IT'S A NEW YEAR

HAPPY HOLIDAYS to you and your family… 

2017 is almost here. 

And the New Year will bring with it a new President and a new Administration, along with a reshaped Congress that is ready to act on behalf of American workers and taxpayers.  

In the House of Representatives, there’s a full agenda already and Americans have good cause to be optimistic.  

There’s high excitement for the commitments of the President-elect and his incoming Administration to prioritize tax reform, border enforcement, national defense and job creation.  Internationally, the President-elect is expected to act quickly to restore tattered relationships and strategic alliances—including America’s relationship with Israel.  

No less important, the fight against Islamic terrorism and the threat it presents to the U.S. homeland, as well as our global partners, will receive renewed focus.  With the right leadership and strategic vision, it’s a fight that America can and will win.

At the Department of Defense, the President-elect tapped former General James Mattis—a revered Marine Corps officer regarded as among the best of his generation.  At the Department of Homeland Security, the President-elect selected retired Marine General John Kelly, also considered to be among our military's finest.  

I’ve had the great honor to serve with both John Kelly and James Mattis during my time in the Marine Corps.  I’ve observed both individuals operate and command forces during combat, and there’s no question that their experiences and insights will translate into meaningful and strong leadership at a time when America needs it most.  “Marines get stuff done,” as I told USA Today.  

And an interesting note: I was first introduced to James Mattis during my first tour in Iraq after I and other Marines were ambushed.  From that point on, I’ve admired and respected him as a military officer and an individual.  

The Department of Defense will be good in hands.  Trust me.  So too will the Department of Homeland Security.  The same goes for the other departments—including the Departments of Justice, Interior and Education.

I’m encouraged. 

And I’m especially eager to contribute to the aggressive agenda set for the weeks, months and year ahead.

As always, I hope to hear from you throughout the course of the year as Congress does its legislative work, in addition to providing effective oversight. 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!