Friends, As the first year of the 118th Congress comes to a close, I’d like to discuss the somber topic of the possible impeachment of President Biden. This week, the House voted to move forward with a formal impeachment inquiry into President Biden—a legislative step necessary at this point because (among other reasons) of the substantial evidence uncovered that President Biden may have engaged in acts that rise to the level of impeachable offenses and because of the Biden family’s unwillingness to produce documents requested and Hunter Biden’s refusal to sit for a deposition. This action confirms the authorities of the three investigating committees, Judiciary, Oversight, and Ways & Means, and allows them to continue their Constitutionally-mandated work to investigate and determine whether grounds for impeachment exist. It is our duty to follow the facts where they might lead and then apply those facts against Constitutional legal standard. Ultimately, we should be careful not to rush to judgment, not to skip the important due process of committee investigation, and not to be politically motivated. Once the formal impeachment inquiry is over, we can then make an informed decision based on all facts gathered.
In East Texas, we understand the need for accountability, transparency, and holding our elected officials to the highest standards—regardless of their party affiliation or viewpoint. We understand the importance of preserving the trust between the government and its citizens. This impeachment inquiry is an opportunity for us to reaffirm our commitment to these values and ensure that no one, regardless of their position, is above the law. |
As a final piece of legislative business this year, the House passed the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Over 50% of our discretionary budget is spent on defense and this legislation is necessary to ensure that those dollars are spent as the Legislative Branch intended. This NDAA has major conservative wins for our troops and begins to reverse the leftist trends of the past few years. Among other things, it: - Cuts numerous Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs;
- Restores meritocracy in military promotions;
- Bans drag shows;
- Prevents a military green new deal from occurring internally;
- Provides a pathway for reinstatement for those military personnel discharged because of adverse action taken against them for choosing not to take the COVID-19 vaccine;
- Requires the DoD to grant requests to correct the personnel files of those discharged because of the refusal to take the COVID-19 vaccine to enable them to receive full benefits in retirement;
- Enhance support for counterdrug and counter transnational organized crime activities;
- Fully funds deployment of the National Guard troops in support of Border Patrol activities at the southwest border;
- Supports a 5.2% increase in servicemember basic pay—the largest pay raise in over 20 years;
- Increases funding for new family housing for military personnel;
- Provides more support to military spouses and children of military personnel in the area of reimbursement for transfer costs, childcare facilities, mental health support, healthcare fees, and career transition assistance; and
- Extends authority for the DoD to provide additional weapon systems and support to Israel in its defense against the unprovoked attacks by Hamas.
It does much more than this, but this is just a sampling of the reasons why I supported its passage. Still, there is much work to do to continue rooting out woke and leftist social policies from the military. For more on the FY24 NDAA, click HERE. |
On Monday, the House passed H.R. 5378, the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act. This landmark, bipartisan legislation will work to lower health care costs by increasing transparency for patients in the health care market, particularly when it comes to Pharmacy Benefit Managers, and giving decision-making power back to individuals to make the best healthcare decisions for them and their families.
Healthcare costs have risen to crushing levels and the lack of transparency in healthcare pricing is a significant contributor to the rising price of lifesaving drugs, a major challenge to patients’ ability to access health care. The lack of transparency obscures patients’ ability to plan and budget for their healthcare needs and contributes to the skyrocketing costs of healthcare in our country. That is why I was proud to vote in support of the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act.
This bill was led by the Chairwoman of the Committee on Education and the Workforce, Virginia Foxx (R-NC), the Chairwoman and the Ranking Member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), and the Chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means, Jason Smith (R-MO).
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On Tuesday, the Committee on Education and the Workforce approved a number of bills that work to strengthen America’s workforce. I spoke in support of the Stronger Workforce for America Act, which will strengthen the workforce development system and offer career opportunities for millions of Americans. This bill will make critical improvements to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) by dedicating 50% of the adult and dislocated worker fund towards upscaling workers. I am proud to have my bill, the Building Youth Skills Workforce Act, included in this legislation. My bill would make significant advancements for in-school-youth who face barriers to education, training, and employment by allowing eligible in-school-youth to access skills development programs using individual training accounts. It is vital to prepare the next generation of workers and my bill will do just that. |
This week, I also discussed the Bipartisan Workforce Pell Act, which aims to align education opportunities with workforce needs to prepare the workforce for the 21st century. This bill provides opportunities for students and workers looking to gain skills in high-demand fields by allowing students enrolled in high-quality, short-term workforce programs access to Pell Grants that will lead to career advancements. Currently, Pell grants cannot be used for short-term training programs like IT or welding courses. This bill would increase our workforce by expanding career options for individuals and implements flexibility in the program, all things that are critical to those looking for a job.
As millions of Americans face unemployment due to a struggling economy, the Bipartisan Workforce Pell Act will give them a chance to earn credentials that will propel them back into the workforce or advance their careers. Both sides of the aisle agree that this legislation will strengthen America’s workforce. |
My colleagues and I also discussed H.J. Res. 98, a resolution providing for the congressional disapproval of the Biden administration’s “Standard for Determining Joint Employer Status” in Tuesday’s committee hearing. This resolution seeks to overturn the National Labor Relations Board’s (NLRB) new joint-employer rule, which redefines the Trump-era standard of joint-employer. This not only threatens the franchise model, but also the staffing model. As a former franchisee, I recognize how disastrous this rule will be for many who are looking to operate their own franchises. That is why I support H.J. Res. 98 and look forward to pushing back against this harmful rule. |
In the House Foreign Affairs Committee, we held an Oversight and Accountability Subcommittee hearing with Assistant Secretaries from the Bureau of Industry and Security within the Commerce Department to review U.S. export controls in an era of strategic competition. As we continue to combat fentanyl crossing over our nation's borders, I questioned the Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement, Matthew Axelrod, on the Biden administration’s relationship with China and why the administration appears to be taking China at their word before we have seen proof that their efforts are actually stopping the flow of fentanyl precursors into our country. According to export officials, China had taken major tangible action to address fentanyl precursors, yet we haven’t seen any actual evidence of a change in behavior. We cannot trust China. We need to see real change and get the results that Americans deserve before we relax export restrictions. Congress cannot sit idly by and allow our government to make deals with China, especially when it comes to the security of the American people. We need to take swift and immediate action and utilize our export control laws to stop the fentanyl trade and secure our border. |
On December 21st, 1620, hailing from England on the Mayflower, the first group of pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock. After setting sail just two months before, the pilgrims disembarked the ship and founded Plymouth Colony. The voyage was difficult, and more than half of the passengers died during the trip. The granite slab is located in Plymouth, Massachusetts and has long been considered a symbol for the founding of the American colonies and the search for freedom in the New World. |
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 by clicking HERE.
It is an honor to be your voice in Congress. With gratitude, |
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Nathaniel Moran
Member of Congress
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What famous, female country singer grew up in Lindale, TX? Miranda Lambert |
Where is the stone from the Texas State Capitol from? Check next week’s newsletter for the answer to this week’s Texas Trivia question! |
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