Williams Weekly                          

Dear Texans,

It was a busy week back in Washington, D.C. working on the issues that matter most to you. Read below for an update on my work fighting for the values of TX-25 and be sure to follow me on Facebook and Twitter to stay connected.

Passed Legislation to Protect Taxpayers in House Committee on Small Business

I am proud that my resolution to address COVID-19 pandemic fraud, H.R. 5427, passed the House Committee on Small Business by a vote count of 22-0. Administrator Guzman’s claim that "only" $36,000,000,000 of taxpayer dollars are missing vs the SBA OIG's estimate of over $200,000,000,000 is a slap in the face to the American people. Billions of dollars is not pocket change. Anyone defrauding the taxpayers must be held accountable and should not be given the green light to continue to do so through lack of oversight and implementation of basic protections.

Committee Wrap-Ups:

Small Business Committee

As a small business owner for over 50 years, I can tell you that the Biden Administration is completely out of touch with Main Street America. Inflation is at a record high, supply chain disruptions are leaving store shelves empty, worker shortages are hindering business operations, and the constant threat of tax hikes coming from Democrats in Washington have business owners concerned that they will not be able to compete in the future. Yet, this Administration continues to create new and unnecessary regulations, which overwhelms businesses with more red tape and administrative burdens. We cannot expect small business owners whose resources are already stretched thin to handle the increased costs and man hours that come with increased regulations. Businesses are already working within tight margins, and compliance costs could be their tipping point. I joined the Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Tax, and Capital Access for a hearing to discuss these issues. Watch my full line of questioning here.

Financial Services Committee

There is no question that China is a hostile nation towards the United States and their goal is to weaken our country in any way possible. The increase in foreign investors purchasing farmlands to try to gain control of U.S. businesses in the agricultural sector is a growing threat in Texas. Foreign entities control more than 4.7 million acres of land and should any hostile nation want to cause permanent harm to our food supply chains, this avenue provides them with the need to do so. Any land in the U.S., particularly near military bases must be protected. The Financial Services Committee will not allow this to be ignored any longer. Watch my full line of questioning during this week’s hearing here.

Basel III Endgame Proposal

U.S. mortgage rates are currently the highest they have been in the past 22 years. The Basel III proposal comes with higher risk weights for mortgages, which will lead to reduced mortgage availability and make the dream for many families of homeownership more and more distant. The actions of a few mismanaged banks should not dictate the sound business practices of many other banks. Large bank lending to small businesses has already dropped 2 percent in the past year and if regulators move forward with this proposal, that number will continue to increase. Watch my full line of questioning during the Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Monetary Policy hearing here.

NADA Washington Conference Breakfast

Small businesses, including car dealers, are the backbone to this country and our local communities, I am proud to have had the opportunity to speak to automotive executives from around the country at the National Automobile Dealers Association Washington Conference Breakfast. It was great to see many of my friends! As Chairman of the House Committee on Small Business, I am fighting against the burdensome regulations that hurt small businesses and our auto industry.

Standing Strong for 2A

Last week, New Mexico Governor Grisham issued an emergency order suspending the right to carry firearms in New Mexico’s largest city, Albuquerque. This is a outright violation of the U.S. Constitution and should concern all Americans. Any attack on any American’s right to bear arms is an attack on all of us. I will always stand strong in my defense of our Second Amendment. I am proud to have joined my colleague as a cosponsor on legislation to defend our rights. Read my full release here.

Impeachment Inquiry Into President Biden

On Tuesday, Speaker McCarthy called on House committees to open a formal impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden. Through lengthy investigations, House Republicans have found that Biden lied to the American people about his involvement in his family’s foreign business dealings. Moving to an official impeachment inquiry is the right decision. This is a serious action that is not taken lightly and an important step in the process to deliver the answers that the American people deserve.

Preserving Choice In Vehicle Purchases Act

I was proud to cosponsor the Preserving Choice In Vehicle Purchases Act, which passed the House floor on Thursday by a vote of 222-190. This legislation restricts the EPA from issuing waivers that would ban the sale or use of new motor vehicles with internal combustion engines and amends federal law to block attempts by the far left to eliminate the sale of vehicles with internal combustion engines. Consumers should decide what is best for their families, not the government.

In the News

Breitbart: Biden Admin Stonewalls Efforts to Fight Pandemic Fraud

Fox Business: House Committee Moves to Hold COVID 'Fraudsters Accountable'

Jacksboro Herald-Gazette: Small Businesses Discussed

Washington Examiner: GOP Chairman Slams Biden Administration for Federal Work Return Policy: 'Not Good Enough'

In God we trust,

Roger Williams

Member of Congress