The Tiffany Telegram: June 3, 2022
Dear Friend,
Last February, President Biden announced his first major spending spree – a $1.9 trillion package that spent 91% on big government bailouts and pet projects. Almost immediately after Biden’s wish list went public, Clinton’s former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers started sounding the alarm that the Democrats spending habits could set off catastrophic inflationary pressures we haven’t seen in a generation and that most Americans have never experienced.
Biden’s Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen shrugged off the concerns and mocked the economic advisor as flat out wrong. The media followed the administration’s lead and claimed Republicans, like myself, warning that Biden’s policies could cause inflation were just scaremongering and there was no need for alarm. So Democrats in Congress continued spending money like there was no tomorrow.
But eventually, tomorrow arrived – and with it came the highest inflation in 40 years, the highest gas prices ever recorded, and families being forced to fork out an extra $433 each month in expenses.
Unable to avoid the skyrocketing prices, the Biden administration claimed the inflation we were experiencing was just temporary and we should continue with business as usual – for my colleagues on the other side of the aisle that meant even more spending sprees.
That’s right. The Biden administration’s response to an economy that was already overheated by their nearly $2 trillion dollar package was to double down and spend another $3.5 trillion. Telegram readers will remember that I had concerns over passing even more spending bills and their potential to make a bad situation even worse.
However, despite the evidence to the contrary Biden’s Treasury Secretary told lawmakers to ignore our concerns and the new inflation numbers because she knew better. When inflation kept getting worse each month Biden shifted his messaging from inflation being temporary to blaming greedy businesses, followed by the pandemic and supply chain woes, before finally landing on blaming Russia.
This week Secretary Janet Yellen admitted she was wrong about inflationand that she didn’t fully understand supply bottlenecks or their impact on the economy. The Secretary is now predicting what I’ve been warning Telegram readers of for over a year due to Biden’s poor policy choices – yet another uncomfortably high year of inflation.
Admitting you have a problem is usually a good first step, but rather than using her admission as a wakeup call to stop pushing expensive policies we can’t afford – Biden decided the best course of action would be to simply hire a better economic messaging team.
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
Tuesday’s telephone town hall with Rep. Jordan
Telephone town halls are a great opportunity to learn more about what is happening in Washington and hear directly from me from the comfort of your own home. This Tuesday, I will be hosting a telephone town hall with my good friend Congressman Jim Jordan to discuss the impact of inflation and the conservative solutions being proposed. The telephone town hall will begin at 7 PM CST and last approximately one hour. If you would like to have your questions answered, you may register online here (must register at least one day before the event) or dial in the day of by calling 833-946-1523. As many Wisconsinites struggle with the rising prices of groceries, gas, and everyday goods, I look forward to discussing the solutions that I am working on in Congress to bring down costs.
Who funds the WHO?
It turns out, you do – ever since President Biden restored U.S. backing for the World Health Organization shortly after taking office. Now, it has come to light that President Biden is considering amendments to the WHO’s International Health Regulations – or “IHR” – amendments that could actually expand the authority of this unaccountable multilateral organization. That doesn’t make any sense – and it’s why I cosponsored legislation to stop pouring American tax dollars into this global bureaucracy. Last week, I followed up by sending a letter to the White House – signed by more than 80 of my colleagues – asking President Biden for more information about these proposed changes to the IHR. Giving this China-controlled, UN-affiliated group even more power – after what we’ve seen over the last two years – is like hiring the arsonist who started the fire to help you put it out. You can see the full text of our letter and read more about the issue here.
Less fertilizer means less food
Asked about possible fertilizer shortages, President Biden’s top foreign aid official, USAID Director Samantha Power, recently said she thought they might be a good “opportunity” to advance the White House’s green agenda. Like many Americans, I was stunned. Less fertilizer means less food: How could that be an “opportunity?” That’s why this week, I joined several of my colleagues in signing a letter to President Biden asking him to clarify how he plans to address the looming possibility of food shortages – something he himself called “real” just a few weeks ago. Instead of searching for new ways to push a divisive and expensive “green” agenda, the White House should be focusing on ways we can make fertilizer more affordable so that our farmers can produce the food that America and so many people around the world rely on. You can read the letter here.
Artwork to represent the Seventh District in Washington
Last week I had the pleasure of meeting the winners of my 2022 Congressional Art Competition, including Lilly Thao who will have her artwork hung in a walkway leading up to the U.S. Capitol.
Thank you, students, for all your wonderful submissions, and thank you to all our wonderful art teachers who help make this competition possible. I look forward to seeing Lilly’s “Queen of Hearts” art piece represent Wisconsin’s 7th District in Washington.
Congratulations, Lilly, on getting to have your artwork hung in the U.S. Capitol.
