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Babin, Cruz Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Protect MQ-9 Capabilities and Preserve Air National Guard Readiness

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Babin, Cruz Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Protect MQ-9 Capabilities and Preserve Air National Guard Readiness

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representatives Brian Babin (R-TX) and Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) and Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) introduced the Sustainment of Unmanned Systems, Total Force Aircraft Inventory, and National Guard Protection (SUSTAIN) Act. This bipartisan legislation prohibits the Air Force from reducing MQ-9 units or staffing levels in ways that would erode their current operational capabilities.

Rep. Babin said, “The 147th Attack Wing at Ellington Field in my district represents exactly why this effort is urgently needed. MQ-9 units have provided the nation with persistent ISR, strike, and other critical capabilities that strengthen our national defense. The platform that delivers this capability may evolve over time, but we cannot allow the capability, expertise, and readiness these Airmen provide to disappear without a clear and responsible path forward. I am proud to lead this effort in the House alongside Rep. Houlahan and Senators Cruz, Kelly, and Slotkin to ensure these units are not left behind. At a time when our adversaries are growing more aggressive, we should not weaken our military or hollow out proven capabilities. I will keep fighting to protect Ellington Field, strengthen our Air National Guard, and ensure the United States remains the strongest and most feared military power on Earth.”

U.S. Senator Ted Cruz introduced companion legislation in the United States Senate.

Sen. Cruz said, “The MQ-9 is a proven, cost-effective platform that provides critical intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. In Texas, they were invaluable after the devastating July 4, 2025 floods, when the Texas Air National Guard’s 147th Attack Wing deployed the MQ-9 to support search, rescue, and recovery operations along the Guadalupe River. I am proud to introduce this legislation to protect the MQ-9’s operational capabilities and preserve this vital asset.”

Sen. Kelly said, “This aircraft is a critical platform for the Arizona National Guard to gather intelligence, conduct surveillance, and perform strike missions. We must invest in the best tools that strengthen our national security. With this bill we’re making sure servicemembers have the equipment they need at a time of growing global threats.”

Sen. Slotkin said, “Protecting Air National Guard missions has been a priority for me since my time in the House. The message is simple: don't take away missions from the National Guard until you have a plan to replace it. The same rule applies here. I’m glad to have bipartisan support to protect these missions and the servicemembers that form the backbone of our military, including at Battle Creek in Michigan. The SUSTAIN Act holds the Air Force to a basic standard: show us the plan before you start cutting people and planes. Our National Guard units deserve that, and our national security will be stronger because of it."

BACKGROUND

The Sustainment of Unmanned Systems, Total Force Aircraft Inventory, and National Guard Protection (SUSTAIN) Act prohibits the U.S. Air Force from reducing MQ-9 aircraft, units, or staffing levels from the date of enactment through September 30, 2032. The bill provides an exception for MQ-9 aircraft that are determined to be no longer mission-capable and too costly to repair due to a critical malfunction or if an MQ-9 unit undergoes a change of mission.

This bill has been referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.

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Chairman Babin Hosts Southeast Texas Business Roundtable

Fri, 29 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Brian Babin (TX-36) participated in a business roundtable on Wednesday, co-hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce and the Port of Beaumont.

The discussion brought together business leaders, community stakeholders, and industry representatives from across Southeast Texas to discuss key issues impacting economic growth, including tax policy, infrastructure investment, permitting reform, workforce development, and international trade.

“Southeast Texas helps power the American economy,” said Congressman Babin. "From the Port of Beaumont to our small businesses, manufacturers, energy producers, and job creators, our region plays a critical role in keeping our nation competitive. I appreciated the opportunity to hear directly from local business leaders about the challenges and opportunities they face. Congress must continue advancing policies that keep taxes low, streamline burdensome regulations, improve infrastructure, strengthen our supply chains, and ensure American businesses can compete and win."

