The Tiffany Telegram: June 10, 2022
Dear Friend,
This week the House of Representatives reconvened for legislative activity after a two-week recess. I also held a Telephone Town Hall with my friend and colleague Rep. Jim Jordan (OH-4) to talk to folks back home about the issues that matter most to them. (More on that a little later).
The most frequent concern we heard about was the economy – specifically skyrocketing prices. As Telegram readers know, we’ve been sounding the alarm about President Biden’s disastrous policies and the likelihood that they would ignite the record-high inflation we’re now experiencing for over a year.
Today, the Consumer Price Index came out with the numbers from May which showed that inflation remained painfully high. In fact, the measure hit a fresh 40-year record, coming in at 8.6%, the largest increase since December 1981. Despite President Biden’s previous suggestion that inflation had peaked and would begin to drop – prices are still climbing at their fastest pace in nearly four decades and it doesn’t look like they’ll be slowing down anytime soon.
In other news, the Biden administration’s new economic messaging team, charged with changing public perception on the economy, is trying to convince Americans that our economy is actually in a better place now than it has been historically.
Apparently, Americans didn’t get the memo as a new poll by The Wall Street Journal this week showed that 83% described the state of the economy as poor or not good.
To make matters worse, more than one-third of respondents also said that they aren’t satisfied at all with their financial situation – which is the highest level of dissatisfaction since the survey began 50 years ago back in 1972.
People are feeling the impact of Joe’s policies at the pump, in their pocketbooks, and in their paychecks. It’s time for the President to change his policies that got us into this mess – not just his talking points.
Thanks again for starting off your weekend with us! We hope you enjoy this week’s edition of the Tiffany Telegram.
Sincerely,
Tom Tiffany
Member of Congress
Hearing from you
Thank you to everyone who joined my telephone town hall on Tuesday with Rep. Jim Jordan (OH-4). We heard from many Wisconsinites who are feeling the pain of $5 a gallon of gas and the worst inflation in nearly a half-century. I know the current economic conditions are impacting many folks at home. That’s why my Republican colleagues and I are offering common-sense solutions to stop Washington’s wasteful, inflation-fueling spending and make American energy independent once again. There is absolutely no reason why President Biden should be shopping in hostile countries, like Iran, Venezuela, and Saudi Arabia, for oil and gas. If you missed my phone call or were not able to catch this event, don’t worry, you can catch a recording of the discussion here. I appreciated all the wonderful questions, and I am already looking forward to our next one. For those who were able to attend, you can watch a brief recap video from Congressman Jordan and I here. You can also view the poll results below.
Republicans introduce a common-sense, balanced budget
At a time when our federal debt exceeds $30 trillion, I believe every effort must be made to rein in wasteful spending, which is threatening our national security, mortgaging the future of our children and grandchildren, and smothering our once-vibrant economy. The numbers don’t lie. Inflation is at a 40-year high, gas prices are shattering new records every single day, and U.S. GDP recently posted a 1.5% annual decline. Instead of spending money as fast as Joe Biden leaves for a Delaware vacation, policymakers need to work together to restore fiscal sanity. That’s why yesterday I joined a number of like-minded lawmakers in introducing a thorough budget that would curb Washington waste, put the federal budget on a path to balance, complete the border wall, fund our military, combat Communist China, protect Medicare and Social Security, and ban Critical Race Theory in our classrooms. The package also includes the Agriculture Civil Rights and Equality Act or “ACRE Act.” Telegramreaders may recall that I authored this legislation with my friend, colleague and former Super Bowl champion Rep. Burgess Owens (UT-04) to halt an unfair Democrat-backed plan to hand out billions of dollars in farm aid based solely on skin color. Our legislation will make sure this never happens again by explicitly barring the USDA from discriminating against or granting preferential treatment to any person based on race. Taxpayers should never be forced to finance divisive and unconstitutional quota systems.
The Republican Study Committee introduces a budget to protect future generations from Washington waste.
Unconstitutional gun control is not the answer
This week you may have been following the news about the push by Democrats to enact a far-reaching, partisan package of gun control measures through the House of Representatives. I voted against this misguided package for one simple reason: Because chipping away at the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens will not make our communities safer. There is a better way. That’s why I tried to offer an alternative that would instead turn up the heat on Big City, soft-on-crime prosecutors who have fueled a surge in violent crime thanks to their weak approach to public safety. My plan, the Prosecutors Need to Prosecute Act, would require prosecutors to report how often they follow through on holding criminals charged with murder, rape, arson, crimes involving illegal guns, and motor vehicle theft, accountable. It would also mandate disclosures regarding how often prosecutors secure convictions, whether those charged were already on probation or parole, and how many offenders were released without bail. Unfortunately, Democrats voted to block consideration of my common-sense proposal on a party line vote. But I remain committed to doing everything I can to make our neighborhoods safer. We should always put the rights of victims and hard-working Americans before those of career criminals. You can watch my House floor statement on the measure below.
Click here or on the image above to watch my remarks.
Attempted murder, but not in danger?
Last month, we told you about the last-ditch effort of a rogue law clerk who leaked a draft Supreme Court opinion in hopes of intimidating our nation’s justices into changing their vote. As mobs of angry protestorsillegally gathered on our justices’ front lawns President Biden remained silent – except for when he encouraged people to continue breaking the law of course. As I’ve said before, threatening violence and destruction when you don’t get your way is wrong, and when you allow one group to get away with it, it encourages others to follow their lead. Unfortunately, last month’s left-wing doxxing campaign that posted the home addresses of conservative Supreme Court Justices paved the way for this week’s attempted murder of Justice Brett Kavanaugh. A few weeks ago, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed legislation that would have provided additional security for our Supreme Court Justices and their families, which even included support from Sen. Chuck Schumer (NY) who once threatened that conservative justices would pay the price if they didn’t rule in his favor. Unfortunately, House Democrats blocked its passage yet again this week. Astoundingly, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (CA-12) justified her decision to obstruct a vote on the bill by arguing that the justices are not actually in danger. Apparently attempted murder is no longer cause for concern in the minds of some lawmakers.
