Email from Rep. Nehls Rep. Troy E. Nehls' Bill Passes House T&I Committee   Greetings! I wanted to take a moment to share with you a recap of what happened last week in Texas' 22nd District and the United States House of Representatives. This Week in Washington D.C. House Aviation Chairman Troy E. Nehls Holds Hearing Entitled "The State of American Aviation" This week, as Chairman of the House Aviation Subcommittee, I held a hearing with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Bryan Bedford focused on the state of American aviation. This was Administrator Bedford’s first appearance before Congress since taking on the role, and I appreciated his willingness to engage directly with the Subcommittee. During the hearing, I acknowledged the tragic aviation accident that occurred earlier this year in Washington, D.C., which claimed 67 lives. My commitment to the families affected remains firm, and this Subcommittee will continue working to ensure a tragedy like this never happens again. Aviation safety must always come first. We discussed the immediate safety actions already taken near Reagan National Airport, as well as the broader need to modernize our air traffic control system. I emphasized the importance of fully implementing the bipartisan FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 and overseeing the Administration’s Air Traffic Control Modernization Plan, including the $12.5 billion Congress appropriated to upgrade radar systems and telecommunications infrastructure. This Subcommittee will closely oversee how those funds are spent to ensure real results for the American people. Watch my opening statement HERE and my questioning of the witnesses HERE. Rep. Troy E. Nehls' Supersonic Aviation Modernization Act Passes House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee This week, during the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee markup, my bill, H.R. 3410, the Supersonic Aviation Modernization Act, was advanced with bipartisan and unanimous support. For more than 50 years, outdated federal regulations have grounded civilian supersonic flight over the United States, even as American companies have proven they can fly faster than the speed of sound without disruptive sonic booms reaching the ground. The SAM Act directs the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to update these rules, allowing for safe, quiet supersonic aircraft to operate in U.S. airspace.  My bill cuts this red tape without compromising public safety, strengthens American aerospace innovation, and keeps the United States ahead of global competitors like China. With modern technology making faster air travel possible, the SAM Act puts America back in the lead in aviation innovation. Watch my remarks on the SAM Act HERE. The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee also advanced H.R. 6086, the Aviation Funding Solvency Act, bipartisan legislation I introduced alongside Chairman Sam Graves and Ranking Member Rick Larsen, as well as Representative Andre Carson, the Ranking Member of the House Aviation Subcommittee, to protect our aviation system during future government shutdowns. This bill ensures air traffic controllers and other essential FAA personnel continue to be paid and that our national airspace system remains fully operational in the event of a government shutdown. Watch my remarks on the Aviation Funding Solvency Act HERE. Rep. Troy E. Nehls Votes "YES" to Lower Cost of Healthcare and Provide Better Choices for All Americans Since the implementation of Obamacare, premiums have increased by 80%, making health insurance unaffordable. This week, I voted "YES" to pass H.R. 6703, the Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act, legislation that reforms America's healthcare system by improving healthcare options, expanding choice, lowering premiums for all Americans, and increasing transparency and competition in healthcare. Democrats broke healthcare, plain and simple. H.R. 6703 reforms the system Democrats broke by providing better options for American workers and families, boosting competition, and increasing transparency to lower healthcare costs for every American. Just seven percent of Americans are on Obamacare. The Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act lowers costs for all Americans, not just those on Obamacare. My House Republican colleagues and I will continue to fight to fix what Democrats broke, and to lower the costs of healthcare and make it more efficient for Americans far and wide. Rep. Troy E. Nehls Votes "YES" to Pass the Kayla Hamilton Act This week, I voted "YES" on H.R. 4371, the Kayla Hamilton Act, legislation I was proud to be an original cosponsor of, to protect American communities and close dangerous loopholes in the handling of unaccompanied alien children (UACs). This bill ensures that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) properly screens UACs and their sponsors before placement. It requires background checks, gang affiliation reviews, and coordination with foreign consulates to identify criminal history. The bill also prevents UACs with known gang ties from being released into communities and prohibits placement with sponsors who are in the United States