Lessons from Virginia - and a Hardee's
Friends,
During my first run for Congress, I stopped at a Hardee’s and ran into a group of men who met there regularly to discuss the world’s problems. One asked me a good question – “what are you going to promise to do for me up in Washington if I vote for you?” I thought about it for a second and I responded with “I promise to do less for you!” I could tell they were surprised by my answer, so I continued. I said, “I think Washington already has too much power and control over our lives. I want to go to Washington to shrink government and get it out of your way.”
Now that’ I’m in Congress, I still have the same philosophy. Unfortunately, Washington Democrats seem more determined than ever to grow government and put it in control of your life from the cradle to the grave.
However, there is hope.
Last week, neighboring Virginia sent a sonic boom across the country with the election of Governor-elect Glenn Youngkin, Lt. Gov-elect Winsome Sears, and Attorney General-elect Jason Miyares. Just one year ago, President Joe Biden won Virginia by close to 10%. This Republican sweep of the state’s top offices reflect a massive shift. Victories and close calls in Texas and New Jersey reflect the same.
I believe these victories show that the American people are starting to wake up. Folks are rejecting government control over what our kids are learning, government control over our health care, government control over what kind of cars we can drive, and government control over what businesses can and cannot stay open.
In Virginia, parents rejected the idea of not being able to be involved in their kids’ education. As a dad, nothing is more important to me than making sure the right values and education are being instilled in my son. I’m sure many of you feel the same.
Virginia showed us these issues matter, and politicians better be listening.
Only time will tell if Washington Democrats will listen to the American people, or double down on a far-left agenda that is out-of-touch with you and your family.
For now, they seem bent on jamming through their massive spending and tax proposal that would allow the IRS to spy on your bank account, raise your utility bills, and raise taxes on family businesses to the highest level in the developed world.
At the same time, last week we learned the Biden administration is discussing paying illegal immigrants up to $450,000 each. On Thursday, the White House said President Biden was “perfectly comfortable” with these payments.
This would be a slap in the face to American families, especially when many are struggling as inflation has sent prices soaring. To add insult to injury, the reported figure of $450,000 is more than Gold Star families receive in life insurance if a servicemember is killed in action.
Last week, I introduced the Illegal Immigrant Payoff Prohibition Act to stop these payments. The crisis on our border is already at record levels. This payment scheme would only make matters worse.
From paying illegal immigrants to jamming through massive spending and entitlement bills, Washington Democrats continue to have the wrong priorities. However, perhaps Virginia will be a wake-up call that so many need to hear. In the meantime, rest assured I will always fight for solutions that help you and your family, and as I told that group at Hardee’s – get government out of your way.
Until next week,
Richard Hudson
Member of Congress