I recently returned to the nation of Israel—the United States’ most important strategic ally—to get an update from U.S. and Israeli officials on the ever evolving security environment in the Middle East. It was my first visit to the region since 2015 when the Obama Administration was negotiating the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as the Iran nuclear deal, and since the Trump Administration withdrew from that agreement and announced the relocation of the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
I am proud to represent the people of Central and Eastern Kentucky in a seat in Congress that has existed for more than 200 years. It is a seat which has been occupied by many great statesmen including the Great Compromiser, Henry Clay. I am humbled to follow in the footsteps of these statesmen, serving the heart of the Bluegrass and recognizing my responsibility to fight for its future through various bipartisan roles in the House.
As we embark upon a New Year, I want to first express my sincere appreciation for the confidence you have once again placed in me by allowing me to serve another term as your Sixth District Congressman. It’s an honor to represent my Kentucky home in Washington, D.C., and I’m grateful to have the continued privilege to serve, work and fight for you in the United States House of Representatives.