| Babin's Statement on Government Funding Vote and President Trump's National Emergency Declaration |
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I am very disappointed that the conference report to fully fund our government came nowhere close to addressing the humanitarian and security crisis at our border and, in reality, takes several steps backwards.
It included neither the funding levels nor specific provisions our border security professionals say is necessary, and limitations on how we can spend what little funding it ostensibly sets aside for barriers will prohibit most of it from ever being spent.
Further, language in the bill incentivizes even more illegality by hamstringing law enforcement’s ability to detain those illegally crossing our border. It will also exacerbate the worsening humanitarian problem of criminals bringing unaccompanied minors on the dangerous trek across Mexico to avoid deportation by claiming phony guardianship.
We all want to reopen the government, but we cannot give away the farm to do it. This bill will do nothing significant to secure our borders and will in fact set back our border and national security efforts, therefore I could not support it yesterday.
That being said, I fully support the President’s decision to declare a national emergency to address the crisis on our southern border. It is sad that Congress has let partisanship and politics come before protecting the people, and the President’s actions are necessary for our national security.
I have visited the border multiple times over the past year and have seen the crisis firsthand. More must be done to protect America’s sovereignty and its citizens.
If I could go to the border myself to help build the wall I would, and I believe many Americans feel the same way. President Trump is following through on his promise to keep America first and its people safe. I wish Congress had the same priorities.
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| A year since Parkland: we have a solution |
What if we had a proven, bipartisan solution to prevent mass violence that could actually pass in Congress? Days after Parkland, a friend and retired career U.S. Secret Service agent called me with a simple message: “I know why these tragedies keep happening, and I know how we can stop them.” Read more in my op-ed featured in The Hill (below).
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| Joined Bulls & Bears to Discuss Congressional Priorities |
How does Congress show its priorities? Well, a good indication is where we spend taxpayer dollars. Clearly the Democrats, many who actually want open borders, are giving lip service to wanting border security. The President has rightfully declared a state of emergency to pursue additional funding for border and national security, and I support him.
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| Texas is Leading the Way |
Texas continues to lead the way in American oil and natural gas production! Our nation is on its way to energy independence and an even more prosperous economy all thanks to the great work being done in the Lone Star State.
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| Mars Rover Quits After 15 Years |
NASA has officially said goodbye to their Mars rover Opportunity. Initially built to roam the Red Planet for only three months, Opportunity said its final farewell on Tuesday -15 years later.
The last recovery commands were sent to Opportunity on Tuesday night with the wake-up song "I'll Be Seeing You" by Billie Holiday. During its tenure on Mars, this mighty bot was able to provide critical evidence that Mars might have been hospitable to life at some point in history. We are thankful for Opportunity's outstanding service and findings that have contributed much to NASA and the prospect of putting American astronauts on Mars in the near future!
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| A Letter of Thanks |
I am proud to have received a letter on behalf of the Mayor and City of Hebron thanking me for my request to each House Committee Chair to reject Rep. Tlaib’s proposal to lead a Congressional delegation to Palestine. America’s relationship with Israel – our strongest Middle Eastern ally and the only democracy in the region – is extremely important, and I will always oppose efforts to undermine our ally.
It means a lot to me that Gideon Israel (pictured above), Co-President of Jerusalem-Washington Center, took time to visit with me and hand-deliver this letter of thanks and encouragement. |
| An Update from NASA |
I had a very positive meeting with NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine on Thursday to discuss the current status of several efforts at NASA. It is important to make sure we are all on the same page in order to continue America's dominance as the preeminent global leader in space.
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| Sitting Down with DETCOG |
Knowing the concerns having to do with our more rural counties is essential in having an overall thriving economy. I spoke with several members of the Deep East Texas Council of Governments (DETCOG) on Wednesday to hear about rural development, broadband, and other issues facing urban areas throughout our district and East Texas.
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| Meeting with the ACMA |
The American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA) were in Washington this week. We were able to visit about the use of new innovative material to help create stronger infrastructure as well as mitigate future destruction caused by natural disasters. We also discussed opportunities for a new infrastructure package.
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| Breaking Ground on the State Highway 146 Expansion |
On Wednesday, Beverly Ferguson (pictured above), Regional Director on my staff, participated in the groundbreaking of State Highway (SH) 146.
The goal of the SH 146 Expansion is to alleviate traffic congestion and allow safe passage of motorists during hurricane evacuations, as SH 146 is an official hurricane evacuation corridor. |
| City of Cleveland's Day of Humiliation, Fasting, and Prayer |
Will Carter, a District Representative on my staff, was able to lead a prayer at the City of Cleveland's Day of Humiliation, Fasting, and Prayer on Tuesday. My staff and I have been a part of this great event each year, and I am glad Will could attend on my behalf.
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