June 25, 2024: Weekly Newsletter

Yesterday, we celebrated a significant milestone in our nation's journey towards protecting the most vulnerable among us—the second anniversary of the Supreme Court's landmark ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. This decision, which overturned Roe v. Wade on June 24, 2022, has empowered states to enact policies that protect life and reflect the values of their citizens.

In his majority opinion, Justice Alito emphasized that the Constitution does not support a right to abortion, asserting that such critical issues should be determined by the people and their elected representatives rather than by the courts. This historic ruling has not only corrected nearly five decades of misguided jurisprudence but also restored the power to the states, allowing them to protect life at all stages. Two years later, we celebrate the countless lives saved and the progress made in defending the unborn.

The Dobbs decision has also reignited a national conversation about the sanctity of life, giving a voice to the voiceless, and allowing states to stand firm in their defense of the unborn. I remain steadfast in my commitment to protecting life. We must continue to promote a culture that honors and cherishes every human life from conception, provide support for mothers and families, and offer compassionate alternatives to abortion. Together, we can build a culture that truly values the gift of life.

American taxpayers should not fund advocacy groups that politicize humanitarian aid. Recently, the House Appropriations Committee voted on my amendment to block all U.S. government funding for InterAction, a prominent foreign-aid organization that promotes "diversity, equity, and inclusion" (DEI) ideology and other left-wing programs. This decision was in response to reports from the Heritage Foundation that InterAction has prioritized its DEI agenda over the needs of those it claims to help at the expense of U.S. taxpayers.

InterAction has demonstrated a pattern of using its influence and taxpayer money to prioritize its own agenda over the needs of those it claims to help. This amendment signifies a growing demand for accountability in the foreign aid industry. We must ensure that humanitarian aid remains focused on its core mission—assisting those in need without advancing a political agenda.

Read more from National Review here.

I'm pleased to share that Turks and Caicos (TCI) has reversed the excessively harsh ammunition law, under which Americans had be unjustly detained and faced years in prison.

Last month, I joined a bipartisan Congressional delegation to TCI to meet with government officials and address this. Alongside Senators Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), John Fetterman (D-PA), and Representatives Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA), Bob Good (R-VA), and Josh Brecheen (R-OK), we engaged with TCI officials to advocate for the release of American citizens facing up to twelve years in prison for minor infractions, such as unknowingly carrying small amounts of ammunition.

Protecting the safety and fair treatment of American citizens abroad remains a top priority. We will continue collaborating with the Department of State and international partners to uphold the rights of our citizens.

You can read more from Fox News here.

The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed Power Plant Rule mandates unfeasible carbon capture technology for coal and gas plants, posing a significant threat to America’s energy and economic stability. This rule could lead to higher energy costs and potential power shortages, particularly impacting South Texas.

During my recent visit to the South Texas Electric Cooperative (STEC) facilities, I had the opportunity to meet with General Manager Clif Lange and other key leaders from our district’s nine co-ops. For 80 years, STEC has been a cornerstone of our community, delivering power from natural gas, wind, coal, and solar sources. Their dedication and innovative spirit are crucial as we navigate these regulatory challenges.

We also discussed the importance of safeguarding our rural infrastructure and finding solutions to alleviate supply chain challenges, which are vital for maintaining our energy grid's resilience. The visit underscored the critical role of our co-ops and the necessity for policies that support a stable and innovative energy future for South Texas.

God Bless,

Rep. Michael Cloud

Member of Congress

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