Watch out for taxpayer scams
With a notable increase in taxpayer scams, I want to make sure everyone has the resources available to them to spot these schemes. I encourage everyone to be cautious when receiving calls, texts, and emails regarding their financial information to ensure that you keep your identity and finances safe. Please note that the IRS does not leave pre-recorded messages, and if you receive any communication that you are unsure about, I recommend verifying the sender before giving any personal information. And of course, you can always contact my district office in Wausau if you have questions or need assistance. Check out the tips from the IRS on how to spot and avoid scams.
Future Farmers of America
On Thursday, I was able to talk to members of the Marshfield Future Farmers of America (FFA) right outside the Capitol steps. After a two-year delay, it was great to see so many young, local leaders on Capitol Hill for the annual Washington Leadership Conference. I know the future of family farming is in good hands with these students.
Recent Legislation
Securing Our Students Act
Last week, I told you about a bill we passed when I was in the legislature,
2017 Wisconsin Act 143, which awarded school safety grants to school districts, private schools, independent charter schools, and tribal schools so that they could make sure our students were safe in the classroom. As I said then, I believe that Congress should take a similar common-sense approach like we did in Wisconsin to ensure our kids are protected – not take aim at our fundamental liberties. As you may remember, we recently learned that nearly 93% of K-12 funding that was allocated to schools from the American Rescue Plan remains unspent. This week I introduced the Securing Our Schools Act along with my colleague Rep. Burgess Owens (UT-04), which would allow school districts to direct unspent funds to updating security measures and adequately educating staff on the best practices and procedures to use during emergency situations. The funds will be available immediately upon passage and can be used for a wide array of categories related to school safety, so that schools can address whatever their safety shortcomings might be.
District Update
Veterans Affairs expansion in Wausau
While we can never fully repay our veterans for their service to our country, we can help ensure that they receive the care and resources they deserve. This past week, Wausau celebrated the opening of its newly expanded Veterans Affairs (VA) clinic. The expansion allows the clinic to provide services to an even larger number of veterans within the 7th District. Their expanded services include physical therapy, chiropractic, dental, optometry, and audiology care. Staff from my district office attended the event and are available to assist veterans. If you or someone you know is having trouble receiving benefits from the VA or another federal agency, my Wausau district office is available to help at (715) 298-9344.
Business roundtable with Congressman Stauber
Last Friday, I hosted a joint business roundtable with my good friend Rep. Pete Stauber (MN-8) in the St. Croix Valley. We heard from many business leaders who have been negatively impacted by President Biden’s economic policies. From supply chain issues and inflation to rising prices at the pump, small businesses and the communities that depend on them are struggling. I am committed to working across party lines to unleash American energy and stop excessive government to ease the burden on small businesses, farmers and working families.
It was great hearing directly from local stakeholders.
Superior Service Academy Day recap
Thank you to everyone who came out to my last Service Academy Day of the year at the Richard I. Bong Veteran's Center in Superior. I enjoyed speaking to students and parents and was joined by representatives from all five service academies. A reminder to all students who are interested in applying to a service academy, the deadline isn’t until October 14th, but you can get a head start on the application this summer by visiting my website here. All high school students admitted to our nation's military service academies must first receive a nomination from at least one member of their state's Congressional Delegation, the Vice President, or the President of the United States.
Enjoyed hosting my Superior Service Academy Day!
Marshfield’s world-famous stilt walkers
This past Saturday, Jordan Wolf and Ashley McCauley, a sibling duo from Marshfield broke the world record for the tallest stilt walk, walking 10 steps on stilts that measured 54 feet and 1 inch. China had held the record since 2006, but this past Saturday, the sibling duo beat out China and brought the record back to the United States, where it belongs. Jordan and Ashley showed us all what dedication and hard work look like. Thank you to everyone who came out to the Marshfield Fairgrounds for Dairyfest to watch this amazing accomplishment and congratulations, again, to Ashley and Jordan for bringing the world record back home to Marshfield.
Click here or on the image above to watch my remarks on congratulating Jordan and Ashley.
Resources
As many families struggle to find baby formula, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has compiled resources to help. For resources on where to locate baby formula in our community and for tips from HHS click here. They also have a social media toolkit in English, Spanish, Vietnamese and Haitian Creole here.
While many begin to travel internationally again, the Department of State is available to assist with passport services. We recommend to apply at least six months before planned travel as routine service may take up to about 18 weeks. For more information, please visit travel.state.gov.
The USDA continues to make resources and assistance available to agricultural producers and working families to ensure access, safety and stability for food markets and supplies.
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As always, you are welcome to visit my website or to contact my offices in Washington, DC or Wisconsin, which remain open for service, if you have any questions or need assistance.
Good News from Wisconsin's 7th District
Northland Pines Girls Soccer Win Regional Championship
Congratulations to the Northland Pines girls soccer for defeating their opponent 1-0 to become the WIAA Division 4 Regional champions!
3 Students Receive Scholarships
RaeJean Stowe, Tavius Morris, and Kyle Semling received a total of $166,000 in scholarships to Northwood Technical College!
High School State Baseball
Mosinee, Amherst, and Columbus Catholic boy’s high school baseball teams all advanced to the state tournament! Good luck next week!