Dear Friends,
In 2020, Congress passed five bipartisan COVID relief bills to jumpstart our economy and get folks the help they needed during an extremely difficult year. Our country is on the rebound, yet the Democrats continue to push policies that encourage people not to return to work—stifling what would otherwise be a much stronger economic recovery. The latest jobs report proved what Republicans have known all along: the Democrat plan isn’t working.
Small businesses reopening their doors across the country are struggling to fill open positions. Despite this increase in job opportunities, we’ve seen an increase in unemployment.
I am proud of Governor Kemp for leading the way in repealing Democrats’ boosted unemployment benefits and incentivizing folks to reenter the workforce. Thanks to our efforts to protect both lives and livelihoods throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, more Georgians are returning to normal, and the Peach State is on the forefront of America's economic recovery. The state’s unemployment rate - which has declined for twelve straight months and remains below the national average - highlights the resilience of Georgia businesses and workers as well as the strength of our state's diverse economy.
Simply put, our small businesses shouldn’t face the additional challenge of rebuilding their staff when their employees are receiving a bonus to stay at home. Click here to read more.
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| Celebrating America's Service Members |
On Friday, I had the immense honor of attending the presentation of the highest military award our nation can give. Col. Ralph Puckett, a decorated Army Ranger and Third District resident, was presented with the Medal of Honor for bravery on the battlefield during the Korean War.
Under freezing weather conditions and with limited supplies, Col. Puckett and his comrades faced thousands of enemy troops at the Battle on Hill 205.
Despite being outnumbered 10-to-1, he continually put himself in harm's way and was severely injured during the battle. Puckett ordered his Rangers to leave him behind, but his men managed to carry him to safety. Fortunately, he survived and went on to dedicate many more years to serving our country.
Over a decades-long military career, Col. Puckett earned two Silver Stars, two Legions of Merit, two Bronze Stars, five Purple Hearts, ten Air Medals, the Army Commendation Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal, and others. He is a true example of valor and the endurance of the American spirit. I am proud to have had the chance to meet this American hero and be present for this momentous and heartwarming occasion. A grateful nation thanks you, Col. Puckett.
It's men and women like Col. Puckett who remind us of the dangers endured - and the bravery shown - by our service members to protect our homeland and our values. During National Military Appreciation Month, let's remember and honor those who sacrifice every day to serve our great nation. Thank you for your service.
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| Ceasefire in the Middle East |
On Friday, it was reported that Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire. While this is welcome news, this is still a volatile situation. In response, I recently cosponsored various legislative initiatives to reaffirm my commitment to Israel’s sovereignty and its people, including cosponsoring a resolution that condemns Hamas’ rocket attacks and expresses the need for the unwavering defense of our steadfast partner in the Middle East. Furthermore, the resolution recognizes that Israel has the right and responsibility to protect itself and its citizens from all forms of terrorism. I also signed onto a bill, H.R. 261, the Palestinian International Terrorism Support Prevention Act of 2021, to impose sanctions on Hamas and any of its affiliates or successor groups.
The deadly and unwarranted rocket attacks being perpetrated by Hamas—an Iranian-backed terrorist organization—are dangerous provocations. Our nation must stand firmly with Israel in its right to self-defense against aggressors. The White House should not ignore the serious implications of these assaults. I implore President Biden to reverse course on our weak posture and planned return to the Iran Nuclear Deal. It only serves to embolden bad actors in the region and helped lead to the situation at hand.
I will continue to closely monitor this situation, and I urge Secretary of State Antony Blinken to reaffirm our commitment to Israel as he travels to the Middle East this week.
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| Committee Work |
On Wednesday, the House Ways and Means Committee held a hearing to discuss ways to leverage the U.S. Tax Code for infrastructure investment. During the hearing, I discussed how skyrocketing prices have caused the housing market to become increasingly out of reach for many Americans. With inflation rearing its ugly head and President Biden’s proposed tax hikes, I’m concerned things will only get worse if we don't act quickly.
We cannot go down the road of funding all of the Green New Deal social programs on the backs of American workers. Everything that we do must be about growing jobs in America and ensuring we are the most competitive country in the world to do business. Click here to watch my remarks in committee.
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| Stay Connected |
Thank you for reading my newsletter. In addition to these weekly updates, please remember to follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay connected on how I am serving the people of Georgia’s Third District.
As always, I’m humbled to represent you in Congress.
Sincerely,
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| FOLLOW US |
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| In This Edition |
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— Time to Get Back to Work
— Celebrating America's Service Members
— Ceasefire in the Middle East
— Committee Work
— Stay Connected
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| Top News |
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Ferguson’s Mental Health Legislation Passes U.S. House
Insider Advantage
U.S. Congressman Drew FERGUSON (R-GA), Chief Deputy Whip of the House Republican Conference and a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, took his concerns about mental health ramifications of the pandemic to the House Floor late last week and walked away with a victory. His peers agreed with his concerns, and overwhelmingly passed his legislation H.R. 2877, the Behavioral Intervention Guidelines (BIG) Act, by a vote of 323-93-2.
U.S. House Passes National Legislation to Implement Behavioral Intervention Guidelines, Inspired by CSU Program
Columbus State University
Georgia’s District 3 representative, Rep. Drew FERGUSON, whose district covers the northwestern part of Muscogee County, said the Behavioral Intervention Guidelines (BIG) Act is important to “provide students with the opportunity to thrive in a secure environment while ensuring sure those students approaching a crisis point get the resources they need to lead healthy, productive lives.” Ferguson also said that the ongoing coronavirus pandemic has profoundly impacted the mental well-being of Americans.
Critics: Georgia's Halt To $300 Weekly Jobless Benefits Won't Spur Work Force
Georgia Public Broadcasting
“Georgia is open and the best state to do business for a reason, yet the biggest challenge our small businesses are still facing is rebuilding their workforce when their employees are receiving a bonus to stay at home,” said Georgia Republican Congressman Drew FERGUSON. “It’s time to put the pedal to the metal in our economy and restore the dignity of work.”
Biden awards first Medal of Honor to Puckett, Korean War vet and ‘true American hero’
McClatchy DC Bureau
Republican Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa, who told reporters that she has known the Puckett family for years, introduced them to the vice president and other officials. Republican Rep. Drew FERGUSON of Georgia was also in attendance.
VRHS student wins 2021 Congressional Art Competition
The Times-Georgian
A Villa Rica sophomore is the winner of the 2021 Congressional Art Competition. Emma Guthrie, a student at Villa Rica High School won for her work “Southern Style,” done in acrylic paint, according to an announcement made by the office of Congressman Drew FERGUSON, (R-Ga.)
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