Representative David Rouzer

Dear [salutation],

As we begin a new year, we also begin a new Congress, the 119th in our country’s history. During the first two weeks of January, we re-elected Congressman Mike Johnson as Speaker of the House and all Members of Congress were sworn in. As always, serving you is an honor. Being sworn into office is a humbling moment, and I thank you for the privilege to serve.

Congress also certified President-elect Trump's Electoral College vote on Monday, January 6, before both Members of the House and Senate in the House Chamber. This formal and ceremonial confirmation affirms the results of the election, setting the stage for the Presidential Inauguration on January 20th. The House also voted to pass the Laken Riley Act. This bill aims to protect Americans from illegal immigrants who have a criminal history. More details below!

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Kicking Off the 119th Congress

On January 3, all U.S. Representatives and U.S. Senators were sworn in for the 119^th Congress. As I begin this new Congress, I could not be more grateful to you for giving me the opportunity to serve North Carolina's 7th District.

As you know, Republicans hold a very slim majority in the House this Congress. In fact, the Republican vote margin in the Senate is greater than the vote margin in the House even though we have more than four times the number of Members. I’ve not checked the record, but without question this is one of the few times in history the House has a smaller margin than the Senate.

While the House passed meaningful, commonsense legislation throughout the 118^th Congress, most of the bills we reported out died on Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's (D-NY) desk despite support from some Senate Democrats. With Republicans in the majority in the Senate, and under the leadership of Senator John Thune (R-SD), House-passed legislation will now have a real chance of being brought to the floor. Provided enough Democrats join Republicans to get 60 votes to limit debate and trigger a simple majority vote on the bills, we will be able to pass them in each chamber and get them to the President for his signature to become law. (This assumes, of course, that we stick together!)

The ceremonial photo of my swearing in for the 119th Congress

on January 3 with my Washington staff.

Congratulating Rep. Johnson on his election as Speaker. This picture was taken immediately after that vote and right before he proceeded to the Speaker’s rostrum to be sworn in.

Certifying the Electoral Votes

On January 6, a Joint Session of Congress was held to certify the Electoral College victory for President-elect Trump. Members of both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate gathered in the House Chamber to certify the vote.

The Laken Riley Act Passes the House and Senate

On Tuesday, House Republicans, with my support, passed H.R. 29, the Laken Riley Act. Almost a year ago, Laken Riley was going for a run on the University of Georgia campus when an illegal immigrant murdered her. Her killer had previously been arrested twice for other crimes but was never detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. H.R. 29 requires the detention of an illegal immigrant charged with crimes and allows states to sue the Department of Homeland Security for harm caused to their citizens. This is an essential step in confronting the dangers of open border policies.

The Laken Riley Act is the first piece of legislation voted on in the 119th Congress. House Republicans are committed to real change, ensuring no American has to endure what the family and friends of Laken Riley, and many others, have experienced.

48 House Democrats joined House Republicans in passing this legislation, a bipartisan measure for a safer America. On Thursday, the Senate invoked cloture with a vote of 84-9. Debate should conclude sometime this coming week followed by a simple majority vote.

Jimmy Carter's Funeral Held in Washington, D.C.

As is tradition for presidential funerals, the service for President Jimmy Carter was held at the Washington National Cathedral. It was a moment to honor the life and legacy of a man who embodied humility, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to public service. While we may have differed politically on policies, I have always respected his commitment to the American people and humanitarian efforts.

President Biden gave a eulogy, and all other living presidents were in attendance. It was heartening to see both Democrats and Republicans come together to honor President Carter, a true moment of unity.

Thousands of people visited the U.S. Capitol this week braving the very cold weather to pay their respects to the former President as he laid in state in the Capitol Rotunda. Carter passed at the grand age of 100, making him our nation’s longest living president.

Closing Thoughts...

“We all get the exact same 365 days. The only difference is what we do with them.” — Hillary DePiano