Washington, D.C. - Before returning to D.C., last week I had a great meeting with representatives from the American Red Cross. Thank you to Brian Murnahan, Linda Braddy, and Adolph Aguirre for coming by our district office to discuss your work to help our community.

I toured the Toyota Headquarters in North Texas where I saw their exceptional facilities and heard about their outstanding benefits, healthcare and other wraparound services they offer to their employees.

Tuesday, I joined my House Committee on Small Business colleagues for a hearing to review the SBA's small business size standards, an important issue raised by our job creators. These size standards can make it harder for small businesses to compete and disincentivize growth.

After, I joined my Committee on Ways and Means colleagues to investigate drug shortages in the United States and how we can help get these essential medications in the hands of patients who depend on them. You can learn more about what we discovered in hearing by clicking here.

I met with Chief of Police Joseph Costa and Captain Terry Baker from the DeSoto Police Department! We discussed how Regional Information Sharing Systems help our local, state, and federal law enforcement keep our communities safer. 

Then, I spoke with members from the Energy Workforce and Technology Council. We had a great conversation about domestic energy policy and energy technology, as well as their role in global energy markets and demand.

I had a great meeting with representatives from Tarrant County College District where we discussed TCCD’s initiatives in our local workforce.

That afternoon, I spoke on the floor to support the impeachment of Secretary Mayorkas for his unlawful actions to open our southern border and destabilize our nation. For months, I have strongly advocated to hold Secretary Mayorkas accountable for the devastation and chaos he has inflicted upon Americans. Although this measure ultimately did not pass, I will continue to fight for Secretary Mayorkas' impeachment and I'm hopeful in the coming weeks, he will be held accountable.

Additionally, I voted for a standalone bill to send critical aid to our ally Israel as they continue to work to free hostages from Hamas' grip and annihilate the existential threat posed by Hamas terrorists, while also supporting U.S. military in the region. I'll always stand with Israel and will continue to support her as she defends her people.

Wednesday, I joined my House Republicans colleagues to vote in favor of H.R. 485 which will ban measures in federal health programs that discriminate against disabled patients and those with chronic illnesses. The government shouldn’t get to determine if someone’s life is worth living and I’m standing up to protect ALL patients!

Then, I said goodbye to our amazing D.C. intern, Katie! I’m grateful for the work our interns do to support the people of Texas-24. If you’re interested in working in my Washington, D.C. or Addison, TX offices, you can click here to learn more and apply.

Thursday I was back in North Texas and I had the privilege of speaking with students from the Keller Center for Advanced Learning! I’m always happy to share about my work in Congress and the legislative process. Thanks for having me!

Then, I had the opportunity to honor two more Texas-24 Veterans with Congressional Commendations. Thank you Lt. Col. Joseph Campbell and Col. Kevin Sellers for your service to the United States and your continued work to better our communities.

After, I dropped in at Peek's Flooring Company inside Stacy's Furniture in Grapevine. I enjoyed learning more about their business and the challenges they, and other retailers, face regarding various federal policies and red tape.

Later that day, I toured the largest FleetPride Distribution Center in Grapevine that services over 60 of their regional FleetPride facilities. We discussed Right to Repair legislation impacting their industry.

I finished Thursday by meeting with members from the National Restaurant Association. We discussed ongoing issues in the restaurant industry as well my work in Congress to protect small businesses by blocking the National Labor Relations Board’s joint employer rule.

This week, I joined a bipartisan group of my Energy Export Caucus colleagues to voice our strong concerns regarding Biden’s decision to limit U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports. I’m working to unleash American energy to expand job opportunities, lower costs for hardworking families, fight inflation, protect our national security and help our freedom loving allies.

Officer Joe Boyd has dedicated 38 years to protecting and serving our community, 15 of which were spent with the Coppell Police Department. Congratulations on your well deserved retirement, Officer Boyd!

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!

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)