Dear East Texas,
Last week, I led an amicus brief to the Supreme Court in Hershey v. Bossier City to protect First Amendment rights—specifically the free exercise of religion and the freedom of speech, which are both at issue in this case. In February 2020, Richard Hershey was prevented from peacefully handing out Christian leaflets on a public sidewalk in Bossier City, Louisiana, even though he was causing no disturbance. And, he was forced to leave under threat of arrest, while someone else nearby handed out commercial ads without any issue. His constitutional rights were clearly violated.
At issue in this case, though, is the doctrine of “qualified immunity”—a legal doctrine that shields, in part, individual government officials from personal liability for civil damages. This doctrine is intended to balance “the need to hold public officials accountable when they exercise power irresponsibly and the need to shield officials from harassment, distraction, and liability when they perform their duties reasonably.” Pearson v. Callahan, 555 U.S. 223, 231 (2009). But, qualified immunity can be lost if the protected government official violated a constitutional right that was “clearly established” at the time of their conduct.
This amicus brief argues that qualified immunity should not be granted in this case; that the constitutional right of the plaintiff was so “obvious” that it was “clearly established” and that—like with the Fourth and Eighth Amendments—qualified immunity should not be available under these circumstances. The federal appellate circuits are split on this issue, so it is time for the Supreme Court to weigh in. I am thankful for the hard work of First Liberty Institute in leading this litigation effort and look forward to a result next year that further protects individuals from government overreach.
Read more details on the amicus brief here. Read the Fox News exclusive here. |
House Republicans Vote to Ban Insider Stock Trading |
This week, the House passed the Stop Insider Trading Act which prohibits members of Congress, their spouses, and dependent children from purchasing stocks and requires public notice before these individuals may sell stocks.
Although I’ve never owned stocks myself, this legislation is a clear, common-sense step toward increasing transparency with members of Congress. Most members aren’t abusing their positions, but there is no question in my mind that some have. And, in our positions, even the appearance of impropriety erodes public confidence. So, let’s keep working to restore trust. Congress works for the American people, not personal portfolios.
Read the full legislation here. |
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Investing in America’s Military |
The House passed the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (FY27 NDAA) to strengthen and support America’s military. This bipartisan bill fully authorizes spending for national defense, delivers a pay raise for servicemembers, rebuilds America’s defense industrial base, and strengthens deterrence capabilities against China and other adversaries.
Included in the legislation was my amendment to prohibit any FY27 Department of War funds from going to any K-12 schools with a Confucius Institute or classroom. Congress has a responsibility to make sure that every dollar appropriated serves the interests of the United States and not the interests of our adversaries. The CCP has sought to extend its influence down into all elements of society across the world, and we need to ensure that this influence does not reach any part of our education system. This amendment closes the gap.
Read more details on the FY27 NDAA here. |
Rebuilding America’s Shipyards |
This week, I introduced the American Shipyard Investment Act with Congressman Mike Kelly (PA-16) to rebuild America’s shipbuilding base and counter China’s growing dominance at sea. The bill creates a new Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for building or expanding U.S. shipyards: 25% for standard projects, 35% for shipyards built in Opportunity Zones.
Our capacity to protect naval power and keep supply chains running depends on a strong shipbuilding base here at home. The United States has not been a major shipbuilder in decades, and in recent years U.S. output has slowed to a trickle—just 0.11 percent of the global share in 2024 and effectively none in 2025. In comparison, a single state-owned conglomerate, the China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), builds more commercial vessels by tonnage each year than the entire U.S. shipbuilding industry has produced since the end of World War II (Center for Strategic and International Studies).
This tax credit incentivizes American investment into American shipyards. We can’t keep handing over our once-dominant position in shipbuilding to foreign adversaries.
Read more details on the legislation here. |
Working Families Tax Cuts: Opportunity Zones |
The Working Families Tax Cuts strengthened the Opportunity Zone program to direct more investment toward overlooked rural communities, adding enhanced incentives for rural areas on top of the program’s existing benefits. I was proud to champion this reform on the Ways and Means Committee. It is projected to drive $100 billion in new investment to rural and underserved areas nationwide.
Rural communities have long been shortchanged when it comes to private capital, and this fix targets that gap directly—bringing new jobs, growth, and opportunity to the towns and farming communities that need it most, just like the ones in East Texas. |
Protecting Americans from a Government Shutdown |
House Republicans chose responsible leadership over political games this week by extending government funding through December 4, 2026, to ensure critical programs like SNAP, WIC, TANF, flood insurance, and disaster relief run without interruption.
The passage of the clean Continuing Appropriations Act removes the threat of a shutdown while work on the full-year FY27 appropriations process continues. Three FY27 bills have already passed the House floor with bipartisan support, and all FY27 bills have been reported out of the House Appropriations Committee. I’ll keep fighting for full-year appropriations bills to ensure Congress remains good stewards of taxpayer dollars. |
On July 23, 1996, at the Atlanta Olympics, Kerri Strug made a heroic final vault despite torn ligaments in her left ankle as the U.S. women gymnasts clinched their first-ever Olympic team gold medal. |
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 |
Answer to Last Week's Texas Trivia Question
⬇️ What is the name of Texas' largest natural lake? |
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This Week's Texas Trivia Question What is the largest canyon in Texas—nicknamed the "Grand Canyon of Texas"—that also ranks as the second-largest canyon system in the United States? Check back next week for the answer! |
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