In recent weeks, the dangers facing our brave men and women in uniform have once again been brought to the forefront. A pair of rockets targeted the Al Asad Air Base in Iraq, injuring five servicemembers and two contractors. While the Pentagon assures us that all victims are in stable condition, we must recognize this as a dangerous escalation in tensions across the region — tensions that have been mounting since the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel.
The connection is clear: Iran’s destabilizing influence is growing, and it’s being felt by our troops on the ground. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin acknowledged this threat in conversations with his Israeli counterpart, emphasizing the role of Iran-aligned militias in these latest attacks. But as we face these mounting challenges, I can't help but notice the stark contrast between the current administration’s approach and the decisive action we saw under President Trump.
Under Trump, our enemies knew where we stood. They knew that America was not to be trifled with. When Qasem Soleimani, one of the most dangerous terrorists in the Middle East, was eliminated by a U.S. missile strike, it sent a powerful message to our adversaries. As I mentioned on “Washington Watch” this week, Mark Theissen noted on Fox News that the Trump administration communicated directly to Iran that any retaliation would result in a missile strike on Tehran itself. That’s the kind of strength that kept our enemies at bay.
Unfortunately, the current administration's response has been lacking. After more than 175 attacks on U.S. forces since October, we’ve seen little more than condemnations and vague promises of retaliation “at a time and place of our choosing.” Meanwhile, our enemies continue to strike, undeterred by the empty threats coming out of the White House.
What we need now is not just words but action. As I’ve said before, if we are attacked, our response must be swift and devastating. We should obliterate the source of these attacks without hesitation, making it clear that America will not tolerate aggression against our forces. We cannot afford to project weakness, especially not in a region where strength is the only language our adversaries understand.
This administration's reluctance to take a firm stand is not just a failure of leadership; it’s a danger to our troops, our allies, and our national security. The Democrats, through their inaction and lack of support for Israel, are sending a message to the world that America is no longer committed to defending our friends or deterring our enemies.
As if this weren’t bad enough, the administration has also allowed $239 million of taxpayer money to fall into the hands of terrorists. This disastrous mistake, along with the billions in equipment left behind in Afghanistan, shows just how reckless and incompetent this administration has been in managing our national security.
We need leadership that understands the importance of strength on the world stage, leadership that will not let our enemies believe they can act with impunity. The time for appeasement is over. We must stand with our allies, defend our troops, and show the world that America is still a force to be reckoned with.
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Do you believe the current administration is taking strong enough action to protect our troops and deter threats from Iran and its aligned militias?
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Last week, I shared with you the work we have been doing on the Energy and Commerce Committee, specifically regarding boosting American energy production. This week, I want to share how we are leading the way in securing our border and protecting the American people from adversaries like Russia and China.
- Signed into law: H.R. 7521, the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, to protect Americans by preventing foreign adversaries, such as China, from targeting, surveilling, and manipulating the American people through online applications that pose a threat to national security, like TikTok.
- Signed into law: H.R. 7520, the Protecting Americans’ Data from Foreign Adversaries Act of 2024, to prevent data brokers from sharing Americans’ sensitive information with foreign adversaries, such as China, and the companies they control.
- Signed into law: H.R. 1042, the Prohibiting Russian Uranium Act, to strengthen our energy and national security by prohibiting imports of enriched uranium produced by Russia.
- Passed the House: H.R. 467, the HALT Fentanyl Act, to ensure law enforcement has the permanent tools they need to keep illicit and extremely lethal fentanyl-related substances from crossing the border and off our streets.
- Passed the House: H.R. 21, the Strategic Production Response Act, to prevent the Biden-Harris administration from abusing the Strategic Petroleum Reserve through politically motivated, “non-emergency” sales. H.R. 21 will strengthen America’s energy security and ensure this strategic asset is available during true supply emergencies.