As Chairman of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee and a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Babin emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong business climate that encourages investment, innovation, and job creation.

The Port of Beaumont remains one of the nation’s most important strategic and economic assets, serving as a critical gateway for trade, energy exports, and military readiness. Combined with the region’s manufacturing base, petrochemical industry, transportation networks, and small-business community, Southeast Texas continues to be a major driver of economic growth in Texas and across the country.

Congressman Babin thanked the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce, and the Port of Beaumont for convening the discussion and providing a valuable forum for local employers to share their perspectives.

"I will continue working with business leaders, community partners, and stakeholders across Southeast Texas to advance policies that strengthen our economy, create opportunity, and ensure our region remains a leader in American industry and commerce," Babin said.

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Babin Statement on House Passage of DHS Funding to Secure the Homeland

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Congressman Brian Babin (R-TX), Co-Chair of the Border Caucus, released the following statement after the House passed critical legislation to fully fund the Department of Homeland Security:

“For more than a month, Senate Democrats have held our homeland security hostage, refusing to fund the very agencies tasked with protecting the American people. Today, House Republicans acted to fully fund DHS, end the dysfunction, and put the safety of our nation first.

Once again, Democrats have chosen violent criminal illegal aliens over the American people. Since their push to defund and weaken homeland security, the consequences have been undeniable: a radical Islamic terrorist carrying out a mass shooting, an innocent young American college student killed by an illegal alien in Chicago, and travelers stuck in hours-long TSA lines as our system strains under pressure. The recent heartbreaking plane crash at LaGuardia Airport only underscores how vulnerable we have become.

This is the direct result of policies that prioritize those here illegally over the citizens government is meant to serve. It is an insult to every American that, even after these tragedies, Democrats refuse to stand with the law enforcement officers and border agents working tirelessly to keep our communities safe. You cannot weaken enforcement and claim to support public safety.

Enough is enough. The American people deserve a government that puts their safety first, and House Republicans will continue fighting to secure our borders, enforce our laws, and defend this nation with the strength it demands.”

Babin Statement on Iran

Sat, 28 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brian Babin, D.D.S. (TX-36) released a statement on Operation Epic Fury.

“President Trump is taking decisive action against the terrorist regime in Iran, a regime that has destabilized the Middle East, threatened our allies, and targeted Americans for nearly half a century. The era of appeasement is over. The day of accountability has arrived. For too long, Iran’s leaders have spread chaos beyond their borders while denying their own people freedom. President Trump is making clear that the United States will not tolerate nuclear ambitions nor terror proxies. America First means protecting our citizens, defending our allies, and ensuring that no hostile regime ever believes it can challenge us without consequence. I am praying for the brave men and women in uniform who are putting their lives on the line to secure the blessings of liberty for our children and grandchildren. Their courage safeguards our homeland. America stands strong. America stands resolute. And America will always defend freedom.”

Babin’s Birthright Citizenship Act Included in Republican Study Committee Budget

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 05:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Brian Babin (TX-36) announced today that his Birthright Citizenship Act has been included in the Republican Study Committee’s Fiscal Year 2026 Budget, marking a major step forward in the effort to restore the rule of law and protect the integrity of American citizenship.

The Republican Study Committee (RSC), serves as the conservative caucus of House Republicans and a leading policy force on the Right. Inclusion in the RSC budget reflects strong support among House conservatives for ending the misuse of birthright citizenship.

The Birthright Citizenship Act aligns with President Donald J. Trump’s commitment to make birthright citizenship reform a national priority and restore the 14th Amendment to its original intent.

This legislation ensures that automatic U.S. citizenship applies only to children born in the United States with at least one parent who is:

A U.S. citizen or national;
A lawful permanent resident residing in the United States; or
A lawful immigrant serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces.

“America’s citizenship laws must reflect fairness, sovereignty, and respect for the rule of law,” said Congressman Babin. “This legislation closes a dangerous loophole that encourages illegal immigration and exploits one of the most valuable privileges our nation offers. Citizenship should be protected, not abused.”

