WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03) issued the following statement in response to signing of the Fiscal Year 2019 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):

“Confronted by constantly evolving global challenges, our military must have the resources it needs to keep us safe at home and abroad. This legislation allows our nation to enhance our 21st Century force while also supporting our service members by giving them the pay raise they deserve. After years of sequestration and strain, military readiness is a top priority under the Trump Administration, and our country is better off as a result. President Trump promised to rebuild our military, and with today’s signing of the National Defense Authorization Act, President Trump is keeping that promise.”

According to the House Armed Services Committee, the FY19 NDAA fully funds a 2.6% pay raise for our men and women in uniform and authorizes:

• $17.7 billion to begin to rehabilitate and replace worn out Army equipment;
• $40.8 billion to begin to overcome the crisis in military aviation;
• $36.3 billion to restore America’s strength at sea;
• $23.5 billion to sustain, repair, and rebuild crumbling military buildings and other infrastructure.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03) issued the following statement in response to the announcement from President Trump and European Commission President Juncker regarding trade:

“Today’s trade announcement was good news for those, like me, who have long been advocates for free trade,” said Congressman Fleischmann. “Tennessee’s Third District greatly benefits from international investment, with companies like Volkswagen, providing a source of employment and economic prosperity throughout East Tennessee. Over the last couple of months, I have spoken with concerned Tennesseans about the impact of tariffs, especially those imposed on steel and aluminum. I am pleased with President Trump’s announcement that today ushers in a new phase of international relations grounded in the conservative principle of free trade, and I look forward to further announcements as negotiations progress and trade barriers are reduced.”

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03) issued the following statement after his testimony on Tuesday, July 17, 2018 before the United States International Trade Commission regarding newsprint tariffs:

“Across our nation, and specifically in rural East Tennessee, the newspaper industry serves a central role in providing national and local news to hundreds of thousands of homes and families. In addition, local newspapers provide jobs and support economic growth – one paper in the Third District contributing over $300 million to the region. Understanding the myriad of benefits the newsprint industry brings to East Tennessee, I took the opportunity to raise my concerns regarding the proposed duties on Canadian imports of uncoated groundwood papers during my testimony at the International Trade Commission. I have always been an advocate for free trade and would prefer to focus on strengthening the newsprint industry, and address issues like market adaptation, through an innovative, pro-growth agenda.”  

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CHATTANOOGA, TN — Congressman Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03) issued the following statement in remembrance of the five service members who lost their lives in the July 16, 2015 terror attack in Chattanooga, TN:

“Today is a somber day in the Chattanooga community as we honor the lives of five fallen heroes,” said Congressman Fleischmann. “Three years ago, the lives of Gunnery Sgt. Thomas J. Sullivan, Staff Sgt. David A. Wyatt, Sgt. Carson A. Holmquist, and Lance Cpl. Squire K. "Skip" Wells, and Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Randall J. Smith were taken, leaving a void in our community and in the homes and hearts of their families and friends. As we honor the memory of the Fallen Five, let us pray for those who are hurting, and come together to be Chattanooga Strong.”

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03) issued the following statement in response to President Trump’s nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the United States Supreme Court:

“I applaud President Trump’s nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the United States Supreme Court. Judge Kavanaugh’s extensive record of proven, conservative ideology will be essential in the future decisions of the Supreme Court. In such a pivotal time in our nation’s history, let us remember that the role of the Supreme Court is to interpret the Constitution as our Founding Fathers intended, and I believe that Judge Kavanaugh will carry out this role faithfully. Over the weeks to come, I hope that the Senate acts quickly to confirm Judge Kavanaugh to the United States Supreme Court.”

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By: Mrs. Brenda Fleischmann 

June is Men's Health Month 

Research shows that men are less likely to visit the doctor regularly than women, so they might be missing out on important preventive health visits and screenings. This is especially concerning because men are more likely to die from cancer than women. About 856,370 men in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer in 2018, and an estimated 323,630 will die of these diseases this year. In Tennessee, 231 per every 100,000 males from cancer annually.  

Fortunately, the most commonly diagnosed cancers in men—prostate, lung and colorectal cancers—can often be prevented or detected early. This Men’s Health Month, make an appointment with your health care professional or encourage the men in your life to schedule theirs. Learn your cancer risk factors (including family history) and screening recommendations before you go. 

Aside from skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in American men. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing may detect prostate cancer early, but you should talk to your health care professional about the benefits and harms of screening beginning at age 50.

