Bonuses & Tax Reform
Happy 2018! Last year provided excellent progress in Congress, and I am hopeful that 2018 will bring even more positive changes for our country and the Show Me State. We had plenty of exciting news this week, including a glimpse of how tax reform is already helping American families. Keep reading for more details.
Tax Reform Spurs Local Businesses to Award Bonuses
As you know, in December Congress passed tax reform and the President signed it into law. Already, we are beginning to see this law benefit families and put more money back into taxpayers' pockets. On the day we passed the final bill, AT&T announced that it would pay $1,000 bonuses to more than 200,000 of its U.S. employees. More recently, on the local level, I learned that Commerce Bank of Kansas City, U.S. Bank, and Great Southern Bank of Springfield will also award their employees bonuses as a result of the law we passed.
I'm also pleased that the final legislation we passed eliminated loopholes, will allow employees to take home more of their paychecks, and gives the middle class a break. For more information about the bill we passed, visit FairandSimple.gop or text "Tax Reform" to 50589.
Push to Advance Broadband Internet in Rural Areas
On Monday, the President signed two executive orders to improve rural broadband.
Currently, an astonishing 61% of Missourians do not have access to broadband internet. Without it, people in rural areas are deprived of educational opportunities, higher agricultural efficiency, and access to telemedicine. An absence of high-speed internet also puts rural businesses competing in the global economy at a severe disadvantage. Expanding rural broadband opportunities for my constituents is a priority of mine, and I am pleased the President recognized this disparity and is taking steps to address this urgent issue.
Meeting with Secretary of the Air Force
On Tuesday, I met with Secretary of the U.S. Air Force Heather Wilson to discuss readiness and the future of the Air Force.
As the U.S. Representative for Whiteman Air Force Base (WAFB) and Co-Chair of the Long-Range Strike Caucus, one of my top priorities is to ensure the Air Force has what it needs. On Tuesday, I met with Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson and learned of the impressive initiatives she has undertaken within the Department to address shortfalls and prioritize readiness. I look forward to continuing to work with her to provide for the common defense.
I was also proud to learn this week that three B-2 Stealth Bombers and approximately 200 airmen are currently deployed to Anderson Air Force Base on Guam as they support the Pentagon’s ongoing bomber assurance and deterrence mission. I was in the theatre in September with the Armed Services Committee, and visited the base during the trip. It is a vital post that strengthens the options available to our commanders during peacetime and in the event of contingency operations. Our district can be proud of the important work our airmen are doing employing the nation’s B-2 bombers at WAFB and wherever the mission calls them.
Thursday was Human Trafficking Awareness Day, and I took to social media to let you know that Congress is doing our part to stamp out this form of modern day slavery.
In October, I introduced a bipartisan bill to allow victims of sex trafficking to be eligible for federal transitional housing. My legislation, The Housing for Survivors of Sex Trafficking Act, would enable grants to help provide housing for sex trafficking victims at a crucial time when they are trying to reclaim their hopes, dreams, and futures. When I heard the stories of sex trafficking victims, and saw that they come from all over our country and even here in Missouri, I knew that we must do something to help. I’m proud to have introduced this bill so that these women can get the support they need and know that the American people are standing with them.
Also, in July, the House passed additional legislation I introduced to fight this epidemic. My bill, the Empowering Law Enforcement to Fight Sex Trafficking Demand Act, opens up more Department of Justice grant funding so law enforcement can fight this scourge on the demand side, arresting the men purchasing sexual acts from abused women and children. Women and children around the nation, and even in Missouri, are being victimized every day by an industry that takes their life, hope, and dignity just to make a profit. My bill takes a step to address this massive problem by giving police officers the resources they need to go after the criminals behind these terrible crimes.
My legislation is now in the Senate, where it awaits further consideration.