I arrived in Washington, DC, on Tuesday afternoon and immediately made my way to the Cannon House Office Building, where I began delivering my notes of encouragement to offices there.

People sometimes ask how I decide who to write notes to. With 535 members of the House and Senate, I really trust God to guide me on who to add to my list. I occasionally remove or add people as I sense Him directing me.

Is everyone on my list a Christian? Not by any means. I know I’m leaving notes for fervent followers of Jesus, for some Jewish members, and for some who probably have no faith at all. As I’ve shared before, my goal is simply to try to move people closer to Jesus.

In my 12 years on Capitol Hill, I’ve had only two instances where members of Congress refused to let me pray for them. I just have to trust that God is in control—and even if it’s not to their face, I still pray for them.

After delivering notes in the Cannon House Office Building, I headed to the Capitol, where the first votes of the week were being taken in the House Chamber. As I stood in the hallway just outside the chamber, a representative walked up to me and said, “Don’t forget. You’re one of the good guys.”

That was such an encouragement, knowing that my presence means something to the men and women dealing with some of the world’s most difficult issues.

I noticed several members slipping in and out of the chamber and into a room adjacent to it. I figured someone important or famous must be inside. I soon learned that Lee Greenwood was there, greeting representatives.

A short time later, Lee—who is a friend—exited the room and stepped into an elevator. He saw me, immediately reached out to shake my hand, and asked if I would be singing in Washington, DC, that week. I told him I’d see him the following week back in Washington for an event.

Over the past 12 years, I’ve shared that Capitol Hill seems to be an increasingly challenging place to work. This week, it became even crazier.

Divisions between the political parties are intense. Democrats are trying to figure out what to do with the Democratic Socialists, including those elected in New York State. It’s a major shift in the Democratic Party and will likely increase the size of the so-called “Squad” of extremely left-leaning members.

Republicans were equally divided as they tried to decide what to do with the Save America Act, which is currently held up in the Senate.

On Wednesday morning, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth was scheduled to meet with House Republicans to update them on the conflict with Iran. That same day, President Trump was set to sign a recently passed housing bill and have lunch with Senate Republicans.

Statuary Hall had been arranged with chairs and flags in anticipation of the signing. But about an hour before the event, the President decided not to sign the legislation that had already passed both the House and Senate. He is intent on seeing the Save America Act passed first and made it clear he would not sign the housing bill. This sent many House members into a tizzy.

The President’s meeting with Senate Republicans was reported to be especially tense and boisterous. There is a group of House Republicans who agree with the President that the Save America Act must be passed before anything else moves forward on the House floor.

So, we seem to be in a game of political chicken. It remains to be seen who will blink first in the coming weeks.

In chatting with one chief of staff, they suggested that President Trump loves conflict and thrives in that atmosphere.

One Republican House member said to me, “He (the President) just threw a grenade.” She was not happy. There seems to be growing discontent among some Republican representatives with how the President operates.

The Senate has left for a two-week recess, which means little will happen legislatively. The House is scheduled to return next week, but there seems to be some uncertainty about that.

It feels as those on the extremes of both parties are blocking progress.

Even in that atmosphere, God still gave me some wonderful opportunities to encourage members of the House and Senate, as well as their staff.

Wednesday evening my colleague, Dan Cummins, and I made our way to the Mall for the kickoff of the National 250th celebration. The evening featured a military band, special speakers and singers, and some remarks by President Trump. I was glad to experience the kickoff of this anniversary celebration. Unfortunately, it seems that even celebrating our nation’s 250th anniversary is marked by partisanship.

My travel schedule allowed me to stay in Washington, DC, one extra day, which meant a slower pace and more time for meaningful engagement.

On Thursday morning, I met with a young staffer who is a passionate follower of Jesus. It was absolutely refreshing to see her deep faith and spiritual discernment. At just 27 years old, God clearly has great plans for her.

After completing my deliveries on Thursday afternoon, I had a few free hours. For the first time in my 12 years on the Hill, I walked through the underground tunnel from the Capitol to the Jefferson Building of the Library of Congress.

There, I registered for a library card that I can use on future trips for research. It was a truly meaningful experience to stand inside one of the most beautiful buildings in all of Washington, DC, and take in its grandeur.

The next 10 days have me traveling across the United States and singing in Texas, Kentucky, Washington, DC, Michigan, and Northern California. I would appreciate your prayers for safety in travel and good health as I sing in each location.

I will return to Capitol Hill in late July for another visit before Congress takes its August break.

Your prayers and encouragement mean so much.

God bless,

Steve