Dear Friends,
Since President Biden stepped into office, we’ve gone from “America First” to “America Last.” His promise to "Build Back Better" has proven to be an unmitigated disaster for America and a stimulus for crisis creation.
Rather than proposing policies to get Americans back to work, he has sought to plunge America deeper into debt through spending on programs to keep Americans out of the workforce. And instead of empowering America’s working class by continuing to use our natural resources to provide jobs and low-cost energy, he has issued bans on oil drilling and canceled the Keystone XL Pipeline.
From China to Russia to the Taliban, President Biden’s policies have promoted our adversaries on the global stage, while suppressing American safety, innovation, and prosperity at every level.
Simply put, for Joe Biden, it's everybody first – except America. Read more in my Fox News Op-Ed.
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| Democrats Tax-and-Spend Spree |
Last week, the House Ways and Means Committee continued to mark-up the Democrats’ $3.5 trillion tax-and-spend budget proposal. In an effort to improve the legislation, on Tuesday, I offered two amendments to help middle and working-class Americans. The first amendment would have reduced the maximum income threshold for electric vehicle tax credit from $800,000 to $150,000 ($75,000 for single filers). This is a commonsense measure, would save taxpayers money, and would prevent a massive giveaway to the wealthy. Click here to watch my remarks introducing the amendment.
Democrats have proposed raising taxes on tobacco and nicotine to help finance their $3.5 trillion economic package, which is why I offered an amendment that would have exempted anyone making less than $400,000 annually from being forced to pay the tobacco tax.
With Joe Biden pledging not to raise taxes on anyone earning less than $400,000 per year, doubling the federal tax on tobacco products is a regressive tax, harming lower-income folks and directly violating Biden’s promise. Click here to watch me offer this amendment.
On Wednesday, I offered an amendment to require the Secretary of the Treasury to certify that changes to the 199A Small Business Deduction will not force closures of any small businesses eligible for the Small Businesses Administration (SBA) Small Disadvantage Business program. We want to make sure that before these tax increases go into effect, we can fully confirm it won’t hurt our small business community. Click here to watch my remarks.
At the end of the day, Democrats blocked every single of one of my amendments and none were included in the package that moved out of committee. The economic ignorance of my Democrat colleagues is simply stunning.
This partisan spending package would fundamentally restructure Americans’ relationship with the federal government, while massively expanding its role in the lives of you and your family.
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| The Biden Border Crisis Gets Worse |
First, the Biden Administration denied there was a crisis for months. Then, they said it was "seasonal." The statistics say otherwise. August marked 208,887 illegal encounters at our southern border. It’s the second straight month of 200K+ apprehensions.
The Biden Border Crisis is completely out of control and continues to spiral. It’s undeniable and a direct consequence of the radical open border agenda of the far left. The administration must take action by reversing course on the misguided decisions they have made. We need to complete the construction of the border wall, strictly enforce immigration laws, stop catch and release, and reimplement asylum agreements.
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| Joining Newsmax |
Last Tuesday morning, I appeared on Newsmax’s “Wake Up America” to preview the committee mark-up of the Democrat’s radical $3.5 trillion tax-and-spend spree. America should be the most competitive place in the world for business – but unfortunately, Democrats see it differently and are going to war with working Americans. Instead of incentivizing innovators and job creators, progressives are proposing tax hikes to gut small businesses, the working class, and rural America.
We also discussed Biden’s hasty withdrawal and the ongoing situation in Afghanistan. There is no excuse for leaving Americans in the hands of terrorists and leaving the Taliban with $80 billion worth of US military equipment. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken is either completely disengaged from reality or being disingenuous with Americans. Neither is acceptable.
Click here to watch the full interview.
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| Celebrating the Constitution and the U.S. Air Force |
Two hundred and thirty-four years ago, our Founding Fathers signed the Constitution—the enduring foundation of America, providing for our liberties and freedoms. As a beacon of hope for freedom-loving people around the world, it is our duty to honor the bedrock principles and ideals by standing strong against oppressive government to ensure it remains of, by, and for the people.
