Congressional Update from U.S. Congressman Andy Barr

Responding to the Chinese Communist Party’s Aggression

Last weekend, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) flew multiple spy balloons in mainland American airspace and over key military bases, such as Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana, which houses a nuclear mission with intercontinental ballistic missiles.  One spy balloon even traveled across parts of the Commonwealth.  I joined Fox News to discuss the situation live on Saturday afternoon, which you can watch by clicking the image above or by clicking here. 

On Thursday, the House unanimously passed a resolution condemning this latest aggression from the CCP.  We need to do more.  The CCP spy balloons are a perfect example of why Congress needs to pass my legislation, the Chinese Military and Surveillance Act of 2023, to restrict American investment in CCP military and surveillance companies that produce this type of spy infrastructure that can be weaponized against Americans.

Depoliticizing Retirement Accounts

Last week, I introduced bipartisan legislation with U.S. Senator Mike Braun (R-IN) and U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) ending Biden’s politicization of retirement accounts.  Biden’s Department of Labor issued a rule permitting retirement plans to consider environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investing.  Our legislation would reverse this rule.

Americans are having a hard time retiring.  That’s why retirement accounts should be solely focused on delivering maximum returns to investors to ensure they can live comfortably in retirement.  Earlier this month, I joined Fox and Friends to discuss this legislation and what this rule means for retail investors. You can watch the interview by clicking the image above or by clicking here.  Fox News digital also wrote a piece on our bill, which you can read here.

Fighting Big Government Regulations

Recently, I spoke at a press conference pushing for passage of the REINS Act.  First championed by former Kentucky Congressman Geoff Davis, this legislation requires Congressional approval of all major regulations issued by federal agencies before they go into effect.

I also joined an effort by House Republican lawmakers to end the Biden Administration’s revival of the Waters of the United States Rule.  This rule is one of the worst examples of confusing and burdensome regulation that hurts Kentucky farmers.  Cutting D.C. bureaucratic red tape is one of my top priorities in Congress and I’ll keep fighting to get government off the backs of our families, farmers, and small business owners.

Speaking to KDEC

I enjoyed the opportunity to speak with the Kentucky District Export Council (KDEC) in Lexington.  KDEC provides assistance to small and medium-sized businesses in KY is crucial in promoting economic growth and creating new high-paying jobs. 

I’ll keep working with my colleagues in Congress to tackle the supply chain and inflation crises, open new markets for American producers, and hold both our trading partners and bad actors, like China, accountable.

Sincerely,

Congressman Andy Barr