Dear East Texas,
Please join me in praying for those involved in the tragic air collision near DCA on Thursday night between an Army Black Hawk helicopter and a regional jetliner. Events are still unfolding, but this is horrible news. My prayers are with the affected families and those involved in the search and rescue efforts.
Following President Trump’s return to the Oval Office, I had the opportunity to return to East Texas for a few days before heading to Florida for the House GOP Conference with President Trump and Vice President Vance. It was refreshing to be back in the First District, reconnecting with familiar faces and our East Texas roots. |
While in Florida, Republican members heard from President Trump about the need for unity, and we worked together as a conference on our top domestic priority—making the Trump Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017 permanent through use of the reconciliation process (to avoid the need for 60 votes in the Senate). |
Reconciliation: A Responsible Approach to Fiscal Priorities |
The reconciliation process allows Congress to make changes to existing laws on spending, revenue, and debt to align with the fiscal priorities set in the annual budget resolution. Essentially, it helps Congress bring current laws in line with the goals for the upcoming fiscal year. In tight majorities, such as those we see in the House and Senate, reconciliation is a particularly useful tool because it only requires a simple majority vote to be passed in the Senate. Here’s a quick breakdown of how reconciliation works: - Budget Resolution: Congress first adopts a budget resolution to set fiscal goals. If changes to spending, taxes, or the debt limit are needed, reconciliation is triggered.
- Reconciliation Directives: The budget resolution includes directives (instructions) for committees to create legislation that addresses the outlined budgetary goals. These directives specify which committees are responsible for developing legislation, the budgetary changes required, and the timeline.
- Committee Action: Committees develop the legislation based on the directives and vote on whether to report it. If multiple committees are involved, they submit their work to the Budget Committee, which then combines it into one bill.
- Final Steps: The reconciliation bill is considered under expedited procedures in both the House and Senate. Any differences between the two chambers must be resolved before the bill can be sent to the President for approval or veto.
|
|
|
|
|
Source: Congressional Research Service, Budget Reconciliation Process: Timing of Committee Responses. |
|
The reconciliation process, introduced in 1980, has been a relatively rare but powerful tool in Congress. Since its origin, only 24 reconciliation bills have been passed, highlighting its selective use. As mentioned, the primary advantage of reconciliation is its ability to pass budget-related laws with a simple majority in both the House and Senate. This makes it an essential tool for passing President Trump’s fiscal legislation, especially with a small majority in the House of Representatives. |
This year, there will be two Super Bowls: one on the football field and the other, the “Super Bowl of Tax Policy,” playing out on the political stage in Washington, D.C. This battle will pit two very different economic philosophies against each other—one advocating for higher taxes and more government spending, and the other fighting to reduce tax burdens on hardworking Americans. I stand firmly on the side of lower taxes, which benefit East Texas families and small businesses.
This fight is particularly important as provisions of President Trump’s 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) are set to expire on December 31, 2025. If Congress does nothing, it could lead to the largest tax increase in American history—$4.6 trillion in 2026. The TCJA, which lowered corporate tax rates and simplified taxes for small businesses and families, spurred economic growth, job creation, and wage increases. If these cuts are allowed to expire, American families and businesses will face significant tax hikes, with Texas families potentially seeing a 23% increase in their tax bills. |
|
|
|
|
Source: Ways and Means Committee 118th Congress |
|
In the First District, a family of four earning the district’s median yearly income of $61,182 would see a $1,142 tax increase should the Trump Tax Cuts expire at the end of the year. For a family of four, this money is worth about six weeks of groceries in our region. It is also enough to cover approximately 27 full tanks of gas—even in our big trucks. Groceries and gas are essential for every American and every East Texan. The TCJA cannot be allowed to expire. You can watch my testimony on this during a recent Ways and Means Committee hearing HERE.
To prevent the TCJA from expiring, Congress must act to make these provisions permanent. The reconciliation process is key in this effort. By using reconciliation, we can ensure that the TCJA remains in place, protecting Americans from financial burdens and fostering economic growth.
