Rep. Randy Weber e-Newsletter

Randy's Wrap-Up

Strategic Petroleum Reserve

Today, I introduced a resolution condemning President Biden's irresponsible withdrawal of petroleum products from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR). This comes after President Biden announced he would release another 15 million barrels of SPR. Nearly 60% of the SPR is located in our Congressional District – TX-14.

The Energy Policy and Conservative Act of 1975 was enacted on December 22, 1975, creating the SPR to respond to the global oil crisis. There have only been three emergency drawdowns from the SPR in its history—during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and, in coordination with the International Energy Agency, responding to instability in the Middle East and North Africa in 2011. President Biden has drained more than a third of the U.S. SPR to help quell gas prices.

We are 639 days into Joe Biden's disastrous presidency, and it has been an all-out assault against American energy. One of the most alarming offensives is Biden's abuse of America’s invaluable SPR. This resolution calls for President Biden to halt the sale of petroleum products from the SPR and to begin replenishing this critical emergency resource immediately. This is no longer about reducing gas prices for political gain; now he’s recklessly gutting our energy defense.

The four things the resolution does:

Recognizes energy security is national security.
Recognizes that President Biden’s attack on domestic production of oil and gas has resulted in the United States being energy dependent.
Encourages higher levels of domestic oil and gas production as Americans produce energy more cleanly and more efficiently than any other country.
Calls upon President Biden to halt the sale of petroleum products from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and to begin replenishing the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

This Week's Poll Question

Do you agree that we should condemn President Biden for releasing millions of barrels of Strategic Petroleum Reserve?

Yes

No

State Immigration Enforcement Act

I recently cosponsored the State Immigration Enforcement Act. This legislation allows states and localities to pass and enforce laws that mirror federal immigration laws. The Biden Administration has virtually stopped immigration enforcement—allowing deportable aliens to remain in the country and incentivizing illegal aliens to enter the country.

We must authorize states to act because the Biden Administration has refused to enforce our nation's federal immigration laws amid a historic invasion. We are facing an unprecedented crisis at our southern border. States like Texas must have the authority to act because President Biden and the Border Czar will continue to ignore the very real crisis at our southern border.

Fentanyl Crisis

The fentanyl crisis is killing more people than ever and plaguing communities across America – and it’s being fueled by President Biden and his failure to secure the southern border.

In 2021, nearly 108,000 people died of drug overdoses; 71,000 of whom died from fentanyl or fentanyl-related substances. Illicit fentanyl overdose deaths among teens accounted for 77% of adolescent overdose deaths in 2021. Illicit fentanyl overdoses are now the number one cause of death among adults 18-45 – more than COVID-19, cancer, heart disease, and all other accidents.

Americans want a secure border and safer communities, and they want leadership that reflects these priorities, which includes keeping dangerous drugs – like fentanyl – from entering our country and poisoning our loved ones. House Republicans are committed to delivering on this promise and keeping our families safe. After a year marked by tragic death, it’s time we retake control of our communities.

This week, I joined Governor Greg Abbott in Jefferson County for a roundtable on the fentanyl crisis. We were joined by state and local law enforcement officers. We must get a grip on this Fentanyl-fueled crisis that is taking over our nation and killing Americans daily. This week, Gov. Abbott launched his statewide “One Pill Kills” campaign yesterday to raise awareness of the deadly synthetic opioid fentanyl plaguing Texas and the United States, thanks to President Biden's open border policies. I applaud the governor for his efforts for raising awareness of this dangerous drug.

Around the District

I had a busy week around the district! Last week, I met with the Texas Farm Bureau in Waco to discuss important issues affecting the agriculture industry and the upcoming Farm bill. Our farmers and ranchers are the original conservationists! I attended the 2nd Annual Chuckwagon Chili Cookoff hosted by the League City Regional Chamber of Commerce. I presented them with a certification of Congressional Recognition for National Chamber of Commerce Week. The Chamber of Commerce plays a key role in promoting development to help local businesses thrive and prosper in our communities. Small businesses are the backbone of America. I also spoke at the Golden Triangle Industrial Group in Beaumont.

Recent Legislation

Legislation cosponsored:

H.R. 8597 - Emergency Care Improvement Act
H.R. 9190 - To amend title 31, United States Code, to limit the use of Federal funds for the salaries or expenses of political employees if the President's annual budget submission to Congress is late, and for other purposes.
H.R. 9191 - To amend title 31, United States Code, to limit the use of Federal funds for travel by the President if the President's annual budget submission to Congress is late, and for other purposes.
H.R. 9197 - To prohibit the use of Federal funds to develop, implement, facilitate, or fund any sexually-oriented program, event, or literature for children under the age of 10, and for other purposes.
H.R. 9174 - To authorize State enforcement of immigration laws, and for other purposes.

Last Week's Poll Results

It is a privilege to represent our district in Congress. While we’ve faced many challenges in recent years, through strength and prayer, we have persevered.

Please know that we are always a resource for you. Call or stop by any of the offices (YOUR offices, we work for you), whenever you need assistance or want to talk about an issue before Congress.

For assistance or more information, please call or go online to visit us at weber.house.gov.

God Bless you and God Bless Texas!

Sincerely,

Randy K. Weber