Great meeting with local leaders in Massac County to discuss Port Authority and Brookport’s ongoing levee recertification process. Our local leaders know what their communities need, and it’s Washington’s job to help them deliver, not slow them down. I’ll keep working to cut through the red tape and make sure Southern Illinois gets the support it needs.

Let’s be clear. The Second Amendment isn’t a privilege granted by Washington. It’s a right guaranteed by our Constitution. That’s why I cosponsored H.R. 38, the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, to protect the rights of law-abiding gun owners traveling across state lines. I’ll never stop fighting to defend our right to keep and bear arms.

In 2025, the nation’s violent crime rate fell 9.3% — the largest year-to-year decline since 1936. -Murder DOWN 18.1% -Robbery DOWN 18.5% -Aggravated assault DOWN 7.2% Under Republican leadership, the results are clear. Safe streets. Strong communities. Real accountability. That’s what Americans deserve.

Catching fraudsters after they’ve stolen taxpayer money isn’t enough. We need to stop them before they get their hands on it in the first place. That means stronger verification, better oversight, and closing the loopholes criminals exploit. Prevention beats paying for the damages.

I'm proud to take @VP's pledge and stand alongside President Trump and Vice President Vance in the fight against fraud! Taxpayer-funded programs are meant to help Americans in need, NOT line the pockets of criminals. Hardworking American taxpayers deserve accountability and the free ride for fraudsters ends NOW! Thanks to @JDVance and @WHFraudTF for the critical work you're leading.

Everyone deserves to have their voice heard, regardless of where they call home. I appreciated the opportunity to visit Cedar Trails in Freeburg and hear directly from residents and families about issues facing seniors, veterans, and our communities. Their voices matter, and I'll make sure they're heard in Washington!

California bureaucrats shouldn't be calling the shots for Southern Illinois farmers. To push back against California's harmful Prop 12, I cosponsored the Save Our Bacon Act to protect our pork producers from conflicting state regulations across the country. Decisions affecting Southern Illinois farms should be made by the folks who work the land, not politicians in California.

I enjoyed spending some time touring Mascoutah High School’s new facilities. From hands-on training at the new Career Center, to the school expansion and the recently finished Veterans Park sports complex, these investments are creating more opportunities for students. Investing in the next generation is how we build a stronger future for Southern Illinois.

It’s no secret that waste, fraud, and abuse has run rampant in Washington over the last several decades. But since 2025, the Trump administration has uncovered an estimated $260.7 BILLION in fraud. Every stolen dollar is a dollar taken from the hardworking Americans who earned it. Republicans are restoring accountability.

Family farms are often passed down from one generation to the next. Outdated Washington regulations shouldn't stand in the way. That's why I introduced the bipartisan USDA Loan Modernization Act to cut red tape and help family farmers access the financing they need to keep operations running.

I was honored to receive the AgriBank Friend of Agriculture Award during my meeting with Farm Credit Illinois in New Athens! Agriculture is the backbone of Southern Illinois, and I’ll never stop fighting to ensure our hardworking farmers have the resources, opportunities, and freedom they need to succeed.

Our farmland is one of America's most valuable resources. When foreign adversaries buy our land, it can be a national security threat. I cosponsored the AFIDA Improvements Act to strengthen reporting and close loopholes that allow foreign entities to fly under the radar when purchasing American agricultural land. Protecting our farmland starts with transparency.

Happy 251st Birthday to the U.S. Navy! For generations, brave sailors have answered the call to serve, defending our freedoms and protecting our nation at home and abroad. Today, we honor their courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to our country.

Over five centuries ago, Christopher Columbus embarked on a journey that would change the world forever. Today, we honor his legacy and the spirit of exploration that helped shape our great nation. Happy Columbus Day!

America’s farmers are the backbone of our nation. Every day, they put in long hours to feed our families, fuel our economy, and keep America moving. Today, we thank these hardworking men and women for their dedication and commitment to help feed our nation. Happy National Farmers Day!

Congratulations to the Murphysboro Lady Blue Devils softball team on their 5-3 win to take 3rd place in the Southern Illinois Junior High School Athletic Association Class L State Tournament! Your hard work, determination, and teamwork has made our community very proud!

Spent some time with the St. Louis Army Corps of Engineers to get updated on ongoing projects in the St. Louis district. From protecting our communities against flooding to keeping our waterways open for commerce, their work is critical to Southern Illinois. I’ll keep working with them to strengthen our infrastructure and protect the families and businesses that depend on it!

Thanks to Hospital Sisters Health System for showing me around St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in O’Fallon! Quality healthcare close to home is something every Southern Illinois family deserves. I’m grateful for the hardworking doctors, nurses, and staff who dedicate themselves to caring for our communities.

Great meeting with the folks at Mid-American Air Center in Lawrence County! The Air Center is a critical transportation asset for the region, attracting businesses, creating jobs, and driving economic growth. I’ll continue working with local leaders to ensure the Air Center has the support and resources it needs to grow and succeed.