THE RHEA COUNTY REPUBLICAN

ADVANCING THE CONSERVATIVE CAUSE

Vol. 6 – No. 9 November 2022

The original content of this publication is copyrighted. Requests for reprinting may be obtained by contacting the Editor and Publisher at: pyrope84045@mypacks.net

Table of Contents

Greetings ———————————————————————1

Editorial ———————————————————————- 2

Whacked Out Resolutions———————————————5

Report on the Fiscal Policies of Governors ———————-6

Climate Change Hoax – a Tool of Tyranny ———————-8

Comments From Representatives———————————12

Comments From Correspondents———————————-12

Legislative Report——————————————————- 13

Rhea County Republican Party News —————————- 30

Lagniappe —————————————————————– 30

Contact Your Elected Representatives Today! ————— 33

This edition of The Rhea County Republican is dedicated to the memory of Elizabeth Gryder, who was affectionately known as “Bitsy,” a stalwart Republican who served as Chair of the Rhea County Republican Party for 3.5 years and in many other roles prior to that. To her family, we extend our sincere condolences. We shall miss her.

GREETINGS:

The enthusiasm among conservatives continues to manifest itself everywhere we go. As we look around us, we see more yard signs and bumper stickers with the names of Republican candidates than at any time since the Ronald Reagan days.

At the same time, we hear more desperation in the voices of Democrats that we see on TV or on social media. The TRUTH is – as we know it to be – the Democrats have nothing to run on; everything the Biden regime has been harmful to America. The Democrats know it and they know that we know it! Yes, the Democrats are desperate, and in their desperation, they are becoming dangerously unhinged; they are resorting to spreading the most outlandish claims and falsehoods one could ever imagine.

That Giant Red Tsunami is going to sweep the Republicans into majorities in the House and Senate, and (with our continued guidance!), they are going to stymie the Biden regime until the Republicans can take the White House in 2024.

EDITORIAL

Kris Bancroft, Editor

We are told, as of September 2021, fentanyl had killed more than 7,000,000 Americans, and that it is the leading cause of death for Americans in the 17 – 45 year age group.

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/department-justice-announces-dea-seizures-historic-amounts-deadly-fentanyl-laced-fake-pills

All totaled, over the past two years of the Biden regime, far more than one million deaths have been attributed to drugs crossing our southern border.

https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/nchs_press_releases/2022/202205.htm

To date, our elected representatives have taken no meaningful action in response to what is the greatest assault on our nation in its history.

All Members of the House of Representatives and the Senate have seen the figures on the number of deaths caused by fentanyl, and other drugs trafficked across our southern border, but there are a few “dots” that seem to go unconnected.

Frankly, the myopia in this matter can only be diagnosed as nothing short of a full-blown case of denial.

Please consider: If the army of a foreign government inflicted more than a million deaths on the citizens of a country, a reasonable person would conclude such an action to be an act of war.

If a clandestine group of individuals inflicted more than a million deaths on the citizens of a country by the use of some form of a poison chemical, a reasonable person would conclude such an action to be an act of terrorism.

In the past, our government responded immediately and forcefully to acts of war and terrorism when less than 1/1000th of the number of deaths caused by fentanyl were inflicted upon our citizens, yet today our government remains deafeningly silent to the attacks on our country at this time. The lack of meaningful response on the part of our government has caused this situation to only become worse!

With deadly drugs disguised as candy, our enemies are now specifically targeting our children – just in time for Halloween, I might add! The most egregious form of terrorism!

We are under attack by an enemy who has one goal in mind: to destroy the United States of America. Our enemy is using proxy forces (among many other strategies) to defeat us. Our enemy is using lethal weaponry of a somewhat different nature than what has been used in the past, but it has proven to be no less lethal than an atomic bomb.

Our enemy is Communist China, which is headed by Xi Jinping. Xi’s proxies, who are our de facto enemies, include Mexico and its President Manuel Obrador, along with the majorities of the Federales, Judiciales, and Rurales. Not only are the Chinese making the government of Mexico very wealthy, Obrador and his cronies are being paid billions of dollars by the drug cartels to turn a blind eye to the drug trafficking (and the human trafficking). The drug cartels, we are told, are raking in hundreds of billions of dollars each year – as much as $14 million every day!

https://nypost.com/2021/03/22/us-mexico-border-traffickers-earned-as-much-as-14m-a-day-last-month/

It is enough of an insult to watch Mr. Biden, Ms. Harris (the “Border Czar” who has never really been to the border), and the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security – Alejandro Mayorkas – sit idly by, but there is much in the way of insult being added to the injury of the United States.

Along with the Biden regime’s refusal to name China as our enemy, Mexico as a State Sponsor of Terrorism, and the Mexican drug cartels as Terrorist Organizations, the American taxpayer is footing the bill for the care and feeding of more than three million illegal aliens who have traipsed across our southern border. How much are we paying? By the time we calculate the cost of a fresh, new wardrobe, an iPhone, transportation to the city of choice, medical care, lodging, food, and an education, the tab is somewhere in the neighborhood of $100,000 per year, per illegal alien. Yes, that’s $300,000,000,000 per year just in handouts! The impact of the crimes committed by these illegal aliens is incalculable.

Another interesting note is the report that was aired on Fox News (22 October 2022), that in the current fiscal year, 90 of the illegal aliens apprehended at our border were on the Terrorist Watch List. Keeping in mind that over this same fiscal year nearly one million illegal aliens evaded Customs and Border Patrol, we are left to wonder how many of that number of “gotaways” were also on the Terrorist Watch List.

How many more of these illegal aliens are criminals and gang members?

Given the influx of criminals and terrorists into our country, the likelihood of a terrorist attack – or several terrorist attacks – is exponentially higher than at any time since 9/11.

What excuse will our government give us to compel us to believe the coming terrorism was unavoidable?

Sadly, it is not only the Biden regime and the Democrats who have failed to acknowledge that: China is waging a war against the United States; Mexico is a State Sponsor of Terrorism, and; the drug cartels are a Terrorist Organization. Far too few Republicans have given this attack the attention it deserves.

Could our current situation have been avoided? President Trump seemed to have thought so but, as you know, Mr. Biden halted construction on the border wall on the day he first infested the 0val 0ffice. In doing so, he violated the oath he made to the American people. The following links provide proof to support this accusation:

Mr. Biden is a lawyer. He has no grounds for pleading ignorance of the law so, therefore; his actions were deliberate! And the same is true for every elected representative who could have said or done something to uphold our laws but failed to do so.

As most people have come to understand, there are but two ways to defeat an enemy: by the use of lethal force, or by economic restrictions.

Here, at our level, where the Ordinary Citizen lives, there is nothing we, as individuals, can do that is of great magnitude but, working in unison, there are two things we can do that will make a difference:

Stop supporting China – our enemy – by refusing to purchase their products – every penny we give them is a penny they use to make the poison they are sending to the drug cartels that poisons Americans.
Write or call your elected representatives to DEMAND they name China as our enemy, Mexico as a State Sponsor of Terrorism, and the drug cartels as a Terrorist Organization – this action will impose economic restrictions on them.

There is very little that any America Citizen can do that would help our country more.

