Good afternoon and welcome to our Weekend Update.

This week, the major issue this week was the passage of the debt ceiling bill. While the bill was not perfect, there are at least ten to eleven provisions that incrementally improve the status quo and create a higher level of fiscal responsibility.

Some highlights include:

• Reductions in non-defense discretionary spending.
• Work requirements on the SNAP Program.
• $29 billion COVID clawback.
• Energy infrastructure regulation improvements, which will be very meaningful for Pennsylvania’s energy industry.
• Reins in the Biden Administration’s Executive Order spending actions, which accounted for $1 trillion in spending over the last two years.
• Reduction of earlier funding for the IRS by $20 billion.
• Protects Social Security and funding for veterans and rejects tax increases.

Click here to read 11 Conservative Wins in the Fiscal Responsibility Act compiled by Americans for Tax Reform.

I joined “Wake Up America” on Newsmax TV to discuss the deal. Click here or below to watch.

I also joined WILK-FM to discuss the debt ceiling deal. Click here to listen.

Additionally, I joined WKOK-FM’s “On the Mark” as well on the debt ceiling deal. Click here to listen.

From the very beginning, I have sought the most conservative debt ceiling plan that can pass before the U.S. defaults. This is that deal. The U.S. defaulting on its debts would have had serious repercussions, including credit downgrades, interest rate increases, a devalued dollar, and very simply, taxpayer-funded programs such as Social Security and veterans’ benefits would likely be affected. With these factors in mind, I supported the debt ceiling compromise. My vote was in the best interest of my constituents, Pennsylvania, and the United States of America. This was the most conservative bill we could have passed with a Biden administration and Senator Schumer-led U.S. Senate. Click here or below to watch my comments on the floor of the U.S. House.

In the 21st century, access to reliable high-speed internet should be the rule and not the exception. To ensure rural communities like ours get their fair share of federal funding to expand broadband access, I introduced the bipartisan Accurate Map for Broadband Investment Act. Click here to read more.

IN NEWS YOU WON’T HERE IN THE MAINSTREAM MEDIA: Joe Biden delivered an address from the Oval Office that was devoid of reality. It was embarrassing and utter nonsense.

• He claimed his policies cut the deficit in his first two years.

• • FACT: This lie has been repeatedly debunked. Per Moody’s Analytics, “the actions of the [Biden] administration and Congress have undoubtedly resulted in higher deficits — not smaller ones.”
• He claimed Republicans wanted to cut veterans’ benefits.
   
  • FACT: This is pure fearmongering. According to The Washington Post, Biden’s claim that House Republicans want to undermine veterans’ benefits is nothing more than an “illusion” with “made-up-math.”
    
    
• He claimed to have always known the importance of a debt ceiling agreement.
  
  
  • FACT: In reality, Biden was forced to the negotiating table practically kicking and screaming after obstructing negotiations for 100 days. 

And sandwiched between all these lies, Biden showed he still doesn’t believe he has enough of your money. He’s already raised the tax burden on the middle class, and he wants to raise taxes even more.

Honestly, that was embarrassing for Joe Biden. As I stated, the debt ceiling was the best we could get with Biden in the White House and Schumer leading the Senate… but it was far from perfect. This entire situation highlights again the importance of the GOP winning back the White House and the U.S. Senate and expanding our majority in the U.S. House.

I am committed to playing an active leadership role in that effort, and I soon will be sharing ways you can join us in our efforts.

We look forward to catching up with you next week. God Bless, and see you soon,

Dan Meuser