| Additional Paycheck Protection Program Funding Finally Passes Congress |
The Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) has been a lifeline for our nation’s small businesses. Democrats knew that this critical program would run out of money, but unlike Republicans, they chose not to act. For two weeks, Democrats held additional aid hostage in order to push for their radical, socialist policies to be included in this relief package, even though millions were waiting for help.
I’m disgusted that Democrats in Congress continue to exploit a global pandemic and economic crisis in order to selfishly push their own agenda. This aid package should have been passed immediately. Americans are suffering, and for the second time Democrats have made it clear that they don’t care.
This is not the time for petty, partisan games. Americans need Congress to do its job quickly to get the necessary resources where they need to go in order to defeat this virus. I’m relieved that the PPP, which has already processed more than $340 billion in loans, will soon receive more funds to help U.S. small businesses survive this difficult time.
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| A Tornado Strikes TX-36 |
My prayers are with all impacted by Wednesday’s devastating tornado. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic most people were inside their homes at the time.
On Thursday, I spoke to many of the elected officials of Polk County – which was hit the hardest by the tornado – including Polk County Judge Sydney Murphy, Commissioner Ronnie Vincent, and Sheriff Kenneth Hammack. Judge Murphy surveyed the tornado's destruction via helicopter Thursday morning and relayed to me that the impacted region "looked like a giant lawnmower mowed a great swath over the whole area."
I also spoke with Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) Chief, Nim Kidd, and Governor Greg Abbott. I thanked the Governor for his rapid disaster declaration for Polk County. Currently, damages are still being assessed to determine if the threshold is met for FEMA participation.
I greatly appreciate the local first responders, neighbors, and teams sent in by the Governor and TDEM to help find victims and treat the injured. I will continue working to ensure resources get to those left devastated by this natural disaster.
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| Babin Joins the Houston Newsmakers |
I joined the Houston Newsmakers last weekend to discuss my thoughts on the national and regional response to COVID-19, the potential for a "Phase IV" response package, reopening the economy, and more.
Watch my entire interview below!
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| President Trump Suspends Immigration to U.S. |
President Trump continues to put the American people first! As our economy looks to reopen soon, we must ensure the 22 million U.S. citizens currently unemployed have the ability to find new jobs without having to compete against new immigrants coming to work in our country.
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| Congressman Crenshaw Sets the Record Straight |
Congressman Dan Crenshaw sets the record straight. The Left continues to promote a false narrative with the sole purpose of making President Trump out to be a villain.
The President and his Administration have worked tirelessly to protect our nation and the American people. Spreading lies because you hate Donald Trump doesn't change the actual facts.
This is a must watch!
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| Appreciating our U.S. Transportation and Infrastructure Sectors |
As COVID-19 continues to impact communities across the nation, workers in the transportation and infrastructure sectors are stepping up and doing their part in helping us battle this global pandemic.
To those who keep us moving, we are with you, we support you, and we thank you.
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| Requesting the DOS and DOJ Sue China |
China’s Communist Regime violated the 2005 International Health Regulations when they deliberately lied to the world about COVID-19. I joined Congressman Jim Banks’ letter asking the Department of State and Department of Justice to sue China for the harm they caused millions with their deceit.
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| Rep. AOC Celebrates Seeing Millions Lose Their Jobs |
It’s despicable that socialist Democrats like AOC would ever take pleasure in seeing millions of U.S. energy workers losing their jobs. I promise to fight until my last breath against their disastrous radical agenda, which would absolutely destroy our economy and bankrupt our nation.
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| Fighting for Rural Hospitals |
Rural hospital staff all across Southeast Texas have been working around-the-clock to protect their communities and defeat the COVID-19 outbreak. The ongoing health pandemic has negatively impacted the revenue of rural facilities, making it even more critical that they receive the resources needed to keep their doors open.
Our brave health care workers should not have to fear whether they will receive a paycheck each month. I’m relieved that the Administration listened to my requests for this change in statute and afforded our rural hospitals the eligibility to participate in the SBA's Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).
Read full press release below.
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| Thanking Orange County First Responders |
I’m grateful to Officer Kevin Norton for broadcasting my phone call on his cruiser’s PA system Thursday morning so I could relay my appreciation to all of the Orange County first responders who’ve been working tirelessly on the front lines of this pandemic.
Thank you all for your continued hard work and dedication to keeping the citizens of Orange County safe!
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| China's Deceptive Actions Must Have Consequences |
It’s incredible that Democrats and the mainstream media would rather lay false blame on President Trump than point a finger at the TRUE culprit behind this pandemic – China. The deceptive actions of China must have consequences.
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| Democrats Exploit National Crisis |
It’s absurd to think that ANY elected official would exploit a national crisis to push for policies that would endanger the lives of American citizens. Sadly, many Democrats in Congress did just that. They should be incredibly ashamed of themselves.
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| Remembering the Battle of San Jacinto |
Tuesday marked 184 years since General Sam Houston’s Texian Army overwhelmed the Mexican Army led by the dictator General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna in just 18 minutes. The decisive victory at the Battle of San Jacinto secured Texas’s independence from Mexico and changed the course of history forever.
As a lifelong student of Texas history, and former Texas Historical Commission board member, I am proud to have the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site in the 36th Congressional District.
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| Speaker Pelosi Chooses Ice Cream Over Americans |
It's a sad day when the Speaker of the House is more interested in showing the nation her stash of ice cream than securing more funding for a critical program to help hurting Americans and their businesses.
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| COVID-19 Call Centers |
If you're experiencing flu-like symptoms (fever or cough), shortness of breath, or believe you've been exposed to the novel coronavirus, please call your county's COVID-19 call center.
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| Current COVID-19 Numbers in the U.S. |
As of April 25, 2020, the current number of confirmed COVID-19 cases and deaths in the U.S. are as follows:
Total Cases: 895,766
Total Deaths: 50,439
These numbers have most likely changed as more tests are becoming available each day. You can keep track on the CDC's webpage below.
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| Stay Tuned to the CDC's Website |
Remember you can always find current information and guidance on COVID-19 by visiting the CDC's regularly updated website.
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| Stay Updated on COVID-19 Cases in Texas |
To view the latest number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Texas or get answers to Texas-specific questions or concerns, please visit the Texas Department of State Health Services' website below.
You can also contact them by calling (877) 570-9779 or by emailing coronavirus@dshs.texas.gov.
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