Friends,

I’ve had a fantastic time visiting with many of you across East Texas over the past two weeks. Returning home every chance I get restores my soul and reinvigorates my strength. As is the normal course, I took the opportunity to meet with and listen to as many constituents as possible—individuals, families, students, educators, businesses, farmers and ranchers, civic organizations, chamber leaders, economic development professionals, and community leaders across the First District. They are the present and future backbone of our local community and economy.

These conversations are invaluable. Whether it is discussing the pressing issues facing their families, businesses, our community, or this nation, I always benefit from listening to their personal stories and perspectives. These meaningful conversations help me better represent you in Washington, DC. Thanks to all who took the time to meet with me.  

Then I hopped over to Holloway’s 6th grade campus where I spoke to students about serving and being a leader within your community. I might have also told them a story or two from my days wandering those same halls almost 35 years ago—sometimes with a broken arm from dodgeball; sometimes studying for the state spelling bee; sometimes just trying to survive math class!

Finally, I went to Whitehouse Junior High to meet with the 7th and 8th grade student council and National Junior High Society members. They had incredibly insightful questions, as I have experienced in every school I have been to in the Congressional District. 

I am grateful for opportunities like this to engage with the next generation of community leaders and challenge them to continue pursuing opportunities that will achieve their academic goals. It was an honor to be back at my alma mater. Thanks for having me. Go Cats!!

I had the pleasure of attending the 10th anniversary of the Whitehouse ISD Education Foundation’s Celebration of Innovation. The event served as a reminder of the positive influence that our innovative, dedicated, passionate, and professional teachers can have on students. This Congressional District is grateful to each of those who fill the role of teacher, staff member, or administrator in our public, private, charter, and home school systems. Congratulations to WISDEF for this remarkable 10-year milestone! And, thanks to all those communities out there supporting their local schools. 

On Monday, I visited Skeeter Products in Kilgore, Texas – a company that serves as a clear testament to the incredible manufacturing and engineering talent we have in our District. Touring the state-of-the-art facility and meeting their dedicated workforce was truly inspiring. Skeeter Products has not only made significant contributions to our local economy, but they have also established themselves as a leader in their industry. Thanks for having me join you!

Earlier this week, I visited Communications & Power Industries (CPI): Antenna Technologies & Composite Structures (previously Vertex) in Kilgore. This exceptional company, located right here in Kilgore, Texas, is at the forefront of technological advancements in the field of antennas and composite structures in the airline, military, and medical industries. Witnessing their cutting-edge facilities and meeting the individuals behind their innovations was incredible. CPI’s commitment to excellence and their contributions to our local economy are remarkable. 

I had the pleasure of touring R&K Distributors’ headquarters in Longview, Texas to check out their distribution facility. Founded in 1963 by Rose and Kenneth Kirkpatrick in Longview, R&K Distributors has been a multi-generational fixture of service and excellence in East Texas. With a second branch in Nacogdoches, the company has thrived as a supplier that strives to maintain integrity in every aspect of its business practices. On our tour, we discussed the need to make permanent the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act business-friendly tax policies and to keep in place the independent three-tier distribution system – which is an integral part of American distribution that helps protect both East Texas and American businesses.

In March, I joined Representatives Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Senator Brian Schatz (HI), and Senator Steve Daines (MT) to introduce the Curbing Online Non-consensual Sexually Explicit Nudity Transfers (CONSENT) Act, which protects Americans from unsolicited lewd photos.

This bipartisan, bicameral bill would allow those who have received an unsolicited, non-consensual nude image, also known as cyberflashing, the ability to hold those who send such images accountable. Sadly, our digital landscape has become a breeding ground for online sexual harassment and exploitation, and for far too long those who send such images have remained unaccountable to their victims. The CONSENT Act would allow those who receive unwanted sexual images the ability to seek legal recourse against their harassers. Additionally, the CONSENT Act safeguards the privacy of minors by allowing a legal guardian to bring a civil action on their behalf. I am proud to work with my friends and colleagues in Congress to uphold privacy and security in the digital sphere. This legislation is an important step in the right direction to creating a safer digital world.

To read more about the CONSENT Act, click HERE and HERE.

U.S. Rep Nathaniel Moran tours Skeeter Boats (Kilgore News Herald)

Congressman Moran tours Skeeter Boat facility (KETK)

Congressman Nathaniel Moran votes against Further Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024 (Kilgore News Herald)

U.S. congressman tours East Texas farms, ranches (Texas Farm Bureau)

On April 2nd, 1917, President Woodrow Wilson asked Congress to declare war against Germany in World War I. Four days later, Congress agreed, declared war on Germany, and the first world war began.

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.

Where was the final battle that led to Texas’ independence from Mexico fought?

San Jacinto, Texas

How many Texas settlers were killed in the Black Been Incident during the Texas Revolution in March 1843?

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