| No Special Treatment |
Dear Friends,
Time and again, we see what happens when our Nation’s premier law enforcement agency – the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – gets bogged down in partisan politics and personal relationships receive more focus than the facts. I wholeheartedly believe that the integrity of the FBI is crucial and that every investigation must be conducted without bias or special treatment.
Unfortunately, there’s been a double standard for those in power, namely Hillary Clinton. As a member of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, I have a responsibility to defend the deeply-held American principle of equal justice under the law. On Wednesday, I urged the FBI to quickly address its worrisome operations and growing list of scandals. You can watch it here.
When all other institutions we trust — including Congress — appear to be broken, we want to be able to look to the FBI. I will fight to increase the accountability, transparency, and fairness of this agency.
|
|
| Hice in the House |
Now that both the House and the Senate have cleared their respective versions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, it’s time for the two chambers to hash out the differences through a conference committee. Last week, I was pleased to vote advance the process as we move one step closer to getting comprehensive tax reform across the finish line.
I’m hopeful that my colleagues who were appointed to the committee will bring together the best parts of each of these bills and ensure that the end product is a tax code that American taxpayers deserve. At a very base level, we are starting with the understanding that the status quo is hurting average families across America and our primary responsibility is figuring out the most effective way to give those hardworking taxpayers the relief that they need. The work we’re doing on this bill is about those families, it’s about small businesses, and it’s about our economy. As these conversations continue, I’m looking forward to seeing the final version of this bill and providing widespread relief for American families.
On Tuesday, we voted to pass several measures addressing servicemembers and veterans. S. 1266, the Enhancing Veteran Care Act, will investigate VA medical centers to examine and report on failures occurring within the agency. This bill, which advanced the Senate in November, is incredibly important to ensuring the accountability of health centers caring for our Nation’s veterans. The House also passed H.R. 1164, the Taylor Force Act, a measure to reduce U.S. funding for the Palestinians unless they stop subsidizing the families of killers. Inspired by the violence that took the life of former Army officer Taylor Force, it will work to curtail violence and terrorism facing Israeli citizens by ending pay-to-slay policies.
Finally, many of you likely know that I am a proud defender of our Second Amendment rights. Under current law, however, law-abiding gun owners who carry valid concealed carry permits issued by their state of residence face a confusing mish-mash of laws when it comes to where they are or are not able to carry. In order to clarify standards, I’m pleased that the House passed H.R. 38, the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, which works to recognize valid state-issued permits nationwide. I am an original cosponsor of this bill and am very proud of the work being done to support our Constitutionally-protected rights. I should also note that language from a separate bill to keep guns out of the hands of criminals was added prior to the consideration of H.R. 38 on the House Floor.
|
|
| Move to Jerusalem |
Last week, President Trump took historic action when he formally recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and announced his intention to move to the U.S. embassy there from Tel Aviv. Despite the fact that Congress has consistently voted in favor of recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and passed the Jerusalem Embassy Act in 1995, every president since has delayed the implementation of this important legislation. I was very glad to see President Trump fulfill the promises that we, as a Nation, have made to Israel. There’s a unique connection between the United States and the people of Israel, and I look forward to taking the next step to stand with our longtime partner and greatest ally in the Middle East.
As President Trump noted during his speech, recognition does not determine the American position on the details of a potential peace settlement, but recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital shows all in the Middle East that the United States follows through on its commitments.
|
|
| Robins Air Force Base Breakfast |
We are fortunate to have some of our Nation’s most important military installations headquartered in Georgia. For decades, Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins has been a critical part of the Middle Georgia community and our state’s military family. Last week, I joined Senators Johnny Isakson and David Perdue, as well as other members of the Georgia Congressional Delegation for a forum with Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson, senior Pentagon officials, and community partners to discuss ways to combat domestic and global threats.
Home to the Air Force Reserve Command, the 78th Air Base Wing and Air Logistics Complex, and the entire U.S. fleet of Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS) aircraft, Robins Air Force Base plays a vital role in our national defense, providing support to all branches of the military throughout the world. Through its leadership in defense technology research and development at the Warner Robins Air Logistics Center, Robins Air Force Base serves as a critical backbone to the entire Department of Defense.
The efficiency and effectiveness of the Warner Robins Air Logistics Center contributes significantly to U.S. military operations worldwide, and I continue to fight to advance its needs.
Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson discussing military needs with Congressman Hice |
Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force David Goldfein with Congressman Hice |
|
|
| Just Stop By |
Constituent service has always been one of my top priorities. If you can't get an answer from a federal agency in a timely fashion or if you feel you have been treated unfairly, my office is ready to help. Whether it’s helping veterans receive their well-deserved benefits, taxpayers resolve issues with the IRS, or seniors collect their Medicare payments, we are committed to finding solutions to your issues.
