Good afternoon, and welcome to our Weekend Update.

The American taxpayer is being ripped off. On Wednesday, I participated in Vice President JD Vance’s Fraud Task Force to find legislative solutions to stop waste, abuse, and fraud. Click here or below to watch the press conference. 

It’s not just in Minneapolis or LA. We had a big takedown this week in Philadelphia, where Medicare and Medicaid-funded home care services were being defrauded. Over the last seven years, Pennsylvania’s home care program has gone up from $125 million to $8 billion. That has largely occurred under the state's watch. That’s going to change.

Watch my Newsmax interview on “Rob Schmitt Tonight” where I break down the Pennsylvania home care services fraud scheme and discuss Vice President Vance's Fraud Task Force roundtable. Click here or below to watch.

IN NEWS YOU WON’T HEAR IN THE MAINSTREAM MEDIA: Primaries continue to occur and one thing has become clear... and that the Democrats' Star Candidates are Completely Unwell.

Democrats’ star candidates include:

• Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed thinks America deserved 9/11.
  
  
  • Watch music legend and Michigan native Kid Rock's interview on Fox and Friends Weekend discussing El-Sayed's candidacy. Click here or below to watch.

  

  
  
• Maine Senate candidate Troy Jackson had children with his cousin.
  
• Texas Senate candidate James Talarico has a creepy obsession with trans kids, thinks there are 6 genders, and thinks God is non-binary.
  
  
• Colorado Congressional candidate Manny Rutinel wants to ban farming and ranching to achieve his climate goals and says we should rely on nuts and berries.
  
  
• Arizona Congressional candidate JoAnna Mendoza says she would work to legalize prostitution to support “trans women of color.”
  
  
• California Congressional candidate Randy Villegas hired a known pedophile to work in a school after he was fired for creeping on kids – who then went on to sexually abuse 2 students.
  
  
• Iowa Congressional candidate Sarah Trone Garriott says she is uncomfortable with "white people," married a Satanist couple, and called Christianity "threatening."
  
  
• Texas Congressional candidate Bobby Pulido helped bail out a convicted child sex offender, brought him to a middle school, and said child molesters are "unfairly demonized."

No circus has so many clowns.

Just when you thought the Democrat party couldn’t go any lower, Democrats are putting innocent children at risk, defending terrorist attacks, sympathizing with terrorists, and slandering white Americans as “the greatest domestic terrorist threat in our country," all for more power.

With all this craziness related to the far left and the Democrat Party's embrace of a radical, dangerous policy agenda, this November is not about Republicans versus Democrats... it’s about America versus communism. 

It was great to join the Marcellus Shale Coalition for its networking reception in Williamsport this week.

It was a pleasure to be joined by Senator Gene Yaw and Representative Clint Owlett, along with industry leaders, local elected officials, and energy professionals from across our region.

Pennsylvania’s abundant natural gas resources continue to play a critical role in strengthening our economy, creating family sustaining jobs, enhancing our nation’s energy security, and helping ensure America remains energy dominant. I always appreciate the opportunity to meet with those who are driving innovation and investment in one of our Commonwealth’s most important industries.

Thank you to the Marcellus Shale Coalition and the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce for hosting a great evening and for your continued commitment to advancing Pennsylvania’s energy future.

I had a great time touring the military museum at the American Legion Memorial Building in Shamokin. The American Legion has an impressive collection of memorabilia showcasing the region’s military history, starting with the Civil War era.

Thank you, Roger Alleman and the entire team at the Shamokin American Legion for showcasing Pennsylvania’s military heritage.

I had the opportunity to visit the Schuylkill Regional Airport to observe specialized training conducted by the Pennsylvania State Police. It was impressive to see firsthand the professionalism, precision, and dedication that go into preparing our law enforcement officers for the challenges they face in protecting our communities every day.

A special thank you to Bill Willard and the outstanding team at the Schuylkill Regional Airport for their hospitality and for their continued partnership in supporting critical public safety training. The airport serves as an outstanding regional asset, providing a unique venue for specialized exercises that strengthen the readiness of our first responders.

Thank you as well to the Pennsylvania State Police for your unwavering commitment to keeping Pennsylvanians safe. We are grateful for your service, your sacrifice, and the important work you do every day.

This week, I joined many friends and supporters in Williamsport. It was a pleasure to be joined by Lycoming County Commissioner Scott Metzger and Senator Gene Yaw. We had a great discussion about what’s happening in Washington, the issues that matter most to Lycoming County and Pennsylvania, and the work being done to keep our communities safe, strengthen our economy, and move our Commonwealth forward. I always appreciate the opportunity to hear directly from the people I represent.

A special thank you to our outstanding event hosts for their generous hospitality, and to John Ryan Brewery for the incredible food and for providing such a great setting for the great evening.

On Wednesday evening, I joined veterans, supporters, and community leaders from across Pennsylvania at the Veterans for Stacy Garrity Rally in Shamokin. It was a pleasure to stand alongside future Governor Stacy Garrity, a retired U.S. Army Colonel who dedicated more than three decades of service to our nation before continuing her commitment to Pennsylvania in public office. Her record of leadership, service, and delivering results is exactly what our Commonwealth needs in its next Governor.

Our veterans answered the call to defend our nation, and their service does not end when they take off the uniform. We must ensure they have access to the care, resources, and opportunities they have earned while standing firmly behind the men and women who have sacrificed so much for our freedom. Supporting our veterans and military families is not just good policy, it is a responsibility we all share.

One of the most meaningful moments of the evening was reconnecting with Gold Star Family members Bob Sandri and Nick Sandri. In June, they asked if I could help deliver a letter to President Trump in memory of their son and cousin, and I was grateful to present them with President Trump’s thoughtful response last night. Their family’s sacrifice is a powerful reminder that freedom is never free. We owe an enduring debt of gratitude to every Gold Star family and must always remember those who gave their lives in defense of our nation, as well as the loved ones who carry their legacy forward.

Since 1790, the U.S. Coast Guard has defended American shores and saved countless lives through search and rescue operations.

Happy birthday to the Coast Guard, its service members, and veterans.

Thank you to all the dedicated men and women who keep America’s farms running and our families fed.

Farm workers are fueling our economy and keeping rural communities strong. Today and every day, all Americans rely on our agricultural workforce to keep food on the table. This week we all celebrated Happy National Farm Worker Appreciation Day.

On Friday, we attended the funeral of our great friend and patriot, Maria Diesel. Maria was taken from us way too soon, but her memory and legacy will live on in her deeds. Maria's life was defined by Grace:

Grace

God, give me grace for this day.
Not for a lifetime, nor for next week, nor for tomorrow, just for this day.
Direct my thoughts and bless it.
Direct the things I say and give them blessing too.
Direct everything that I think, speak and do.
So that this day, just this one day, I have the gift of grace that comes from Your presence.
- Marjorie Holmes

We continue to send our blessings to Maria's family and friends during this difficult time.

May God continue to bless our nation. I look forward to seeing you soon,