Failing to act would not only burden East Texans with higher taxes but also harm small businesses and slow down our economy. We must protect and cement the gains made under the TCJA and continue to incentivize the entrepreneurial spirit that sets America and East Texas apart. I am committed to ensuring these tax cuts are extended while we also slash spending. As a member of the Committee that is tasked with doing so, I ask for your support as we fight to keep taxes low for every East Texas family. |
Last Friday, I attended the open house for Pilgrim Bank's new office in Tyler, located at 2072 Three Lakes Parkway, Suite 300. The bank aims to focus on the Commercial & Industrial (C&I) sector and support business owners in Tyler and the surrounding area. I am committed to reigniting our economy and promoting policies that benefit Texas families, taxpayers, and businesses like Pilgrim Bank. |
Jacob Butler, East Texas Market President, is leading the rollout of this new office. This pro-business investment will provide local entrepreneurs and industries with enhanced financial resources, helping drive economic development and job creation in East Texas. |
Coach C.L. Nix, posthumously inducted into the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame last May, was honored last week at the Whitehouse basketball game. Members of his family, former players, the mayor, and Wildcat faithful gathered to celebrate his legacy. I was honored to deliver a video message to add to the tribute. |
A towering figure in East Texas basketball, Coach Nix led highly skilled, disciplined teams that were feared by opponents across the region. His influence extended far beyond the court, as he deeply loved his players, their families, and the Whitehouse community--building a legacy of commitment, passion, and service. |
Coach Nix’s example of character and leadership continues to inspire, and it is fitting to celebrate his legacy with this well-deserved honor |
|
|
| |
Do you support ICE in its mission of carrying out mass deportations and protecting our borders?
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Submit survey to sign up for updates.*
|
|
Last Saturday, I had the privilege of attending the Regional Mock Trial competition at the Smith County Courthouse. It was inspiring to witness the talent and dedication of these young competitors as they showcased their legal skills in a spirited and professional setting. |
Congratulations to Henderson for securing 1st place and qualifying for the state competition, as well as to Brook Hill and Good Shepherd for their impressive 2nd and 3rd place finishes! Special recognition goes to Lena Squires and Elliot Banek for Best Witness, Rory Richardson for Best Advocate, Madison Tyndell for Best Prosecutor, Jane Kernodle for Best Defense Attorney, and Alathea English--who also qualified for state as Courtroom Artist.
Thank you to Beth Filla, Executive Director of the Smith County Bar Association, and her team for organizing such an outstanding event. Your efforts made the day a success, and I look forward to seeing even more incredible talent next year! |
On Saturday I had the opportunity to attend the Texarkana USA Regional Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet. “Wild, Wild Texarkana” was an extraordinary event bringing together hundreds of businesses and civic leaders and community volunteers dressed in their Western finest to celebrate the many accomplishments of its members. Congratulations to all the winners, especially to Red River Army Depot, Large Employer of the year, and Dr. Jason Smith, President of Texarkana College, who was honored with the inaugural Truman Arnold Trailblazer Award for his pioneering efforts on behalf of Texarkana College and the Texarkana Community. |
|
|
|
|
Cornelius, Matthew. [Photograph of Texarkana USA Regional Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet]. 2025.
Since 1905, The Texarkana USA Regional Chamber of Commerce has been a partnership of businesses, organizations, and professionals working together to build a healthy economy and improve the quality of life in their community. |
|
Last Friday, the Smith County Bar Association (SCBA) hosted their January CLE luncheon, featuring an insightful presentation by my dear friend, Pastor Chris Legg. Pastor Legg shared valuable strategies on recognizing burnout and understanding its negative impact on both personal well-being and business success. This timely topic provided attendees with practical tools to maintain balance and productivity in their professional lives. Thank you to the SCBA for organizing another meaningful event! |
|
|
|
|
Better known by its codename, D-Day, the Allied assault on five beaches in Nazi-occupied France was the result of over a year of planning and jockeying amongst various military and political leaders. On January 31, 1944, several key leaders agreed to postpone the invasion over concerns that there would not be enough ships available by early May, finally setting the stage for the June invasion. |
|
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 is the Official State Snack of Texas? |
|
This Week's Texas Trivia Question🧠
Which NFL offensive tackle, drafted fourth overall in 2013 by the Philadelphia Eagles, began his college football career at Kilgore College before transferring to Oklahoma?
Check back next week for the answer! |
|
|
