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 10, 2025. This year's theme is "Texas," showcasing our state's rich history and culture.

In line with the theme, I'm 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 any questions or concerns. 

2025 IRS Workshop

Join my district team for the 2025 IRS Workshop on March 19, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Kingwood District Office (1849 Kingwood Dr., Suite 100, Kingwood, TX).

Hosted in collaboration with the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS)—an independent organization within the IRS—this workshop will provide expert guidance, valuable resources, and personalized support to help you navigate tax challenges and address any IRS-related concerns. Don't miss this opportunity to get the assistance you need!

Tax Filing Season is Here – What You Need to Know

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

• 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

US Naval Academy Admissions Forum 

The U.S. Naval Academy is hosting an Admissions Forum on March 1, 2025, at Strake Jesuit’s Parsley Center (8900 Bellaire Blvd., Houston, TX 77036).

Check-in: 9:30 AM | Forum: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

As a former Navy SEAL, I know the value of strong leadership and discipline. The Naval Academy produces some of the finest officers in our military. If you’re interested in serving, this is your chance to learn about the admissions process and ask 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

Freedom for Laboratory Innovation and Testing Act

This week, I introduced the Freedom for Laboratory Innovation and Testing Act (H.R. 1463) to block federal funding for the Biden Administration’s FDA rule restricting innovation and delaying access to vital Laboratory-Developed Tests (LDTs). This burdensome rule imposes unnecessary regulations on healthcare providers, researchers, and labs, slowing test development, limiting patient access to critical diagnostics, and disrupting medical research. It also forces small and mid-sized labs to absorb costly compliance requirements, threatening their ability to serve patients.

In line with this legislation, my colleagues and I sent a letter to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., urging the FDA to revoke this rule and ensure that healthcare providers can efficiently and effectively serve their patients. 

Hearing on PBMs - Energy and Commerce Committee 

This week, the Energy and Commerce Committee Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) and their role in drug costs. 

Tackling drug costs has been a priority of mine during my time in Congress. I will continue these efforts during the 119th Congress — ensuring that competition lowers costs for all Americans.

Greater Houston Partnership

This week, I spoke to the Greater Houston Partnership during their trip to Washington, DC. With a Republican trifecta, there’s real momentum to advance pro-business policies, particularly on energy, trade, and regulation. On the Energy and Commerce Committee, I’m working to expand carbon capture, secure Texas’ Class VI well primacy, and cut red tape slowing energy and infrastructure projects.

Additionally, I’m fighting to protect Texas’ hospital funding and support medical research. With the right policies, I believe we can ensure economic growth, energy security, and medical innovation flourish for years to come.

“Art of the Budget Deal”

The federal budgeting process can be hard for the average American to comprehend - until now. Economist Dr. Paul Winfree walks us through how Congress passes a budget and all the legislative/political hurdles that get in its way. We cover the historical evolution of the budget process leading up to the word you’ve heard daily in the news – reconciliation. We look at how presidents from Nixon to Trump influenced the budget process to pass their agendas. We examine some of the most controversial reconciliation bills over the past decade and how they impacted the economy. We also discuss much-needed Medicaid reforms, overhauling the tax system with consumption-based taxation, universal savings accounts, and much more. 

Dr. Paul Winfree is the President of the Economic Policy Innovation Center. During the first Trump Administration, he was Deputy Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy, Deputy Director of the Domestic Policy Council, and Chair of the Deputy Committee, managing policy implementation across federal agencies. He also wrote "The History (and Future) of the Budget Process in the United States."

OUR OFFICES:

Washington Office |248 Cannon HOB | Washington, DC 20515
(202) 225-6565

Kingwood Office |1849 Kingwood Dr, Suite 100 | Kingwood, TX 77339
(713) 860-1330

The Woodlands Office |2829 Technology Forest, Suite #280 | The Woodlands, TX 77381 
(281)  640-7720