Good afternoon, and welcome to our Weekend Update.

Democrats defunded the police. Now they want to defund ICE. It's the same playbook, but with a different target.

They allowed 20 million illegals to come into our country, including known criminals and individuals on the terror watch list. ICE exists because of what they did. And now they want to eliminate the very agency cleaning up the mess they created.

The White House has repeatedly come to the table to negotiate DHS funding. Democrats claim we’re not negotiating enough, but what have they done? They’ve created chaos, impacting agencies like TSA, FEMA, and the Coast Guard, and then turn around and blame Republicans for the consequences.

We are in a heightened state of national concern because the Left refuses to act in the best interest of the country. House Republicans have done our job. Now it’s time for the Senate to do its part and fund DHS. Click here or below to watch.

Additionally, I joined "Wake Up America" on Newsmax to further discuss the issues arising from the Democrats' DHS shutdown. Aside from the chaos they have created for American travelers, they have put our nation's counterterrorism and cyber defense in jeopardy. Click here or below to watch.

On this St. Patrick’s Day, I joined President Trump and Speaker Mike Johnson at this year’s Friends of Ireland Luncheon in the U.S. Capitol.

I appreciated hearing from Taoiseach Micheál Martin, who spoke to the strength of the U.S.–Ireland relationship and the shared values that continue to bring our countries together.

This longstanding tradition is a reminder of the enduring friendship between our two nations and the deep ties between the Irish and American people.

IN NEWS YOU WON’T HEAR IN THE MAINSTREAM MEDIA: The SAVE America Act is a commonsense bill to strengthen election integrity, yet Democrats continue to play hardball as they remain vehemently opposed to basic safeguards that ensure only American citizens can vote in American elections.

Their arguments aren’t resonating, either. As NBC News reported today, Democrat messaging on the SAVE America Act “is increasingly falling flat with the American public, including Black voters, as photo IDs are increasingly required for common activities, like flying.”

The SAVE America Act would:

• Require states to obtain proof of citizenship – in person – when registering to vote in federal elections.
• Require individuals to present a photo ID before voting.
• Require states to take action to remove non-citizens from their voter rolls.

Polling shows 83% of U.S. adults support photo ID to vote, including 71% of self-identified Democrats, 83% of independents, and 76% of Black voters.

Senate Democrats are fighting against ensuring that only American citizens are voting in U.S. elections:

• Mark Warner claims he supports voter ID but won't support the SAVE America Act.
• Richard Blumenthal says passing it would “destroy our democracy.”
• Peter Welch apparently thinks you don't need to be a resident of a state to vote in its elections.
• Jeff Merkley says it’s “about stopping groups from voting who tend to vote for Democrats.”
• Adam Schiff says it “will destroy something precious about this country.”

While Democrats are fighting to keep illegal aliens on the voter rolls, President Trump and Republicans are working tirelessly to secure our elections by making it easier to vote and harder to cheat.

As the Senate considers the SAVE America Act this week, Democrats face a simple question: will they stand with most Americans who support commonsense election safeguards, or continue opposing measures designed to protect the integrity of our elections?

I stood alongside my fellow Pennsylvania colleagues on the House Floor for a moment of silence to honor the life of Corporal Timothy O’Connor Jr., a brave Pennsylvania State Trooper who was tragically killed in the line of duty during a routine traffic stop earlier this month. It’s heartbreaking that someone who answered the call to serve had his life taken far too soon. May Pennsylvania never forget his sacrifice, and may we always be grateful for every individual who puts on the uniform each day to protect and serve our communities.

My thoughts are with his family, friends, and fellow troopers during this difficult time.

At a House Committee on Small Business hearing, we examined how the SBA is delivering for small businesses and doing more with less.

This progress under Administrator Kelly Loeffler is being driven by stronger field operations and better coordination, allowing the SBA to respond faster and more effectively to the needs of small businesses. As a result, employers are starting to feel the difference, with optimism returning and businesses gaining the confidence to hire again.

Now that we've made progress, let's continue cutting "blue" tape, expand access to capital, and give small businesses the tools they need to grow, hire, and succeed. Click here or below to watch.

This week, I met with Acting Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Derek Theurer, for a constructive discussion on key oversight priorities.

We reviewed Treasury’s actions to combat fraud in Minnesota and other areas across the country to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse. We also discussed President Trump’s Anti-Fraud Task Force led by Vice President JD Vance.

Lastly, we agreed on the importance of advocating for pro-growth policies like no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, and working families tax cuts—policies that put more money back in the pockets of hardworking Americans while strengthening our economy.

I look forward to continued collaboration with Treasury under Secretary Bessent's leadership to support transparency, protect American interests, and ensure strong stewardship of public funds.

On Wednesday, I stood with my Pennsylvania colleagues to honor the life of U.S. Army soldier Pfc. Krystofer Lopez.

The Adams County native tragically passed away following an incident at Letterkenny Army Depot last week. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and fellow soldiers during this difficult time. May his service and sacrifice never be forgotten.

We talked through challenges facing consumers, lenders, and dealerships, and the importance of maintaining stability and access to credit.

As we advance pro-growth policies like the Working Families Tax Cuts—including no tax on American car loans—we’re focused on strengthening the economy and supporting American manufacturing.

I attended the 13th Annual Breakfast on the Hill with firefighters from across Pennsylvania and had the opportunity to hear directly from those serving in the Ninth Congressional District.

They emphasized the need for increased investment to ensure they have the resources necessary to serve our communities effectively, while also addressing the ongoing shutdown and its impact on the Department of Homeland Security, including the pause on critical grant programs like AFG and SAFER, which many departments depend on. A key part of the conversation also focused on how we can better recognize and support Gold Shield Families, who have lost loved ones in the line of duty.

I will continue working with groups like the Firefighters’ Association of PA to ensure they receive the support and resources needed to keep our communities safe.

Later, I met with Mike Miller, the Executive Director of the Williamsport Water Authority, and his team to discuss their proposal to replace a DAFT tank at the West Wastewater Treatment Plant.

This important infrastructure upgrade will protect public health and the Susquehanna River watershed while supporting Williamsport’s industrial corridor. Modernizing the existing DAFT tank will improve reliability, reduce long-term costs, and offer long-term protection of the community’s wastewater system.

My wife, Shelley, and I are praying for Susie Wiles as she begins treatment for early-stage breast cancer. She has continually been one of the best and most capable leaders in Washington.

Her decision to take this on while continuing to serve the American people speaks volumes about her strength, character, and commitment to this country.

May God bless the Chief of Staff to the President of the United States and my friend, Susie Wiles.

CAMPAIGN UPDATE:

This weekend, we held a very successful campaign fundraiser with many of our great supporters. We were blessed to be in West Palm Beach for the event,  with a luncheon at Mar-A-Lago Club. Our host Jim Worthington was spectacular, and there are far too many others to acknowledge and thank. However, I will note and thank two of my congressional colleagues for attending: Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne (R-TX) and Congressman Troy Downing.

After our luncheon, President Trump stopped by to greet our guests and supporters. I am so grateful for his continued support, and I will continue to fight as hard as I possibly can to implement the America First agenda. (Pictured below with President Trump and Jim Worthington)

(Shelley and I are pictured with our President)

Last, but certainly not least, I want to thank our amazing team. Matt Perricone, Evelyn Datte, Courtney Trigg, and Maria Diesel did a fantastic job with this event. 

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