Good morning, and welcome to our Weekend Update.

On Wednesday night, I voted to SAVE America. 35 states already have voter ID. It’s just common sense! Click hereor below to watch a short video of my reasons why this legislation is so critical.

Unfortunately, but perhaps predictably, many on the Left are flat-out lying about the SAVE America Act because they cannot defend voting against it.

Requiring photo ID to vote in a federal election is common sense. Most Americans already assume you need an ID to vote, and in 36 states, you do. Yet some states still refuse to implement this basic safeguard.

You need a photo ID to drive, board a flight, open a bank account, buy cold medicine, rent a hotel room, and buy alcohol. Even Members of Congress need an ID to vote on legislation. But when it comes to voting in federal elections, the Left says showing ID is too much to ask.

And now they are pushing one of their most dishonest claims yet, that married women will lose their right to vote. That is absolutely false. The SAVE America Act explicitly requires states to implement procedures to ensure that no eligible voter is disqualified for a name change. Whether it’s a Social Security card, a passport, or a driver’s license, married women can update their last name by providing their marriage certificate. We should expect the process to work the same way when registering or voting in federal elections.

The bill is as straightforward as it gets. Only American citizens can register to vote in federal elections, and states must verify citizenship while protecting the voting rights of eligible voters. It accepts REAL ID-compliant licenses, passports, military IDs, state-issued photo IDs, non-driver ID cards, and documents such as a birth certificate, adoption decree, or naturalization certificate.

Americans overwhelmingly support voter ID because they want elections to be secure and decided by American citizens. Republicans are working to ensure that every American can trust in the electoral process. While the Left ridiculously chooses to stand in the way of election integrity, that’s on them, but let it be clear that Republicans will always defend your right to vote as an American citizen.

Our good friend, Scott Pressler, has been a tremendous advocate for passing the SAVE Act. Watch his interview with Scott on Fox News earlier this week, where he pushed the U.S. Senate to bring the vote to the floor. Click here or below to watch.

Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Transportation Security Administration - TSA, and others should not miss a paycheck because Democrats refuse to negotiate on common-sense funding provisions. Once again, they are threatening a government shutdown for political leverage. I'd support a short-term CR for two, three, or even four weeks to keep the government open and give Congress time to get this right.

Meanwhile, House Republicans passed the SAVE America Act. Every Republican voted to require proof of citizenship to register and a photo-ID to vote, policies backed by about 85%, if not 90% of Americans. Every Democrat except one voted no. By voting no, they opposed verifying who is casting ballots in our elections.

As for AG Pam Bondi's hearing yesterday, it was more political chicanery from the Left. For four years under Merrick Garland, Democrats were silent on the release of the Epstein files. Now they’re suddenly outraged.

For years, President Trump has been clear that if there is credible evidence of illegality in the Epstein files, release it. Protect the innocent and redact what is necessary. Democrats controlled the FBI – Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Department of Justice for four years and did nothing. Now they are back to the same obsession, trying to target President Trump, while the only names surfacing in these files are the big, ugly Bills like Bill Clinton and Bill Gates. I joined Newsmax’s “Wake Up America” to discuss. Click here or below to watch.

Later, I joined “Varney & Co.” on Fox Business to explain why the sale of Venezuelan oil under President Trump is good for PA and good for our country. Just weeks ago, Venezuela was isolated under a narco-terrorist regime. Now, with strong U.S. leadership and cooperation, Venezuelan oil production is ramping back up and re-entering global markets.

When America leads in oil, gas, and coal, we produce energy more cleanly and responsibly than anyone else in the world. That leadership also means rolling back unnecessary regulations at home. The Trump Administration is set to reverse the EPA’s endangerment finding, cutting blue tape while preserving certain environmental standards.

With our Marcellus Shale, abundant natural gas, and anthracite coal, PA is central to American energy dominance. This is common-sense energy policy that strengthens national security, protects good-paying jobs, and keeps America energy dominant. Click here or below to watch.

I joined “The Bob Cordaro Show” on WILK Newsradio to discuss several issues making headlines and clear up misinformation being peddled by the "Leftist" mainstream media.

We talked about how Republicans are fighting for the American people on election integrity, government funding, and immigration enforcement, and what's happening in Washington versus the narrative coming from crazed Democrat leadership. Click here or below to listen.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke this week at the Munich Security Conference in Germany. I would encourage you to watch it. It really is one of the best speeches I’ve heard in a long time. It projects strength, leadership, inclusiveness, inspiration, and realism. Secretary Rubio is leading President Trump's foreign policy and has been an incredible asset to this administration and our nation. Click here or below to watch his speech. 

IN NEWS YOU WON’T HEAR IN THE MAINSTREAM MEDIA: President Trump and Republicans have silenced the haters again, starting the year strong by adding 130,000 jobs, doubling expectations.

Even better? These are private sector jobs, which grew by 172,000, as Republicans rein in the size of

Experts are calling it "a blockbuster report." and "exactly the opposite of what we saw under Biden", proof that the American economy is surging.

