Dear  [salutation],

It's been a very difficult week for my family as we mourn the passing of my mother. So many people from across South Mississippi have reached out to share their condolences. I want you to know how grateful I am to everyone who has prayed for our family this week.

I also want you to know how much I appreciate your understanding as I've had to miss votes. As your Congressman, I made a commitment to show up for South Mississippi, and I don't take that lightly. I'm ready to get back to work next week and to return to Washington after Thanksgiving. 

I'm particularly ready to return to holding President Biden and Secretary Mayorkas accountable for the disaster on our southern border. You might have seen where an impeachment of Secretary Mayorkas was postponed by a vote of 209-201 on Monday. While it wouldn't have changed the outcome, I wish I would have been present to vote to impeach. 

As a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, I traveled to the border in Southwest Texas to see the crisis first-hand. I've talked with both high-ranking officials in Customs and Border Protection and the agents who are on the frontlines each and every day. I've also talked with countless current and former law enforcement officers who, like myself, have seen the impacts of this open border on communities across the United States.

Monday's vote doesn't mean Secretary Mayorkas will get away with his inaction and failures at the border. Our Committee will not stop our investigations and hearings. We will do everything in our power to ensure the American people know the truth about this humanitarian crisis and the bureaucrats and officials responsible are held accountable.

Again, I want to thank you for your prayers and your support during this difficult week. If you need help with a federal agency or have questions about what Congress is doing, please visit my website or contact one of the offices below.

Sincerely,