Friday was a sad reminder of the urgent need to make our schools and communities safer. While my prayers continue to be with the students, families and staff of Santa Fe High School - we need action. In fact, I spoke on the House floor the night before the shooting occurred laying out my vision for protecting our communities from targeted violence by learning from the Secret Service.

It's time we address the failure to connect the dots prior to mass shootings. Enough is enough.

Watch my full speech here.

I joined the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology for a hearing on America’s presence in low-earth orbit, addressing among many issues the future of the International Space Station (ISS) transition. As the representative for Johnson Space Center (JSC) and Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Space, I am extremely aware of the importance of ISS to the hardworking folks at JSC and take with the utmost seriousness questions regarding the ISS transition. I am proud that America has led and will continue to lead the human exploration of the cosmos, and I will do everything in my power to support NASA in their quest to achieve this.  

Watch my full remarks here. 

This past week was National Police Week, a time of recognizing and honoring all law enforcement officers for their work to keep us safe. I had the privilege to welcome 30 of Harris County’s finest, as well as Pasadena, TX Mayor Jeff Wagner (pictured above). My deepest gratitude goes out to these folks, as well as all the great officers in TX-36 who serve to protect.

I had a great time joining SystemsGo for their annual rocket launch in Anahuac, TX. Some of the students who participated are part of the Students for Space Congressional Advisory Council program, which I started for students in the 36^th district last year to encourage involvement in STEM and science. I am optimistic about the future of space exploration with these creative and innovative students.

The results are in for Texas following last month’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, with almost 82,000 pounds of old prescriptions drugs turned in throughout the state. Thanks to all the organizers and constituents who participated in this effort. If you were unable to make it on April 28, you can still turn in your old prescription drugs by finding a drop-off location here.