As part of House Republicans’ comprehensive Secure the Border Act of 2023, my legislation, the Visa Overstays Penalties Act, was passed by the House of Representatives last week. My legislation will reclassify the offense of overstaying a visa, increasing civil and criminal penalties for those who do so and jeopardizing their ability to re-enter the United States.

Overall, the Secure the Border Act of 2023 is the most comprehensive border security and immigration reform bill to pass the House in decades, and it will go far to restore the integrity of our southern border and improve our immigration system. I urge the Senate to take up this important legislation for immediate consideration.

To learn more about my legislation, the Visa Overstays Penalties Act, or H.R. 2, the Secure the Border Act of 2023, please click HERE. My full speech in support of H.R. 2 is also available by clicking HERE, or on the video below.

The highlight of my month – each month, is having the opportunity to speak with you about upcoming legislation and the issues you care about.

I will be hosting my next Tele-Townhall on Monday, May 22^nd at 7:00 PM CT! If you would like to participate, you can join by calling (888) 485-5170.

This week, I joined my friend, Congressman Buddy Carter of Georgia, to introduce the Proportional Reviews for Broadband Development Act.

Current law requires that any changes made to a wireless tower – whether it be a new build or an existing tower - must undergo a burdensome environmental review. The resulting delays associated with making these changes has held back much-needed expansion of broadband in rural areas across the country.

It is past time for us to close the digital divide for those living in rural America. Our commonsense legislation will reform the burdensome permitting process currently required under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for upgrades to these wireless towers.

To learn more about the Proportional Reviews for Broadband Deployment Act, please click HERE.

When I was young, I chose to take out student loans to fund my education. In making that decision, I accepted the responsibilities that came with it – including the terms of the loan and the expectation that I would pay it back.

Unfortunately, this sentiment is not as common as it once was. As a result of this, many first-time students are enrolling in student loan programs not fully understanding the financial responsibilities associated with pursuing higher education.

Last week, White House Press Secretary Jean-Pierre said, “If you buy a car, you are expected to pay the monthly payments. If you buy a home, you are expected to pay the mortgage every month." For once, I can say I agree with her! If you take out student loans, you are expected to pay for those loans – not other people.

The student loan forgiveness program is both unfair and unconstitutional. It is contrary to free-market economics and incentivizes students to take out more than they need – more than they can pay back, while incentivizing colleges and universities to redirect potential funds away from merit-based scholarships to other non-essential expenditures, due to the assumption that these loans will be paid off by the government.

My full remarks in the Committee on Education and the Workforce, is available by clicking HERE or on the video below.

Last month, I sent Administrator Bose of the Federal Railroad Administration a letter of support regarding the I-20 Passenger Rail Corridor proposal from Amtrak. This proposal would expand the Crescent line from Atlanta to the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, going through the First Congressional District and expanding East Texans’ access to public transit.

Amtrak announced yesterday that their final grant proposal includes funding for this line – the first long-distance expansion in decades. The development of this extension will be an economic driver in the Marshall, Longview, and surrounding communities while serving as a catalyst for regional economic development and downtown revitalization in traditionally rural areas.

I look forward to keeping you updated on the status of this extension, and the positive impact it will have in East Texas. 

With gratitude,