Last week, I returned to Washington, D.C., as the House of Representatives resumed legislative business amid multiple mounting crises.
As the House of Representatives reconvened, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released its monthly Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, and the news was anything but good. Over the year, the CPI increased by 9.1%, above Wall Street's estimates of 8.8%. This dramatic increase in the inflation rate is the fastest since November 1981, when I was only three years old.
Just a troubling, adjusted for inflation, workers' hourly wages fell 1% during the month and are down overall 3.6%. It doesn't take a government report to confirm the feelings of every American—nearly every aspect of life is way more expensive than it was under the Trump administration. What the Biden-Harris administration and Congressional Democrats have done to our economy is proof positive that the progressive agenda of higher taxes, reckless spending, restrictive regulations, and government overreach doesn't work.
When looking under the hood, CNBC recently outlined just how bad inflation is and where it's hitting the hardest:
- Energy costs increased 7.5%
- Gasoline prices jumped 11.2%
- Medical-care costs climbed 0.7%
- Electricity costs rose 1.7%
- Rental fees increased 0.8%
- Shelter prices increased 0.6%
With inflation off the walls, it's hard to think of a good and service that Biden's Price Hike does not impact. One of the significant impacts of DEMFLATION is the reduction in every American's purchasing power, especially those on fixed incomes and working-class families. Under Biden's policies, your dollar doesn't go as far as it did under not President Trump but every president since President Reagan.
Unfortunately, the forecast for our economy isn't good, with most economists predicting that inflation will only get worse. Additionally, Fed Chair Jerome Powell is now playing catch up due to their delayed action against early indications of inflation over a year ago. The future is bleak and will consist of continued rising costs, outrageous interest rates, and increased economic pressure on hardworking families. Lastly, the American people know who's to blame for this financial turmoil and are blaming one-party Democratic Party rule in Washington. The second Democrats took over the gavel, the downfall of our economy began. Since taking control, Democrats rammed through several legislative packages, such as the American "Rescue" Plan and the "Bi-Partisan" InFAKEstructure Plan totaling several trillions of dollars and spurring the economic collapse. Now is the time to reign in spending, strip restrictions on America's workforce, scrap all energy regulations, and allow the free market to operate.
For a summary of legislative highlights, must-see interviews, and events from last week—continue reading below!
Legislative Updates |
Last week's CPI report essentially confirms the writing on the wall: our nation’s economic health is declining, and the prescription offered by this administration is only making things worse.
Read my entire statement below or here:
Rep. Donalds Reacts to 41-Year High Inflation WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) issued the following statement regarding the latest record-shattering Consumer Price Index (CPI) numbers, which reached 9.1% in June.
“Today’s CPI report essentially confirms the writing on the wall: our nation’s economic health is declining, and the prescription offered by this administration is only making things worse. Year-over-year inflation is now the highest in 41 years, outpacing predictions at 9.1%, up from 8.6% in May. Since the president won’t level with the American people, I will—President Biden, the Biden-Harris administration, Speaker Pelosi, and Leader Schumer are the only ones in the world to blame. Since the power in Washington shifted back to the Democratic Party, they’ve been on a fast track to push through their radical agenda of reckless spending, outrageous tax increases, and the all-out assault on America’s energy industry—resulting in this unfathomable inflation.
“Inflation is a tax on every American, with working-class families and seniors on fixed incomes suffering the greatest. Additionally, this historic Bidenflation is stealing from the American worker who, through no fault of their own, is seeing their wages evaporate. Unfortunately, there is no escaping the challenging economic times—inflation impacts nearly every good and service in our daily lives. Look no further than these jaw-dropping numbers:
- Gas: +59.9%
- Fuel Oil: +98.5%
- Meat, Poultry, & Fish: +10.4%
- Milk: +16.4%
- Eggs: +33.1%
- Coffee: +15.8%
- New Vehicles +11.4%
- Airline Fares: +34.1%
“Biden got us into this mess because of a selfish desire to create a legacy more extreme than FDR, and now the rest of us are left facing the consequences.”
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Last week, Mary McLeod Bethune -- an African American educational pioneer, activist, and women's rights leader -- was honored with a statue in the National Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capitol.
As the first Black American to be recognized with this honor, I was grateful to take part in this historic event.
Read my entire statement below or here:
Rep. Donalds Celebrates the Unveiling of Florida's Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Statue in the U.S. Capitol's National Statuary Hall
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL), alongside Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD), Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-SC), Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), and additional members from the United States House of Representatives and Senate took part in the unveiling of a statue honoring the life of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune in the National Statuary Hall collection.
