It’s no secret that the actions of Big Tech and censor-minded governments have eroded our freedom of speech in the past decades. The twin specters of “misinformation” and “disinformation” were held up during the COVID-19 pandemic as self-evident reasons for a draconian crackdown on online discourse. Just this week, Mark Zuckerberg admitted in a letter to the House Judiciary Committee that, at the behest of the Biden Administration, Meta censored online discussion. Mark Zuckerberg’s letter outlining that the Biden-Harris administration pressured Meta to silence differing voices and opinions on the COVID-19 pandemic and information on Hunter Biden and the Biden family is damning. This is a gross abuse of power by this administration, and we must do everything we can to preserve our First Amendment rights The purchase of X (formerly Twitter) by an industry outsider is the only thing that has returned a modicum of balance to the enforcement of online content laws.
But that all changed this past week.
Pavel Durov, the founder and CEO of Telegram (a popular encrypted messaging service), was arrested in France on twelve charges, six of which are “complicity” in the crimes of others. What did he do, you might ask? He owned an internet application.
Telegram is an attractive app for all sorts of privacy-minded people, the vast majority of whom are law-abiding citizens with no ulterior motive for using the app besides the added security of its encryption. But that does not mean all. Telegram has been used in the past by criminals and terrorists, and it is the use of the app by these nefarious actors that French authorities claim incriminates Mr. Durov as well. That is profoundly ridiculous. Mr. Durov is no more responsible for what is said by individual users on his app any more than a car manufacturer can decide where a customer can drive their car. We must remain vigilant on our side of the Atlantic, and ensure that this sort of top-down, immoral and unjust targeting of companies (and not the criminals) never comes to the United States.
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As your representative and the Vice Chair on the Communications and Technology Subcommittee, I am proud to share how we, as Energy and Commerce Committee Republicans, are leading the charge to close the digital divide and encourage American leadership in next-generation technologies. These efforts are critical to winning the future and ensuring our nation remains at the forefront of innovation. Here's a snapshot of the key legislative accomplishments we've achieved: H.R. 1339, the Precision Agriculture Satellite Connectivity Act
Passed the House to require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to recommend rule changes that promote precision agriculture and accommodate next-generation technologies. This is a significant step toward modernizing our agricultural industry and ensuring our farmers have the tools they need to succeed.
H.R. 1353, the ALERT Parity Act
Passed the House to require the FCC to expand emergency communications, like 9-1-1, in unserved areas where Americans may be in danger but unable to receive or call for help. This act is about saving lives and ensuring every American has access to critical emergency services.
H.R. 4510, the NTIA Reauthorization Act of 2023
Passed the House to help us beat China by streamlining regulations, advancing connectivity across the United States, and providing the NTIA the tools needed to keep up with issues posed by modern technology. This legislation is vital for maintaining our competitive edge on the global stage.
H.R. 813, the Global Investment in American Jobs Act of 2023, and H.R. 752, the Securing Semiconductor Supply Chains Act of 2023
Passed the House to identify ways to increase foreign direct investment in advanced technology and semiconductor-related manufacturing and production. These acts are crucial for securing our supply chains and bolstering American industry.
H.R. 3557, the American Broadband Deployment Act of 2023
Passed out of Committee to streamline broadband permitting and expedite deployment, ensuring every American has access to high-speed broadband. Access to reliable internet is no longer a luxury—it's a necessity, and this act helps make it a reality for all Americans.
As Vice Chair, I am committed to advancing policies that foster innovation, enhance connectivity, and secure America's technological future. Together, we can ensure our nation remains a leader in the global tech landscape.
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It was a busy week across TX-14! I started off Sunday on Fox 26 News' "What's Your Point?" discussing the hardships Americans have faced under the Harris-Biden Administration. You can watch the interview here. I also had the privilege of speaking at the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association's National Coastal Conference in Galveston. Coastal communities like ours face unique challenges, from hurricanes and flooding to the ongoing need for infrastructure improvements. But with the right investments and smart policies, we can turn these challenges into opportunities. We are proud to live on the Gulf Coast! Later, I stopped by the Kiwanis meeting in Galveston to discuss national issues and answer questions. A big thank you to everyone who attended!
Team Weber had a full schedule as well. They were on hand for the ribbon cutting and open house of Angleton ISD’s new Operations Service Center, which now houses Business, Child Nutrition, Human Resources, Maintenance, Purchasing/Receiving, and Technology for the district. In Brazosport, they participated in the IMMERSE Grace Community Fellowship Worship and Prayer Night alongside community leaders. And in Friendswood, they attended the Chamber breakfast.
Team Weber also celebrated the grand opening of the Sabine Neches Federal Credit Union and attended the CrimeStoppers of SETX Back the Blue Brunch, where they presented certificates to our outstanding law enforcement officers.
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For over 100 years our great service academies have produced some of America’s greatest leaders. Not only are these programs producing military leaders, they are also molding better citizens for America. They prepare our youth to be well-rounded leaders and agile thinkers who will take their lessons of discipline and leadership with them into both military and civilian careers.
One of my privileges as a Member of Congress allows me to nominate candidates for appointment to the U.S. Service Academies. Every year I look forward to reading those applications. I am always impressed by the character, selflessness, and -- above all -- the devotion to the ideals of our great nation. The honor of attending a service academy comes with the obligation and commitment to serve in the military for a minimum of five years upon graduation.
Each member of Congress may nominate up to ten individuals for each vacant academy slot allotted to our district for appointment to four of the five U.S. service academies: U.S. Military Academy (USMA), West Point, NY; the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA), Annapolis, MD; the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA), Colorado Springs, CO; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), Kings Point, NY. The fifth service academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA), New London, CT, does not require a congressional nomination for appointment.
Below you will find all the information to start the process, including checklists and important dates. This year's deadline is Friday, October 18, 2024. I would also encourage you to watch the videos linked here and here (part II) called “The Five-Pointed Star.” It’s a great overview of what each of the US Service Academies have to offer.
To request a Military Academy Nomination from our office, please contact Jared Bargas, District Director, at [email protected] or (281) 316-0231 for more information. |
Legislation cosponsored
- H.R. 7142 - Alternatives to PAIN Act
- H.Res. 1394 - Celebrating the principles of democracy, religious pluralism, human rights, and the rule of law shared by both the United States and India, the strong people-to-people ties between the United States and India, and the success of the Indian diaspora in the United States.
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Yes, it's a major concern: 80.9% No, it's not a serious threat: 19.1% |
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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