Howdy Texan,

I had a busy week back home in Texas, so I wanted to take this opportunity to update you on what’s happening in the U.S. House and Texas’ 31st district.

ON THE DOCKET:

Carter Named Chairman
Standing Up for Teachers and First Responders
Debt Ceiling
Passport Assistance

THE BRIEF:

The Department of Energy completed a report that states the Keystone XL project would have created between 16,149 and 59,000 jobs if Biden didn’t revoke its federal permits.
As daily expenses stay high due to inflation, more Americans are relying on credit cards to make ends meet and fewer are able to pay their bills in full at the end of the month.
There have been more than 4.5 MILLION illegal crossings of our southern border under President Biden’s watch.

CARTER NAMED CHAIRMAN

This week, I was honored to be chosen to serve as the chairman of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee. This subcommittee is responsible for funding all new construction projects on American military installations and the Department of Veterans Affairs. I’m committed to being a good steward of Americans’ tax dollars while fulfilling the promise we made to our service members and veterans. Learn more here.

STANDING UP FOR TEACHERS AND FIRST RESPONDERS

One of the first bills I’ve cosponsored this Congress is H.R. 82, the Social Security Fairness Act. This bill would repeal the Government Pension Offset (GPO) and the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP), which unfairly reduces Social Security benefits for teachers, policemen, and other public servants. These professions are pillars of our community and deserve access to the benefits they’ve earned. It’s a commonsense approach that’s long overdue!

I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

This week, the U.S. reached its debt limit of $31.4 trillion. Over the past two years, the Biden Administration went on a $5 trillion deficit spending binge that led to record-high inflation, soaring interest rates, and a national debt larger than the entire U.S. economy. We cannot raise the debt ceiling without implementing fiscal guardrails. Republicans must seize this opportunity to rein in our unsustainable spending and reorient our nation’s financial trajectory before it’s too late.

Do you believe spending reduction measures should be tied to raising the debt ceiling?

Yes

PASSPORT ASSISTANCE

Before you know it, it’ll be spring break and that may mean family trips. Don’t wait until the last minute to address your passport needs. Whether you are getting your first passport or renewing, we are here to help! You may even be able to skip the line and renew by mail. Learn more in the links below -

How to apply for your U.S. passport.

Renew your U.S. Passport.

Get assistance from my office.

As always, thank you for taking the time to stay updated on what's happening in Texas' 31st congressional district. Follow my Facebook and Twitter accounts for more updates.

It is an honor and privilege to represent you and Texas in the United States House.

Sincerely,