With its inclusion in the RSC budget, the Birthright Citizenship Act continues to gain momentum as Republicans advance policies that secure the border, uphold the Constitution, and put American citizens first.

Babin Votes for NDAA Advancing President Trump’s Peace Through Strength Agenda

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brian Babin, D.D.S. (TX-36) voted in favor of the Passage of S. 1071 - National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026.

“Today, I proudly voted YES on the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act. This legislation delivers on President Trump and Republicans’ promise of Peace Through Strength by ensuring the U.S. military remains the most lethal and ready force in the world,” said Babin. “The NDAA revitalizes our defense industrial base, improves the quality of life for our servicemembers with a 4% pay raise, expands cutting-edge technologies, and restores merit-based promotions and admissions to our service academies. It also roots out woke ideology, counters antisemitism, and protects America’s economic and national security interests. From strengthening our nuclear deterrent and maritime capabilities to securing our southwest border, this bill equips our military to deter adversaries and protect our homeland. I’m proud to stand with President Trump and House Republicans in delivering this critical legislation to keep America strong and safe.”

Babin Votes to Release Epstein Files

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 05:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON — Congressman Brian Babin, D.D.S. (R-TX), released the following statement after voting to release the Jeffrey Epstein files:

“Jeffrey Epstein was patient zero for Trump Derangement Syndrome. Democrats had these files for four years and did nothing; now, suddenly, they’re crying for transparency? I believe in full transparency for the American people, which is why I voted to release everything. But this is clearly just a political sideshow. Meanwhile, Stacey Plaskett (D-V.I.) was literally caught texting Epstein in the middle of a congressional hearing, and the Left says nothing. While Republicans call for real accountability, Democrats obsess over distractions, and our focus must stay on what really matters: making life more affordable for American families.” Congressman Babin said.

Background:

Over 65,000 pages of documentation, including more than 20,000 from the Epstein Estate, have been released and made public by the Republicans on the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

The Oversight Committee has also:

Released the transcript of former U.S. Attorney General William Barr’s deposition

Subpoenaed the Justice Department's records

Subpoenaed Bill and Hillary Clinton

Subpoenaed the Epstein Estate

Subpoenaed Ghislaine Maxwell

Babin Votes to End Democrat Shutdown, Reopen the Government, and Restore Fiscal Responsibility

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 05:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Brian Babin (TX-36) released the following statement after voting to end the government shutdown and reopen the federal government:

“For 43 days, Democrats held the government hostage and forced needless hardship on American families, workers, and communities. After weeks of chaos and obstruction, they finally caved to reality and joined Republicans and President Trump in reopening the government. Thanks to Republican leadership, we passed a clean, responsible continuing resolution that immediately reopens the government, blocks another bloated Christmas omnibus, and puts an end to the Democrats’ political games. Democrats caused this shutdown, inflicted the pain, and walked away with nothing. Republicans and President Trump are fighting to restore regular order, return to line-by-line budgeting, and prioritize taxpayers. We are fighting for the America First agenda and to bring fiscal sanity back to Washington.”

ICYMI: Chairman Babin in Newsmax — “Schumer’s Shutdown: Every Day ‘Gets Better’ for Democrats, Worse for America”

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 04:00:00 GMT

In case you missed it, U.S. Congressman Brian Babin (TX-36), Chairman of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, authored an op-ed in Newsmax exposing the political games behind the ongoing Democrat-led government shutdown and its devastating impact on hardworking Americans.

In his piece, Babin calls out Senate Democrats for holding the government hostage over partisan demands—hurting troops, border agents, and working families across the nation.“The American people deserve better. They deserve a government that works for them, not against them,” Babin wrote. “A government that funds its troops, secures its border, unleashes American energy, and keeps our economy strong.”

