I am a proud poppy to six beautiful grandchildren. One of the books we read together often is the classic If you give a mouse a cookie:

“If you give a mouse a cookie, he’s going to ask for a glass of milk. When you give him the milk, he’ll probably ask for a straw. When he’s finished, he’ll ask you for a napkin.”  

The book is a story of personal responsibility, a reminder that what we do, or fail to do, matters. That is the message I have for Washington Democrats today: What you do matters.

You cannot spend trillions of dollars without consequence. You cannot increase the role of government in citizens’ lives without crippling individual responsibility. You cannot grant amnesty to illegal immigrants without ignoring the rule of law.

We are witnessing a historic moment. For nearly two years, our lives have been subject to unprecedented government control. It began out of necessity – unprecedented public health measures in the early days of the pandemic made sense in some locations and situations. But Washington Democrats are capitalizing on a season of federal intrusion with relentless policies that grow the role of bureaucracy in almost every aspect of our lives.

This holiday season, my grandchildren and I will be reading a new book. It goes a little something like this:

If you give Joe Biden a COVID-19 vaccine, he’s going to make it mandatory.

When he makes it mandatory, he’s going to take away jobs. 

When he takes away jobs, he’ll ask taxpayers to pay for higher unemployment checks.

When unemployment rates skyrocket, he’ll spike taxes on business owners and force workers to unionize.

When that doesn’t work, he’ll ram a $3 trillion spending package through Congress with the promise of helping grow our economy.

When the bill becomes law, it spikes taxes on middle America, gives illegal immigrants $450,000 for breaking the law, implements Green New Deal proposals that cripple our energy sector, contributes to the 30-year inflation high, and benefits only the wealthy.

When he sees how these policies are harming the American people, he will do nothing to stop it.

I am here to remind you all today that the fight is not over. The Build Back Broke agenda narrowly skated through the House but faces a treacherous path through the Senate.

I pledge to continue fighting against this disastrous bill and every piece of legislation that continues Biden’s socialist agenda.  

Wednesday, November 17, 2021: Today begins with a GOP special guest series forum where we hear from Ian Prior, CEO of Headwaters Media and co-founder of the Daily Malarkey. Ian is a resident of nearby Loudoun County, VA, and shares with us his experience of dealing with the local school board and how education became such a hot button issue during Virginia’s most recent gubernatorial election. After a fascinating discussion, I head to a Republican Member Forum of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee (OGR) where they are reviewing the role of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) in the pharmaceutical market. The Ranking Member (highest ranking minority party member) of the committee, James Comer (R-KY), has asked me to wave on to his committee and ask questions. Next, I head to an E&C full committee markup and later head back to the O&I hearing on PBM’s and ask another set of questions. Afterwards, I have a virtual call with the American College of Mohs Surgery, (ACMS), where I am the guest speaker during their virtual advocacy day. Later, I head to the House Chamber for our first vote series of the day and afterwards, head to the House Steps where I participate in a press conference with GOP leadership discussing President Joe Biden’s runaway inflation crisis. Once back in my office, I have a virtual meeting with members of the American Israel Political Action Committee (AIPAC) to discuss issues related to Israel. Afterwards, I head back to the House Chamber where we have our second vote series of the day and after votes I remain in the Chamber to pay tribute to Katie Hern, who has recently been appointed to the State of Georgia Disability Council. Remaining in the Chamber afterwards, I take part in a Special Order to discuss President Biden’s Thanksgiving Turkey Tax. After a meeting off Capitol Hill with the CEOs of water system fixtures and supplies, I head back to the House Chamber where I speak during a Special Order on vaccine mandates. 

Thursday, November 18, 2021: Our guest speakers at our weekly Doctor’s Caucus meeting this week are staff members from the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) and the E&C Committee as they lead us in a discussion on the Democrats' prescription drug pricing proposals in the budget reconciliation act. After a meeting off Capitol Hill, I head back to the Rayburn Building where we have our weekly E&C Republican Member Meeting. Next, I head to a Select Committee on Climate Crisis hearing on how climate change will impact tribal communities. Once back in my office, I meet with representatives from the National Job Corps programs to hear more about the great work they are doing with the youth in our communities. After our all staff conference call, I head to the House Chamber for our first vote series of the day and afterwards head to the House Triangle where I participate in a press conference opposing vaccine mandates. Next, I head off of Capitol Hill to a nearby gas station where I film this week’s edition of Buddy’s Briefing. Afterwards, I head to the Hart Senate Office Building, where I film a public service announcement (PSA) for the Doctor’s Caucus that encourages people to get their yearly flu shot. Later, I head back to the House Chamber for our second vote series of the day, where we debate on the Democrat’s $3.5 trillion Socialist Tax and Spend bill begins. It is important to note that while the Democrats claim the bill now ONLY has a $1.75 trillion price tag, very little has changed as the programs have essentially stayed the same, but their duration has been shortened to decrease the cost estimates. It is expected that we will have another vote series after debate tonight as it is limited to only two hours. However, the Majority and Minority Leaders of the House are allowed what is referred to as the “magic minute,” which means they can speak for as long as they want during debate. At 8:38 p.m., Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) begins his comments on the bill. A full 8 hours and 33 minutes later at 5:11a.m. on Friday morning, Leader McCarthy finishes his remarks. It is the longest speech in the history of the U.S. House of Representatives. 

Friday, November 19, 2021: Shortly after the House convenes this morning at 8:00 a.m., I head to the House Chamber where we have a series of 3 votes and where, sadly, the Democrats are successful in passing their $3.5 trillion Socialist Tax and Spending bill. As I leave the Capitol, I have mixed emotions. While I am deeply disappointed and dejected, I remain hopeful that the Senate will be able to stop this financial insanity and stop the Democrats and the Biden Administration from turning the American dream into a socialist nightmare.