U.S. Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger was the keynote speaker at last night’s Lincoln Day Dinner, hosted by the Greene County Republican Women’s Club, at the General Morgan Inn.
Prior to Congresswoman Harshbarger’s speech, was Tennessee Deputy Commissioner of Agriculture, Jeff Aiken. The Commissioner is from Washington County and his wife, Carol, is a native of Greene County. According to biographical information provided, Aiken works with staff to support programs and services and collaborate on policy development. Agriculture is the Number 1 industry in Tennessee, followed by tourism, and Aiken said agricultural output is $1.3 billion for Greene County alone. https://extension.tennessee.edu/publications/Documents/W578.pdf
Chairman of the TN State Republican Party, Scott Golden introduced Congresswoman Harshbarger, who serves Tennessee’s 1st Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. Ms. Harshbarger spoke specifically on how the rule changes Congress put into effect prior to November, gives added structure and accountability to passages of bills. Examples she gave included only one proposal may now be voted on at a time, additions may only be related to the original proposal, and up to 72 hours to consider longer proposals. These changes as opposed to Congressmen and women being given a 20,000 page proposal and 30 minutes to look it over before a vote was called for.
The new rules are successfully being utilized to move the country’s decision-making toward greater bi-partisanship, according to other examples Ms. Harshbarger gave. She says in regards to bills both passed and upcoming, “if you can’t pay for it, you don’t get it.”
Greene County GOP Chairman Brett Purgason, presented the 2023 “Chairman’s Award” to longtime party member, Nancy Higginbotham, for her spirit of service, unselfish character, and exceptional volunteer work.
Opening and Closing Remarks were given by Nancy Wilson, GCRW President and State Executive Committee Woman, and Joy Rader-Nunnally, GCRW 1st Vice President.