WHACKED OUT RESOLUTIONS

The LEGISLATIVE REPORT feature that appears each month in this newsletter is provided with the intent of informing readers about the bills that have been introduced by Members of the House of Representatives and the Senate, in hopes the reader will feel compelled to contact their elected representative to express their views – pro or con – on these items before they are enacted and become Federal law. Admittedly, it is a chore to keep up with all these bills and, for that reason, analyses of resolutions are very seldom mentioned in The Rhea County Republican. However, in analyzing H. Res 1437 Expressing support for “World Sight Day” by promoting the importance of accessible, affordable, and inclusive eye care (Marc Veasey, D-TX, 3 pages), it became clear that this was one Resolution that demanded a few lines in this newsletter.

For those who have not spent a great deal of time in analyzing bills and other politically-focused documents, the word “inclusive” is a give-away that the author has some bent toward Socialism. The use of the word “inclusive” is also a scare tactic intended to cause those who identify as “Democrats” think not all Citizens in our country are treated equally. Finally, “inclusive” is a code word used by the Left to suggest equal outcomes should replace equal opportunity. Only recently have Conservatives come to realize the Socialists have infiltrated our government (and “The Swamp”), to the point where we must be increasingly cautious whenever we hear those “code words” from the Left.

The standard format for resolutions uses the word “Whereas” as the lead in making each of the authors’ points and, while the veracity of most of the eleven points made in Mr. Veasey’s resolution require a stretch of one’s imagination, the first of the claims he makes is totally nefarious, to wit:

“Whereas people with vision problems are more likely than those with good vision to have diabetes, poor hearing, heart problems, high blood pressure, lower back pain, and strokes, as well as have increased risk for falls, injury, and depression;”

Firstly, it is diabetes that causes vision problems. Mr. Veasey’s assertion that the other conditions mentioned in this paragraph are directly related to vision loss is illogical to the point of being silly, but there is more to consider.

Mr. Veasey has created a resolution that is based on a false premise. He is suggesting that healthcare is a right. It is not! Instead – for US Citizens only – it is the equal access to healthcare that is a right.

Apparently, any Member of the House of Representatives or Senate can write up a resolution and stand in the well to read it into the Federal Register without having first to offer proof that what they are saying is true. Just think: We are paying these people huge sums of money and the best that some of them can do is to keep coming up with garbage like this!

REPORT ON THE FISCAL POLICIES OF GOVERNORS

Thomas Hopkins, Lucas, IA

If you’re not familiar with the Cato Institute, they are a libertarian organization that does a lot of research on many topics, but one of their most prominent studies is on fiscal policy.

Their latest report ranks the fiscal policies of various Governors, and their 2022 report can be found at the following link:

https://www.cato.org/white-paper/fiscal-policy-report-card-americas-governors-2022

While there may be some Governors who are doing a fairly good job in running their state, when it comes down to brass tacks, the conservative values of any person can be assessed by how well they manage money.

We are extraordinarily PROUD of the job our Governor Kim Reynolds is doing. Not only has she trimmed our state’s budget, she has refused to impose new taxes on us.

[Readers would do well to have a look at the link our friend from Iowa has shared with us. – Editor]

RANDOM THOUGHTS

Electric vehicles: A plan that doesn’t work to fix a problem that doesn’t exist. [Thanks to Harriett Lublin, Atlanta, GA for this quote. – Editor’

RANDOM THOUGHTS

To laugh often and much;

To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;

To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;

To appreciate beauty;

To find the best in others;

To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition;

To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived;

This is to have succeeded.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

THE WRONG KIND OF RECOGNITION

We always enjoy hearing good news about our home town, and when we hear negative reports about other cities, we are glad we don’t live “there.” For that reason, Tennesseans have been disappointed to hear reports about how crime is surging in certain parts of our State. Following is a very brief report that causes local residents to be concerned about the growing crime rates in some of Tennessee’s larger cities.

A news story recently reported on local television stations in Tennessee, covered a shooting in Memphis, in which a nineteen year old man was indicted on three counts of murder that took place within a twenty-four hour time frame.

The shooter was allegedly live streaming his crimes on social media.

The three murders, it was reported, set off a “crime rampage” in Memphis, and it took several hours for the police to quell the rioting. The response to the news of those murders was … more crime!

The televised report indicated that violent crimes in Tennessee are surging, and this prompted some research to determine the veracity of that claim.

Data provided by Wallethub recently published its assessment of the most dangerous cities in the US. An expanded report found that Memphis ranked 6^th in the highest homicides per capita, while Chattanooga ranked 10^th.

Scrolling to the end of the report, one gains some insight as to why certain cities rank higher than others.

https://wallethub.com/edu/cities-homicide-rate/94070

RANDOM THOUGHTS

Mr. Biden released ten million barrels of oil from our nation’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SRP), as a means to keep fuel prices artificially low, and thus “buy” more votes in the mid-term election. That’s understandable because bribery is what Democrats do, and it seems that no one does bribery better than the Biden Crime Family.

Perhaps the bigger question is why Mr. Biden is being allowed to deplete our nation’s emergency supply of petroleum – the reserve he inherited is more than half gone (some of it went to China!), and is at its lowest level since 1984.

Finally, did anyone notice that the SRP was topped off when oil was selling for ~$45 per barrel and the current price to restore it is >$80 per barrel? Don’t you think this would be a fitting topic to contact your elected representatives about?

CLIMATE CHANGE HOAX – A TOOL OF TYRANNY

Dr. Dan Eichenbaum, MD

The cure proposed by climate change zealots is the cruel deception that we can save planet Earth by giving up our lifestyle and our individual freedom. The collectivist elite has sold this fantasy to the gullible and ignorant masses who are racing down the rabbit hole of global tyranny oblivious to the catastrophe that awaits them.

Fear is one of the most potent Tools of Tyranny. It has the power to eliminate logical thought, to allow outright lies to be accepted as truth, and to limit candid open discussion to resolve disagreements.

That is the struggle we now face whenever Climate Change and the Green New Deal are discussed. That entire concept has become a religion, the Church of Climate Change, whose adherents are on a crusade to abolish the carbon molecule. They are oblivious to the basic scientific fact that Earth is a carbon planet. All life on Earth is based on carbon and plans to decarbonize the land, sea, and air will cause the destruction of the complex ecosystem they claim to be protecting.

Scientists know that Climate Change is real. After all, the climate on our planet has undergone continuous modifications and variations since the Earth was formed approximately 2 billion years ago. The Big Lie is the notion that humanity has the power to stop or modify the continual variations in the Earth’s ecosystem that are caused by forces well beyond our understanding and control. It is pure fantasy that mankind has any tool that could alter the short-term or long-term trajectory of earth’s climate or that of our solar system to any significant degree.

Of course, like any religion, the Church of Climate Change has its ardent disciples who accept the gospel without question as well as others who deny or reject the basic doctrine of the religion. The scenario would not be complete, however, without “parishioners” who fake belief in church doctrine for personal gain and, in doing so, take advantage of church supporters.

Several weeks ago, David Malpass, president of the World Bank, made the mistake of admitting in public that he couldn’t say exactly what percentage of climate change could be attributed to human activity. Public outcry against him for “climatic heresy” was immediate.

Richard Rahn’s commentary is especially noteworthy. Richard has been a guest on Freedom Forum Radio in the past. With appreciation of his wisdom and intellect, I quote him:

“No surprise, one of the leaders of the ‘get Malpass gang’ is Al Gore. For more decades than we care to recall, Mr. Gore has been telling us that the Earth is going to end the next day, or at least the day after, if we do not financially support one of the environmental initiatives that often just happen to enrich him.

