Dear Friends,
It's been a year since Joe Biden was inaugurated President of the United States. A year after he took office, we can look around and see overwhelming evidence of how life has gotten harder for people across the country, not easier. We also have alarming examples of how he has weakened America's position on the world stage and emboldened our enemies. To put it bluntly, our country has been in crisis since President Biden took office and his policies are making things worse, not better.
Everywhere I go, people are talking to me about high gasoline prices, higher grocery bills, and higher costs for everything else. The higher prices we are paying are the direct result of the Biden Administration and the Democrat majorities in the House and Senate spending money as fast as they can print it, and because they have significantly reduced U.S. energy production. In just one year in office, President Biden and his Democrat collaborators in Congress have opened our borders, implemented inflationary policies that have reduced real wages for everyone, orchestrated a disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan, and undermined international confidence in America and emboldened our enemies. They have pushed through programs that are literally paying people not to work and then advocating for more spending at a time when businesses are desperate for workers and struggling to stay open. Clearly, this is a failed administration and a failed Democrat majority in Congress.
My Republican colleagues from across the nation and I are hearing these and other concerns of our constituents and we are determined to do something about it. President Biden condescendingly asked, “What are Republicans for?” Well, Mr. President, we are for sensible policies that lower inflation so families can afford the things they need. We are for energy policies that will make American energy independent and that will lower energy costs for American families. We are for affordable and accessible health care, secure borders, and support for law enforcement so we can live in safe communities. We are for safe, high-quality schools where the rights of parents are respected. We are for real science and not “political science” when it comes to dealing with the COVID pandemic and climate change, and we are for restoring confidence among America’s allies and respect, even fear, among our enemies.
I want you to know that there are still many of us in Congress who see you and understand that people across the country are struggling. We want to make your lives better again and are honored by your continued trust in us. As always, if my office can be of assistance to you right now, please don't hesitate to reach out.
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Gary Palmer
Member of Congress, Alabama's 6th District
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In the District
VA East Clinic Opening
I recently had the honor of speaking at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the opening of the new VA East Clinic in Birmingham. I'm grateful for the hard work that has gone into making this facility a place of service and care for our area's veterans. The new clinic will offer outpatient mental health services for approximately 25,000 veterans with specialty services for PTSD, Substance Use Disorder, and Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery. Our veterans have sacrificed so much for our country and I'm pleased to see our area giving back to them in this way.
Pinson Visit
In early January, Mayor Joe Cochran of Pinson invited me to join for the Pinson City Council meeting. It was an excellent opportunity to share updates from Washington while interacting with Mayor Cochran, city council members, and constituents. I always appreciate hearing directly from residents and local officials about particular needs and concerns in their area. Thanks to everyone who came out!
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Biden's Energy Policy Emboldens Russia:
I've been talking about the dangers of the Biden Administration's "America last" energy policies for many months now. This winter is seeing major increases in heating costs, which has particularly negative effects on low-income families and the elderly on fixed incomes. Because of higher household utility bills, many people may have to choose between keeping their homes warm enough or buying food and medicine because they cannot afford both. But the Biden Administration continues to suppress energy production in the United States, which is driving up energy costs, driving up inflation, and enriching Russia and the OPEC nations. I expressed my concerns on this issue in a recent Energy and Commerce hearing, where I asked questions of the current Chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the current Deputy Secretary of the Department of Energy. Watch here or by clicking the image above.
OSHA Withdraws Federal Vaccine Mandate
In early January, the Supreme Court struck down the Biden Administration's mandate on the COVID-19 vaccine for private businesses by a 6-3 margin. The mandate was originally issued through the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) and would have forced businesses of more than 100 employees to either ensure all employees were vaccinated or submitted to a regular COVID-19 testing regimen. While I support vaccinations, this mandate was one of the most flagrant government overreaches of our time and the Supreme Court's ruling was a huge win for individual freedom and conscience rights. A number of my colleagues and I voiced issues with the mandate on these grounds a few months ago in a letter to OSHA, and the Court's opinion concurred with our concerns. OSHA simply does not have the authority to mandate individuals to act against their personal beliefs and undergo forced vaccinations. While it's troubling that something so obviously unconstitutional required the eventual consideration of the Supreme Court, I am grateful for its correction back to the right course in this instance.
