As the state’s largest hard wood sawmill, Ward Timber Co. in Linden makes sure that their clients receive the highest quality product, while providing a safe and family-friendly work environment. If you’ve ever met owner Bill Ward, you’ve met someone determined to get the job done and get it done right. Bill Ward stands firm on private property rights and takes pride in teaching the next generation about the true meaning of conservation and stewardship.

Thank you to the Ward family for hosting me to a tour. I enjoyed learning about the two generations it’s taken to build a business that supports families across in East Texas.

Since 1972, Graphic Packaging International (GPI) in Queen City has been a fully integrated paper mill that employs hundreds of East Texans in the Cass and Bowie County area. Today, the mill produces over 625,000 tons of product annually. In fact, one out of every three paper cups made in the United States today come from paper that is made in this Northeast Texas plant, and if you’ve ever ordered a bucket of chicken from KFC or French fries from McDonald’s – there’s a good chance the container those items came in was made from coated paper made at GPI in Queen City.

I am proud of the work GPI does to be a great partner to the surrounding communities. Thank you to the Mill Manager, Steve Smith, and his leadership team for an in-depth look at the facility and discussing how Congress can work to help the manufacturing industry thrive and grow.

Jefferson is home to Master WoodCraft Cabinetry, part of the Cabinetworks Group, where essential and quality home cabinet products are shipped globally. My tour of this facility, led by Kirk Barron, gave me a genuine appreciation for what it takes to turn a house into a home. Along with its sister plant in Marshall, Cabinetworks employs over 500 people in East Texas, and is one of the three top domestic cabinet makers in the United States.

Similar to many other industries who have been facing trade challenges, Master WoodCraft Cabinetry is not immune to today’s supply chain barriers. Thank you to Marla Zwaas, who provided insight on the trade issues facing the facility and the industry that ultimately affects American consumers. As a Member of Congress, ensuring American manufacturing companies can continue to support American jobs is of critical importance.

Thank you to Judge LaFleur for rolling out his famous Marion County hospitality, and for so many in the Cabinetworks family for joining us during this tour.

Before leaving Morris County after the Lone Star Specialties visit, we participated in a roundtable discussion with local business, education, city, and county leaders about challenges in their organizations and how we can solve these issues together. I was proud to be in the same room with the sharp minds serving the Morris County community. Thank you to Morris County Judge Doug Reeder, whose leadership continues to move Morris County forward. 

Besides getting an insider look at some of our excellent businesses, I also had the chance to have conversations with a number of local organizations along the way, including the Atlanta Lions Club, where I enjoyed a great meal at Luigi’s Restaurant and answered questions from a group that is unquestionably devoted to giving back to the Atlanta community. Thank you to Judge Travis Ransom for the invitation, and to Lion Bill Hensley for leading the meeting and the group. Keep giving back!

While back in the district, I also continued to engage in deep conversations about the role parents need to have in their child’s educational journey. I enjoyed meeting with the Leadership Team from The Brook Hill School to discuss the key role parents play in their child’s education.  I especially loved the hour spent with a number of upper school students studying government and politics. They had the hardest questions I’ve faced yet.

Thank you to all who participated in my February Tele-Townhall. These townhall’s provide me with the opportunity to speak directly with East Texans, learn about their concerns, and share what I am working on here in Washington.

During the discussion, I asked participants if they believed the federal government should be involved in dictating what is taught in primary and secondary education. 92% of you responded that the federal government should NOT be involved – I am proud to share that in my position on the Committee on Education and the Workforce, I am fighting to keep the federal government out of our children’s education.

I asked participants if they believed China was the biggest threat to America today, with 82% of participants agreeing. In my position on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I am working alongside Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX) to ensure that our foreign policy is strong, steady, and strategic – we must do all we can to keep the influence of the Chinese Communist Party out of America and out of the day-to-day lives of our allies across the globe.

With Gratitude,