Last week, we held an Appropriations Subcommittee hearing to discuss the Small Business Administration budget. We heard testimony from Acting Administrator of the Small Business Administration Marianne O'Brien Markowitz. I thanked her for her efforts and work to promote job creation and economic growth by supporting American small businesses which create two of every three new jobs in our economy. I asked Administrator Markowitz what the SBA hears from small businesses regarding their main concerns.

 

Click here, or on the image above, to hear our discussion.

 

The unemployment report released on Friday further highlights the need for the House to continue working to lessen the burdens, regulations and mandates coming from Washington that only hinder small businesses in their efforts to grow and expand.

 

Helping Veterans Returning From the Frontlines

 

I also spoke with Administrator Markowitz about the tremendous efforts America's small businesses take to train and hire more veterans once they return to the civilian workforce. In the 3rd District, we've held several job fairs where we reserve the first hour specifically for veterans to give them the first opportunity to speak with local companies looking to hire. These brave men and women are on the front lines protecting our country abroad - once they return home, they deserve to be at the front of the line to get a good-paying job.

 

Click here, or on the image above, to hear our discussion about helping veterans receive the job training and assistance they've earned. 

I used some time last week during an Appropriations Subcommittee hearing to ask Securities and Exchange Commission Chairwoman Mary Jo White questions about government agencies and the need to ensure Americans' private emails receive the same 4th Amendment privacy protections as postal mail and paper documents. Some federal agencies, such as the IRS, have stated they believe Americans do not have an expectation of privacy with their emails. I completely disagree and that's why I introduced H.R. 1852, the Email Privacy Act to update old electronic communications privacy law. Our bill now has 197 bipartisan co-sponsors.

 

Thank you to Chairwoman White for her testimony before the subcommittee. Click here, or on the image above, to watch our full discussion.

The Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations held a hearing last week with testimony given by U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Samantha Power. We discussed several topics; including Iran and the continued threat of their nuclear ambitions, upcoming elections in Iraq, as well as what the administration believes we must do to reset again and address Russian President Vladimir Putin and the recent situation in Crimea.

 

Click here, or on the image above, to listen to the first part of our discussion.

 

We also discussed what lessons the United States has learned since the terrorist attacks on our consulate in Benghazi. Click here, or on the image below, to listen to our full discussion.

 

I was disappointed with Ambassador Power's answer, and this is why I don't have confidence that we've learned any lessons from the tragic attacks in Benghazi that killed Ambassador Chris Stevens and three other Americans.

According to the Department of Health and Human Services, nearly one in sixty-eight new babies born will be diagnosed with some degree of autism. Families dealing with autism are in all of our districts. They are our community, they are our neighbors, they are our friends and yet, far too little awareness and support occurs for families raising a child with autism. April is an opportunity to spread the word and remind others about autism and raise awareness about the importance of research and advocacy for Americans living with developmental disabilities.

 

Click here, or on the image above, to watch my full floor remarks. I'm proud to recognize April as National Autism Awareness Month.

I enjoyed meeting NASCAR racing great Kurt Busch last week at the Capitol. Busch visited Capitol Hill along with his girlfriend Patricia Driscoll, who is president of the Armed Forces Foundation. They were visiting with Members of Congress to promote legislation to provide more counseling services for military members who are being discharged. Click here to read more about Kurt's visit to the Capitol.

 

Kurt recently won a NASCAR race at Martinsville Speedway in Virginia last weekend, even has a 2nd-place finish at Kansas Speedway. Congrats, Kurt! And thank you for your advocacy for our brave military men and women.

Last week I met with Bo Derek and other leaders of the International Conservation Caucus Foundation in the U.S. Capitol to learn more about international conservation efforts, illegal hunting and poaching in Africa, and more.

 

Thank you to Bo and others for their important work with the ICCF.