Email from Rep. McCaul A Message to Our European Allies: It’s Time to Step Up to the Plate Last weekend, I had the honor of attending the Munich Security Conference, where I met with world leaders and top security experts to discuss strengthening our nations’ security, advocating for our shared values, and countering aggression from our adversaries like China and Russia. I attended Vice President Vance's speech and met with our allies to discuss a variety of topics, including strategies for combatting continuing threats from China and working toward normalization in the Middle East. Ensuring a strong and united front is critical to maintaining global security in the face of rising threats. While in Munich, I did an interview with Newsmax's Greta Van Susteren, which you can watch below: Click to Watch From Munich, I traveled to Brussels as part of a Congressional delegation visiting NATO headquarters. Our mission: to meet with our allies and emphasize President Trump's message that they must step up to the plate and increase defense spending. For too long, Americans have footed the bill, and it's high time our allies start carrying their fair share of the burden to secure their own backyard. In an increasingly dangerous world, America and its allies must continue countering adversaries — we cannot afford to let our guard down. Congressman McCaul in Brussels while visiting NATO Headquarters Deterrence is Back: Securing Our Borders and Protecting Americans For too long, the Biden administration’s weak policies exacerbated illegal border crossings and put our communities at risk. But now, deterrence is back. Strong leadership and tough enforcement measures are making a difference—illegal border crossings are have dropped over 85% since the same time last year, and Americans are finally seeing results. Under the Trump administration, the federal government is doing its job: enforcing the law, securing our border, and protecting the homeland. Now, with the right policies in place, we are once again seeing Border Patrol empowered to do their jobs, ensuring that our laws are upheld and our borders are defended. Make no mistake: A strong border is essential to our national security. We must continue to stand with our law enforcement officers, push back against the previous administration’s failed open-border policies, and ensure that America remains safe and secure. I will always fight to protect our borders and put the safety of the American people first. Standing with Israel Against Hamas' Savagery Hamas’ latest act of depravity is beyond words. Thursday morning, Hamas was expected to release the bodies of four remaining hostages: Kfir (2) and Ariel (5) Bibas — two beautiful, innocent children they abducted on October 7 — along with their mother, Shiri, and Oded Lifshitz, an 83-year-old humanitarian. In true barbarous fashion, these terrorists used the release as propaganda, parading the four bodies through the streets of Gaza with horrific images of Benjamin Netanyahu and anti-American slogans. While the bodies of the Bibas brothers and Oded were positively identified, it has since been discovered that the fourth body was in fact not that of Shiri Bibas, but of another unidentified woman. This act is not just a simple violation of basic human decency—it is pure evil. Further, Hamas' failure to return Ms. Bibas with her children reflects their utter lack of respect for the terms of ceasefire. This barbaric display should remind the world exactly who Hamas is and why they must be eradicated. Israel has upheld its end of the ceasefire agreement, yet Hamas continues to break every rule of humanity. The international community must stand united against these atrocities. We must demand the immediate return of Shiri Bibas and hold Hamas accountable for their crimes. My heart goes out to the Bibas and Lifshitz families and all of Israel as they mourn this horrific loss. May the memories of Kfir, Ariel, Shiri, and Oded be a blessing. The United States will continue standing with our ally Israel until Hamas is eliminated and justice is restored. ICYMI: Rep. McCaul in the News Bloomberg: EU Seeks a Military Revival Under Pressure From Putin, Trump Click to read Politico: Full interview with Rep. Michael McCaul in Munich Click to watch The Ripon Advance: McCaul Sponsors Bipartisan Give Kids A Chance Act Click to read www.mccaul.house.gov Washington, D.C. 2300 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Phone: 202-225-2401 Fax: 202-225-5955 Austin 11614 FM 2244 Suite 160 Austin, TX 78738 Fax: 512-473-0514 College Station 175 Century Square Drive Suite 210 College Station, TX 77840 Phone: (979) 431-6480 Fax: (979) 431-5180 Rep. McCaul | Rayburn House Office Building | Washington, DC 20515 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice