Westmoreland Review

A new legislative caucus named "America First of PA" has been established by a group of Pennsylvania lawmakers. The caucus aims to address issues they believe are neglected in the state legislature, such as inflation, illegal immigration, election integrity, and public safety.

Reps. Eric Davanzo (R-Westmoreland), Eric Nelson (R-Westmoreland), David Rowe (R-Snyder/Union/Mifflin/Juniata), and Ryan Warner (R-Fayette) are leading this initiative. According to Davanzo, the current House agenda fails to tackle pressing challenges faced by citizens. He stated, "Collectively, this caucus will raise the volume and better echo the voices of those who sent us here."

Nelson emphasized the importance of election integrity in Pennsylvania, pointing out that some counties have voter registration rates exceeding 90%, which he finds questionable compared to the national average of 70%. He remarked on the need for accurate voter rolls and voter ID laws: “Proposals to maintain voter rolls and require voter ID laws have been stalled for far too long.”

Warner addressed illegal immigration concerns and introduced legislation aimed at prohibiting sanctuary designations within Pennsylvania. House Bill 1840 would mandate law enforcement officers to notify Immigration and Customs Enforcement if they suspect an individual is not legally present in the U.S. Warner argued that illegal immigration poses safety risks: “Illegal immigration isn’t stopping a humanitarian issue. It is creating an issue of personal safety.”

The caucus also plans to support policies that bolster Pennsylvania's manufacturing sector. Rowe highlighted concerns about taxpayer dollars funding overseas industries with poor labor practices: “By adopting an America First mindset...we can prioritize Pennsylvanians and end taxpayer funding of our overseas competitors.”

Jordan Frei serves as media contact for Representative Eric Davanzo.