June 16, 2024: Weekly Newsletter

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads in Texas-27! Being a dad is my greatest honor. Fatherhood is so important for our children’s growth, offering guidance, strength, and love. I am thankful for my own dad and all fathers shaping the next generation. 

We thank God for you dads! You are a blessing!

In America, people should earn jobs and opportunities based on their merit - not based on things like skin color. Since President Biden took office, the federal government has increasingly adopted “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion” (DEI) programs and policies that prioritize race, gender, sexuality, and identity over qualifications in employment and funding decisions. This is both absurd and discriminatory. These practices are not only ridiculous but also an enormous waste of taxpayer money.

That is why last week, along with my friend Senator JD Vance, we have introduced the Dismantling DEI Act. This bill will put an end to these practices by broadly prohibiting all racist DEI-related activities within the federal government. It aims to cut off funding for these trainings, offices, and programs, and goes through the U.S. Code to eliminate legal authorizations for specific DEI programs and offices, ensuring that these divisive practices are rooted out comprehensively.

DEI practices have zero place in our federal government, and this bill is a necessary step to restore merit and equality in America’s government institutions. It's shocking that this even needs to be said, but the government should prioritize serving the people, not pursuing some sort of equity agenda. I look forward to taking our message to the American people – a message that offers opportunity to ALL Americans rather than a select few.

Read more about the bill here.

I'm thrilled to share significant victories for NAS Corpus Christi (NASCC) and the Corpus Christi Army Depot (CCAD) in this year's National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). These wins are vital for improving the quality of life for our servicemembers and ending woke and divisive policies that divert focus from military readiness.

Major Provisions Secured:

• $79.3 Million for funding for a critically needed warehouse to enhance base facilities.

• Elimination of 180-Day rule to allow retired military personnel to work immediately at depots like CCAD.

• Promotes the use of additive manufacturing technology in military depots.

• Strengthens fiber optic capabilities within Naval Aviation training.

Benefits for service members:

• 19.5% pay raise for junior enlisted service members

• Expanded housing and food allowances

• Improved cost-of-living calculation

• Broader access to medical providers and employment support programs

While challenges like securing funding for childcare and housing at NASCC remain, I am committed to pushing for these in future legislation. The reforms achieved in this bill are significant steps forward in supporting our military community and enhancing our national security.

Last week, I voted to hold Attorney General Merrick Garland in contempt of Congress. The American people deserve to know why a special counsel deemed the President unfit to stand trial, and Attorney General Garland’s refusal to comply with a lawful subpoena undermines the essential checks and balances of our Constitution.

This vote is about more than just the Attorney General’s actions; it’s about Congress fulfilling its constitutional duty to oversee the executive branch and ensure it remains accountable. When administration officials refuse to comply with subpoenas, it obstructs our ability to perform this crucial function and keeps the American people in the dark. Congress must reclaim its authority and protect the interests of the American people, ensuring no administration can hide or obstruct information.

The final vote was 216-207 to hold him in contempt.

I had the opportunity to join officials from the City of Corpus Christi on a trip to Southern California to explore innovative solutions for improving our region’s water quality. The Santa Barbara Desalination Plant exemplifies the kind of forward-thinking technology we need to ensure reliable and clean water for Corpus Christi. By studying their processes and success, we aim to enhance our own water capabilities, providing better resources for our community.

In addition to the viewing the desalination facilities, we also had the opportunity to visit the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. Reflecting on President Reagan's enduring legacy of leadership and commitment to freedom was a profound experience. Special thanks to CEO David Trulio and National Archives host Randle Swan for their hospitality and for inspiring us to uphold the principles that make our nation great.

Together, these visits reinforced our dedication to improving essential services and preserving the values that define America.

God Bless,

Rep. Michael Cloud

Member of Congress

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