“A whole cottage industry of the “errors of Al Gore” has grown up that can be easily found on the internet. For many years, Mr. Gore has announced that the Arctic Ocean will be free of sea ice several years in the future — these dates come and go, the sea ice is still with us, but the press is too polite to mention that Mr. Gore is a fraud. The ever-predictable fool John Kerry joined in with the attempted lynching — bringing rope from one of his yachts or one of his private planes — to tell us once again (because he is of pure thought) that the fact that he produces many times the CO2 of the rest of us is of no importance.”

None of this is surprising, of course, but it points out the need to investigate and reevaluate the true risk of Climate Change as an existential threat to human life on Earth.

The identity and effect of Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) are the foundation of current government attempts to control Earth’s temperature. Water vapor in various forms (humidity, snow, ice, clouds, and ocean circulation) makes up 95% of the GHGs in Earth’s ecosystem. The remaining 5% (“other GHGs”) consists of carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, CFCs, and SF6 only 6% of which is man-made. Man-made GHGs constitute only 0.3% of overall GHGs. That’s the truth. It is no surprise, therefore, that the projected temperature change from the elimination of carbon dioxide is measured in small fractions of a single degree.

The Computer Modeling Process, the Gold Standard to predict the Earth’s temperature far into the future, is based on variable and biased raw data chosen to achieve a pre-determined result. We already know of several instances in which temperature data was purposefully altered, and raw data collected by the government is not available until it has been adjusted to account for a set of variables designed to cloud the truth. In addition, projections based on commonly used “worst-case scenarios” invariably predict catastrophes that are unlikely to occur. All these shenanigans constitute “outcome-based science” in which data is selected and manipulated to get the desired result instead of revealing the truth. So much for the Scientific Method.

All life requires energy to survive based on the needs of its physiology. The symbiotic relationship of plants and animals involving photosynthesis, oxygen, and carbon dioxide used to be part of the third-grade science curriculum. If it were today, young students would understand that carbon dioxide is not a poison gas but a necessary part of the cycle of life.

At first, humans performed tasks by hand, alone, or in cooperating groups. Starting with simple tools like the wedge and the wheel, the history of humanity contains a long list of inventions that allow us to perform tasks more efficiently and with greater ease using force multipliers like animal labor, electricity, and the internal combustion engine. Fossil fuels, an important part of that progression, are the most efficient source of energy. No doubt, renewable energy would be preferable in the future, but that technology is not available now on a scale necessary to support the lives and lifestyles of human beings on Earth at this time.

Truth and sunlight eventually expose the deceptive motives of false prophets. Sooner or later, the impassioned disciples, indoctrinated and heavily invested in believing church doctrine, must come to grips with the truth or continue to deny reality.

Trust in Freedom and Resist Tyranny!

[Dr. Dan Eichenbaum’s radio is aired every Saturday and Sunday over WJRB 95.1 FM. Listeners can listen live or via podcast over the internet. Dr. Dan’s guest on Freedom Forum Radio on the weekend of October 23 and 24 is Robert Kappelmann, PE, a well-educated and well-qualified man with a special area of expertise to tackle the reality and deception of Climate Change.

http://report.mnb.email/t.js?s=635219befa17fb5c21775973&u=47362743&v=3&key=6a5f&skey=775fc751d9&url=https%3A%2F%2Fdrdansfreedomforum.com%2Fkappelmann%2F

Part one of this three-part interview begins this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, October 22-23, on WJRB 95.1 FM and streamed live over the Internet. http://report.mnb.email/t.js?s=635219befa17fb5c21775973&u=47362745&v=3&key=ac53&skey=775fc751d9&url=http%3A%2F%2Fradio.securenetsystems.net%2Fv5%2FWJRB

Part two airs Saturday and Sunday, October 29-30, and part three airs Saturday and Sunday, November 5-6. All programs are available by podcast following air time here. http://report.mnb.email/t.js?s=635219befa17fb5c21775973&u=47362747&v=3&key=16a9&skey=775fc751d9&url=https%3A%2F%2Fdrdansfreedomforum.com%2Fpodcast-2%2F

All programs are available by podcast following airtime here. http://report.mnb.email/t.js?s=635219befa17fb5c21775973&u=47362747&v=3&key=16a9&skey=775fc751d9&url=https%3A%2F%2Fdrdansfreedomforum.com%2Fpodcast-2%2F – Editor]

RANDOM THOUGHTS

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Tennessee House Republican lawmakers say if the Vanderbilt University Medical Center doesn’t stop performing gender-affirming surgeries, “all options are on the table” this upcoming legislative session.

On Tuesday, Rep. Jason Zachary (R-Knoxville) and more than 60 of his colleagues signed onto a letter, calling on VUMC to take “immediate action by halting all permanent gender transitioning surgeries being performed on minor children.”

This demand comes after a conservative commentator put out tweets and a video concerning Vanderbilt Medical Center’s Pediatric Transgender Clinic. The commentator alleges the hospital is performing gender-affirming surgeries on minors for profit and forcing doctors to perform these surgeries even if they have moral objections to the procedure.

https://www.wkrn.com/news/tennessee-politics/gop-lawmaker-says-all-options-are-on-the-table-after-demanding-vanderbilt-stop-gender-affirming-surgeries/

RANDOM THOUGHTS

The gambit of “political correctness” – one of the most powerful weapons deployed by “Cancel Culture” regiment of the “Woke” is not a new idea. To wit:

“We must raise tolerance to such a level that intelligent people will be prohibited from thinking so as not to offend the imbeciles.” – Fyodor Dostoyevski

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fyodor_Dostoevsky

RANDOM THOUGHTS

There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest. -Elie Wiesel, writer, Nobel laureate (30 Sep 1928-2016)

RANDOM THOUGHTS

The forest was shrinking but the trees kept voting for the axe, for the axe was clever and had convinced the trees that since his handle was made of wood, he was one of them. – Turkish Proverb

COMMENTS FROM REPRESENTATIVES

Communications were sent to several representatives urging that they work against providing computer chip manufacturers with subsidies but, instead, place tariffs on computer chips manufactured in China. No responses had been received as of press time. – Editor

COMMENTS FROM CORRESPONDENTS

You are invited to become a Correspondent and share thoughts, opinions, ideas, and announcements with others. Please state your city, state, or country in your submissions and email them to: pyrope84045@mypacks.net. Your fellow Conservatives want to hear from you! – Editor

Errata: A comment from Colonel Don Jenkins was published in the October issue, when posting his comment, his rank was mistakenly listed as “Lieutenant Colonel.” We offer our apologies for this error.

Marjorie Davidson, Colorado Springs, CO shares news from her School Board.

Last year, three students in Colorado schools overdosed on illegal drugs while at school that had been run out of Mexico, and at least one of those children died. This year, two students in our local school district were reportedly very close to having overdosed while at school. In late August, we met with our Congressman, Doug Lamborn, to express our concerns for the children who are given fentanyl that has been disguises as drugs – and even candy! At our October 5^th meeting we received some good news: Rep. Lamborn has introduced a bill that we had asked him to write that would allow us to use the money we got during the COVID pandemic to purchase anti-overdose kits, and then to provide training to school staff and students on how to use these kits should someone overdose while at school. We really hope this bill will pass and I would like to ask you to request your readers to contact their Representatives to support it. Thank you.

