|
|
Make sure to enable photos in your email browser!
|
Columbus Day, a day proclaimed by Ohio's own Benjamin Harrison, celebrates the anniversary of Columbus' voyage to America. On yesterday's holiday, Harrison encouraged Americans to "cease from toil and devote themselves to such exercises as may best express honor to the discoverer and their appreciation of the great achievements of the four completed centuries of American life."
As we continue to honor Christopher Columbus and reflect on past centuries of American achievement and success since our founding, I encourage you to think about how we measure success today. Many high school students are led to believe that in order to succeed or achieve greatness, they must first attend a four-year college or university. However, a four year college may not be for everyone, and a technical or vocational school is just as valuable an education to jump-start a successful career.
In the House of Representatives, we passed a bill that would strengthen the transparency of career and technical education (CTE) programs, and enable states, local governments, and local business leaders to play larger roles in developing CTE programs that meet the needs of their communities. You can read more about the bill here.
Yesterday, and every Columbus Day should be a reminder that since our founding, America has been home to innovators, visionaries, go-getters, and life-changers - many of whom
did not have a college degree. What these men and women did have were a strong work-ethic and a passion for their field. This is what matters most to achieve the American Dream.
In your service,
|
| Legislative Recap |
|
|
Featured Cosponsorship
Protect Family Farms and Businesses Act (H.R. 6100)
Featured Policy Letter
ICANN Letter to Ohio Attorney General DeWine
Have a bill or letter you would like me to support?
Let me know here.
More Ways to Connect
|
Below are some of the bills the House of Representatives passed before the October District Work Period:
- Dangerous Synthetic Drug Control Act (H.R. 3537) - The opioid epidemic is hitting Ohio's Second District hard, and synthetic drugs are a significant part of the problem. Synthetic drugs are designed to mimic or enhance the effects of natural drugs, but their chemical structures are purposely altered in such a way that they don't expressly violate existing drug laws, making it easy for them to find their way onto the streets. H.R. 3537 would add 22 synthetic drug compounds to the list of Schedule I drugs, cracking down on these deadly substances.
- No Veterans Crisis Line Should go Unanswered Act (H.R. 5392) - Recent VA Inspector General and media reports reveal that VA Crisis Line calls have been going to voicemail because of mismanagement. This bill would require the VA to develop a plan to ensure crisis line calls and text messages are answered by qualified personnel in a timely manner.
|
|
|
|
Survivors' Bill of Rights
On Friday, President Obama signed the Survivors' Bill of Rights (H.R. 5578) into law. This bill was introduced in the House by Rep. Mimi Walters (R-CA) and passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support in September. This law will provide stronger protections and greater access to legal remedies for survivors of sexual assault. This was a bipartisan step toward preserving the basic rights of sexual assault survivors.
|
|
|
| Speaker Paul Ryan and Rep. Mimi Walters |
|
|
DNC Hack
On July 22, 2016, Wikileaks, a journalistic organization known for publishing sensitive and sometimes classified information, released approximately 20,000 emails stolen from the Democratic National Committee's (DNC's) servers by anonymous hackers. A report prepared by CrowdStrike, the firm hired by the DNC to investigate the breach, concluded that the attack was executed by two teams of hackers, both working on behalf of the Russian government. A separate analysis by Fidelis Cybersecurity reached the same conclusion.
However, even as hackers continue to target other political organizations, information provided to the American public has been fragmented and selective, leaving questions about the security of our political process largely unanswered.
Along with seven of the members of the House of Representatives, I sent a letter to the Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, calling on him to publicly present the intelligence community's assessment of the attacks and answer questions about potential foreign interference in U.S. elections.
A copy of the letter can be found here.
|
|
Inter Parish Ministry
No amount of government intervention can outweigh the importance of local organizations in our fight to end poverty. In Clermont County, Inter Parish Ministry (IPM) is making great strides to help low-income families escape the cycle of poverty. IPM meets with everyone who comes into their pantry, which is filled with donations from local individuals, schools, and businesses, to build a relationship and understand their specific needs. Coupled with the initiatives outlined in the House of Representatives' Better Way agenda, organizations like IPM that coordinate services at a local level can make a world of difference for those in need.
|
|
|
Defender of Housing
I was pleased to accept the Defender of Housing Award from the Home Builders Association. Burdensome regulations from the federal government continue to drive up the cost of homes, but I will continue to fight to make housing more affordable for all Americans. |
|
|
|
|
Hidden Hero
I recently had the pleasure of meeting with Emily Mather of Batavia, Ohio. When Emily's husband returned home from Iraq after serving in the Army, Emily embraced the role as caregiver for both his visible and invisible wounds. Earlier this year, Emily was honored as a 2016 Elizabeth Dole Foundation Fellow, the only honoree in the state of Ohio, a position that allows her to speak for "hidden heroes" like her - the military and veteran caregivers across our nation. In this position, Emily is able to help shed light on the different challenges that veterans and their families face.
|
|
|
Intern for OH2
My office is currently accepting applications for spring internships in both Washington, D.C. and Ohio.
If you or anyone you know is interested in interning for Ohio's Second District, visit my website to learn more and apply today!
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact one of my offices:
Washington, D.C.: (202) 225-3164
Cincinnati: (513) 474-7777
Peebles: (513) 605-1380
|
| NOTE: Please DO NOT respond to this email as this inbox is unattended. To contact my office please click here |
|
Connect:
|
WASHINGTON, D.C. OFFICE
1318 Longworth H.O.B.
Washington, DC 20515
P:
(202) 225-3164
F:
(202) 225-1992
|
HAMILTON COUNTY OFFICE
7954 Beechmont Ave, Suite 200
Cincinnati, OH 45255
P:
(513) 474-7777
F:
(513) 605-1377 |
PEEBLES OFFICE
170 North Main St.
Peebles, OH 45660
P:
(513) 605-1380
F:
(937) 798-4024
|
UNION TOWNSHIP OFFICE
4350 Aicholtz Rd.
Cincinnati, OH 45245
P:
(513) 605-1389
|
|
