News from US Congressman Chuck Edwards

As a member of the House Appropriations and Budget committees, I am now in the thick of the federal spending process, which provides opportunities to reinforce our support for veterans and those currently serving to defend our freedoms.

In setting the spending allocations for each of the 12 subcommittees for the coming fiscal year, the House Appropriations Committee adhered to the caps established under the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023. These caps are projected by the Congressional Budget Office to reduce discretionary spending by $246 billion for fiscal years 2024 and 2025.

This is proof that we can exercise fiscal restraint while still advancing critical priorities, as funding for our national security will increase by nearly $9 billion, and veterans’ medical care and benefits will be fully funded.

Non-defense programs will be reduced by six percent, with cuts distributed in a measured and thoughtful way. Years of overspending have led us to this point, but I am helping to flip the script on how the federal government spends hard-earned tax dollars.

Under the previous House majority, you would most often see the annual appropriations process end with an omnibus spending package, rushed through usually right before Christmas and with little time for Members to know what they were voting on.

Here again, House conservatives are flipping the script. We avoided an omnibus last year, and I am optimistic that the Appropriations Committee, which is returning the House to “regular order” by marking up each subcommittee’s bill and passing them individually on the House floor, will be able to do the same for FY25.

Prioritizing America’s strength and safety

The House took up the first in a series of appropriations bills, the FY25 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.

The bill reflects and is a product of the committee’s commitment to our service members both during active duty and as they become veterans, and addresses critical national security challenges in the Pacific.

This legislation would honor our commitment to veterans, bolster our national security, focus the executive branch on its core responsibilities, and support American values and principles. Some of the specifics of the bill, including conservative wins, are:

Fully funding veterans’ health care programs, veterans’ benefits, and VA programs.

Blocking the administration from using funds to promote or advance critical race theory.

Prohibiting the implementation, administration or enforcement of the administration’s executive orders on diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, initiatives.

Banning taxpayer dollars from being used for abortion.

To no one’s surprise, the president already issued a Statement of Administration Policy on the funding bill, threatening to veto this legislation that would fully fund the health care and benefits of our veterans that they have earned.

This sends a terrible message by prioritizing radical and woke policies over the safety and well-being of the men and women in uniform – past and present – who have served our country.

The president’s priorities are changing the focus of our military, weakening our readiness and failing to keep promises made to our veterans, and we must reverse course before it is too late.

The House Appropriations Committee’s military construction and veterans affairs bill would deliver on our commitment to America by prioritizing our nation’s strength and safety, and keeping the promises made to our veterans. I urge the White House to reconsider its hasty and misguided decision.

Stopping the ICC’s illegitimate cases against our ally Israel

The International Criminal Court’s (ICC) decision to file applications for arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, while ignoring the atrocities committed by Iran and the Hamas terrorists, is unacceptable.

The United States does not recognize the jurisdiction of the ICC, and from the very beginning refused to join a body that could, and has, conducted politically motivated prosecutions against U.S. citizens and allies.

The House passed H.R. 8282 with my support to impose sanctions on the ICC to protect our nation and allies by deterring the ICC from pursuing these illegitimate cases where they have no jurisdiction.

Make no mistake: If the ICC pursues the arrest of Israeli officials, it would set a dangerous precedent that is a risk to the U.S., given the ICC’s ongoing investigation regarding Afghanistan.

Bring down inflation to lower the cost of living

Since the president took office, inflation has risen nearly 20%.

With high rates of inflation, American families – especially those on federal food assistance – are struggling to maintain their standard of living.

Hard-working Americans should not have to bear the brunt of Washington’s reckless spending and regulation, and from my seats on the House Appropriations and Budget committees, I’m continuing to push to fix how Washington works by reining in out-of-control spending and driving down costs for all Americans.

Investigating the weaponization of government against the American people

Last week, history was made.

Should anyone be surprised that Donald Trump would not get a fair and unbiased trial in New York, where prosecutors and their families were contributing to leftist candidates?

The Manhattan court’s verdict showed the world just how politicized our judicial system has become, with the left weaponizing our justice system.

I do not believe the verdict will hold up to a fair and truly impartial appeal.

Meanwhile, U.S. House committees continue to investigate examples of weaponization of government against our people.

Supporting our men and women in blue

Backing the blue is essential at all levels of government to keep our citizens safe, and I applaud the City of Asheville for putting forth a proclamation in support of the Asheville Police Department.

The proclamation provided opportunities for folks across the city to commemorate National Police Week and Peace Officers Memorial Day by showing our gratitude for the men and women in blue who risk their own lives to protect our communities.

On the federal level, I’m doing my part to support the Asheville Police Department by requesting funding needed to implement a Real-Time Intelligence Center in the City of Asheville. This capability would provide data in a centralized location, which would help Asheville police officers more efficiently gather, analyze, and investigate intelligence to enhance emergency response tactics and services.

Reminder: “Congressman Chuck Edwards: Unplugged” Town Hall Series

If you haven’t already, please mark your calendars for Thursday, June 20, to join my next in-person town hall in Graham County. The town hall will take place from 6:00-7:30 p.m. at the Graham County Courthouse, 12 N. Main St., Robbinsville, NC.

I’m looking forward to sharing an update about legislative priorities in Congress and answering questions about the issues that matter to you.

With my warmest regards,

Chuck Edwards
Member of Congress