Good morning, and welcome to our Weekend Update.

On Monday, I joined “Varney & Co.” on Fox Business in-studio this morning to discuss how the U.S. is ending the threat posed by the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism, Iran, a regime that has pursued weapons of mass destruction while killing tens of thousands of its own people.

Energy markets are reacting to short-term disruption, but U.S. production is at record highs, the SPR remains strong, and this volatility is temporary. Markets respond to certainty, and stability will return as this operation concludes.

Operation Epic Fury began by targeting Iran's offensive capabilities. Now we are degrading its defensive systems and repressive regime, ensuring future Iranian leadership abandons terrorism and nuclear weapons ambitions.

The Iran that threatened its own people, the U.S., and our allies, will be history under President Donald J. Trump. Click here or below to watch.

Additionally, I joined “Wake Up America” on Newsmax to discuss Operation Epic Fury. For nearly five decades, Iran's regime has funded terrorism, targeted Americans, and worked to destabilize the Middle East. President Donald J. Trump and our allies abroad are finally putting an end to their reign of terror forever.

With global threats heightened, the U.S. must project strength abroad and stability at home. That's why it's so concerning that Democrats continue to hold up DHS funding. We must support our military, stand with our allies abroad, and move immediately to fund DHS. Click here or below to watch.

On Tuesday evening, I spoke on the House floor in opposition to a resolution that would limit the President’s ability to respond to threats posed by Iran’s terrorist regime. Iran and its proxies—including Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis—have maimed and killed thousands of Americans and were directly involved in the horrific October 7th attacks against Israel.

President Trump has fully complied with the War Powers Act, which requires notification to Congress within 48 hours and provides 60 days before further authorization is required. Yet this resolution risks sending the wrong message—to our troops and to our enemies—at a time when Iran continues to threaten the United States and our allies while enriching uranium at alarming levels.

We must ensure our Commander-in-Chief retains the ability to respond to imminent threats and keep America safe. Click here or below to watch.

This operation is noble, but not without sacrifice. Shelley and I are saddened by the brave service members killed in action during Operation “Epic Fury”. These Americans proudly answered the call to serve, ultimately sacrificing their lives for our country. We continue praying for their families and for those who were wounded during this operation.

Our thoughts are with the troops who remain overseas, continuing the mission and representing the very best of America. Yesterday, President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff took part in a dignified transfer of the remains of six U.S. Army service members of the 103rd Sustainment Command, who were killed in Kuwait, Major Jeffrey O'Brien, Captain Cody Khork, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan, Sergeant 1st Class Nicole Amor, Sergeant 1st Class Noah Tietjens and Sergeant Declan Coady, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, at Dover Air Force Base.

If you’re an American currently in the Middle East, please review the security guidance below and take the necessary steps to stay safe. Here’s a brief summary of the latest updates as of March 1.

For real-time information and travel advisories, visit travel.state.gov/destination and enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program at step.state.gov to receive alerts directly.

If you need consular assistance, help is available 24/7 at +1-202-501-4444 (from overseas) or +1-888-407-4747 (from the U.S. and Canada).

IN NEWS YOU WON’T HEAR IN THE MAINSTREAM MEDIA: Another new poll shows massive support for the SAVE America Act:

President Trump renewed his urgent call for Congress to swiftly pass the SAVE America Act, a straightforward, commonsense bill to fortify our elections against fraud and ensure only American citizens cast ballots. This legislation enjoys overwhelming support from the American people — yet Radical Left Democrat politicians continue to obstruct it, choosing partisan power plays over national security and the will of the people.

Fresh polling underscores the SAVE America Act’s popularity with Americans:

• 71% support the SAVE America Act — including 69% of independents and half of rank-and-file Democrats.
  • 81% favor requiring voter ID — backed by 79% of independents and 70% of Democrats.
  • 80% want states to purge non-citizens from voter rolls.
  • 75% support proof of citizenship to vote.
  • 61% support sharing unredacted voting rolls with the Department of Homeland Security.
• 60% call the SAVE America Act a “commonsense way to stop fraud and protect the security of our elections.”
• 58% recognize at least some voter fraud exists in the U.S.
• 85% agree only U.S. citizens should vote in our elections — including 84% of independents and 82% of Democrats.

These numbers align with other polling that shatters Democrats’ tired narrative:

• Pew Research Center: 83% of Americans — including wide majorities of Democrats, independents, Whites, Blacks, and Latinos — favor voter ID requirements.
• Gallup: 84% support voter ID, with 98% of Republicans, 84% of independents, and 67% of Democrats on board — while an equally robust 83% back proof of citizenship for voter registration.
• Rasmussen Reports: 75% support voter ID, with support increasingover the past decade.
• Heritage Action: Strong majorities across five battleground states support the SAVE America Act.
• Additional surveys, including from Napolitan News Service and The Center Square, consistently reveal extraordinary bipartisan support for voter ID.

