Introducing the TRUST Act

This week I introduced the Tariff Revenue Use to Secure Tomorrow (TRUST) Act. Republicans have already begun to cut waste, fraud, and abuse, but this bill goes a step further to ensure we are creating a prosperous future for America. The bill requires that any revenue from duties and tariffs above the amount collected in Fiscal Year 2025 be used only to reduce the deficit, so long as the U.S. is running a deficit in that fiscal year.

Over the past 100 years, the United States federal debt has increased to $37.41 trillion, as of 2025. It’s not a well-kept secret—Washington has a spending problem. This bill will help to counteract the constant rise in debt we have incurred for years. The TRUST Act will help set us on a new path forward. 

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) announced in August the Trump Administration's changes in tariff policy could reduce the total deficit by $4 trillion. August numbers showed record high tariff revenues. Looking long-term, regardless of the varying positions of the imposing tariffs, there should be general agreement that any excess revenue should go where it is needed most. And, debt reduction should be at the top of that list. The TRUST Act will continue this momentum so we can ensure a prosperous future for generations.

Key provisions of the TRUST Act include:

• Establishment of the Tariff Trust Fund at the U.S. Treasury.
• Requirement that, for every fiscal year the U.S. runs a budget deficit beginning in FY2026, tariff revenue collected above FY2025 levels be deposited into the Fund.
• Restriction of those funds to one purpose only: deficit reduction.
  Effective date of October 1, 2025 (the start of FY2026).

Read more from exclusive Fox News coverage, here. 

Rolling Back Biden Era Regulations

This week, House Republicans passed the FY2026 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act by 214-213. This appropriations act safeguards American taxpayer dollars by eliminating unnecessary and burdensome Biden-era regulations. It also provides funding to champion America’s nuclear capabilities in the effort of strengthening national security. 

Putting Americans first:

• Prohibiting the sale of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to the Chinese Communist Party.
• Not including funds for the Department of Energy Office of Energy Justice and Equity.
• Codifying President Trump’s executive actions by prohibiting funding for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
• Restoring American energy dominance by supporting one of the largest investments focused on mining production technologies for critical minerals extraction in decades, reducing reliance on foreign sources.
• Modernization of the nuclear weapons stockpile, investing in new technologies to maintain America’s advantage over our adversaries, and reducing the danger of hostile nations or terrorist groups acquiring nuclear weapons.

The Latest on the Epstein Files

This week, House Republicans voted in favor of a rule directing the Oversight Committee to continue its investigation into the federal government’s handling of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. The resolution (which I supported) requires the Committee to make public a wide range of records—including flight logs, internal DOJ communications, and information on immunity deals and settlements—while protecting the identities of victims, shielding classified material and grotesque images, and avoiding disclosure that could jeopardize active investigations.

During the debate of the rule, the House Rules Committee heard from Oversight Chairman James Comer on the effort to bring the Epstein files to light. This measure is a substantial step in the right direction of releasing the Epstein files while protecting victims who don’t want their identity public.

So far, the Oversight Committee’s investigation has already released more than 33,000 pages of documents and, importantly, carries the force of law. It has issued subpoenas to the Epstein estate, compelled depositions, secured Treasury bank records, and scheduled witness interviews. The Oversight investigation is critical to ensure transparency, protect the victims, and hold powerful people accountable.

Last week, I had the opportunity to meet with the Tyler Apartment Association—an organization committed to supporting housing professionals across East Texas. Their work helps ensure our rental housing industry remains strong, responsive, and focused on the needs of the community.

Through their work, they have connected various industries, including supply chain partners, builders, developers, property managers, and rental housing owners. They all work to create safe, reliable, and community-based housing opportunities. From addressing housing challenges to strengthening opportunities for residents and property owners alike, they continue to be a valuable partner in keeping East Texas a great place to live and work.

Why I Voted "Present"

This week, a resolution to censure Rep. LaMonica McIver and remove her from the Homeland Security Committee came to the House Floor by way of a “privileged resolution.” The censure resolution was initially filed on June 24 and referred to the Ethics Committee, where the matter was already under investigation. On September 3, the author offered the resolution as “privileged,” which means that a vote on the House Floor is mandatory within two legislative days and effectively circumvented the pending Committee process. On the House Floor, a Motion to Table the resolution was offered before a final vote on the censure resolution took place. Since I am currently a sitting member of the Ethics Committee that has jurisdiction over the investigation of this matter, and because no final determination has been made by the Ethics Committee on this matter, I voted “Present” on that Motion to Table.

Here’s why: I take my responsibility as a member of the Ethics Committee very seriously. Because the matter was still pending before the Committee, I believed it appropriate to abstain from voting on this matter to ensure impartiality until the matter is concluded within the Ethics Committee process. Taking a side before the Committee closed this matter could be viewed as prejudging the matter before the conclusion of the Committee’s work, which I believe could undermine the integrity of that process and the work of the Committee. Instead, I chose the historical practice of voting “Present,” ensuring I remain impartial until the Committee completes its work. Joining me in voting “Present” was Rep. Garbarino, who is also a member of the Ethics Committee and Chairman of the Homeland Security Committee. He and I are both strong supporters of our law enforcement community.

As a former judge, I often had to step back from commenting on cases still before the court—even when it was not politically expedient to do so. The same principle applies here: I seek to do my best to rise above the politics of Washington, D.C. and make decisions based upon principle and good policy. I hope that those who disagree with my action will see the intent and motive behind my vote and would agree with me that Congress operates best through regular order, when members’ votes are motivated by principle rather than politics, and when members encourage each other to act upon principle—even if we ultimately disagree on an outcome. That’s what I’ll do my best to continue to do for East Texas. Remember, our mission statement is simple: We seek to represent the First District of Texas with (1) steadfast principles, (2) effective statesmanship, (3) humble service, and (4) bold action. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve each of you.

Moran in the Media