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Friends,

February is flying by, and our work in Washington is moving full steam ahead. The Trump administration, along with our Republican trifecta, is hard at work implementing pragmatic, common-sense policies that help our country succeed.

I want to keep you informed about the efforts my team and I are making on behalf of the Second District of Texas. We've made significant strides on key issues that matter to our community, and I remain committed to ensuring your voices are heard in Congress.

This week, I had the privilege of participating in a critical hearing focused on the fentanyl crisis. This devastating epidemic has wreaked havoc on families across the nation, and we are working diligently to hold those responsible accountable while pushing for stronger measures to prevent the flow of this deadly drug into our communities. The safety of our families is and must remain, a top priority.

Additionally, I have been advocating for the integrity of women's and girls' sports. Every athlete deserves a fair and level playing field, and I will continue to fight to protect the opportunities for young women to compete and excel in sports across the country.

Back home, my team continues to work tirelessly to assist constituents with navigating federal agencies and ensuring your concerns are represented in Washington. Your engagement and support help drive our work forward, and I greatly appreciate every call, email, and meeting that helps shape our efforts.

Sincerely,

The Lead with Jake Tapper

I went on The Lead with Jake Tapper to explain why the Trump administration was right to shut down USAID’s spending spree. Foreign aid isn’t a giveaway—it’s a tool to protect American interests, strengthen our alliances, and push back against global threats. That’s why hitting pause on non-essential USAID spending was a no-brainer. Under Biden, the agency went off the rails, becoming a slush fund instead of focusing on national security and strategic partnerships.

Congress controls the budget, but the administration decides where the money goes. With Secretary Rubio now running USAID, I have no doubt he’ll bring real accountability, cut the nonsense, and get our foreign aid back to doing what it’s supposed to—serving America’s interests.

Working Out with the Spring Fire Department

Firefighter training is no joke—I experienced firsthand the strength, endurance, and skill it demands. Huge thanks to the Spring Fire Department for letting me suit up and tackle their drills. These firefighters don’t just show up when disaster strikes; they train relentlessly to stay prepared, and I appreciate the chance to see it firsthand. I am grateful for their service, commitment, and the opportunity to glimpse the training and equipment that make their work possible.

Mobile Office Hours

My team will hold mobile office hours this February to connect with constituents and provide assistance with federal agencies. Join us on February 21st at the May Community Center or the Crosby Community Center and on February 26th at the San Jacinto Community Center.

On February 21st, local congressional staff will be available to meet with you from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Crosby Community Center and from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the May Community Center. Similarly, on February 26th, staff will be available at the San Jacinto Community Center from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Tax Filing Season is Finally Here – What You Need to Know

The IRS has officially opened the 2025 tax filing season and is now accepting 2024 tax returns ahead of the April 15 deadline. Taxpayers in federally declared disaster areas may have additional time to file.

Free Tax Help – Eligible taxpayers can file for free online or in person through IRS Free File, IRS Direct File, and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance programs.
Faster Refunds – Most refunds are issued within 21 days if filed electronically. Those eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) may receive refunds by March 3. Track refund status using “Where’s My Refund?” on the IRS’ website or the IRS2Go app.
Avoid Scams – Be on alert for tax scams and identity theft. The IRS never initiates contact via text, email, or social media about refunds or payments. Stay informed with the latest consumer alerts identified by the IRS.
Wait to File Until You Have All Documents – Ensure all income and tax documents are received before filing to avoid delays or errors.
Choose a Trusted Tax Professional – Avoid “ghost“ tax preparers who do not sign returns. Always verify a tax preparer’s credentials.

For more information, visit IRS.gov to access official resources, filing assistance, and updates.

Congressional Art Competition

TX-02 high school students are invited to submit artwork for display in the U.S. Capitol! Entries are due by April 17, 2025. This year's theme is "Texas," showcasing our state's rich history and culture.

In line with the theme, I am looking for pieces that showcase what makes Texas unique. For submission guidelines and competition details, visit Crenshaw.House.gov/Art-Competition.

Please contact [email protected] with questions.

