1,811. It was learned this week that was the number of illegal aliens who were ‘mistakenly’ granted American citizenship by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. All of these 1,811 illegal immigrants now turned American citizens were previously ordered to be deported or removed from the U.S. for various reasons, including criminal activity and because their home countries were flagged as ‘special interest countries’ or threats to the United States. This is not only unacceptable, but it’s hor... READ MORE
Kendell and Laurie Clarkston exemplify the true meaning and heart of adoption. As physicians serving in Willow Springs, Missouri, both have directly seen the needs of children living in impoverished conditions and without the love and nurture of a family. While having two biological children of their own, the Clarkstons always felt a tug on their hearts to bring other children into their home. In 2005, the Clarkstons brought their daughter Claire home from the People’s Republic of China with the... READ MORE
This week, the U.S. House Oversight and Government Reform Committee conducted a public hearing delving into the policies and procedures the U.S. State Department employs for preserving federal records. Several former State Department witnesses from the time when Secretary Clinton headed the agency were ordered to testify as to what the polices were, if they were followed, and to Secretary Clinton’s use of a private email server. Unfortunately, on the advice of their legal counsel, three of those... READ MORE
We have all heard the famous quote “the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” This week as the U.S. Congress once again gaveled back into session, the same results held true as we were immediately met with new details of just how partisan and politically minded this Administration is. I should have known not to expect anything other than partisan rancor from this Administration but a recent memo leak showing details of the Obama Admi... READ MORE
The Salem community and I took a major step toward fall last Friday when we watched Salem High Football return to play under the familiar ‘Friday Night Lights’. The start of a new school year is exciting because it is an opportunity for students to set new goals for the academic year and start to put plans in motion to achieve those goals. One of my goals is to visit all 125 school districts throughout the 30 counties of the 8th Congressional District of Missouri. One thing that I love is bringi... READ MORE
This week marks the 20th anniversary of “welfare reform” and at the time it was hailed as one of the most widespread changes to addressing federal poverty our nation had ever seen. They promised it was the end of welfare as we would know it. While this reform 20 years ago did help some people escape poverty, it is clear we have an entirely new round of obstacles that are placing more Americans into the poverty trap. Moving people from welfare to work is the only way to successfully and sustainab... READ MORE
A secret mission carried out using an unmarked cargo plane carrying piles of currency acquired from the central banks of the Netherlands and Switzerland. This sounds like a scene from a James Bond movie, but in fact this is an actual scene of a secret mission carried out under the Obama Administration. It was recently uncovered that the Obama Administration shipped $400 million dollars using an unmarked cargo plane to Iran. Shortly after this money was shipped to Iran, American hostages were rel... READ MORE
This August much of the country is experiencing an uncomfortable heat wave, but in southeast and south central Missouri it is just something we expect every year. And, while the temperature and humidity make it uncomfortable to be outside it is also an important time of our growing season. However, one thing most everyone wishes we could do without is the mosquitos. Often “wearing” a few mosquito bites is normal in August, but with the threat of the Zika virus now on the rise, having a few mosqu... READ MORE
Over the past 11 days, I have travelled nearly 3,000 miles, visited all 30 counties of Missouri’s 8th Congressional District and have visited almost 50 different farms and agricultural businesses. There were early mornings and long days in the scorching Missouri heat over the past two weeks, but that is nothing new to many of the incredible folks I had the opportunity to visit with. Getting to better know and understand firsthand the issues these hardworking farmers and small business owners are... READ MORE
Millions of American’s are concerned our country is on the wrong track, they fear the best days are behind, not in front of us, and that the legacy which will be left for their children is one of debt, high taxes and government control of everything from healthcare to their education. However, this week I also had the opportunity to meet with an amazing group of optimists. They were small business owners and farmers from around southeast and south central Missouri. They are risk-takers that gamb... READ MORE
