Early last month, I was sworn in as your representative in the 117th Congress. Since then, I have been hard at work fighting for our values and working for the needs of Alabama's First Congressional District. I wanted to update you on a few of the things I have done in Congress, including protecting and defending our border security, fighting for small business owners and American workers, promoting clean energy, and protecting the unborn.

I am excited to serve on the House Committee on Natural Resources in the 117th Congress, where I have the opportunity to oversee offshore energy production, protect and expand land for recreational hunting and fishing, manage and sustain our oceans and fisheries, advocate for our timberlands, and oversee tribal lands. Coastal Alabama benefits greatly from offshore energy production, and that's why I've joined my colleagues in pushing back on many of President Biden's executive orders harming our energy independence and eliminating Alabama jobs.

Last week, I was appointed to the House Armed Services Committee, which is a huge deal for our district and the state of Alabama. Whether it's Austal Shipyard in Mobile, Fort Rucker in the Wiregrass, Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base in Montgomery, or Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama's contribution to our nation's military strength and defense programs is critical to national security. I'm grateful for this opportunity to support our men and women in uniform, while further strengthening the military and defense footprint of our state and nation.

Border security is a critical component of our national security, and I am committed to making sure we uphold our immigration laws. Border security is always important, but it is more important now than ever as we battle the COVID pandemic and work to minimize the spread of the virus. President Biden has been attempting to weaken our immigration laws, so I've taken action such as co-sponsoring Rep. Yvette Herrell's PAUSE Act, which maintains our border security by preventing unfettered entry at the border while Americans are facing lockdowns and stay-at-home orders due to the COVID pandemic.

I have also taken several steps to fight for life, including co-sponsoring more than a dozen pro-life bills. Last week, I gave a speech on the House floor in honor of the millions of babies who lost their chance at life because of Roe v. Wade. Life is a precious gift from God, and every human is made in God's image. I'm proud to be a pro-life leader in Congress, and I believe it is our duty as a society to promote a culture that values life.

Numerous challenges, both short-term and long-term, are facing our state and nation, but I am confident that we will overcome them and emerge stronger than before. I am working hard for you every day in Washington, and I am proud to represent you. If I or my office can ever be of service to you, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.