| Babin Introduces Bill Allowing Open Competition, Ensuring That PVC and Plastics Can Compete in Rebuilding America's Infrastructure |
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This week, I introduced the Municipal Infrastructure Savings and Transparency Act, legislation to open up the bidding and development process for federally-funded public works projects and allow them to incorporate innovative and cost-effective building materials, including PVC and plastics which too often have been excluded from being considered. These products not only benefit the tens of thousands of folks working in our region’s petrochemical factories, but they have the potential of lowering project costs, extending the life of projects, and saving taxpayer money.
Congress has an obligation to get the most out of every taxpayer dollar it spends, but that is simply not happening right now with federally-funded public works projects. This legislation empowers engineers and architects on federally-funded projects by allowing them to choose from a full spectrum of building materials and components, and not just those that a municipal government deems appropriate. Instead of government picking winners and losers when it comes to building materials, it shifts that responsibility and final judgment to where it belongs – the engineers and architects doing the construction.
To read the full press release and the bill text, please click here.
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| Federal Court Upholds Texas Bill Cracking Down on Sanctuary Cities |
I’m proud of the 5th Circuit Court's decision to allow Texas to continue cracking down on sanctuary cities. Criminal aliens should NOT be allowed to hide from law enforcement in illegal sanctuary cities. The safety and security of law-abiding Texans and American citizens should come FIRST.
Babin Chairs Hearing on 2019 NASA
Budget Proposal |
Our House Space Subcommittee held a hearing with Acting NASA Administrator, Robert Lightfoot, on NASA’s proposed 2019 budget.
I have serious questions about the proposal to move long-term operation of the International Space Station from NASA to the private sector and inquired about those plans which are still in the development stage. I also pressed Administrator Lightfoot on core center roles for NASA's Johnson Space Center(JSC) with respect to human exploration as NASA moves beyond low Earth orbit. I want to ensure that JSC remains a vibrant, critical NASA Center and will work aggressively to oversee planning by NASA on these important programs.
| Supporting Sanctions on Russia |
I welcome the steps taken by the Trump Administration, this week, to sanction Russia and begin to hold them accountable in the aftermath of their acts of mischief, aggression, cyber attacks and attempts to influence U.S. elections.
We must stand with our strongest ally, The United Kingdom, and our other allies to make sure those engaged in these actions are brought to justice. This behavior should never be tolerated.
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Visited with Silsbee High School Band This Week
It was a pleasure talking with members of the Silsbee High School Marching Band while they were in Washington, D.C.
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Record Number of Americans Employed
313,000 more American jobs were created last month as unemployment rates continue to drop to 50 year lows. Job growth is on the rise across all sectors: Manufacturing added 31,000, Construction (61,000), Retail and Business Services (100,000). Tax cuts are putting Americans to work.
The number of Americans employed reached a record 155,215,000, employing more Americans than any time in our nation’s history. Less burdensome regulation and lower taxes put in place by the Trump Administration and Republicans in Congress are paying off for the American economy with more jobs, higher wages and better employee benefits.
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| Met with Liberty & Polk Community Health Center Staff |
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Community Health Centers are vitally important to many of our communities. It was a pleasure to visit with Steven Racciato, Maggie Estrada, and Eisha Jones representing Health Center of Southeast Texas to hear about the care they’re providing for those who need it most.
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Constituent Photos of the Week
I enjoyed welcoming the Fogo Family from Sour Lake, TX to Washington.
Also in the office this week was the McManus Family from Jasper, TX. My staff and I always enjoy greeting fellow Texans and constituents that stop by our office!
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