Two Big Wins This Week for American Energy and American Freedom

This week, the House passed two important measures that reflect the values and priorities of East Texas. The first, H.R. 1949 – the Unlocking Our Domestic LNG Potential Act, introduced by Rep. August Pfluger (TX-11). During my recent visit to Kilgore, local oil and gas leaders made it clear: Washington’s red tape is slowing down LNG takeaway capacity, delaying projects, and stalling good-paying jobs. This bill cuts through those barriers by lifting outdated export restrictions and streamlining the permitting process so Texas and American energy producers can compete globally, lower energy costs, and strengthen America’s national security.

That message from Kilgore echoed what I’ve heard across the district: hard work should be rewarded — not regulated out of existence. East Texas has the people, the talent, and the drive to power this country. We simply need the federal government to step aside and let our communities lead.

We also passed H.Con.Res. 58 – Denouncing the Horrors of Socialism, introduced by Rep. María Elvira Salazar (FL-27), reaffirming America’s commitment to freedom over the failed ideologies that have caused suffering and the deaths of more than 100 million people worldwide. East Texans understand that prosperity comes from hard work, free enterprise, and personal responsibility, not from government control. These two votes share a common purpose: standing up for the values that make our nation a city on a Hill for the rest of the world to look towards and ensuring East Texas continues to help power America’s future.

On Tuesday, the Ways and Means Committee held a hearing on harnessing innovation and new technology to help America’s foster youth succeed. Our children need to be invested in to allow for a brighter future for them, their family, and our communities.

The John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood, or “Chafee,” provides funding to support youth and young adults formerly in foster care to ensure a smooth transition into adulthood. This hearing highlighted innovative ways that technology that can help aid this program to ensure those in foster care and aging out receive the support they need to flourish.

As we examine how to strengthen the Chafee Foster Care Program, we’re reminded that foster youth want the same things every child needs: identity, purpose, belonging, and unconditional love. By investing in AI technology to help streamline the administrative work and burdens, more time can be spent building relationships within the foster family.

This week, the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party held a hearing on predatory pricing, and how the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) manipulates global mineral prices to maintain its dominance. One thing is clear: we must not stand for it any longer. The CCP is waging war on critical minerals.

And guess what? East Texas has the highest grade lithium brine resource area in all of North America.

We should responsibly pursue the critical mineral lithium in East Texas in a manner that preserves private property rights and is consistent with proper stewardship of our beautiful natural resources. This will help us cut our dependency on China and ensure our economy is not reliant on our adversaries. We are at the center of the fight against China, and this is our opportunity to contribute.

Last Friday, my colleagues from Texas and I wrote to the Trump Administration to ensure our state is reimbursed for the measures we took when the Biden Administration failed to secure our border.

The Working Families Tax Cuts, or One, Big, Beautiful Bill, provides for reimbursement to states who had to foot the bill for America’s safety and security. The letter urges the Trump Administration to prioritize the State of Texas when disbursing the $13.5 billion in border security reimbursements.

You can read the full letter here.

Supporting Our Agriculture Economy

I had the opportunity to meet with a group of John Deere professionals, including several who operate dealership locations right here in East Texas. Our conversation offered a valuable look into how they serve our community’s farmers, landowners, and small businesses.

Future Leaders of East Texas

I enjoyed talking with students from Tyler High and Legacy High School during an interactive session on the different levels of government and their impact. I was joined by State Representative Daniel Alders, Smith County Judge Neal Franklin, and State Senator Bryan Hughes—all strong leaders from East Texas.

On November 19, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address at the dedication of a national cemetery at the site of the Civil War battlefield of Gettysburg in Pennsylvania. The well-known phrase "Four score and seven years ago" comes from this address. 

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