On Saturday, the United States Air Force celebrated 74 years of protecting our skies and defending our nation’s interest. Thank you to all the men and women past and present who have served in the U.S. Air Force. Their outstanding valor and patriotic service have made America’s flying force the best in the world.
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| The Week Ahead |
I’m pleased the House will vote tonight on my bill with Congressman Sanford Bishop to honor former mayor of Columbus, Colonel (Retired) Robert Stephen ‘Bob’ Poydasheff. The following pieces of legislation will be considered this week:
H.R. - Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2021
S. 189 - Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2021
H.R. 4172 - To name the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Aurora, Colorado, as the ‘‘Lieutenant Colonel John W. Mosley VA Clinic’’
H.R. 1281 - To name the Department of Veterans Affairs community based outpatient clinic in Gaylord, Michigan, as the "Navy Corpsman Steve Andrews Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Clinic"
H.R. 3475 - To name the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Columbus, Georgia, as the ‘‘Robert S. Poydasheff VA Clinic”
H.R. - An act making continuing appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2022, and for providing emergency assistance, and for other purposes
H.R. 4350 - National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022
H.R. 3755 - Women’s Health Protection Act of 2021
S. 848 - Consider Teachers Act of 2021
S. 1828 - HAVANA Act of 2021
H.R. 1029 - Free Veterans from Fees Act
H.R. 1154 - Great Dismal Swamp National Heritage Area Act
H.R. 3533 - To establish occupational series for Federal positions in software development, software engineering, data science, and data management, and for other purposes, as amended
H.R. 3599 - Federal Rotational Cyber Workforce Program Act of 2021, as amended
H.R. 1204 - District of Columbia Chief Financial Officer Home Rule Act, as amended
H.R. 978 - Chai Suthammanont Remembrance Act of 2021, as amended
H.R. 2617 - Performance Enhancement Reform Act, as amended
S. 2382 - To authorize the National Cyber Director to accept details from other elements of the Federal Government on nonreimbursable basis, and for other purposes
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, Instagram, and YouTube to keep track of upcoming legislation and events!
Sincerely,
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| FOLLOW US |
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| In This Edition |
- Biden's America Last Agenda
- The Democrats' Tax-and-Spend Spree
- The Biden Border Crisis Gets Worse
- Joining Newsmax
- Celebrating the Constitution and the U.S. Air Force
- The Week Ahead |
| Top News |
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Newsmax Wake Up America
Biden’s $3.5 trillion tax and spend spree
The Jolt: Jon Ossoff calls out antisemitism at Cobb schools
AJC
Spokespeople for Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene, Jody Hice, Rick Allen, Buddy Carter and Drew FERGUSON let us know that they won’t be there. We didn’t hear back from Reps. Andrew Clyde, Barry Loudermilk or Austin Scott, but it appears that incumbent GOP lawmakers nationwide are steering clear of Saturday’s event, which has law enforcement on high alert.
Rep. Drew Ferguson: Biden's America last policies – Taliban, China, Russia are all 'building back better'
Fox News
Opinion: President Joe Biden’s promise to "Build Back Better" has proven to be an unmitigated disaster for America and a stimulus for crisis creation. The litany of crises facing Americans is the direct result of the policies enacted by the Biden administration and congressional Democrats. These policies have in fact allowed our adversaries, not hardworking Americans, to "Build Back Better."
Elected officials representing Columbus, Macon react to Biden’s COVID vaccine mandate
The Macon Telegraph
U.S. Rep. Drew FERGUSON, whose district stretches from north Columbus to the southern suburbs of Atlanta, posted a statement on Twitter last week calling Biden’s COVID-19 plan unconstitutional.
