Dear Friends,
Over the last 20 years, American warfighters have fought, bled, and died to build a lasting democracy in Afghanistan. Sadly, over the last few days, the world has watched in disbelief and horror as the Taliban has taken control of Afghanistan.
Many will debate the policy and timeline, but we owe it to all those who have served and sacrificed to leave Afghanistan in a dignified manner after evacuating those who have helped us. Unfortunately, President Biden’s hasty withdrawal – without any apparent plan – can be described neither as successful nor dignified. It can only be described as an utter and abject failure, and it is one of the greatest stains on our foreign policy in recent American history.
The Taliban will continue to carry out their campaign of terror, executing civilians, maiming others, and assaulting and forcing women and young girls to marry Taliban fighters. Biden’s unforced blunder has led to chaos, panic, and potentially leaving thousands of people who have helped us over the last 20 years stranded in a war zone, all while leaving their fate to the Taliban and jeopardizing every gain the Afghan government made over the last 20 years.
The consequences will be even more far-reaching as military recruitment declines and its resulting void is exploited by our adversaries. The Chinese are already using this situation to cast doubt on our commitment to defending Taiwan. Chinese state-run media is reporting not only “that the U.S. has been embarrassed by the Taliban’s rapid victory,” but that “once a war breaks out in the Taiwan Straits, the island’s defense will collapse in hours and the U.S. military won’t come to help.”
Even worse, no reasonable ally will work with us on the ground again. Biden’s poor decisions, his refusal to share his plan for withdrawal with Congress, and his absentee leadership disappoints our nation in this dark hour.
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| Connecting with the Community |
A huge thank you to everyone who joined me at the Redneck Gourmet in Newnan yesterday for my “Coffee with your Congressman” event. These meet-and-greets are a great way to speak one-on-one with folks in the Third District as we share our thoughts and opinions over a cup of joe.
The conversation was robust, and I believe my job is to listen to the people I represent, take their concerns to Washington, and fight for them every day. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for the opportunity to serve you, and I look forward to holding more of these in the future.
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| Opening New Career Doors |
| We’re less than a month away from our Career Fair! The event will match businesses and entrepreneurs with job seekers to build a stronger workforce. With more than 1,500 jobs available, I encourage my constituents who are looking for work, a career change, or simply trying to take stock of their options to come and make connections.
All in all, I’m thrilled to host this outstanding event that serves as a bridge between local talent and robust businesses, industry leaders, and public partners and expands opportunities in our community. If you or someone you know is interested, be sure to stop by West Georgia Technical College in LaGrange from 10:00am to 3:00 p.m.
It could make all the difference! Learn more here.
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| Crises of Biden's Creation |
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President Biden’s absolute incompetence on both domestic and foreign policy have created a national security, humanitarian, economic, and public health crisis all at the same time.
The policies of this administration have put an end to American energy independence. First, they killed the Keystone XL Pipeline – severely limiting U.S. domestic oil and natural gas production, diminishing U.S. influence on the world’s energy sector, and cutting thousands of American jobs. At the same time, they increased Russian influence, allowing the completion of significantly less clean Nord Stream gas pipeline.
And now, President Biden is wringing his hands and begging the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to produce more oil because of skyrocketing gas prices here at home. We should be focused on lowering gas prices and reducing dependence on foreign energy — not funding adversaries for poorer products made overseas.
Let’s turn to the major crisis on our southern border. Since President Biden has been in office, illegal border crossings have hit a 21-year high, with more than 200,000 detentions in July alone. These numbers are off the charts and to make matters even worse, these illegal immigrants are spreading COVID across every state in our country. We cannot undo the damage that has already been caused but we need strong leadership and a plan from President Biden to halt this national security, humanitarian, and public health crisis immediately.
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| The Week Ahead |
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As the August District Work Period continues, I look forward to more site visits as I meet with folks who call Georgia’s Third Congressional District home! A big thanks to everyone who joined yesterday's Telephone Town Hall meeting.
This week, I’ll be hitting the road and making stops in Columbus, Warm Springs, Griffin, Pike County, and Fayette County. Can’t wait to see many new and familiar faces around the town.
Please contact my office with any questions, comments, or concerns and be sure to follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to keep track of upcoming legislation and events!
