| The State of the Union |
In Tuesday's State of the Union address, President Trump discussed the progress we have made in two short years and the challenges ahead that we can overcome by “Choosing Greatness." I was pleased with the plan he laid out to protect America’s workforce, strengthen national security, and revive our aging infrastructure. I am hopeful my colleagues on the other side of the aisle will reject the growing radicalism in their party and choose to work with the President.
To watch my State of the Union response video, please click here.
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| Disastrous Green New Deal Introduced in the House |
Over the last century we have seen socialist governments around the world make the same empty promises of unlimited peace and prosperity if only their citizens would relinquish control of their affairs. The result has inevitably been the same: barren fields, crumbling infrastructure, broken economies, oppressed peoples, and, eventually, fleeing populations.
This proposal, as grand in its scope as it is absent in its specifics, betrays a shocking naivety and a total absence of understanding of basic economic principles and even our electric grid and infrastructure. Most importantly, the authors of this proposal fail to appreciate the love that the American people share for their freedom. They will never stand for such a radical socialistic restructuring of our economy, and it must be strongly rejected. |
| Babin Announces 2019 Congressional Art Competition for Area High School Students |
It is time to sign up for the 2019 Congressional Art Competition! All students in the 36th Congressional District in grades 9-12 can participate. The first place winner will have their entry displayed in the U.S. Capitol Building and receive round-trip airfare and accommodations (for two) for the award ceremony in Washington! To sign up or read more, click the link below. Please note that the deadline to submit your intent to apply application is Friday, Feb. 15.
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| Democrats Block Bill to Prevent Killing Abortion Survivors |
Recent state legislation to expand abortions up to and even after the moment a child is born is reprehensible, and I am honored to stand with my colleagues Congressman Steve Scalise and Ann Wagner in overcoming Democratic objections and forcing a vote on this bill. As Rep. Wagner said to our colleagues, “this is the simplest vote you will ever take: either you support babies being killed after they are born or you don’t.”
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| The Inspiration behind the TAPS Act |
I am proud that Greg Glod (pictured below) agreed to be my guest Tuesday night at the President’s State of the Union address. Greg served 26 years in the U.S. Secret Service and is recognized as an expert in behavioral threat assessment and management.
After the tragedy in Parkland, FL, Greg contacted me urging Congress to take steps to help local communities learn how to recognize threats before an attack occurs, which led to my introduction of the Threat Assessment, Prevention, and Safety (TAPS) Act.
Since Greg first reached out to me, my staff and I have worked hard on this legislation that would enact a proven process that will prevent many attacks in our schools and communities.
Last week, with bipartisan support in the House and Senate, I reintroduced the TAPS Act in the 116th Congress. I am happy to have been able to honor the person who brought this idea to me by taking him to the SOTU. I cannot thank Greg enough for his service to our country and for his incredible help on the TAPS Act, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to get this bill passed. |
| Joined the Evening Edit to Discuss Border Security |
If Democrats are so upset about the emergency declaration, they need to come to the table and negotiate. We are asking for $5.7 billion out of a trillion dollar plus budget. It is less than one tenth of one percent of our budget. How can they tell us this is money they can't find? This is national security!
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| Photo of the Week |
On Wednesday, I met with Orange, TX native Robert Van Pelt (pictured on right) who works in International Paper's (IP) mill in Orange. He is just one of the nearly 500 IP employees we have in TX-36!
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| NASA's Day of Remembrance |
This week, we joined in NASA in remembering the astronaut crews of Apollo 1 (Jan 27, 1967), Challenger (Jan 28, 1986), and Columbia (Feb 1, 2003) who were tragically lost while bravely pushing the boundaries of our exploration of space.
Our space program has led the world because of the sacrifices of so many brave men and women. I hope we can all take a moment to remember and honor them.
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| A Small Disagreement |
Last weekend, I had a difference of opinion with my horse - and Dunny won. I will be in a shoulder sling for the next few weeks. It is painful but not as painful as watching the Super Bowl last Sunday night. Also, is anyone looking for a cheap horse?
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