Dear East Texas,

This week, the House took an important step toward restoring fiscal responsibility by passing a comprehensive budget resolution. While no single resolution solves all our challenges, this vote lays the groundwork for meaningful spending cuts, pro-growth tax reform, and the long-term economic stability our nation so desperately needs. I supported this resolution because it empowers the House and Senate to take the next step and continue the hard work of addressing our national debt and finally making permanent tax cuts for hardworking East Texans which will put America back on a path to prosperity.

This budget resolution is part of the most important economic initiative of the President—extending the provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) and reversing the trajectory of our national debt. This process formally empowers other committees to determine specific areas of savings for inclusion in “one, big, beautiful bill.” If we are serious about cutting spending and extending the TCJA, this is how we start. I remain committed to getting this across the finish line.

This week, I had the chance to sit down with two respected Big 12 athletic directors—Kirby Hocutt of Texas Tech (Wreck ‘em!) and Mike Buddie of Texas Christian University—to talk about the ongoing challenges surrounding Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) in college athletics. NIL continues to dominate headlines, and while reform is clearly needed, any solution from Congress must be thoughtful, measured, and guided by the long-term health of both student-athletes and college sports as a whole.

As universities navigate the rapidly-evolving NIL landscape—especially with the increasing involvement of agents—there’s growing concern that we may be drifting away from the amateur collegiate spirit that has long defined college competition.

As Congress considers these proposals, my priority is making certain we don’t swing toward overregulation. These young men and women are students first, and our policies should reflect that. Education must remain the foundation—and we must work to protect the integrity and amateur nature of college athletics that has been beloved for so long. For a thoughtful analysis on the NIL issue, and its impact on women’s and amateur sports, see the op-ed by Cody Campbell in The Federalist by clicking here.

This week, I had the pleasure of welcoming members of the Texas Bankers Association—including several from East Texas—to my office in Washington, D.C. We had a productive conversation about the challenges facing the banking and investment community, and the importance of reducing burdensome regulations that hinder economic growth.

Our discussion centered on how we can better support individuals, families, and small businesses through access to reliable banking services and financial opportunities. Thank you to the Texas Bankers Association for their ongoing commitment to serving the First District and helping fuel the economic engine of East Texas.

This week, I met with members of the Deep East Texas Council of Governments (DETCOG), including leaders from San Augustine, Polk, Houston, and Shelby Counties, as well as the City of Lufkin. We discussed the need to reauthorize Secure Rural Schools (SRS) funding, which supports counties with National Forest land. Without action, counties like Sabine and San Augustine will continue to see drastic cuts in support for local schools and infrastructure.

I proudly supported legislation led by Congressman Richard Hudson (R-NC-09) to establish nationwide concealed carry reciprocity—ensuring that law-abiding Americans with valid concealed carry permits can exercise their Second Amendment rights across state lines.

The bill has now passed out of the House Judiciary Committee, marking an important step forward in defending the constitutional freedoms of responsible gun owners. As I’ve said before: The Second Amendment has no borders.

Read more about the bill here.

Moran in the Media