Weekly Update - 7.19.26

Good morning, and welcome to our Weekend Update.

On Friday, I joined Maria Bartiromo on Fox Business to discuss the fight to pass the SAVE America Act and the status of government funding. The public overwhelmingly supports this legislation, and it is vital for ensuring free and fair elections.

We also discussed Fed Chairman Kevin Warsh’s economic priorities, including his hawkish outlook on inflation, boosting productivity, and creating long-term economic stability through a tightened balance sheet and sensible Fed reforms. I remain optimistic that we can advance these priorities through supply side growth paired with lower interest rates. Click here or below to watch.

 

Later, I joined “Wake Up America” on Newsmax, where I previewed Congressman Bryan Steil’s Financial Services Committee Republicans Asset Subcommittee hearing, being held in historic Federal Hall, on the importance of passing the Clarity Act into law.

This time last year, we passed the GENIUS Act, regulating “the cars” on the road, it’s time to pass legislation that regulates the “roadways”. Clear rules will keep crypto businesses in America and ensure we continue to lead on innovation while supporting our strong capital markets. Click here or below to watch.

At Senator Dave McCormick’s Pennsylvania Defense and Innovation Summit, defense contractors and other private investors, including JP Morgan, announced a $10 billion investment in our Commonwealth’s defense infrastructure, supporting 4,000+ jobs.

Pennsylvania is the right place to rally around our defense industrial base. But this summit isn’t just about the return on investment - it’s about maintaining America’s global dominance in military innovation.

Watch my appearance on Newsmax, where I discuss the importance of ensuring Pennsylvania remains the keystone of our military industrial base. Click here or below to watch.

On Monday, I joined the Pennsylvania Posse on the John Frederick’s Show alongside PA Treasurer Stacy Garrity and Senator Jarrett Coleman.

We discussed the collaborative effort to ensure Pennsylvania had one of the best pavilions at the Great American State Fair, when Governor Shapiro failed to step up, and Senator Dave McCormick’s upcoming Pennsylvania Defense and Innovation Summit at the Army War College, and much more. Click here or below to listen.

Later, I joined the Bob Cordaro Show with guest host Jim Bognet to discuss a wide range of issues facing Pennsylvania and the nation.

We covered the passing of Senator Lindsay Graham and his impact on public policy, securing our elections by passing the SAVE America Act, the ongoing conflict with Iran, and CDL reforms Congress can implement to prevent tragic incidents like the killing of Pennsylvania State Trooper Michael Pahira in Schuylkill County earlier this month. Click here or below to listen.

IN NEWS YOU WON’T HEAR IN THE MAINSTREAM MEDIA: President Trump laid out exactly why Republicans have been sounding the alarm about election integrity for years.

This demonstrates the importance of passing the SAVE AMERICA ACT, which includes the minimal requirement of presenting photo ID to vote. Currently, 36 states require voter ID, while 14 states DON'T, including Pennsylvania and most of the swing states. That is the problem... and a problem the American people are counting on us to solve. 

Democrats, on the other hand, are dismissing the true threats to our democracy protect the only power they have left.  

  • Senator Chuck Schumer: [President Trump is] focused on undermining the upcoming midterm election and disenfranchising millions of American citizens.” 

  • Senator Jon OssoffDescribed the SAVE America Act as “a nakedly partisan, totally unworkable, bad-faith bill cynically intended to disenfranchise millions of eligible voters.”

  • Senator Mazie Hirono: “Our elections are ALREADY safe and secure…instead of helping constituents, they’d rather perpetuate lies about fraud to justify making it HARDER to vote them out of power.” 

  • Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries: There is an “unprecedented attack on free and fair elections.” 

  • James Talarico: Described a Texas election integrity bill as “an immoral, anti-American, anti-Democratic bill…one that I hate with every fiber of my being.”

  • Shenna Bellows: “Forcing people to carry a specific type of photo identification to vote would result in logistical challenges, financial burdens, and potential discrimination.” 

  • Roy Cooper:  Lawmakers do not need to create “more barriers” for voting or “make it harder for people to vote.” Cooper has vetoed bills to remove illegal aliens from North Carolina voter rolls and has claimed that requiring voter ID is "sinister." 

  • Sherrod Brown: Called photo ID an “unnecessary barrier” to vote in elections. 

  • Kristen McDonald RivetClaimed there is "Zero evidence for non-US citizens voting in our elections."

  • Greg Landsman: Believes it is "absurd" that illegals can't vote in elections. 

And this is just a small sample of Democrats’ BLATANT denial of proven threats to America’s election system.

Bottom line: Democrats don’t want free and fair elections. They want guaranteed ones.

