Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! In his inaugural Thanksgiving proclamation, President George Washington reminded us that “it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly implore his protection.” I pray that we take this message to heart, and take time to be thankful for the incredible blessings and liberties God has bestowed upon our country. 
 
Our country has faced all sorts of new challenges and trials through the last few years.  However, this Thanksgiving, I am particularly thankful for how far our country has come in only a few months. Just this year, our border has been secured, waste and corrosive ideology removed from our bureaucracy, there is a renewed commitment to rebuilding main streets across our country, and most importantly, peace is advancing on our own streets and across much of the world. There is so much work to be done, but we should not forget these historic wins our country has seen in just the past 12 months. God shed His grace on US.
 
Our family’s prayers are with you this day.  May your day be filled with gratitude and may God bless you and yours.

As we resumed legislative business in Washington, D.C. I had the opportunity to sit down with Chairman of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), David Wright, through my role in the Congressional Advanced Nuclear Caucus. Our increased energy needs and renewed commitments to American energy independence means we must do the necessary work to streamline the development of nuclear energy across our country. I had the chance to talk about some of the exciting work being done in Texas to fast-track this technology and to hear about the NRC’s work in reducing burdensome red-tape and shortening licensing timelines. There is no question that our Coastal Bend region is at the center of American energy independence, and I look forward to continued conversations on how Texas-27 can help be at the forefront of this energy renaissance. 

The House of Representatives also passed H.R. 1949, Unlocking our Domestic LNG Potential Act of 2025, which would streamline import and export restrictions on LNG and give operators much needed clarity in order to build and compete. I supported this bill, and I look forward to the Senate now taking up this common-sense legislation that would help America and our region remain leaders in LNG production and exports. 

The Department of Transportation recently announced that the Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority (CCRTA) received a $46 million grant for a much-needed maintenance facility. These funds were made available by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and will allow for uninterrupted bus operations during times of crisis because of the facility's modern and hurricane resilient construction.

Investment into transportation infrastructure across Texas-27 is essential, and it is because of this that I worked to secure $1.94 million in federal funding for this project in the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act of 2026 earlier this fall. After securing this funding, I continued to work with the Trump Administration and the FTA in advocating for the selection of this $46 million project in their award program. It was a privilege to work with the CCRTA on this issue and I applaud them for the diligent work in ensuring this vision was completed for our region. 

The Spring 2026 internship application for my DC office is now open! This internship opportunity allows students to learn about public service, the legislative process, and the inner workings of the federal government. Interns will have the opportunity to conduct meaningful legislative research, attend Congressional committee hearings and briefings, and work alongside our team in solving casework and constituent specific problems. My office’s current and former interns have been integral to our work to best serve the people of Texas’ 27th District, and many have already gone on to become leaders in both the public and private spheres. 

Interns will work 5-days a week in my Washington, D.C. office between the months of January-May depending on availability. Applicants should have an interest in public service, Texas ties, and a good work-ethic. If you or a student you know in the Coastal Bend region are interested, please apply on my website and a member of my staff will be in touch to schedule an interview.