Congressman Kustoff Visits Carroll County

HUNTINGDON (April 25) — Congressman David Kustoff (R-Germantown) spoke at a forum hosted by the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce on April 25 at the Carroll County Civic Center.

Local political leaders, Chamber members, and members of the Carroll County Leadership Carroll County class were in attendance.

Brad Hurley, president of the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce, welcomed Kustoff. He said he was first elected on November 8, 2016 and has served as the district’s congressman for 2,670 days. Kustoff visits Carroll County each year on Good Friday, said Hurley, however, a conflict this year caused the congressman to reschedule for April 25.

Kustoff spoke of the challenges in Congress, the need to support Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan, plus the strong economy in West Tennessee, thanks, in part, to the new Blue Oval campus in Stanton, Tennessee.

Kustoff said the Blue Oval campus continues to add manufacturing jobs thanks to recent announcement by additional supplier to the Ford automotive plant, now under construction. It is an estimated 7,800 jobs on the campus when all the industries are operational.

Kustoff said he voted to support legislation to fund Ukraine’s war against Russia, to support the defense efforts of Israel, and support Taiwan. The legislation also required TikTok, a social media and media platform, to divest ownership away from China.

Kustoff said it’s important to support the allies against the new Axis of Evil - China, Iran, Russia and North Korea. Israel, the lone democracy in the region, was attacked by Hamas and Iran. Kustoff said it’s imperative to support Israel, the U.S.’s longtime friend.

He noted the COVID pandemic made the U.S. realize the U.S. dependence on Taiwan for computer chips and the supply chain disruption the pandemic caused.

Great Britain and the U.S. were isolationist at the beginning of WWII, vowing not to get involved. Then the war came to both. Kustoff said if Russia is successful in overtaking Ukraine, then other countries will soon at risk, such as the NATO allies.

Other legislation to be considered is the five-year reauthorization of the FFA and the Farm Bill.

The most pressing issue is the security of the U.S. border. He said HR2 - Secure the Border Act was passed by this term of Congress, however, the Senate never advanced it.

He also noted Trump’s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act expires at the end of 2025. The major federal tax overhaul raised the standard deduction and lowered the upper tax bracket from 35 percent to 21. It also increased the estate tax exemption. Tax professionals and estate planners are in a difficult position by not knowing of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will sunset on January 1, 2026.

When asked about the Republican Caucus in the House, Kustoff acknowledged the debate is strong, fierce and emotional with some members with strong opinions. There is a motion for Speaker Johnson to vacate his chairmanship. Kustoff said he will survive the vacate motion.

Kustoff said he considers it a privilege to serve as the U.S. Congressman and serve his constituents.