Protecting Ratepayers from Footing the Bill for Data Centers
One of the most pressing issues facing local communities across our nation is navigating the development of AI data centers. Throughout the 119th Congress, my Committee has been working to ensure that the United States wins the race for AI against the Chinese Communist Party while protecting local communities in the process. 

Over the past month, our committee has worked to advance the Ratepayer Protection Act, which would codify President Trump’s Executive Order to protect Americans from footing the bill for any upgrades to energy infrastructure to support data centers.  

I understand that folks have concerns about the construction of data centers in their area – know that I too share many of these concerns. As the AI industry continues to take shape, it is essential that local concerns are addressed and that local input is at the core of data center development.  Rest assured that as your Congressman, I will continue to advance policies that protect local interests and ensure that the U.S. continues to lead the world in technological innovation. 

Hearing from State Medicaid Directors About Fraud
Four years of failed policies under the Biden-Harris Administration enabled widespread fraud across the federal government. Since the beginning of the year, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce has led the charge in the House to combat fraud being committed in our federal health programs, like Medicaid. 

Recently, our Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations conducted a hearing with state Medicaid directors from Minnesota, New York, California, and Ohio to hear about how they plan on addressing fraud plaguing their programs. Take a look above at my opening statement! Fraud has no place in government programs, and I will do everything in my power to preserve the program for those who need it most.

Combatting Illicit Drugs 
Our Committee is continuing to work to advance legislation to lower health care costs, combat the dangers posed by illicit drugs and pill presses, and keep Americans healthy. In the past several weeks, our Subcommittee on Health has advanced nearly 20 bills to the full Committee.

This includes:
H.R. 8005, Stop Pills That Kill Act, which would implement sentencing penalties for the production of fentanyl, fentanyl analogues, and fentanyl-related substances.

H.R. 9393, Lower Costs, More Transparency Act, which is my bipartisan comprehensive health care transparency bill that would require hospitals to post information about the standard charges and prices for each item and service provided by them. 

H.R. 3514, Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act, would implement commonsense reforms aimed at increasing speed, efficiency, and transparency in the prior authorization process for seniors enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans.

Working to Secure Affordable and Reliable Energy 
Over the past month, my Committee has worked to advance numerous pieces of legislation to ensure Americans have access to reliable and affordable energy. 

Recently, our Subcommittee on Energy held a markup to advance six pieces of legislation to bolster American nuclear energy capabilities and domestic energy generation. You can learn more about this markup HERE.

I recently met with Louisville District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers leadership to discuss the impacts of recent storms and flooding in our region and the upcoming groundbreaking for phase 2 of ongoing Rough River Dam upgrades.

It was an honor to welcome Tristan Sweeney, KY-02's winner of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition, to Washington, whose winning submission, "Midnight Masquerade," is now hanging in the Capitol Building for the next year!

I had fun at the Green River Catfish Festival in Butler County to celebrate America250 alongside great Kentuckians last week! I made sure to grab a delicious fried catfish platter from Farmboys, which is one of my favorite spots in the county!

I spent time with the Nicolai Family and locals at the Farm at Rough River to learn more about their female- and veteran-owned small business. Thanks for the fresh chard!

I stopped by Sling N Steel BBQ Smokers in Whitesville to meet with their team and see the work they do producing custom smokers right here in the Commonwealth! This impressive Kentucky business got its start doing charity cooks for pediatric cancer patients and now produces hundreds of products shipping nationwide.

I had a blast sitting down and learning about Willis Guitars and Luthier Service in Whitesville! 

I had a productive meeting with the team at the Green-Taylor Water District to discuss my ongoing efforts to secure federal funding for critical upgrades to infrastructure as part of the FY27 appropriations process and get an update on their work providing water to homes, businesses, and agriculture in Green County.

I had the opportunity to see the ongoing operations at the Dunaway Pellet Company in Fordsville this week. This pellet plant recently became fully operational and is producing Kentucky-made residential heating and barbecue pellets.

Protecting Children Online
The full House passed the KIDS Act, which is the most comprehensive, impactful children’s online safety package ever considered at the federal level. This bill is the culmination of meaningful bipartisan work by my Committee to protect children on the internet.

Take a look above at my speech on the House floor outlining why this commonsense bill will meaningfully protect our young people. 

Increasing Affordability in Housing
For too long, the idea of home ownership has increasingly become out of reach for countless American families. The House took meaningful action to help working families pursue the American Dream and enter the housing market. 

Additional Fraud Bills
House Republicans are continuing our efforts to combat fraud, increase program integrity, and ensure that benefits are available for those who need them most. Over the past several weeks, we have passed numerous pieces of commonsense legislation to hold bad actors accountable and stop the rampant fraud. More info on this work can be found HERE.

H.R. 6916, the Federal Program Integrity and Fraud Prevention Act, would prohibit those convicted of felonies, specifically related to fraud against the government, from participating in federal contracts or receiving grants and federal financial assistance.

H.R. 8464, the Stopping Fraudulent Payments Act, would prohibit federal agencies from issuing payments without correction when significant risks are identified and gives the U.S. Treasury new authority to return payment requests to agencies if they appear to be at risk for fraud.

Celebrating One Year of the Working Families Tax Cuts
This month, in addition to celebrating the 250th anniversary of the founding of our great country, we are commemorating one year since the Working Families Tax Cuts were signed into law. 

This historic legislation secured no taxes on Social Security, tips, overtime, in addition to providing billions towards border security enhancements, provisions to refill the strategic petroleum reserve because energy security is national security, strengthen Medicaid, and so much more! This bill delivered on Republicans’ promises. 

I recently discussed my Committee’s work on the Ratepayer Protection Act with the Owensboro Times.

Take a look above to learn more about how, if developed correctly, South-Central Kentucky has an incredible opportunity to thrive in the industry of the future.