Howdy Texan –

It was a busy week in Congress, so I wanted to give you an update on my work for Texas' 31st district in the House.

ON THE DOCKET:

National Defense Authorization Act
Impeachment
Recovering Warriors
What do you think?

THE BRIEF:

The Consumer Price Index (CPI), a key inflation index, rose at an increased annual rate of 3.1% in November
Texas transplant Elon Musk is planning to start a university in Austin, according to tax filings for one of his charities first reported by Bloomberg News.
State and industry leaders assured Texans on Thursday morning that the state’s energy grid is sufficient for the cold months ahead, comforting concerns still lingering among many Texans since the devastating blackout of 2021.

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT

This week, the House considered the final National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that was negotiated between the House and Senate. This bill also included a clean reauthorization of FISA. I voted no on this legislation.

Earlier this year, the House passed a strong, responsible NDAA that focused on military readiness and deterrence. Unfortunately, this week's NDAA was not that bill, and while it had some strengths to it, it ultimately included several poison pills that I could not support.

The first is that there is absolutely no rhyme or reason why taxpayers' hard-earned dollars should subsidize drag shows and gender reassignment surgeries in our military. Not only is it a violation of your trust in me to protect your tax dollars, it is also a direct example of why military recruiting numbers are down. The woke nonsense occurring in America's military is damaging to troop readiness and culture.

Secondly, a clean FISA reauthorization should not have been coupled with the NDAA. FISA has been abused in violation of the Fourth Amendment. Any reauthorization should have safeguards in place to protect Americans' privacy as guaranteed by the Constitution.

You sent me to Washington to stand up for Texas-style common sense, follow the Constitution, and protect your tax dollars. That is why I voted no.

FORMALIZING THE IMPEACHMENT INQUIRY

The House also voted to formalize President Biden's impeachment inquiry this week. I voted in favor of the bill. The evidence so far requires the House to take its investigation into President Biden to the next level. Bank records show the Biden family has received millions of dollars from foreign adversaries, like China, in exchange for access to Joe Biden. Evidence also shows that President Biden was regularly involved in his son's business dealings, despite statements to the contrary. The American people deserve to know the truth, and Congress has a responsibility to conduct a thorough investigation. My vote was a step to accomplish both of those goals, and we will follow the evidence where it leads.

WELCOMING WOUNDED WARRIORS

This week, my office welcomed a local Soldier Recovery Unit to the Capitol. These warriors have been wounded, injured or ill and are undergoing care to reenter the force or transition to civilian life. I chatted with each one of the Soldiers and learned about their individual stories. My team then took them on a tour to enjoy the wonderful history of the Capitol. These men and women have selflessly devoted their life to service of the nation and it was my honor to meet them.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Do you support formalizing the impeachment inquiry of President Biden?

Yes

As always, thank you for taking the time to stay updated on what's happening in Texas' 31st congressional district. Follow my Facebook and Twitter accounts for more updates.

Representing you and Texas in the United States House is an honor and privilege.

Sincerely,