Dear , The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, an agency that is supposed to protect consumers and make their lives easier, has failed to achieve that mission and has in fact burdened consumers under Director Chopra’s watch. Democrats in Congress cannot pass their progressive agenda and have turned to unaccountable regulators to force through their agenda and make life more difficult for Missourians. This approach will endanger the financial wellbeing of consumers. Watch my speech at our House Financial Services Committee hearing on the CFPB here. The Financial Services Committee held a hearing last week to conduct oversight of the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). The COVID-19 pandemic led to a horrific spike in the amount of Child Sexual Abuse Material found online. In 2021 alone, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received nearly 30 million reports of online child sexual exploitation. That is a staggering 70% increase from 2019. It is vital that FinCEN is willing and able to work with us to root out these evils. Watch my full remarks and questioning of the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network Acting Director Das here. The financial sector plays a vital role in combatting the distribution and sale of these disturbing images, but much more needs to be done. Prior to the hearing, I was able to speak with Acting Director Das personally about this ever-present issue and discuss FinCEN’s work to prevent criminals from taking advantage of our financial system to abuse victims, especially as it relates to child exploitation, child sexual abuse material, and cutting off financial support to traffickers and money launderers. Southeast Asian leaders worry that the United States is ceding the Indo-Pacific to China. Our partners are desperate for the United States to demonstrate strength and leadership in the region, and they are deeply concerned that without robust U.S. engagement, Indo-Pacific countries will grow ever more reliant on the People’s Republic of China. As co-chair of the Congressional ASEAN Caucus, I questioned Secretary of State Antony Blinken about this ongoing issue at our House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing on the State Department’s foreign policy priorities and the President’s budget request. Watch my remarks here. I am proud my Gateway Solidarity Act was highlighted during the National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands Legislative Hearing last week. The legislation, supported by all my Missouri colleagues in Congress, would authorize the Gateway Arch in St. Louis to be illuminated by blue and yellow lights in support of Ukraine. Last week was Yom HaShoah, and we took care to remember the millions of Holocaust victims who lost their lives. We will never forget those who died, and we recommit to listening to survivors and fighting anti-Semitism in all its forms. Sincerely, Ann Wagner Member of Congress |
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