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Transparency in Congress and a well-informed electorate are vital to preserving our self-governing Constitutional Republic. My constituents deserve to know how their members of Congress vote, which is why I have explained every vote I have cast in Congress since I was first elected.
To read more about my votes and see the full list with explanations of all the legislation considered this week by the House, please click here.
I voted “Yes” on H.Res. 1371, Strongly condemning the Biden Administration and its Border Czar, Kamala Harris’s, failure to secure the United States border. In 2021, as illegal aliens began pouring over our Southern Border leading to the border crisis, Vice President Kamala Harris was designated as the “border czar.” During her time as the border czar, Harris only visited the Southern Border once and has never spoken with the Chief of the U.S. Border Patrol. During Harris’ time as border czar, over 9.9 million illegal aliens have entered the United States, including individuals with ties to terrorist organizations and individuals on the terror watchlist. I am disappointed that only six of my Democratic colleagues had the courage to vote for this simple resolution that highlights the ongoing crisis on our border that has turned every community into a border community. H.Res. 1371 passed the House by a vote of 220-196.
I voted “Yes” on H.R. 8998, Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2025. This bill authorizes appropriations for the Department of the Interior (DOI), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and several related agencies. By passing this legislation, House Republicans are upholding our duty to cut spending, authorizing appropriations for these agencies at $4.4 billion below President Biden’s request (a reduction of 10%). This bill also cuts funding for the EPA by 20%, which under this administration has been weaponized to enforce the Green New Deal, Diversity Equity and Inclusion Programs, and burdensome regulations on land use, hunting and fishing, mineral production, and oil and gas leasing. This bill refocuses the EPA and DOI on their core responsibilities— responsibly managing our federal land and keeping our farms and rivers clean. This bill passed by a vote of 210-205.
I voted “Yes” on H.Res. 1367, Establishing the Task Force on the Attempted Assassination of Donald J. Trump. This resolution establishes a bipartisan Task Force to investigate the attempted assassination of President Donald J. Trump and the actions of the Secret Service and other government agencies that allowed this horrific event to occur. The Task Force will be comprised of seven Republicans and six Democrats, and importantly, the Task Force will have subpoena power. I look forward to carefully reviewing the Task Force’s final report and implementing their recommendations to ensure that nothing like this every occurs again. H.Res. 1367 passed the House by a vote of 416-0.
I voted “Yes” on S. 227, Improving Access to Our Courts Act. This legislation formally allows federal court proceedings to occur in Brewster County, Texas. Currently, both parties must sign a waiver to allow court proceedings to occur in Brewster County, otherwise they occur in Pecos, TX several hours away. S. 227 passed the House by a vote of 404-3.
I voted “Yes” on H.R. 7887, the ACCESS Act. This legislation would eliminate mandatory experience or educational requirements for government contractors, unless contracting offices provide a written explanation of why the requirements are essential. Too many government jobs have unnecessary requirements that prevent the most qualified individuals from being hired. The government must prioritize skills and expertise, not just diplomas and formalized education. This vote required a 2/3 majority to pass and failed by a vote of 178-234.
I voted “Yes” on S. 3706, the Victims’ VOICES Act. This legislation will ensure that victim advocates, such as family members, legal guardians, or court appointed advocates, receive restitution for expenses occurred as a result of the trial, such as transportation, lost income, and childcare. Victim advocates should not have to sacrifice to advocate for justice for their loved ones. S. 3706 passed the House by a vote of 408-2.
I voted “Yes” on H.R. 1631, the Pro Codes Act. This legislation would provide a fix for copyright protections for private standards that are incorporated into law by reference. Currently, if a copyrighted privately set standard is incorporated into law by reference, the standard setting organization loses their copyright protections. However, this legislation would have allowed companies to retain their copyrights if they provide access to the incorporated standard without charge. This vote required a 2/3 majority to pass and failed by a vote of 248-127.
I voted “Yes” on S. 3249, To designate the outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Wyandotte County, Kansas City, Kansas, as the “Captain Elwin Shopteese VA Clinic”. Elwin Shopteese was a member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation and fought in World War II, including in the Normandy invasion and the Battle of the Bulge. He received a Bronze Star and Purple Heart for his service. After serving, he was a Tribal Council member and helped found the Indian Community Alcoholism Resources Expeditors Recovery Home, a tribal center for treating alcoholism. S. 3249 passed the House by a vote of 363-0, with one member voting present.
I voted “Yes” on H.R. 8812, the Water Resources Development Act of 2024. This bill authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects and feasibility studies, deauthorizes inactive projects, and establishes pilot programs. This bill makes critical investments into our nation's shipping ports, waterways, flood management programs, and water resource infrastructure. This will ensure that Americans continue to have clean drinking water, as well as high-functioning logistical hubs that keep our economy running. This bill passed by a vote of 359-13.
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