Email from Rep. McCaul Democrats' Shutdown Drags On Today is the 17th day of the government shutdown. So far, Senate Democrats have voted "no" on a clean, non-partisan bill to re-open the government ten times. They own this shutdown and the avoidable pain it is causing. Shutdowns are bad for the American people — that's why I've never voted for one. Government shutdowns: ❌ Force our troops and law enforcement to risk their lives without pay ❌ Halt crucial veterans benefits and services ❌ Freeze SBA loans that keep small businesses alive ❌ Close our national parks and monuments ❌ Can cost taxpayers billions of dollars ❌ Signal to our adversaries that democracy doesn't work ...and much more. It's time for Senate Democrats to put their country above their party and pass our bill. Hamas' Hostages Finally Released After 738 grueling days in Hamas captivity, all 20 living hostages were released this week and returned to their loved ones. I'm incredibly relieved that their nightmare is finally over, and we have President Trump to thank for that. No one else could secure their release, but he refused to stop fighting for these innocent lives — and for peace, against all odds. As these courageous hostages re-adjust to life with their families, we also remember those who will not make it home alive. I know President Trump will not give up on them either until their bodies are brought home and given the dignity they deserve. May their memories be a blessing. Supporting President Trump's Peacemaking Efforts in Ukraine Ahead of Ukrainian President Zelensky's White House meeting with President Trump today, I had the pleasure of meeting with Zelensky's chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, and several defense companies. We discussed ways the U.S. can continue to help Ukraine push back on Russian aggression, including through weapons and counter-drone technology, sanctions on Russia, and more. President Trump's peace through strength agenda is ushering in peace around the world, and I look forward to seeing how he will continue working to stop Russian aggression and make our world a safer place. I co-led a letter to President Trump this week, commending his peace-making efforts, supporting his stated intention to deliver more weapons, calling for new sanctions against Russia, recognizing the First Lady's advocacy for abducted Ukrainian children, and committing to hold Russia accountable. Through actions like these, the president can and will continue to bring Putin to the negotiating table, so that this war can be ended once and for all. Click here to read the full letter. McCaul meeting with members of the Ukrainian delegation A Groundbreaking Nuclear Energy Project at Texas A&M This week, Texas A&M announced a new partnership with Last Energy to build a small modular nuclear reactor at the RELLIS Campus. With full financing from private capital and sign-off from the Department of Energy, this groundbreaking project is expected to enter the testing stage by the summer. I’m consistently amazed by the cutting-edge projects and innovation at A&M, and this announcement is no exception. The bold partnership between Last Energy and RELLIS will help ensure Texas leads the way in powering our nation with reliable, clean, and safe energy for years to come. Click here to read more. ICYMI: McCaul Discusses the Middle East, Government Shutdown, and More on Bloomberg TV Click to watch 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