2022 In Review

Dear Friend,

It may be difficult to move a conservative agenda forward in liberal-controlled Washington, but there’s no time for excuses. That’s why I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished for Southern Illinois this year. As we close the book on 2022, here’s an update on the work I’m doing to grow the economy, strengthen our communities, and defend our values.

The policies of the Biden Administration have led to rollercoaster-like conditions for the American economy. At times, it felt more like a freefall. Inflation is sky-high; store shelves are empty; and gas and home energy prices hit their highest levels ever.

In response, I voted against Biden’s spending spree bill that raised taxes and fueled inflation. I also cosponsored the Critical Infrastructure Manufacturing Feasibility Act and the Ocean Shipping Reform Act to seek solutions for easing the supply chain crisis and eliminating the international backlog on deliveries.

I believe much of the recent economic turmoil was rooted in the senseless, unscientific COVID shutdowns that crippled small businesses, cost people their jobs, and left children behind in their educational development. That’s why I been vocal in the fight to the Biden administration’s Big Government mandates and cosponsored legislation to do just that.

One place where a shutdown would actually make sense is at the southern border. According to Fox News, there were 73,000 “got-aways” crossing the border last month alone. And with fentanyl flooding our streets, there is no denying we are facing a crisis. That’s why I voted against Joe Biden and Nancy Pelosi’s amnesty policies, while supporting the HALT Fentanyl Act and FIGHT Fentanyl Act to make the Schedule I classification for fentanyl permanent.

This year we also experienced hot button battles over abortion and gun control. I supported the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade and restore the American people’s power in determining for themselves how abortion services are regulated in their state. I have voted against the Democrats’ pro-abortion policy agenda and cosponsored the Protect the UNBORN Act, which would prohibit the funding and implementation of President Biden’s pro-abortion executive orders.

I’ve also helped lead the fight to protect our Second Amendment rights. For example, under current law, if a veteran needs help managing their benefits, VA automatically reports them to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), which means they could lose their Second Amendment rights. I’ve been leading efforts to reverse this policy so that law-abiding gun owners don’t lose their constitutional rights without Due Process. I’ll work to pass this bill in the new Congress.

As the incoming chairman of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I am honored to be the leading advocate in Congress for America’s heroes. Southern Illinois is home to over 55,000 veterans; and as a Marine myself, I don’t take my responsibility to them lightly. That’s why I’ve championed the VIPER Act to encourage VA’s innovative medical and prosthetic research programs; the Improving Access to the VA Home Loan Benefit Act to streamline the home buying process for veterans; and the STRONG Veterans Act to ensure veterans can get mental health services during their time of need.

No doubt, 2022 was a busy year. Please know how honored I am to serve you in Congress, and how much I look forward to hitting the ground running in the new year. I hope you and yours have a happy New Year!

Sincerely,
Mike Bost