Washington, D.C. – I’ve had quite the week catching up with folks in fourteen different counties, all across our great state. Traveling hundreds of miles has allowed me to connect with Tennesseans and hear what’s on their minds.
My fellow Tennesseans have made one thing crystal clear: they are sick and tired of the partisan charades going on in Washington. It was refreshing to hear from local leaders about the real issues our communities are facing, as opposed to the latest outrage overtaking Washington.
In Perry County and Humphreys County, I heard discouraging stories about businesses wanting to invest in the community, only to be inhibited by burdensome government regulation. Big government is not the answer. I joined local leaders to brainstorm ways to remove bureaucratic red tape and help our local communities prosper.
It is inconceivable that in 2019, many of our rural communities still lack access to broadband. Fortunately, the Federal Communications Commission has authorized over $5.5 million to expand broadband to over 2,000 unserved homes in Tennessee! In Tipton County, Lauderdale County and Haywood County, I brainstormed ways to ensure connectivity for all Tennesseans, regardless of where they live.
Local leaders play essential roles in our communities. It was great meeting with leaders in Chester, McNairy, Hardeman, Fayette and Shelby Counties.
ICYMI: News You Can Use
The Kurdish forces have made sacrifices alongside American forces for years, and were integral to the defeat of ISIS. On Fox News this week, I stated my opposition to any U.S. policy that endangers them.
What a win for Fort Campbell! The decision by the U.S. Army to increase heavy lift capacity within the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell will increase the ability of the Screamin’ Eagles to ‘fight tonight’ in this new era of Great Power Competition.
Tennessee is fortunate to have this great military installation, and this long-sought activation will bring 12 Chinooks and 200 military personnel to the Volunteer State.
Marsha’s Roundup
Tennessee truly is the Volunteer State! Thank you to everyone building houses into homes in Nashville with Habitat for Humanity. We appreciate your selfless service on behalf of the community. It was great to catch up with Trisha Yearwood and Janet Huckabee at the build site.
There’s more to this mural than meets the eye! After reading the touching story of a local artist who was homeless, only to be welcomed with open arms in Henderson, I knew I had to see the artwork at the heart of this story.
Welcome to Nashville! Our Nashville field office had the opportunity to greet Vice President Mike Pence when he visited Music City earlier this week.
Stay In Touch
As a reminder, you can reach any of my six offices in Tennessee to share a concern or request assistance with a federal agency. The phone number for my Washington D.C. office is 202.224.3344, the same number previously used by Senators Bob Corker and Bill Frist.
Be sure to follow my work on behalf of Tennesseans on social media:
Facebook: facebook.com/marshablackburn
Twitter: @MarshaBlackburn
Instagram: @MarshaBlackburn
My Best,
Marsha
