Dear Friends,

I enjoyed visiting nearly half of the counties in Kentucky’s Second District in the first district work week period of the year. In this week’s newsletter, I want to share an update on district meetings and updates on the Pandemic is Over Act, a bill I introduced to move our country beyond the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Pandemic is Over Act Passes the House

There is something that President Biden and I both agree on: The COVID-19 pandemic is over. Yet, for more than three years our country has been operating under a perpetual emergency due to COVID-19 with increased powers to the Executive Branch. It is long overdue to end the PHE, which the Biden Administration recently made the PHE’s 12th extension, and for President Biden to relinquish his emergency powers.

The Trump administration first enacted the COVID-19 public health emergency and used broad emergency authority to create Operation Warp Speed, which helped deliver the therapies we have today. Our country is in a completely different and much better position to address COVID-19 than we were in at the beginning of 2020, when the emergency powers were first enacted. These emergency powers are no longer necessary and need to be rescinded to restore checks and balances between Congress and the Executive Branch. Congress can make decisions to address COVID-19 or other viruses and diseases.

My House Republican colleagues and I have been pressing President Biden and his administration since last February on their plan to unwind the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE). Since the Biden Administration did not respond to us on their plan, including no response on if they had a plan, I introduced the Pandemic is Over Act, a bill to finally end the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. This would force President Biden to relinquish his emergency powers and unwind the public health emergency.

Click HERE to watch Rep. Guthrie’s interview on Fox News on why he introduced the Pandemic is Over Act

The night before my bill to end the COVID-19 public health emergency was set to be voted on the House floor, President Biden finally announced that he would end the COVID-19 public health emergency in May. I believe my bill played a role in this announcement. It was reported that the Biden’s administration’s “move to wind down the emergency status, first implemented by the Trump administration on Jan. 27, 2020, was announced in response to a pair of bills in the Republican-controlled House that would immediately end the declarations.”

To be clear, the Pandemic is Over Act does not end Title 42. The COVID-19 public health emergency and Title 42 are separate authorities, and Title 42 policy is at President Biden’s discretion. While President Biden can choose to end Title 42 when the COVID-19 public health emergency ends, I hope he chooses to continue that policy and work with House Republicans on policy to secure the border.

Highlights of the First District Work Period of the 118th Congress

I started the first district work period of the 118th Congress, the week of January 16th, honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at community events in Warren and Barren counties. I also met with constituents to see if they need assistance with a federal issue that my office can help with.

Rep. Guthrie sharing an update on the 118th Congress at the LaRue County Chamber of Commerce

I also shared an update on the beginning of the 118th Congress, and prior to that, I stopped by the LaRue County Herald News to discuss policy moving through Congress, including my bill to end the COVID-19 PHE.

Rep. Guthrie speaking at the Lincoln Trail Area Development District Board meeting on counties he represents in this district

In Hardin County, I attended the Lincoln Trail Area Development District Board meeting. I’m proud to represent Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park and counties in this region. At this meeting, I introduced Carsen Parker, who is my new field representative for Hardin County. She has succeeded Brian Smith, who had worked in my office since 2009 as my director of economic development, and now has a new public service position in Hardin County.

Rep. Guthrie discussing legislation at the Meade County Chamber of Commerce lunch

In Brandenburg, I met with local officials and spoke at the Meade County Chamber of Commerce lunch. I discussed the Pandemic is Over Act and the threat that China poses to our national security. This Congress I voted to establish a Select Committee on China to ensure our country is tougher on China and addressing these threats. I also voted to prevent our Strategic Petroleum Reserve from being sold to China or to companies owned or influenced by the Chinese Communist Party. The Biden Administration’s policy of depleting our oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve has resulted in our country’s reserve oil going to a state-owned Chinese company and other oil from our reserve was ultimately traded to China. The Strategic Petroleum Reserve is meant for true emergencies, such as natural disasters. It is unacceptable that oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve has gone to China.

Rep. Guthrie meeting with fifth grade students at Horse Branch Elementary to discuss the three branches of government and his role as a representative

How Can I Help?

My office and I are happy to help you. My constituent services team can help provide assistance with the Department of Veterans Affairs and other federal agencies. Please click HERE or call 270-842-9896 or 202-225-3501 to contact my office.