- Passed the House: H.R. 6571, the Promoting Resilient Supply Chains Act of 2023, to strengthen American supply chains and reduce American reliance on foreign adversaries by using emerging technologies to limit the effects of supply chain disruptions.
- Passed the House: H.R. 5390, the Critical Infrastructure Manufacturing Feasibility Act, to strengthen our domestic supply chains by reviewing where we can bolster American manufacturing and become less reliant on China.
- Passed the House: H.R. 538, the Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act, to provide transparency to Americans over what consumer products may be collecting sensitive information from them.
- Passed out of Committee: H.R. 801, the Securing the Border for Public Health Act of 2023, to stop the import of certain controlled substances including narcotics, opiates, opium derivatives, and fentanyl-related substances, across the border.
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As we continue to confront the unprecedented challenges facing our nation, a recent revelation has emerged that demands our immediate attention. The House Judiciary Committee, which I do not serve on but support the committee's action, has taken decisive action by seeking answers from Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas regarding a deeply disturbing incident. It has come to light that Asif Raza Merchant, the leader of a plot to assassinate former President Donald Trump and other prominent politicians, was able to enter the United States despite being flagged on a terrorism watchlist. This raises serious questions about our immigration system, national security protocols, and the Biden administration's handling of such critical matters. The American people deserve transparency and accountability, and we will not rest until we uncover the truth behind this alarming breach of security.
Here is the letter they sent today...
Dear Secretary Blinken and Mayorkas:
On July 12, 2024, law enforcement officials arrested Asif Merchant, a citizen of Pakistan with ties to Iran, after he “orchestrated a plot to assassinate U.S. government officials on U.S. soil.” Federal investigators “believe that [president] Trump and other current and former U.S. government officials were the intended targets of the plot.” The arrest came just one day before the attempted assassination of President Trump at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The complaint was unsealed on August 6, 2024.
According to court records, in April 2024, Merchant flew from Pakistan to Istanbul, Turkey, and then to Houston, Texas, “to recruit individuals to carry out his plot to assassinate U.S. government officials.” Merchant’s “travel records to enter the United States” showed “frequent travel to Iran, Syria, and Iraq.” Once inside the United States, Merchant “contacted a person he believed could assist him with the criminal scheme,” but the person “reported Merchant’s conduct to law enforcement and became a confidential source working with law enforcement.” During the following three months, Merchant continued to plan his assassination plot, until law enforcement arrested him before Merchant planned to depart the United States in July 2024.
During a phone call with the Department of Justice (DOJ) on August 6, the Biden-Harris Administration refused to answer many of the Committee’s questions about the assassination plot, including about Merchant’s immigration status and his method of entry into the United States. Instead, DOJ directed the Committee to court documents. The limited details in the court documents, however, do not substitute for the Committee’s need for information to conduct its oversight.
Potential terrorists and enemies of the United States exploit vulnerabilities in our nation’s immigration system to the detriment of those in the country. The Committee has documented how the Biden-Harris Administration’s border and immigration policies have allowed a known 99 potential terrorists into the country and only increase the likelihood that other dangerous aliens will successfully enter and remain in the country. Pursuant to the Rules of the House of Representatives, the Committee on the Judiciary is authorized to conduct oversight of federal immigration policy and procedures. As such, to assist the Committee with its continued oversight of federal immigration policy and procedures, we ask that you please provide the following information and materials regarding Asif Merchant:
- Case history information and visa records, including, but not limited to, the alien’s immigration history, immigration benefits applications, and the alien file (A-file) or consular files (including all consular notes)
- Information regarding the time, date, and place of any and all of the alien’s entries into the United States.
- Information regarding the alien’s processing by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials, including whether CBP officials were alerted to derogatory information about the alien and what questions were asked of the alien during the screening process.
