July 31, 2022

Dear Georgian,

Biden-flation has given us higher taxes, higher gas and food prices, and lower paychecks. We are no longer fearing a looming recession; it is here.

A recession is defined as two negative GDPs in a row. Last week, the U.S. GDP fell by -.9% in Q2 after falling by -1.6% in Q1.

Even in a recession, the Biden Administration and the left continue pushing policies that make our lives worse. Higher gas and food prices have been here for months, and now President Biden is raising taxes. We already knew the recession was here. Families pay $500 more per month than last year at the grocery store and more.

Additionally, the administration would like you to believe that releasing gas from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve is helping to lower gas prices. Across the country, Americans are still spending $120 more per month on gas than last year. He even depleted our reserves and shipped our oil abroad to our adversaries.

This administration's policies are threatening American energy, jobs, and lifestyles. President Biden keeps saying that things are “better” because of his administration. For who? Biden-flation is hurting everyone, and as long as these policies are in place, it won't go away.

As 2023 approaches, the House Agriculture Committee is working toward the next Farm Bill. This legislation shapes every aspect of ag policy and it’s critical that voices in the Eighth District are heard. We need to know what’s working and what can be improved. If you are a farmer, take a moment to provide feedback here.

As always, my staff and I are here to help. If you need assistance with a federal agency or have comments or concerns to share with me, please do not hesitate to call my Warner Robins, Tifton, or Washington, D.C. offices. To receive frequent updates, I encourage you to visit my website, like my Facebook page, follow me on YouTube, and follow me on Twitter.

Keep reading for the full update.

Sincerely,

Congressman Austin Scott

Protecting U.S. Cropland from Foreign Adversaries

Communist China is our greatest adversary, yet their land holdings in the U.S. increased by more than 2400% from 2010 to 2020. Their bid to buy our cropland is clearly a nefarious attempt to manipulate our food supply.

I joined colleagues in a letter to USDA calling for more transparency on the foreign acquisition of domestic farmland, one of our most important resources.

You can read more here.

Opposing Gun-Grabbing Legislation

Last week, I opposed H.R. 1808, a bill that violates our Second Amendment rights by banning some of the most popular firearms and magazines among law-abiding gun owners.

Crime rates have spiked because of the left's policies, and taking guns from law-abiding citizens only makes our nation more dangerous. It is ridiculous that Democrats are coming after our Second Amendment rights amid record inflation and a recession. They clearly have no idea how to govern.

You can read more here.

Protecting Small Businesses and Farms from Higher Taxes

The last thing small businesses and farms need is higher taxes during the recession and record inflation. Senate Democrats recently proposed a 3.8% surtax on small businesses in order to pay for their progressive reconciliation agenda. Further, they want to provide over $45 billion for IRS enforcement which will increase the number of expensive, time consuming audits.

According to the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), 51% of small business owners report they are unable to fill job openings, 77% reported higher prices, and 39% reported supply chain disruptions.

My colleagues and I sent a letter to Senate leadership opposing these proposals and raised concerns about how these policies would exacerbate the ongoing financial challenges faced by business owners, farmers, and ranchers.

Joining All Ag Radio to Discuss Farm Bill Priorities

Joining John Solomon to Discuss CCP Aggression

The Georgia Star News | Rep. Austin Scott Meets with Taiwanese Ambassador as Rep. Drew Ferguson Lambasts Biden for Oil Relations with Communist China

"U.S. Representatives Austin Scott (R-GA-08) and Drew Ferguson (GA-03) were among the delegation of American officials that met the Taiwanese Ambassador to the United States Hsiao Bi-khim at a China Task Force roundtable on Thursday.

Rep. Scott took the opportunity to express his frustration at the Biden administration for its stance on energy and the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) of the People’s Republic of China (PRC).'"