Dear Neighbor,
We are cruising toward the next Mile Marker, so it’s time to update you on what we’ve been doing for the past two weeks! Here’s a snapshot of everything we’ve been up to: |
Appropriations Fight
The new Republican Majority in the House pledged to get Washington's reckless spending under control and rein in unelected bureaucrats who trample on Americans' rights and meddle in our lives. That's created a messy fight here in Washington, D.C. as Members debate how best to achieve those goals. Like you, I've been frustrated by the lack of progress. The swamp is a beast, but I assure you, I am working hard to get the most conservative appropriations bills possible across the finish line.
Let me be clear. As we go through this process, I will not support a long-term continuing resolution (CR). I will also not support any CR that doesn't cut spending, implement significant policy reforms, and provide a clear roadmap to getting the remaining appropriations bills done the right way.
Last week, I took to the House floor to voice my displeasure with the fact that we were not serving the American people well. They sent us here to work—and that's exactly what I told my colleagues in the following speech. |
A Visit from the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce
It's always great when residents of Georgia's 10th District come to Washington and visit! The Jackson County Chamber of Commerce brought several representatives from local businesses to meet with me at the Capitol on September 12. We discussed the ongoing appropriations fight, how federal regulations are impacting our local economy, and how we can get the government out of the way of small businesses. It was a productive conversation.
Later that evening, it was my pleasure to take these hard-working Georgians on a night tour of the United States Capitol!
We made a special stop to see one of Georgia's two statues. The below photo is our group with the statue of Crawford Long, who discovered the use of sulphuric ether as an anesthetic for surgery from his medical practice in Jefferson.
As always, I want to remind you that my door is always open to my constituents. Whether you're in Washington on business or with your family, make sure you drop by 1223 Longworth House Office Building to seek assistance or just say hello. |
Georgia Chamber of Commerce Fly-in
In addition to the Jackson County Chamber, the Georgia Chamber was also in town and asked me to participate in a "Fireside Chat" with Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Sam Graves. We discussed Georgia's economy, freight, logistics, and how Congress can support critical infrastructure investment in our state.
I also met with the Georgia Credit Union Association, the Georgia Automobile Dealers Association, and the Associated General Contractors of Georgia during the Washington work period.
Having so many Georgians here last week made me feel right at home! |
National Truck Drivers Appreciation Week
We also recently celebrated National Truck Driver’s Appreciation Week. Coming from the trucking industry myself, I recognize that the 3.5 million men and women who keep our supply chain up and running have earned our gratitude. I kicked off the week with a short message, linked below, thanking America’s truckers for all the hard work they do. |
We also joined truckers at the American Trucking Association (ATA), which invited me to take their simulator for a spin! I appreciate their hospitality and all the great work they do on behalf of our industry across this great country. |
Pitching My Aviation Workforce Bill to Ways & Means
During the Ways & Means Committee's Member Day Hearing, I pitched my bill H.R. 1818, the Aviation Workforce Development Act. This legislation will address workforce challenges in the industry by allowing Americans to use 529 college savings plans for commercial pilot and aviation maintenance technician programs. |
Cabinet Secretaries Come to the Hill, Face the Music
Over the past two weeks, several of President Biden's cabinet secretaries came to the Hill for oversight hearings. During the Science, Space, and Technology Committee’s Department of Energy hearing, I questioned Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm about her department's onerous electric vehicle rules and the Biden Administration’s bid for control over the American consumer.
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Derailing Pete Buttigieg
I also questioned Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg during a Transportation and Infrastructure Committee hearing. As you know, I've been calling on the Secretary to resign because he and his department have been more focused on woke social experiments than on the safety and efficiency of America's transportation system.
I called him out for the train derailments, FAA's outdated technologies and staffing shortages, and the record near-miss accidents at America's airports this year.
To watch our exchange, click here. |
Questioning Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo about China
One of my top priorities is to ensure federal policy keeps America on the cutting edge of new technologies and out in front of China. During a hearing of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee, the Secretary and I discussed where things stand with respect to artificial intelligence—as well as other technologies—and what we're doing to protect our nation's intellectual property.
China is our number one competitor and adversary, and I'm working to keep them in check. |
Appointed to NDAA Conference Committee
This past week, I accepted an appointment to serve as a Conferee from the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Conference Committee. As a freshman, this is a tremendous honor, and I'm thankful for the opportunity to fight for the most conservative NDAA in decades.
As you may know, for legislation to be presented to the President, both the House and Senate must first agree on the final version of legislation. A Conference Committee works out the differences between the bills passed by the two chambers, and then both must pass the agreed-upon version.
The NDAA is an annual piece of legislation to authorize military funding and set defense policy. As we move forward, our top priorities must be lethality, supporting our troops, and reining in the woke bureaucracy that has taken over our military.
Click here to read my office's press release. |
The Congressional App Challenge
Pre-registration for the 2023 Congressional App Challenge for middle and high school students in Georgia's 10th District is still open. This nationwide event allows students to compete with their peers by creating a software application, or "app," for the internet, personal computer, tablet, mobile device, or other platform of their choice.
I encourage any student in Georgia’s Tenth District interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to participate. STEM is rapidly growing across Georgia and the nation, and this competition provides students a great opportunity to explore their scientific curiosity.
The deadline for the Congressional App Challenge is November 1st. To register or for more information, please click here. |
Service Academy Application Deadline
One of my great honors as your Congressman is helping students attend a United States Service Academy. These institutions are designed to equip, train, and inspire the next generation of military officers.
If you would like to pursue an appointment to one of our prestigious U.S. service academies, the deadline for nomination applications is fast approaching. My office must receive your completed application packet by Friday, October 20th at 5:00 P.M.
Please visit my website, Collins.House.gov, to learn more and to access an application for my Congressional nomination. |
Upcoming Mobile Office Hours
Constituent Services is one of the most valuable functions of a Congressional office. That's why I am pleased to announce our upcoming Mobile Office Hours for 10th District residents.
My staff is available to hear your thoughts on current legislation and help with any problem you may face with a federal agency. We gladly offer assistance with issues ranging from Social Security, Veterans Affairs, immigration, passports, and more. I encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to meet one-on-one with members of my staff in your community so we can address your concerns while connecting you to available federal resources.
To meet with a constituent services representative on an individual or family basis, residents may stop by one of the following locations (appointments are not required):
Athens-Clarke County Thursday, September 28 11:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M. Athens City Hall 301 College Avenue Athens, GA 30601
Elbert County Monday, October 2 10:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M. Elberton City Hall 203 Elbert Street Elberton, GA 30635
Putnam County Thursday, October 5 11:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M. Putnam County Court House 100 S Jefferson Avenue Eatonton, GA 31024
Butts County October 3, November 14, December 5 11:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M. Historic Butts County Courthouse 25 Third Street, Suite 4 Jackson, GA 30233
To receive more information or seek assistance with any federal matter, residents may call my Monroe District Office at (770) 207-1776. |
As always, my staff and I 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. To receive frequent updates, I encourage you to visit my website, like my Facebook page, and follow me on X (formerly Twitter). |
Rep. Mike Collins Georgia's 10th District |
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