The year 2023 – the first half of the 118th Congress and my first year in the U.S. House of Representatives – was quite a journey. While we had our share of challenges, we have also had great success in passing conservative legislation, holding a record number of committee hearings, and tackling some of the issues most critical to our country.
Together, you and I have held Biden Administration officials accountable, pressing them for their government-imposed wretchedness in the form of energy poverty, criminals and terrorists flooding our southern border, and blatant overreach and violation of our constitutional rights by our own federal agencies. We have accomplished a lot, but there is a tremendous amount of work left to be done.
That’s why I’ve announced that I’m running for re-election to Congress in 2024, and I know that together we can achieve even more for Wyoming and our country.
In response to Biden’s energy poverty agenda, the House passed The Lower Energy Costs Act (H.R. 1), to restore American energy independence and lower energy prices for everyone, end Biden’s de facto ban on coal, and streamline permitting.
To address the Biden-created illegal immigration crisis, we passed the Secure the Border Act (H.R. 2), the strongest border security legislation ever approved by the House. It would complete the wall, end Biden’s catch and release policies, and require those trying to cross the border to either be detained or returned to Mexico while their asylum claims were being adjudicated.
To fight back against radical leftism in schools, we passed the Parents Bill of Rights (H.R. 5) to put parents back in charge of their children’s education and end woke school policies. And to hold the Biden crime family accountable, we’ve made significant progress in exposing their nefarious activities through an impeachment probe being carried out by three House committees, including the Judiciary Committee on which I serve.
In addition to all this, I've introduced 17 bills of significance to Wyomingites, including legislation to delist the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem Grizzly, promote free and fair elections, establish mandatory country of origin labeling for beef and bison, allow for the expansion of leases on tribal lands so that there is more opportunity for economic growth, and multiple bills to restore America’s energy independence and stop the unconstitutional rulemaking of federal bureaucrats.
I've also had 25 amendments to bills adopted. All told, I am one of the most productive new members in Congress and will continue to keep pushing for sensible legislation in 2024.
As part of the annual appropriations process, I submitted requests for nearly $15 million in federal funding for critical infrastructure projects in Wyoming, funding for projects like reconstructing I-25, upgrading sewer systems, and updating our airports. I will continue fighting for these priorities as we continue to debate appropriations bills in 2024 to return more of your money to Wyoming and keep it out of DC.
In addition to our work in Washington, my team and I have been incredibly busy within our great state of Wyoming. This year, hundreds of our residents have reached out to my district staff for assistance dealing with the federal government.
Whether citizens weren't receiving VA benefits, needed help getting a US passport, were waiting on a tax refund from the IRS, or one of dozens of other issues, my staff were ready and willing to help!
As part of our work resolving 768 cases and disputes on behalf of Wyoming, my staff has helped return nearly $2 million to Wyoming's constituents. This hard-earned money is now in people's bank accounts and being invested into Wyoming's economy.
In less than 7 months, I fulfilled my promise to hold a town hall in all 23 Wyoming counties, and it was one of the highlights of the year to tour our state and visit with so many citizens. I will be doing my town hall tour of Wyoming again in 2024 and hope to visit with you there. My district staff also did a tour of their own this year and held mobile office hours in every county.
As we begin 2024, there is much work ahead, and we can get to it together. We must expand our conservative majority in the House, flip the Senate, and take back the White House. I will make another promise to you – I will do everything I can to see that we carry the day in November, but I will need your help as well.
I’m Harriet Hageman, Wyoming’s lone member of the House, and I’m asking for your support on Election Day.
May God continue to bless Wyoming and the United States of America.
