July 6th, 2023: Weekly Newsletter

I hope you and your family had a blessed Fourth of July celebrating our nation’s independence!

Texas-27 put on an outstanding July Fourth celebration of America as they always do. My family and I had a wonderful time attending the Veterans of Foreign Wars annual picnic in Victoria honoring the many men and women who fought for our freedoms over the years. And since no July Fourth is complete without fireworks, we also stopped by the Cuero 4th of July Firework Show which was fantastic. Thanks to the great folks who worked hard to make these events happen. 

Almost 250 years ago, our founders showed enormous courage in signing the Declaration of Independence – effectively their own death warrant – laying their lives on the line for the principles of freedom. In part because of their bravery and willingness to stand up for their beliefs, we live in a country with the privilege to be free. My prayer is that God would grant our leaders the same courage and conviction today to do what is right for the country. 

We are so blessed to live in America. May God guide our country and protect the men and women who fight to keep us the greatest nation on Earth.

After 7 weeks of work in Washington D.C., it’s great to be back home in Texas spending time with constituents and hearing their concerns. One of our first stops was at the Associated Builders and Contractors Luncheon, delivering an update on a few issues going on in Washington, D.C, including how we’re working to tackle rampant inflation, the crisis at our southern border, and Joe Biden’s economic policies dragging down business and innovation.

Thanks to these great folks for hosting!

It was great to catch up with JJ De La Cerda, the director of Veterans Services for Nueces County.

We made another stop at the VA Corpus Christi West Point Clinic’s 4th of July BBQ event. 

The Clinic’s new expansion is getting closer to being completed and is located at 925 South Padre Island Drive. The new 65,000-square-foot facility is aiming to be fully operational at the end of this summer to serve veterans in the Coastal Bend. The Clinic will be an important part of our community in delivering the kind of care our service members deserve.

One of the great joys of serving in Congress is the opportunity to serve our veterans. Thanks to the Clinic for hosting such a great event and for all the folks who have worked so hard to make the expansion possible.

It was great to meet with two of our district’s new leaders in emergency management — our new Corpus Christi Fire Chief, Brandon Wade, and new Victoria Chief of Police Chuck Young.

Chief Wade comes with a long history of serving on the front lines as a first responder. He previously worked with the Austin Fire Department for over 24 years before coming to Corpus Christi, serving in various roles including Assistant Chief of Homeland Security and Special Operations, Airport Rescue and Firefighting. Chief Young also brings a wealth of experience with him, with more than 42 years in law enforcement and serving as the deputy police chief since 2021. 

Our district’s first responders are some of the best in the nation and it starts with great leadership. I know Chief Wade and Chief Young will do a fantastic job for our community and carry that tradition! Thanks to both of them for the time. 

Agape Ranch recently held a groundbreaking ceremony and unveiled their 11-acre property in Corpus Christi for foster home development. Their plan is to build 24 homes for foster kids and families with the idea to help siblings stay close to one another, many of whom might otherwise be separated into different foster homes. 

My team was thrilled to present Agape Ranch with a congressional commendation, recognizing them for their excellence in providing care for foster children and families in South Texas. 

Thank you to everyone working so hard to make this happen! We really appreciate your efforts.

Thank you to the Workforce Solutions Coastal Bend for inviting me to tour their new flagship career center! Workforce Solutions Coastal Bend operates seven Career Centers, serving the needs of both employers and job seekers through access to jobs, training, and employer services. I had the opportunity to present them with a flag that was flown over the U.S. Capitol to display in their new facility. My team and I were glad to get a first hand look at the great work they do investing in our regional economic success. 

Our D.C. office has been blessed with some fantastic interns, and one of them, Darius Franklin, just had his last week. He was instrumental to our team this Spring and we want to thank him for all his work! Many of you may have met Darius in Washington, D.C. during one of his highly regarded Capitol tours or spoken to him on the phone answering constituent questions with our legislative team. We wish him the best of luck as he returns to Patrick Henry College in Virginia for his junior year. 

If you know someone who would be interested in an opportunity to work on behalf of Texas’ 27th Congressional District, they can apply for an internship HERE.

• I enjoyed meeting Diego Aguillon, the winner of TX27’s Congressional Art Competition! His winning artwork, “El Vaquero,” is officially hanging up in the United States Capitol as of this week and will be showcased all year. Congratulations Diego! 

God Bless,

Rep. Michael Cloud

Member of Congress

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