U.S. Passes Legislation to Secure American Elections, Protect Americans' Access to Affordable Home Appliances, and Safeguard Women and Girls' Access to Educational Opportunities
This week, Rep. Barry Loudermilk (GA-11) supported several pieces of critical legislation - to protect the fundamental right to vote by requiring proof of citizenship in order to cast a ballot in a federal election, protect Americans' access to affordable, quality home appliances, and safeguard women and girls' access to educational opportunities. Bills are as follows:
H.R. 8281 – Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act – Rep. Chip Roy (TX-21)
This legislation preserves one of the most fundamental rights afforded to American citizens – the right to vote – by requiring proof of citizenship in order to cast a ballot in a federal election.
The National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) requires states to provide a federal voter registration form at the time an individual applies for a driver’s license or for state benefits. In some states, non-citizens, including illegal immigrants, are eligible to receive driver’s licenses and public assistance, meaning non-citizens have likely been provided voter registration forms in these states.
While only U.S. citizens can vote in federal elections, the NVRA prevents states from requiring proof of citizenship.
On March 7, 2021, President Biden signed the ‘‘Executive Order on Promoting Access to Voting’’ that requires federal agencies to expand opportunities to register to vote. Under this EO, non-citizens engaging with a federal agency are likely to encounter voter registration materials.
Under President Biden, nearly five million illegal aliens have been released into the United States, in addition to nearly two million known “gotaways.” The Biden Administration’s failure at our southern border should not dilute the voting power reserved solely for American citizens.
Specifically, H.R. 8281:
Amends the NVRA to require states to obtain documentary proof of U.S. citizenship and identity – in person – when registering an individual to vote in a federal election.
Directs states to establish a process for applicants that do not have documentary proof of citizenship but are in fact U.S. citizens and directs states to provide reasonable accommodations for disabled Americans and applicants that have discrepancies on their documentation due to a name change.
Requires states to establish a program to remove non-citizens from their existing voter rolls and gives states immediate, no-cost access to federal databases with citizenship information to do so.
Empowers citizens to bring civil suits against election officials who fail to uphold the Act’s requirements, via the existing NVRA private right of action.
Adds penalties for federal, state, and local officials who knowingly register non-citizens to vote in federal elections.
Under President Biden’s leadership, life remains unaffordable for American families. These measures stop the Biden Administration’s burdensome and costly regulatory agenda by reinforcing current consumer protection measures and establishing clear prohibitions for energy efficiency standard rulemakings, protecting Americans’ access to affordable, quality home appliances.
In pursuit of their radical, Green New Deal Agenda, the Biden Administration continues to issue energy efficiency rules for appliances that drive up costs and reduce reliability. Hardworking Americans, not faceless Washington bureaucrats, should be able to choose what appliances best fits the needs of their families.
The Department of Energy’s (DOE) own analysis shows that efficiency mandates for refrigerators could increase upfront costs by 25%, and it could take consumers 10 years to payback the increased costs for a product that may only last 14-15 years.
DOE’s analysis also finds that efficiency mandates for dishwashers could increase upfront costs by 28%, and it could take consumers 12 years to payback the increased costs on a product that may only last 7-12 years.
The Energy Policy and Conservation Act (ECPA), enacted in 1975, mandates that DOE only promulgate a new energy efficiency standard if that standard is technologically feasible, economically justified, and results in a significant conservation of energy. The Biden Administration has repeatedly ignored these requirements and finalized standards that violate the ECPA.
Specifically, these measures prohibit the Secretary of Energy from prescribing or enforcing energy efficiency standards for refrigerators & freezers (H.R. 7637) and dishwashers (H.R. 7700) that are:
Not technologically feasible and economically justified;
Likely to result in additional net costs to consumers; or
Are not likely to result in a significant conservation of energy.
H.J. Res. 165 – Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Education relating to "Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex in Education Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance" – Rep. Mary Miller (IL-15)
The Biden Administration continues to push a radical gender ideology that ignores biological realities and harms women and girls. This resolution disapproves of the Department of Education’s final Title IX rule, published in April, in accordance with the Congressional Review Act to protect women and girls’ safety and access to educational opportunities.
