This week in North Texas...   Irving, TX - Over the weekend, I enjoyed meeting with my Youth Advisory Council to hear them present arguments on federal policy issues. I was impressed by these Texas-24 students’ ability to thoughtfully engage with the pressing challenges we face. On Saturday afternoon, I was honored to present our 2023 Veteran Commendations and Vietnam lapel pins to so many outstanding Veterans! Thank you to all who attended to recognize their service and dedication to our country. I had the privilege of presenting one of the highest civilian decorations, the Congressional Gold Medal, to the family of Arthur Watson. As a World War Two Merchant Mariner, he played a critical role in ensuring necessary supplies made it to the front lines to assist in defeating the Nazis. It was an honor to have members of his family in attendance to accept the medal on his behalf, recognizing his dedication and heroism. On Monday, I attended a wonderful event as the Irving clock tower was renamed in honor of my friend and former Irving Mayor, Marvin Randle. Marvin and his wife Bobbie have been pillars of our community for decades. I’m so grateful and blessed for their years of friendship and guidance. Tuesday, I joined the ATF Dallas Division to hear about the work they’re doing to keep North Texans safe. I appreciated seeing the types of illegal weapons and firearms they pull off the street on a daily basis. Then, on Wednesday, I visited with Saisheren Senpon and congratulated him on being recognized as a Texas-24 Hometown Hero for his bronze medal at the Santiago PanAm Games! I'm looking forward to cheering Saisheren on in his next competition. Up next, I talked with Srini Kasarla about her concerns regarding immigration and green cards. I appreciated hearing her story and perspective on the United States' legal immigration system. I met with Brian Becker and Daniel Rozier from the Irving Fire Fighters Association to discuss their incredible work in our community. I collaborated with them as Mayor of Irving and look forward to continuing to work together to keep North Texans safe! Later, I had a great meeting with the Consulate General of Canada to the United States in Dallas, Susan Harper. We discussed my work on the Committee on Ways and Means, the USMCA trade relationship as it pertains to Texas and Canada, North American energy security, and supply chains for critical minerals and semiconductors. On Thursday, I went to Southern Methodist University's campus to celebrate the launch of their Texoma Semiconductor Hub. I'm looking forward to supporting the TechHub and the many innovations and jobs it will bring to North Texas. This is a critical step toward strengthening our economic and national security. After, I toured the Samsung warehouse in Coppell and was able to see their impressive distribution facility. As one of the largest Samsung centers in the country, they provide hundreds of job opportunities for North Texans. This morning, I spoke to an AP Government class at the Highlands School in Irving. They've learned a great deal about our nation's founding documents in class, and I'm glad I could share my experiences working in Congress with them. After, I toured Herzog Technologies, a rail and transit contractor company headquartered in Fort Worth. I appreciated getting the chance to discuss challenges in transportation and how I can better support them through my work in Congress. I met with Wells Fargo leaders from North Texas to hear about how they are serving the people of our community. I welcomed them to North Texas when their most recent campus was built in Irving last year and I'm grateful for all they have done for our community since. Texas-24 Work of the Week This week, I pressed the U.S. District Court of D.C. to impose the maximum sentence on the IRS contractor who stole and leaked President Trump’s private taxpayer information. I’m working with my Ways and Means colleagues to protect Americans’ personal information and deter future leakers. Texas-24 Hometown Hero This week’s Texas-24 Hometown Hero is Keller Fire and Rescue Battalion Chief, Douglas Haas. Mr. Haas recently retired after spending 36 years serving the Keller community. His dedication to public service is honorable and he will be missed. I'd like to congratulate him on his well-deserved retirement! Congratulations on your well deserved retirement! Elementary DC Fly-In I’m excited to announce our newest student program, the Elementary Fly-In in Washington, D.C.! To encourage civic engagement and instill a love for democracy in TX-24 elementary students, I’m organizing a nighttime tour of the Capitol Building, a group visit to historic landmarks and an educational breakfast in the beautiful Library of Congress from April 11-12, 2024. I hope you and your children will join me on this memorable excursion to our nation's capital! Rep. Van Duyne in the News Watch Rep. Van Duyne on Mornings with Maria Watch Rep. Van Duyne on the Evening Edit Rep. Van Duyne on Twitter Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your voice in Washington. To stay up to date on what's happening each week, follow me on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Please do not hesitate to contact our office if we can ever be of service to you. Sincerely, Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne (TX-24) Rep. 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