The Bost Bulletin

Dear Friend,

It’s been reported that the typical American household must spend an additional $11,434 per year just to keep up the same standard of living they enjoyed when President Trump left office. Since then, inflation soared to a 40-year high, gas prices hit record highs, and a supply chain crisis left store shelves empty. It really makes you think about the negative impact of Bidenomics at a time when many Southern Illinoisans are struggling. That’s why I am working to invest in Main Streets across America, empower small businesses and job creators, and put working families first. Keep reading for some other points of interest over the last week.

Advancing My Election Integrity Bill

Earlier this year, I let you know about legislation I introduced requiring D.C. voters to be American citizens to vote in the city’s elections. I am pleased to let you know my bill passed the House Administration Committee today, the final steps before it’s brought to the floor for a vote. The U.S. Constitution grants Congress direct control over the District of Columbia; and we have the right and responsibility to ensure that American citizens, and American citizens only, are voting in our nation’s capital city.

Protecting Our Communities From Crisis at the Border

Our southern border is in crisis, with cross points in Texas – including Eagle Pass, which I visited this spring – experiencing a record number of encounters with illegal migrants. We’ve heard the stories of illegals being housed in schools, gyms, and hotels. But there have also been settlements in our national parks.

For that reason, I voted for the Protecting our Communities from Failure to Secure the Border Act. This is legislation would prohibit using federal lands, national parks, and national forests to house illegal immigrants. We are never going to fix this humanitarian and national security mess if we don’t get serious about building the wall and disincentivizing efforts to cross our borders illegally.

Increasing Accountability for SNAP Spending

As members of Congress, we owe it to the American people to be responsible stewards of their taxpayer dollars; and part of that is ensuring that funding for nutrition assistance is only going to families who truly need help. That’s why I co-introduced legislation increasing accountability for states to reduce costly spending errors in the SNAP program. I’m proud to help lead this legislation because it’s a step forward in restoring good governance, saves taxpayers up to $1 billion a month, and makes sure the federal government can better serve disadvantaged families.

Ending Iran's Terror Pipeline

Back in September, Biden waived sanctions to transfer $6 billion to Iran. That reckless decision only incentivized our enemies to further engage in terrorist attacks, hostage taking, and anti-American activities. That's why I voted for the No Funds for Iranian Terrorism Act last week, freezing the $6 billion Biden gave Iran.

Opposing EPA Mandates on Electric Vehicles

The EPA has proposed a rule requiring over two-thirds of U.S. vehicles to be fully electric within nine years. This Big Government mandate would be a big hit to the pocketbooks of Southern Illinois consumers, where many lots are stocked full of electric vehicles with tepid interest to buy them. I joined my colleagues in advocating for language in the Fiscal Year 2024 government funding package to block EPA funds for implementing this impractical mandate. I have serious concerns about our increasing dependence on Chinese-controlled supply chains, like those running the electric vehicle industry, all in the name of mandating vehicles that many commuters aren’t looking to buy.

Appreciating an Honor From the Illinois Soybean Association

It’s an honor to have been named Legislator of the Year by the Illinois Soybean Association last week. I wish I could have joined my friends in the agriculture community for the event, but I was stuck in Washington, D.C. fighting for a Farm Bill that meets the long term needs of our farmers and producers. Thank you for the support!

Sending Prayers for the Family of Justice O'Connor

On Friday, Tracy and I were saddened by the news of retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor’s passing. Appointed by President Reagan in 1981, she was the first woman to serve on the Court. A trailblazer and role model, she will be sorely missed. You can learn more about her life and achievements by clicking here.

Hosting Mobile Office Hours in Gallatin County

My staff will be hosting mobile office hours in Shawneetown on Monday, December 4th to give you an opportunity to talk with our casework experts face-to-face about any questions you may have regarding veterans' benefits, Social Security, Medicare, the IRS, and a host of other federal programs. We look forward to being your advocate and doing all we can to help. In the meantime, feel free to reach out to our Murphysboro office at (618) 457-5787.

To stay updated on the work I am doing, make sure you follow me on Facebook or Twitter. And if you would like to receive these email updates, make sure you sign up for my newsletter here.

- Mike