Another Wasted Opportunity and Protecting Election Integrity
Friends,
Another week and another wasted opportunity.
On Thursday, Congress adjourned after yet another week of failing to pass relief for workers and small businesses struggling with the Governor's increasing lockdowns.
While negotiations on a COVID-19 relief package continue back-and-forth, one provision has had massive bipartisan support all along: the Paycheck Protection Program.
This program has saved more than 50 million jobs across the country, including 1.2 million in North Carolina. Unfortunately, this program expired over 120 days ago with $138 billion in unused funds. Since that time, I have joined other Republicans in Congress calling to reinstate this program so that small businesses can use these funds to stay afloat as state lockdowns continue. Sadly, Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Washington Democrats have blocked these relief funds 40 times. What's worse – Speaker Pelosi recently admitted that she blocked additional COVID-19 relief from the American people until after the election to hurt the reelection prospects for President Donald Trump.
These political games must end.
Thanks to President Trump's Operation Warp Speed, safe and effective vaccines for frontline workers and those who wish to take it are around the corner. However in the meantime, more and more businesses are closing their doors for good and families are struggling to make ends meet. This is unacceptable.
I was elected to Congress to fight for you and work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle on commonsense solutions. Speaker Pelosi has continued to stand in the way of relief efforts, but I will not stop working to support our community and those in need.
One thing we did accomplish last week was passing important measures for our national defense, servicemembers, their families and veterans. On Tuesday, the House passed the final FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act. While this legislation is not perfect, it includes provisions I fought for including pay raises and PPE for troops, overdue improvements for military housing, and mental health care reforms for servicemembers, military families and veterans. I was also proud to secure six provisions in the bill including a 10% increase in hazard duty pay, improvements to military family education and expanded VA access for veterans exposed to toxic burn pits. As Fort Bragg's Congressman, I'll never stop fighting to support our troops, their families and our veterans.
Finally, last week I also joined more than 120 of my colleagues to support a lawsuit being led by the state of Texas regarding the 2020 election. This case, which numerous states have also joined, is now pending at the U.S. Supreme Court and is important to upholding the integrity of our elections and the rule of law. Every American should agree that changes to election laws and allegations of fraud should be fully investigated, and I was proud to join this effort.
This week, I will continue to fight for solutions to challenges facing us before Congress adjourns for the year. I also hope everyone celebrating Hannukah has a blessed holiday throughout the week while others prepare for Christmas. Together, I hope we can each remember why this season is so special and provides so much hope at a time when our country needs it the most.
Until Next Week,
Richard Hudson
Member of Congress