July 29, 2024: Weekly Newsletter

In last week’s House Oversight Committee hearing, I confronted U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle about the security lapse that nearly resulted in the assassination of former President Donald Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. 

During her testimony, Director Cheatle refused to provide essential details about the incident, including the number of shell casings found on the roof where the shooter was. Her lack of basic transparency and accountability was unacceptable. At another point, I asked her directly if she signed off on the security plan for President Trump’s Butler, PA event – and shockingly, she admitted that she never reviews security plans and could not name who does approved them. It is amazing that whether it's the FBI, Secret Service, or Dr. Fauci, the bureaucracy creates multiple layers of ‘accountability’ that in actuality are designed to create plausible deniability so that no one person in Washington can be held responsible for its failure.

The resignation of Secret Service Director Cheatle following our hearing is a start but comes only after she was exposed on national television for having no answers to her department's complete failure. It took her 10 days to resign, and frankly, it was 10 days too late.

Watch my full questioning, here.

It was an honor to hear Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu address a joint session of Congress amidst the continued turmoil in the Middle East. It was refreshing to hear a leader speak boldly with moral clarity. We could use more of that in Washington, D.C.

Israel has every right to defend itself and its people, especially against unprovoked attacks from those who want to see it completely destroyed, like Hamas and Iran. 

I will continue to pray for the safe return of the hostages held by Hamas and for the people of Israel. America must ensure that our ally has the means to defend its sovereignty and secure peace for its citizens.

This address highlighting Isreal’s pro-America posture was in stark contrast to the pro-Hamas protesters just outside the capitol who defaced property and burned American flags and celebrated the horrific violence perpetrated by Hamas. As always, above all, pray for peace - and that the Lord would soften the hearts of those who seek to do harm to others.

Join me for coffee next week to discuss the latest updates from Washington, our ongoing efforts to improve Texas-27, and what lies ahead for Congress this year. This is also a great opportunity for me to hear directly from you about the concerns and issues that are impacting you.

I look forward to this and hope to see you there!

I'm thrilled for the Corpus Christi International Airport (CCIA) and our community with the news that Aerus Airlines is now offering direct flights to Monterrey, Mexico—the first nonstop international service from CCIA since 1967.

My office has been actively supporting this effort, from submitting the initial congressional inquiry to engaging with the Department of Transportation to ensure Aerus received fair consideration. I look forward to seeing the positive impact of this new service and our community's continued growth!

Last week, I joined national TV and radio to address the alarming security failure by the Secret Service at President Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania and the House Oversight Committee hearing that led to Director Kimberly Cheatle's resignation. The American people saw on display why there is a dire need for real accountability and reform in Washington.

God Bless,

Rep. Michael Cloud

Member of Congress

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