Howdy Texan –

I wanted to give you an update on my work in the United States House for Texas' 31st district.

ON THE DOCKET:

Passing the First Appropriations Bill
Constituent Services Update
What do you think?
Protecting your Second Amendment

THE BRIEF:

Texas law enforcement officials broke up a human smuggling operation on Thursday in which 26 migrants were recovered from sweltering conditions, and seven suspected smugglers were arrested.
A Texas-based stock exchange is in the works.
In the next month or so, the Supreme Court could make landmark changes to the breadth of executive power (for both the president and the administrative state), the rules that govern the internet, and states’ ability to restrict access to abortifacient drugs, among other pressing questions.

PASSING THE FIRST APPROPRIATIONS BILL

Representative Carter makes his opening statement at the start of debate on his Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill.

This week, the House passed the first appropriations bill of fiscal year 2025, my Military Construction and Veterans Affairs funding bill. This bill fully funds veterans' medical care, invests in quality-of-life improvements for military families, and provides robust funding for resources in the Pacific to combat China. It also protects veterans' Second Amendment rights, prevents the VA from handling any health care claims for illegal aliens, and prohibits the use of taxpayer dollars for abortions. When crafting this bill, I wanted to ensure we fulfilled our promise to our service members and veterans, and this bill does that. I'm proud of its passage and look forward to continuing the important work to get the appropriations bills done before the end of the fiscal year.

CONSTITUENT SERVICES UPDATE

In May, my office assisted 288 constituents with issues involving a federal agency and returned $311,322.00 to Central Texans in the form of back IRS refunds, owed VA benefits, and delayed Social Security. If you need assistance navigating bureaucratic red tape, please do not hesitate to contact my office.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Should LGBTQ flags be allowed to fly over federal buildings?

Yes

PROTECTING YOUR SECOND AMENDMENT

This week, I signed on to a Congressional Review Act joint resolution of disapproval to overturn the ATF's new rule that requires private citizens to obtain a federal firearms license, conduct a background check, and complete gun registration paperwork to sell even a single firearm. The ATF rule intentionally went outside of the bounds and intent of previously passed legislation, and it's a direct example of the Biden administration attempting to infringe on Americans' Constitutional rights.