the inauguration

The Inauguration

My wife Kris and I wanted our older two children to witness this celebration of our democracy.  We brought Bridget and Patrick to the west front of the Capitol Building to see history first hand.  I hope the sight of the three branches of our government, both parties, standing together will teach them - and remind us all - that we were sent here to do the people's work, to solve the problems we face, and to leave to our children a stronger, safer, more prosperous nation.

On a number of issues, President Trump and I agree - the need for tax reform, regulatory roll back, and a strong American leadership role in the world.  I am enthusiastically looking forward to working with the new president and colleagues on both sides of the aisle to make major progress on these and other important issues.

Working to End Dangerous
Sanctuary City Policies

Click on the image above to read my full statement regarding President Trump's Executive Order on sanctuary city policies.

This week, President Trump instructed the Justice Department and Department of Homeland Security to investigate ways to withhold federal funding from sanctuary cities.

I was pleased to see President Trump take this preliminary step to help end dangerous sanctuary cities.  This is a crucial issue of public safety, which I have pursued since 2015.

However, President Trump is limited in what he can accomplish through Executive Order. We need legislation to ensure local police are not subject to lawsuits for good faith efforts to cooperate with federal law enforcement to remove dangerous criminals and terrorists from our streets. In Philadelphia, we have seen three child molesters--two charged and one convicted--released onto the streets due to the city's sanctuary city policy.

I will continue fight to protect our communities from violent criminals and suspected terrorists who are in the U.S. illegally. I call on Congress to join me, and pass my Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act.

The Department of Homeland Security is currently accepting applications from fire departments across Pennsylvania for the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program. SAFER grants are available to fire departments that are working to ensure that they have the manpower needed to help keep our communities safe.

I am happy to assist any Pennsylvania fire department during the SAFER grant process. To learn more please visit the "Grants" section of my website. 

Senator Casey and I are now accepting and reviewing applications for a presidential appointment to the positions of U.S. Attorney and U.S. Marshal in Pennsylvania.  

Pennsylvania has a long history of cooperation between its two U.S. senators on filling federal vacancies. Senator Casey and I intend to work with President-elect Trump to continue this tradition. We both share the goal of appointing U.S. Attorneys and Marshals who demonstrate intelligence, extensive prior experience, and unquestioned honesty and integrity.

People interested in being considered for an appointment should visit my U.S. Attorney and U.S. Marshal webpage for more information. 

Standing with Pennsylvanians

Throughout the year, my staff and I host mobile casework days to better assist Pennsylvanians who are having issues with federal agencies. Next week, my staff will be stopping by State Representative Doyle Heffley's office in Carbon County to offer casework services.  Full details are provided below. Please stop by and we will do our best to help you.

Carbon County Casework Day
Tuesday, January 31, 2017
Office of State Representative Doyle Heffley
110 N. 3rd Street, 2nd Floor, Lehighton, Pa. 18235
Time: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM