August 15, 2024: Weekly Newsletter

As the September 30th budget deadline approaches, it’s critical to address the potential consequences. If Congress fails to pass the necessary appropriations bills, we could face a government shutdown. To avoid this, Congress often resorts to a Continuing Resolution (CR), which temporarily extends current funding levels. However, CRs too often are used merely to delay the tough choices needed to control spending and set up the infamous Christmas tree Omnibus bills.

House Republicans, including myself and the House Freedom Caucus, are urging that any legislation that continues to fund the Government include the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act. This bill ensures that only U.S. citizens can register to vote in federal elections by requiring states to verify citizenship.

Our leverage comes from tying the SAVE Act to must-pass legislation like a CR, making election integrity a priority. The integrity of our elections is non-negotiable, and we are committed to ensuring this bill’s passage to restore trust in our electoral system.

Read more from Fox News here.

I joined leaders from the Port of Corpus Christi to announce funding that will further solidify our port’s standing as a global leader in energy exports. Through the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) and the Energy and Water Appropriations Bill, we’ve secured critical funding that will enhance operations, maintenance, and infrastructure at the port. This includes authorizing two new building projects—the Corpus Christi Joint Resident Office and the Regulatory Field Office—along with $33.425 million dedicated to ongoing operations and maintenance.

This investment is more than just a win for South Texas; it’s a win for our entire nation. By supporting the Port of Corpus Christi, we are not only driving local economic growth but also reinforcing America’s energy independence and security. The ability to export American-produced energy and goods to our allies strengthens our position on the global stage, and I’m proud to see this important work being done right here in our district.

Thank you to everyone who showed up to our meet and greets in Gonzales and Port Lavaca and asked questions that mattered to you. One of the reoccurring comments I heard was from farmers who voiced their concerns about the farm bill, noting that most funding goes to SNAP benefits instead of supporting producers as it was originally intended. Congress must pass a farm bill that truly benefits our farmers who produce the food we eat, right here in America.

Other important issues such as border security, inflation, and energy were some of the other most asked topics and how Congress needs to use its authority to combat the radical policies of the Biden-Harris administration that has fueled a lot of these issues.

During my visit to Port Lavaca, I met with several small business owners who shared a common story: under the Trump administration, their businesses were thriving and expanding, but after 3½ years of Biden-Harris policies, they are now struggling to make ends meet. Costs have skyrocketed, forcing many to scale back operations, reduce hours, and, in some cases, face the threat of closing their doors. It’s clear that the burdensome regulations and rising costs imposed by this administration are hitting our small businesses hard. We need to get back to policies that foster growth and opportunity in our communities.

I had the opportunity to tour the Port Lavaca Police Department and receive a detailed briefing on their training procedures. It was a valuable experience to see how our local law enforcement is preparing to keep our community safe.

We must continue to support these brave men and women who work tirelessly to protect our neighborhoods and communities. Our law enforcement officers are continually mistreated and misrepresented by the media, culture, and many left-wing politicians. It is important that we take a step back and remember the heroic and dangerous work they do every single day to protect you and I in their own neighborhoods.

To kick off the school year, I visited  schools across the district, including HJM Elementary, Calhoun High School, Hope High School in Port Lavaca, and Travis Middle School. As the husband of a teacher, I know firsthand the dedication and hard work that goes into preparing for a new school year, so it was great to be able to meet with and encourage our South Texas teachers as they prepare for the upcoming school year!

Game Wardens are essential in the fight against illegal activities like poaching, enforcing regulations that sustain our wildlife, and preserving the delicate balance of our ecosystems. Their vigilance ensures that the species vital to the Texas way of life continue to thrive, safeguarding the outdoor heritage that defines our state.

I joined the Texas Parks & Wildlife Game Wardens on a coastal patrol, seeing firsthand the work they do to protect our state's natural resources and Texans. These dedicated officers are out there every day, making sure that Texans can continue to enjoy our rich hunting and fishing traditions safely and responsibly.

On Fox Business we discussed the Biden-Harris border crisis and the latest developments in the ongoing investigation into Hunter Biden's corrupt business dealings in which the Department of Justice now admit that Hunter was hired by a Romanian oligarch to bypass the Foreign Agents Registration Act and protect Joe's political standing. Then, on the Bob Jones Show we discussed what my team and I have been working on for the 27th District and the Biden-Harris Administration's failed economic and border policies.

God Bless,

Rep. Michael Cloud

Member of Congress

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