• Construction added 33,000 jobs
• Healthcare added 82,000 jobs
• Business services added 34,000 jobs
• Wages are up 3.7% over the year

CPI came in at 2.4% — below expectations — more proof inflation is continuing to cool.

Last week’s jobs report was strong. However, hiring was concentrated in healthcare, and could be even stronger in other sectors. That’s a sign interest rates are still too restrictive and the only thing holding back growth in other sectors.

Even the Fed sees it — 16 of 19 FOMC participants say the current interest rate is too high.

High rates are the last major barrier to President Trump’s growth agenda taking off.

Lower interest rates will drive more capital investment, which increases supply, expands production, and, by definition, helps bring inflation down even further while making goods more affordable.

Rate relief would also make it easier for families to buy a home, finance a car, grow their retirement, and access credit — all of which support broader economic growth.

As inflation continues to fall and the Working Family Tax Cuts take full effect, it’s time to lower rates so that investment, expansion, and job creation can accelerate across every sector of the economy.

The truth the Democrats are trying to hide is that President Trump and Republicans are fixing our economy after Democrats had it on life support for four years under relentless Bidenflation. Democrats continue to be proven wrong as the economy adds more jobs and grows faster than inflation thanks to commonsense Republican economic policies and President Trump.

On Tuesday, the House passed the bipartisan Financial Services Committee Republicans’ Housing for the 21st Century Act by a vote of 390-9. This bill, introduced by Congressman French Hill & Congressman Mike Flood, cuts red tape, lowers housing costs, and gets more homes built faster.

Housing affordability is fundamentally a supply problem. For too long, federal regulations have slowed construction and driven up prices. This legislation begins to address that by modernizing outdated programs, streamlining environmental and permitting reviews, and improving access to VA home loans for veterans.

Importantly, this bill is a foundation to build upon with additional housing reforms already under consideration — including the President’s signature policy to ensure the single-family housing market remains accessible to working families rather than influenced by large institutional buyers.

Taken together, these steps form a broader housing agenda that aligns with President Trump’s priorities: expanding supply, restoring affordability, and rebalancing the market toward homeownership. Click here or below to watch my comments on the floor of the U.S. House.

The Financial Services Committee Republicans examined the real drivers of affordability—from small-business access to capital to housing supply to regulatory burden.

As we heard from “Mr. Wonderful,” Kevin O’Leary at the hearing, “Small businesses are the heart of the American economy,” creating 64% of all U.S. jobs—and even more when supply chains are included. Yet, too often, policy overlooks them. O’Leary also noted that “40% of the friction for small banks is from regulations,” limiting credit access for local employers and entrepreneurs.

On housing and affordability, Stephen Moore noted that “real median income is up $2,400 over the past year,” with incomes finally outpacing inflation. But he also cautioned against repeating past mistakes, reminding us that “you don’t do anyone a favor by putting them in a home they can’t afford.”

The takeaway is this: affordability improves when we focus on pro-growth economic policy, sensible regulation, supply-side housing, and policies that support—not sideline—Main Street. Click here or below to watch my remarks.

As Chairman of the Oversight & Investigations Subcommittee on the U.S. House Financial Services Committee Republicans, I questioned former officials and housing watchdogs on serious failures inside Public Housing Agencies across the country.

Dangerous living conditions in Indianapolis and corruption schemes at NYCHA that directly harmed residents were among the examples we uncovered.

Taxpayer dollars are meant to provide safe, decent housing—not enable mismanagement, fraud, or neglect. Luckily, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development & Secretary Scott Turner are working to increase housing inspections, better track and prevent fraud, and ensure taxpayers’ dollars go to housing, not lining the pockets of grifters. Click here or below to watch.

An important reminder: visit https://trumpaccounts.gov to learn how to establish a Trump Account for your eligible child and complete Form 4547.

On Wednesday, I had the opportunity to host this week’s Republican Study Committee (RSC) luncheon, where my colleagues and I were joined by HUD Secretary Scott Turner, Ambassador of the European Union to the U.S. Jovita Neliupšienė, and conservative activist Scott Presler.

Our discussion covered several topics, including housing supply and affordability, international security cooperation, and the need to strengthen election integrity.

I also had the opportunity to discuss my newest piece of legislation, the SCAM Act, and my work to build on Secretary Turner’s initiatives to combat waste, abuse, and fraud at HUD.

Congress must crack down on waste, abuse, and fraud, especially when it’s committed by government employees.

At Wednesday’s House Committee on Small Business markup, I spoke in support of my Small Business Lending Fraud Prevention Act, which tightens SBA rules and stops insiders from abusing the loan system.

The SBA’s 7(a) loan program operates at zero cost to taxpayers, yet cases of employees approving loans for family members or others barred by law are increasing.

My bill requires SBA employees involved in loan approvals to certify they have no personal conflicts and to immediately recuse themselves if one arises.

This bipartisan bill, with Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander, ends insider abuse and restores trust in SBA lending.

