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Babin to Forgo Pay Until Shutdown Ends
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I made the decision to forgo my pay during the partial government shutdown. I know shutdowns are hard for many, which is why I did my job and voted to fully fund the government on December 21. Unfortunately, because that bill had money for additional border security, including but not limited to a physical barrier, Senate Democrats blocked it from even receiving a vote, which led to the shutdown. I will forego my pay until Democrats come to the negotiating table and help us end this shutdown.
I sent a letter to Chief Administrative Officer Phil Kiko requesting my pay be withheld. To read this letter, please click here.
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| Babin: Shutdown “Could Be Fixed in 15 Minutes” |
I joined Cavuto: Coast to Coast on Fox Business Thursday to say that the shutdown could be fixed in 15 minutes if Democrats would come to the table. Neil and I also discussed the importance of funding increased border security, including a border barrier, before opening the government again.
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Co-Chairing the Border Security Caucus
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ALERT: Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05) and I have officially announced that we will co-chair the Border Security Caucus for the 116th Congress.
Promoting the safety and security of American citizens is my top priority in Congress, and we cannot sufficiently protect them with status quo border policies. Solving the humanitarian and security crisis at our border is one of the defining issues of our time, and I look forward to working with Congressman Biggs and other colleagues to meet this challenge.
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| Comment Period for Texas Coastal Study Extended |
Last month, I sent a letter to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers proposing that the comment period for the Texas Coastal Study be extended. I am happy to report that the public comment period for input has been extended to February 8. I will also note that there will not be additional town hall meetings.
To read the letter I sent to the Corps of Engineers, please click here.
For more information on the Texas Coastal Study, please click here. |
| National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day |
Wednesday was National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day.
I hope each of us took the time to thank our law enforcement professionals for putting it all on the line to protect our communities and loved ones. We owe so much to these brave men and women.
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| Toledo Bend Flood Damage |
This week, my staff examined the serious damage in Deweyville caused by excessive flooding in the region.
If you were impacted, I encourage you to write a letter to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and email it to Lanie Brown, my Regional Director, at lanie.brown@mail.house.gov so I can show FERC the magnitude of the destruction that has continued occurring in recent years to properties south of the Toledo Bend Dam.
We need FERC regulations to be adjusted so dam operators are able to make the necessary decisions to protect those downriver when flooding is expected.
I will be walking into FERC headquarters with these letters in my hand to personally make the case to FERC administrators that their inaction on this issue is causing harm to real people in my district and FERC must remedy this problem – and fast. It is an honor to represent the people of the 36th District of Texas and I will always fight for their interests. As always, if any of the people I serve have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call my Orange office at 409-883-8075
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| Meeting with Houston Business Leaders |
I had a great visit with several Houston business leaders on Tuesday.
These are such important events because it keeps me notified on what issues companies and other local businesses are facing.
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| Recognizing Pinehurst Officers Lockett and Norton |
On Tuesday, at a Pinehurst City Council Meeting, Lanie Brown, Regional Director on my staff, presented a Certificate of Special Recognition to Pinehurst Police Officer Joshua Lockett (pictured below) for saving the life of a gentleman who had been involved in an industrial accident on December 7, that resulted in the loss of his arm.
She also presented a Certificate of Special Recognition to Officer Kevin Norton (pictured below) for his quick and decisive action on December 29, that saved the life of a four year old child who was not breathing as a result of a choking incident. Officer Norton was able to clear the child’s airway and administer rescue breathing.
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