Back in Houston, my district staff met with representatives from the Small Business Administration (SBA). They were briefed on many different programs the SBA has to offer, including some that have helped the local community post-Harvey. Businesses who have taken an economic hit as a result of Harvey’s destruction can reach out to see if they qualify for assistance.

Additionally, the SBA has a program designed specifically to help veterans, active duty service members, reserve members, and military spouses through their Veteran Business Outreach Center (VBOC). This program can assist before you apply for a loan or create a business plan. Within the VBOC, ‘Boots to Business’ is a transition assistance program accessible to service members worldwide who are interested in business. To learn more about the local Houston office, programs and upcoming events, click here.

This week, the House Committee on Homeland Security held a hearing on social media platforms’ efforts to counter terror online. I questioned Google and Facebook about their unfair practices that target conservative platforms and voices. Free speech must be protected in our society. While these companies do not have a constitutional obligation to enforce the First Amendment, they have an obligation to enforce American values and the First Amendment is an underpinning of American values. Watch the exchange below. Read Washington Examiner’s coverage here.