WASHINGTON — The Olympic theme song stokes our emotions and brings back so many great memories.
From the Miracle on Ice in Lake Placid to the great conquests of Mark Spitz and Michael Phelps, we feel an immense sense of national pride as we remember our heroes of the past and admire the sheer talent and determination of our athletes.
Every two years, we have the opportunity to come together as a Nation to cheer on and celebrate our most exceptional athletes during the Olympic Games. With ages spanning 17 to 31, our gold medalists include some remarkable Americans. Chloe Kim, for instance, at only 17 years old and in her first Winter Olympics, won the gold medal in the women’s halfpipe snowboard.
While I’m not by any means an expert on snowboarding — especially considering I’m from the South — it was still pretty incredible to watch her compete. What’s more, her parents came to the U.S. from South Korea just a few decades ago, and her story is truly the American dream. Fortunately, she’s not alone, and it’s stories like hers that make me proud to stand for and salute our flag.
But today’s optimism isn’t just about the Olympics. Americans everywhere are feeling renewed and encouraged by seeing more money in their paychecks because of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Company after company nationwide have announced bonuses, raises and increased retirement funds in just the last few months. From AT&T to Home Depot and Coca-Cola to Caterpillar, Georgia-based companies from nearly every industry are passing forward the immense savings from this legislation to their employees.
In fact, the total amount in bonuses that has been awarded already totals more than $3 billion! And there’s more good news for workers who have struggled for too long to make ends meet.
In January, 200,000 jobs were added to the U.S. economy, marking its lowest point in 17 years, while wages grew at the fastest pace in eight years. It’s clear that our workforce is stronger than it’s been in decades and is only getting stronger. With more people at work and making more money, our economy is on the rise!
One thing is for certain: America is truly a great place to live. The fortitude of our everyday citizens that make up our communities, our states, and our nation at large is incomparable. At every stage and every level, there is no shortage of things to be grateful for and no shortage of Americans doing remarkable things.
I wish Team USA the best of luck as they compete on behalf of the American people. We’re all rooting for you!
Jody Hice, a Republican from Greensboro, represents a portion of Newton County in Congress. Online: hice.house.gov.