This week, I had a great meeting with Scott Pressler and Slippery Rock Mayor JD Longo to discuss the importance of election integrity and voter confidence.

The Senate must pass the SAVE America Act, which is critical to ensuring only American citizens vote in federal elections and protecting trust in our democratic process. I want to thank Scott for his tireless work advocating for the SAVE Act.

President Trump is all in on the SAVE Act. This morning, he praised Scott's work and stated that he will not sign another piece of legislation until the SAVE Act is passed.

On Monday, I was in New York City’s financial sector. I visited JPMorgan Chase & Co.’s new global headquarters.

I met with Ramon Martinez, Managing Director of Government Relations, and Katheryn Rosen, Global Head of Information Security, to discuss the rising threats of scams and the importance of business cybersecurity.

I also toured their Intelligence Fusion Center with John Galluzzo to discuss the growing sophistication of cyber threats and real-time fraud monitoring.

JPMC has built one of the most advanced security operations centers in the world, bringing together cyber intelligence and physical security to detect and respond to threats before they impact consumers and small businesses. A thank you to Eli Woerpel as well for setting this all up.

Additionally, I visited BNY Global. I appreciated the opportunity to reconnect with CEO Robin Vince, and Dermot McDonogh, BNY’s Chief Financial Officer. I want to thank Wyatt Stewartfo who helping coordinate the visit.

As America’s oldest bank, it was appropriate that we began with a tour of BNY’s historic artifacts. What followed was a tour of their state-of-the-art CTOC Center, helping protect their customers from growing cybersecurity threats. I appreciate BNY Mellon’s insights, strong footprint in Pittsburgh, and partnership.

I had the pleasure of touring the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and meeting with CEO Lynn Martin and General Counsel Jaime Klima to discuss how to best reduce barriers to make it easier for companies to go public in America.

I also watched firsthand Sunbelt Rental's public listing, with their employees cheering in support as they accessed the world’s preeminent capital markets.

Finally, I got to speak with an experienced floor trader and tour the trading floor to see how our $60 trillion capital markets function every day.

A thank you to Rob Eskridge and Justin Durbin of NYSE for coordinating the visit.

America’s public markets are the deepest and most liquid in the world, and I’m pleased to continue to support capital formation for new businesses across the United States.

I also joined NYSE Live on the trading floor of the New York Stock Exchange to discuss key issues, from Iran to DHS funding to my legislation to fight online scams and protect Americans online.

I also spoke about my bipartisan SCAM Act, which holds social media companies accountable when fraud is reported on their sites. If platforms profit from advertising, they have a responsibility to remove fraudulent ads and protect consumers or face the consequences. Click here or below to watch.

On Tuesday, at the Financial Services Committee Republicans, I spoke in support of my bill, the Restoring Secondary Trading Markets Act (H.R. 7127).

Right now, investors trading securities on the secondary market can still face up to 50 different state regulatory regimes—even when companies already meet federal SEC disclosure standards. That’s not investor protection; it’s duplication, confusion, and unnecessary cost.

My bill creates a clear national standard for secondary trading and helps small and mid-sized companies access the investment capital they need. Click here or below to watch.

It was great to meet with Bob Garrett, President & CEO of the Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce, and Alice Anne Schwab, Executive Director of the Susquehanna Art Museum, this morning in Washington.

We had a productive discussion about the importance of protecting and strengthening Medicare Advantage, so seniors continue to have access to the high-quality, affordable care options they rely on.

I also met with John Jovanovic, President and Chairman of Export-Import Bank of the United States, to discuss strengthening America’s critical mineral supply chains.

We talked about Project VAULT, an initiative to establish a U.S. Strategic Critical Minerals Reserve to help secure the materials our industries depend on and reduce reliance on foreign adversaries.

It’s part of the broader effort led by President Trump to rebuild American industrial strength and secure critical resources. Pennsylvania’s Ninth District is rich in energy and natural resources—including coal, natural gas, and critical minerals—and I look forward to ensuring our region plays a key role in strengthening America’s supply chains and energy security.

March 5 was National Slam the Scam Day, a reminder to stay vigilant against fraud and financial scams targeting Americans—especially seniors.

As Chairman of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, I have spent the past Congress examining the rise in financial fraud and the increasingly sophisticated tactics scammers use to steal from hardworking Americans. Too often, criminals impersonate government agencies, including Social Security, to pressure people into sending money or sharing personal information.

Remember: legitimate government agencies will never threaten you, demand unusual forms of payment, or pressure you to act immediately. If you receive a suspicious call, message, or email—recognize, reject, and report it. Always use official government websites and only call on official phone numbers.

To learn how to spot common scams and protect yourself, visit meuser.house.gov/scams or ssa.gov/scam.

It was an honor to meet with Border Czar Tom Homan on Thursday morning.

Tom has spent decades on the front lines of immigration enforcement, and his experience and steady, smart leadership are exactly what’s needed to restore order in our immigration system.

