Honoring America

This week, I joined millions of Americans in celebrating our country’s independence. As your congressman, it’s my honor to continue working to protect the freedoms that are afforded to you in our great nation.

While this is a time for celebration, we know that freedom is not free. Our brave servicemembers selflessly protect and defend our country and its values. My father — a WWII bombardier on a B-17 — was one of the millions of Americans who have joined the ranks in fighting for freedom and democracy, not just here in the U.S., but also around the world. I am forever thankful to the men and women who put their lives on the line to defend the liberties we celebrate on the 4th of July.

For over 200 years, the United States of America has stood as a symbol of hope and freedom. Despite the challenges facing our nation today, it is still a blessing and a privilege to live in the land of the free and home of the brave. Today and every day, I am proud to be an American and to represent Texas’ 10th Congressional District.

Demanding the Truth from Jen Psaki

As former White House press secretary, Jen Psaki served as the Biden administration’s chief communicator. She was charged with keeping the American public accurately and honestly informed regarding the catastrophic withdrawal from Afghanistan. She failed to do so. Instead, my investigation has revealed that she spread falsehoods.

For that reason, I requested she testify before the committee. It is her responsibility to the Gold Star families, servicemembers, and the American people to explain what took place during the withdrawal, why messaging from the White House differed from reality on the ground, and how she received information from the administration’s key policymakers.

Finally — after I threatened to subpoena her for her failure to comply — Ms. Psaki agreed to testify before my committee.

It is time for the American people to hear the truth, and I am honored to pursue it on their behalf.

Read more here.

Combating Human Trafficking

Human trafficking is a modern-day form of slavery that is far more prevalent than we realize. As a former federal prosecutor and chairman emeritus of the House Homeland Security Committee, I have witnessed the horrors of these crimes many times. That’s why I’ve dedicated so much of my career to stopping this ruthless criminal enterprise.

Last week, the U.S. Department of State released the 2024 Trafficking in Persons Report. Unfortunately, the report continues to demonstrate how ruthless traffickers are in their attempts to exploit men, women, and children around the world – including the United States. It also highlights the heartbreaking levels of trafficking of children for online sexual exploitation and abuse. We need to invest in online technology to deter these perpetrators and to remove child sexual abuse materials from the internet.

I will never stop working to end these horrific atrocities.