Title IX prevents discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities that receive federal funding, and was intended to provide women and girls with equal educational opportunities. The Biden Administration’s radicalTitle IX rule, set to take effect August 1st, erases vital protections for women and girls.
The rule expands the definition of “sex” to include “gender identity,” meaning biological males could enter women and girl’s private spaces, including bathrooms and locker rooms, and compete in women’s sports and organizations.
The rule also undermines existing due process rights and places both students and institutions in legal jeopardy.
H.J. Res. 165 will stop the Biden Administration’s damaging Title IX rewrite, ensuring women and girls feel safe in school and have equal access to opportunities in the classroom and on the athletic field.
Rep. Loudermilk Questions Dr. Carla Hayden about the Library of Congress' Mission and Support
In case you missed it, this week,Rep. Barry Loudermilk (GA-11) questioned Dr. Carla Hayden, the 14th Librarian of Congress, about the library's mission and the support it gives to Congress.
He also discussed a report outlining serious allegations regarding the independence of former Library of Congress Inspector General Kurt Hyde and potential misconduct surrounding that investigation.
Rep. Loudermilk on John Solomon Reports: J6 Final Report Should be Invalidated
This week, Rep. Barry Loudermilk (GA-11) sat down with John Solomon on his podcast John Solomon Reports, to discuss critical details emerging from our oversight investigation into the conduct of the former Democrat-led January 6th Select Committee.
He specifically discussed how our investigation has found that the former Select Committee's final report is so flawed that it could be invalidated.
Rep. Loudermilk Sends Letter to Federal Reserve Chairman Jay Powell on Basal III Endgame Impact on Small Business Credit Access
This week, Rep. Barry Loudermilk (GA-11) sent a letter to U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell requesting the Federal Reserve consider several specific factors related to small business credit access when reviewing its harmful Basal III Endgame (B3E) proposal. This proposal makes sweeping changes to bank capital requirements and stifles economic growth.
The letter asks the Federal Reserve to analyze the impact of the B3E proposal on small business credit by addressing:
Impact of the proposal on credit to small businesses that are not publicly traded (most are not).
Impact of the proposal on credit to small businesses that qualify as small-or-medium-sized enterprises.
Impact of the proposal on lines of credit for small businesses.
Potential of the proposal to have an indirect impact on banks not subject to the proposal that causes those banks to tighten credit to small businesses.
Potential for the proposal to cause small businesses to turn to alternative sources of credit other than bank loans, including small dollar loans.
BACKGROUND
The letter comes after the Federal Reserve announced that it and other bank regulators would be reviewing mostly negative comments on the B3E proposal and making "broad and material changes."
Rep. Loudermilk reiterated his call for financial regulators to withdraw the B3E proposal in a March House Financial Services Committee hearing. Clickhereto view that hearing.
Rep. Loudermilk Joins Bipartisan Resolution to Recognize Journeyman Lineworkers
This week, Rep. Barry Loudermilk (GA-11) joined Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1) and Linda Sanchez (CA-38) and more than 155 of their colleagues in supporting a bipartisan resolution designating July 10th as Journeyman Lineworkers Recognition Day.
BACKGROUND
This bipartisan resolution designates July 10th as National Journeyman Lineworkers Recognition Day to honor Henry Miller, the founder and first president of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). Miller began his career at 14 years old as a water boy on a government telegraph project in Texas. Years later, while working as a lineman, he became acutely aware of the dangerous conditions his fellow lineman faced. In 1891, he traveled across America to organize lineman and was elected the first president of the IBEW. Sadly, on July 10, 1896, Miller suffered a fatal fall while working to solve a power outage in Washington D.C. Today, the IBEW represents one of the largest unions in America.
To read the full text of the bipartisan resolution, clickhere.
Rep. Loudermilk Joins Colleagues in Demanding Answers on DOJ's Lack of Prosecutions of Aliens Registering to Vote
This week, Rep. Barry Loudermilk (GA-11) joined Rep. Andy Biggs (AZ-5) and Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-TN) and a group of their colleagues in demanding answers from U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland on the Department of Justice's (DOJ) efforts to prevent aliens from registering to vote in American elections.
