In the News

• The Department of Homeland Security went into a partial government shutdown over Democrats' unreasonable demands.
• Republicans remained committed to building more homes in the market and driving down costs for American consumers.
• Celebrating the contributions of Future Farmers of America this week.

Democrats Inflicted DHS Shutdown 

     Last week, Senate Democrats refused to help provide the 60 votes needed to pass the funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security, jeopardizing the critical work being done every day to keep Americans safe. While ICE remains funded through 2029 as a result of H.R. 1, a lapse in broader DHS funding still undermines the overall mission by straining coordination, resources, and the support functions that allow law enforcement to protect our communities. This situation is not about funding levels. The House passed a bipartisan, negotiated full-year Homeland Security appropriations bill weeks ago. The appropriations process should not be used as leverage for unrelated policy disputes, yet that is exactly what is happening. By withholding the necessary 60 votes (Republicans only have 53 votes in the Senate), Senate Democrats are turning DHS funding into a political bargaining chip and placing frontline personnel in the middle of partisan gamesmanship.

     Discussions about reforms, oversight, and accountability can occur through the proper legislative channels. They should not come at the expense of agencies charged with securing our borders, protecting our skies, and responding to disasters. The consequences of a shutdown are real, including disruptions in reimbursements to states for disaster relief, delays in cybersecurity response and training, and forcing TSA agents to miss paychecks. 

     We have seen the damage before. During the full government shutdown last year, essential personnel were required to report to work without pay while agencies were forced to narrow operations to only the most urgent, life-threatening missions. A shutdown would once again strain agencies like the Coast Guard, TSA, FEMA, the Secret Service, and our cybersecurity teams at a time when threats at home and abroad continue to grow. There is no reason to put partisan leverage ahead of homeland security. The bipartisan legislation to fund DHS through September has already passed the House. I urge Senate Democrats to reconsider this course and stand with the men and women who protect our homeland and the Americans who rely on them every day.

Making the American Dream More Affordable Again 

     Homeownership, long a cornerstone of the American Dream, is becoming more attainable as cost pressures ease. After years of rising prices, high mortgage rates, and low supply, recent data show that the market is stabilizing and providing new opportunities for American families. New figures indicate that the annual mortgage cost for a new home has declined by roughly $4,000 in recent months, reversing a steep increase of nearly $15,000 observed over the past few years. For families who were previously priced out of the market under the Biden-Harris Administration, this improvement represents more than just a statistic; it represents a renewed opportunity to purchase a first home and establish long-term financial security for their families. Additionally, housing production has increased by 6.2% to an annual pace of 1.4 million homes, with gains in both single-family and multifamily construction projects. Single-family housing has reached its highest level since February, another clear sign that the market is regaining stability. When builders face fewer regulations, they can increase supply, thereby benefiting the marketplace with greater availability and more competitive pricing.

     Republicans have consistently advanced policies to lower costs, reduced unnecessary regulatory burdens, and prioritized American families over large institutional investors. In contrast, Democrats have proposed expansive policies such as the Green New Scam, which I opposed, arguing that it would introduce costly mandates and add new regulations to an already strained housing market. While Republicans focus on removing barriers for buyers and builders, Democratic-led rules, including expensive energy requirements and broad environmental regulations increasing building costs. Under the Biden Administration, these higher costs were passed directly to homebuyers. Republicans are ensuring a fair chance at the American Dream. Keeping the dream of homeownership within reach will require sustained efforts to expand supply, stabilize borrowing costs, and eliminate policies that make building and buying homes more costly.

Celebrating Future Farmers of America Week

     Virginia’s FFA proudly celebrates its 100-year anniversary this year. Agriculture remains the backbone of our local communities and a driving force in our economy. Nowhere is that more evident than in Virginia’s Sixth District, which is home to the largest agricultural community in the Commonwealth. Our farmers, producers, and agribusinesses not only feed and fuel our nation, but they also sustain our rural communities that make Virginia strong. For nearly a century, FFA has served as a vital resource for the next generation through leadership development and real-world agricultural experience. Students gain practical skills that serve them throughout their lives, whether they go on to run family farming operations or enter the agribusiness sector. 

     As a member of the FFA Caucus, I remain committed to ensuring FFA continues to thrive in our local schools. We must protect and strengthen agricultural education so that future generations have the tools and opportunities they need to succeed. This week, as we celebrate National FFA Week, I was proud to cosponsor a resolution honoring FFA’s contributions to agricultural education, leadership development, and community service. This resolution recognizes the lasting impact this organization has had on millions of students and reaffirms our commitment to supporting its mission for generations to come.

Casework Highlight of the Week 

     A constituent reached out to my office after losing his wallet in a taxi while stranded out of state following a medical consultation. Without any physical identification, he was concerned about whether he would be able to board his flight home that evening. He had already filed a report and had electronic copies of his identification and birth certificate saved on his phone, but he had been unable to reach anyone at TSA for guidance. With time running short and uncertainty growing, he turned to our office for help.

     My staff immediately contacted the TSA Congressional Liaison to clarify the situation and confirmed that this constituent would be allowed to travel without a physical ID, as long as he arrived early to the airport and completed additional security screening.  We quickly relayed this information to the constituent, resolving the issue the same day. He expressed sincere relief and gratitude knowing he would be able to return home safely after an already stressful medical trip.