illegally. The Kayla Hamilton Act was introduced after the preventable murder of Kayla Hamilton, which exposed serious failures in the Biden Administration’s vetting process. This legislation puts public safety first and ensures no future administration can ignore warning signs or release dangerous individuals into American communities. Rep. Troy E. Nehls Questions Witnesses at House Judiciary Subcommittee Hearing on "Protecting Consumers and Businesses: Confronting Organized Retail Crime" This week, the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Federal Government Surveillance held a hearing entitled, "Protecting Consumers and Businesses: Confronting Retail Crime." This hearing provided myself and other members of the subcommittee to look further into the nationwide surge in Organized Retail Crime and how increasingly violent and sophisticated theft rings are harming businesses and communities.   During the hearing, I discussed my time as Sheriff of Fort Bend County, Texas, and the repeat offenders, specifically illegal aliens, whom were arrested for burglaries and other theft-related crimes. Now that our immigration laws are being properly enforced and the border is secured thanks to the leadership of President Donald J. Trump, I believe recidivism amongst repeat offenders will decrease and crime rates will decrease. Watch my questioning of the witnesses HERE. Rep. Troy E. Nehls Votes to Pass Bills in House Judiciary Committee Markup This week, the House Judiciary Committee held a markup and advanced several bills aimed at protecting children, strengthening public safety, and honoring the men and women who put their lives on the line for our communities. H.R. 6719, Combating Online Predators Act of 2025, closes a loophole in federal law by criminalizing “sextortion,” ensuring predators who threaten to distribute child sexual abuse material can be prosecuted and held accountable. H.R. 6732, Coercion and Sexual Abuse Free Environment Act of 2025, criminalizes the coercion of minors to harm themselves, others, or animals, strengthening federal protections against extreme forms of sexual abuse and exploitation. I am a proud original cosponsor of this legislation. H.R. 6715, Child Predators Accountability Act of 2025, updates federal law to ensure that all individuals depicted in child sexual abuse material are recognized as victims, allowing prosecutors to more effectively pursue justice. H.R. 5625, Cashless Bail Reporting Act, would require the Department of Justice to publicly identify states and local jurisdictions that allow dangerous offenders to be released without bail, increasing transparency and accountability in the justice system. I am a proud cosponsor of this legislation. H.R. 3497, Medal of Sacrifice Act, authorizes the creation of a Medal of Sacrifice to honor law enforcement officers and first responders who are killed in the line of duty, recognizing their bravery and ultimate sacrifice. I spoke in support of this legislation during the markup, emphasizing the importance of honoring our brave law enforcement officers and first responders service to our communities and nation, and ensuring the pain caused by the lives lost that their families feel is forever recognized at the highest level. Watch my remarks HERE. Rep. Troy E. Nehls Votes "YES" on Strengthening our Energy Grid This week I voted "YES" on H.R. 3616, the Reliable Power Act, which addresses the growing risk of rolling blackouts caused by the Biden-Harris Administration’s overreliance on wind and solar power. This bill improves federal rulemaking by requiring the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to review new federal regulations that impact electricity generation during high-risk periods, like extreme cold or heat, to make sure those rules do not threaten grid reliability. I also voted "YES" to pass H.R. 3632, the Power Plant Reliability Act, which gives states and grid operators stronger tools to challenge the closure of power plants that could put neighboring states at risk. The bill requires power plants to provide a five-year notice before retiring, helping prevent sudden shutdowns that drive up energy costs and increase blackout risks. Rep. Troy E. Nehls Votes "YES" on Key Legislation This week, I voted "YES" on several commonsense bills aimed at lowering costs for working families, standing up for rural communities, and protecting our children. H.R. 4776 Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development Act, or the SPEED Act, streamlines the federal permitting process, so infrastructure and energy projects can move forward faster and at lower cost. Right now, it takes an average of 4.5 years to obtain a federal permit, leaving $1.1 to $1.5 trillion in projects stuck in limbo. By clarifying and modernizing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), this bill cuts delays, lowers costs for working families, and helps unleash American energy. H.R. 498, the Do No Harm in Medicaid Act, prohibits federal Medicaid funding for gender transition procedures for minors. This legislation ensures taxpayer dollars are not used for irreversible medical procedures on children and reinforces the importance of protecting kids from radical, ideologically driven