Dear friends,

This week, we commemorated the anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, which resulted in the death of 2,977 innocent victims. For the last 24 years, our country has come together to remember the lives that were taken too soon and honor their enduring legacies. We will never forget. 

I would also like to take a moment to address the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk yesterday. Charlie dedicated his life to fighting for the future of the United States. This unspeakable act of violence is a loss not only for the conservative movement but for our entire nation. Please join Beth and me in continuing to pray for his family. May he rest in peace.

A Generational Investment in U.S. National Security

This week, the House voted on and passed the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This bill authorizes nearly $900 billion in funding for the Department of War, allowing our military to carry out its global mission and prioritize the well-being of the brave Americans who choose to wear the uniform. 

The FY26 NDAA rightly re-focuses our military posture to restore peace through strength. This bill is a generational investment in our national security that re-establishes our deterrence on the world stage and streamlines our current bureaucratic acquisition process. This bill fulfills House Republicans’ and President Trump’s priorities by investing in our military industrial capabilities, securing all servicemembers a well-deserve pay raise, making meaningful strides to secure our southern border, and more.

As a graduate of West Point and the proud representative of Fort Knox, I am excited by the commitment this bill makes to Army Reserve Aviation and the strategic partnerships it creates with local communities to inspire the next generation of warfighters by preserving local museums, like the Patton Museum. 

Additionally, this NDAA does an exceptional job at revitalizing our military acquisition and manufacturing process to get warfighters the modern tools they need to defend our country. Overall, this bill is an incredible win for our military and national defense! 

Over the past several years, artificial intelligence has begun impacting every aspect of our daily lives, including health care. As innovation continues to advance in this sector, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce is committed to being a leading voice in the discussion on how to unleash AI innovation to improve the health of all Americans, while ensuring it is used safely and responsibly. 

Last week, my committee held a hearing to examine opportunities for health care providers to use AI in their work. As Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, I remain steadfast in its efforts to improve the use of AI technologies, while ensuring AI is used in a human-centric, responsible, and safe manner. 

Earlier this week, I spoke with the National Auto Dealers Association about my role as the Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

House Republicans have taken action to end the Biden-Harris EV mandate so that Americans can be confident in their ability to purchase the vehicle that is best for their family. 

Unleashing Energy and Mining in America

America is blessed with an abundance of natural resources that ensure reliable and affordable American energy. Last week, the House passed three Congressional Review Act Resolutions to repeal Biden-era rules that limited the ability for energy production and mining in various places across our country. 

As Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, I am committed to responsibly unleashing American energy and mineral harvesting across the country. These bills are a huge win for energy dominance and our national security. 

I recently had the opportunity to attend the Abundance 2025 conference to discuss permitting reform, highlight the need for reliable energy and how my committee is working to ensure America remains energy independent.

Energy and Water Appropriations

The House recently passed H.R. 4553, the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, which allocates $57.3 billion towards unleashing America's energy dominance and bolstering our national security!

I was proud to vote in favor of this legislation, which fulfills President Trump’s priorities of asserting military deterrence by investing in America’s nuclear capabilities, unleashing our nation’s vast energy potential, and supporting the construction of important water infrastructure across the country. More information about the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026 prior to amendments can be found here.

I am committed to reducing the regulatory burdens to unleash American energy and expand energy capacity in Kentucky.
 
Thank you to the EIR team in Etown for hosting me and discussing the ways we can support Kentucky oil and gas.

It was nice to meet with the President of Northern Kentucky University, Dr. Short-Thompson last week to hear about her vision for the future of the university. Thanks for making the trip to D.C. and go Norse!