| Last week, I led a delegation of 64 Members – the largest Congressional delegation ever – to the epicenter of the border crisis in Eagle Pass, Texas. What we witnessed was heartbreaking and unconscionable. The trip underscored what House Republicans have been saying for months: that the border crisis is a humanitarian and national security disaster, and we need transformative policy change to solve it. 
Click the photo to watch my interview from Eagle Pass, TX with CNN’s Jake Tapper House Republicans have already passed HR 2, the Secure the Border Act, which includes many policy changes that would immediately solve this crisis. We passed that bill in May, and it has sat dormant on Chuck Schumer’s desk since. In response to the Administration’s refusal to acknowledge this crisis, my office released a list of 64 direct actions the Biden Administration has taken that intentionally undermine border security. Read that list by clicking the image below: 
On Wednesday, I spoke with President Biden on the phone and reiterated that he can and must use his executive authority to stop the flow of illegal aliens flooding into our country. Since President Biden took office, there have been over 7 million illegal encounters, nearly 2 million known “got-aways,” and at least 312 suspects on the terrorism watchlist who have crossed our southern border. This crisis has turned every state into a border state, and every town into a border town, and we will not cease until securing transformative policy changes to solve this crisis. 
Click here to watch my remarks at the border press conference HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK | On Sunday, I had the pleasure of attending Governor Jeff Landry’s inauguration in Baton Rouge. Governor Landry has been a longtime friend and champion for the people of Louisiana, and he will serve our state with dignity and a steadfast commitment as he tackles the many challenges we face. It was great to see so many friends and former colleagues and to congratulate all the newly sworn-in legislators and cabinet officials. I look forward to working with Governor Landry and the rest of the Republican trifecta in the House and Senate to restore the Sportsman’s Paradise as the best place to work, live, and start a family. 
| | | IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: | In December, Fox and Friends traveled to Shreveport and broadcasted live from 5-9am from the best diner in Louisiana – Strawn’s Eat Shop – to introduce America to my hometown. I am so proud to be from Louisiana, and I was honored to put our state on full display. Watch my interview from Strawn’s below: 
At the end of 2023, President Biden signed into law the FY2024 National Defense Authorization Act, the annual legislation that includes major priorities for the Louisiana defense community, particularly Barksdale Air Force Base along with Air Force Global Strike Command and Fort Johnson along with the Joint Readiness Training Center. This year’s NDAA includes the largest troop pay raise in over 20 years, bans divisive social programs, and supports military families. Read more about the Louisiana wins included in the NDAA below: 
| LAGNIAPPE | Louisiana has always punched above our weight in the Nation’s capital. And now, as D.C. prepares to host Washington Mardi Gras, we received excellent news that Raising Cane's has opened for business in Union Station, a short walk away from the Capitol steps. I look forward to introducing my colleagues to this Louisiana delicacy and enjoying a Box Combo in the Speaker’s office. 
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