Congressman Johnson's Weekly Update

MARIETTA, OH — This is Congressman Johnson's weekly update. You can stay up to date with what's going on in Washington by following him on social media or signing up for his weekly email blast.

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Gas Prices Hit High

Under the Trump Administration, America became Energy Independent for the first time in 70 years. In just a few short months, the new Biden administration is implementing policies that will put up barriers and, in some cases, stop our energy development here at home. These are the wrong policies for America...and energy prices are going to continue taking more and more of the American people’s paychecks if changes aren't made.

Cubans Deserve Their Freedom
This week, brave, freedom-loving Cubans started to take on their oppressive regime in Cuba – and are demanding an end to six decades of communist tyranny. Ironically, as Cubans try to turn their own country into America, many liberal leftist Americans are trying to make the United States more like Cuba.

Here at home, America’s mainstream liberal national media was out in full force this past week criticizing Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for not enforcing the state’s new anti-riot law on the peacefully demonstrating Cuban Americans. News flash for the liberal media: the demonstrators in Miami weren’t attacking police officers, setting fires, tearing down statues, damaging public and private property, and looting businesses like Antifa and BLM…they’re not rioting. They’re simply raising awareness and supporting the Cuban people in standing up to a violent, oppressive communist regime that denies them their basic human rights. Makes one wonder what the real motivation of many in America’s liberal press corps is…though I think the answer is pretty clear.

Good News in the State Budget
More good news from the state budget. A lot of investment is coming into Eastern and Southeastern Ohio, including in mental health care (with a focus on children), money to revitalize brownfields, outdoor recreation and tourism, broadband, and more. Thanks to all of the state legislators who supported this bipartisan effort, and thank you to Governor DeWine for keeping his commitment to our region.

John Glenn at 100
This weekend, Ohio will celebrate one of our most famous citizens. Astronaut, Senator, and devoted husband and father, John Glenn, would have turned 100 on Sunday, July 18. As many of you know, he was born in Cambridge and raised in New Concord. The two towns are hosting a John Glenn Centennial Celebration this weekend. Glenn’s achievements are many, and are too numerous to list here. Some highlights: He was the third American in space; the first American to orbit the Earth; and he became the oldest person to fly in space in 1998 at the age of 77. When the United States entered World War II, Glenn enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps; he flew combat missions in both WWII and the Korean War. Later, he was elected Senator and served for 24 years. After his Senate career, Glenn continued to be a tireless advocate for NASA and the space program.

His legacy is one of great risk and great accomplishment. He and his fellow Mercury 7 astronauts woke up every day knowing they’d be doing things that could cost them their lives…yet they did them anyway. John Glenn made history, and he willingly and humbly served the country he loved. I am honored to have the opportunity to recognize him today in Cambridge.

Colonel Evers Retirement Ceremony
On Thursday, Colonel Jason Evers, Commander of the Huntington District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, was honored during a change of command and retirement ceremony.

In July of 2018, Colonel Evers was selected to serve as District Commander. During this period, he led the district through a challenging time that consisted of multiple flood events, various emergencies, and a global pandemic. His strong leadership, calm & poised character, and quick & accurate decision-making contributed to the Huntington District’s resounding success achieved on his watch. I worked with Col. Evers on many important projects, including the Barker House in Washington County, the Pomeroy Riverbank Stabilization Project in Meigs County, and an important boat ramp project in Athens County.

I was pleased to speak at Colonel Evers’ retirement ceremony, and recognize his selfless devotion to our nation and thank him for his 26 years of service to our country – including two deployments each for Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Colonel Jayson Putnam now takes over the post, and I look forward to working with him.

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This news release was issued by Congressman Bill Johnson's office. Any opinions expressed within are the author's own.

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