Friend,

I want to provide an update on my work throughout November.

The month's highlights included joining Stephanie Hamill on the One America News Network to discuss Governor Beshear's out-of-control indoor dining ban. We also discussed that it is in everyone's interest to determine the truth of the Presidential election results.

Closer to home, I joined with the Kentucky Congressional delegation to announce that 8 new C-130J Hercules aircraft are being deployed to the 123rd Airlift Wing of the Kentucky Air National Guard. I also hosted Interview Day for U.S. Service Academy applicants from Kentucky's 4th Congressional District.

In addition, in November, President Trump took further steps to wind down the endless wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. I strongly support him in this effort. Speaking of President Trump, in Pennsylvania a whistleblower came forward who vindicated my efforts to make backdating postmarks on mail-in ballots illegal. I offered an amendment in the Oversight and Reform committee to criminalize fraudulent postmarks on September 16th, but every Democrat rejected it. 

For more details about these topics, please continue reading.

You can also keep track of my Congressional work on my regularly updated social media accounts. If you aren't following me on Facebook and Twitter already, I invite you to do so. 

Kentucky Congressional Delegation Announces Kentucky Air National Guard's 123rd Airlift Wing to Receive Eight New Aircraft

Kentucky's Congressional delegation has announced that Louisville's 123rd Airlift Wing of the Kentucky Air National Guard is one of only four Air Guard units in the entire United States chosen to receive eight new C-130J Super Hercules aircraft in 2021. These new aircraft will replace the eight C-130H aircraft the wing has been flying since 1992. According to Col. David J. Mounkes, wing commander of the 123rd Airlift Wing and with whom I previously met at the Kentucky Air National Guard Headquarters, these new aircraft “will reduce manpower requirements, lower operating and support costs, and provide life-cycle cost savings over earlier C-130 models.” It was a pleasure to work with my colleagues to encourage the Air Force to make this decision.

Approximately 7,500 citizen-soldiers and airmen serve in the Kentucky National Guard and are ready at a moment's notice to respond to crises at home and abroad.

Citizen soldiers in the Kentucky National Guard respond to the nation's defense needs and make the same personal sacrifices as their active-duty counterparts. It is vitally important that they receive the equipment needed to safely and effectively accomplish the objectives they are assigned in combat or peace-time missions. In Congress, I’m a member of the National Guard and Reserve Caucus and will continue to advocate for necessary upgrades and resources for the Kentucky National Guard.

From the delegation's press release, "Kentucky Air National Guard Selected for Eight New Aircraft":

"Congressman Massie said, 'Louisville's 123rd Airlift Wing is one of the most respected units in the nation. The Air Force's decision to deploy a new C-130J squadron to them means the men and women of the 123rd Airlift Wing will have the state-of-the-art equipment needed to fulfill their vital mission. I thank Secretary Barrett for recognizing the significant role Kentucky plays in defending our nation by selecting the 123rd Airlift Wing as one of only four recipients of these new aircraft.'"

Previously, I toured the Kentucky Air National Guard 123rd Airlift Wing and examined the C-130H models. The new C-130Js will greatly improve the 123rd’s response capabilities. This announcement is welcome news for Kentucky and our nation's defense.

Massie Hosts "Interview Day" for Military Academy Applicants

My staff and I hosted Interview Day for U.S. Service Academy applicants from Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District. Each year, Members of Congress have the privilege of recommending exceptional young men and women for admission to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the Naval Academy, the Air Force Academy, and the Merchant Marine Academy, known collectively as the U.S. Service Academies.

The U.S. Service Academies offer a unique opportunity for motivated young adults to serve their country while improving all facets of their character through a rigorous scholastic curriculum and a disciplined moral and physical regimen. In place of tuition, the Academies require military service after graduation. Cadets and Midshipmen graduate as Officers in the United States Military, and many have gone on to be great leaders in our nation’s history.

An interview panel of academy graduates, officers, and academy liaisons from all branches of the military evaluated applicants and will make recommendations on who will receive a nomination from my office. I met with the panel to answer questions, to give an update on what’s happening in Washington, D.C., and to thank them for dedicating their Saturday to this. Before the panel spent the day interviewing candidates, we spoke candidly about the need to restore fiscal responsibility in Washington, the makeup of the incoming Congress, and my March 27th effort to force Congress to follow the Constitution with a roll call vote on the CARES Act.

The panel interviewed each of the applicants throughout the day. I wish each of the applicants the best and know the panelists will use their expertise to pick the most qualified and dedicated individuals. I want to express my sincere gratitude to all of the panelists and applicants for being willing to serve our country.

Massie Stands Solidly With President Trump's Decision to Reduce Troop Levels in Afghanistan

In July, I joined Congressman Andy Biggs on a letter asking President Trump to "immediately withdraw" all troops from Afghanistan and Iraq. The United States should not fight endless wars.

President Trump is taking steps to wind these wars down and bring our troops back home. As we said in our letter to him, "the American people have paid dearly in both blood and treasure for past mistakes. We will stand solidly in your corner when you decide to bring our forces home."

Click here to read our letter to President Trump. 

Massie's Election Integrity Amendment Validated by Whistleblower

A whistleblower has come forward with allegations that postmarks on ballots are being backdated at the post office. This time the allegations come from Pennsylvania.

Not only did I predict this would happen, but on September 16th I offered legislation to prevent it, and forced a vote on that legislation (video above). The Democrats said they were passing the underlying bill to ensure election integrity at the Post Office, so I offered an amendment to that legislation.

When I forced a vote on this, every Republican voted for it, and every Democrat voted against it. I told them during the debate that I thought it would be important to have this resolved before the election in order to help keep confidence in our elections. They said this wasn’t a problem. What do you think?

I support going back to a system of voting that delivers results ON ELECTION DAY.

Thank you for taking the time to read this newsletter.

In Liberty,