Jun. 04, 2024
HARRISBURG – Frustrated by the lack of action on real issues impacting the day-to-day lives of hard-working Pennsylvanians, a group of lawmakers on Tuesday launched the “America First of PA” caucus.
Leading the effort are Reps. Eric Davanzo (R-Westmoreland), Eric Nelson (R-Westmoreland) David Rowe (R-Snyder/Union/Mifflin/Juniata) and Ryan Warner (R-Fayette).
“Day in and day out, for the last year and a half, the House agenda has failed to address the topics that are brought to my office on a daily basis and solutions to the real challenges our citizens and families face keep getting pushed aside,” Davanzo said. “Collectively, this caucus will raise the volume and better echo the voices of those who sent us here.”
The lawmakers say they frequently hear from people concerned about issues such as high inflation, illegal immigration, election integrity and public safety, yet those issues never seem to be addressed on the House floor.
“Trust in our election system is vital for our Commonwealth and we must make certain that our voter rolls are accurate,” said Nelson. “Six counties in Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia and Allegheny counties, have a questionable voter registration rate of over 90%, far outperforming the national average of 70%. That needs to be investigated. Proposals to maintain voter rolls and require voter ID laws have been stalled for far too long and the America First Caucus is ready to deliver on this important concept.”
Illegal immigration is another issue the lawmakers hope to address, particularly efforts in some parts of the state to declare themselves “sanctuaries” for illegal immigrants. Warner has introduced legislation to prohibit any county or municipality in the Commonwealth from designating itself as a sanctuary for illegal immigrants. House Bill 1840 also would require a law enforcement officer who has reasonable cause to believe an individual being arrested is not legally present in the United States to notify the appropriate Immigration and Customs Enforcement office within the Department of Homeland Security.
“Supporters of illegal immigration will tell you it’s a humanitarian issue, but I adamantly disagree. Illegal immigration isn’t stopping a humanitarian issue. It is creating an issue of personal safety. It is creating an issue for our national security,” Warner said. “Americans overwhelmingly support securing our borders and ending sanctuary cities. Illegal immigration is not a democrat problem or a republican problem; it is an American problem. Putting America first – and putting its people first – means putting an end to open borders while ensuring the pathway remains open for legal immigration.”
The caucus will also focus its attention on advancing policies that support Pennsylvania manufacturing and jobs.
“Pennsylvania is home to some of the hardest working, most talented manufacturers and entrepreneurs in the world,” said Rowe. “Despite this, Pennsylvania tax dollars are routinely sent overseas to subsidize hostile governments and deplorable working conditions, like those in Chinese slave labor camps or at rare earth mineral mines where dangerous child labor is the norm. By adopting an America First mindset and ensuring we are only spending American tax dollars on American-made products, we can prioritize Pennsylvanians and end taxpayer funding of our overseas competitors.”
To watch the press conference, click here.
Representative Eric Davanzo
58th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Jordan Frei
724-875-8450
RepDavanzo.com /
Facebook.com/RepDavanzo