Dear East Texas,
This week, House Republicans passed H.R. 6703 – the Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act. The goal of this legislation is straightforward: lower healthcare costs for every American, not just the 7% who are using ACA plans—and certainly not the big insurance companies, who are the ones that have been benefitting the most from the bad policies of the past. The Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act will drive down health care insurance premiums while also protecting our pro-life values. All Americans deserve a health care system that puts patients first. This vital legislation provides more access, more choice, and more affordable, quality care.
Here are the common-sense health care solutions included in this bill: - Lowers premium costs by 11% through cost-sharing reduction payments.
- Brings Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) transparency and removes hidden costs of prescription drugs.
- Allows small business owners and independent workers to form association health plans.
- Provides more choices for employers to customize their health care plans.
- Protects small businesses from costly regulatory overreach.
This bill lowers health insurance premiums by helping working families who rely on Affordable Care Act (ACA) coverage. It strengthens cost-sharing support that lowers deductibles, copays, and out-of-pocket costs. Independent estimates show this approach reduces premiums by roughly 11 percent.
It also increases transparency around Pharmacy Benefit Managers so that employers are able to negotiate better contracts with health plans. By requiring clearer reporting and accountability, this bill helps ensure savings go where they belong and help keep drug prices and premiums in check.
Just as important, the bill restores and enforces long-standing Hyde protections to make sure that taxpayer money is not used for abortions. The Affordable Care Act was written in a way that allowed taxpayer dollars to support insurance plans covering elective abortion, despite claims to the contrary. This legislation ensures cost-share reduction payments cannot be used to pay for abortions or abortion coverage, while still lowering costs and protecting access to care. That is the principled approach East Texans expect. |
The Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development (SPEED) Act passed the House of Representatives this week, 221-196. This legislation fixes long-standing flaws in the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) that have slowed job-creating projects with endless reviews and lawsuits. Over time, NEPA has drifted from its original purpose and become a process where paperwork and litigation can delay projects for years, driving up costs and blocking investment.
Across East Texas, energy and infrastructure projects are often stalled by duplicative federal and state reviews that reach the same conclusions. The SPEED Act eliminates that redundancy, clarifies when NEPA applies, and sets reasonable limits on frivolous legal challenges so projects can move forward without unnecessary delay.
This is a major win for East Texas. By restoring common sense to the permitting process, the SPEED Act helps unlock private investment, accelerate job creation, and allow innovation to move forward instead of being buried under red tape. Congratulations to Congressman Bruce Westerman (Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee who represents Texarkana, Arkansas), for authoring and passing this critical piece of legislation. |
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Do you support the SPEED Act's efforts to streamline the permitting process for infrastructure and energy projects?
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Cass County Judge Ransom brings more than 28 years of military intelligence experience to his service, having led at every level from Company First Sergeant to Battalion and Brigade Command Sergeant Major. His career includes deployments around the world in support of peacekeeping and contingency operations, always guided by duty and discipline.
Judge Ransom is also a friend, and I am proud to work alongside him as he continues that same leadership here in East Texas. It was an honor to attend his Change of Responsibility ceremony with the Military Intelligence Readiness Command.
We can all sleep a little better at night knowing a Texan, and a trusted local leader, is serving at this level. I am grateful for his service to our country and his continued leadership in Cass County. |
East Texans Working Together |
This week, Texas State Representative Cole Hefner and Senator Bryan Hughes traveled to Washington to attend an award ceremony with State Armor. Representative Cole Hefner received the Courage Award and Senator Bryan Hughes was named Lawmaker of the Year. Together, they have worked to limit the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) influence in the State of Texas. Their swift action ensures the CCP cannot influence our children, our resources, or our way of life. |
When leaders at every level of government work together, we can effectively combat Chinese communism here in Texas and across America. Thank you for representing East Texas so well in the Texas state legislature and for standing strong for our American principles of freedom and democracy. |
Last Saturday I attended the 126th Army-Navy football game with my oldest son, Caleb. And, although I was rooting for Army, the comradery and atmosphere is what makes the game exciting. Both teams are fighting machines with a commitment to service and sacrifice. |
This also marked the 50th anniversary of the Army-Navy Student Exchange program, famously known as the “prisoner swap.” For a semester, students at the top of their class learn at the opposite academy. At the start of the game, the midshipmen and cadets meet at midfield. The football game marks their ceremonial return to their respective schools.
At the last moment of the game, Navy squeaked by with a 1-point win. It was a phenomenal game full of competition and honor for one another. |
Supporting Our Communities |
Great meeting with Allsup Employment Services (AES) and their CEO Jim Allsup. AES is the largest employment network agency for Social Security Disability Insurance’s Ticket to Work program in the country. They assist in finding jobs, getting training, and learning financial independence. This program allows beneficiaries to reduce their reliance on Social Security, providing a path for a more independent lifestyle. They also help to identify systemic issues in the process to make it stronger. Grateful for their strong leadership on this issue and their continued effort to better our workforce and our communities. |
On December 15, 1791, the Bill of Rights the first 10 amendments of the U.S. Constitution were ratified. Proposed by Congress in 1789, these amendments guaranteed freedoms including speech, religion, and due process, addressing concerns about government power and solidifying American democracy. |
Dealing with federal agencies can be complicated, and my office is here to help. If you need help with Social Security, the IRS, passport renewals, the VA, or other federal agencies, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office by calling (903) 561-6349 or visiting my website.
It is an honor to be your voice in Congress.
With gratitude, |
Nathaniel Moran Member of Congress |
Answer to Last Week's Texas Trivia Question
⬇️ What was the first public university in Texas? |
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This Week's Texas Trivia Question What is the name of the Texas city known for its "McDonald Observatory," offering public star gazing opportunities? Check back next week for the answer! |
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