Bills sponsored or co-sponsored by Senators from West Virginia
The Register-Herald
Rep. Kevin P. Brady, R-Texas, has introduced legislation (H.R. 5206) to "require the Internal Revenue Service to issue a report on the tax gap, to establish a fellowship program within the Internal Revenue Service to recruit mid-career tax professionals to create and participate in an audit task force." The bill was introduced on Sept. 10 and has 17 co-sponsors. Co-sponsors include Reps. Mike Kelly, R-Pa., Devin Nunes, R-Calif., Vern Buchanan, R-Fla., Adrian Smith, R-Neb., Tom Reed, R-N.Y., Carol Miller, R-W.Va., Jason Smith, R-Mo., Tom Rice, R-S.C., David Schweikert, R-Ariz., Jackie Walorski, R-Ind., Darin LaHood, R-Ill., Brad Wenstrup, R-Ohio, Jodey C. Arrington, R-Texas, A. Drew FERGUSON, R-Ga.,
Experts: Proposed e-cigarette tax could drive teens to more harmful products
CNY Central
“It is going to be borne by those folks at the bottom end of the income scale,” Rep. Drew FERGUSON, R-Ga., said at a House Ways and Means Committee meeting Wednesday as he unsuccessfully offered an amendment to exempt those earning less than $400,000 a year from the tax.
Elected officials representing Columbus, Macon react to Biden’s COVID vaccine mandate
Ledger-Enquirer
U.S. Rep. Drew FERGUSON, whose district stretches from north Columbus to the southern suburbs of Atlanta, posted a statement on Twitter last week calling Biden’s COVID-19 plan unconstitutional. FERGUSON tested positive for COVID-19 in October 2020. “The federal government mandating the COVID-19 vaccine is unacceptable and unconstitutional,” the post read. “It’s a slippery slope that erodes individual liberty. I encourage people to have a discussion with their healthcare provider, discuss the risks & benefits, and make an informed decision.”
Ways and Means Dems Reject Commonsense Amendments to $3.5 Trillion Blowout
Americans for Tax Reform
Democrats voted in favor of a $96 billion tobacco & vaping tax hike that will hit low- and middle-income Americans. Rep. Drew FERGUSON’S (R-Ga.) “Preserving Personal Choices” amendment would have prevented this $96 billion tax hike. Increasing tobacco taxes is a clear violation of President Biden’s pledge to not raise taxes on anyone making less than $400,000 a year.
Georgia’s GOP Congresspersons, Along with Pro-Vaccine Governor, Resist Biden’s Vaccine Mandate
Tennessee Star
Several Republicans in Georgia’s congressional delegation have been outspoken in support of Kemp’s position on the mandate. Reps. Buddy Carter (R-GA-1), a pharmacist, and Drew FERGUSON (R-GA-3), a dentist, both members of the GOP Doctors Caucus, joined a statement from the group in favor of challenging the vaccine requirement in court.
Rep. Ferguson to Newsmax: Dems Tax Hike Will Leave Businesses 'Gutted'
Newsmax
The nation's small businesses are "about to be gutted" but the Democrats' planned corporate tax hike, Rep. Drew FERGUSON said Tuesday on Newsmax.
Democratic Infighting Risks Agenda Timetable: Congress Update
Regina Leader-Post
The draft bill before the committee also seeks to raise $97 billion by doubling the excise taxes on cigarettes, small cigars and roll-your-own tobacco. Republicans Drew FERGUSON of Georgia and Ron Estes of Kansas asked staff who is likely to foot the bill of the higher taxes and were told that most smokers earn less than $200,000 per year.
House Tax Panel Edges Closer to Approving Budget Bill
Law 360
Rep. Drew FERGUSON, R-Ga., said Democrats have proposed raising taxes on those making under $400,000 by including legislation that would double the excise tax rates on cigarettes, roll your own tobacco and small cigars.
