| Securing Our Borders |
I received a briefing on the situation at our Southern Border in 2015 and am committed to working with our president to make border security a priority. |
I have always said that Congress must first deliver border security, which is why I supported the Securing America’s Future Act (H.R. 4760) this past week. This legislation would have addressed the crucial pillars of immigration reform that were outlined by President Trump earlier this year: ending chain migration, mandating the use of E-Verify, fixing unaccompanied alien children and asylum loopholes, ending sanctuary cities and building the wall.
While this important legislation fell two dozen votes short of passage, my number one priority remains the safety and security of the American people. I am committed to working in Congress to finally secure our borders.
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| Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Six Months Later |
Six months after the historic Tax Cuts and Jobs Act became law, Americans – and Texans - are experiencing real benefits:
✓ Bigger Paychecks: Wages are growing at their fastest pace since 2008, while over 4 million American workers have received bonuses.
✓ Lower Utility Bills: Over 87 million people have seen lower utility bills due to tax reform.
✓ Faster Economic Growth: Forecasts are now expecting growth at or above 4% for the second quarter of this year.
✓ More Jobs: Over 1 million jobs have been created this year.
✓ Record Low Unemployment: Current unemployment is at 3.8% – the lowest rate since 1969
✓ Record Optimism on Main Street: In May, small business optimism hit its highest level in 45 years
✓ Booming Housing Market: Home prices are rising at their fastest pace since 2014.
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| A Bold Agenda for Space |
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It was an honor to attend the National Space Council meeting at the White House, where President Trump directed the Pentagon to take steps to establish a “space force,” – a 6th branch of our U.S. forces - and signed Space Policy Directive 3, which addresses space traffic management. I am optimistic about America’s future in space as the Administration continues to take steps to reestablish the U.S. as the leader of this critical domain.
I also co-chaired a Space Subcommittee joint hearing with the House Armed Services Committee addressing space situational awareness and government roles and responsibilities. Our witnesses included Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine and Commander of U.S. Strategic Command, General John Hyten. I emphasized my support for the President's Space Policy Directives, as well as the need for proper oversight of the use of taxpayer dollars in these programs. Watch my hearing questions here.
I look forward to continuing to work with the Administration and my colleagues to advance a bold space agenda.
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| Reacting to President Trump's Executive Order |
President Trump signed an Executive Order addressing the separation of families at the border this week. If our borders were secure this would not be an issue because illegal immigrants would not attempt to illegally cross into the U.S. While the Executive Order addressed the issue of families at the border, it is time for Congress to act and fulfill the 32-year-old promise of securing our borders.
Take my survey letting me know what you think should be done along the border.
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| Meeting with Constituents |
I met with John Harris and others from the Houston area about the importance of Alzheimer’s research and support. I am proud to be a cosponsor of their legislative priorities to defeat Alzheimer's and assist families confronting this terrible disease.
I had the pleasure of meeting with these Texas Credit Union professionals about how tax reform and cutting regulations are benefiting credit union members across Southeast Texas.
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| Expanding the I-14 Corridor |
As a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I was proud to lead my colleagues from Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas in introducing the 'I-14 Expansion and Improvement Act of 2018.' This bill will extend the future I-14 interstate highway to additional areas in Texas and across the southern United States, improving the interstate system by increasing accessibility to military bases. I believe this expansion will be an economic boom to our region.
For more information, including the proposed route, click here.
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| Comprehensive Action on the Opioid Crisis |
H.R. 6, a comprehensive, bipartisan bill to combat the opioid epidemic, passed the House this week. H.R. 6 is a collection of bills passed by Congress over the past two weeks, and I am grateful to have been a part of this effort to help the people and communities who have been impacted by the opioid crisis.
Find out more about this important legislation at opioidcrisis.gop. |
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