Dear Georgian,
We're cruising by Mile Marker #20 and it's time to talk about what's been happening these past few weeks in Washington and the District!
|
We're back in full swing on Capitol Hill, and we haven't wasted any time approving a strong budget that protects Georgians from the largest tax increase in American history, provides resources to secure our southern border, and unleashes American energy production.
|
In response to protesters who are endangering lives by blocking our highways, I reintroduced the Safe Passage on Interstates Act to hold protestors accountable for impeding U.S. highways. I was also proud to reintroduce the Security and Fairness Enhancement (SAFE) for America Act to reform our broken immigration system by ending the "Diversity Visa Program." This legislation will help end the chain migration crisis and bring about the common sense immigration reform that our country needs.
|
Leigh Ann and I had the pleasure of meeting with President Trump at the White House. I'm proud that we have a U.S. President who is finally putting America first, and I look forward to continue working with President Trump to deliver results that help Georgia.
|
It was great meeting with General William H. Graham Jr. and other leaders in the Army Corps of Engineers. We’re mission-aligned in increasing America’s global trade competitiveness, strengthening our ports, and improving crucial water infrastructure. As the Water Subcommittee Chair, I am dedicated to getting our ports dredged and ensuring that they have the resources they need to keep up with demand and continue growing Georgia's economy.
|
I appreciated the Washington Association of Wheat Growers stopping by my office for a great discussion on the Lower Snake River Dams. These dams are vital for agriculture, commerce and electricity production for the Pacific Northwest, and they must be protected. It’s important to remember: people are more important than fish!
|
It was also great to meet with the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians. I would encourage everyone to go see their school model. Schools were never meant to be controlled federally, and they are doing a great job taking education into their own hands.
|
I sat down with Georgia Power CEO Kim Greene to how we can unleash American energy and grow Georgia's economy. Domestic energy production is crucial to the success of our economy, and I'm working to make sure that Georgians continue to have the most cost-efficient and reliable sources of energy available.
|
On the Transportation and Infrastructure committee, I discussed the impacts that the the Clean Water Act permitting process has had on many cities, states, and farmers across our country. For 50 years, the Clean Water Act has functioned to improve America's waterways, but in recent years it's permitting process has been used to slow or stop progress on important projects. Americans deserve a Clean Water Act permitting process that is easy to understand, easy to follow, and easy to implement. Our committee is working to ensure that water quality is balanced with project completion and improves supply chains.
|
During our full committee hearing, I asked witnesses how the committee can support state efforts on work zone safety. In the trucking business, we make our living on the highways and interstate system, and I know companies want to be the safest on the road. With over 42,000 workplace accidents happening in work zones in 2023, this important issue is that we cannot continue to ignore.
On Science, Space, and Technology I questioned witnesses on ways Congress can help NASA stay on schedule and on budget. As a business owner and entrepreneur, I look at productivity and efficiency, but also saving taxpayer money. We should expect our federal government to do the same.
|
At Natural Resources committee, I spoke about how government overreach is hurting America's miners. My commitment to putting America First comes with fixing the permitting problem that has tied the hands of America's miners for far too long. It's unacceptable that majority of our critical minerals are processed in China and not here at home. This federal overreach is threatening future generations who shouldn't have to be reliant on communist nations.
To watch our exchange, click the video link below:
|
I spent time with Chairman Sayer and other leaders in Hart County to discuss the problems in Washington and how Congress can better deliver for Georgia's 10th Congressional District. Always remember: we find solutions by doing more listening than talking.
|
It was an honor to stop by the Georgia State Capitol to give thanks to the lawmakers who advocated for the Laken Riley Act, and to show my support for Governor Kemp's tort reform efforts.
|
I had the pleasure of visiting the Ports of Savannah and Brunswick to discuss how, as Chair of the Water Resources Subcommittee, we can work together with the Army Corps of Engineers to find solutions that ensure that Georgia's trade economy continues to grow and remain competitive . In the Golden Age of America, where we are rapidly improving the efficiency and productivity of our government, there is no reason why Georgia Ports should be left behind.
|
As always, my staff and I are here to help. If you need assistance with a federal agency or have comments or concerns to share with me, please do not hesitate to call my Monroe or Washington, D.C. offices. To receive frequent updates, I encourage you to visit my website, like my Facebook page, and follow me on Twitter.
|
Sincerely
|
|
|
Mike Collins Member of Congress
|
|
|
|