What to Do in an Emergency Abroad

If you or someone you know has an emergency while traveling abroad. The US Department of State is there to assist you. You can contact them any time for assistance. The website, https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html, has all the information you need for each country you visit.

You can also contact my offices for assistance contacting the embassies. Stay safe, stay informed!

Contacts for Emergencies while Traveling Abroad:

From the U.S. & Canada: 1-888-407-4747
From Outside the US: +1 202-501-4444
Kingwood Office: 713-860-1330
Woodlands Office: 281-640-7720

The HALT Fentanyl Act

Earlier this week, the House passed the HALT Fentanyl Act to combat illicit fentanyl trafficking, save lives, and equip law enforcement with the necessary tools to address this crisis. Securing our southern border and dismantling the cartels remains one of my top priorities in Congress, I am proud to be an original cosponsor of this legislation.

Allowing temporary scheduling to expire would weaken enforcement, jeopardize public safety, and lead to unnecessary loss of life.

Energy & Commerce Committee Hearing: Combatting Existing and Emerging Illicit Drug Threats

In line with this legislation, the Energy & Commerce Subcommittee on Health recently held a hearing on “Combatting Existing and Emerging Illicit Drug Threats.”

Cartel-trafficked fentanyl is killing thousands of Americans daily, and empowering law enforcement to dismantle foreign traffickers and domestic distributors is the only way to stop this crisis at its root.

Protecting Women and Girls in Sports

I'm proud to be part of the efforts to protect fairness in women’s sports. Women's sports should be for women—plain and simple. Yet the Left has turned this into a debate. As a father, I want my daughter to have the same opportunities as the female athletes who came before her. Radical gender ideology has stripped too many girls of those opportunities.

On Wednesday, President Trump took decisive action, signing an executive order to keep men out of women’s sports and cut federal funding from schools that refuse to comply.

I’m also proud to have co-sponsored H.R. 28, the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2025, which has already passed the House and has strong Senate support.

Thanks to these complementary initiatives, fairness is finally being restored.

The Jobs and Opportunities for Medicaid Act

Today, my colleagues, Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) and Congressman Eric Schmitt (R-MO), joined me in introducing H.R. 1059, the Jobs and Opportunities for Medicaid Act. This commonsense reform requires able-bodied adults without dependents on Medicaid to work or volunteer at least 20 hours per week—helping save taxpayers $100 billion over 10 years.

Our goal is simple: Medicaid should empower, not discourage, work. This reform promotes independence, strengthens the workforce, and helps individuals secure better health coverage.

Primary Care Enhancement Act

This week, my colleagues and I reintroduced the Primary Care Enhancement Act to modernize outdated IRS rules and allow Health Savings Account (HSA) funds to cover Direct Primary Care (DPC). Primary care is critical in preventing and managing chronic conditions, reducing ER visits, and lowering healthcare costs. Studies confirm that strong patient-provider relationships significantly decrease hospital admissions. Americans deserve the freedom to choose DPC with the support of their HSAs.

Protecting Your Second Amendment Rights

Last month, I introduced H.R. 223, the Preventing Unjust Red Flag Laws Act, to block federal funding for implementing and enforcing federal red flag laws. This bill also prevents the federal government from financially supporting state, local, tribal, or territorial enforcement of these laws.

Additionally, last month, I reintroduced H.R. 607, the ATF Accountability Act, a bipartisan bill to curb the ATF’s unchecked authority and ensure firearm manufacturers have a fair appeals process for its rulings.

Red flag laws and arbitrary ATF regulations threaten due process and can strip law-abiding citizens of their Second Amendment rights. These bills ensure federal resources are not used to undermine constitutional freedoms and restore accountability in firearm regulations.

SITREP #7: Tariff Battles, Panama Canal, USAID, & “The Gaza Riviera”

In this Situation Report (Jan 24 – Feb 5), I break down the latest tariff battles with Colombia, Mexico, and Canada, the U.S. interest in the Panama Canal, and how China became a major player in the region. I also cover what DOGE exposed at USAID and President Trump’s big announcement on his vision for Gaza and the Middle East—all the real news and clear analysis you need—in under 30 minutes.

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