Washington, D.C. – Merry Christmas to my fellow Tennesseans! As we celebrate the birth of Christ our King, let us remember to spend extra time with loved ones this holiday season.
Christmas is always extra special in the great state of Tennessee. From the Blackburn family to yours, we wish you a blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Weekly Rundown
As the 118th Congress comes to an end, the Senate passed the National Defense Authorization Act, which included many important priorities for Tennessee. In the face of formidable threats from Communist China, Iran, and Russia, this year’s national defense bill will help safeguard U.S. national security and support our men and women in uniform. Read more about the priorities for Tennessee in this bill here.
This week, I introduced a bill that would help rescue more children from violence by recording Child Protective Services interviews. By modernizing CPS interview protocols, we can increase the likelihood that child trafficking victims will be identified and removed from dangerous situations, including sex and labor trafficking, domestic violence, physical and emotional abuse, and other forms of violence. Read more about the “GRACIE Act” here.
Following the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene across East Tennessee, rebuilding our communities and reassessing flood risk is extremely important across the entire state. This year’s Water Resources Development Act will stimulate economic growth and improve our state’s flood risk management to help us better respond to future natural disasters. Read more about this legislation, which passed the Senate this week, here.
Many Americans have expressed concern following the ongoing drone sightings on the East Coast. I sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin urging the agency to take clear and immediate action to protect U.S. national security and our airspace. Read the full letter here.
Marsha’s Roundup
Marsha’s Kitchen
ICYMI
- Click here to watch a recap video of my first term in office.
- For a list of resources available to Tennesseans affected by Hurricane Helene, visit my website at https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/helene. Click here to apply for federal assistance through FEMA. The deadline to apply for assistance is Tuesday, January 7th, 2025.
- This week, I sent a letter to the Secretary of the Veterans Affairs Department regarding the disturbing scandal at the Mountain Home VA Medical Center in Tennessee. Read more about my efforts to hold the VA accountable here.
- For those traveling to the U.K., beginning on January 8th, 2025, visitors from the U.S. and other non-European nations will be required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). Notably, travelers with layovers in the U.K. must apply for the ETA. If you have any questions about this process, please call any of our state offices for additional information.
- If you are interested in attending the Inaugural Parade, click here.
