Representative Nathaniel Moran

Dear East Texas,

This week the House passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY2026, by a vote of 312-112. Each year, Congress is required to pass an annual defense spending package that sets policy and authorizes funds for the Department of War. The bipartisan bill ensures the United States military remains a strong, capable, and lethal force. This year’s NDAA includes ending DEI initiatives and returning to a merit-based system, protecting America’s long-term investments and economic interests, strengthening our defense and industrial base, and eliminating $20 billion in wasteful spending on inefficient programs and Pentagon bureaucracy. Our service members will also receive a 3.8% pay raise, improving the quality of life for those who fight to maintain peace and protect America. These are major policy wins that follow through President Trump’s peace through strength agenda.

The NDAA also pushed back against our greatest adversary: China. This bill puts better screening and review of investments that are going to China and limits investments to Chinese companies working on AI and other critical technology. AI and technology that is crucial to our national defense belongs in the United States, not in the hands of the Chinese Communist Party. We must continue to invest in America, and this bill encourages those important investments.

Additionally, this NDAA focuses on targeting Chinese fentanyl producers that transfer these deadly drugs into the United States through Mexico. Those who create and traffic drugs into America must be held accountable. This is not only a national security issue, but an issue for the individual safety of all Americans.

A major win for Texas’ First Congressional District is the funding allocated for the Red River Army Depot. This critical funding will allow their Component Rebuilding Workshop to move forward and help the United States Army innovate. We are proud of the direct contributions East Texas makes to strengthening America’s military.

Rural Funding Secured

This week the House passed the Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2025, by a vote of 399-5, restoring critical funding for schools, roads, and other municipal services. This program has not been reauthorized since FY2023. This critical reauthorization will fund the program for FY2026 and provide lapsed payments for 2024 and 2025.

The program provides payments to county governments in areas where federal forests are located because those areas do not receive tax revenue from the federal land, and the federal lands prevent private investment or economic development that might otherwise support local needs. During the lapse in funds, county payments reverted back to regulations from 1908, resulting in up to an 80% cut in funding for counties. For counties like Sabine County, this meant going from approximately $300,000 per year in funding to $20,000 per year. Prior to 2000—when the federal government harvested more trees on federal lands and prior to the need for SRS funding—funding from properly managed federal forests benefited the Sabine County community (and others similarly situated) to a much higher degree.

For too long rural counties have been left with uncertainty about when and if this program would be funded. That’s why I co-sponsored this legislation. Now East Texas counties will receive relief and a thanks for stewarding their land. Sabine and San Augustine counties will receive this relief, providing a stable economy and critical services. This is a win for rural America. This is a win for East Texas.

SURVEY RESPONSE NEEDED!

Do you think the federal government has a responsibility to assist rural communities where federal land limits local tax revenue?

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Tax Court Enhancement Advances

This week, my bipartisan Taxpayer Due Process Enhancement Act passed out of the House Ways and Means Committee unanimously. This bill works to correct three main problematic areas of collection proceedings by protecting deadlines, safeguarding refunds, and ensuring judicial review—all for the benefit of the taxpayer.

Removes Unfair Deadlines
- When a taxpayer is undergoing collection proceedings, the statutory deadline for filing a claim for a refund will be held open to account for the pending collection proceeding. Currently, only three years is permitted whether you are currently challenging a tax dispute before the court or not.
Protects Taxpayer Rights
- Unless the taxpayer consents, the IRS will no longer be allowed to apply a taxpayer’s annual overpayments to a taxpayer’s disputed tax liability during collection proceedings. This prevents the IRS from pulling the jurisdictional rug out from under a taxpayer who is involved in a collection proceeding.
Expands the Tax Court's Jurisdiction
- Codifies the Tax Court's ability to review determinations and existing tax liabilities, as well as make equitable tolling decisions for collection proceedings so the taxpayer is not deprived of his or her day in court.

Watch my full remarks here.

The Taxpayer Due Process Enhancement Act will provide much needed reform to current law to ensure the IRS cannot take advantage of hardworking taxpayers and circumvent the U.S. Tax Court.

Congratulations to East Texas Art Students

This past weekend my office hosted the Congressional Art Competition, featuring 28 incredible high school art students from 16 schools across Texas’ First District. Each one brought a unique work of art to the competition. The competition honors the talents and abilities of students. I am grateful the Longview Museum of Fine Arts hosted the events and displayed the entries for all in the exhibit to see.

After the competition, the first-place winners from each Congressional District are placed in the Cannon Tunnel in the Capitol. This is one of the most well-traveled hallways with members of Congress, staffers, and visitors passing it each day. Each contestant displayed true talent and a creative eye. Taking home 1st Place was Kailyn Kim from Book Hill High School. She used oil paint on canvas in her piece titled “Imposter Syndrome,” pictured below. Congratulations to Kailyn and everyone who participated in this special event.

Moran in the Media

Tax Court: Lawmakers Rebuff Supreme Court's Tax Court Jurisdiction Ruling
Bloomberg Tax

This Week in American History

On December 9, 1965, "A Charlie Brown Christmas," the first animated TV special featuring characters from the "Peanuts" comic strip by Charles M. Schulz, premiered on American television. The special instantly became a holiday classic, still watched today.

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
⬇️

Which college football team from Texas is making its first-ever appearance in the Big 12 Championship this week?

Texas Tech, defeating BYU 34-7

This Week's Texas Trivia Question

What was the first public university in Texas?

Check back next week for the answer!

SURVEY RESPONSE NEEDED!

This Week in American History

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