Welcome to the November 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.

It is safe to say that this fall in Congress has not gone as anyone expected it would - the removal of a Speaker of the House by floor vote for the first time in U.S. History; the continued fight to pass all twelve appropriations bills and cut government spending; and spending ten straight weeks in session leading up to the Thanksgiving week (the longest consecutive streak in over 50 years).

Despite these challenges, this Thanksgiving season, I am grateful for the opportunity to serve each one of you, and grateful for the democratic system of government that drives this Republic. As messy as they may be, our institutions of democracy help give voice to the people and work to protect liberty by making the legislative process difficult and slow.

That being said, we in Congress have a job to do, and my pledge to East Texas is that I will continue to work hard to deliver on behalf of the people of the First District of Texas.

Congratulations to our November Minuteman - Charles Helton

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, Charles Helton, serves as the Community Relations Officer for the Henderson Police Department. In that role, he leads Henderson PD's National Night Out, where the entire community can come meet First Responders. Under his leadership, this event has grown every year, and as soon as it concludes, the community looks forward to the opportunity to attend again the next year.

Lt. Helton also hosts a monthly “Coffee With A Cop,” where the public can meet their First Responders. In addition to his work with the Police Department, Officer Helton has served as a Past President of the Chamber of Commerce and continues to serve as a Chamber Ambassador. He is also an active member of the Henderson Lions Club, Rusk County Child Welfare Board, and the Ministerial Allowance group, and for the past decade, Lt. Helton has worked part-time as a funeral director at Garmon Funeral Home.

In her nomination of Lt. Helton, Bonnie Geddie said, “Lt. Helton is a leader who works well with everyone and genuinely cares about this community and all citizens. His dedication and dependability to our community always go above and beyond what is expected. He is truly a servant of God and our Country.”

Thank you, Lt. Helton, for all you do for our community. It is an honor to recognize you as the November 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!

Nominate a Minuteman!

Delivering on Promises

When I ran for Congress, I promised to stand strong for border security and the enforcement of the rule of law. The recent deaths of eight people who were killed in Zavala County as a suspected human smuggler attempted to evade police again highlight the need for a secure border.

I want you to know that I continue fighting for funding for border security and fully support the impeachment of Secretary Mayorkas. The Biden administration must be held accountable for its failure to address the crisis on our southern border. Hear what I had to say about border security funding in a recent interview with KTBB.