Committee Update
Natural Resources
Made in America mining under threat
Last week, the Natural Resources Committee held a hearing on legislation that would make it even harder for Americans to tap into American natural resources. The bill, introduced by Representative Betty McCollum (MN-4), would designate a critical mineral-rich area in northern Minnesota as “off limits” for mining. This is ironic, because many of the renewable and “green” technologies that Democrats claim to support require vast amounts of these very minerals. Without access to American deposits, we will be forced to rely on supplies sourced in China or Africa, where environmental protections are often weak and human rights abuses are often common. America, on the other hand, develops resources safely and responsibly. The Twin Metals mine would provide thousands of good-paying jobs, and contribute to economic development in our region while helping to secure the American mineral supply chain. You can see some of the panel discussion here.
Judiciary
Gun control proposals miss the mark
This week the House Judiciary Committee held a hearing on a package of Democrat gun control bills dubbed the “Protecting Our Kids” Act. It is unfortunate that this hearing failed to focus on the issue we may be able to reach bipartisan consensus on: Protecting our children from people who have mental health issues and improving security at schools. Banning popular firearms or requiring raising the legal age for gun ownership for law-abiding adults will not protect children. Instead, we must focus on identifying and treating mental health problems and family issues, addressing the growing phenomenon of rampant crime in our inner cities, taking a closer look at the role of online platforms, and improving security on campuses. More gun control, censorship, and safe spaces are not the answer. In Congress, we should take a commonsense approach that surgically addresses these problems – not take aim at fundamental liberties. We did this when I was in the Wisconsin State Senate with 2017 Wisconsin Act 143, which awarded school safety grants to school districts, private schools, independent charter schools, and tribal schools. At the federal level, I hope we can find ways to do the same thing. I will continue to work with my colleagues to protect our constitutionally protected rights and protect our communities through commonsense and appropriate legislation. One should not come at the expense of the other.
Click here to watch my comments during the House Judiciary Committee.
District Update
Help needed: First responders
When tragedy strikes, our first responders spring into action to save lives. However, as I make my way around the district, I hear from constituents, many of whom are first responders themselves, that are concerned about the shortage of first responders in their communities. While our current first responders are working around the clock to ensure the lives of our friends, neighbors, and fellow Wisconsinites are in good hands, we must ensure that our communities have the personnel needed to save lives. That’s why I want to make sure that those who are interested in becoming a volunteer EMT or firefighter have the resources available to them to do so. For more information on becoming an EMT, please click here. For more information on becoming a firefighter, please click here. Thank you, to all our current first responders, for giving your time and energy to those who need your help the most.
Antigo Memorial Day Parade
On Monday, I had the honor of speaking at the Antigo Memorial Day Parade to honor and remember the thousands of men and women who put their lives on the line to defend ours. The freedom we get to enjoy every single day is because of their brave sacrifice, and we cannot thank them enough. If you missed last week’s special Memorial Day edition of the Telegram, be sure to read it here. I also want to thank Karl's Transport for not only the work they do in our community, but for also using their trucks for a greater cause and for remembering the 13 U.S. service members that lost their lives this past year in Afghanistan. Our nation will never forget you, and it was great to see so many people paying tribute to our fallen service members.
Thank you to all the brave heroes who paid the ultimate sacrifice fighting for our freedom.
Happy Dairy Month
It’s Dairy Month in America’s Dairyland. Earlier today, it was great to join the volunteers at Marshfield’s Dairyfest Breakfast. All throughout this weekend, Marshfield will be hosting the 2022 Dairyfest. Marshfield has a rich history in the agriculture industry, and this year’s Dairyfest 2022 theme is Lookin' Back, Moovin' Forward to celebrate how far we have come in the dairy and agriculture industries over the years. The Marshfield Chamber of Commerce has a full list of events for this weekend’s Dairyfest, and there are many kid-friendly activities, a parade, and much more, which you can find here. Happy Dairy Month and a special thank you to all our hardworking farmers who keep our family farming traditions alive. I hope you get to enjoy a dairy breakfast in your county!
Enjoyed joining volunteers at this year’s Marshfield Dairyfest Breakfast!
Upcoming Events
Superior Service Academy Day is tomorrow
Tomorrow I will be hosting my last Service Academy Day of the year at the Richard I. Bong Veteran’s Center in Superior from 11 AM-2 PM. If you are a high school student with a desire to serve our nation as a military leader, you won’t want to miss the chance to hear from representatives from all five military branches. Admission is free, and parents, teachers, and students at any grade level are welcome to attend.
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.
If a friend forwarded you this newsletter, and you would like to receive it in the future, you can subscribe here for weekly updates and connect with me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
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
Boys Sectional Golf Champs
The Ladysmith boys golf team earned the sectional champion title to move onto team state! Good luck!
Exemplary Performance Award
An exemplary performance award was given to the D.C. Everest Senior High School Chamber Choir for their contemporary a cappella performance! Way to go!
Naval Promotion Ceremony
Senior Chief Musician Gunnar Brunning was promoted to the rank of master chief petty officer in the United States Navy. Congratulations and thank you for your service!
Minocqua Chamber
$20,000 was awarded to four local non-profit organizationsby the Minocqua Chamber!