Recently, I met with Chilean Election Integrity Commission during my visit to South America. Chili has addressed the issue of election integrity seriously, employing measures that assure all citizens of age are registered, and ensure that NO illegal residents are on the voter rolls. In fact, it is required to be a registered voter if you are a citizen and they actually fine you if you do not vote. This commission is highly organized and takes their mission of ensuring election integrity very seriously. I asked the eight officials how their election system compared to the way the United States conducts our elections and they all began laughing. All eight followed up in Spanish pointing out that we don't even require ID to vote. They laughed at our election system. We have got weakness which breeds distrust and that is why we need to pass the Save America Act today.

Monday marked two years since I was just steps away from President Trump when an assassin’s bullet nearly took his life.

By God’s grace, he was spared, and the President showed the world what real strength looks like. But some were not so fortunate. Today we remember Corey Comperatore, who lost his life that day, and the other officers and bystanders who were injured.

On Tuesday’s House Committee on Small Business hearing, I questioned small business owners and industry experts about how these tools can support small businesses, the challenges they face, and what Congress can do to ensure entrepreneurs have the flexibility and resources they need to succeed.

AI can be a valuable tool for small businesses looking to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and better serve their customers. To ensure they can take advantage of these tools, we need policies that lower taxes, like those included in the Working Families Tax Cuts, reduce unnecessary regulations, and expand access to the capital businesses need to invest and grow. Click here or below to watch.

For nearly two decades, Pennsylvania State Trooper Michael Pahira protected communities across Pennsylvania with courage and distinction, earning him the respect and admiration of everyone who knew him.

On Tuesday, alongside members of the Pennsylvania delegation, I led the House in a moment of silence in remembrance of Trooper Pahira’s life of service and emphasized the need to pass Dahlilah’s Law to prevent future tragedies and unnecessary loss of life.

I am calling on every member of Congress to support Dalilah’s Law to bring common sense and strengthen Commercial Driver’s License requirements - ensuring those with commercial licenses can read English and are in the United States with legal status. Click here or below to watch.

Later that evening, I spent a few hours at the Pentagon receiving briefings on the strengths of the U.S. military and what is needed moving forward in order to maintain our status as the world’s leading superpower. This status is essential, not only for our country, but for the world.

I was very impressed by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and the direction being taken when it comes to effectiveness, efficiency, priorities, and a focus on what’s necessary and what is not, as well as ensuring we are buying the best equipment at the best prices.

China is an adversary, and they are building a stronger military across air, land, sea, and space. Americans need to be aware of this challenge as we continue to fortify our military and ensure the United States remains the strongest nation in the world.

I am happy that Senator Dave McCormick is leading an effort in Pennsylvania to bring more of this increased military investment to our Commonwealth. I wish we could join him at his summit today, but the House is in session with some important votes and meetings.

Nevertheless, we are all working together to ensure we can effectively execute President Trump’s plan for peace through strength.

Federal Reserve Chairman Warsh delivered an excellent testimony with a strong commitment to defeat inflation, ensure maximum employment, and reform the Fed to work better for the American economy.

Chairman Warsh has convened five task forces at the Fed to better manage the balance sheet, improve data collection, and reform communication with the public.

On Wednesday’s House Financial Committee hearing, I asked Chairman Warsh to elaborate on his plan and discuss how the United States might harness the productivity boom while boosting supply side growth to reduce inflation across the economy. Click here or below to watch.

Pennsylvania’s 9th Congressional District is home to some business titans with long historic careers. On Thursday, we lost one of those giants with the passing of Dick Knoebel. Dick’s passing is a tremendously sad loss for Pennsylvania, yet his tremendous spirit will live on. Shelley and I extend our heartfelt condolences to the entire Knoebel family.

I had the privilege of knowing Dick for more than 20 years. He was an all-American Marine, a tough, honorable, and genuinely kind man who always put his family and community first.

Dick and his family built Knoebel’s into a Pennsylvania landmark and, most recently, the nation’s top-rated amusement park. Just days ago, on the 4th of July, they celebrated their 100th anniversary, an accomplishment that brought Dick tremendous pride.

For many years, we held our company picnic at Knoebel’s, and now my congressional office's annual “constituent appreciation” picnic is held there. Everyone is happy when they’re at Knoebel’s! That spirit of family, tradition, and community is Dick’s lasting legacy. Thank you, Dick! You made Pennsylvania a better place to live!

God bless you and the Knoeble’s!

It was great to join Chairman Congressman Bryan Steil and Financial Services Committee Republicans Chairman Congressman French Hill to discuss the importance of the CLARITY Act. On the anniversary of the House passing the CLARITY Act, the Senate needs to pass it so digital assets can finally get the clarity they deserve.

I was also joined by Rep. Marlin Stutzman, Congressman Tim Moore, Rep. William Timmons, and Rep. Mike Haridopolos at Federal Hall to advocate for the benefits of a blockchain-based future.

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

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  • Michael Barley
    published this page in Latest News 2026-07-19 10:40:44 -0400