[Ms. Davidson made reference to H.R. 8968 “To allow States and local educational agencies to use unspent COVID-19 elementary and secondary school emergency relief funds to purchase life-saving opioid antagonists and to provide related training and education to students and teachers.” This bill is listed in the LEGISLATIVE REPORT feature of this edition. – Editor]

Steve Wachter New York, NY

Electric cars are just temporary. “They” don’t want you to have a personal car at all. “They” want you on a bike or a bus, or walking.

“They” would have taken the gasoline away already but they’d get too much pushback, and be thrown out of office.

So instead they raised the price so much you won’t want any.

“They” are OK with you buying an electric car at your own expense, but “they” plan on taking the chargers away.

You are not going to be charging many electric cars on the only acceptable form of energy, solar panels and windmills.

Read the novel “Agenda 21” for a view of what that would look like if fully implemented in the USA. It is fiction, and we have to keep it that way. I couldn’t put it down. About $5 on Amazon, or less.

LEGISLATIVE REPORT

The Legislative Report provides information on some of the more remarkable bills that have been introduced in Congress. Its purpose is to provide the reader with information about pending legislation that may prompt the reader to contact their representatives to express their views.

In the emailed version of the Legislative Report, you will see markers + and + on certain bills. The red icon is placed to encourage the reader to contact their representatives and ask them to vote against the legislation. On bills marked with the green icon, the reader is encouraged to contact their elected representatives and ask them to support the legislation. The reader is always encouraged to keep informed about all legislation from other sources so they may be aware of bills that affect our lives. Decide today that you will make your voice heard. If you remain silent, your representatives will never know your thoughts! – Editor

+HR 4081 Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act (John Curtis, R-UT, 8 pages).

To require the disclosure of a camera or recording capability in certain internet-connected devices.

++HR 7780 Mental Health Matters Act (Mark DeSaulnier, D-CA, 76 pages).

To support the behavioral needs of students and youth, invest in the school-based behavioral health workforce, and ensure access to mental health and substance use disorder benefits.

The first revelation as to the purpose of this bill – the change [substance “abuse” to [substance use] “disorder” is an indicator that Mr. DeSaulnier has some nefarious intentions with his legislation. However, the “no-go” point is reached in Section 502, where the author uses a convoluted route to ensure that students with learning disabilities (those whom we formerly knew as persons with “low IQs,” or “mentally retarded”), should be able to “earn” a university degree.

In summary, the gentleman from California has written a bill that would make a university degree even more worthless than it is today! How can our nation compete with the rest of the world if we hand out university degrees to burned-out drug addicts and the mentally deficient?

This bill was passed in the House of Representatives along partisan lines and has been forwarded to the Senate for consideration.

++HR 3843 Merger Filing Fee Modernization Act of 2022 (Joe Neguse, D-CO, 12 pages).

To protect competition and promote antitrust enforcement by adjusting premerger filing fees to increase antitrust enforcement resources.

Corporate mergers have benefitted American consumers as much as any business management strategy in our nation’s history. Mergers have enabled persons with diverse talents to join forces to create better products for less money, but Mr. Neguse’s bill would penalize such strategies to the point where mergers would become impossible, due to the extraordinary fees imposed for doing so. In short, Mr. Neguse’s central-planning ploy is yet another broadside attack on free-market capitalism.

This bill was passed by the House of Representatives with 39 votes from Republicans and has been forwarded to the Senate for consideration.

+++HR 2710 Banking Transparency for Sanctioned Persons Act of 2021 (Bryan Steil, R-WI, 4 pages),

To increase transparency with respect to financial services benefitting state sponsors of terrorism, human rights abusers, and corrupt officials, and for other purposes.

This bill passed on a voice vote and has been forwarded to the Senate for consideration.

++HR 8463 Millennium Challenge Corporation Eligibility Expansion Act (Joaquin Castro, D-TX, 6 pages).

To modify the requirements under the Millennium Challenge Act of 2003 for candidate countries, and for other purposes.

And so, Mr. Castro has entered the world stage to become a player in the foreign aid handout scheme by increasing the number of countries whose government can apply for foreign aid. In this case, the “other purposes” are quite obvious!

This bill passed in the House of Representatives with significant support from Republicans, and has been forwarded to the Senate for consideration. The Conservative Caucus in the House voted to not pass Mr. Castro’s bill.

HR 6967 Chance to Compete Act of 2022 (Jody Hice, R-GA, 22 pages).

To implement merit-based reforms to the civil service hiring system that replace degree-based hiring with skills- and competency-based hiring, and for other purposes.

Mr. Hice’s bill is a nice idea and I am certain that he means well, but defining “merit-based” is going to be more of a challenge than what he had calculated. Should the assessment of a candidate’s “merits” turn out to be based on the arbitrary evaluation of someone (e.g. a Human Resources Administrator), who is fundamentally incapable of understanding the skill set required for a particular job, not only could the accomplishment of the entity’s mission statement be thwarted, it is highly possible that the better candidate could be overlooked. What is an even worse scenario, the taxpayer would be burdened with yet another bureaucrat who is in a position that is beyond their capability.

In spite of its flaws, Mr. Hice’s bill was passed in the House of Representatives and has been forwarded to the Senate for consideration.

+++ S 2551 Artificial Intelligence Training for the Acquisition Workforce Act (Gary Peters, D-MI, 7 pages).

A bill to require the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to establish or otherwise provide an artificial intelligence training program for the acquisition workforce, and for other purposes.

The processes outlined in this bill, if properly managed, would eliminate the need for thousands of workers whose job it is to keep the consumable supplies in stock and to handle the logistics of ordering and delivery scheduling. Overall, it would make the government more efficient. Imagine that!

This bill was passed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate with strong bipartisan support and has been forwarded to Mr. Biden for signature.

++HR 8446 Global Food Security Reauthorization Act of 2022 (Betty McCollum, D-MN, 18 pages).

To modify and extend the Global Food Security Act of 2016.

It is very easy to be charitable when using someone else’s (i.e. the taxpayer’s) money! Ms. McCollum’s bill makes the Federal government a charitable organization but since the monies used to fund those acts of “charity” is confiscated from people who worked for it and given to people who did not work for it – that is tantamount to theft! As with the case of Mr. Castro (see comments on HR 8463), Ms. McCollum is making her debut on the world stage with an attempt to buy a few favors.

For better or worse, this bill passed in the House of Representatives with significant support from Republicans, and has been forwarded to the Senate for consideration. The Conservative Caucus in the House voted to not pass Ms. McCollum’s bill.

++HR 8969 To develop a comprehensive, strategic plan for Federal electric vehicle fleet battery management, and for other purposes (Carolyn Maloney, D-NY, text not yet available).

The purpose of this bill is defined in its title.

+++++HR 8969 To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to increase certain taxes related to firearms, and for other purposes (Danny Davis, D-IL, text not yet available).

Mr. Davis is attempting to remove the right to protect one’s self by, in effect, nullifying our rights guaranteed by the 2^nd Amendment as a means to curtail the number of homicides in Chicago, and other Democrat-run cities and States. It is the typical gambit of ultra-Leftists such as himself to attack a symptom rather than to address the actual problem.

+HR 8968 To allow States and local educational agencies to use unspent COVID-19 elementary and secondary school emergency relief funds to purchase life-saving opioid antagonists and to provide related training and education to students and teachers (Doug Lamborn, R-CO, Text not yet available).