I appreciate his long career of service and his continued commitment to securing our nation.

I was able to speak with him about the detention center plan and the processing center in our District. He will be involved in helping us manage the situation in the interest of our community.

I also met with Raymond Joabar, Group President for Global Commercial Services at American Express. We discussed how to expand small businesses’ access to capital, given that American Express is the largest small business card issuer in the country.

I also enjoyed hearing about American Express's long history and how the company has evolved over its 175 years. We discussed the important role AmEx plays for entrepreneurs and initiatives like Small Business Saturday that encourage Americans to shop local and support Main Street.

On Thursday, at a Financial Institutions Subcommittee hearing, I highlighted the growing fraud crisis facing Americans. The FTC reported $12.5 billion in fraud losses last year—and the real number is likely far higher.

From 2021–2024, the FTC reported scams and fraud increased 110% under the CFPB’s oversight. Results matter—even in government.

That’s why we’re advancing solutions like the SCAM Act to better protect consumers and stop fraud before it happens. Click here or below to watch.

This week at the White House, President Trump convened leaders in AI and Data Center Development to announce the Ratepayer Protection Pledge.

Under the pledge, technology companies like Amazon, Meta, and Google will build, bring, or buy the power required for their projects and cover the cost of needed grid upgrades—ensuring those expenses are not passed on to ratepayers. This includes commitments to fund the electricity generation and infrastructure necessary to meet the significant power demands associated with AI development.

This agreement establishes a clear principle: companies building AI and data infrastructure projects are responsible for the cost of the energy and grid upgrades required.

By protecting ratepayers while strengthening our energy infrastructure, this approach helps ensure the United States can remain competitive in AI development without shifting costs onto American families or small businesses. Click here or below to learn more.

Last night, I attended Camp Freedom's GunFest IN Carbondale. I want to thank Bill Bockenberg, Matt Guetes, and all the staff at Camp Freedom for hosting an exceptionally well-attended event. Camp Freedom does so much good for our community and for our veterans, police, and first responders. Shelley, our daughter Jacqui, our son Danny, and our good friend Leo Vergnetti attended. We were also joined by Congressman Rob Bresnahan and Wyoming County District Attorney Joe Peters.

Lastly, there has been some discussion of a resolution sponsored by Congresswoman Nancy Mace related to the public release of reports involving sexual harassment involving members of Congress.

What the Resolution Would Have Done

Rep. Mace’s resolution would have required the public release of all reports and draft reports related to sexual harassment allegations involving Members of Congress, with limited protections for victims and witnesses, even when allegations were unverified, unsubstantiated, or ultimately found to be false.

What the House Voted To Do

The House voted to refer Mace’s resolution to the House Ethics Committee for review. This allows the committee responsible for ethics investigations and Member conduct to evaluate the proposal and ensure any release of materials protects victims, witnesses, and innocent individuals.

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Addressing False Claims:

False Claim: The resolution adequately protected victims and witnesses.

Fact: While the proposal referenced redacting names, true anonymity is difficult in congressional offices. Offices are small and staff timelines are public, meaning details in witness statements could still reveal victims or witnesses. The resolution also provided no mechanism for victims to protect their privacy or prevent their statements from being released.

False Claim: The House voted to hide sexual harassment allegations or protect Members accused of misconduct.

Fact: The House voted to refer the resolution to the Ethics Committee, which will review the proposal and ensure any disclosure of documents protects victims and innocent individuals.

False Claim: The resolution would only expose confirmed misconduct.

Fact: The resolution required the publication of all reports and draft reports, including unverified allegations and claims later found to be false or unsubstantiated, not just confirmed violations.

Additional Concern:

Ethics Committee Chair Michael Guest and Ranking Member Mark DeSaulnier warned the proposal could “chill” victims’ and witnesses’ cooperation, because their statements could become public even if allegations were never proven.

“We believe the forced disclosures mandated by House Resolution 1072 could chill victim cooperation and witness participation in ongoing and future investigations… We believe House Resolution 1072 could have a negative impact on the Committee’s ability to investigate and eliminate sexual misconduct in the House.”

 

Bottom Line:

The House voted to send the resolution to the Ethics Committee for further review, ensuring concerns about due process, privacy, and victim protection are addressed before moving forward.

CAMPAIGN UPDATE:

We have officially filed to qualify for the ballot.  Thanks to your help, we have collected far more than the required number of petition signatures.

Petition circulation runs through Tuesday, March 10. If you have any petitions you circulated and need to coordinate a pick-up, please contact Tom Whitehead at [email protected] or Evelyn Datte at [email protected]. We greatly appreciate all of your efforts.

On Thursday evening, I was glad to stop by the Schuylkill County GOP Lincoln Day Dinner and spend time with so many dedicated supporters. It was great to see Candidate for Lieutenant Governor Jason Richey, House Republican Leader Jesse Topper, and our Schuylkill County legislators.

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