Before we begin this edition of Brett’s Bulletin, I wanted to remind you that tomorrow, May 19, 2026, is primary election day across the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Polls are open from 6 am until 6 pm local time. To find out where to cast a ballot, click here.
Whether you are a Republican or Democrat, this is an incredible opportunity to make your voice heard and shape the future of our Commonwealth! Vote!
And now on to the latest edition of Brett’s Bulletin.
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Voting in Support of American Veterans and Our National Defense Last week, Congress passed H.R. 8469, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2027, which fully funds the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and invests in critical infrastructure projects to support the readiness of our armed forces.
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This House-passed, bipartisan appropriations package allocates nearly $470 billion in overall funding to fully fund veterans’ health care and other benefits, invest in VA facilities throughout the nation, and support construction projects on U.S. military bases, including military family housing. I am particularly glad to see provisions be included in this bill that defend veterans’ Second Amendment rights, expand access to Community Care, and defend the lives of the unborn. This bill is an incredible win for our American heroes. You can learn more about this here.
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Supporting the Rights of the Unborn Since coming to Washington, I have consistently fought to defend the lives of the unborn, support policies that prevent federal taxpayer dollars from funding abortions, and oppose Washington Liberals’ radical pro-abortion policies. I am staunchly pro-life and will always vote to protect life.
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I recently joined over 100 of my colleagues in signing an amicus brief to the United States Supreme Court urging the Court to reinstate the in-person dispensing requirement for Mifepristone, the chemical abortion drug. The Biden Administration allowed mail-order abortions, has resulted in the drug being shipped across state lines, bypassing state laws in some instances, and has even resulted in women being coerced or forced to take the drug, which terminated their pregnancy. I am hopeful that the Supreme Court will quickly rule to restore these in-person requirements to protect women, the unborn, and ensure that states’ laws are upheld.
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Supporting Much-Needed Relief for Kentucky Farmers Kentucky’s Second District is home to nearly 20,000 farms that help to keep our nation fed and clothed. Unfortunately, since the last Farm Bill was authorized in 2018, farmers have faced rising input costs, market uncertainty, workforce shortages, and severe weather that have made it hard to do business.
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I was proud to join my colleagues in finally passing a Farm Bill to provide much-needed relief for Kentucky farmers. This historic legislation, along with H.R. 1, are the largest investments for American farmers in a generation. Building upon the work of the Working Families Tax Cuts, our Farm Bill invests in rural economies, provides relief from market volatility, and continues important conservation efforts. Take a look at my recent op-ed in the Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer about how this bill support American farmers.
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Backing the Blue Across the Commonwealth and our nation, police officers put on their uniforms each day knowing they may face danger and spend long hours away from their loved ones, all in an answer to a call of duty to protect and serve their community.
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From California, to Minnesota, to New York, fraud in federal health care programs have created real consequences for the most vulnerable Americans who rely on Medicaid and Medicare. To preserve the integrity of these important programs, we must close loopholes, prosecute bad actors, and safeguard the most vulnerable in our communities. Take a look at my op-ed above!
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Protecting Ratepayers from Increased Energy Costs As Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, I have been working to ensure that American families and businesses have access to reliable, affordable energy while also positioning the United States to win the global race for artificial intelligence against China.
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Watch my opening statement at my Committee’s hearing titled: AI and the Grid: Meeting Growing Power Demand While Protecting Ratepayers. As Congress continues to develop legislation that will set us on the path to win the race for AI, I am committed to ensuring that ratepayers are protected and that local values and local stakeholders are at the center of driving the future of AI innovation in communities across the country.
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Supporting Key Public Health Initiatives Last week, our Subcommittee on Health conducted a markup to advance 10 bills to support key public health initiatives.
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Some of the bipartisan bills we advanced included legislation to bolster training for primary care providers that improve early detection of Alzheimer’s and dementia, reauthorize programs that increase access to innovative ALS treatments, and ensure women have access to educational resources for early breast cancer detection, and more. Read additional information on this markup here!
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Investing in the Integrity of America’s Energy Grid Last week, we held a hearing to discuss the importance of improving energy transmission, strengthening our energy grid, and securing critical permitting reforms to meet our nation’s growing energy demand.
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Take a look at my opening statement above.
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Honoring the Next Generation of American Heroes I recently had the privilege of personally congratulating several young Kentuckians who were accepted to and are attending one of our nation's service academies after receiving an appointment from my office. On behalf of all Kentuckians and a grateful nation, thank you for your willingness to serve in uniform!
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As a graduate of West Point, I can confidently say that the years I spent in a service academy were among the most transformative of my life, and I am confident they will be for these young students as well!
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Unleashing Kentucky Small Business
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I was proud to celebrate Small Business Week in Owensboro with the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce, and small business owners from across the region to discuss the ways that the Working Families Tax Cuts have improved the overall business climate and are helping to grow our economy!
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Investing in Infrastructure
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It was great to visit with Kentuckians for Better Transportation! Thanks for all you do to support Kentucky infrastructure.
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Visiting the Team at Miracle Playground
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Kentucky is home to incredible women-owned businesses. It was a pleasure to visit with the team at Miracle Playground in Grayson County to learn more about their operation! Thanks for having me!
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Touring Scotty’s Rock Quarry I had the opportunity to tour Scotty's Rock Quarry in Leitchfield. We discussed the work Congress is doing to pass a surface transportation bill and streamline permitting processes to get projects completed efficiently and safely!
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Thanks for showing me around this impressive facility.
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Taking a Look at Impressive Investments for Kentucky Student Athletes
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I recently was on campus at Western Kentucky University to tour the newly opened Tim and Sarah Ford Fieldhouse. This impressive 122,000 square foot training and office facility is a great addition that will set WKU Athletics up for continued excellence! Thanks for having me, and go Hilltoppers!
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Celebrating Rockfield Elementary School This month, Rockfield Elementary School in Bowling Green was awarded the Leader In Me Legacy Award, joining a select group of schools across the country that demonstrate continued excellence in leadership education.
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Congratulations to Principal Knight, the teachers, staff, students, families and the entire Rockfield Elementary School community who made this achievement possible. Go Raiders!
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Visiting With Baptist Health Deaconess
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I had a great time in Muhlenberg County visiting with the team at Baptist Health Deaconess to hear about the work they are doing to continue to expand care in the community, including pediatrics.
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My office and I are happy to help you. My constituent services team can help provide assistance with a variety of federal agencies including the Department of Veterans Affairs, Social Security, Post Office, and more. Please click HERE or call 270-842-9896 or 202-225-3501 to contact my office.
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Sincerely,
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Brett Guthrie Member of Congress
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