Howdy Texan,

I'm at the airport about to head back to Texas after a full week in Washington, 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:

Texans united to secure the border
Meeting with the Secretary of the Navy
The Strategic Production Response Act

THE BRIEF:

For the first time in seven years, legislation was brought to the House floor under an open rule allowing a transparent amendment process.
The Department of Homeland Security announced that December 2022 had the highest number of illegal crossings at our southern border ever recorded, with 251,487 in just one month.
Since Biden took office, inflation is up more than 13%.

Congressman Carter discusses solutions to the border crisis with the Texas Republican delegation and Governor Greg Abbott.

TEXANS UNITED TO SECURE THE BORDER

You can count on Texans to do what needs to be done – and President Joe Biden sure has. Since Biden refuses to acknowledge the border crisis, Governor Greg Abbott has been forced to use state resources to secure the border. This week, my Texas colleagues and I met with Governor Abbott to get an update on the crisis at the border and discuss the Texas delegation’s plan to secure the border.

We also sent a unified letter demanding President Biden reimburse Texas for Operation Lone Star and requested a meeting with him to discuss the solutions proposed by the Texas delegation.

The Texas delegation’s comprehensive border security plan lays out legislation that will complete physical infrastructure, improve border enforcement, target criminals and close loopholes that allow individuals to go free into our country. Included in the plan is my bill, the Updated Standards for Asylum (USA) Act, which will combat fraudulent asylum claims.

Read the plan here.

Read the legislation here.

I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

According to Border Patrol sources, more than 1.2 MILLION illegal immigrants have evaded apprehension at our southern border in the chaos of President Biden’s border crisis. Unfortunately, there is no telling how many more were not known to authorities.

Do you believe the crisis at the southern border is a national security threat?

Yes

Representative Carter discusses the needs of the Navy with the Secretary of the Navy.

MEETING WITH THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY

I sat down with the Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro. We discussed the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program, mental health resources for sailors and veterans, and the Navy’s needs in the Pacific region. Discussions like these allow me, as Chairman of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee, to ensure our military has the resources necessary to take care of our service members and successfully protect our nation.

THE STRATEGIC PRODUCTION RESPONSE ACT

I voted to STOP Biden’s anti-energy agenda. Over the past two years, Biden has compromised our national security and left our nation vulnerable by draining America’s Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR). The Strategic Production Response Act will ensure Biden has a concrete plan to refill it.

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,