| Congratulating NASA and SpaceX on Historic Space Launch |
Congratulations to the NASA and SpaceX teams on the successful launch of SpaceX Crew Dragon carrying U.S. astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley to the International Space Station. Yesterday, for the first time in nearly a decade, an American rocket, launched American astronauts, from American soil.
Since my service in Congress began in 2015, I have worked tirelessly as the Chairman, and now Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics to make the Commercial Crew program a reality. Seeing this first crewed flight take place is an incredible source of pride for me. For too long, we have been dependent on Russia to put Americans into space – that dependence has officially ended.
Representing NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC) – the lead center for human spaceflight – is a tremendous honor, and I'm incredibly proud of the achievements being made there every day. After yesterday's launch, the hardworking men and women at JSC immediately began preparing for the arrival of the Demo-2 crew to the ISS, which occurred earlier today.
Thanks to the leadership of President Trump and Vice President Pence, our space program has been reignited. I'm looking forward to continuing the fight in Congress to ensure America remains the preeminent spacefaring nation in the world. With the successful launch and the arrival of our astronauts at the ISS behind us, we must now turn our focus to the rest of the mission, culminating in the safe return of these American heroes. |
| Opposing House Democrats' Proxy Voting Rule |
I was elected to represent the great people of Texas’ 36th Congressional District, and it has been a tremendous honor to do so for going on five years. For centuries, Members of Congress have been elected to come to the U.S. Capitol to act as the voice of their constituents and vote on bills to strengthen America, keep it and its people safe, and help them to thrive. House Democrats’ proxy voting rule takes away the constitutional duty of every member, and I oppose it completely.
I will never utilize the constitutionally dubious provisions included in H.Res. 965 for proxy voting. Period.
Read my full press release below.
|
| Dismantling the Last Relic of the Failed Iran Nuclear Deal |
Iran cannot be trusted. I've been pushing for President Trump to end the remaining "civil nuclear" waivers – covering all unfinished JCPOA-originating nuclear projects in Iran – for nearly a year. This move destroys the last relic of the failed Obama-era Iran Nuclear Deal once and for all.
|
| U.S. Military Seizes $28 Million in Cocaine |
Earlier this month, the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Navy intercepted a semi-submersible containing 1,400 kilos of cocaine worth $28 million. The brave men and women of our military are working hard every day to stop narco-traffickers and prevent dangerous drugs from reaching American shores.
|
| IMPORTANT UPDATE: Coronavirus Food Assistance Program Now Accepting Applications |
The Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) is now accepting applications from farmers, ranchers, and producers being negatively impacted by COVID-19. This program will provide great assistance to agriculture producers hurting right now.
View more information on CFAP by clicking the link below!
|
| Fighting for Small Businesses |
I will not stand idly by while companies – predominantly those who deal in firearms and ammunition – are discriminated against by financial institutions while trying to access the PPP and other SBA recovery loan programs during this difficult time.
|
| President Trump Continues to Prioritize the Wellbeing of Americans |
President Trump has again shown that the wellbeing of Americans remains top priority. Brazil is dealing with a major outbreak of COVID-19. While our economy reopens, we cannot allow those from coronavirus hotspots to enter our nation and infect our citizens.
|
| The House Passes the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act |
The Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) has been a lifeline for millions of America’s small businesses during the ongoing pandemic. As our economy continues to reopen, small businesses are being asked to comply with the changing restrictions that are contained within each of these phases. In turn, many need more flexibility for the terms of their PPP loans – the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act (H.R. 7010) guarantees just that, and I’m proud to have voted for it.
I urge the Senate to quickly pass this important legislation so it can begin to aid small businesses and help them survive this challenging time.
To read my entire press release, please click here.
|
|
|
  
|
|
| Responding to the Protests and Violent Riots Taking Place Across America |
We must restore order. The tragic death of George Floyd in Minneapolis at the hands of law enforcement deserves an investigation and accountability for the police officers involved, which President Trump has called for. However, that in no way excuses the rioting, theft, and arson of criminals and thugs who appear to have a free pass to openly commit their crimes of violence in Minneapolis and other cities around the country – including Houston.
Unfortunately, the police and fire departments are nowhere to be found amidst some of the worst violence. Local and state elected officials absolutely have the duty to restore law and order, protect businesses and citizens, and arrest those responsible for their violence and criminal activity.
|
| America's Leaving the World Health Organization (WHO) |
America should not pay one cent more to an organization that would rather pander to Communist China than report truthful information – especially during a pandemic. President Trump made the right call to withdraw the U.S. from the WHO.
|
| ICYMI: Governor Abbott's Important Request for Polk County |
On Wednesday, Governor Abbott requested that the U.S. Small Business Administration declare Polk County a disaster area to allow those who suffered from the devastating tornado last month the ability to access disaster loans. If this ask is approved, the SBA could provide much-needed assistance for those eligible (citizens and businesses) in Polk County who are still trying to recover from the damage left by the storm.
More details can be found in the Governor's release linked below.
|
| Remembering a True American Hero |
I was saddened to hear of the passing of my friend, fellow Texan, and American hero, Sam Johnson, this week.
It was an honor to serve in Congress with this true patriot who, in Vietnam, was shot down while flying his F-4 Phantom. He bravely endured seven years of torture and solitary confinement before he was finally released to come home and be reunited with his family.
I will miss his guidance and friendship and am praying for his loved ones.
|
| President Trump's Executive Order Preventing Online Censorship |
Social media companies who claim to be "neutral platforms" shouldn't have the ability to censor/delete certain opinions they don't agree with. It's a violation of free speech and an attempt to shape the perception of public events to fit their own narrative.
|
| LCM's Jack Burke Earns a Spot in the Texas Masters |
Congratulations to Little Cypress-Mauriceville's (LCM) Jack Burke on earning a spot to play in the Texas Masters – such a great accomplishment!
|
| New York's Ridiculous Reopening Restrictions |
New York needs to rethink these bizarre restrictions. Beaches can open but no swimming allowed? Tennis courts can open but no double matches or touching tennis balls? What happened to personal responsibility? I'm glad that I live in a state free of these socialist policies.
|
| 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.
|
| Current COVID-19 Numbers in the U.S. |
As of May 30, 2020, the current number of confirmed COVID-19 cases and deaths in the U.S. are as follows:
Total Cases: 1,737,950
Total Deaths: 102,785
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.
|
| 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.
|
|
