Dear East Texas,
This week, I sat down with forestry and agriculture leaders from across our district to hear directly from the people who know these industries best. Forestry has always been a cornerstone of our East Texas economy, and agriculture continues to support countless family livelihoods across our communities.
The visit also included a tour with officers from the Texas Forestry Association at Smith Sawmill Services, a COMACT company. Seeing their operation firsthand was a great reminder of the skilled workforce and the innovation driving our timber industry right here in East Texas, and the decades of hard work that it takes to build a company. I’ll keep carrying these conversations back to Washington and fighting for policies that support our forestry and agriculture industries—and the families who depend on them.
As a member on the House Ways and Means Committee, I am working to help our forestry industry and the individuals who run it by making the tax code more favorable for these family-owned businesses. I am a proud co-sponsor of H.R. 8538, the Save America’s Family Forests Act, and H.R. 262, the Disaster Reforestation Act. These bills will bring lasting tax relief to those impacted by disasters that lead to deforestation.
Read my press release about the Save America’s Family Forests Act here. |
Working Families Tax Cuts: Delivering for America’s Farmers |
America’s hard-working farmers, ranchers, and producers are the backbone of rural economies. The Working Families Tax Cuts help them keep more of their hard-earned income to invest in their operations and preserve their family farms.
The legislation made permanent and enhanced the Estate Tax exemption to protect America’s two million family-owned farms and ranches from a massive tax penalty for passing on their family farm to the next generation. Family farming is embedded in the fabric of rural communities and remains key to protecting the nation’s food and energy supplies.
The WFTC also made sure that small businesses didn’t see a tax hike in 2026, which would have doubled the effective tax rate for any business using Section 199A from about 21% to 43.5%. This is about 93% of all businesses in East Texas—mainly small, family-owned businesses. And, this type of tax increase would have been crippling. I’m proud to be part of drafting the bill that stopped that increase.
Read more about the legislation here. |
Investing in Our Workforce |
Our community is only as strong as our workforce. Grateful to join the Marshall Economic Development Corporation (EDC) to highlight my workforce legislation. Earlier this year, I introduced the WAGES Act to create a refundable payroll tax credit for employers who maintain or participate in a Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP). The tax credit offsets the cost of wages paid to apprentices and mentors, as well as the cost of other program expenses.
These are the policies that make it easier to reinvest in business, the community, and the folks who work hard every day. It was great to catch up with business and community leaders across the Marshall area and hear how Washington can continue delivering for East Texans |
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Would a payroll tax credit (like the proposed WAGES Act) make your business more likely to start or expand a Registered Apprenticeship Program?
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Texas Financial Crimes Unit Named National Blueprint for Fighting Fraud |
A new House Financial Services Committee report just named the Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center (FCIC)—a partnership between the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation and the Smith County DA’s Office—a national model for combating financial crime, urging other states to replicate it. The FCIC is already breaking up multi-state fraud rings targeting Texans, as fraud losses hit a record $16 billion nationally in 2025. |
Thank you to Chairman French Hill and the House Financial Services Committee for shining a national spotlight on the work being done right here in Texas. And, thank you to the men and women working hard under the direction of Adam Colby, Jeff Roberts, and Smith County District Attorney Jacob Putman who earned this distinction with hard work and strategic crime fighting. This recognition is a testament to the dedicated law enforcement professionals protecting families across our state every day. I’ll continue working alongside Chairman Hill to ensure Washington gives our local partners the tools and support they need to keep winning this fight.
Read the full report here. |
Honoring Those Who Protect Us |
Law enforcement officers across East Texas work tirelessly to protect our communities, often putting themselves in harm's way so the rest of us can feel safe. This week, I shared breakfast with the Tyler Police Department to thank them for their continued service. Conversations like these are a good reminder of the sacrifices made every day, both on and off duty, to keep our neighborhoods safe. I'm grateful for their service, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to bettering our community. |
Back to School Teacher Meet & Greet |
I had the honor of joining nearly 300 educators, school nurses, and administrators from across East Texas for the third annual Back to School Teacher Meet and Greet. Events like this one continue to grow each year, and it’s a privilege to see so many dedicated education professionals come together as they prepare for another school year. Thank you to Wendie Turner for organizing this event to recognize and support our teachers.
I had the opportunity to speak briefly with the group about the importance of the work they do every day in our classrooms and communities. As a small token of appreciation, I presented a flag that was flown over the U.S. Capitol, which will now have a home in one of our local classrooms. To every teacher, nurse, and administrator: thank you for all that you do. Our students’ success starts with you, and East Texas is fortunate to have educators as committed as ours. Here’s to a great school year ahead! |
On July 27, 1789, President George Washington signed the law creating the Department of Foreign Affairs, which was the very first federal executive agency established under the new U.S. Constitution. The United States Department of Foreign Affairs was renamed to the Department of State on September 15, 1789. |
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 largest canyon in Texas—nicknamed the "Grand Canyon of Texas"—that also ranks as the second-largest canyon system in the United States? |
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This Week's Texas Trivia Question What is the oldest continuously operated hotel in Texas? Check back next week for the answer! |
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