Please provide this information as soon as possible, but no later than 5:00 p.m. on August 23, 2024. If you have any questions, please contact Committee staff at (202) 225-6906. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
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This week, thanks to the Gulf Coast Water Authority for showing me around the Industrial Pumping Plant, home to the nine powerful pumps supplying water to the Texas City Industrial Complex—an essential resource for many of you. We had the opportunity to get an aerial overview of our region's critical water infrastructure, flying over the Industrial Pumping Plant, Thomas Mackey Water Treatment Plant, Texas City Reservoir, and other critical sites. Witnessing the scale and importance of these operations firsthand, from Texas City to Danbury, was great. Ensuring our water infrastructure remains top-notch is a priority.
In Jefferson County, we celebrated the major investments in flood mitigation projects for Orange, Jefferson, and Jasper Counties. A big thank you to our dedicated Land Commissioner, Dawn Buckingham, who not only announced these vital projects, but also worked tirelessly to bring them to Southeast Texas, helping to protect our communities from the unpredictable forces of Mother Nature! - City of Jasper Road and Sewer Improvements – $3,974,000
- Jefferson County Drainage District No. 7 Flood Control Improvements - $41,367,400
- Orange County Drainage District Drainage Improvements - $31,091,100.
In Orange County, Brenda Gail and I attended the16th Annual Banquet of the Orange County Coastal Conservation Association. Their dedication to preserving our community’s marine environment and promoting responsible fishery policy is truly inspiring. It was great to see so many of you!
Across the district, Team Weber was excited to join celebrations for exciting new developments. We were thrilled to join the ribbon-cutting and grand opening of the Gulf Credit Union in Port Arthur, one of the oldest credit unions in Southeast Texas. Additionally, we celebrated the ribbon-cutting for Doxie Coffee in Groves, located in the heart of the Lincoln Avenue Business District. We're delighted to welcome these new businesses to our community!
In Galveston, we attended the Galveston Chamber of Commerce's State of Healthcare luncheon. We received valuable updates from Elite ER, Hospitality ER, Memorial Hermann, Houston Methodist, Shriners Hospitals for Children – Texas, and UTMB. They also attended the Brazosport Chamber Dinner!
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There are now FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) locations available to assist residents in Brazoria and Galveston Counties. The DRC’s are located at the West Columbia Civic Center and Freeport Recreation Center
At the DRC, FEMA can provide one-on-one assistance with: - FEMA applications - Get help submitting your application or updating your existing one.
- Status Checks - Check the status of your FEMA claims.
- Guidance on Denials - Understand and address FEMA denials if you believe you qualify.
- Provide Information on Other Available Assistance - Learn about other forms of aid for which you may be eligible, including business support.
Brazoria County:  Location: West Columbia Civic Center, 512 E. Brazos Avenue, West Columbia, Texas
Location: Freeport Recreation Center - 803 N. Front Street, Freeport, Texas
 Hours: Monday - Saturday, 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Galveston County: Location: Galveston County Health District, 9850 Emmett F. Lowry Expressway, Texas City, Texas Location: League City Rec Center, 450 W Walker St, League City, Texas
Hours: Monday - Saturday, 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
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Legislation cosponsored:
- H.R. 9191 - To amend title 5, United States Code, to eliminate the use of official time by Federal employees.
- H.R. 9277 - To prohibit Federal agencies from implementing environmental justice standards when issuing rules, and for other purposes.
- H.J.Res. 199 - Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration relating to "Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standards for Passenger Cars and Light Trucks for Model Years 2027 and Beyond and Fuel Efficiency Standards for Heavy-Duty Pickup Trucks and Vans for Model Years 2030 and Beyond".
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It is a privilege to represent our district in Congress. While we’ve faced many challenges in recent years, through strength and prayer, we have persevered.
Please know that we are always a resource for you. Call or stop by any of the offices (YOUR offices, we work for you), whenever you need assistance or want to talk about an issue before Congress.
For assistance or more information, please call or go online to visit us at weber.house.gov.
God Bless you and God Bless Texas! |
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Sincerely,
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Randy K. Weber
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