Sincerely,
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| FOLLOW US |
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| In This Edition |
- The Fall of Afghanistan
- Connecting with the Community
- Opening New Career Doors
- Crises of Biden's Creation
- The Week Ahead |
| Top News |
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Georgia Republicans blast Afghanistan ‘chaos’; Democrats focus on refugees
AJC
When U.S. Rep. Drew FERGUSON held a town hall Monday, he added a stinging new barb to the criticism he routinely levels at President Joe Biden and congressional Democrats: “the Afghan crisis.” As dozens of constituents gathered around him at the Redneck Gourmet in Newnan, the Republican told them he was still stunned the U.S. military “just pulled out” of Afghanistan, hastening the swift collapse of the government and a takeover by the repressive Taliban regime. “They relied on intelligence that was faulty,” the congressman said, shaking his head as many in the crowd sighed in agreement.
Rep. Drew Ferguson to host local events on Monday
Newnan Times-Herald
On Monday, U.S. Congressman Drew FERGUSON will host two events in an effort to hear questions and concerns from his constituents. Monday morning, FERGUSON will appear at the Redneck Gourmet for “Coffee with Your Congressman” - a one hour legislative update and Q&A.
Georgia Reps Talk Infrastructure At Chamber Event In Columbus
Georgia Public Broadcasting
Rep. Drew FERGUSON (R-West Point) said the larger bill will likely face challenges from both parties when it is taken up in the House, but there are elements such as broadband that are a no-brainer for bipartisan support. "When you don't have broadband in a rural community, you're not Republican, you're not Democrat — you're just without broadband in a rural community," he said. "So I think that's a good example of where we can come together."
Ferguson to Host Career Fair with Over 1,500 Job Openings
Newnan CEO
U.S. Congressman Drew FERGUSON (GA-03) today announced his office will host a career fair at West Georgia Technical College’s Callaway Conference Center on Wednesday, September 8th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The Jolt: Paging Dr. Toomey ...
AJC
On Monday, U.S. Rep. Drew FERGUSON will host a “coffee with your Congressman” event at a location you may want to go to for the name alone — Redneck Gourmet in Newman. Keep an eye out for other events through your representatives’ offices or social media posts.
GOVERNOR KEMP SPEAKS DURING GA CHAMBER CONGRESSIONAL LUNCHEON
HHJ
From this point, much of the discussion turned to infrastructure in the state, how it has developed, and how it will develop. A discussion between Congresswoman Carolyn Bourdeaux and Congressman Drew FERGUSON, moderated by President and CEO of the Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce Jerald Mitchell, detailed the recently passed Bipartisan Infrastructure Plan and its effects on small businesses and communities. "When I look at Georgia’s transportation network,” FERGUSON said, "we’re very fortunate to be as robust and healthy as it is. But we have challenges.
Georgia Daybook
Dothan Eagle
Monday, Aug. 16 10:00 AM GOP Rep. Drew FERGUSON'S public schedule - Republican Rep. Drew FERGUSON hosts 'Coffee with Your Congressman event, providing a brief legislative update and taking questions, Redneck Gourmet, 11 N Court Sq, Newnan, GA (10:00 AM EDT); and hosts district-wide telephone town hall (5:45 PM EDT)
Georgia Governor, Members of Congress Join Heritage Action Save Our Paychecks Tour
Heritage Action
Today, Jessica Anderson, executive director of Heritage Action, a conservative grassroots organization, announced a slate of featured speakers for Heritage Action’s Save Our Paychecks Tour stop in Atlanta, Georgia on September 13. Rep. Drew FERGUSON: “The reckless spending and failed policies of President Biden and the Democrats have caused a crisis for our economy at every level. From small business owners to corporations employing tens of thousands of Americans, job creators are struggling to rebuild their workforces — and there's no relief in sight. We need commonsense solutions that work for the American people. I’m proud to join Heritage Action's Save Our Paychecks Tour and support hardworking Americans as we fight back.”
Rep. Drew Ferguson to host local events on Monday
Spot on Georgia
On Monday, U.S. Congressman Drew FERGUSON will host two events in an effort to hear questions and concerns from his constituents. Monday morning, FERGUSON will appear at the Redneck Gourmet for “Coffee with Your Congressman” - a one hour legislative update and Q&A.
Rep. Jackson Leads Bipartisan Effort in Support of Rural Veterans
The Pampa News – 8/15
Jackson’s initiative is supported by House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (CA-23), House Republican Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik (NY-21), Chief Deputy Whip Drew FERGUSON (GA-03), House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Mike Rogers (AL-03), and House Foreign Affairs Committee Lead Republican Michael McCaul (TX-13).
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