The Bost Bulletin

Dear Friend,

This past week, the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office confirmed what we already knew. Hardworking taxpayers will be on the hook for President Biden’s student loan “cancellation” plan – to the tune of $400 BILLION.

Combatting Veterans Suicide

September was Suicide Prevention Month. Last week, we held a hearing in the House Veterans' Affairs Committee to discuss efforts to address this critical issue and ensure that veterans can access resources and care in their time of need. You can watch my opening remarks here or by clicking on the picture below. In addition, if you or a veteran you know is having thoughts of suicide, help is available. The Veterans Crisis Line provides free, confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. You can call 988 and press 1, text 838255 or click here for assistance.

Mike speaks during VA Committee hearing on suicide prevention

Getting Answers on CCP Purchases of American Land

We have recently seen an alarming trend of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and their affiliates purchasing land near U.S. military bases. This could provide the CCP with the ideal location to spy on our military. Over 50 of my colleagues and I raised our concerns about this serious national security threat. You can read more here.

Expanding Access to Care in Rural Areas

Community health centers are vitally important in ensuring that folks in rural areas can access the quality, affordable care that they need. The House passed the Maximizing Outcomes through Better Investments in Lifesaving Equipment for (MOBILE) Health Care Act. This important legislation gives community health centers needed flexibility to establish mobile health care delivery sites in rural and underserved communities. It passed the Senate earlier in September and now heads to the president's desk to be signed into law.

Boosting Our Supply of Baby Formula

The baby formula shortage this summer showed just how critical it is that we ensure we have a strong domestic supply of baby formula. Parents should not have to worry about whether or not they'll be able to find formula to feed their children. This past week, the House passed the Bulk Infant Formula to Retail Shelves Act, which would temporarily lift tariffs on "base powder," a key component of baby formula. By increasing our supply of this ingredient, we will be able to increase our domestic production and supply of baby formula so that we don't see another crisis in the future.

Ensuring Veterans Don't Go Hungry

It is vitally important that our veterans don't go hungry, regardless of where they live. I voted for the Food Security for All Vetreans Act this past week to do just that. This bill would establish an Office of Food Security at the VA in order to identify and assist veterans who at risk of experiencing food insecurity.

Celebrating the Life of Richard Martin

This past week, our Murphysboro suddenly lost one of our own, former firefighter Richard Martin. I paid tribute to his life on the House floor on Wednesday. Richard was a great man and a good friend to all he knew, and will be dearly missed. You can watch my speech here or by clicking on the picture below.