Welcome to the September edition of The Moran Minuteman.

This monthly newsletter is our way of recognizing extraordinary efforts in Texas Congressional District 1 and providing an inside look into what happens behind the scenes in the life of a Congressman.

This month, we are back in Washington, D.C., after spending August traveling across the First Congressional District. One of the pledges I made when I ran for Congress was to never forget my East Texas roots and, most importantly, our East Texas values. While we were back home, I took the opportunity to return to Mercado's Cafe and wait tables, just like I did three decades ago as a student paying my way through college. We made a fun little video about it - I hope you'll check it out!

Congratulations to our September Minuteman - Deana Brown

When I think of East Texans, I think of the Minutemen of the Revolutionary War. Loyal to country and community, dependable, selfless, and ready at a moment’s notice, the Minutemen were American heroes who helped turn the tide of the Revolutionary War. Today’s East Texans reflect those traits. You are patriotic, dependable, and deeply committed to making our communities better.

Each month, I will recognize an East Texan who has gone above and beyond in serving our region - someone who epitomizes the identity of a Minuteman. In addition to recognition in the monthly newsletter, we will send the person a Moran Minuteman t-shirt. 

This month’s Minuteman, Deana Brown, has worked tirelessly to advocate for the freedom of worship across the globe. Deana is the Founder and CEO of Freedom Seekers International, an organization that helps those who are persecuted for their faith to relocate to places of safety. Earlier this year, Deana went to Thailand to help more than 60 persecuted Christians who were arrested the week before Easter and faced deportation back to China. Deana led an effort that eventually included a coalition of churches, non-profit groups, and government officials who came together to bring the group to safety in East Texas. She is now working to help resettle over 100 Afghans.

Thank you, Deana, for your dedication to East Texas and the values of faith, family, and freedom we hold dear. It is an honor to recognize you as the September 2023 Minuteman.

Do you know an East Texan who would be a great next recipient? Please submit their name here. 

Our Moran Minuteman team will also be out and about serving at community events and in disaster relief efforts. Look for us, and we’ll toss you a t-shirt!

Talking with East Texans

This past month, I spoke with Karl Richter on Texarkana Gazette's podcast called On the Line. We discussed several topics, including running for reelection, upgrading broadband weather service, and supporting local farmers. Thank you to everyone who sent in questions. I always appreciate hearing firsthand about the issues that are important to Congressional District 1.  

Delivering on Promises

When I ran for Congress, I promised to take my East Texas values to Washington, D.C. This includes filing legislation that will specifically be needed in our region. Listen to this clip from KTBB to learn about some legislation we're sponsoring to help improve weather information for East Texas.