| Shutdown Ends, Border Negotiations Continue |
| On Friday, Jan. 25, the President reached a deal to end the shutdown and fund the government for three weeks. I am glad our federal employees will receive their paychecks with backpay while negotiations to fund border security continue. |
| Babin Continues Fighting for Federal Contractors |
I have voted for and the President has signed into law legislation protecting civil servants, but we must make sure the same security is provided to contractors. As things stand, our contractors will not receive back-pay for time missed during the shutdown. These contractors and their families are facing the same hardships as our civil servants, and we must do what we can to return them to work and treat them equitably. I will continue doing all I can for both our federal employees and contractors and working to bring all sides to the negotiating table to fully fund our government and critical border security needs.
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| The Border Crisis |
I was glad to accompany several of my colleagues to Arizona’s southern border last weekend. We traveled throughout several border cities where we inspected many border patrol stations, examined the effectiveness of existing fencing, and spoke with border patrol agents, law enforcement and ranchers about the dire need to strengthen our border infrastructure. As you can see, in some places needing security upgrades, a rope is all that keeps criminal aliens, gang members, sex traffickers, child smugglers, and drugs out of our country. Once again, I reiterate just how crucial border security is to the safety of the American people. The time for action is now.
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| Commissioning of the USS Michael Monsoor |
On Saturday, I had the privilege of attending the commissioning of the brand new state of the art destroyer USS Michael Monsoor in San Diego, CA. It was named after Medal of Honor winner Petty Officer Michael Monsoor, US Navy SEAL, SEAL Team 3 who was killed in action in September, 2006 in Ramadi, Iraq.
During a fire fight in Iraq in 2006, he selflessly dove on a hand grenade saving his platoon mates thereby sacrificing himself. My son Leif was his fellow teammate at the time, and it was a great honor to participate in this event where old and new SEAL teammates gathered together to honor their heroic friend and commission a tremendous new ship to add to our fleet in the arsenal of the U.S. Navy. It was an honor to be in attendance. |
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| West Chambers County Chamber of Commerce Banquet |
It was an honor to be the keynote speaker Thursday night at the West Chambers County Chamber of Commerce Banquet. I am thankful to Chamber President Missy Malechek and the Chamber Board for all they do for the surrounding communities each year.
We were able to accomplish a lot for the good people of Chambers County during the 115th Congress.
My staff and I worked hard to secure Army Corps of Engineers funding for Cedar Bayou, and we were able to get $9 million for navigational upgrades and flood mitigation. I was also able to secure an amendment to the FAA bill that waived Chambers County’s FEMA debt. This was a huge win for our entire district.
L-R: Chambers County Sheriff Brian C. Hawthorne, Deputy Braedon Boznango, Deputy Carlton Carrington, and State Rep. Mayes Middleton (HD-23)
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I had the opportunity to recognize two heroic deputies, Braedon Boznango and Carlton Carrington, who just recently rescued a man from a burning vehicle. I have seen the video footage and am very impressed by their courage and decisive action.
Thanks again to everyone who worked hard to create such a fantastic event. I will always look for ways to advance the interests of TX-36 in Washington.
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| Commissioning of the USS Michael Monsoor (cont'd) |
It was great visiting with Admiral Collin Green, commander of Naval Special Warfare Command
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