President Biden's State of the Union Address comes at a time when Central New York and Mohawk Valley families are hurting through no fault of their own.

• Inflation is at a multi-decade high
• Gas and heating costs are through the roof
• Fentanyl is flooding over the Southern border
• Crime is plaguing our neighborhoods.

We have bipartisan issues that we need to address.

The Government is split between the two parties and we must work together to bring common sense solutions to the American people.

To stop inflation, this Congress must stand up to President Biden's reckless spending plans, but under no circumstance will Social Security or Medicare be threatened. It is time we return to common sense and responsible fiscal policies.

I welcome President Biden's desire to work together this Congress for American families, especially when it comes to our district needs.

This week, I was selected to chair the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology's Subcommittee on Energy. This Subcommittee has jurisdiction over all matters relating to energy research, development, and demonstration projects, and handles Department of Energy programs and research requests. As the only Member of Congress trained in nuclear engineering, I am proud to apply my experience to steer our nation to exciting breakthroughs that will power our future for generations to come.

Chairman Frank Lucas of the House Science Space and Technology Committee released the following statement on my appointment as Subcommittee Chairman on Energy:

“I’m proud to announce that Congressman Brandon Williams will be serving as the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy. The Science Committee is responsible for developing the clean energy solutions of tomorrow, and Chairman Williams will be a great partner in this effort. We have a number of challenges and opportunities ahead, including modernizing our electric grid, building out advanced energy technologies, combating foreign threats to our energy infrastructure, and conducting oversight of new spending at the Department of Energy. I’m looking forward to working with Chairman Williams as we work to make American energy cleaner, more affordable, and more reliable.”

Additionally, I am also honored to announce my appointment as Vice-Chairman of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials. Our nation is suffering disruptions in our ability to move essential goods and materials that power our economy and keep our workers productive.

Chairman Sam Graves of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee released the following statement on my appointment as Subcommittee Chairman on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials:

“Congressman Williams’ business experience in resolving supply chain and cybersecurity challenges makes him a perfect fit for vice chairman of our subcommittee focused on passing pipeline safety legislation, oversight of the rail transportation system, and more.”

Vote to Terminate Vaccination Mandates on International Travelers

On Wednesday, I voted in favor of H.R. 185, which would terminate the requirement imposed by the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for proof of COVID-19 vaccination for foreign travelers. For three years, travel to the United States has been stifled by the pandemic and vaccine mandates at the expense of our robust tourism industry. This bill allows foreign travelers to once again visit the United States and enjoy all that there is to see and do in our beautiful country. The bill passed with bipartisan support (227-201) and awaits consideration in the United States Senate.

Vote Condemning the People Republic of China's Surveillance Balloon

On Thursday, my colleagues and I voted to formally condemn China for using a surveillance balloon over the United States – which received overwhelming support from both sides of the aisle with a vote of 419-0.

The balloon, which Beijing claimed was a lost weather balloon, flew over the U.S. mainland for as many as four days before it was shot down in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of South Carolina.

It’s simple. A weak response to defend our sovereignty only invites further provocations from China. The American people deserve answers from the Biden Administration.

View my committee hearing remarks below:

Rep. Williams Questions Witnesses, including Colorado Governor Polis, at an Education & Workforce Hearing, "American Education in Crisis"

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On Wednesday, I met Savion Pollard, Micron Technology’s very first intern hired in Syracuse. Savion is a Syracuse University student, and a fellow nuclear submarine veteran. He was in town to attend the State of the Union! I am proud to watch a member of the Syracuse University community help shape the future of New York's 22nd district.

My fellow New York Republican and Democratic colleagues and I joined for a roundtable with members of the American Jewish Committee to discuss combatting the rise of anti-Semitism. I believe there is no room in our society for prejudice against the Jewish people, nor against any other people for believing in a faith of their choice. It is our society’s responsibility to acknowledge the existence of this hate and most importantly, it is our responsibility to address the roots of this evil.

It’s always a pleasure showing the beauty and history of our nation’s Capitol to visitors from back home. This week, we were joined by Sheriff Todd Hood, a dedicated member of our community that Madison County has been fortunate to call their Sheriff for the past six years. Sheriff Hood’s leadership recently earned him the position of Chairman of the National Sheriff Association’s School Safety Committee. Congratulations on the role Sheriff! 

GOP Rep/nuclear sub vet on China: 'Assume that whatever that balloon saw, they saw also'

As a former Strategic Missile Officer onboard the nuclear submarine USS Georgia, I know firsthand the value our nuclear triad provides to us in deterring adversarial nations. The delayed response by the Biden Administration allowed the Chinese Communist Party's intelligence gathering balloon to fly over highly sensitive military bases which are home to our nation's nuclear missile silos. It's clear that China is growing increasingly comfortable in their provocations.

We are all looking at the Biden Administration for stronger leadership and answers to this pattern of aggression to prevent this from happening again.

Mornings with Maria

On Friday morning, I joined Fox Business to counter claims that this Congress will cut Social Security, and discuss the recent operational challenges in the aviation industry. 

Thank you for reading this week's newsletter! I am here to love and serve the people of Central New York and the Mohawk Valley. If my office can be of any assistance to you, please reach out to my Syracuse office at (315)-233-4333, my Utica office at (315)-732-0713, or my Washington, D.C. office at (202)-225-3701.