Howdy Texan –

It has been a beautiful week in Central Texas! I wanted to update you on my work in our community and in Congress.

ON THE DOCKET:

Navy Oversight
The Protection of Children Act
Constituent Services Update

THE BRIEF:

State officials have uncovered a campsite located 30 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border that human smugglers set up and used as a rest site for illegal immigrants.
Thanks to House Republicans, President Biden signed a bill that terminates the national emergency to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Farmers scored victory over the Biden Administration as a judge ruled that the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule announced by the Environmental Protection Agency poses "great" risks to states.

SPENDING TIME WITH THE NAVY

As Chairman of the House Appropriations Military Construction and Veteran Affairs Subcommittee, my top priority is ensuring our service members and veterans have the resources to thrive. This week, I visited the Naval Air Station Pensacola to tour their facilities and meet with Navy leadership. Having opportunities to meet with leadership, talk to servicemembers, and see their infrastructure firsthand allows me to better determine the highest needs in America's military.

THE PROTECTION OF CHILDREN ACT

I reintroduced the Protection of Children Act this week, which closes a loophole in current law regarding Unaccompanied Alien Children (UAC). We know that human traffickers, cartels, and coyotes exploit children in an attempt to line their pockets, only to abandon them at the border. These children are then subject to a slow-moving, bureaucratic system, all while being separated from their families. The Protection of Children Act gives these kids a voice and closes loopholes to end the exploitation of children. In returning UACs to their home country safely, we prevent these children from experiencing the further trauma of detention, being released to potential strangers and a drawn-out adjudication process.

CONSTITUENT SERVICES UPDATE

As your representative, one of the most important parts of my job is helping my constituents cut through bureaucratic red tape. In March, my office assisted 263 Central Texas families with issues like back IRS refunds, VA benefits and passport delays. My office returned over $377,000 to constituents dealing with issues involving a federal agency.

I am here to serve my constituents! If you need assistance with a federal agency, please visit my website.

As always, thank you for taking the time to stay updated on what's happening in Texas' 31st congressional district. Follow my Facebook and Twitter accounts for more updates.

It is an honor and privilege to represent you and Texas in the United States House.

Sincerely,