Friends, We are tragically enduring a “silent epidemic” in the United States—but not from the illnesses that may immediately come to your mind. It’s not COVID-19, Influenza, or Ebola. The American Medical Association has labeled child sexual abuse a “silent epidemic.” Today, there are an estimated 42 million survivors of sexual abuse in America alone. In the U.S., 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys are estimated to have been sexually abused before the age of 18. Further, children with disabilities are three times more likely to be victims of sexual abuse. To make this epidemic even more tragic, over 90 percent of victimized children know and trust their abuser. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has stated that child sexual abuse is a public health problem and education is critical to preventing further abuse and exploitation of children.
This week, I introduced the Jenna Quinn Law of 2024, along with Senator John Cornyn (TX), Congressman Michael McCaul (TX-10), and Congresswoman Susan Wild (PA-07). Named after Jenna Quinn—a Texan, a survivor of child sexual abuse, and a fierce advocate for the protection of children—my legislation authorizes the Department of Health and Human Services to allow existing federal grants to be used for increasing evidence-based or informed training on sexual abuse prevention education and reporting to teachers, school employees, students, caregivers, and other adults who work with children. The bill also ensures grant recipients coordinate with local educational agencies to train students, professionals, and volunteers who work with students on sexual abuse prevention, recognition, and reporting. The bipartisan Jenna Quinn Law of 2024 not only extends training initiatives but also raises the likelihood of sexual assaults being reported, and ultimately stopped.
In 2009, Texas unanimously passed and signed into law similar legislation, the Jenna Quinn Law, which required school districts to adopt and implement child sexual abuse prevention policies that teach students, teachers, and caregivers how to prevent, recognize, and report child sexual abuse. Because of Jenna Quinn’s tireless efforts, over half of the country has now adopted legislation that reflects this Texas statute.
Ending the vicious cycle of child abuse should be a priority for each of us, and I will continue fighting in Congress to protect the most vulnerable among us.
The read more about the Jenna Quinn Law of 2024, click HERE. |
For nearly a year, the House Committee on Homeland Security—under the leadership of Chairman Mark Green (R-TN)— conducted an investigation into the actions (or inaction) of the Secretary of Homeland Security, Alejandro Mayorkas. This lengthy investigation found that Secretary Mayorkas is "chiefly responsible for the chaos and devastation that has unfolded over the past three years" at America's borders.
During his tenure, Secretary Mayorkas has willfully and blatantly ignored federal immigration law by implementing open borders policies such as catch and release, ignoring the requirements that aliens be detained at the border, and expanding the abuse of parole authority. Sadly, his actions have breached the public’s trust and led to the largest influx of migrants that this nation has ever experienced; it is apparent that he refuses to faithfully discharge the duties of his office. These egregious actions amount to a violation of his oath of office and are sustainable grounds for impeachment.
East Texans have had enough of the chaos unfolding at our southern border. Accountability is required, which is why on Tuesday, I voted to impeach Secretary Mayorkas. While this effort ultimately failed on the House floor, I will continue fighting to ensure that those responsible for prolonging this crisis are held to account.
Click HERE to read the articles of impeachment.
Click HERE for more information about the impeachment of Secretary Mayorkas.
(Courtesy of the House Committee on Homeland Security) |
In December, I, along with Congressman Michael McCaul (TX-10) and Congressman Jared Moskowitz (FL-23) introduced the No Technology for Terror Act, which would permanently restrict the transfer of U.S.-origin technology and equipment to Iran, the leading sponsor of terrorism, who uses these products to build lethal weapons to attack our servicemembers overseas and our allies.
On Tuesday, I was proud to see the Committee on Foreign Affairs pass this timely legislation, and my team and I are now working diligently to bring the No Technology for Terror Act to a vote in the full House of Representatives.
Read more about the No Technology for Terror Act advancing the House Foreign Affairs Committee HERE.
Listen to my remarks this week on the No Technology for Terror Act HERE. |
Community banks play a crucial role in East Texas. This week, I met with Vera Bank from Henderson, TX who was in D.C. representing the Independent Bankers Association of Texas. We discussed the impact of community banks on our local economies and the challenges these institutions face every day. It is vitally important that we support local bankers as they serve our communities. I am grateful for opportunities such as these to collaborate with business leaders to ensure East Texas remains a thriving business environment that benefits all. |
On Tuesday, I met with the Texas Association of Community Colleges (TACC) to discuss my work on the Committee on Education and the Workforce and discuss their top priorities. I was thrilled to hear their support of the A Stronger Workforce for America Act, in which my Building Youth Workforce Skills Act was included, as well as the Bipartisan Workforce Pell Act. These bills will continue to support community colleges and provide the workforce needed throughout East Texas. As the only Texan on the Education and the Workforce Committee, it is my honor work with education leaders throughout the First District and bring their ideas to Washington, D.C. |
On Wednesday, I had the opportunity to meet with representatives from many Nordic and Baltic countries to discuss our transatlantic partnership and global threats to the liberties we cherish. Members from countries such as Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Sweden, Iceland, Denmark, and Norway attended the meeting to discuss the importance of NATO, the ongoing war in Ukraine, the conflict in the Middle East, and the growing threat of China. As a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, I am committed to fostering strong international partnerships and promoting peace and stability through prioritizing American interests and supporting our allies. |
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Congressman Moran with the Nordic-Baltic 7 |
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On Wednesday, I spoke on the Committee for Justice’s panel: “The FTC in the Courts and Congress: Here Comes Trouble,” to discuss the dysfunction of the Federal Trade Commission under Biden-appointed Lina Khan, what the House of Representatives can do to reign in the FTC's authority, and what we’re currently tracking at the Supreme Court that could drastically curtail their progressive agenda.
The panel brought together a variety of lawmakers, former Federal Trade Commission and Justice Department officials, and administrative law experts to assess recent policy initiatives and Congressional oversight activity to see how these will play out in 2024. The event was a great way to debate with key policy drivers and hear expert opinions on the topics. |
On February 5th, 1937, President Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) announced his plan to expand the United States Supreme Court to as many as 15 justices. Allegedly, this plan was to make the court more efficient. However, critics believed FDR was trying to “pack” the court to neutralize sitting Supreme Court justices that were hostile to some of his New Deal initiatives. |
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 by clicking HERE. It is an honor to be your voice in Congress. With gratitude, |
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Nathaniel Moran
Member of Congress
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What is the Texas state flower? The Bluebonnet |
Who was the first president of the Republic of Texas (who also has his likeness in the United States Capitol Building)? Check next week’s newsletter for the answer to this week’s Texas Trivia question. |
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