Dear John,

Yesterday, my bill, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, passed the U.S. House with a strong bipartisan vote, as part of the Honoring Our PACT Act.

The servicemembers who signed up to defend their country and the people who supported them at Camp Lejeune were let down in a big way by their government. This tragedy was a major failure on the part of the Department of Defense, and all those who suffered for it deserve justice.

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act, included in the Honoring Our PACT Act, is an important step forward in achieving that goal.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released new guidance on mask procedures.

Approximately 70% of people in the United States live in a county with low or medium COVID-19 community levels. For those areas, there is no recommendation for indoor masking unless you are at potential “increased risk” for COVID-19. To find out more information and check your county’s status, visit the CDC’s website HERE.

Visit to USP Canaan

Last week, I visited USP Canaan in Wayne County. It has been nine years since the death of Eric Williams, and I’m continuing to fight to protect the safety, pay and union concerns of staff members at our federal prisons. I look forward to a continuing partnership with USP Canaan in the future.

IRS Tax Refund Updates

Filing electronically and using direct deposit is the safest and fastest way to file an accurate return and receive a tax refund. Taxpayers can use Where's My Refund? to start checking their refund status within 24 hours after an e-filed return is received or four weeks after the taxpayer mails a paper return.

The tool's tracker displays progress through three phases:

1. Return Received
2. Refund Approved 
3. Refund Sent

State of the Union Guest - Hometown Hero Master Sergeant (Ret.) Charles Hamberger

Master Sergeant (Ret.) Charles Hamberger was my special guest for Tuesday night’s State of the Union speech.

Today, as a distinguished veteran, Master Sergeant (Ret.) Hamberger serves as commander of American Legion Post 903 and the Monroe County veterans honor guard. He’s also developing a military museum and veterans’ groups operation center in Mt. Pocono, Pennsylvania.

Be safe and well,