Dear Friends,
I hope you had a great Labor Day weekend spent with family and friends. Football season is here, thankfully!
With summer “officially” ending, I wanted to highlight the work my staff and I focused on throughout the August Work Period. During this time, I had much of the D.C. staff come to the First District to physically join me at townhalls, roundtables, policy and constituent meetings, and other district events here in East Texas to give them the opportunity to hear directly from you.
What issues are top of mind for business owners and families in East Texas? Securing our borders, fighting the waves of crime stemming from illegal immigration, protecting our elections, holding federal officials accountable for abuses of power, advocating for a skilled and available workforce, passing a responsible Farm Bill, combatting the rising federal debt and reckless government spending, providing more resources for law enforcement, addressing trade and critical supply chain challenges, pushing back against the growing influence and intrusion of the Chinese Community Party in our local communities, and more. We discussed all of these issues face-to-face, and we are re-energized for the battles to come in D.C. this fall.
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Do you believe artificial intelligence will have a positive impact on the future?
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I recently toured the Tyler Junior College (TJC) West Campus to see first-hand its wide range of degree and certificate programs, including options for workforce training and dual enrollment. The campus is designed to support professional training, emphasizing community engagement and lifelong learning. Seeing the facilities and meeting the dedicated faculty painted an incredible picture of TJC’s commitment to serving the local workforce needs of our community. If we want to get our country back on track economically, one of the keys is getting folks prepared to enter the workforce with more skills so that small businesses can develop and grow. Visiting TJC was reassuring as it showcased how our district is on the forefront of training and upskilling future workers. TJC’s commitment to educating and training students will ensure East Texas is a thriving place for current and future businesses. |
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I was honored to be the guest speaker at the annual meeting of the Ark-Tex Council of Governments (ATCOG). During my address, I provided a legislative update and highlighted the importance of regionalism and collaboration between counties, cities, and states to drive positive outcomes for our communities. I emphasized how working together across local jurisdictions strengthens our ability to address shared challenges and seize opportunities for growth and development. I also discussed how local agencies can effectively work with us to shape policy decisions for the benefit of East Texans. |
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My staff and I spent the day in Clarksville, connecting with local volunteers and touring resource centers throughout Red River County. I especially enjoyed my conversations with senior volunteers who dedicate their time to tackling local, regional, and national challenges while giving back to the community. We visited the HUB Community Center. It’s a fantastic space for community members to come together and support their neighbors. The HUB provides a meal every weekday to those in need. They also host bingo, arts, and crafts events as well as a community wellness fair. We also checked out the Lennox Health Resource Center that hosts parenting classes, a diabetic support group, general education for health and wellness, and a pharmacy assistance program. They are notably well known for their Toys of Joy program that assist with helping families in need during Christmas. It’s inspiring to see such dedicated efforts to support the community. |
Earlier this week, I also visited the Family Dental Center of East Texas in Center, Texas, to greet the dedicated staff for Dr. Youngblood, who deployed overseas this week with his National Guard unit. I expressed my gratitude for their exceptional service in keeping smiles bright and healthy in Shelby County, while Dr. Youngblood is abroad serving our country. Thanks to all our veterans! |
I recently had the chance to sit down with Judge Daryl Melton for one-on-one local government conversation. Judge Melton shared an insightful update on the latest developments in Sabine County, highlighting the positive strides being made in several areas. But, we also discussed some critical areas where we can assist form the federal level—particularly related to national forest and natural resources policies and decisions. Communication with our local officials in the First District is key to serving more effectively.
We concluded our meeting with a lunch at the newly established restaurant downtown—The Humble Spoon. The food was delicious, and the place was packed. Thanks to owners, Rachel and Rob Dippong, for their warm hospitality! |
One of the many great things about Texas is the rich history and culture found in every town, from Texarkana to El Paso. Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of visiting San Augustine, a town full of heart and history. San Augustine is one of just seven Texas cities selected to host the Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street exhibit! Starting on August 24th, the exhibit, Crossroads: Change in Rural America, will be in town for six weeks, showcasing the evolving landscape of rural America with historical and contemporary aspects of rural communities. The exhibit will be hosted in two buildings: the Smithsonian exhibit in the Augus Theater building and local exhibits related to San Augustine history, along with Smithsonian-related events in the Stripling building.
As a history enthusiast, I found this exhibit fascinating and gained a deeper understanding of East Texas history, thanks to the efforts of the San Augustine community. Known for being the first Texas town laid out in a standard American grid system and its connections to Texas legends like Sam Houston, San Augustine is definitely worth a visit. A big shout out to Judge Boyd, Mayor Hughes, San Augustine Main Street Director Shelby Curtis, and so many wonderful folks for joining me for this incredible exhibit.
We wrapped up the day with a San Augustine Grapefruit Highball, a refreshing non-alcoholic cocktail crafted at the San Augustine Drug Co. With its light, citrusy flavor, it’s perfect for a warm day and truly captures the essence of San Augustine’s vibrant community and hospitality. If you’re looking for a delightful and refreshing beverage, the San Augustine Grapefruit Highball is definitely worth a try. Thanks to the owners Mike and Debby Jackson for the warm hospitality! |
With the November elections less than 70 days away, please note that my official communications to you will be restricted in some ways unless you have opted in to receive communications from my office, such as this newsletter, the Moran Minute. This "blackout period" begins on Friday, September 6, 2024, due to U.S. House restrictions to keep campaigns and elections separate.
To stay updated, please follow my weekly newsletters, which will continue to be sent out. If you know someone who isn't already subscribed, feel free to forward this email or share this LINK to sign up for the newsletters. Thank you! |
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The American Revolution officially came to an end when representatives of the United States, Great Britain, Spain, and France signed the Treaty of Paris on September 3rd, 1783. This pivotal moment marked America's emergence as a free nation, with Britain formally recognizing the independence of its thirteen former American colonies and agreeing upon the boundaries of the new republic: Florida north to the Great Lakes and the Atlantic coast west to the Mississippi River. An unfinished oil on canvas sketch by Benjamin West, depicting the American commissioners—John Jay, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Henry Laurens, and William Temple Franklin—at the negotiation table, illustrates the historical significance of this agreement. The British commissioners refused to pose for the painting, which remains incomplete and is now housed at the Winterthur Museum, a gift from Henry Francis du Pont. |
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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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Answer to Last Week's Texas Trivia Question ⬇️
Which Longview, Texas, native was selected to the Pro Bowl for the eleventh time and named a first team All-Pro for the third consecutive year last year, playing for the San Francisco 49ers and wearing number 71? |
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This Week's Texas Trivia Question🧠
Which legendary blues guitarist, born and raised in Linden, Texas, was ranked number 67 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of "The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time"?
Check back next week for the answer! |
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