regulatory frameworks at the Federal, state and local levels. These regulations have systematically inflated residential construction costs, often in the name of the "Green Agenda". Currently, the average household incurs approximately $16,000 per year in regulatory compliance costs, a substantial financial burden that makes homeownership prohibitively expensive for millions of families. During the previous administration, federal regulatory costs expanded dramatically, with nearly $1.8 trillion in additional regulatory burdens imposed upon the economy. These costs do not simply disappear. Rather, they are passed on to homebuyers, renters, and builders, driving up prices and restricting housing supply. The cumulative impact of this regulatory overreach has contributed to a serious housing affordability crisis that warrants immediate legislative intervention.
Last week, I voted for passage of the Affordable Homes Act, which specifically addresses duplicative federal regulations that artificially inflate the cost of manufactured housing. Currently, two separate federal agencies impose overlapping and, at times, conflicting energy efficiency standards on manufactured homes. These duplicative regulatory frameworks create confusion, generate inconsistent compliance requirements, and cause unnecessary delays upon manufacturers, all of which increase construction costs and burden American consumers. This common sense legislation cuts through red tape by eliminating duplicative regulations and restoring regulatory clarity. In addition, it would help lower construction costs and making it easier to build safe, affordable manufactured homes, one of the most effective ways to expand housing supply and reduce prices. By removing unnecessary federal barriers that drive up costs, this legislation helps put homeownership back within reach for millions of Americans. I hope the Senate will take up the legislation soon and send it to President Trump for his signature into law.
My Bill to End Unfair "Sue and Settle" Lawsuits Advances Through the House Judiciary Committee
Far-left activists and some activist judges are using closed-door lawsuits to push sweeping regulations on the American people. Through a tactic known as “sue and settle,” radical groups exploit litigation and settlement agreements with federal agencies to bypass Congress and impose major policy changes without transparency or public input. As a result, everyday Americans, job creators, and the industries affected are shut out of the federal rulemaking process, leaving them with no meaningful way to defend themselves against regulations that impact their livelihoods and bottom lines.
To put an end to this abuse, I introduced the Sunshine for Regulatory Decrees and Settlements Act, which restores transparency and accountability to the federal rulemaking process. This common sense legislation, which passed the House Judiciary Committee last week, requires public notice and comment on proposed settlements, certification by agency heads, enhanced judicial review, and detailed reporting to Congress to ensure these agreements truly serve the public interest. Most importantly, it restores a seat at the table for the American people.
Watch my remarks in the House Judiciary Committee Markup here.
Fighting to Keep Streaming Services Affordable for Consumers
The advent of digital streaming platforms has driven a significant shift in the media landscape, disrupting the longstanding dominance of broadcast and cable television networks and captivating a global audience on an unprecedented scale. On-demand platforms such as Netflix, HBO Max, and Paramount+ have reshaped how consumers access and enjoy entertainment by offering flexibility and convenience that traditional TV cannot match. By 2019, digital video accounted for approximately 83% of home entertainment spending, underscoring the rapid shift in consumer preferences and the growing demand for affordable, accessible streaming options.
As viewing patterns continue to evolve, it is important that consumers retain access to competitive pricing and a diverse range of content. This concern is particularly relevant as major media companies explore mergers or acquisitions that could reshape the marketplace. For example, Warner Bros. Discovery, which owns the HBO Max streaming service and has been the subject of speculation regarding potential sale or restructuring, could face a prolonged antitrust review if acquired by a competitor like Netflix or Paramount+. During a recent committee hearing, we examined how best to preserve a healthy and competitive streaming marketplace that benefits consumers who enjoy the television shows and movies offered by these companies. By carefully evaluating these developments, we can help ensure that the marketplace remains dynamic and fair, keeping streaming services accessible and affordable for the millions of Americans.
Watch my remarks from the hearing here.
House Republicans Deliver on FY26 Appropriations and Restore Regular Order
Last week marked a significant milestone as the House passed three critical FY26 appropriations bills covering Energy and Water Development, Commerce-Justice-Science, and the Interior Department. More than just routine legislation, these bills demonstrate House Republicans’ unwavering commitment to restoring regular order and completing the appropriations process without resorting to a last-minute omnibus package. By doing so, we’re responsibly funding the government while advancing key priorities that protect hardworking Americans and deliver on the America First agenda. These bills provide full-year funding at a lower cost than another continuing resolution (CR) and build crucial momentum toward completing the annual appropriations process through committee-led negotiations. This package builds upon the progress of the previous three bipartisan appropriations bills, which were signed into law this past November.
The Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act bolsters public safety by providing robust funding for the Drug Enforcement Administration to combat the scourge of fentanyl and other deadly drugs. It holds foreign countries accountable for unfair trade practices, supports NASA’s Artemis program to maintain our competitive edge in space against China, and invests strategically in American research and technology. The bill also safeguards Second Amendment rights from regulatory overreach.
The Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act strengthens national security by supporting the nuclear weapons stockpile and preventing hostile nations like Iran from acquiring nuclear capabilities. Beyond defense, it reduces our reliance on foreign minerals from Communist China while maintaining vital ports and waterways and funding new geothermal energy development, ensuring both security and energy independence.
The Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act expands American energy production while rolling back harmful regulations that have stifled growth. It protects our local farmers and ranchers and ensures continued access to public lands for all Americans. Additionally, it addresses the ongoing opioid crisis, supports park police in our National Parks like the Shenandoah National Park right in our backyard, and eliminates excessive spending within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Through this comprehensive package, House Republicans are cutting waste, strengthening national security, restoring energy dominance, and putting America first, all while returning to much-needed fiscal responsibility. Last week’s passage of these bills represents not just a legislative victory, but a decisive step toward restoring regular order in the appropriations process.
Joining Mornings with Maria
Last week, I had the honor of joining Maria Bartiromo on Mornings with Maria to discuss several critical national security and fiscal priorities. During our conversation, we addressed the successful capture of narco-terrorist Nicolás Maduro through Operation Absolute Resolve. Our Special Forces carried out this operation with precision, bringing Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, to New York to face serious criminal charges, including narco-terrorism conspiracy and cocaine trafficking. As a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, I believe this sends a powerful message: the United States will use every lawful tool at our disposal to dismantle threats, defend our sovereignty, hold those responsible accountable, and keep American families safe.
We then turned our attention to the appropriations bills that passed on the House floor last week. These measures reflect a commitment to fiscal responsibility by spending less than a continuing resolution would have. After years of runaway spending championed by Democrat majorities and the Biden Administration, this is a crucial step toward restoring fiscal sanity in Washington. By working with every member of our Conference, we are finally reining in excessive Pelsoi-era spending with the passage of three more appropriations bills last week. Finally, in honor of Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, which was observed last week, I highlighted the vital role our law enforcement officers play in keeping communities safe across America. Every day, these brave men and women enforce our laws and protect our neighborhoods, including enforcing our immigration laws, at a time when more than 10 million illegal aliens were allowed into our country under the Biden Administration. Our law enforcement officers deserve the respect of the American people for standing on the front lines to uphold the rule of law.
Watch my full interview on Mornings with Maria here.
Summer Internships Open
We are currently accepting applications for Summer internship opportunities in the Washington, D.C. office. This position offers a unique perspective of the day-to-day operations of the United States Congress.
Interns will work with Congressional staff in the preparation of policy briefs and gain extensive knowledge of the federal legislative process. Additionally, interns will engage with and provide various services to constituents. We are looking for talented and driven applicants who will be available from May to August. The deadline for application submissions is March 6th, 2026.
For more information, please contact Lindsey Zarriello by email at lindsey.zarriello@mail.house.gov
Casework Highlight of the Week
When a constituent from Botetourt County reached out to my district office in Roanoke for help with the Social Security Administration (SSA), she was at her wits’ end. She had filed for her Social Security retirement benefits in September 2024, with an effective date of January 2025. Despite her repeated efforts to follow up, nearly a year passed without any response from SSA. That’s when my team stepped in to help, and within just two days of contacting our office, her retirement benefits were fully processed. Within the week, she received her direct deposit, including more than $11,390 in back pay, along with her monthly retirement payment.
This is exactly the kind of help my offices are here to provide hardworking Virginians. My local offices in Roanoke, Staunton, Harrisonburg, and Winchester stand ready to serve you and help resolve any issues with federal agencies. If you or someone you know needs assistance with a federal agency, I encourage you to contact the district office nearest to you.
Washington Highlights
It was fantastic to have Scott Jennings on Capitol Hill last week, where he highlighted the need to push back against failed policies that don’t serve the American people and to advance our America First agenda.
I joined the House Republican media row last week, where I delivered our unified message to the media that we are delivering on the America First agenda by cutting taxes for hardworking Virginians and rescinding Biden-era regulations that have burdened businesses for years.