The full op-ed is available here and below.

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Schumer’s Shutdown: Every Day 'Gets Better' for Democrats, Worse for America

It didn’t have to be this way.

For three weeks, hardworking Americans, from our troops and border agents to TSA workers and park rangers, have been caught in the crossfire of a completely avoidable government shutdown.

This isn't about healthcare, protecting Americans, or fiscal responsibility. It's about politics, plain and simple. It's Trump Derangement Syndrome (TDS).

We did our job as U.S. House Republicans. We passed a clean, commonsense continuing resolution to fund the government at the same levels the Democrats themselves supported thirteen times before. We voted to keep the lights on, to pay our troops, and to protect vital health care services for the American people. But Senate Democrats, led by Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., refused. They chose to hold the government hostage in exchange for their wish list of radical left-wing policies, including a $450 billion bailout for Obamacare subsidies that were meant to be temporary COVID-19 pandemic measures.

They're dying on the hill of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), convincing Americans it's in their best interest, when all the program does is line the pockets of insurers and limit patient access to networks. They say they're fighting for you and your healthcare. In reality, their funding bill strips support for rural hospitals out of the One Big Beautiful Bill (the OBBBA). Democrats are deceiving the American people, causing pain in the process, and bragging about it.

Sen. Schumer was quoted saying, "Every day it gets better" for Democrats during this shutdown. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., has also previously declared, "It is not normal for us to shut down the government when we don't get what we want." But that's exactly what they've done. On top of that, a senior Democratic aide said they're not conceding "short of planes falling out of the sky."

Shameful.

If not for President Trump's leadership, our servicemembers and their families would still be going without paychecks. He also used $300 million of tariff revenue to temporarily fund the Women, Infants, and Children program (WIC), which many rely on. He used his authority to reallocate funds so that the men and women who defend our freedom, and our most vulnerable, wouldn't suffer because of Washington's dysfunction. However, millions of American families are feeling the ripple effects. From delayed travel and suspended small business loans to missed paychecks and strained household budgets, the consequences are real, and unnecessary. It has been estimated that Texas's Gross State Product is declining by approximately $1.4 billion each week, and 4,100 people will have lost their jobs.

And that's just in Texas.

This is what happens when Democrats put politics before people. When they prioritize their party's talking points over the livelihoods of Americans. When they weaponize the federal government to score headlines instead of doing their jobs. Make no mistake: this shutdown is not about Republicans refusing to fund the government, it's about Democrats refusing to lead responsibly. It was only one year ago that Sen. Schumer said, "Keeping the government open will mean no poison pills or reckless partisan posturing."

It'd be nice if he could stand by those beliefs now.

The American people deserve better. They deserve a government that works for them, not against them. A government that funds its troops, secures its border, unleashes American energy, and keeps our economy strong. House Republicans have already shown we're willing to do the work. Thirty-two days ago, we voted to keep the government open, and we haven't gone anywhere. It's time for Senate Democrats to stop playing games, end this political stunt, and get back to governing.

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Babin Statement on Impending Government Shutdown: “Delivering Results, Not Political Theater”

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Brian Babin (TX-36) released the following statement as Democrats recklessly drive the nation toward a government shutdown at midnight:

“Democrats are holding the government hostage to force through $1.5 trillion in radical pet projects. House Republicans did our job. We passed the clean, short-term funding bill that Democrats themselves had asked for, with no gimmicks, no partisan riders, and no tricks. Keep in mind, they voted for this 13 times under President Biden,” said Rep. Babin. “But out of pure political desperation, they voted against their own demands, barreling us toward a shutdown at midnight. Let’s be clear: Republicans voted to keep government open, protect military paychecks, support our veterans, and keep vital services running. Democrats voted for a shutdown. Their rabble-rousing is not in the name of good governance. It is about Democrats choosing political theater over the American people, simply because they hate President Trump and the America First agenda more than they care for you.”