Democratic Infighting Risks Agenda Timetable: Congress Update
Bloomberg
The draft bill before the committee also seeks to raise $97 billion by doubling the excise taxes on cigarettes, small cigars and roll-your-own tobacco. Republicans Drew FERGUSON of Georgia and Ron Estes of Kansas asked staff who is likely to foot the bill of the higher taxes and were told that most smokers earn less than $200,000 per year. -- Erik Wasson
DJ Democratic Tax Plan Would Hit Million-Dollar Households Hardest, Analysis Shows
ShareCast
Republicans said the tobacco-tax increases clearly violated the president's pledge. "You can say that it's not a tax, but it's a tax," said Rep. Drew FERGUSON (R., Ga.).
Democratic Tax Plan Would Hit Million-Dollar Households Hardest, Analysis Shows
Wall Street Journal
Republicans said the tobacco-tax increases clearly violated the president’s pledge. “You can say that it’s not a tax, but it’s a tax,” said Rep. Drew FERGUSON (R., Ga.).
Joe Biden Breaks Pledge: Raises Taxes on Americans Earnings over $50k
Breitbart
Rep. Drew FERGUSON (R-GA), the chief deputy House Republican whip, said the Democrat proposal would benefit Democrats’ leftist allies.
Democrats target cigarettes and vaping as potential sources to pay for $3.5 trillion economic package
Washington Post
But the tobacco tax still seemed to conflict with the president’s pledge, even as its foremost supporters said it should not matter given its long-term benefits. That prompted Republicans to tee off on the idea Tuesday. Rep. Drew FERGUSON (R-Ga.), a member of the Ways and Means Committee, at one point faulted Democrats for striking the wrong balance — seeking tax increases on tobacco that could hurt lower-income Americans, while supporting tax breaks for wealthier families who can buy electric cars.
Democrats target cigarettes and vaping as potential sources to pay for $3.5 trillion economic package
Union Leader
But the tobacco tax still seemed to conflict with the president’s pledge, even as its foremost supporters said it should not matter given its long-term benefits. That prompted Republicans to tee off on the idea Tuesday. Rep. Drew FERGUSON (R-Ga.), a member of the Ways and Means Committee, at one point faulted Democrats for striking the wrong balance — seeking tax increases on tobacco that could hurt lower-income Americans, while supporting tax breaks for wealthier families who can buy electric cars.
House Republicans slam EV tax credit plan as 'perverse' and 'unfair'
The Detroit News
Rep. Drew FERGUSON, R-Georgia, introduced an amendment that would reduce the cap to individuals making $75,000 a year and joint filers making $150,000. Rep. Jason Smith, R-Missouri, offered an amendment that would limit the tax credits to automakers with an annual income of less than $5 million. Both failed 25-17.
Tax titles day 2
POLITICO
Every GOP amendment to the green energy tax measures got shot down by Democrats, including an amendment from Rep. Drew FERGUSON (R-Ga.) that would decrease the maximum income threshold for electric vehicle tax credits. Other Republican amendments included measures to eliminate the direct-pay option for green subsidies and to cut the eligibility for commercial EV tax credits for any business with income over $5 million; strike the green title in its entirety; and to suspend Superfund excise taxes when gas prices exceed $3 per gallon and when inflation exceeds 2.5 percent. The committee recessed late Tuesday until 9 this morning.
LSCU Thanks Members of Georgia’s Congressional Delegation for Opposing IRS Reporting Requirements
Athens CEO
LSCU thanks Congressmen Rick Allen (GA-12), Buddy Carter (GA-01), Andrew Clyde (GA-09), Drew FERGUSON(GA-03), Jody Hice (GA-10), Barry Loudermilk (GA-11), and Austin Scott (GA- 08) for their work to protect taxpayers and financial institutions alike.
Rising Taxes on Americans Income Over $ 50k
MCU Times
Rep. Drew FERGUSON (R-GA), the top deputy Republican whip in the House, said the Democracy proposal would benefit Democrats’ left-leaning allies.
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