Friends,
I hope you enjoyed the past few weeks spending time with your family and loved ones, preparing to embark on a brand new year. With the holiday season behind us, I am excited to be back in Washington, D.C., as Congress reconvenes for the second session of the 118th Congress. |
My colleagues and I will not stand idly by while President Biden’s family continues to blatantly disregard Congressional oversight. This week, the Judiciary Committee decided to advance a contempt report against Hunter Biden, requiring his presence before the Committees under the potential consequence of criminal charges. Now, this vote will advance to the House Floor to be voted on by the entire chamber.
If you didn’t know, on November 29th, 2023, the House Judiciary and Oversight Committees issued subpoenas to Hunter Biden, ordering him to appear before Congress for a deposition. Hunter Biden defied the Committees’ subpoenas, instead choosing to hold a political press conference outside of the U.S. Capitol building on the same day he was supposed to be deposed.
In the 1920s, two Supreme Court cases provided Congress with the authority to seek and enforce informational demands. McGrain v. Daugherty and Sinclair v. United States explained that the legislative body’s investigations are inherent in the legislative process. As such, the House Judiciary Committee is well within its jurisdiction to force Hunter Biden to comply with the Congressional subpoena.
On December 13, 2023, Hunter Biden chose to willfully defy the House of Representatives subpoena. His refusal to comply warrants the referral of criminal charges to the Department of Justice for contempt of Congress. This will be the first time in over a year that the House of Representatives has sought criminal charges for contempt of Congress. But, it is necessary. No person is above the law – including the President's son. |
In 2017, President Trump signed into law the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act which spurred our economy and boosted America’s global competitiveness by reforming the tax code. Many of those pro-growth provisions have begun to expire and Congress needs to pass a new tax package to reinvigorate the American economy and jobs. In November, I joined a letter led by Congressman Rudy Yakym (R-IN), with nearly 150 members of Congress to House Speaker Mike Johnson urging the inclusion of pro-growth tax provisions in a legislative package. Specifically, immediate research and development expensing, 100% bonus depreciation, and reinstating the business interest deduction standard. These tax provisions play a vital role in advancing innovation, creating jobs, and maintaining U.S. competitiveness worldwide. Their expiration will cause businesses this year to stop investing in research and development, stop short-term expenditures in things like new equipment, and slow the economy by causing businesses to hold on to cash.
To read the full letter, click HERE.
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Last week, I, along with the Tyler Economic Development Council and other community leaders, had the incredible opportunity to participate in the groundbreaking ceremony to kick off the construction of County Road 3344. CR 3344 will serve as the backbone for the new Tyler Interstate Commerce Park and a catalytic connector for new businesses, high paying jobs, and economic development in Smith County. Thank you, Scott Martinez, TEDC, and Smith County for making this happen. |
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Congressman Moran at the groundbreaking for County Road 3344 |
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Last month in the House Education and the Workforce Committee, I questioned Harvard President Claudine Gay, along with other Ivy League Presidents, about their role in enabling antisemitism on college campuses. Their responses were horrific, and I was struck by their inability to acknowledge the undeniable, liberal bias that proliferates on their campuses. In recent weeks, I was pleased to see several of these institutions hold their leaders accountable – accepting the resignation of President Gay and the President of the University of Pennsylvania, Liz Magill.
I sat down with Cat Oriel at Forbes Breaking News to discuss Dr. Claudine Gay’s decision to resign. We spoke about President Gay’s plagiarism accusations and the ethical, double standards that didn’t apply to her as Harvard President and how that contributes to the spread of antisemitism.
Check out the full interview here: |
On Monday, I met with ETEX Communications’ General Manager/CEO, Charlie Cano, Chief Financial Officer, Susan Graves, Director of Business Operations and Product Development, Director of Regulatory and Compliance, Patti Farr, and other ETEX employees. We discussed plans for broadband expansion across East Texas, specifically in our rural areas. Having access to reliable internet connection is essential to a community’s growth and prosperity. Thank you ETEX for working to bridge the digital divide and bring reliable broadband services to rural Texas. |
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Congressman Moran with ETEX Communications |
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On Saturday, January 13th, Taiwan will hold their eighth democratic presidential election. This election is the most consequential yet and will have major implications on Taiwan’s sovereignty and security. It will also have a long-lasting economic and national security on the United States. It is imperative that we recognize the significance of this moment and support Taiwan in its pursuit of democracy. So, watch closely this weekend.
The Taiwan Strait has become one of the most critical trading regions in the world, providing a way for critical technology exports to reach our shores and vice versa. In 2022, Taiwan produced over 60% of the world’s semiconductors, which they provided to Western countries, like the United States. More than 90% of the high-end semi-conductors are produced in Taiwan, as well. Handing over Taiwan’s economy and sovereignty to Communist China, who has already initiated acts of intimidation, would be a surrender of human rights, national security, and democratic values. Furthermore, disruption in the Taiwan Strait would have an impact on around $2 trillion in trade activity, guaranteeing a global economic crisis. A conflict between China and Taiwan would create a ripple effect throughout the manufacturing community and deeply impact our economy here in America.
Despite the challenges posed by China’s aggressive posture, Taiwan continues to uphold its democratic values and is a proven trusted partner with the United States and our allies. We must condemn any attempts by China to interfere in Taiwan’s internal affairs and support deterrence efforts to maintain global stability and peace. This week, I co-sponsored a resolution commending Taiwan for its history of democratic elections. The people of Taiwan deserve the right to choose their leaders without fear of coercion. To read the full resolution, click HERE. |
On January 8th, 1790, George Washington delivered the first State of the Union address to Congress in New York City. Washington gave a brief outline of his administration’s policies as designed by Alexander Hamilton. |
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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Where is the stone from the Texas State Capitol from? Marble Falls, TX |
What is the state tree of Texas? Check next week’s newsletter for the answer to this week’s Texas Trivia question! |
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