Dear Friends,
Memorial Day weekend is a time to honor and reflect on the generations of brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice defending our nation and the freedoms we hold so dear. We are forever indebted to these American heroes and their memories will never be forgotten.
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| Improving Mental Health Resources for Students |
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The tragedy in Uvalde last week was an act of pure evil against innocent lives, and my prayers go out to the children, their families, the teachers, and the entire community. Now more than ever, it is so important that we act to improve access across our country to high quality, evidence-based mental health care services in order to prevent these tragedies from occurring. We must provide students with the opportunity to thrive in a secure environment and ensure those approaching a crisis point get the resources they need to lead healthy, productive lives.
We need smart, preventive policies in place which is why I introduced the Behavioral Intervention Guidelines (BIG) Act – which passed the House both this Congress and last. This essential legislation would develop best practices for schools to properly use and implement behavioral intervention teams. These are experts who are responsible for identifying individuals of concern and who can address associated behavioral and emotional health issues to reduce distress, provide support, and prevent harm to the individual or others. In the face of this senseless tragedy, I call on the Senate to pass this legislation immediately.
Read more about the BIG Act here.
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| Protecting the Second Amendment |
The Constitution is clear – law-abiding Americans have a fundamental right to protection. As we continue to see soaring crime rates resulting from President Biden’s policies, the Americans have the right to defend themselves from the violent criminals being released on the streets. Progressive district attorneys are abandoning the rule of law and traditional law enforcement procedures by refusing to prosecute violent criminals and gun law violations. The Democrat's call to create more laws when they refuse to enforce the ones already on the books is beyond hypocritical. As Joe Biden and the big-government Democrats double down on attacking law abiding gun owners, I will continue to stand up for the Constitution and folks right to bear arms.
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Pain at the Pump Only Getting Worse
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Folks are feeling the pain at the pump with gas prices across the nation yet again setting records – in the worst way possible. The national average for a gallon of gas is now more than $4.60 and only continuing to climb. This is a direct result of President Biden’s full-scale attack on American energy independence.
These skyrocketing gas prices will now cost the average American household an extra $2,000 per year, a 78% increase from a year ago. This administration is solely focused on its far-Left “Green New Deal” initiatives at the expense of every single American. We must restore domestic production and stop these radical energy policies.
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| Ferguson in the Field |
It was great to join the Haralson Chamber last week to speak with members from our local community. I provided the group with a legislative update and answered questions from those in attendance. Thank you for having me!
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| Military Appreciation Month |
Throughout Military Appreciation Month, we reflect on the remarkable bravery, patriotism, and courage of every U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Space Force service member. Our nation is deeply grateful for your commitment to protect and defend.
As always, I’m here to serve you. Please contact my office with any questions, comments, or concerns. Be sure to follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to keep track of upcoming legislation and events! Also, if you are having issues with a federal agency or have a casework question, don’t forget to reach out to my Newnan District office at 770-683-2033.
Sincerely,
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| FOLLOW US |
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| In This Edition |
- Remember and Honor
- Improving Mental Health Resources for Students
- Protecting the Second Amendment
- Pain at the Pump Only Getting Worse
- Ferguson in the Field
-Military Appreciation Month |
| Top News |
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Doctor in the House
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and to highlight common sense solutions, Dr. Burgess is joined by Congressman Drew FERGUSON, DDS to discuss the BIG Act.
These are the layers to the US' national gun debate
11 Alive News
His fellow Georgia Republican congressman, Rep. Drew FERGUSON (R-GA), introduced the Behavioral Intervention Guidelines Act in 2021 to address violence in schools.
Antibiotic Resistance Could Be a Top Cause of Death by 2050, Experts Say
Med Page Today
For that reason, Bennet and a handful of Republican and Democratic lawmakers, including Rep. Drew FERGUSON (R-Ga.), reintroduced "the PASTEUR Act," which calls for an $11 billion investment to correct the market failure by incentivizing small drug developers to help restore the antibiotic pipeline.
Lawmakers warn antibiotic-resistant infections could spur next pandemic
The Hill
Calling the coronavirus pandemic a wake-up call for the risk of widespread infections, Sens. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and Todd Young (R-Ind.), along with Reps. Drew FERGUSON (R-Ga.) and Mike Doyle (D-Pa.), introduced legislation in June to invest in preventative research and innovative drug production.
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