Lung cancer is the most deadly form of cancer for both men and women. About 80 percent of cases are attributed to smoking, but nonsmokers are at risk through secondhand smoke and environmental exposure to radon or other carcinogens in the home or office. Low-dose CT screening of heavy smokers or former smokers can help detect lung cancer early.

Colorectal cancer is most common in those ages 50 and over. Risk factors include inflammatory bowel disease (such as Crohn’s disease), family history of the disease, smoking, being overweight or obese, consuming alcohol in excess and eating a lot of red or processed meats. Screening is recommended beginning around age 50 and may detect pre-cancerous polyps or cancer cells early, when they can be removed or treated more easily.

Visiting a health care professional and getting recommended screenings are important parts of cancer prevention, but you can also reduce your risk by maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, not smoking (or quitting if you do smoke), limiting alcohol intake and eating a nutritious diet. To learn more about cancer prevention and early detection, visit www.preventcancer.org.

Brenda Fleischmann is the spouse of Representative Chuck Fleischman and is a member of the Prevent Cancer Foundation’s Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program. Statistics are provided by the American Cancer Society, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Cancer Institute.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03) issued the following statement upon being selected by House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) and House Appropriations Chairman Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-NJ) to participate in the Conference Committee to finalize the 2019 “Mini-Bus” Appropriations Bill. The mini-bus spending package is comprised of three fiscal year 2019 spending bills including Energy and Water, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Legislative Branch. Members of the Conference Committee will be responsible for the production of a final spending bill.

“I thank Speaker Ryan and Chairman Frelinghuysen for the opportunity and privilege to participate in the Conference Committee to finalize the Energy and Water, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Legislative Branch Appropriations bills. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I was proud to see both the House and Senate act quickly to pass the first of three critical funding bills earlier this month that provide for our service men and women, advance our national and nuclear security efforts, support our country’s water infrastructure projects, and ensure smooth functioning of the legislative branch. We have an obligation to the American people to keep our government open and running, and this Conference Committee plays a key role in ensuring that we fulfill this duty by producing a final spending bill for the President to sign into law. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House and Senate to produce a bill that marries fiscal responsibility with the funding needs of our nation, and helps to achieve our country’s national security and infrastructure priorities.”

The House of Representatives passed their Energy and Water, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Legislative Branch funding bills on June 8, 2018. The Senate passed their version on June 25, 2018.

To view the full list of Conference Committee Members, click HERE.

To view Congressman Fleischmann’s statement upon House passage of the minibus appropriations bill click HERE.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03) issued the following statement in response to Justice Anthony Kennedy’s retirement announcement:

“The Supreme Court protects our rights and ensures we are a nation based on the rule of law. I thank Justice Kennedy for his distinguished service to our nation, and I await the President’s nomination of a conservative justice who will continue to uphold the Constitution as our Founding Fathers intended.”

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CHATTANOOGA, TN — Congressman Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03) issued the following statement on the passing of Claude Ramsey:

“I am deeply saddened by the loss of my friend and mentor Claude Ramsey. Across the state, Claude was known as a true civil servant beginning his career in 1972 when he was elected to the Tennessee General Assembly, to his incredible service to Tennessee’s Third District as mayor of Hamilton County among other roles, and statewide as deputy to the governor. Claude was instrumental in the promotion of business in Tennessee using his expertise to form local, state, and federal partnerships that will continue to benefit our great state for years to come. It was an honor and a pleasure to know Claude Ramsey, and there is no doubt that he will be missed dearly by many. I send my condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.”

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03) issued the following statement in recognition of the historic U.S. – North Korea Summit:

“Last night, President Trump exemplified what it means to be a leader, becoming the first sitting president of the United States to meet with a North Korean head of state. I applaud the President for taking this courageous step and I am hopeful that despite North Korea’s history of deception, this summit marks the beginning of a new era of relations between North Korea and the United States. As Secretary of State Mike Pompeo leads U.S. negotiators in follow-up discussions with their North Korea counterparts, incorporating the knowledge of experts from the Department of Energy and the National Nuclear Security Administration will be of paramount importance. Much of this expertise resides in Oak Ridge, Tennessee and I look forward to continuing to support NNSA’s nonproliferation mission. While there is still a great amount of work that lies ahead, this summit was a tremendous first step and marked yet another milestone for the Trump Administration.”

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