Babin Bulletin | July 1, 2018 Click here if you have trouble viewing this email
It's Time to Secure our Borders
Last week, I opposed the Border Security and Immigration Reform Act (H.R 6136), legislation that provided amnesty to several million illegal immigrants and fell short of securing our borders.

I voted for the alternative bill, the Securing America’s Future Act (H.R. 4760), which 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 H.R. 4760 fell just 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.

Watch my full interview reacting to the immigration debate with Mornings with Maria on Fox Business. 

Tax Cuts at Six Months
It's been six months since the historic Tax Cuts and Jobs Act became law, and 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. 

 Sourced at fairandsimple.gop
A Bold Space Agenda
During the recent District work week, my staff and I had the pleasure of going to Johnson Space Center (JSC) to meet with new Director, Mark Geyer (pictured). We discussed how the NASA Authorization Act of 2018, which recently passed out of Committee, would enable JSC to accomplish remarkable things as the U.S. continues to lead the world in space.

Pictured with Vice President Pence, former Mohave Spaceport Director Stu Witt, and Chief Management Officer of DOD, Jay Gibson, discussing the important work of NSC. 
As Chairman of the House Space Subcommittee, I had the honor to attend the National Space Council meeting at the White House. At this meeting, 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 look forward to continuing to work with the talented staff of JSC, the Administration and my colleagues to advance a bold space agenda.

Alzheimer's Awareness
June was Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month, and it was an honor to meet with John Harris and others (pictured) 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. 
 
 36th District Snap-Shots
This past District work week, I had the privilege to meet with constituents in all of the nine counties that make up the 36th District -  Orange, Chambers, Harris, Liberty, Polk, Hardin, Newton, Jasper and Tyler.

My Washington D.C. staff, District staff, wife and I traveled together to different communities to meet with the people we serve. We wanted to make our presence known, our faces familiar, and to convey that to the folks of TX-36 that we are always accessible and ready to serve. 

It was a pleasure to stop and visit with Chamber of Commerce representatives (pictured above) and patrons at JAX’s on the square in Liberty. We were able to hear about the great impact the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is having on business growth and job creation.


Babin staff pictured during a briefing on the Port of Houston.
My staff and I received a briefing and tour of the Port of Houston, learning about dredging operations near Bayport and Barbours Cut in the Houston ship channel. As the largest port on the Gulf Coast and in Texas, this port is vital to the local, state, and national economy. I am grateful to the folks at the Port of Houston for providing us with this informative time.

In East Chambers County, Winnie is home to the annual Texas Rice Festival where the people line up to buy delicious rice balls, view the latest in farming equipment, and crown an annual festival queen. The good folks of Chambers County, including Commissioner Billy Combs and his wife Patricia (pictured), came by to visit and update us on Harvey recovery progress and their interest in the passage of the House Farm Bill.

Combating the Opioid Crisis
During the month of June, Congress passed H.R. 6, comprehensive legislation to address the growing opioid epidemic across America. This was a bipartisan package of over 50 bills advanced in the House to help those who have been harmed by the opioid crisis, focusing on treatment and recovery, prevention, protecting communities, and fighting fentanyl. I am grateful to have been a part of this effort to help people and communities who have been impacted by the opioid crisis.

Find out more about H.R. 6 at opioidcrisis.gop



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