Letter From Liz

Friends,

As we begin the 116th Congress the issue of border security has been the primary focus of President Trump and Republicans in Congress. Years of inadequate funding for border security and failure to enforce our immigration laws under the Obama Administration created a security crisis along the southern border. We have a fundamental obligation to secure our border and protect the safety of all Americans.

During the partial government shutdown Democrats refused to negotiate in good-faith and instead chose to play politics with our national security. In fact, in the middle of the shutdown, nearly 40 Democrats traveled to Puerto Rico to spend time on the beach with lobbyists and party with the cast of “Hamilton.” The Democrats’ unwillingness to negotiate with our President to provide security for all Americans is unacceptable and must come to an end. President Trump is right to fight for increased funding to build a wall and secure the border and I fully support his efforts to do so.

Last week, in an effort to bring Democrats to the negotiating table, President Trump agreed to end the partial government shutdown and re-open the government. This will allow time for Democrats to stop playing politics and show they are serious about defending the security of our nation. I hope Democrats will now join President Trump in working to find a compromise that keeps our country safe, ends the humanitarian crisis at our border, and most importantly, builds the wall.

Committee Assignments

The House of Representatives announced committee assignments for the 116th Congress last week. I’m pleased to continue serving on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee.

On the Natural Resources Committee, I will continue to fight for Wyoming’s people, industry, and resources by protecting the progress we’ve made over the last two years. We have been able, working with the Trump administration, to cut red tape and roll back regulations that have been strangling our ag and energy industries. We’ve been able to return more authority for decision-making about our land and resources to the local level and we’ve worked to educate people across the nation about the crucial importance of fossil fuels to our nation’s economy and security.

On the House Armed Services Committee, I will continue working to ensure F.E. Warren’s vital ongoing nuclear deterrence mission is properly funded and the Wyoming National Guard continues to receive the federal resources and support it requires. I believe that our elected officials have no more important constitutional obligation than ensuring our men and women in uniform have the resources they need to keep us safe, and I will continue to work on behalf of Wyoming’s service-members and veterans every day.

I’m honored to have the opportunity to serve Wyoming on these important committees for another Congress.

Devils Tower

I reintroduced legislation the month to protect the legacy of Devils Tower by taking the first step towards codifying the name into federal law. The name Devils Tower is over a century old and represents one of the most well-known, beloved geological features in the nation. The historic site attracts tourists from across the globe and provides revenue to our state’s communities. I look forward to working with the Wyoming delegation to protect the name of this historic site.

Fox & Friends

I had the pleasure of talking with “Fox & Friends” co-host Steve Doocy about the importance of border security, this week. If Democrats continue to use their majority to block funds to secure our nation, they won’t have their majority in the House for very long.

Democrats Attempt to Remove “So Help you God” From Oath

The Democrats first move after the government re-opened was an attempt to remove “so help you God” from the oath taken by witnesses at committee hearings. This effort exemplifies their radical and increasingly socialist agenda. To correct this unjust removal from the oath, I successfully worked with my Republican colleagues to keep our oath the way it has always been.

Wyoming Visitors

I want to thank Pat O’Toole from the Family Farm Alliance for an excellent meeting. His extensive knowledge and experience in Wyoming’s agriculture industry makes him an great advocate for our state’s farmers and ranchers.

The Wyoming School Boards Association is dedicated to improving educational opportunities for all of Wyoming’s public school students. I want to thank board members Janine Bay, Greg Borcher, Nicole Weyer, and Brian Farmer for their excellent work. It was a pleasure to discuss legislation vital to education in our state.

Wonderful meeting with the leaders of Wyoming’s United Postmasters and Managers of America. I appreciated discussing postal reform and President Trump’s postal task force with everyone.

Congratulations to Yoder’s Billy Hambrick on his hard work earning a spot as the American Trucking Association’s Road Team Captain. He will be an excellent leader promoting the vital importance of the trucking industry.

Wyoming Delegation Meeting

The Wyoming delegation met this week to discuss the several ways Senators Enzi, Barrasso and I plan to collaborate on crucial Wyoming legislation this Congress, including ways to improve the Endangered Species Act and move the Devils Tower bill we introduced. We also discussed the importance of finding a solution in the House and Senate to fund the border wall, end the crisis at our southern border. I look forward to continue working with Senators Enzi and Barrasso on issues important to the people of Wyoming.

Trump Withdraws From INF Treaty

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced today that the United States will begin the process to formally withdraw from the INF Treaty.

I applaud the Trump Administration’s decision to withdraw from the INF Treaty. Because of long-standing Russian violations of the treaty, this accord was serving only to limit America’s ability to defend ourselves while our adversaries advanced their capabilities. The Trump Administration is taking the right and necessary step to defend both the security of our nation and that of our NATO allies by formally withdrawing from the INF Treaty. I support President Trump’s actions to recognize the failure of this agreement and advance policies, including the modernization of our nuclear triad, that are necessary for the defense of our nation.

On my website you can find more background on the Russian violations of the treaty as well as a letter I sent to President Trump back in November supporting a withdraw of the treaty.

Fighting the Far-left Agenda in the House

With Democrats now in control of the House it’s more important than ever to push back against Speaker Pelosi’s radical, socialist agenda. I will fight everyday with my Republican colleagues in Congress to prevent these extreme policies from ever becoming law and will fiercely defend our Wyoming way-of-life. Below are a few examples of what Democrats in the House and around the country have been focusing on this past week:

-Democrats celebrated denying funding for border security

-The far-left actually wants to block more funding from going to DHS, instead of securing the border

-Democrats voted in favor of pay raises for federal employees accused of sexual harassment or assault

-Speaker Pelosi said there would be no funding for the wall despite at least 60 members of her caucus supporting physical barriers

-Democrats conducted sham hearings to lie to the American people about Republicans’ record on pre-existing conditions

-Democrats attempted to give Washington bureaucrats more control over all Americans free speech and political participation

-House Dem leaders refused to condemn anti-Semitic statements by members of their caucus; and Rep Ilhan Omar kept up her anti-Israel rhetoric by comparing the Jewish state to Iran

-Their loudest voices openly admitted their signature health care proposal would completely eliminate private insurance. That’s not something the American people want

-The liberals in Virginia’s state legislature tried to advance a bill that would permit abortions *as the mother is giving birth.* Dem Governor Ralph Northam defended the bill by saying “the infant would be kept comfortable” while its fate is decided.

-And in case you forgot – one of their party’s most celebrated figures recently pondered whether the Constitution “still works”

Ultimately, nothing is more important than the security of the American people. As we enter the 116th Congress, I will continue fighting to secure and defend our nation and protect the Wyoming way of life.

Sincerely,

Liz Cheney
Member of Congress