The Border Crisis Gets Worse
It seems that every week, a new record is set for illegal crossings at our southern border. We now know that close to 2 million migrants crossed the border illegally in 2021. Recently leaked footage and testimony now also show that the federal government, along with church groups and federally funded non-governmental organizations (NGOs), are quietly transporting migrants throughout the country. Many of these being released and relocated also have criminal records. It was clear from the beginning of President Biden's term that he would not prioritize security at the border, but the situation has grown exponentially worse than anyone imagined. This is no longer simply an issue for border states to pay attention to. Every state is being impacted by criminal acts committed by people here illegally, fentanyl and heroin drug trafficking, and human trafficking. Sadly, as long as President Biden is in the White House and Democrats control the majorities in the House, it appears that nothing will change and our borders will be open to anyone who can get across.
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From Gary’s Bookshelf
Apocalypse Never: Why Environmental Alarmism Hurts Us All by Michael Shellenberger
In this book, Michael Shellenberger does an excellent job of both addressing common concerns over climate change while also separating fact from fiction. Years of environmental reporting and activism have given Shellenberger a detailed insider's perspective on the climate conversation. With this book, he reveals how much money and influence is often behind environmental activism and why the situation may not actually be as dire as some would have you believe. I highly recommend this book as a helpful resource for discussing climate change.
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This is Who I Am: Ashley Hinson
I got to sit down with Rep. Ashley Hinson recently to hear her story for the next installment in the Republican Policy Committee's "This is Who I Am" series. I always enjoy hearing the personal stories of my colleagues and the many influences that brought them to Congress. Rep. Hinson shares how her childhood in Iowa, background in reporting, and family-centered values inform her approach to policy in Congress now. Watch here. |
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Recent Press Talks
Washington Times: One Election, One Year: You don't have to look far to see that our country is suffering in many places. Life for many Americans is more difficult now than it was a year ago. Inflation is at an almost 40-year high, crime is rising, prices for groceries and gas are straining people's budgets, and America's position on the world stage is severely weaker. But despite all this, many politicians in Washington are more intent on staying in power than on making any of these problems better. Read my latest piece in the Washington Times on this here.
Washington Times: Republicans need solid policies and thoughtful leaders in Congress: It was great to sit down with Mike McKenna to discuss the current state of the country and leadership in Washington, my biggest concerns, and what Republicans should concentrate on when we take back the majorities in Congress. Read more about our conversation, my work as the Republican Policy Committee Chairman, and how Republicans need to order their priorities here.
Dixon & Vining: As always, it was great to be on the radio on Talk 99.5, now with Richard Dixon and Valerie Vining. We talked about upcoming midterm elections, the economic crisis across the country, election laws and reforms, and more. Listen here.
Jeff Poor Show: I had a fascinating discussion with Jeff Poor recently about China and the ongoing threat their government poses. While the Winter Olympics are being held in Beijing, we cannot forget that they are currently carrying out genocide against Uyghur Muslims and building their military capabilities with the U.S. as a target. Jeff and I also talked about the politicization of the Democrats' January 6th Commission, the Democrats' dangerous recent messaging around voting rights legislation, and more. Listen to the conversation here.
Newsmax: I joined Newsmax on New Year's Day to look back at President Biden's first year in office. To say he has failed the country would be an understatement. Our nation is less safe and less prosperous by far than it was a year ago. Hardworking citizens across the country are paying higher prices, schools remain closed in many parts of the country, and crime is rising in many cities. People can also see that many politicians want to keep using COVID to control Americans' everyday lives. I made clear in this conversation that Republicans are working hard on policies and plans to get our country back on the right track. We are determined to keep fighting for the American people. Watch the interview here.
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