Dear Fellow East Tennesseans,

I hope you and your family are well. Below is an update on my work in Washington, as well as happenings near you in the First District.

In The News:

EXCLUSIVE: Rep. Harshbarger Introduces Bill to Fight Pill Dumping, Suspicious Opioid Shipments

Reading the crowd: Harshbarger delivers books from Library of Congress, reads to JPR first-graders

Rep. Harshbarger delivers books from Library of Congress to Mount Carmel Library

Harshbarger says bill would close federal drug loophole, help solve opioid crisis

The Block, Report, and Suspend Suspicious Shipments Act



Breaking the opioid epidemic’s stranglehold on our nation is one of my foremost priorities. In an effort to do so, my colleagues and I have identified a loophole that allows distributors to continue order fulfillment, even under suspicious circumstances. I introduced a bill to close that loophole with the requirements and guardrails needed to ensure these addictive and potentially dangerous drugs do not fall into the wrong hands while the DEA investigates suspicious orders. The future of our nation depends on us solving the addiction crisis, and this is a step towards that outcome. Read more about my bill here.

The Fair Access in Residency (FAIR) Act

I am proud to help lead bipartisan legislation that has the ability to transform accessibility to Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine across the country and strengthen our physician pipeline, especially in rural and underserved areas. It’s critical now more than ever that Congress ensures our taxpayer-funded residency training programs are fairly and equitably deploying all the best talent of tomorrow’s doctors and specialists, from both DO and MD educational backgrounds. This bill is an important step toward ensuring transparency and equality in our taxpayer-funded GME programs, with the ultimate goal of increasing the number of physicians trained and serving our communities in East Tennessee and in all 50 states. Read more about my bipartisan bill here.

It's Time For Federal Employees To SHOW UP

For far too long, federal employees have stayed home, enjoying remote work at your expense. The SHOW UP Act is a solution to the productivity loss caused by pandemic-era policies in a post-pandemic America. It's time for federal employees to show up for the people they serve. With my support, the House of Representatives PASSED the SHOW UP Act.

Giving Healthcare Workers Their Freedom Back

The authoritarian vaccine mandate overburdened our medical professionals and exacerbated the health care workforce shortage. I voted YES to PASS the Freedom for Health Care Workers Act to give healthcare workers back their freedom and end the vaccine mandate for health care workers in federal funded medical facilities.

The Pandemic Is Over

The Biden Administration has lost the confidence of the American people and they know it. Walking back COVID claims after House Republicans brought to the floor The Pandemic is Over Act, does not fix the livelihoods ruined, jobs lost, and families separated by Joe Biden's politicized pandemic. Our action to bring common sense back to Washington pushed the Administration to listen to the American people and end the Public Health Emergency. I voted YES, to PASS this bill that reaffirms what East Tennesseans already know: The Pandemic is Over.

Removing Ilham Omar From Her Committee Assignments

There is no place for anti-Semites on the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Time and again, Rep. Ilhan Omar has used her platform as a Member of Congress to hurt the relationship between America and our longtime friend and partner, Israel. I voted YES to remove Ilhan Omar from her committee assignments and to reaffirm House Republican's strong support of Israel. Read the resolution here.

East Tennesseans know the deadly effects of illicit fentanyl all too well. It only takes the equivalent of 2 grains of sand of illicit fentanyl to kill. Stopping this deadly drug from tearing more families apart starts with powerful legislation like the HALT Fentanyl Act and my bill, the Block, Report, and Suspend Suspicious Shipments Act. I joined a House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee hearing to discuss this important issue with healthcare professionals and concerned parents, listen to my remarks here.

National Security = Energy Security. In one of the House Energy and Commerce hearings last week, we tackled big discussions about solutions to our energy security. Reliable fuel sources, responsible domestic production, and energy independence are a concern for ALL Americans and it begins with discussions like these. Listen to my remarks here.