"Today, on behalf of a grateful nation, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune will now permanently stand tall among historical giants where she belongs in National Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capitol. Her entrance into this collection makes her the first Black American to be commissioned by a state, and I am proud that she will now represent the people of Florida in this sacred location.
"As a Black American, I am particularly grateful for her invaluable contributions to Black Americans and the nation. As one of the most revered Black educators in history, a civil and women's rights leader, and a pioneer for the advancement of Black Americans, she worked tirelessly to ensure our nation lived up to our God-given purpose and potential. While she has roots in several states, her remarkable life and legacy will now forever represent the Great State of Florida—and we are honored to have that privilege."
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The Women's Health Protection Act of 2022 is an affront to our system of Checks and Balances and blatantly ignores the Court's ruling which allows states––not Congress––to enact abortion-related policy. I will vote NO on any effort to expand abortion access in America.
Read my entire statement below or here:
Rep. Donalds Votes NO on Efforts To Enact National Abortion on Demand
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) issued the following statement opposing the Democrats' radical plans to codify Roe v. Wade and effectively enact nationwide abortion-related policy on demand.
“Despite unprecedented intimidation, intrusion, and undermining of the U.S. Supreme Court by the Democratic Party and their friends in the pro-abortion lobby, an overwhelming majority of the Court finally overturned 50 years of unsound law and judicial overreach established under Roe. In one of the most pro-democracy rulings in modern history, the Court ruled that the issue of abortion should reside in the hands of the people––instead of nine unelected black robes in D.C.
“Today's Democratic Party is the party of abortion on demand and without limits, including the unconscionable practice of infanticide. This ideology is sick, perverse, and erodes our nation's moral compass. The Women's Health Protection Act of 2022 is an affront to our system of Checks and Balances and blatantly ignores the Court's ruling which allows states––not Congress––to enact abortion-related policy. This bill will also impose the radical pro-abortion policies of California and New York on states like Florida, Texas, and North Carolina, where extreme abortion extensions aren't supported.
"The U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling is clear, regulating abortion is the job of the states, not the federal government. I will vote NO on any effort to expand abortion access in America.”
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Community Engagement
Congratulations to Dunbar High School student, Andrew Chuang Saladin, on winning the 2022 Microsoft Office Specialist U.S. National Championship. His second national title, this victory serves as a culmination of hard work, intelligence, and unwavering determination.
Dunbar High School Student Wins Microsoft Office National Championship
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Last week, at an event honoring the legacy of Mary McLeod Bethune, I was grateful to share remarks on her activism, work to expand educational opportunities for all, and her life of public service.
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ICYMI: Last week, I joined "The Evening Edit" on Fox Business to discuss the surge of violent crime in America.
Democrats don't get to pick and choose when to levy justice.
To see true law and order and safety return to America's streets, we must empower our LEOs and steer away from the progressive's "weak on crime" disastrous agenda. Click below to watch my full interview:
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ICYMI: Last week, I joined "The Ingraham Angle" on Fox News to discuss Democrats on Capitol Hill attempting to radicalize our military, impose oppressive COVID-19 mandates on our servicemen and women, and more.
Watch the full interview by clicking below:
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ICYMI: Last week, I joined "Varney & Co." on Fox Business to discuss the Republican outlook headed into the midterms, the stakes of the 2024 election, Donald Trump, and more.
Watch the full interview by clicking the link below:
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ICYMI: Last week, I joined "Fox Across America" on Fox News Radio to discuss the shortcomings of the Biden Administration, especially when it comes to dealing with this historic inflation.
Inflation has only continued to jump under President Biden, recently reaching a four-decade high of 9.1%. It is clear that this current administration is incompetent when it comes to dealing with the economy.
Listen to my full interview below:
Rep. Byron Donalds: Biden’s Economic Team Is The Gang That Can’t Shoot Straight
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ICYMI: Last week, I wrote an Op-Ed highlighting the ways the meteroic rise of inflation has harmed the Southwest Florida community.
Southwest Floridians and the rest of the nation will not forget the economic pain and suffering caused by this administration.
Read my Op-Ed by clicking the link below.
EXCLUSIVE: Florida's Voice: Biden's Price Hike Hits Southwest Florida |
Serving the hardworking men and women of Florida's 19th Congressional District is my distinct honor and privilege. It's time Washington works for our community's values, and every day I will always strive to ensure your government is working for you.
Sincerely,
Byron Donalds
Member of Congress |
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