policies. H.R. 845, Pet and Livestock Protection Act, requires the Department of the Interior to reissue regulations removing the gray wolf from the endangered species list. It prevents activist judges from imposing a one-size-fits-all environmental mandate and gives it back to the states, protecting ranchers, livestock owners, and rural communities from unchecked federal overreach. Start Planning Your D.C. Trip for the New Year! With the new year right around the corner, now is a great time to start planning a visit to our nation’s capital. If a trip to Washington, D.C. is on your calendar, our office is happy to help you request tours of the U.S. Capitol, White House, and other federal sites. Please note that White House tours should be requested at least 60-90 days in advance, and all tour and ticket requests are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Due to high demand, submitting your request as early as possible gives you the best chance of securing the tour you want and helping our office help you more efficiently. To request tours or ticket assistance, please complete the tour request form. If you plan to request tours again in the future, be sure to re-submit the form so we have your most up-to-date information. There are also many events and attractions to explore while visiting the Washington, D.C. area, and additional information is available HERE. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact my office at (202) 225-5951. We wish you a happy holiday season and look forward to helping you plan your visit in the new year! This Week in Texas' 22nd District U.S. Social Security Administration: Updated Online Portal The U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) has expanded access to its online portal, my Social Security, making it easier for Americans to securely manage their Social Security information online. The portal now offers 24/7 access and allows eligible individuals to request replacement Social Security cards online—eliminating the need for an in-person office visit. A my Social Security account provides personalized tools for individuals whether or not they currently receive benefits. Users can view benefit estimates, track applications, access important documents, and manage account details securely online. To create an account, users can choose between Login.gov or ID.me, depending on which option best fits their needs. Step-by-step guidance is available, and additional assistance can be obtained by calling SSA’s Help Desk at 1-800-772-1213, available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time. With a my Social Security account, individuals can: Request a replacement Social Security card Upload documents and submit forms online Access benefit estimates and Social Security Statements Check application status and print verification letters Manage direct deposit, address changes, and tax forms if receiving benefits To create a my Social Security account or locate a local SSA office, visit the SSA website. For assistance with a Social Security matter or any federal agency issue, constituents may contact my district office at 346-762-6600. Department of State: Update on Passport Processing Times Are you planning international travel for the Christmas or New Year holiday season? Many countries require at least six months of passport validity, so now is the time to make sure your passport is up to date. My District Office can assist constituents experiencing delays or last-minute travel needs by coordinating with the U.S. Department of State to help expedite processing when appropriate. As of December 2025, passport processing times are: Routine Service: 4–6 weeks Expedited Service: 2–3 weeks (additional fee required) For renewals please visit here For first time applications visit here For immediate holiday travel, some individuals may qualify for in-person agency appointments, which offer faster processing depending on urgency and availability. For general questions, please visit the Department of State’s website. If you need assistance with urgent holiday travel or an application outside normal processing times, please complete the release form on my website. If you need assistance, please provide your application details and proof of travel so our office can work with federal agencies to help expedite your passport request. A member of my casework team will contact you within one business day. You may also call my district office at 346-762-6600 for assistance. Do you support my bill, the REMOVE Act, which would speed up the removal of illegal aliens from our country? Yes 86% No 14% Follow Us We Want to Hear From You I always appreciate learning about the issues that are important to you. If you have a concern, please contact me HERE. Use this QR code to follow my Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts and join my Newsletter for updates. It's an honor to represent you and the great state of Texas in the United States House of Representatives. Do you feel safer now that the border is secure? Let me know below Yes No Sincerely, Troy E. Nehls Member of Congress By participating in the survey, you are opting into further communication from Rep. 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