On Thursday, I joined the East Texas Food Bank board to discuss how the ongoing federal shutdown is affecting families across our region. With 3.5 million Texans relying on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the continuation of the shutdown through October 27 has placed a strain on those who depend on these benefits to put food on the table. Starting November 1, SNAP payments are set to be halted nationwide, putting more than 42 million Americans at risk of losing assistance.

I’m deeply grateful for the East Texas Food Bank’s steadfast commitment to serving our community—especially during times of uncertainty.

The USDA warns that states may not be reimbursed if they fill the gap but local organizations like the East Texas Food Bank are stepping up to ensure no family is left behind. Their dedication reminds us that, even in difficult times, East Texans take care of one another.

This week, when I landed from Washington, D.C. at Tyler Pounds Regional Airport, I delivered breakfast to the TSA agents who continue to show up and serve our community, even as the federal government remains shut down. These men and women are keeping travelers safe without receiving paychecks, and I wanted to simply say thank you for their continued hard work and dedication.

A warm meal can’t fix the challenges they’re facing, but it’s a small way to remind them their community appreciates them. It was insightful to talk with them and discuss the tough times they are facing. These men and women need to get back to their daily lives.

House Republican Leader, Whip Emmer, Thoughts on the Schumer Shutdown

Last week, I joined House Republican Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN-06), in an exclusive interview with KLTV 7’s very own Blake Holland. We both echoed the same sentiment we have been saying for a month—House Republicans did our job. It is way past time for the Senate Democrats to vote to re-open the government and stop holding hundreds of thousands of Americans and federal workers hostage.

Whip Emmer stated “We need seven Democrats. And guess what? They refuse to give us those votes to re-open the government. They’re causing significant damage. I mean to your state, the great state of Texas, according to some measurements, it would be over $6 billion a month, is what [the shutdown] is costing Texans and their economy.” I couldn’t have said it better myself. Every day the Democrats drag the shutdown on, Texans are hurt, and Americans are hurt.

Listen to the full interview, here.

While I was in Washington D.C. this week, I met with members of the Red River Valley Association (RRVA) to discuss key water infrastructure and economic development projects that impact East Texas and our neighboring states. The RRVA—representing Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas—has worked for nearly a century to improve flood control, navigation, water quality, and power generation along the Red River Basin.

Our conversation covered ongoing priorities like levee improvements in Bowie County, emergency repairs at Lake Kemp, and studies on navigation and economic growth throughout the region.

Partnerships like these ensure that local communities continue to benefit from safe, reliable infrastructure and that East Texas remains a vital part of the region’s long-term growth.

On October 31, 1941, Mount Rushmore National Memorial was completed in the South Dakota. The project too nearly 15 years to complete. The memorial is a sculpture carved in the side of a mountain, featuring Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.

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