Howdy Texan –

I just got home to Texas from a productive week in Washington and wanted to update you on my work in our community and in Congress.

ON THE DOCKET:

Protecting your Second Amendment Rights
Passing my Appropriations Bill through Committee
Visiting with TX-31 Students
Congressional App Challenge

THE BRIEF:

Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol agents seized 117 pounds of cocaine worth more than $3.7 million last weekend.
The House passed a bill Tuesday that would prevent the Consumer Product Safety Commission from finalizing any rule banning gas stoves.
House Republicans will launch a probe into Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas' handling of the border crisis.

PROTECTING YOUR SECOND AMENDMENT RIGHTS

I joined my Republican colleagues in voting to overturn ATF’s rule that classifies a pistol with a stabilizing brace as a short-barreled rifle, forcing lawful gun owners to register or face up to 10 years in prison. Pistol braces assist lawful gun owners, including many wounded veterans and retired police officers, in safely operating a firearm. As a strong supporter of the Second Amendment, this rule was an overreach by the Biden Administration. The bill is now in the Senate for consideration.

PASSING MY APPROPRIATIONS BILL OUT OF COMMITTEE

This week, the House Appropriations Committee passed my Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill. As chairman, I am committed to authoring and passing legislation that provides for our nation’s heroes efficiently and effectively. This legislation provides funds for veterans' health care and benefits, as well as new construction projects, like housing and training facilities, for military bases. This bill prioritizes our nation’s heroes and honors their sacrifices to our country, while being responsible with Americans' hard-earned tax dollars. My bill will now head to the House floor for consideration.

Read my opening remarks in front of the House Appropriations Committee here.

VISITING WITH TX-31 STUDENTS

High school students from TX-31 were able to come to Washington this week as part of the Government-in-Action Youth Tour hosted by the Texas Electrical Cooperatives. In between Appropriations Committee work, I was able to meet these constituents, talk to them about my work in Congress, and then my staff gave them a tour of the U.S. Capitol. It's always a wonderful opportunity to chat with the future of our country and listen to what's on their minds.

If you're planning a trip to Washington, make sure to schedule a Capitol tour on my website.

CONGRESSIONAL APP CHALLENGE

The Congressional App Challenge is officially open! All middle and high school students who reside or attend school in TX-31 are encouraged to participate. This challenge highlights the value of computer science and STEM education and encourages students to learn to code by creating their own app. The deadline for submissions is November 1, 2023.

Learn more.

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, and I wish all of the TX-31 dads a Happy Father's Day!

Sincerely,