Cyber Security and How to Protect Yourself

This past week, I hosted an event with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to help inform business leaders, school administrators and the public on how to best defend themselves against cyber-attacks. 
·        Cybersecurity is an ever-growing challenge. More than 78 million records have been breached in the United State in 336 publicly disclosed incidents, just since the start of this year. Unfortunately, no industry is immune, including government, healthcare, energy, schools and small businesses. CISA is a great resource for information on how to protect yourself, and your organization from costly and dangerous breaches and hacks. 

Bear Branch Dam Modification Project Funding 

This week, I joined the San Jacinto River Authority to announce $3.6 million in federal funding I secured for the Bear Branch Dam Modification project. This project is vital for flood mitigation efforts for the community and provides improvements that will extend the dam's service life by 45 to 60 years. 

Workout with The Woodlands JROTC

This past week, I had a great opportunity to meet with members of The Woodlands JROTC program and participate in a workout led by students. The Woodlands JROTC has about 180 cadets and is aligned with the Air Force. These programs are exceptional in developing our leaders of tomorrow and I had an outstanding time meeting and working out with them. 
 

The Woodlands Chamber ELC

At The Woodlands this week, I sat down with The Woodlands Chamber Executive Leadership Committee to discuss what is going on in Washington, DC, what is on the horizon, and the work we have done to support TX02 and its thriving business community. Additionally, we discussed the federal funding I have secured that will support much needed infrastructure projects in the District. 

Porter VFW

I was honored to speak at the Porter Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) post 4816 in Porter this week. It is always great to hear from our Veterans and better understand their concerns and needs. We have an exceptional constituent relations program in my office that can help with case work, dealing with the VA and Veterans VA claims. 

I am a strong advocate from Veterans in Congress and have championed a pilot program for Veterans and active-duty members with PTSD. Additionally, I have helped push through legislation that expands health care and benefits for millions of Veterans exposed to toxic hazards, among other bills that support Veterans and Veteran health. 

In Case You Missed It: This week I spoke with Neil Cavuto of Fox News and Chris Cuomo of NewsNation about trips to our southwest border by both President Biden and former President Trump. I also discussed the continued need for immigration reforms to secure our border.   

Your World with Neil Cavuto

Cuomo with Chris Cuomo

From the Capitol: 

This week the House passed the Atomic Energy Advancement Act, which will reduce the cost and regulatory barriers for deployment of advanced nuclear technologies. The bill also ensures safety regulations remain to protect the public health and safety of the American people.

Helpful Tips:

Thinking of Traveling Abroad?

Learn more about the State Department's

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program

What is STEP?

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals traveling and living abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. 

·         Receive important information from the Embassy about safety conditions in your destination country, helping you make informed decisions about your travel plans.

·         Help the U.S. Embassy contact you in an emergency, whether natural disaster, civil unrest, or family emergency.

·         Help family and friends get in touch with you in an emergency.

Making your Spring and Summer travel plans?

Remember to check your passport and renew it in time. Most countries require your passport be valid for an additional six months from the time you enter. 

Here are some helpful tips. 

Social Security Tax Information

Social Security benefits are taxable. If you receive Social Security, be on the lookout for your Benefit Statement, also known as the SSA-1099 or
SSA-1042S, a tax form the IRS mails each year in January to people who receive Social Security benefits. It shows the total amount of benefits you received in the previous year, so you know how much Social Security income to report to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on their tax return.

If you misplace your Benefit Statement, you can instantly get a replacement form with a personal my Social Security account. Replacement tax forms for the previous tax year are generally available beginning February 1 of each year.

 

It's that Time of Year...Tax Time

It is coming up on tax time, and the IRS has provided a 'check list' to help you be prepared to file your taxes. These six easy tips will help make tax preparation smoother in 2024.

Gather all necessary tax paperwork and records for accuracy to avoid missing a deduction or credit.
Remember to report all types of income on the tax return.
Filing electronically with direct deposit is the fastest way to receive a refund.
Free resources are available to help eligible taxpayers file online. Free help may also be available to qualified taxpayers.
Consider which filing option to use; each one has its own benefits.
Don’t wait on hold when calling the IRS. Use online resources at IRS.gov to get answers to tax questions, check a refund status or pay taxes.

For more information, visit the IRS.gov free help page.

OUR OFFICES:

Washington Office |248 Cannon HOB | Washington, DC 20515
(202) 225-6565

Kingwood Office |1849 Kingwood Dr, Suite 100 | Kingwood, TX 77339
(713) 860-1330

The Woodlands Office |2829 Technology Forest, Suite #280 | The Woodlands, TX 77381 
(281)  640-7720