Another year is drawing to a close. In 2022, we’ve seen the best of our community come together, and we’ve had our fair share of challenges.
Across the country this year, we’ve seen the highest inflation rates in 40 years and record high costs at the gas pump. These are both due in large part to misguided policy decisions by Washington Democrats.
Additionally, we have seen a humanitarian and national security crisis at our southern border, as record numbers of illegal migrants crossed into the country this past year. This border crisis has created a worsening fentanyl epidemic in every community, robbing countless young Americans of their future – just as communities are also facing drastic increases in violent crime.
The world has also been cast into greater turmoil, due in part to the United States projecting weakness. The disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan contributed to Putin’s decision to wage war in Ukraine and Communist China’s increasing aggression toward its neighbors.
The Biden administration and Congressional Democrats have been largely unable to solve these problems or, in some cases, have made them worse. Time and time again, Washington Democrats have failed to address inflation, energy security, the border crisis, crime, or the increasingly tense international environment. Instead, they have doubled down on misguided policies or prioritized a leftist agenda that infringes on your liberties. This includes their so-called “Inflation Reduction Act,” a $740 billion bill that will raise your taxes, grow federal bureaucracy, and – in spite of the name – make inflation worse.
However, Republicans have a plan to change our nation’s direction for the better. In January, we will hold the majority in the U.S. House of Representatives and have a plan to build an economy that’s strong, a nation that’s safe, a government that’s accountable, and a future built on freedom. But for us to follow through on our “Commitment to America,” we must stand united. We have a duty to govern effectively and pursue the reforms needed to push America in the right direction, beginning with stopping out-of-control and inflation-driving spending.
You elected me as your representative to be a consensus builder and get things done. While 2022 was challenging, I am proud I was able to deliver real results for our community over the past 365 days.
I have had nine bills pass the sharply divided House this year and five signed into law. In total, I have had 24 bills pass the House and ten signed into law during this Congress. These include measures like the Patient Advocate Tracker Act and the Camp Lejeune Justice Act.
One piece of legislation I was proud to see become law was my bipartisan MOBILE Health Care Act. This new law increases access to affordable, quality health care in rural and underserved areas by allowing community health centers to use grants to establish mobile health units. This commonsense legislation will go a long way in improving healthcare quality and access.
Despite all the troubles of this past year, we also witnessed triumphs of the human spirit. Just two weeks ago, an unknown individual or individuals attacked two power substations in Moore County, leaving numerous hospitals, schools, businesses, and close to 45,000 residents without power. Like many of you, my house was without power for almost a week. Yet throughout this ordeal, numerous businesses, local institutions, and individuals stepped up to help their neighbors and lend a hand. This show of compassion filled me with hope and reminded me that the future for our community and nation is bright.
As Hanukkah begins and the Christmas holiday nears, I hope the joy of this time of year fills you and your family with happiness. I also hope you are proud of my efforts to defend our rights, stand up for our values, and push for common sense. I look forward to 2023 and the chance to continue to work for you. Together, we will get our country back on the right track.
Richard Hudson is serving his fifth term representing North Carolina’s 8th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He currently serves on the Energy and Commerce Committee and in House leadership as the Republican Conference Secretary.