Please see Marjorie Davidson’s comment on this bill, which is printed in the COMMENTS FROM CORRESPONDENTS feature of this edition.

+HR 8953 To allow the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to extend the participation period for covered small business concerns in the 8(a) small business program, and for other purposes (Troy Carter, D-LA, Text not yet available.)

So, the Biden regime reinvigorates a giveaway program run through the SBA that guarantees at least 5% of all government contract dollars will be awarded to “disadvantaged” businesses. (Never mind the qualifications of the people who are running those businesses – just give them the money so “equity” can be achieved!) Now, Mr. Carter wants to extend the qualifying deadline. https://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-assistance-programs/8a-business-development-program

+++++HR 8961 To abolish the Department of Education and to provide funding directly to States for elementary and secondary education, and for other purposes (Louie Ghomert, R-TX, Text not yet available).

Yes, I know Representative Ghomert has shared a “pipe dream” but it’s only such because we know the majority of Republicans (and NONE of the Democrats) would ever have the nerve to do what should be done in this matter.

+HR 8971 To establish a National Council on African American History and Culture within the National Endowment for the Humanities, and for other purposes (Kweisi Mfume, D-MD, Text not yet available).

It has been a while since we’ve heard from Mr. Mfume; if memory serves, his most recent successful attempt to get something inked by the President was back in 1990, when he introduced a resolution naming a week in November “Vocational – Technical Education Week.” Of course, he has seldom failed to be a dependable vote for any legislation introduced by a Democrat.

+HR 8980 To establish a moratorium on energy development in certain areas of the Gulf of Mexico, and for other purposes (Michael Waltz, R-FL, Text not yet available).

In the same manner that representatives from California have sought to ban oil and gas exploration off the coast of their State, Mr. Waltz has acquired their “NIMBY” attitude. All Americans who demand access to our petroleum products should be willing to enable its production wherever it is available.

+HR 8542 Mental Health Justice Act of 2022 (Katie Porter, D-CA, 10 pages).

To amend the Public Health Service Act to authorize grants to States, Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, Urban Indian organizations, and political subdivisions thereof to hire, employ, train, and dispatch mental health professionals to respond in lieu of law enforcement officers in emergencies involving one or more persons with a mental illness or an intellectual or developmental disability, and for other purposes.

In other words, Ms. Porter wants to codify defunding the police via Federal law.

+++++S 4962 A bill to establish within the Office of Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment of the United States Agency for International Development a rural mobility program to promote mobility in rural communities through access to affordable, fit-for-purpose bicycles, to provide support to sustainably increase access to rural areas, and for other purposes (Richard Durbin, D-IL, text not yet available).

So, let me see if I’ve got this right: Dickie Durbin wants to give every person who lives out in the country a bicycle, in a model that the Federal government deems fitting and appropriate, if and only if they are a woman or identify as a woman. Tell me we don’t need to be concerned about the mental fitness of those who run this country. Go ahead, tell me!

+S 4949 A bill to amend Title 38, United States Code, to address green burial sections in national cemeteries, and for other purposes (Jon Tester, D-MT, Text not yet available).

This bill has been discussed recently in the media; it has also been referred to as “The Composting Bill,” that would authorize the disposal of human remains in a special section of National Cemeteries in an effort to conserve space for future veterans. There would be no specific grave marker in such sections and the bodies of persons interred there would not be embalmed in a traditional fashion.

I guess such a bill would give new meaning to the old phrase “pushing up daisies.”

+S 4951 A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to prohibit collection of copayments for the first three outpatient mental health care visits of veterans each calendar year, and for other purposes (Jon Ossoff, D-GA, Text not yet available).

This is another one of those “feel good” bills, the purpose of which is to present a façade that the erstwhile Senator feels compassion toward his fellow human beings. Under close scrutiny, it becomes obvious that such an idea is, at best, the workings of a mind who understands nothing about the workings of the service industry. Please consider: If the provider of a service is not permitted to charge their full fee for providing such service, they will refuse to provide that service. Where would this leave those veterans who so desperately need help with mental health issues?

+S 4968 A bill to create an Active Shooter Alert Communications Network, and for other purposes (Alejandro Padilla, D-CA, Text not yet available).

Imagine the look on Alex’s face when he learns that such a network already exists, and models for adaptation and training are available to every law enforcement agency that requests them.

+S4948 A bill to allow States to authorize State and local law enforcement officers to enforce the provisions of Federal immigration law relating to unlawful entry into the United States (Josh Hawley, R-MO, Text not yet available).

As the rules are applied today, State, County, and municipal law enforcement agencies are not allowed to enforce Federal immigration laws – they must make referrals to the appropriate Federal agencies. Senator Hawley’s bill would enable non-Federal law enforcement agencies to arrest and hold persons suspected of violating immigration laws.

If the bill passes, one may expect challenges from organizations e.g. the ACLU (“All Criminals Love Us”).

+HR 8989 To lower consumer fuel prices, and for other purposes (Frank Pallone, D-NJ, Text not yet available).

Since Mr. Pallone is all in on the “Green New Deal,” it is highly likely that the bill he is trying to hatch would contain either further depletion of our Strategic Petroleum Reserves or price fixing.

+S4254 Disclosing Foreign Influence in Lobbying Act (Chuck Grassley, R-IA, 4 pages).

A bill to amend the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 to clarify a provision relating to certain contents of registrations under that Act.

Perhaps it is wishful thinking that such a bill would expose numerous Democrats who have made millions of dollars off of influence peddling to foreign governments but it is at least a step in the right direction. . .assuming Senator Grassley’s bill makes it out of committee.

++HR 9008 To increase the size of the Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve, and for other purposes (Ann Kuster, D-NH, Text not yet available).

As Gomer Pyle used to say: “Surprise! Surprise! Surprise!” It seems Ms. Kuster has regained consciousness only to realize winter is on its way and, because Mr. Biden destroyed our nation’s energy independence – with her glowing approval! – her constituents might well freeze to death in the dark unless she can manipulate the Strategic Petroleum Reserves to fill the empty heating oil tanks in New Hampshire. Typical Democrat!

++HR 9014 To provide for supplemental appropriations to increase the number of Americorps members and to increase the living allowances of such members, and for other purposes (Eleanor Holmes-Norton, D-DC, Text not yet available).

So, not only does Ms. Holmes-Norton want the taxpayers to continue funding America’s quintessential “community organizer” group, she wants to give them all a raise!

+++HR 9003 To allow States to authorize State and local law enforcement officers to enforce the provisions of Federal immigration law relating to unlawful entry into the United States (Paul Gosar, R-AZ, Text not yet available).

Representative Gosar’s bill voices the concerns of millions of American Citizens who are frustrated by the failure of the Biden regime to enforce the laws they swore to uphold.

+++HR 9023 To rescind certain balances made available to the Internal Revenue Service and redirect them to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (Claudia Tenney, R-NY, Text not yet available).

Ms. Tenney is advocating a redirection of the recent $16 Billion in allocations to the IRS, for the purpose of hiring 87,000 new Revenuers.

++HR 8994 To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Grant Program through which the Secretary may make grants to EMS organizations, and for other purposes (Andy Kim, D-NJ, Text not yet available).

Mr. Kim is sticking to his socialist values in that his bills advocate for a Soviet-style “central planning” budget scheme. He recently introduced another bill, H.R. 9007, which would require all schools – both public and private – to install opiate overdose response packages and require training be provided for students and staff.

++HR 9018 To require the Secretary of Energy to establish a hydrogen infrastructure finance and innovation pilot program, and for other purposes. (Scott Peters, CA-D, Text not yet available).

Let me guess, that “pilot” program to create a hydrogen infrastructure would be take place in California, and it would provide a source of fuel for automobiles powered by hydrogen that will be required in California, post 2035. Bingo!

++HR 9022 To support research, development, demonstration, and other activities to develop innovative vehicle technologies, and for other purposes (Hayley Stevens, D-MI, Text not yet available).

Not to be outdone by her colleague, Scott Peters (D-CA), who introduced a multi-billion dollar subsidy system for hydrogen fuel infrastructure development for his constituents, Ms. Stevens is trying to score some swag for her state, to help Chrysler, Ford, and GM to out-do Tesla, and other free-market manufacturers of electric vehicles.

++HR 8999 To amend the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to provide for the expiration of emergency temporary standards after 6 months (Madison Cawthorn, R-NC, Text not yet available).

So, instead of pushing legislation that would place restrictions on, and limit the freedom of Americans, Mr. Cawthorn is trying to place sunset dates on rules and regulations. What’s not to like!

++++HR 8995 To require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a program to reimburse health care providers for furnishing rabies post-exposure prophylaxis to uninsured individuals (Ami Bera, D-CA, Text not yet available).

When a homeless person is bitten by a rat that may or may not have rabies, Mr. Bera’s bill would require a taxpayer in a city or town that does not have a homeless problem to foot the bill for the medication. This is a glaring example of what Socialism is all about. No rational person wishes to see anyone die of this disease, but the funding for such medical care is the responsibility of the municipality or the State.

++S 4897 A bill to require certain nonprofit and not-for-profit social welfare organizations to submit disclosure reports on foreign funding to the Attorney General, and for other purposes (Chuck Grassley, R-IA, Text not yet available).

Reading the title of this bill, George Soros, or any number of other bad actors come to mind.

++++S 4983 A bill to require the Secretary of Energy to establish a program to encourage deployment of electric school buses and vehicle-to-grid technologies and applications, and for other purposes (John Hickenlooper, D-CO, Text not yet available).

The Democrat’s insistence on subsidizing the ‘Green New Deal” never ends.

+HR 9097 To expand and improve the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, and for other purposes (James Clyburn, D-SC, Text not yet available).

The words “expand” and “improve” are contradictory in nature. In reality, Mr. Clyburn wishes to hold responsible persons accountable for the actions of irresponsible persons. Yep, that’s what Socialists do!

++++HR 9110 To provide bankruptcy relief for student borrowers (Jerrold Nadler, D-NY, Text not yet available).

“Mr. Zipper” is challenging his colleague, Mr. Clyburn in the way of holding responsible persons accountable for the actions of irresponsible persons.

+S 5008 A bill to promote affordable access to evidence-based opioid treatments under the Medicare program and require coverage of medication assisted treatment for opioid use disorders, opioid overdose reversal medications, and recovery support services by health plans without cost-sharing requirements (Robert Casey, D-PA, Text not yet available.

“The message Mr. Casey is sending to addicts or anyone who is considering using potentially lethal drugs is this: Go ahead, use those drugs, become addicted, overdose if you’d like; the taxpayers will bail you out if you choose to be irresponsible.”

Removing the dangers associated with irresponsible behavior increases the likelihood that people will behave irresponsibly!

+S 5038 A bill to reform the use of solitary confinement and other forms of restrictive housing in the Bureau of Prisons, and for other purposes (Richard Durbin, D-IL, Text not yet available).

It seems Mr. Durbin does not fully understand the necessity of solitary confinement in prisons, therefore; before introducing his bill, perhaps he should dedicate a year of his life to working in a maximum security prison so he could learn both sides of this argument.

+S 5058 A bill to require the imposition of sanctions with respect to purchases of crude oil from the Russian Federation (Bill Cassidy, R-LA, Text not yet available).

Senator Cassidy’s bill could be improved if he included maintaining sanctions on Brazil and Iran.

+S 5002 A bill to allow for alternatives to animal testing for purposes of drug and biological product applications (Rand Paul, R-KY, 3 pages).

This bill was passed in the Senate and has been forwarded to the House of Representatives for consideration.

+S 5018 A bill to establish Department of Homeland Security funding restrictions on institutions of higher education that have a relationship with Confucius Institutes, and for other purposes (Rick Scott, R-FL, Text not yet available).

For years, China has been stealing our intellectual property. One of the ways they steal it is to send “students” to the United States, who enroll in universities that are on the cutting edge of technological development. These agents of the Chinese Communist Party transmit our leading technological developments back to China, where it is used against us. Senator Scott’s bill would help to stop this practice.

+S 5036 A bill to require the sale of ammunition stockpiled by the Internal Revenue Service (Roger Marshall, R-KS, Text not yet available).

During the 0bama regime, the IRS began stockpiling various types of ammunition – some 5.6 million rounds by most estimates. Senator Marshall’s bill would require the IRS to sell a large portion of that ammunition.

+S 5024 A bill to prevent the theft of catalytic converters and other precious metal car parts, and for other purposes (Amy Klobuchar, D-MN, Text not yet available).

Dear Amy, it’s called “theft” and there are already many laws against “theft.” We don’t need more laws.

+HR 9076 To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow parents pursuing a higher education degree to take the tax credit for expenses for household and dependent care services (Kim Schrier, D-WA, Text not yet available).

Ms. Schrier’s idea seems like an engraved invitation to misuse Federal funds. Not only does this bill enable “students” to get “free” maid service, but also “free” childcare if the parent(s) is/are away from home attending classes or meeting with “study groups.” Study groups; yes, I remember those, in fact, my favorite study group met at a tavern, just off campus.

+HR 9070 National Museum of American LGBTQ+ History and Culture Act (Mark Pocan, D-WI, 11 pages).

To establish within the Smithsonian Institution the National Museum of American LGBTQ+ History and Culture, and for other purposes.

The acronym stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning. The “+” symbol includes other categories such as intersex and asexual. The bill currently has 60 co-sponsors.

Presumably the walking route to the museum from the D.C. Metro system’s Smithsonian stop wouldn’t be a “straight” path.

(See also H.R. 9071).

+++++HR 9087 To restart onshore and offshore oil and gas leasing, streamline permitting for energy infrastructure, ensure transparency in energy development on Federal lands, and for other purposes (Bruce Westerman, R-AR, Text not yet available).

This is one of the main reasons why we must vote to give the Republicans the majority in both Chambers.

+HR 9133 To require financial institutions to freeze the assets of individuals arrested under suspicion of participating in domestic terrorism or providing material support to terrorists, to establish a national clearinghouse for information on incidents of homegrown “lone wolf” terrorism, domestic terrorism, and persons providing material support to terrorists, and for other purposes (Josh Gottheimer, D-NJ, Text not yet available).

To begin with, I must say that Mr. Gottheimer is very conservative . . . for a Democrat. In fact, according to numerous reliable sources, he is more conservative than at least thirty Republicans in the House of Representatives. However, the legislation he has sponsored (which was co-sponsored by a Republican – Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1), has the potential to become a tool that could be used by political enemies of a ruling regime – much in the same way that Mr. 0bama used the IRS and OSHA to attack his political enemies.

