-Legislative Update-
Science Committee Approves Babin's Bipartisan NASA Authorization Act of 2018 |
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The Committee on Science, Space and Technology passed my National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Authorization Act of 2018 (H.R. 5503) with bipartisan support. H.R. 5503 is forward-looking for NASA and our nation’s space program by providing robust funding to the Space Launch System, Orion and the International Space Station. It also ensures that America will continue to lead the world in human space flight, exploration, aeronautics and scientific research. You can find the full overview of my bill here.
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Fixing the IRS and Protecting Taxpayers
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The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act modernized our outdated tax code. Now it’s time to fix the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). I was proud to support legislation in the House this week to do just that by reforming the IRS and holding it accountable. Our legislation:
✓ Puts taxpayers first by cutting IRS bureaucracy and streamlining the customer service process.
✓ Defends the rights of Americans by overhauling IRS enforcement tools to protect their property from being taken without due process.
✓ Protects taxpayers by putting the burden of proof back on the IRS when disputes arise.
✓ Secures personal taxpayer information by improving IRS technology and cyber security to prevent identity theft.
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| Dispose of Old Prescription Drugs on Saturday, April 28 |
April 28 is the day Americans will dispose of their old prescription drugs at hundreds of locations across the country. Join National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 28 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at drop-off locations around the country, including many in the 36th District. This day provides a safe, convenient and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the public about the potential for abuse of medications. Click here to find a collection site near you. I encourage all folks in TX-36 to take part. |
| Condemning Turkey for Wrongful Imprisonment of American Pastor Andrew Brunson |
Last week, a Turkish court made the unjust decision to keep Andrew Brunson, an American Christian Pastor falsely accused of treason, in custody in Turkey.
Pastor Brunson’s arrest and ongoing incarceration is a disgrace and a miscarriage of justice. It is shameful to accuse a Christian pastor who has preached for more than 25 years in Turkey of treason. Such actions show just how far Turkey, one of our own NATO allies, has fallen under the rule of dictator Recep Erdoğan. Erdoğan has stripped millions of people of their most basic rights, including freedom of religion, and he should pay a heavy price for this outrage. We witnessed his extreme actions first hand on our own soil last year when he sent his guards to attack peaceful protesters and American law enforcement officers outside of the Turkish Embassy in Washington, D.C. I am calling for Turkey to immediately release Brunson. I also think that it may be time to re-evaluate our formerly good relationship with this repressive regime. |
| Accepting Applications for Wounded Warrior Staff |
| Our office has been selected by the U.S. Congress to hire a wounded warrior or medically retired veteran for a two-year paid fellowship through the House Wounded Warrior Program. The U.S. House of Representatives established this program to assist recently discharged wounded warriors transitioning from active duty. Qualified veterans must meet the following requirements that have been established by the House Administration Committee: honorably discharged, released from active duty within the last five years, terminal pay grades at or below E-5 or O-3, 20% or greater service connected disabilities (waived if you have a Purple Heart). Interested veterans are required to apply through www.USAjobs.gov and search “Wounded Warrior Fellowship Program." |
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FEMA Transitional Sheltering Assistance Deadline Extended to May 31
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The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has extended the deadline for Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) for Hurricane Harvey survivors. TSA helps displaced individuals, who are unable to return to their homes, find short-term shelter in hotels or other temporary housing locations. The TSA deadline has been extended to May 31, 2018, with a check-out date of June 1, 2018. Disaster victims with questions regarding their TSA program eligibility or status may contact the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 for assistance.
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| Snapshots From the Week |
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It was my privilege to join this group of middle school students from Woodville, Warren and Chester, TX for their recent tour of the U.S. Capitol. My D.C. staff and I always enjoy having the opportunity to meet with students from the District.
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Roxanne and I had the opportunity to speak to Tyler County school children about the importance of science and technology in our country today. |
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We recently made a trip to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. I really enjoyed visiting with Brody Jenkins from Deer Park, TX, who is finishing up his first year. We are proud of Brody and all of our service academy students from the 36th Congressional District. Join us for our Service Academy Day in Deer Park and Lumberton, TX on Saturday, May 12.
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| It was great to meet with these maritime representatives from southeast Texas: Matt Woodruff, Richard Freed and Kelly Teichman. |
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