Irving, TX - Hope everyone is looking forward to the three-day weekend!

On Monday, I toured Children's Health hangar in Dallas to see their new neonatal and pediatric transportation facilities. I helped secure funding to expand their behavioral health vehicles program so they can safely transport more North Texans.

After, I headed to our district office to meet with the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) agency to discuss their latest initiatives and expansion of rail lines in North Texas.

Later, I appreciated meeting with North Texans Sarah Love, Jenna Quinn, and Teresa Lusk. Jenna has been an incredible advocate for child sexual abuse survivors, sharing her story across the country and fighting for policy reforms that will better protect minors against abuse. I recently cosponsored the Jenna Quinn Law of 2024, a comprehensive child sexual abuse prevention education law.

On Tuesday, I went to visit Vulcan Materials facility in Dallas to discuss their operations across North Texas and the ongoing issue of Mexico illegally seizing Vulcan facilities. You can read more about how I've been working to stop this unfair practice in my Work of the Week section!

Later, I toured Wrico Stamping in Grapevine and heard how inflation and burdensome federal regulations are creating supply chain challenges. In Congress, I’m working to cut red tape for our job creators.

I was honored to attend our Hometown Hero and Southlake Fire Chief, Mike Starr’s retirement ceremony later that night to celebrate his 27 years of service to our community! You can read more about his incredible leadership and service in my Hometown Hero section.

Wednesday morning I visited Texas A&M Commerce at Dallas to talk about their expansion coming this year. We also discussed the benefits of Competency Based Education and how their robust program helps them acquire more teachers.

Later, two Texas-24 residents and former Youth Advisory members, Oliver Burke and Julian Stewart, stopped by the district office to pick up their Congressional Medals! These medals recognize initiative and service in America's youth and I was honored to present them.

I was also happy to meet with Bailey Edwards from Wing, a drone packaging delivery company expanding in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Thursday, I began the day meeting with Tara Storch from Taylor's Gift Foundation, an organization that helps organ donor families walk through grief after losing their loved ones. The organization was founded after the loss of her daughter Taylor, who saved five lives with the gift of organ donation.

I enjoyed joining the Dallas Regional Chamber's annual Congressional Forum later that day. I sat on a panel with three other Texas Members and we discussed critical infrastructure needs, education and workforce initiatives, as well as how Texas is preparing for a technological future.

After, I went to Euless Police Chief Mike Brown's retirement ceremony to recognize his 50-year career in law enforcement. Chief Brown has been a pillar in our community and his dedication to keeping North Texans safe shows his true leadership.

This morning, I met with Forum Parkway Health and Rehab in Bedford to discuss barriers they're seeing in the long term care sector and how we can better work together to support patients' needs.

Afterwards, I was thrilled to meet with Grapevine-Colleyville ISD's Superintendent, Dr. Bradley Schnautz, to discuss the upcoming school year and how GCISD is supporting our young residents while they get their education.

This week, I toured Vulcan Materials Company's facility in Dallas. Vulcan Materials is the nation's largest producer of construction aggregates, operating in both the U.S. and Mexico for 35 years. I've been working to stop Mexican President Lopez Obrador's illegal seizures and occupation of Vulcan's facility in Quintana Roo which supports critical infrastructure development in our state.

This week's Texas-24 Hometown Hero is Fire Chief Mike Starr who dedicated 27 years of his life to serving and protecting the citizens of Southlake. Chief Starr has embodied what it means to be a true leader, and I wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement.

Applications for our office’s Congressional Veteran Commendations are now open! Through this program, we honor the distinguished veterans of Texas-24 and preserve their stories for future generations of Americans. Nominate a hero today.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your voice in Washington. To stay up to date on what's happening each week, follow me on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. 

Please do not hesitate to contact our office if we can ever be of service to you. 

Sincerely,

Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne (TX-24)