When I was sworn in for my latest term in 2025, my team and I immediately hit the ground running. There was no time to waste: the 2017 tax cuts that spurred the greatest economy of my lifetime were set to expire later that year.

If those tax cuts did expire, the effects would be catastrophic for hardworking Pennsylvanians and small businesses — a 22% tax hike, on average. For a family of four making just over $80,000, an additional $1,695 would have been taken out of their paycheck.

U.S. Rep Mike Kelly, R-16th

As Chairman of the Ways & Means Subcommittee on Tax, and under the steadfast leadership of Ways & Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith, R-Mo., I worked tirelessly with my colleagues to renew those tax cuts and to provide even more benefits for Pennsylvania families than were included in the 2017 Tax Cuts & Jobs Act.

Last summer, the Working Families Tax Cuts were signed into law. When Americans filed their taxes this spring, they saw the results of this game changing legislation.

In all, the Working Families Tax Cuts generated $82 billion in individual tax relief for American families and workers, according to Treasury Department data from June. Ninety-six percent of filers receiving a tax cut earned less than $200,000. Tens of millions of Americans qualified for, and received, tax cuts thanks to many of the law’s new provisions, such as “No Tax on Tips” and “No Tax on Overtime.”

Thanks to new “Trump Accounts” and an enhanced Child Tax Credit, the Working Families Tax Cuts made historic investments in our nation's children. It gave a boost to more than 35 million seniors who claimed an enhanced deduction of more than $7,500. The law also included my legislation to expand and make permanent Opportunity Zones that have transformed communities here in our district and across the country.

The success of the House Republican agenda is not only local, but also national. Our borders are more secure and illegal immigration is down drastically.

For years, we watched as millions of undocumented migrants illegally entered through both our southern and our northern borders. Now, illegal border crossings have dropped dramatically. In October 2023, under the Biden administration, U.S. Customs and Border Protection recorded more than 309,000 land border encounters. Two years later, in October 2025 and under the Trump administration, that number dropped 10 times lower to just over 30,000 encounters.

The contrast couldn’t be starker. One administration refused to address the problem. The other simply enforced the law to solve the problem.

I believe that’s what this election is all about: a tale of two parties with two uniquely different visions for the future of these United States. My colleagues on the other side of the aisle believe open borders, higher taxes and bigger government are the answer. But I believe that you, not big government, know what’s best for your family, your community and your future. You know how best to spend your money and what education is best for your children. A government that is of, by and for the American people, not Washington bureaucrats enforcing radical policies, will ensure that our best days are ahead.

Since I began serving in Congress, I have made a point to take Western Pennsylvania values to Washington, not the other way around. Through our work with local government leaders and organizations, we have secured $45 million in funding for the Gateway 228 project connecting Cranberry Township, Mars and communities across southern Butler County.

Altogether, the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service (CRS) notes that more than $3.6 billion in federal funding has been invested into projects and programs across our district since I first took the oath of office. I believe it’s important for everyone to remember: This isn’t Washington’s money. These are your tax dollars at work in your community.

This election isn’t just about records and resumes. It’s also about character. In September, we marked the 25th anniversary since the September 11th attacks. It’s a day that many of us remember vividly. On that day, a quarter of a century ago, we came together not as Republicans or Democrats, but as Americans. Today, we are watching as some Democrats who are running for office this November are actually defending their extreme statements they previously made about the events of that day, statements that are unthinkable to most Americans.

This election is about a choice. A choice between common sense policies versus crazy; a choice between a smaller, less intrusive government versus a bigger, more invasive government; a choice between advancing pro-growth policies versus higher taxes and less money in your pocket.

I’m proud of my record and all that my team and I have done to put Pennsylvanians first. I’m honored to serve as your voice in Washington. With your support, together we can continue the great work for our district for another two years.

U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly is a Republican representing Pennsylvania’s 16th Congressional District running as the incumbent in the November election. He is a member of the Ways & Means Committee where he serves as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Tax.