+HR 9075 To call on the Islamic Republic of Iran to immediately end violations of the human rights, and facilitate the unconditional, immediate release, of all arbitrarily detained individuals, including peaceful protesters, political prisoners, and prisoners of conscience, and for other purposes (Adam Schiff, D-CA, Text not yet available).

I am just certain the Ayatollah has already begun to work on achieving total compliance with Mr. Schiff’s request (sarc.).

+HR 9056 To ensure that children in schools have a right to read, and for other purposes (Raul Grijalva, D-AZ, Text not yet available).

So far as we have been led to believe, learning to read is one of the three major reasons we attend school so the question for Mr. Grijalva becomes: To read what? As we have learned from past experiences, the children attending public schools today are exposed to all manner of inappropriate reading material – much of which is designed to indoctrinate them into accepting ideas most parents would find abhorrent.

+HR 9079 To direct the Secretary of Education to establish a program to facilitate the transition to tuition-free community college in certain States, and for other purposes (Adam Smith, D-WA, Text not yet available).

Perhaps a better idea would be to direct the Secretary of Education to bring the standards of our public schools. The United States currently ranks ~24^th among industrialized countries.

++HR 9030 To repeal the corporate alternative minimum tax (Jodey Arrington, R-TX, Text not yet available).

What’s not to like!

+HR 9124 To establish an Office of Environmental Justice within the Department of Justice, and for other purposes (Nanette Barragan, D-CA, Text not yet available.)

Ms. Barragan is among the crowd we know as “environmentalist whackos;” one person remarked she once suggested imposing a special fine on people who crashed their car into trees. One can only imagine what her version of “environmental justice” might look like.

+HR 9138 To amend the Small Business Economic Policy Act of 1980 to examine how the competitiveness of small businesses is affected by the enforcement of Federal antitrust laws, and for other purposes (Marie Newman, D-IL, Text not yet available).

Ms. Newman’s ideology ranking places her in the 2^nd sextile of the most liberal Members of the House of Representatives. Given her extreme liberalism, it is highly likely that the purpose of her bill will be to remove the application of anti-trust laws on minority- and women-owned businesses.

+HR 9129 To establish an Office of Global Competition Analysis, and for other purposes (Jason Crow, D-CO, Text not yet available).

Mr. Crow’s bill could serve only one possible function: to grow the size and regulatory authority of Federal government. In a free-market system, analyzing global competition is the responsibility of the entrepreneur; when government becomes involved, such a system would exist to pick winners and losers – such a system is commonly known as “National Socialism.”

+++++HR 9157 To define the dollar as a fixed weight of gold, and for other purposes (Alexander Mooney, R-WV, Text not yet available.)

This bill would place the US Dollar back on the gold standard. This would guarantee the US Dollar would remain as the World’s Reserve Currency, as the Dollar would no longer be a fiat currency. The best of all results of this bill is that it would negate the existence of the Federal Reserve Bank!

++++HR 9162 To direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to designate illicit fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction, and for other purposes (Brad Wenstrup, R-OH, Text not yet available).

The deployment of a “weapon of mass destruction” is integral to identifying a group of individuals as a “terrorist organization.” Given that fentanyl has killed (to date), more than 700,000 Americans, a reasonable person would conclude that fentanyl is, in fact, a “weapon of mass destruction.” However, there is more to consider: If the drug cartels are identified as a “terrorist organization,” then those countries who aid and abet such an organization are reasonably identified as “State Sponsors of Terrorism,” and this would include Mexico and China.

+++HR 9149 To prohibit public companies from repurchasing their shares on the open market, and for other purposes (Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, D-IL, Text not yet available).

“Chuy” starts off by obfuscating the intent of his bill by implying in the bill’s title that his bill refers to “publicly-funded” companies (e.g. National Public Radio), when, in actuality, he is referring to “publicly traded” companies – those in which persons may purchase stock shares. That said, “Chuy’s” bill would abrogate the right of a company to divest itself of shareholders, and thus revert to being a privately-owned enterprise. Such an anti-capitalism proposal becomes easier to understand when one considers “Chuy” resides in the left-most sector in the first sextile of the most liberal Members of the House of Representatives. Basically, “Chuy” is a Commie!

+HR 9145 To ensure that significantly more students graduate college with the international knowledge and experience essential for success in today’s global economy through the establishment of the Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Program in the Department of State (Cheri Bustos, D-IL, Text not yet available).

In short, more lunacy from the Left.

+HR 9142 To amend the Older Americans Act of 1965 to establish a LGBTQI rural outreach grant program, and for other purposes (Suzanne Bonamici, D-OR, Text not yet available).

Should the Federal government use our tax dollars to fund an “outreach” grant program targeting non-heterosexuals who live out in the country? Really?

+HR 9155 To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to impose the alternative minimum tax on certain State regulated electric utilities that have not fully adopted climate-resilient infrastructure (Josh Harder, D-CA, Text not yet available).

This bill would codify the imposition of the “Green New Deal” on all utility companies, which would increase utility costs by as much as 100%.

+++HR 9170 To provide an additional appropriation for the Emergency Food and Shelter Program, and for other purposes (Eleanor Holmes-Norton, D-DC, 2 pages).

Ms. Holmes-Norton was among the majority of Democrats who chided and snobbishly ignoring the Governors of Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California (States on our southern border), and Florida for pleading for more funds to help deal with the influx of more than 3 million illegal aliens, but now that a few busloads of illegal aliens have been shipped to her town, she’s crying like a jilted bride, and demanding that funds be appropriated from Division A of the Continuing Appropriations and Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023 (Public Law 117–180). Specifically, her bill – if passed – would amend Sec. 158 to read: In addition to amounts otherwise made available by section 101, there is appropriated $50,000,000 for an additional amount for fiscal year 2023, to remain available until expended, for the Federal Emergency Management Agency—Federal Assistance account, to be made available to the emergency food and shelter program for purposes of providing shelter and other services to families and individuals encountered by the Department of Homeland Security.

Imagine what Ms. Holmes-Norton might do with $50 million – whose palms might be greased and whose pockets might be stuffed with taxpayer dollars.

++HR 9171 To reimburse the State of Texas for Operation Lone Star, and for other purposes (August Pfluger, R-TX, Text not yet available).

Operation Lone Star is an initiative by Governor Greg Abbot (TX) to deploy Texas State Troopers and National Guardsmen/women to assist Customs and Border Patrol Officers, to help deal with the enormous rise of illegal aliens. This initiative is financed from the State’s revenues.

https://www.texastribune.org/2022/03/30/operation-lone-star-texas-explained/

++HR 9172 To prohibit individuals who are not citizens of the United States from voting in elections in the District of Columbia (August Pfluger, R-TX, Text not yet available).

The purpose of this bill is explained in its title.

++S 5071 A bill to amend the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to require that the Strategic Petroleum Reserve only includes petroleum products produced in the United States, and for other purposes (Dan Sullivan, R-AK, Text not yet available).

Language should be added to prevent the withdrawal of product from the US Strategic Petroleum Reserve for political purposes.

+++HR 9182 To establish a national network of electric vehicle charging stations, and for other purposes (Andy Levin, D-MI, Text not yet available).

Free market capitalism is non-existent when the government insists on picking winners and losers, and this is precisely what Mr. Levin’s bill is all about! The Democrats are intent on forcing Americans to accept electric vehicles – a move that is ultimately designed to exact total control over We the People. “Agenda 21” is becoming a reality.

