| Babin Joins Republicans at the NDAA Press Conference |
I joined many of my Republican colleagues for a press conference on the terrible Democrat National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that passed the House on Friday.
Congress has long observed a 58-year tradition, and honored duty, of putting aside partisan rhetoric to ensure the safety of Americans – and doing so through the development of a bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). That is until now. As the son of a WWII veteran, the father of a decorated Navy SEAL, and a veteran myself, having served in both the Army and the Air Force, to see how House Democrats have conducted this process, brings me great concern for the security of our country.
Instead of working across the aisle to ensure that our armed forces are appropriately equipped to address the emerging threats from our adversaries, the Majority is more interested in using the NDAA to push extreme partisan provisions at the expense of military readiness.
At a time when we should be prioritizing the securing of our southern border, nuclear modernization, and hypersonics (among many, many other topics) the Democrats are instead more interested in closing Guantanamo Bay, tying the hands of the Administration on border security and fighting terrorism, and enabling China and Russia the opportunity to grow in capabilities while we turn the “Department of Defense” into the “Department of the Defense of the Environment.”
Perhaps one of the most egregious provisions in the House NDAA, is the $1.2 billion cut to military personnel funding accounts. Folks, just to be clear, this is a ONE-POINT-TWO-BILLION-DOLLAR cut to the pay, benefits, and housing of our servicemen and women.
The unfortunate reality is that Democrat Leadership has allowed their party to rob this bill of any chance it had at becoming law by kowtowing to the extreme socialist left, resulting in every single American, regardless of party, being put at unnecessary risk.
It is painfully evident that, while House Democrats may be unwilling to compromise with us, they are certainly willing to compromise the security of this nation for political gain.
We – the Republicans – are not. |
| Bulls & Bears with David Asman |
The Democrat majority has REFUSED to provide humanitarian aid to help with the crisis on the southern border for months - now they complain about the conditions? Our immigration enforcement officials are doing everything they can to deal with this crisis and treat the thousands of migrants being detained with all of the compassion and respect they possibly can considering the limited resources they have - thankfully there are more now that we forced the Senate's border funding bill through the House last month.
The President along with almost every Republican in Congress has been asking for help, only to be told that the crisis is manufactured over and over again.
The fact that Rep. Ocasio-Cortez or any other Member of Congress STILL claim that this very REAL crisis is manufactured is absolutely insane!
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| Democrats Continue to Embrace Infanticide |
On Tuesday night, I called for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to bring the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act (H.R. 962) to the House floor for a vote – and for the 68th time this plea has fallen on deaf ears. I think it is important to note that exactly one year ago, when Republicans had the majority in the House, it would not have taken 68 tries just to get a vote – we would have scheduled, debated, and passed this bill without any problem or hesitation. Unfortunately, silence and obstruction in the face of infanticide is another consequence of this Democrat majority.
It is horrific to refuse medical care to babies who have survived an attempted abortion. We MUST stand and protect those who cannot yet defend themselves. We will ask again every day until Congress brings an end to infanticide. |
| Hurricane Barry Makes Landfall |
As Hurricane Barry continues to move inland, I hope everyone is keeping safe and dry! I continue to urge citizens in coastal communities and in vulnerable areas to be vigilant and heed the concerns of local officials.
I have put together a list of emergency management contacts and resources → CLICK HERE. |
| June Jobs Report Brings More Good News |
Great news! → June’s job report is in and shows that 224,000 jobs were created last month alone! Did you know that more than 6 million jobs have been added to the market since President Trump took office?
It is great to see how our economy continues to flourish under Republican pro-growth, pro-opportunity policies. Americans are going back into the labor force as wages rise, opportunity grows, employees can keep more of their hard-earned money, and unemployment remains near the lowest it has been in half a century.
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| Visiting Deputy Richard Whitten |
I had the privilege of stopping to see Liberty County Sheriff's Deputy Richard Whitten on Monday afternoon at TIRR Memorial Herman Hospital in Houston.
Pictured L to R: Kami Whitten, Deputy Richard Whitten, and myself. |
Deputy Whitten has been in recovery since he was critically injured after being shot in the line of duty on May 29.
He, his wonderful wife Kami, and I spoke at great length about is unwavering passion for law enforcement as well as his recovery process.
The highlight of our visit was the firm handshake Richard offered when we first met. He is making phenomenal strides in rehab and is not only brave but extremely strong.
I thanked Deputy Whitten for his heroic sacrifice by presenting him with an American flag that I had flown over the U.S. Capitol in his honor. Richard and his family remain in my prayers as he continues down the road to recovery.
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| $15 Minimum Wage Disaster |
With House Democrats poised to introduce legislation to artificially hike the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour, the CBO has released their analysis of its impact on the economy. This nonpartisan report shows the potential ramifications of changing the amount of minimum wage from $7.25 to $15 to be detrimental to many American workers.
Raising the minimum wage would eviscerate millions of jobs. According to the CBO, as many as 3.7 million jobs would go away - but the Democrats are not concerned about this. |
| Photo of the Week |
One of the highest honors I have in Congress is to recognize the remarkable accomplishments of exceptional Americans. Earlier this week, I was asked to introduce 2019's "Marine of the Year" recipient Master Sergeant Jarad Stout.
In November of 2015, ten extremists with al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb attacked the Radisson Blu hotel in Bamako, the capital of Mali. The armed militants held nearly 170 hostages, including 20 Americans. Word of the situation got to Marine Raider senior leader Jarad Stout who instantly began kitting up and devised a rescue plan on his way to the hotel. Stout led his American team through grenade and small arms fire to help rescue nearly 150 hostages and for this action was awarded the Silver Star for combat bravery.
For his selfless service to our country and its citizens, I am proud to say that Master Sergeant Jarad Stout is our 2019 "Marine of the Year." |
| The USMCA Is Ignored Another Week |
The great state of Texas as well as those residing in the 36th Congressional District will benefit greatly from Congress passing the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). From farmers and ranchers to businesses and families, this bill would help tremendously by ensuring that the U.S. will have:
✅stronger growth
✅increased exports
✅more jobs
✅rising wages
The USMCA is a huge win for Texas and America’s economy. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi needs to put politics aside and bring the USMCA to the floor for a vote.
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| Meeting Carson Bryan |
On Wednesday, I had the opportunity to meet eight-year-old Carson Bryan from La Porte. Carson was in Washington this week as part of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation's "Children's Congress" initiative to raise awareness for children who live with type 1 diabetes. Carson was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when he was two, but that does not stop this sharp young man from making the most out of every single day. Who knows, maybe this will be his chair one day - it suits him!
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