Re: Clyde’s “Year In Review”

Published in the North Georgia News Jan. 21, 2026

Dear Editor,

      As we enter a new year, rather than looking forward with great hope and expectations, many Americans are filled with increasing stress and anxiety. During the past year, we have watched thousands of civil service workers lose their jobs through DOGE, the Department of Government Efficiency, an appointed group of unelected individuals operating without official congressional approval. These actions weakened government institutions that were established to serve and protect the citizens of this country (NOAA, The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; EPA, The Environmental Protection Agency; The US Forest Service; The Department of Education; USAID, the agency for International Development; the Social Security Administration; the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau; the National Science Foundation; the CDC, the Center for Disease Control) and more. As this “slash and burn” project played out, the US Congress passed the so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill” which continued tax cuts for the very wealthy while cutting basic support services for the poor and working-class citizens of this country.

      In his "Year In Review" letter to “the folks of Georgia’s Ninth District”, US representative Andrew Clyde stated, "I proudly voted for the One Big Beautiful Bill, which includes tremendous wins for the folks throughout our Ninth District." Rather than receiving a "Win", I, for one, have experienced only increased costs in groceries, health insurance, home insurance, utility bills, prescription drugs, and every day essential items. Many price hikes are due to increased tariffs, which are really import taxes that have not been authorized or challenged by Congress. Representative Clyde calls himself "a fiscal hawk and a member of both the House Appropriations and Budget Committees", but has he raised an objection to the Administration’s recent attack on Venezuela and increased threats towards Cuba and Greenland? And what about the billions of dollars needed to carry out a regime change in Venezuela and to reclaim and rebuild their oil fields?

      Our country is facing huge challenges, not the least of which is the national debt. As of early January 2026, the US national debt is over $38 trillion, an increase from late 2024’s $35.2 trillion. Basic economics would suggest that cutting taxes for the very wealthy and corporations will only exacerbate this crisis. This country needs clear eyed leaders who put country before greed and power, and who will legislate following our constitution which provides checks and balances over the three branches of government. Congress, which supposedly holds the country’s purse strings, is not doing its job and they should be held accountable. Those who voted “Yes” for the “One Big Beautiful Bill” need to be advised that the American voter and taxpayer is watching.

Jennifer Cordier
Young Harris, Georgia