Howdy Texan –

As we kick off the Fourth of July weekend, I want to thank the brave men and women who serve our great nation. May God continue to bless the USA and all those who defend her. I hope everyone has a happy and safe Independence Day!

ON THE DOCKET:

TX-31 Congressional Veteran Commendation
Leading a Bipartisan Delegation to Europe
Energy & Water Development Appropriations Bill
Constituent Services Update

THE BRIEF:

U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized 146 pounds of cocaine in El Paso, Texas. One official estimated the street value of the drugs at $1.2 million.
The United States Supreme Court rejects affirmative action in ruling on universities using race in admissions decisions.
Biden regulations have cost Americans almost $10,000 per household.

TX-31 CONGRESSIONAL VETERAN COMMENDATION

The TX-31 Congressional Veteran Commendation (CVC) is a nominations-based program designed to recognize Texas’ 31st Congressional District veterans for their wartime sacrifices and peacetime community involvement. If you know an outstanding TX-31 veteran, please nominate them for my CVC. The deadline to nominate a veteran is Thursday, September 7 at 5:00 PM.

You can learn more here.

Nominate an outstanding veteran here.

LEADING A BIPARTISAN DELEGATION TO EUROPE

As Chairman of the Military Construction Appropriations Subcommittee, I led a bipartisan delegation to Europe to tour American military construction projects, receive briefings from NATO and multiple commands, and discuss upcoming quality-of-life projects. There are about 100,000 American troops stationed or deployed in Europe, so leading these visits helps members get a sense of how we can improve the lives of our service members abroad.

ENERGY & WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS BILL

I was proud to support the House Appropriations Committee’s Energy and Water Development bill which supports our national security, prioritizes energy security and economic competitiveness, counters China, and reins in wasteful Washington spending. This package:

Rescinds $5.58 billion from the Inflation Reduction Act.
Provides $19.114 billion for the continued modernization of the nation’s nuclear weapons stockpile and infrastructure.
Terminates Biden’s Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule, returning state control of waterways that historically have not fallen under federal jurisdiction.
Prohibits oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve from being sold to any entity owned by or under the control or influence of the Chinese Communist Party or any other entity that intends to export to China.

CONSTITUENT SERVICES UPDATE

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 June, my office assisted 372 Central Texas families with issues like back IRS refunds, VA benefits and passport delays and returned over $132,000 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,