Laurel Highlands Today

HARRISBURG – A group of Pennsylvania lawmakers launched the “America First of PA” caucus on Tuesday, citing frustration over the lack of action on issues affecting Pennsylvanians' daily lives.

Leading the initiative are Reps. Eric Davanzo (R-Westmoreland), Eric Nelson (R-Westmoreland), David Rowe (R-Snyder/Union/Mifflin/Juniata), and Ryan Warner (R-Fayette).

“Day in and day out, for the last year and a half, the House agenda has failed to address the topics that are brought to my office on a daily basis and solutions to the real challenges our citizens and families face keep getting pushed aside,” Davanzo said. “Collectively, this caucus will raise the volume and better echo the voices of those who sent us here.”

The lawmakers reported hearing frequent concerns about high inflation, illegal immigration, election integrity, and public safety. These issues, they say, have not been adequately addressed on the House floor.

“Trust in our election system is vital for our Commonwealth and we must make certain that our voter rolls are accurate,” said Nelson. “Six counties in Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia and Allegheny counties, have a questionable voter registration rate of over 90%, far outperforming the national average of 70%. That needs to be investigated. Proposals to maintain voter rolls and require voter ID laws have been stalled for far too long and the America First Caucus is ready to deliver on this important concept.”

Warner highlighted illegal immigration as another critical issue. He introduced legislation prohibiting any county or municipality in Pennsylvania from designating itself as a sanctuary for illegal immigrants. House Bill 1840 would also mandate law enforcement officers with reasonable cause to believe an arrested individual is not legally present in the United States to notify Immigration and Customs Enforcement within Homeland Security.

“Supporters of illegal immigration will tell you it’s a humanitarian issue, but I adamantly disagree," Warner stated. "Illegal immigration isn’t stopping a humanitarian issue; it is creating an issue of personal safety. It is creating an issue for our national security."

The caucus also aims to support Pennsylvania manufacturing jobs.

“Pennsylvania is home to some of the hardest working, most talented manufacturers and entrepreneurs in the world,” Rowe said. “Despite this, Pennsylvania tax dollars are routinely sent overseas to subsidize hostile governments... By adopting an America First mindset... we can prioritize Pennsylvanians.”

To watch their press conference [link provided].

Representative Eric Davanzo

58th Legislative District

Pennsylvania House of Representatives

Media Contact: Jordan Frei

724-875-8450