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Congressman Kustoff Expresses Concern About Afghanistan, Spending

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McKENZIE (September 8) — Congressman David Kustoff (R-Germantown) was in McKenzie Wednesday on a listening tour during a Congressional recess. The Congressman had visited BR Supply, Bethel University and The McKenzie Banner.

Kustoff said he is hearing his constituents express concern about the travesty in Afghanistan, the proposed $3.5 trillion legislation, and the debt ceiling limit, which must be adjusted all in the last two weeks of September.

The people are angry, sad, and ashamed of the situation in Afghanistan, said the Congressman. It is sad 13 men and women were killed because of the lack of planning. Taliban took over after being forced to the fringes for 20 years.

Kustoff said he was appointed as a U.S. attorney in 2006. One of President Bush’s biggest concerns was a repeat of terrorism. The Taliban hate the U.S. and Afghanistan will again become a breeding ground for terrorism.

Another concern of the citizenry is the amount of spending by Congressman, $3.5 trillion creates ‘cradle to grave” burden on the taxpayers and will necessitate tax increases.

He also said the enhanced unemployment benefits providing more money for the unemployed than they would make as if they were employed. The situation made it difficult for employers to find the necessary number of employees.

An enhanced child tax credit is also pumping money to the pockets of families. He indicated the Democrats would love to extend those benefits beyond the December 31 authorization. Moderate Democrats don’t want to see all the added benefits, said Kustoff.

He expressed his gratitude to teachers for adapting during the times of COVID. He said children should be in school.

Soon, an ad hoc redistricting committee will redraw legislative districts. In the Eighth Congressional District, the overall population of his district decreased. The geographic region of the 8th District will expand to equalize the number of constituents in each of Tennessee’s district.