Representative Drew Ferguson

Dear Friend,

Last Friday, it was an honor to welcome my Ways and Means Committee colleagues to Georgia’s Third Congressional District to conduct a field hearing in Peachtree City. The field hearing was being held to discuss the State of the American economy in the south.

WAM State of the American Economy: The South

The Ways and Means Committee used this field hearing to amplify the voices and views of Americans living and working in our community. A key part of this hearing was to take the important conversations about the future of the country beyond Washington, D.C. and listen to Americans on the front lines of today’s economy – workers, small businesses, farmers, and families.

The hearing took place at NAECO which is a leading industry supplier of electrical contact materials and precision computer numerical control machining for some of the world’s most successful companies. Their applications serve several different industries including aerospace and defense, medical, industrial controls, power distribution, and transportation.

At the Peachtree City hearing, witnesses – drawn from our local community – shared their own experiences and were given a platform to discuss the challenges they face in today’s economy. The witnesses included David Bergmann – President of NAECO, Alison Couch – owner of Ignite Accounting, Lisa Winton – CEO of Winton Machine Company, and Matt Livingston – owner of Coach's Bar and Grill.

During the hearing, the conversations focused on the impacts of the Biden economy – including record-high inflation, increased input costs, labor shortages, combatting China, and challenges facing supply chains. We also discussed tax reform policies and how Congress can utilize both tax and trade policies to strengthen the economy, and benefit small businesses, farmers, and families.

Click here to watch my opening remarks and here to watch my discussion with the witnesses.

Below are a few picture from the event:

Bipartisan Bill to Expand Land Banks

As a former mayor in rural Georgia, I saw first-hand how land banks provided critical opportunities to bring economic growth and future development to local communities that otherwise would not happen. In order to create a national network and provide resources, technical assistance and grants to help create land banks nationwide, I proudly introduced the National Land Bank Network Act. If enacted, this bipartisan legislation would strengthen neighborhoods, reduce crime and clean up vacant properties by expanding resources for land banks in communities across America. Land banks are powerful tools to address vacant or abandoned properties and bring greater economic investment to communities.

Click here to learn more about the bill.

DC Visits

It was great meeting Dustin Durden and the folks at Pineland Telephone. I appreciated their insight on how we can better develop broadband networks throughout our rural communities.

I thoroughly enjoyed discussing GLOCK's new developments and improvements in technology during their visit last week. Their world class services, products, and belief in responsible gun ownership – and education – is second to none.

I enjoyed catching up with Georgia Electric Membership Corporation to discuss the non-profit work the corporation does to continue advocacy and leadership efforts throughout communities in Georgia.

Thank you to Emory University President Gregory Fenves for stopping in to discuss the school’s research programs and give an update on the upcoming school year. The great work of the university is a reminder of the dedication and impact Emory creates locally, nationally, and internationally.

I was proud to meet with the Plastics Industry Association to discuss their work on new innovations in healthcare, which helps aid in lifesaving procedures.

The Week Ahead

This week, the House will consider the following pieces of legislation on the floor:

H.R. 675 - Secure Space Act, as amended
H.R. 1339 - Precision Agriculture Satellite Connectivity Act
H.R. 1343 - Institute for Telecommunication Sciences Codification Act
H.R. 1353 - Advanced, Local Emergency Response Telecommunications Parity Act, as amended
H. Res. 90 - Demanding that the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Communist Party of China immediately release Mark Swidan, as amended
H. Res. 311 - Encouraging the expansion and strengthening of the Abraham Accords to urge other nations to normalize relations with Israel and ensure that existing agreements reap tangible security and economic benefits for the citizens of those countries and all peoples in the region
H.R. ___ - Limit, Save, Grow Act of 2023
H.J. Res. 39 - Disapproving the rule submitted by the Department of Commerce relating to "Procedures Covering Suspension of Liquidation, Duties and Estimated Duties in Accord With Presidential Proclamation 10414"
H. Con. Res. 30 - Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove all United States Armed Forces, other than United States Armed Forces assigned to protect the United States Embassy, from Somalia

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!

Sincerely,

Drew Ferguson
Member of Congress