Dear Neighbor,
It's time to make a pit stop at Mile Marker #9 and talk about what's been happening these past few weeks in Washington and Georgia's 10th Congressional District! |
After ten months of infighting over personalities and politics, I am grateful that our majority rallied behind Louisiana Representative Mike Johnson to be the Speaker of the House. Speaker Johnson is a strong conservative, effective legislator, and trusted man—I look forward to working with him on legislation that puts America first.
Unfortunately, however, Speaker Johnson inherited a budget mess in the middle of the 4th quarter. And, while I realize we are in a tough position right now, continuing resolutions (CRs) without substantial spending cuts and policy reforms are unacceptable. For this reason, I voted against the CR that passed the House last week.
The threat to America's future stability is too great to continue business as usual in Washington. I will continue to advocate for measures at every opportunity that reduce government spending and rein in our out-of-control debt. |
As part of the Appropriations process, I've been working to rein in federal agencies that are abusing their authority. One of my top priorities is to stop the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) from implementing a ten-knot speed limit on certain vessels up and down the eastern seaboard. The agency claims it would save the North Atlantic Right Whale, but people are more important than fish and they have not proven this rule would even make a difference. I am committed to protecting our fishing and boating industries from Washington bureaucrats.
While I got language to kill the rule in the House's Commerce, Science, and Justice Appropriations bill (CJS), in order to get it done, we need Senators engaged on the issue. So, I went to see a few, including Senators Katie Britt of Alabama and Cindy-Hyde Smith of Mississippi.
It's always a great time chatting with fellow conservatives about how to build a safer, stronger, and more prosperous America. |
Senator Katie Britt of Alabama (pictured above) |
Senator Cindy-Hyde Smith of Mississippi (pictured above) |
During my weekends, I've enjoyed meeting with some of the folks across Georgia's 10th district. In Jasper County, I had a great time speaking and taking questions from the students in a Jasper County High School AP class. |
In Newton County, I had the opportunity to tour the Newton County College and Career Academy, which was recently recognized as Georgia’s 2023 College and Career Academy of the Year by Governor Kemp. |
I also enjoyed touring Ferrero chocolate distribution center in McDonough, where I talked with the company's hard-working employees about what's happening in Washington and what we're doing to strengthen our economy and keep Georgia a great place for small businesses to call home. |
Supporting Small Businesses
Speaking of helping small businesses, one of the fastest-growing technological fields right now is quantum computing. As America fights to stay ahead of China in the race for quantum technology, the Science, Space, and Technology Committee considered H.R. 6213, the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act last week. This bill will encourage more research and innovation into this vital new field.
I saw one thing missing from the bill though, and it was a focus on helping small businesses be part of the fight. I offered an amendment to ensure that entrepreneurs and startups had a seat at the table as federal policy relating to quantum is implemented.
My amendment passed, and I look forward to voting for H.R. 6213 when it gets to the floor of the House. We need to stay ahead of our adversaries in emerging technologies, and this bill is going to help us achieve that goal. |
Here to Serve You
Constituent Services is one of the most valuable functions of a Congressional office. This is why I'm proud to offer opportunities to meet with my staff throughout the district.
We’re here to serve, so if you have any questions or concerns, or need help on a federal issue, I encourage you to take full advantage of these opportunities to meet with a Congressional staffer. Common issues often involve U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the Social Security Administration, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Internal Revenue Service. No appointment is necessary, and walk-ins are welcome.
Butts County December 5 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM Historic Butts County Courthouse 25 Third Street, Suite 4 Jackson, GA 30233
Oglethorpe County December 8 8:15 AM – 10:00 AM Oglethorpe County Farm Bureau 925 Athens Road Crawford, GA 30630 |
In addition to recent legislation wins and meetings, I've enjoyed going on some of the best shows across America.
Last week, I joined The Benny Johnson Show Live from Capitol Hill alongside my colleagues Rep. Byron Donalds and Rep. Ana Paulina Luna to discuss the latest evidence uncovered by the House Oversight Committee on President Biden and his family's foreign influence peddling.
To watch the full interview, click here. |
On the Ruthless podcast, I kicked it with some of the fellas, talking about the chaos right before the Speaker vote and some of my more viral moments on X, formerly Twitter. |
In addition to those media appearances, I also appeared on the Jason Chaffetz podcast, Jason in the House: |
As always, my staff and I are here to serve you, and it is an honor to be your voice in our nation's capital. If you need assistance with a federal agency or have comments or concerns to share with me, please do not hesitate to call my office in Monroe or Washington, D.C. To receive frequent updates, I encourage you to visit my website, like my Facebook page, and follow me on X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram.
God Bless,
Rep. Mike Collins Georgia's 10th District |
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