| Dear Friend, Most eyes last week were on Iran, where President Trump took bold and historic action to obliterate the regime’s nuclear program. Using his constitutional authority under Article II, the President ordered a precision military strike on Iran’s nuclear enrichment centers, crippling their capacity to create weapons of mass destruction. Swiftly thereafter, he brokered a ceasefire between Israel and Iran. Thanks to his Peace Through Strength strategy, we’ve set back Iran’s nuclear ambitions for the long term, advanced peace in the region, better secured America’s national security interests, and did so without the loss of innocent life.
Making NATO Pay Their Fair Share President Trump’s efforts to reshape global politics didn’t end there. Hehas consistently made clear that all freedom loving nations have a responsibility to shoulder the load of protecting our values in a dangerous world. For far too long, the United States carried a disproportionate financial weight at NATO, while allies failed to pay their fair share. But that changed last week. Thanks to our President’s bold leadership, NATO countries almost universally have committed to increasing their defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035. This is another major victory for American taxpayers and a safer world.
Urging New Audit of Southern Illinois Mail Delivery Failures I don’t need to tell you that when seniors fail to receive their medications on time or working families are hit with late fees for bills that never came, it’s clear something is broken. Southern Illinoisans depend on the Postal Service for timely and reliable mail delivery; if the system fails them, there must be accountability. That’s why last week, I urged the USPS Inspector General to conduct a full audit of operations at the St. Louis processing center, which sorts mail for most of Southern Illinois. While an audit was conducted in 2022 with assurances of future reforms, you all have not seen the improved level of services you deserve. I won’t stop advocating for you and making sure these problems get resolved.
Stopping Activist Judges Last week's U.S. Supreme Court ruling was a clear rebuke of activist judges and yet another major victory for President Trump. A single District Court judge should not be able to issue injunctions that derail a president's national agenda. This is an issue that has frustrated presidents of both parties for decades. The Court acted rightly to provide a sense of clarity the system has lacked for too long.
Fighting for Safer Streets If an illegal immigrant is caught driving under the influence, they should be deported. Period. That’s why I backed legislation which makes DUIs a deportable offense and bars illegal immigrants convicted of drunk driving from reentering the country. I’m committed to keeping our streets safe and making sure those who break our laws and endanger lives are held accountable.
Investing in Our Truckers Growing up in a family trucking business, I know how hard it can be to find a safe place to stop and rest. That's why I've led efforts in Congress to expand truck parking and fight for common sense reforms that make life easier and safer for truckers through my Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act. I was proud to see last week that President Trump and Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy share my convictions on this and have stepped up to the plate with meaningful action that reflects what drivers have been telling us for years.
Improving Veterans' Claims Processing As Chairman of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I’ve made it my mission to help insure veterans get the benefits they’ve earned without delay. I’m happy to report that, under the leadership of President Trump and VA Secretary Doug Collins, the VA has processed more than 2 MILLION disability claims in record-breaking time this year. This is a massive step forward from the previous administration, cutting wait times and reducing a crippling benefits backlog. Our veterans deserve it!
Passing Major Investments in Our Military and Veteran Care I’m proud to have helped pass this year’s funding bill for veterans and military construction last week. It FULLY funds veterans’ health care, benefits, mental health programs, and backs President Trump’s effort to end veteran homelessness. I’m especially proud of the provision I fought for to protect the Second Amendment rights of our veterans by blocking the VA from sending a veteran’s name to the NICS list without a judge’s ruling. This legislation also strengthens our national security by investing in critical military infrastructure, including upgrades to barracks, innovative lab research, and child development centers for military families, all while cutting wasteful woke spending. We’re making sure every dollar serves those who’ve served us.
Announcing VA Grant Funding Opportunities to Prevent Veteran Suicide The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is supporting community-based efforts to prevent Veteran suicide through the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program. If you or someone you know might benefit from this, please use or share this link to find out more. Applications are due before July 18. 
Catching Up with Southern Illinois University-Carbondale It was great to catch up with leadership from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale for a quick update on campus initiatives and their work to support their over 11,000 students. Thank you for your work educating the next generation of leaders! 
Greeting Southern Illinois FFA Members at Our Nation's Capital Had the opportunity to speak with FFA members from across Southern Illinois last week. As a former FFA member myself, it’s always great to see young leaders show an interest in the agriculture industry, one of the biggest drivers of our rural economy. Big thanks to IL FFA State President Trenton Payne from Olney and Vice-President Brody Will from Teutopolis for helping set this up! 
Celebrating Three Years of Pro-Life America June 24th marked three years since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and rightly returned power to the people at the state level. As a father, grandfather, and committed pro-life advocate, I believe it was the greatest victory for innocent unborn lives in half a century. Our fight isn’t over; together we must continue standing up for the unborn. 
Earning the Defender of Limited Government Award Honored to earn the Defender of Limited Government Award from the Institute for Legislative Analysis for my voting record in support of protecting individual liberty, reining in federal overreach, and standing up for the values Southern Illinoisans sent me to Washington to defend. 
Hosting Mobile Office Hours My staff will be hosting mobile office hours across Southern Illinois this July so you can speak with our casework experts face-to-face with comfort and convenience. Please visit with any questions you may have regarding veterans' benefits, Social Security, Medicare, the IRS, and more. .png "Copy_of_MONTHLY_OFFICE_HOURS_(6).png")
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