Hope for America at Easter
Friends,
This week marks two of the biggest celebrations for many people of faith: Easter and Passover. Both celebrate God’s promise to mankind for peace and salvation. And both are needed now more than ever, as we face numerous challenges here at home and around the world.
I know you and your family are experiencing many of these challenges firsthand, beginning with inflation.
Last week, President Biden came to North Carolina to speak about inflation and his prospects for our economy. Unfortunately, his reckless spending and anti-American energy policies are what began much of this inflation crisis. According to the latest figures, inflation has risen 8.5% over the last year. This is the highest rate hike in 41 years and as a result, Americans are being forced to spend an average $5,200 more this year compared to last.
In North Carolina alone, the cost of gas last week was $3.84, compared to $1.92 last year. What’s more - farmers here and across the country continue to struggle with price hikes and supply shortages of the fuel and fertilizer they need.
The reality is simple: American families cannot afford the liberal economic policies coming out of DC. Instead, I am pushing to bring fiscal responsibility back to Washington and to unleash our energy production.
Unfortunately, this economic situation is not the only hardship facing our nation. The crisis at our southern border continues to get worse, as illegal crossings are expected to rise to 18,000 per day once President Biden ends Title 42 authority. This policy has been in place since the COVID-19 pandemic began, allowing border agents to curb illegal immigration to protect public health. However, just in the last week, the Biden administration announced it is extending mask mandates on airplanes and public transportation for American citizens. Talk about hypocrisy.
Recently, our country has also witnessed a surge in violent crime including two major shootings in New York City and Sacramento. To be clear: these violent acts are abhorrent and those responsible should be charged to the fullest extent of the law. However, it is important to note that increased restrictions on the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens are not the answer.
Last week, President Biden proposed new gun regulations that will not solve the problem of violent crime in our country. New York and California, for example, have some of the strictest gun laws in the country. Additionally, in the case of Sacramento, the alleged gunman had a history of violent crime and gang affiliation, yet was released early from prison by soft-on-crime policies. Biden’s proposed regulations would not stop crime, but would only limit law-abiding citizens’ ability to keep and bear arms to defend their families.
Instead, we need laws that go after criminals and address the underlying causes of crime such as mental health. That’s why I have spearheaded legislation like the Keeping Incarceration Discharges Streamlined for Children and Accommodating Resources in Education Act which aims to increase access to mental health services for at-risk juveniles.
Between record inflation, a crisis on our border, a surge in crime, and the ongoing war in Ukraine, things right now can often seem overwhelming. However, I am optimistic for the future because of my faith.
For me and my family, celebrating Jesus’ death and resurrection this Easter offers renewed hope for us and our nation. As Psalm 62 states, “Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken."
As you celebrate with your families, I hope you are able to take refuge in your faith and remember that better days lie ahead. Renee, Lane, and I would like to wish a Happy Easter and Passover to all those celebrating. May God bless you and our nation.
Until Next Week,
Richard Hudson
Member of Congress