I was honored to have the opportunity to speak with Missouri U.S. Senator Josh Hawley this week. We had a productive discussion about several issues and he was kind of enough to offer some feedback on some of the bills I have sponsored this session.
House Bill 1454 would require Missouri voters to provide a photo identification in order to vote. Senator Hawley supports the legislation, saying this was enacted previously but overturned by the Missouri Supreme Court. Under my bill, we have language that is designed to withstand these kinds of legal challenges.
Along the same lines, Senator Hawley said he is upset about House Resolution 1. This congressional measure would allow the federal government to take away oversight of elections from states, where it has traditionally rested.
If it passed, Missouri would be unable to pass not only photo ID, but other laws to protect the integrity of our elections such as banning “ballot harvesting” practices. I am glad that Senator Hawley is fighting to stop this overreach from becoming reality.
This year, I have once again introduced a bill to observe a “Rush Limbaugh Day.” This would not be a paid holiday, but a day when citizens are encouraged to participate in events and activities to remember the life of the legendary radio host. During my testimony, I noted that he was a favorite son of Missouri, and a hero to millions of Americans.
Rush Limbaugh was born on Jan. 12, 1951, in Cape Girardeau, to a family with a long line of attorneys; at the age of 16, he pursued his passion for broadcasting by working as a disc jockey for a hometown radio station.
Eventually, he became the host of the Rush Limbaugh Show, which was the number-one talk radio program for decades after beginning in 1988. He was a great leader in the conservative movement, inspiring millions of Americans to love and support our country and Constitution.
He was a two-time New York Times bestselling author and was known for his terrific sense of humor.
Two years ago, President Donald J. Trump awarded Rush Limbaugh with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, and he was inducted into the Hall of Famous Missourians at the State Capitol in Jefferson City in 2012.
He had a great testimony that he believed in the Lord Jesus Christ. During the public hearing on the bill, even a Democrat who opposed the legislation admitted that Rush was a generous person who used his wealth to fight cancer and support other worthwhile causes.
Senator Hawley supports this measure as a fitting way to honor a great man, and will do whatever he can to get it accomplished.
Senator Hawley also condemned President Biden’s record on inflation, and said the President has not yet accomplished anything positive during his term.
May God bless and keep you and our great nation.
Hardy Billington represents District 152, which includes parts of Butler and Dunklin counties.