Dear Friends,

I believe everyone has a niche that they can be successful in. As the representative of Kentucky’s Second District, I am working hard to create opportunities at the federal level to help constituents succeed and thrive. I do this through legislation and congressional student programs, such as the Service Academy Information Fair, Congressional App Challenge, and Congressional Art Competition.

As the Republican Leader of the Energy and Commerce Committee’s Health Subcommittee, I’m focused on stopping deadly, illicit drugs and helping people with mental health and substance use disorders. I voted to ensure all Americans, including veterans, can more easily access 24/7, confidential support by changing the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline from a 10-digit number to 988. I visited with local health care providers who are staffing the regional 988 call center located in Daviess County to receive an update on the implementation of the 988 number and thank these health care workers for being available 24/7 for people in distress. If you are or someone you know are in distress, please use this free lifeline for assistance:

Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988

Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988 then Press 1

Rep. Guthrie visiting regional call center for 988 located in Owensboro at RiverValley Behavioral Health

Illicit, deadly drugs, such as fentanyl, are taking the lives of many Kentuckians too soon. I have been working on getting the Substance Use Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Services Block Grant Act of 2022 signed into law. This bill, which passed the House in June, would provide treatment, prevention, and recovery support services, and the flexibility for states to customize how to best use these resources based on community needs. The goal of this legislation is to help those who want to get back on their feet, which is why this bill also includes workforce training and peer support services.

To help protect people from dangerous fentanyl, I’m pushing for the HALT Fentanyl Act to ensure fentanyl-related substances never become street legal by permanently scheduling these deadly substances under Drug Enforcement Administration’s strictest schedule. Fentanyl-related substances can be even deadlier than fentanyl, which can be lethal in just a two-milligram dose. At the end of the year, fentanyl analogues will no longer be banned class-wide under DEA’s strictest schedule, and law enforcement will lose this tool to go after drug traffickers.

As the co-chair of the Congressional Apprenticeship Caucus, I work on legislation to promote apprenticeship opportunities for Kentuckians. Apprenticeships provide individuals the opportunity to earn strong wages while advancing their careers and obtaining recognized credentials for in-demand jobs. This Congress, I helped introduce the Early Educators Apprenticeship Act and the Promoting Apprenticeships through Regional Training Networks for Employers’ Required Skills (PARTNERS) Act. The Early Educators Apprenticeship Act addresses the shortage of qualified early educators, especially in rural areas, by helping states increase early childhood education apprenticeship programs. The PARTNERS Act promotes job training and mentoring services for workers by helping small and medium-sized businesses establish work-based learning programs.

I also recently participated in a discussion with members of the community on how to help inmates transition back into the workforce as productive citizens. These conversations are important for me and the community to learn what is working well and what can be done at the federal level to create solutions.

Rep. Guthrie bringing community members together who are working on education and reentry programs into the workplace for inmates at the Daviess County Detention Center

I have also been hearing a lot about workforce shortages from businesses in Kentucky. If incarcerated individuals are able to put their productivity into something positive, then I believe they can positively change their life, and there are companies that would be happy to hire Kentuckians transitioning back into the community.

Student Programs

Service Academy Information Fair

I graduated from West Point in 1987, and now as a congressman, I have the honor of helping students navigate the U.S. service academy admissions process and nominate students to service academies with the guidance of the Second District Academy Board. I am pleased to announce that I will host a Service Academy Information Fair on September 12, 2022, at Elizabethtown High School for students and their families interested in learning more about the service academy application process.

App Challenge and Art Competition

I also host two student competitions to give students an opportunity to learn new skills and showcase their talent.

The 2022 App Challenge is underway. This competition provides middle and high school students in Kentucky’s Second District an opportunity to harness their coding skills to create an app. Click HERE for more information and the list of the 2021 winners. 

The 2022 Art Competition winners were announced earlier this spring. Click HERE for more information and the list of winners.

Recent Meetings With Kentuckians

Rep. Guthrie answering questions from Barren County High School students about the federal government, including the legislative branch, and what career path Rep. Guthrie took to become a representative

Rep. Guthrie providing a legislative update at a Horse Cave Rotary Club meeting

Rep. Guthrie at the LaRue County booth at the Kentucky State Fair discussing the update he received on Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park from Superintendent Bragaw

Rep. Guthrie joining local and state officials at the dedication of Danville Fire Department’s new station

Rep. Guthrie learning about the flight simulator program at Breckinridge County Area Technology Center and discussing federal education efforts he has worked on

How Can I Help?

My office and I are happy to help you and provide assistance with navigating federal agencies. Please click HERE or call 270-842-9896 or 202-225-3501 to contact my office.