Washington, D.C. – This was a difficult and painful week. We lost a true American patriot, Charlie Kirk, to senseless violence. We took time to reflect on the twenty-fourth anniversary of 9/11, we were shocked by the brutal murder of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska by known, and long-time violent felon, and we saw yet another heartbreaking school shooting in Colorado. While we grieve, look for solutions, and take comfort in the loved ones around us, we must also also move forward - America is at its best when we confront and unite after tragedies and choose to stand together because our nation is too precious and too important to let evil acts derail us from the enormous good we are capable of as God-fearing, freedom loving people.

I will dearly miss Charlie Kirk who was a great American, a kindhearted faith filled leader, and an inspirational spirit. I was honored to spend time with Charlie and to be invited to speak at Turning Point USA events in North Texas. The thousands of young people who attended left those events beaming with pride in our country and with a renewed sense of purpose to preserve what is so great and exceptional about America.

With all that we struggled with this week, we still had a productive week in Washington as I continue to work for you all in Texas-24.

I was honored to attend the grand opening of the Rose Garden Club at the White House with President Trump and many of my colleagues in Congress.

It was a beautiful evening, and a great reminder that we’re not tired of winning for the American people! I look forward to building on this momentum as we work to lower costs, increase take home pay, expand job growth, and further limit the federal government.

I was able to catch up with the fellas of the Ruthless Podcast this week. The Ruthless “variety progrum” isn’t just entertaining, but it’s wicked smart and on point with facts hosted by Comfortably Smug, Josh Holmes, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook.

It was great to welcome members of the Texas Eagle Forum to our office. I always enjoy visiting with North Texans when they come to visit Washington and hear about the issues that matter most to you.

I had the chance to meet with HCA Healthcare CEOs that represent various locations across Texas. While meeting we talked about advanced premium tax credits.

With my colleagues on the Small Business Committee we met for a full committee markup where we voted to extend the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs that were set to expire at the end of September, I look forward to supporting on the House Floor next week.

I had the opportunity to preside over the House Floor during part of the debate of the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act. After debate, I joined my house colleagues in voting for the passage of the 2026 NDAA, that further delivers Peace through Strength. This fully funds border security, supports American manufactures, and secures pay raises for our service members.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development hosted their annual Innovative Housing Showcase, highlighting this year’s theme: “The American Home is the American Dream.”

It was great to catch up with HUD Secretary Turner, Labor Secretary Chaves-DeRemer, and Ambassador Crowley, and to see firsthand and learn more about the exciting innovations builders and manufacturers are creating to expand housing opportunities across the country.

While at the Innovative Housing Showcase I was able to visit an exhibitor based in North Texas, Fornidos, they manufacture lumber and light gauge steel components for houses. It was great to see that a North Texas based innovator was being recognized on the National Mall among dozens of other exhibitors. 

This week I joined Rep. Costa and Senator Wyden in introducing the Permanent OPTN Fee Authority Act, bipartisan legislation that modernizes the nation’s organ transplant system by ending outdated private financial control and placing it under direct and fully transparent federal oversight.

My House colleagues and I passed the Stop Illegal Entry Act, which increases penalties for illegal aliens who repeatedly re-enter our country. This will help us further secure our border. 

Twenty-four years ago, as Islamic terrorists sought to break our nation’s spirit and extinguish the flame of freedom, countless heroes rose up to renew our faith and strengthen our resolve.

May we never forget what happened September 11th, 2001. 

Closed out this week by hosting the Republican Study Committee’s podcast, Right to the Point. I was joined by Rep. Nathaniel Moran of East Texas, who I serve on the Ways and Means Committee with, and Rep. Pete Stauber from Minnesota, who serves on the Small Business Committee with me. Stay tuned for the episode soon!

This week, I joined my colleagues in introducing the American Franchise Act, bipartisan and bicameral legislation to protect the franchise business model. 

With more than 800,000 franchises supporting millions of jobs in our communities across the country, this legislation will ensure the model remains strong, competitive, and fair.

Jules Peterson has spent the past 8 years building Loving Long Ears Donkey Therapy & Sanctuary in Southlake. Loving Long Ears is one of only four donkey rescues in the U.S. and the only one with a therapy mission.

Registration is now open for the 2025 Congressional App Challenge! 

Middle and high school students are invited to submit an original app for a chance to win our district specific challenge! The competition deadline is October 30th, so get building!!

To learn more and to register, visit my website here.

Applications are now open for the Congressional Youth Advisory Summit! This is an opportunity for high school students in Texas-24 to participate in an interactive learning experience and develop leadership skills.

View more details on my website here.

Have you ever wanted to serve your community in a Congressional office?

We're looking for hard-working interns to join us in our Washington D.C. or Addison, TX office for the 2026 spring session. Learn more and apply by clicking here or on the picture below.

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)