“As you are likely aware, the United States has experienced a record number of border encounters since President Biden took office—nearly 10 million—many of whom have been released into, or evaded apprehension while entering, the U.S.,” the Members of Congress wrote. “We’re writing to inquire regarding the efforts undertaken by your Department to enforce the law that prohibits non-citizens from voting in our elections.”
State officials across the country have recently taken steps to prevent, deter, and investigate cases of illegal voter registration by non-citizens, including in South Carolina, Georgia, Ohio, and Tennessee.
“Plainly, there are opportunities for and instances of non-citizen voter registration, and so the critical question is whether the laws against doing so are being enforced by your Department,” the Members of Congress continued. “There appear to have been few prosecutions by your Department under these laws, and there is no indication that you have been pursuing cases in places like Georgia and Ohio where aliens have been caught registering or voting.”
The members of Congress requested the following information by July 26, 2024:
Please provide the number of aliens who have been charged, tried, or convicted under 18 U.S.C. § 611 since January 20, 2021, including the status of each case.
Please provide the number of aliens who been charged, tried, or convicted under 52 U.S.C. § 20511 since January 20, 2021, including the status of each case.
Please provide the number of aliens who have been prosecuted under 18 U.S.C. § 911 since 2021, including the status of each case.
Please provide the number of referrals received from other government officials or the public in reference to the statutes cited in questions 1 through 3.
How does the Department of Justice investigate allegations received of non-citizen voting or voter registration?
What affirmative steps has the Department of Justice taken to detect, prevent, and deter illegal aliens and other non-citizens from registering and voting in federal elections?
What affirmative steps has the Department taken to obtain relevant information from the Department of Homeland Security on aliens who have registered or voted in elections?
What steps have been taken by U.S. Attorneys and the Public Integrity Section of the Criminal Division, which is responsible for prosecuting election crimes and assisting U.S. Attorneys in prosecuting election crimes, to obtain jury-related information that indicates aliens have unlawfully registered to vote?
As the 2024 election nears, what steps will the Department take to detect, investigate, and prosecute non-citizens who violate 18 U.S.C. § 911, 52 U.S.C. § 20511, or 18 U.S.C. § 611 by voting or registering to vote in the 2024 election?
Full list of co-signers of the letter include Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Mike Braun (R-IN), Ted Budd (R-NC), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Josh Hawley (R-MO), John Hoeven (R-ND), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Ron Johnson (R-WI), James Lankford (R-OK), Mike Lee (R-UT), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Jim Risch (R-ID), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Rick Scott (R-FL), Tim Scott (R-SC), John Thune (R-SD), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), and JD Vance (R-OH), along with Representatives Aaron Bean (R-FL-04), Dan Bishop (R-NC-08), Lauren Boebert (R-CO-03), Josh Brecheen (R-OK-02), Tim Burchett (R-TN-02), Eric Burlison (R-MO-07), Buddy Carter (R-GA-01), Ben Cline (R-VA-06), Eli Crane (R-AZ-02), Dan Crenshaw (R-TX-02), Byron Donalds (R-FL-19), Jeff Duncan (R-SC-03), Chuck Edwards (R-NC-11), Randy Feenstra (R-IA-04), Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN-03), Matt Gaetz (R-FL-01), Bob Good (R-VA-05), Lance Gooden (R-TX-05), Michael Guest (R-MS-03), Andy Harris (R-MD-01), Diana Harshbarger (R-TN-01), Clay Higgins (R-LA-03), David Kustoff (R-TN-08), Debbie Lesko (R-AZ-02), Barry Loudermilk (R-GA-11), Rich McCormick (R-GA-06), Dan Meuser (R-PA-09), Mary Miller (R-IL-15), Cory Mills (R-FL-07), Barry Moore (R-AL-02), Troy Nehls (R-TX-22), Ralph Norman (R-SC-05), Andy Ogles (R-TN-05), Gary Palmer (R-AL-06), August Pfluger (R-TX-11), Bill Posey (R-FL-08), John Rose (R-TN-06), Matt Rosendale (R-MT-02), Chip Roy (R-TX-21), Keith Self (R-TX-03), and Claudia Tenney (R-NY-22).
Recently, Rep. Barry Loudermilk (GA-11) cosponsored H.R. 8857, the Conscience Protection Act, which would protect health care providers from being forced to participate in induced abortions or similar procedures that violate their sincerely held beliefs. Specifically, this legislation would prevent any federal, state, or local government from discriminating against a health care entity that does not facilitate, perform, refer, pay, or provide abortion or abortion coverage. Those whose conscience rights are violated will be provided a civil right of action.
BACKGROUND
In January 2024, the Biden Administration rescinded and replaced President Trump's 2019 Conscience Rule, which expanded the conscience rights of health care providers.
To read the full bill text of H.R. 8857, click here.
Rep. Loudermilk Joins over 150 Colleagues in Demanding that EPA Rescind Electric Vehicle Mandates for Trucks, Tractors, Buses and Semis
Recently, Rep. Barry Loudermilk (GA-11) joined Rep. Randy Feenstra (IA-4) and over 150 of their colleagues in an letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan urging the Biden administration to overturn its de facto electric mandate on trucks, tractors, buses, and semis.
The final rule is entitled "Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles – Phase 3" and was published on April 22, 2024.
In the letter, the lawmakers noted that, “This final rule, which encompasses heavy-duty vehicles ranging from delivery trucks and school buses to tractors and semis, would disrupt the heavy-duty truck industry by forcing the broad adoption of heavy-duty zero emission vehicles on an extremely aggressive timeline, despite these vehicles currently being less than 1% of sales. According to a recent study, it would cost nearly $1 trillion in infrastructure investment alone to fully electrify the U.S. commercial fleet, which does not include the expense of purchasing new semis. Additionally, the cost for an electric semi-truck averages over $400,000 while a comparable diesel Class 8 truck costs around $180,000 – meaning electric trucks cost an average of 122% more than a normal semi.”
“Our farmers and agricultural industry will be especially hurt by this new mandate. According to the latest agriculture census by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, there are 3,161,820 trucks (including pickups) on over 1.4 million farms and 3,784,743 tractors on over 1.5 million farms that would see higher equipment costs and tighter margins due to this misguided rule. These numbers also do not account for the small, independent truckers, trucking companies, and truck dealerships throughout the U.S. that will be impacted. Not only would this rule harm consumers, but it would also exacerbate consolidation by effectively forcing our small trucking companies out of business that cannot afford this hasty transition to electric or hydrogen powered trucks,” the lawmakers added.
IN THE NEWS: Georgia Republicans say Biden’s health deserves more scrutiny
Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
Long before President Joe Biden’s weak debate performance last month led to widespread questions about his ability to serve a second term, lawmakers such as U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter were sounding alarms that the president’s health had declined.
.......
While Republicans sound the alarm over Biden, many Democrats have criticized the GOP for failing to submit former President Donald Trump to the same level of scrutiny. While Trump spoke more clearly and forcefully than Biden during the June 27 debate, his answers were full of misinformation and falsehoods. In campaign rallies, Trump often rambles and gives nonsensical answers.
U.S. Rep. Barry Loudermilk, R-Cassville, said it’s not that Trump is getting a pass; it’s just that Biden is now getting the same level of investigation Trump has faced for years.
“I think what you’re seeing right now is more equal scrutiny than what we’ve had before out of mainstream media,” Loudermilk said.
IN THE NEWS: GOP Congressman Loudermilk says Jan. 6 panel's final report so 'tainted' should be invalidated
Just The News:
GOP Rep. Barry Loudermilk says the House panel of which is chairman has found the final report of the chamber's Democrat-led Select Committee on the January 6 Capitol Attack is so flawed that it could be invalidated.
"We're still investigating, but at the same time, we have uncovered enough to where it really invalidates the select committee's report," Loudermilk, chairman of the House Admission Subcommittee on Oversight, said Tuesday on the John Solomon Reports podcast.
"We do need to take some type of action because this report should never be used as a historical fact, much less used in any legal proceeding," he also said. "The evidence that they have is so tainted. It is cherry picked. And in some cases, it's flat out lies."
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