++HR 9174 To authorize State enforcement of immigration laws, and for other purposes (Andy Biggs, R-AZ, Text not yet available).

It has become abundantly clear that all Departments, Agencies, Bureaus, and Offices of Federal government who are empowered to enforce laws relating to the illegal crossing of our border (specifically under Title 8 – US Code), have failed to honor their obligation. Since the Biden regime has abjectly refused to address these matters, the Congressman is seeking to pass legislation that would enable the several States to enforce the laws that the Federal government has refused to enforce.

++HR 9194 To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to impose an excise tax on water use during droughts, and for other purposes (Ruben Gallego, D-AZ, Text not yet available).

While droughts impose hardships on local populations, it should be incumbent upon State or municipal governments to deter the overuse of available water supply by the means of those governments’ choices – it is not a matter of concern at the Federal level!

++HR 9197 To prohibit the use of Federal funds to develop, implement, facilitate, or fund any sexually-oriented program, event, or literature for children under the age of 10, and for other purposes (Mike Johnson, R-LA, Text not yet available).

The only thing that may be wrong with this bill is that the age level is eight years too low.

++HR 9201 To amend the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to promote mental wellness and resilience and heal mental health, behavioral health, and psychosocial problems through age and culturally appropriate community programs, and award grants for the purpose of establishing, operating, or expanding community-based mental wellness and resilience programs, and for other purposes (Paul Tonko, D-NY, Text not yet available).

While people with mental health issues may receive counselling (amended with various chemical and other treatments) to help them find a way to cope with their mental health issues, there is no known “cure” for mental illness. Furthermore, since the definition of “mental illness” has remained fluid, the distribution of grants would likely be dependent upon the “word artistry” used by the applicants.

++HR 9200 To amend the Public Health Service Act to increase access to accelerated nursing degree programs, and for other purposes (Haley Stevens, D-MI, Text not yet available).

So, Representative Stevens has been read in on the fact that there is a shortage of nurses, and her solution to that problem is to lower the standards (practicum hours and classroom hours?) required to get a nursing degree. The question is, if there was a shortage of neurosurgeons, would she advocate lowering the standards for that profession, too?

RHEA COUNTY REPUBLICAN PARTY NEWS

Our Condolences to the Family of Elizabeth Gryder –

It is with great sadness we report: On 13 September, Elizabeth “Bitsy” Gryder, Chair of The Rhea County Republican Party, resigned from her position due to health reasons. On 7 October, Bitsy lost her battle with cancer. The Rhea County Republican Party has lost a good friend, a true champion of liberty, and a strong advocate for Republican values. We shall miss her.

November Meeting –

The next meeting of the Rhea County Republican Party will be held on 3 November, at the Sheriff’s Training Center, 711 Eagle Ln, Evensville, TN. Please join us and bring a Friend!

Teams Members Sought –

Have you wanted to play a role in the success of the Rhea County Republican Party? We are in the process of organizing various Teams for that purpose. Join us at our next meeting and consider volunteering your talents for an important cause.

LAGNIAPPE

Dr. John Droz, Jr.

Morehead, NC

I wrote the following on New Year’s Day, of 2020. Are we making any progress?

Successful, happy people typically have the wise habit of periodically stepping-back to get a broader perspective as to what’s going on in their life, and society in general.

Since we are now not only beginning a New Year, but also a New Decade, it seems that doing such a careful analysis is strongly advisable.

You’ll have to decide about the pros and cons of your own life, but here is my perspective as to what is societally going on — what I’m calling the Big Picture.

On the one hand, a competent review of the last ten years would indicate that a LOT of good things have transpired. I’ve seen no better summary of this progress than:

We’ve Just Had the Best Decade in Human History. Seriously!

Please read that carefully so that you have a strong understanding of that unpublicized (and accordingly, not widely appreciated) reality.

Based on the facts, the logical conclusion is that global citizens should be experiencing widespread happiness, satisfaction, and enthusiasm for the future.

Is that the case? Generally NO!

Well why not? Because we still have good and evil.

For example, there are diabolical, well-connected parties who have a lust for power. Citizen contentment is a major obstacle to their taking over control of the planet. The most effective way they can get people to want to change, is to make them unhappy with the way things are now. That means downplaying positive developments and exaggerating bad news…

To change our focus from good news, their strategy is to resort to three proven tactics:

instill fear into the masses,
undermine the pillars of the current, successful society, and
sow societal discord.

Consider that the leader of the free world (our representative) is under an intense, incessant, coordinated attack — including removal from office — primarily because of his policies.

The subversives are leaving no stone unturned to try to make the public afraid of him and his policies (e.g., his rightfully withdrawing from the Paris agreement sham).

They claim that they are opposed to his “lying,” but the reality is that they are actually angered by the swamp-exposing truths he has said.

Regarding undermining the pillars of our current, successful society, our opponents are doing one or more of the following:

Willfully eroding the Judeo-Christian principles that America was founded on.
Purposefully corroding our democratic form of government.
Aggressively diluting our academic system (to produce propagandized lemmings).
Consciously sabotaging true Science (as it is a barrier to their agendas).
Knowingly subverting our economic system (Capitalism).
Deliberately undermining our Electric Grid (the foundation of our economy and national security).

What’s even worse, in all of these campaigns, these parties have no apparent standards (note the first item above) regarding truth, fairness, rights, freedoms — yet they speciously claim the moral high ground!

The third of their main tactics for pulling off their political agenda is to sow divisiveness and discord — so that we fight among ourselves.

In this vile effort they are pitting: men vs women, whites vs minorities, hard workers vs entitlement advocates, wealthy vs not-so-much, young vs old, straights vs gays, citizens vs immigrants, traditional religions vs secular religion, real science vs political science, democracy vs socialism, etc., etc.

This is literally death by a thousand stings… Once one fully understands these attacks, it should be very clear that we are in the biggest war ever experienced in history.

What can YOU do?

In the face of such adversity, it may seem that nothing YOU do will make any real difference. However, that is yet another lie they are feeding us — so don’t buy it!

The truth is what Margaret Meade insightfully said: “A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

A less well-known insight she also wrote: “Prayer does not use up artificial energy, doesn’t burn up any fossil fuel, doesn’t pollute.”

My recommendation is to be aware of what is going on, and then consciously oppose the efforts of those who wish to bring us down, e.g. by actively supporting:

1 – The Judeo-Christian principles that our society was built on (e.g. more love and unity, less hate and alienation),

2 – Our democratic form of government (a Republic),

3 – Our academic system (to produce critical-thinking graduates),

4 – Real Science (which is apolitical by definition),

5 – Our economic system (while working to make it better), and

6 – Our Electric Grid (by not allowing any alternative energies on it that haven’t been scientifically proven to be a NET societal benefit).

CONTACT YOUR ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES TODAY!

Regardless of where you live in the United States, you can find your elected representatives at any level of government by visiting the following link. Remember: While they might be fairly bright, none of them can read your mind, so it is your obligation as a citizen to express your thoughts (and to urge all your friends and family and like-minded folks to do the same!)

https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials

Here’s a handy guide for Tennesseans in the 4^th Congressional District:

Joseph Robinette Biden (a.k.a. the “Big Guy”)

The White House

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue

Washington D.C. 20500

Phone: (202) 456-1414

Fax: (202) 456-2461

e-mail http://www.whitehouse.gov

president@whitehouse.gov

U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn

357 Dirksen Senate Office Building