Howdy Texans –

This week I was called back to Washington to take a vote on the agreement reached to raise our nation’s debt ceiling. I want to update you on my vote and what’s happening in Texas’ 31^st district.

ON THE DOCKET:

Voting Against the Debt Ceiling Agreement
Central Texas VA Facility with Secretary McDonough
Honoring a WWII Veteran
Constituent Services Update

THE BRIEF:

America’s top economists expect that inflation will remain persistently high through 2023 and 2024.
The desert west of El Paso has claimed eight lives in May alone, and officials fear the death toll will rise as temperatures climb.
A federal judge in Texas has temporarily blocked President Biden's new regulations on pistols with stabilizing braces in response to a lawsuit from gun rights activists.

VOTING AGAINST THE DEBT CEILING AGREEMENT

For 72 hours before the vote, I combed over the debt ceiling agreement and analyzed the impacts it would have on my constituents, our nation’s military and veterans, and America’s fiscal future. Unfortunately, the legislation fell short of my expectations.

America cannot maintain its current trajectory and expect to be fiscally sound for decades to come. This legislation doesn't make Washington accountable for its waste. Instead, it will add another $4 trillion to our national debt, a burden that falls on every one of my constituents. As a steward of your hard-earned dollars, I could not vote for it.

CENTRAL TEXAS VA FACILITY WITH SECRETARY MCDONOUGH

With Central Texas being the third-fastest growing region in the country for veterans, it is vital our veterans have access to the world-class healthcare that they have earned and deserve. VA Secretary Denis McDonough and I toured the VA clinic in Cedar Park and hosted a roundtable event with local veterans to discuss how we can improve VA resources and services. As Chairman of the Veteran Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee, opportunities like these allow me to better advocate for our nation’s heroes in Congress.

HONORING WWII VETERAN

I posthumously honored WWII Veteran, Donald L. Hale, with a Congressional Gold Medal. Hale’s family proudly received this honor on his behalf. Hale was a member of “Merrill’s Marauders” during WWII, he answered the call for the most dangerous missions and faced the most brutal conditions in the Japanese-occupied jungles of Burma. Heroes like him represent both the best of our military and of our nation. They endured fierce combat, life-threatening illnesses, along with extreme exhaustion and heat, all in the toughest terrain one can face in battle. Their fearless efforts laid the foundation for the creation of the Army Ranger regiment. Hale was a true and devoted patriot.

CONSTITUENT SERVICES UDPATE

As your congressman, one of the most important parts of my job is helping my constituents cut through bureaucratic red tape with issues related to federal agencies. In May, my office assisted 206 Central Texas families with issues like back IRS refunds, VA benefits and passport delays and returned over $2,508,471 to constituents.

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,