| Babin Issues Statement on the Phase III Coronavirus Relief Package |
The Phase III coronavirus relief package (the CARES Act) was far from perfect, but the American people and the economy need immediate help to address this unprecedented crisis. This package contained many components that will stimulate our economy, provide resources for hospitals and health care workers, relief for small businesses and their employees, support for state and local governments, and help for American workers. It’s for this reason that I support its passage.
I am relieved that Speaker Pelosi’s ploy to include many of her socialist wish list of Green New Deal policies failed earlier this week. It’s also important to note that this package did ❌not❌ include a pay raise for Members of Congress as has been inaccurately reported on Facebook and other media outlets.
I have full confidence that President Trump and his Administration will use these funds responsibly and do what is necessary to protect the American people and defeat this pandemic while sustaining the viability of our economy and workforce until the threat of this virus has passed.
In the meantime, I will continue to pray and fight to ensure the residents of Texas’s 36th Congressional District remain safe and have the resources they need to continue the battle against COVID-19. Together, we will win, and America will rise stronger than ever before. |
| The CARES Act: Frequently Asked Questions |
Many of you may have specific questions regarding the contents of the CARES Act or how it can help you and/or your business. I've put together the document below to help provide you with answers!
|
| CBP Officers Continue to Protect America's Sovereignty and Citizens |
The duties of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) do not stop because America is going through a global health pandemic.
Earlier this week, CBP officers seized nearly $37 million worth of meth hidden within a commercial shipment of tomatoes at the Colombia-Solidarity Bridge in Laredo, Texas.
The brave men and women of CBP work tirelessly every single day to protect America's sovereignty as well as every citizen residing within its borders.
To read CBP's press release, please click here.
|
| Holding China Accountable for its Deliberate and Deceitful Actions |
The People’s Republic of China withheld vital information about COVID-19 for months. Had China been open and truthful from the beginning the virus might have been contained and much more limited. Many lives would have been saved and the tremendous economic damage we’re experiencing might have been much less.
The Communist regime must be held accountable for its deceitful, deliberate, and reckless actions. I'm proud to join Congressman Jim Banks' bipartisan resolution to do just that.
|
| A Personal Message from Your Congressman |
While Senate Democrats were still obstructing the passage of the CARES Act earlier this week, I took a moment to write down a few of my thoughts. As your Representative and voice in the halls of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC, I wanted to share them with you.
|
| The OIG Warns the Public of a Social Security Scam |
ATTENTION: The Inspector General of Social Security, Gail Ennis, is warning the public about fraudulent letters threatening suspension of Social Security benefits due to COVID-19 or coronavirus-related office closures. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will not suspend or discontinue benefits because their offices are closed.
Read Inspector General Ennis’ full letter below.
|
| The FDA Approves New COVID-19 Test |
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized a new COVID-19 diagnostic test that will provide results in hours instead of days! The FDA's rapid action to approve this tool will allow for more tests to reach Americans who need them.
|
| Slowing the Spread by Social Distancing |
Social distancing is key to slowing the spread of COVID-19 and keeping your families, neighbors, and communities safe. Every American has a role to play in defeating this disease!
|
| Small Business Administration Offering Low-Interest Federal Disaster Loans |
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering designated states and territories low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses and private, non-profit organizations suffering substantial economic injury as a result of COVID-19.
You can view additional resources as well as steps to submit for a SBA loan by clicking the link below.
|
| Honoring America's Vietnam Veterans |
On this National Vietnam War Veterans Day, please join me in thanking the 9 million men and women who answered the call to serve their country. In the coming months, my office and I will be partnering with the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration to recognize the honorable service of these Americans and give them the “Welcome Home” they were due so many years ago. Stay tuned for additional details!
|
|
|
  
|
|
| ICYMI: Texas to Receive More Than One Million Masks Per Week |
Earlier this week, Governor Abbott provided an update on incoming supplies of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and other resources to aid Texas’s response to COVID-19. He stated that the Lone Star State will soon be receiving more than one million masks per week.
Read more below!
|
| ICE Deports Illegal Aliens and Brings Back Stranded Americans |
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) worked with the State Department this week to bring home a total of 209 American citizens who were stranded in Central America due to restrictions related to the coronavirus pandemic.
These individuals caught a ride on the return trip of two illegal alien removal flights leaving from Honduras and El Salvador via ICE Air Operations. |
| Remembering Michael Westbrook |
My most sincere condolences remain with the family and friends of Michael Westbrook. Michael was an admired and influential member of the community, and his legacy will certainly live on through each of the lives he touched over the years.
Please take a moment to pray for this family during such a tragic and heartbreaking time.
|
| Supporting Small Businesses During National Crisis |
As America continues its fight to defeat COVID-19, we must remember to support our small businesses! Order takeout from your favorite restaurant, shop online, or show your support by buying a gift card to use in the future.
|
| Helping to Bring Southeast Texans Home |
My staff and I have worked tirelessly over the past couple of weeks to make sure these great people of faith, and residents of Southeast Texas, made it back to the U.S. after the Honduran government closed their borders in response to COVID-19.
With great cooperation between my office, the State Department, and the American Embassy in Tegucigalpa we were able to get clearance for them to be evacuated.
A big thank you to everyone involved!
|
| Current COVID-19 Numbers in the U.S. |
As of March 28, 2020, the current number of confirmed COVID-19 cases and deaths in the U.S. are as follows:
Total Cases: 103,321
Total Deaths: 1,668
These numbers have most likely changed as more tests are becoming available each day. You can keep track on the CDC's webpage below.
|
| 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.
|
| Joining the Global Day of Prayer |
Today, I am joining countless others for a Global Day of Prayer asking the Lord to heal those affected by COVID-19 and protect the numerous first responders and medical providers on the front lines treating patients. I'm also praying that our leaders on the national, state, and local levels continue to seek God’s wisdom as they wrestle with tough decisions in the coming days.
“Fear not” is the most common commandment given in Scripture. At a time when many are fearful, I find much comfort knowing that my faith is firmly in the Lord. Nothing is too big or too small for God. With His help and guidance, we will win the battle against COVID-19. Trust in His plan, and do not be afraid.
|
| We Are All in This Together |
I'm proud to see companies and corporations big and small willing to step up and do what's required to help create and distribute the medical supplies needed to combat this virus.
We are all in this together.
|
| 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.
|
| Recognizing Medal of Honor Day |
Thursday marked Medal of Honor Day, where we remembered all those who’ve received our nation’s highest award for valor in combat. We will be forever grateful for the selfless service and sacrifices these patriots made while defending the freedoms and liberties we all hold so dear.
|
| A Message from the Humane Society |
Now is a great time to adopt a new pet in order to reduce the potential strain on shelters. You can also offer to foster an animal in case shelters start receiving an increase in requests for foster care of pets who have seriously ill or hospitalized owners.
The Humane Society encourages those interested to reach out to shelters and rescue groups to see how they can help as many shelters throughout the region are well over capacity and working in crisis mode.
For more information on adopting a pet, please click here. |
|
