Source: US Rep. Richard Hudson (NC_8th), 1/21/22

 Friends,

Are you better off?

Ronald Reagan asked this simple question to voters in the closing week of the 1980 election. At that time, the nation was challenged by inflation, a stagnant economy, and rising threats from around the world. Reagan accurately estimated most Americans were not better off under President Jimmy Carter. He asked voters to give him the chance to get our nation back on track. 

Now, as January 20th marked one year since President Joe Biden has been in office, we must once again ask ourselves - are we better off? Unfortunately, the answer for too many Americans is a resounding no.

Over the past year, reckless spending by Washington Democrats helped drive inflation to its highest rate in 40 years. In fact, inflation has risen every month of Biden’s presidency, while real wages decreased 8 of his first 11 full months in office. At the pump, gas prices are up 50% and at a 7-year high. Used car prices are up 37% and furniture is up 14%. Everyday groceries like beef and bacon are up nearly 20% - if you can find groceries at all as stores deal with bare shelves and supply chain issues.

When it comes to COVID, President Biden promised one year ago to shut down the virus. Unfortunately, cases are at an all-time high and one million kids started this year once again facing abrupt school closures. Millions could also not find tests during the holidays, despite Washington Democrats approving nearly $2 trillion in supposed COVID relief last year.

At our southern border, a record 1.7 million illegal migrants were apprehended in 2021. New data revealed last week showed crossings rose yet again in December to a record monthly total of over 178,000. These numbers have also come as record levels of fentanyl have entered our country and become the leading cause of death among U.S. adults.

However, our challenges stretch beyond our own borders. In Afghanistan, Biden botched the withdrawal that left Americans behind and resulted in the death of 13 U.S. service members. Russia is poised to invade Ukraine after the President emboldened Putin by gifting Russia the Nord Stream II pipeline. And China remains unaccountable for its human rights violations and lack of transparency on the origins of the COVID-19 virus.

Over the past year, I have focused on solutions to grow our economy, keep our schools open, slow government spending to address our inflation crisis, get Americans back to work, secure our border, and hold countries like Russia and China accountable. As many Americans gathered in Washington last week to support the right to life, I’ve also been proud of my work to protect the unborn and earn the top ratings from pro-life groups National Right to Life and Susan B. Anthony List.

Unfortunately, President Biden and House Democrats are ignoring the problems you face to pursue a partisan and radical agenda. However, while we may be facing numerous challenges at home and abroad, I remain optimistic about the future. House Republicans have solutions to the issues facing us and by working together, I am confident we can one day say yes, we are better off.

Until next week,

Richard Hudson
Member of Congress