A New Era Begins

Newly elected Congressman Derek Schmidt, representing Kansas’ 2nd Congressional District, is poised to take center stage in the upcoming Congress. Schmidt recently shared his outlook with Fox News Digital, emphasizing that the efforts of the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) will be pivotal in advancing President-elect Trump’s agenda as Republicans gear up to address pressing issues starting in January.

Dogged Determination for Change

“It’s no more business as usual,” Schmidt stated, firmly sounding the alarm on the direction he hopes to steer the Congress. He referred to the efforts of tech entrepreneur Elon Musk and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, who are leading the charge against a controversial 1,500-page continuing resolution that has sparked backlash among conservatives for its inclusion of excessive spending, colloquially known as “pork.”

The Voter’s Mandate

Schmidt conveyed that the message sent by the electorate in November was clear: “They want us to make progress on some of these issues, and we’re not going to make progress by continuing to do the same things and expecting a different result.” He acknowledged the turbulent path ahead but stressed the importance of taking bold action to realign the country’s legislative priorities.

A Return to Founding Principles

Schmidt believes that the changes proposed by DOGE align with the promises made during Trump’s campaign. “That’s what President Trump promised. That’s what many of us ran on. And that’s what I at least intend to be part of accomplishing,” he explained.

He further elaborated, “Anything that helps put the genie back in the bottle, that helps move us back in the direction of this remarkable system of self-government that our founders gave us, is something I want to be part of.” Schmidt expressed a heartfelt desire to leave a better country for future generations, emphasizing the urgency of addressing rampant federal spending and the accountability of the bureaucracy.

Fragile Republican Majority

Despite experiencing a net loss of two seats in the House of Representatives during the November elections, the GOP will hold a slim majority, with a count of 220-215. This delicate balance underscores the urgent need for Republicans to unite if they hope to advance Trump’s policy initiatives.

Schmidt anticipates some “dissension” among Republicans due to differing perspectives, but he remains hopeful about their ability to unite on crucial matters. He affirmed, “We have this trifecta… They’ve trusted us to do what we said we’re going to do, and everybody, even those who might have differing views, understands we’ve got to deliver.”

Confidence in Leadership

Discussing the significance of having a strong Republican president, Schmidt remarked on Trump’s unequivocal stance throughout his campaign regarding the direction he seeks for the country. “He was very clear on the campaign trail the types of policies that he wants enacted… we have to step up, hang together, and deliver results,” Schmidt articulated.

He insists that Trump’s resounding victories in both the Electoral College and the popular vote indicate a strong mandate from the American public, creating an urgent call for action in Congress. “The voters knew what they were choosing, and they made that decision,” he stressed.

A Push for Action

Reiterating his commitment to progress, Schmidt said, “This sort of deadlock of accomplishing very little is an unacceptable way to lead the greatest nation on earth.” He believes many newly elected officials share this sentiment, encouraging a collaborative approach to addressing the electoral mandate for reform.

Looking Ahead

When asked about his expectations as he transitions into Congress, Schmidt described it as an “extraordinary experiment” in American governance. “Each of us who is allowed to represent a group of Americans has an opportunity to be part of this extraordinary experiment in self-government,” he reflected. His passion for serving in this capacity comes from a deep respect for the sacrifices that have been made by those who came before him.

Schmidt concluded by expressing his desire to make a difference during his time in office. “Whatever my service in public office ends, whether it’s in two years, ten years, or somewhere down the road, I want to be able to look back and say, I made a difference,” he affirmed, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to his constituents and the legacy of self-governance.