Recently, my office heard from an Athens-based doctor we had the honor of serving whose patient had trouble receiving their Medicaid benefits…
| “I would like to express my sincere gratitude to you and your office for coming to the aid of one of my patients. I reached out to you a couple of months ago concerning a patient of mine with a rare, chronic illness who had been denied Medicaid several times. Your office immediately reached out to her and she eventually got coverage. I just want to thank you so much for first of all being available and accessible and indeed for honoring your promise to serve your constituents ‘in any way you can.’ I know you have made a positive difference in the lives of many and especially this patient. Thank you for being a true leader!” |
Navigating through the bureaucratic red tape of federal agencies can be frustrating, and it is my goal to streamline that process for 10th District residents. If you need assistance with a federal agency, take advantage of this month’s Mobile Office Hours.
|
|
| The Week Ahead |
|
This week, the House will consider the following pieces of legislation:
H.R. 3359 - Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Act of 2017, as amended
H.R. 3669 - Securing General Aviation and Commercial Charter Air Carrier Service Act of 2017, as amended
H.R. 2706 - Financial Institution Customer Protection Act of 2017, as amended
H.R. 3093 - Investor Clarity and Bank Parity Act
H.R. 1730 - Protecting Religiously Affiliated Institutions Act of 2017, as amended
H.R. 2880 - Promoting Closed-Loop Pumped Storage Hydropower Act, as amended
H.R. 2872 - Promoting Hydropower Development at Existing Nonpowered Dams Act, as amended
H.R. 1733 - To direct the Secretary of Energy to review and update a report on the energy and environmental benefits of the re-refining of used lubricating oil
H.R. 4171 - To amend title 5, United States Code, to extend the authority to conduct telework travel expenses test programs, and for other purposes, as amended
H.R. 2815 - To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 30 East Somerset Street in Raritan, New Jersey, as the "Sergeant John Basilone Post Office"
H.R. 1208 - To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 9155 Schaefer Road, Converse, Texas, as the "Converse Veterans Post Office Building"
H.R. 3638 - To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1100 Kings Road in Jacksonville, Florida, as the "Rutledge Pearson Post Office Building"
H.R. 3655 - To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1300 Main Street in Belmar, New Jersey, as the "Dr. Walter S. McAfee Post Office Building"
H.R. 4042 - To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1415 West Oak Street, in Kissimmee, Florida, as the "Borinqueneers Post Office Building"
H.R. 4285 - To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 123 Bridgeton Pike in Mullica Hill, New Jersey, as the "James C. Billy Johnson Post Office Building"
H.Res. 407 - Condemning the persecution of Christians around the world, as amended
H.Res. 336 - Reaffirming a strong commitment to the United States-Mexico partnership
H.Res. 357 - Reaffirming the strategic partnership between the United States and Canada, recognizing bilateral cooperation that advances United States national interests, and urging increased bilateral cooperation on security, economic issues, and energy, and for other purposes, as amended
H.R. 3971 - Community Institution Mortgage Relief Act of 2017, Rules Committee Print (Subject to a Rule)
H.R. 1638- Iranian Leadership Asset Transparency Act, Rules Committee Print (Subject to a Rule)
H.R. 4324 - Strengthening Oversight of Iran’s Access to Finance Act, Rules Committee Print (Subject to a Rule)
H.R. 2396 - Privacy Notification Technical Clarification Act (Subject to a Rule)
As always, I want to hear from you. Please contact my office with any questions, comments, or concerns. Be sure to follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to keep track of upcoming events!
Sincerely,
|
|
|
|
| FOLLOW US |
|
|
| TOP NEWS |
|
Hice on TV
Fox News – 12/6
Mornings with Maria: Fox Business – 12/7
WAGT (NBC) – 12/11
GOP Lawmakers Press for Investigation of FBI’s ‘Special Treatment’ of Hillary Clinton Probe
Daily Signal – 12/6
Hice said justice has not been impartial toward Clinton. “This is all about, ultimately, whether or not Lady Justice is still blindfolded, and whether or not she is peeking out from underneath to show favoritism with certain individuals,” the Georgia lawmaker said. “The more we hear about how the FBI handled the investigations involving Hillary Clinton, the more we understand that she received special treatment, and that is unacceptable.”
Congressman Jody Hice to have office hours here Dec. 11
Morgan County Citizen – 12/Congressman Jody Hice has announced that his staff will be coming to Morgan County on Monday, Dec. 11to hold “mobile office hours” in order to provide an opportunity for citizens to voice political concerns and receive assistance right where they live. “We encourage our citizens to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to receive constituent services from Hice’s team. Hice is our voice in Washington, D.C. and this is a great time for our citizens to share their voices, “ said County Manager Adam Mestres. “This is a great time to speak directly with the congressman’s staff.” The event will be held in the Morgan County Board off Commissioners Meeting Room, located at 150 E. Washington Street in Madison from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
|
|