Strong public markets are key to keeping America the best place in the world to start, grow, and take a company public. Click here or below to watch my remarks.

At a House Financial Services Committee hearing on Wednesday, I heard from SEC Chairman Paul Atkins about how the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission is building on President Donald J. Trump's pro-growth agenda, which helped drive IPO activity up nearly 50%.

The INVEST Act builds on that momentum by cutting "blue" tape for small issuers, strengthening private markets, and expanding access to capital so more companies can grow and eventually go public. It also includes my ACCESS Act, which removes unnecessary crowdfunding disclosure requirements that were holding back early-stage businesses.

I appreciate Chairman Atkins’ leadership and am glad to see these commonsense reforms advance through the House. Click here or below to watch.

I joined President Trump, several of my House GOP colleagues, coal industry leaders, and the hardworking men and women who power America’s coal industry at The White House for the “Big, Beautiful, Coal” event, where President Trump signed an executive order directing the U.S. Department of War to work directly with America’s coal plants to purchase power. This strengthens our national defense, secures the electric grid, and reinforces American energy independence.

Beautiful, clean American coal keeps the lights on, lowers electricity costs, and supports thousands of good-paying jobs, especially in Pennsylvania’s 9^th District.

President Trump is restoring American energy dominance by boosting coal production, keeping power plants online, and reversing Joe Biden’s failed energy policies. That means reliable power for our military, affordable energy for families, and a stronger, more secure nation.(Pictured below with Congressman Ryan Mackenzie and Brian Rich, President of Reading Anthracite Coal)

On Thursday, President Trump and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced the end of the Obama-era Endangerment Finding, ending the costly and useless vehicle emission rules, eliminating the stop-start button, and saving taxpayers $1.3 trillion. Click here or below to watch their press conference.

Additionally, I introduced the bipartisan SCAM Act with Rep. Lou Correa to crack down on predatory online scam ads.

Americans lost nearly $200 billion to fraud in 2024, and nearly half of scams now originate on social media.

As Chairman of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, I’ve examined the surge in financial fraud and found just how widespread this problem has become.

If a platform profits from advertising, it has a responsibility to protect consumers. The SCAM Act makes that clear and holds platforms accountable when they fail to stop fraudulent ads. Click here or below to learn more.

This week, we celebrated the one-year anniversary of Pennsylvanian Marc Fogel’s release after three and a half years of wrongful imprisonment in Russia and returned home.

Many of us worked continually to bring Marc home, and I’m grateful to Marc’s entire family for their tireless advocacy efforts, President Donald Trump and his team, and my Pennsylvania colleagues, Sen. Dave McCormick and Reps. Guy Reschenthaler, Mike Kelly, Glenn Thompson, Chris Deluzio, and many others, for their role in reuniting Marc with his family.

This anniversary shows what timely results strong American leadership can deliver, why we must keep fighting for Americans wrongfully held abroad, and stands as a clear example of President Trump’s Promises Made, Promises Kept.

Last weekend, I joined a bipartisan congressional delegation to Mexico City to meet with federal and state officials on issues impacting U.S. national security and economic stability. Alongside Chairman Michael McCaul and nine of my colleagues, we met with members of Mexico’s Chamber of Deputies, including Chamber President Kenia López Rabadán, as well as Foreign Secretary Juan Ramón de la Fuente and Guanajuato Governor Libia Dennise García.

We also spent nearly a full day at the United States Embassy, where I met with U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ron Johnson and Embassy staff. I was impressed by their focus on combating the production and trafficking of illegal drugs, pressing Mexican leaders to crush criminal cartels, promoting fair trade, and strengthening our partnership with an important neighboring ally.

While President Trump has secured the border, criminal cartels remain active and continue to adapt through increasingly sophisticated smuggling operations that move illegal drugs into our country. As Chairman of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, I made cartel financing and money-tracing efforts a central focus of our discussions and will continue advancing this work through the Financial Services Committee Republicans.

Because Mexico is a vital trading partner, security, counter-narcotics cooperation, and fair trade go hand in hand. Strong partnerships in the Western Hemisphere support regional stability, economic growth on both sides of the border, and the safety of the American people. I will continue working with our allies to ensure accountability, disrupt cartel activity, and promote policies that keep Americans safe and our economy strong.

ELECTION UPDATE:

As we begin our reelection campaign, we want to share information on how to help us achieve our first goal: filing nominating petitions.

The Commonwealth requires our campaign to collect and file 1,000 signatures from Republicans living in the 9th Congressional District.

Petition circulation runs from this Tuesday, February 17, through March 10. If you would like to circulate or sign a petition, please email Tom Whitehead at [email protected] to contact our campaign. We greatly appreciate any and all support with this mission. 

Join me at the following petition-signing events as we officially kick off the 2026 campaign season.

If you are a registered Republican, I encourage you to stop by and sign my petition to help secure our place on the ballot and ensure we can continue to work for the constituents of Pennsylvania’s 9th Congressional District.

Please RSVP to [email protected] to confirm your attendance. My team and I look forward to seeing you at many of these events.

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