| Another Democratic Organization Opposes the Green New Deal |
I applaud the AFL-CIO for standing strong against one of the “real” leaders of today’s Democratic party, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, by opposing her disastrous Green New Deal (GND) proposal.
The AFL-CIO is a bedrock organization of the Democratic party and represents more than 12 million current and retired workers. Thousands of their members in the energy, manufacturing and other sectors would lose their jobs under the GND, with no plan in place for them afterwards. They also recognize that the greatest burden brought on by this proposal will be carried by working families using even more of their paychecks for basic necessities like electricity, housing, gasoline (until it's outlawed!) and food.
The reasons why the outrageous GND must be rejected increase by the day!
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| Optimus Steel Site Visit |
We have so many amazing, state-of-the-art production facilities in our diverse district! I put my hard hat on to tour the Optimus Steel plant in Vidor on Wednesday.
This steel mill creates coiled rebar, wired rods, and billets. I was able to tour the electric arc furnace and rolling mill as well as meet many of the employees working hard at their jobs.
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| Democrats' One-Size-Fits-All Health Care |
Democrat leaders are focusing their "Uncle Sam knows best" agenda on the issue of health care. The Chairman of the House Rules Committee is planning to hold the first-ever hearing in congressional history next week on socializing the system with a one-size-fits-all takeover of the entire industry. A single-payer system would be disasterous for the U.S. and its citizens, but they do not seem to care in the least.
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| Tyler County Pastor's Roundtable |
I was able to sit down with several pastors from Tyler County earlier this week to discuss many issues affecting our churches, communities, and country.
We had a great turn out as we discussed the tragic turn the Democrat majority in the House is making by embracing infanticide. I am doing everything I can in Washington to fight this atrocity and defend the lives of our children. A few weeks ago, I signed onto a discharge petition to force Speaker Pelosi to hold a vote on the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act (H.R. 962). This bill would require a doctor to exercise the same level of care to survivors of a failed abortion procedure as they would provide to any other infant. This life-saving legislation should not be partisan, but sadly it is. I will continue to work with my colleagues in the House to try and get this, and other pro-life legislation, passed and sent to the Senate.
We also spoke about my bill, the TAPS Act (H.R. 838), that provides a solution to make our schools, churches, and communities safer. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation will help mitigate future occurrences of targeted violence. The TAPS Act aims to prevent these horrific tragedies by focusing more on prevention, not just reaction.
As a devoted Christian, roundtables like these remain close to my heart, and I appreciate everyone who was in attendance.
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| Woodville Hardwoods |
On Thursday, I had a great visit at Woodville Hardwoods where the manager, Cody Anthony (pictured below), took me around the sawmill and demonstrated their various operations.
We discussed the positive impact that this sawmill has had on Woodville as well as the entire county for many years.
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| National Prescription Drug Take Back Day |
Yesterday on National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, thousands of Americans disposed of their old prescription drugs at hundreds of locations across the country. I hope folks in the 36th District of Texas were able to take part. The ongoing opioid crisis is a public health issue that we can all have a role in addressing.
Too many prescription drugs find their way into the wrong hands because they are sitting unused or expired in homes across the nation. Be sure to look in your home medicine cabinets and dispose of any old medication. It can save lives. |
| Gulf Coast Plant Tour |
Thursday afternoon, I traveled to Jasper to meet with folks who work at Gulf Coast, a company which provides asphalt/paving, construction services, industrial, and builder’s products to the region’s growing economy.
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| Immigration Laws Must Be Changed |
Immigration laws must be changed, and quick, if we are going to stop the massive influx of immigrants that continue to illegally pour across our southern border. The number of illegal migrants being released into the interior of our country, never to be seen again, continue to increase because of immigration loopholes that have yet to be addressed by Congress. We have to change our laws and secure our southern borders before we have no borders left!
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| Speaking at LSET |
This week I had the privelage of traveling to the Big Thicket to speak at Leadership Southeast Texas (LSET).
LSET has been a great advocate for Southeast Texas and has been an influential resource in a number of areas over the years. Often we talk about the need of teaching and training the youth to help raise the next generation – and LSET has been a leader in Texas doing just that.
I am always enjoy visiting the Big Thicket and seeing first-hand how these lands are such an important economic asset for not only this country, but for Southeast Texas. Here in our back yard, the Big Thicket not only touches on tourism, but also on commodity production, youth encouragement, ecosystem services, jobs, and recruiting talented individuals. We are proud that every year, millions of Americans visit our national parks and forests like the Big Thicket.
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| Emergency Preparation Supplies Tax Free Weekend is April 27-29 |
The Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management reminds residents of the Emergency Preparation Supplies Sales Tax Holiday taking place this weekend, April 27-29. This tax-free holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, April 27, and ends at midnight on Monday, April 29. There is no limit on the number of qualifying items you can purchase and you do not need an exemption certificate.
For more information, please click here. |
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