Friends, 

Last weekend, Iran launched more than 300 drones and missiles at Israel. This is the first time Iran has ever pursued a direct attack on Israel. Thankfully, the vast majority of the Iranian strikes were intercepted before causing any damage – largely thanks to U.S. technology. Thursday night, Israel struck back with targeted missile strikes to Iranian nuclear facilities. Now more than ever, the United States cannot embolden Iran, the world’s leading sponsor of terror. We must stand with Israel.

On Tuesday, my legislation, the No Technology for Terror Act, passed the House of Representatives with bipartisan support. This bill, introduced with Chairman Michael McCaul (TX-10) and Congressman Jared Moskowitz (FL-23), makes permanent the U.S. export control restrictions that prohibit the re-transfer of American-made technology to Iran. The No Technology for Terror Act expands and extends the “foreign direct product rule" to Iran, which restricts the re-export of certain U.S.-origin items that can be used to manufacture Iran’s lethal weapons system. The products include technology and equipment such as cameras, lasers, and sensors.

Reports have found that in recovered Iranian drones, like those used over the weekend and the same ones sent to Vladimir Putin, up to 82% of components in those drones were comprised of American technology. That is unconscionable. The U.S. should not—even indirectly—help Iran build its drones and missiles that are then used against our own servicemembers and allies overseas.

Keeping American technology out of the hands of Iran is imperative to maintaining peace and our national security while cutting off the growing influence of evil. The passage of the No Technology for Terror Act marks a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts to show the strength of our nation and forces the Biden Administration to get serious about the threat of Iran. I will continue to stand with my Republican colleagues to firmly support our ally, Israel, and promote peace and prosperity in the Middle East in an effort to avoid military escalation.

Along with my bill, the No Technology for Terror Act, this week House Republicans passed a number of bills that stand in solidarity with our ally, Israel. Some of these include:

•  No Paydays to Hostage Takers Act: This legislation undertakes additional actions and imposes strict penalties to deter Iran and other hostile governments/non-state actors from hostage taking of American nationals;
• No U.S. Financing for Iran Act of 2023: This bill prohibits the Treasury Department from allowing U.S. financial institutions to engage in import or export transactions with Iran; and
• Standing Against Houthi Aggression Act: This bill designates the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization and sanctions them.

Over the past year, the House has passed several measures supporting Israel, and I don’t anticipate that will change. Israel needs the United States to stand strong with them during this time of attack by terrorists who seek to annihilate them.

To read my Op Ed from October 2023 in the Dallas Morning News, click HERE.

To listen to my remarks regarding Israel during my April 15th Tele-townhall, click HERE.

To read more about the No Technology for Terror Act, click HERE.

In February, House Republicans voted to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas for overstepping his authority and unlawfully suspending federal law at the border – leaving our borders open and our country vulnerable. I was proud to vote for the impeachment of Secretary Mayorkas. 

This week, the House presented those Articles of Impeachment against Secretary Mayorkas to the Senate, but on Wednesday, every single Senate Democrat ignored their Constitutional duty to hold a trial and voted to forego holding an impeachment trial of Secretary Mayorkas altogether. This unprecedented action only serves to further empower the Biden Administration’s disastrous open border policies, and reinforces the Senate’s desire to back Biden’s play.

Additionally, the Senate continues to fail to advance H.R. 2, the Secure the Border Act of 2023, which works toward securing our nation by restarting construction of the border wall, reforming the broken asylum system, stopping catch-and-release, and reinstating policies that worked like “Remain in Mexico.” The House passed this comprehensive legislation nearly a year ago, and yet the Senate continues to do nothing with it.

To read my full statement on why I voted to impeach Secretary Mayorkas, click HERE.

This week, the Committee on Education and the Workforce held a hearing on the University of Columbia’s failed policies to protect Jewish students and combat antisemitism on its campus. We heard testimonies from Columbia University President, Dr. Nemat Shafik, Columbia University Board of Trustees Co-Chairs, Mr. David Greenwald and Ms. Claire Shipman, and Dean Emeritus of Columbia Law School, Professor David Schizer. Columbia University has been the site of the most horrific acts of antisemitism on college campuses since Hamas’ October 7^th terrorist attack. Together, the Committee demanded accountability from the witnesses for their empty and hollow commitments to stop antisemitism which has been perpetuated by both faculty and students on their campus. Antisemitism should not be tolerated, especially on campuses, and we must see to it that actions are being taken to protect all students.

To listen to my questioning at the Committee on Education and the Workforce hearing, click HERE.

Thanks to all who joined me for my 13^th Tele-Townhall! Tele-Townhalls are the perfect opportunity for you to voice your opinion and give a transparent look into our government in Washington, DC. As always, it was a pleasure to speak directly with you, hear your concerns, and answer your questions. A special thank you to our special guests who joined our townhall this week, Frank Russo from CPAC, Keith Brown from the Texoma High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force (HIDTA), and Rusk County Sheriff Johnwayne Valdez.

On April 15th, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln succumbed to his injuries after being shot by John Wilkes Booth while attending the play, Our American Cousin, at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, DC on April 14th. President Lincoln died at 7:22 am in the Petersen House across the street from the theater.

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,

P.S.

What casual steakhouse chain has its corporate headquarters in Louisville, Kentucky, despite having the Lone Star State in its name?

Texas Roadhouse

According to the tall tale, what did Pecos Bill throw over a tornado that ended up in Texas?

Check next week’s newsletter for the answer to this week’s Texas Trivia question.