Dear Friends,

Please join me in praying for our friends in Florida, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Kentucky, and other parts of the country devastated by Hurricane Helene. East Texas is no stranger to the destruction of powerful storms, and we stand in unity with those affected by the flooding and devastation we witnessed last week. In times like these, it’s important to come together as a nation, offering not only our prayers but also our support. We are with you every step of the way.

Last week, House Republicans passed a resolution to ensure those responsible for the disastrous Afghanistan withdrawal are held accountable for allowing such devastating failures to occur on their watch. Our resolution condemns key officials of the Biden-Harris Administration, including President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, former White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki, and others.

After a thorough investigation into the Biden-Harris Administration’s deadly withdrawal led by fellow Texan, Chairman Michael McCaul of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, this resolution was introduced, and I supported its passage in committee and on the House floor. While we cannot bring back the lives of those lost in Afghanistan three years ago, we can and must honor their sacrifices and take steps to ensure accountability for this disaster. To read the full report, please click here.

On Thursday, I attended the Lindale Area Chamber of Commerce Luncheon to provide a legislative update on the work I am doing in Congress to help businesses in the First District retain employees by regularly improving their quality of life and stimulating the local economy. The Lindale Area Chamber of Commerce is steadfast in its mission to promote  prosperity in the area, and it is an honor to be their voice in Congress. I enjoyed answering their questions as they expressed concerns about the Longshoremen strike and what the American economy may look like under Kamala Harris. I look forward to my next visit with the Lindale Area Chamber of Commerce!

I made a surprise visit to Mrs. Miller’s fifth-grade history class at Grace Community School in Tyler to say thank you for an unexpected birthday card that they sent to me! While I was there, the students recited the preamble to the Declaration of Independence for me. I was impressed by their knowledge of one of our nation’s most important documents, and deeply moved by their recitation. It was a joy to spend time with such bright young minds. I made sure that each left with their own copy of the Constitution and Declaration of Independence, as well as a challenge coin from me to find and follow their call in life. Educating the next generation about our government and its founding documents is essential to preserving the freedoms and values that make our nation great. By instilling this knowledge early, we can help ensure they grow up understanding their rights, responsibilities, and the importance of upholding the principles of liberty and justice. Thank you, Mrs. Miller!

Last week—at the invitation of Arp ISD—I had the chance to do the official coin toss before the Arp vs. Troup football game. It was an exciting game to witness, as Troup ran the ball for 350 yards and came out on top with a final score of 31-20. As General Douglas MacArthur correctly noted, “Upon the fields of friendly strife are sown the seeds, that upon other fields, on other days, will bear the fruits of victory.” The players for both teams exhibited the qualities you hope to see in life—discipline, hard work, teamwork, sportsmanship, and striving for excellence. Good luck to both programs for the remainder of the season, and I look forward to watching each of these teams again!

The 60th Presidential Inauguration will take place on Monday, January 20, 2025, at the West Front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. As a Member of Congress, I will have a limited number of tickets available for constituents, but if you are interested in attending, please visit my website at bit.ly/Inaug2025. To learn more about the day's events and the history of past inaugurations, head to inaugural.senate.gov.

For all East Texas middle and high school students interested in technology and coding, don't miss the chance to participate in the Congressional App Challenge! This is your opportunity to design and submit your own app, either solo or with a team of up to four friends. Hosted by the U.S. House of Representatives, the competition offers national recognition and a platform to showcase your creativity and skills in app development.

Find out more on how to get involved by visiting my website, bit.ly/TX01CAC or the CAC website, https://www.congressionalappchallenge.us/ and let your innovation shine!

Moran in the Media