Weekly Columns

The month of August marks National Immunization Awareness Month, which is a very timely subject considering the unprecedented circumstances we are facing in the world right now. For decades, communities around the globe have relied on vaccinations and immunizations to protect us from dangerous, deadly diseases. This month, it is important to remember that vaccines not only protect you, they also protect at-risk individuals around you and ultimately save lives.

In the long history of our great Republic, neither Congress nor those who serve there have ever been held in high regard. And, if polling is to be believed, the institution and its members have never been more unpopular than they are today.

Last week, Congress made significant progress on critical legislation that supports our common defense and ensures protection of U.S. interests around the world. While much work remains in the days and weeks ahead, I am proud that lawmakers in both chambers are one step closer to completing the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for the sixtieth year in a row.

During the first couple weeks of July, the House Appropriations Committee, on which I serve, met for a marathon of legislative markups. Specifically, we worked through the 12 annual bills that fund the federal government. While I am always encouraged to see this critical process moving forward in Congress, the bills as written provide a false sense of accomplishment.

Enshrined in Article I, Section 2 of the United States Constitution is the mandate that the nation's population get counted every 10 years. Since 1790, this undertaking, known as the U.S. Census, has occurred at the start of every decade. Though the process has evolved and been streamlined over more than two centuries, the success and accuracy of every census ultimately rests with participation. While the coronavirus pandemic has disrupted and delayed a great many things this year, the 2020 U.S. Census is still underway, and your engagement is critical and requires very little effort.

This year, Independence Day comes at a time of great crisis and unrest for our country. But while the events of our day are troubling, remember that our nation was first born out of and found its footing in crisis. Throughout our great history spanning nearly 245 years, Americans have continually overcome even the most difficult challenges. That's because Americans always rise to the occasion, proving our nation's great strength. Certainly, that enduring strength and unbeatable resilience is alive as we navigate this season of crisis as well.

Following the reprehensible treatment and tragic death of George Floyd, there has rightly been a national outcry against what took place both under the watch of and at the hands of police officers in Minneapolis – a clear and despicable violation of the solemn oath police officers take to serve and protect their fellow citizens. While the overwhelming majority of officers faithfully and bravely discharge their responsibilities each and every day, the death of George Floyd is a sobering reminder that abuses of power clearly exist and must be addressed.