During National School Choice week, we had an opportunity to recognize the importance of parents having access to the best education options for their children. I was fortunate to hear the testimonials from several East Tennesseans and how Tennessee school choice policies have made a difference in their lives.

James Holmes, parent at Tri-Cities Christian Academy: "Preston asked to visit TCA to shadow some students and spend some time talking with the coaches. Since then, Preston has become convinced that a move to TCA would be the best thing for him and his development as a student, athlete, and especially as a servant/follower of Christ. We all believe that this move is the best possible decision in Preston's development and growth. As his parents, we are very pleased with the level of maturity that Preston has shown in that this move is HIS decision and not something we had to enforce."

Kelly Sullivan, Elementary Principal at The King’s Academy: “I am a product of public school and felt called to serve in that same public school system when I began teaching to give back what was instilled into me with the love of learning. As I reflect on my current position at a private Christian institution, I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to work in both settings. School Choice gives this same opportunity to families. School Choice allows families the opportunity to seek out what school setting best meets their needs for their child. I’m thankful for The King’s Academy. As a parent, this school best suited my child and my family as I desired a school that aligned with my Christian values that would instill a love of God’s word in my child’s heart along with receiving an excellent education. This is my daughter’s second year at TKA and this school has already met and exceeded my expectations in what I desire for my daughter to receive. She is thriving in so many areas and I credit that to her teachers who go above and beyond to challenge and enrich her to reach her fullest potential. More than anything, TKA has impacted my child in an eternal way by sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Here at TKA, we are dedicated to faith, family, and future. We take great pride in developing and fostering our family partnerships to walk the educational journey alongside them in establishing a strong foundation spiritually, academically, emotionally, and physically.” 

Connaster Family, King's Academy: "We came to the King's Academy over 20 years ago as my wife took a teaching position in early childhood education. Soon after Jennifer began teaching, we began to grow our family. I had always assumed my children would follow in my footsteps and attend the public school in our area. But as our family grew, God revealed to us that TKA would be our home. I say “home” because TKA is more than a school, it’s a family. The small classrooms and individual attention allowed each of my children to thrive. Each child was different, but TKA was always there to meet our needs; whether it was in a classroom, on an athletic field, or in the arts. Three of my four children have graduated from TKA and the fourth is a senior this year. My two oldest daughters have returned after college to teach at the academy and we continue to find ways to serve. As I look back on the decision to join TKA; I can’t think of a more impactful decision in molding and shaping my children other than their decision to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior."

Staying in Touch

My district staff will be holding satellite office hours across the first district. Please drop on by to share your federal priorities and ask for help with federal agendy related issues.

If you plan on attending any of the following events, please RSVP by email: TN01.RSVP@mail.house.gov

Newport Satellite Office Hours

When:

Tuesday, February 14th from 5:30-7:00PM

Where:

American Legion

148 Pine Street

Newport, TN 37821

Kingsport Satellite Office Hours

When:

Tuesday, February 21st from 5:00-7:00PM

Where:

Greater Kingsport YMCA

1840 Meadowview Parkway

Kingsport, TN 37660

Johnson City Satellite Office Hours

When:

Wednesday, February 22nd from 2:00-4:00PM

Where:

Carver Recreational Center

322 West Watauga Avenue

Johnson City, TN 37604

Del Rio Satellite Office Hours

When:

Monday, February 27th from 2:00-4:00PM

Where:

Marie Ellison Memorial Library

480 TN-107

Del Rio, TN 37727

Mosheim Satellite Office Hours

When:

Saturday, March 4th from 8:00-10:00AM

Where:

Mosheim Ruritan Club Breakfast

7215 Blue Springs Parkway

Mosheim, TN 37818

No need to attend Satellite Office Hours to receive assistance! For help with a federal agency, information on federal grants available for a local project, or an application to a service academy, constituents can visit harshbarger.house.gov to learn more about how Congresswoman Harshbarger and her team can help.