Friends,

On June 6, 1984, at a ceremony commemorating the 40th Anniversary of the Normandy invasion, President Ronald Reagan said: “We in America have learned bitter lessons from two world wars: It is better to be here ready to protect the peace, than to take blind shelter across the sea, rushing to respond only after freedom is lost.”

I was reminded of the importance of these words earlier this week when several colleagues and I had the opportunity to visit the hallowed grounds of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp in Poland. In this single location, unchecked evil brought about the tragic loss of an estimated 1.1 million people through executions, torture, starvation, exhaustion, disease, and even medical experiments. Viewing the grounds where these atrocities occurred was a solemn reminder that we must remain vigilant against evil and oppression – wherever it resides.

History repeats itself, and we are again reaching a time where evil doers are empowered by weakness and inaction. If you were to turn on the news today, you would see reports of young students and protesters supporting terrorists and targeting their fellow Americans – purely because of their religion. You will see reports of thousands of unknown individuals flooding our southern border – threatening the very security and sovereignty of our nation. You will see countless reports of unprovoked aggression against our allies in every corner of the world.

These too are reminders that we cannot face evil with weakness. From our college campuses to the Middle East and Taiwan. Right now—under the Biden Administration—American leadership is absent, and bad actors at home and abroad know there will be little to no consequence for their actions. We cannot give them the green light. We cannot show weakness. 

We must show strength in these trying times.

Last week, I reported that my bill, the No Technology for Terror Act, passed the House of Representatives with bipartisan support. This bill makes permanent the U.S. export control restrictions that prohibit the re-transfer of American-made technology to Iran to ensure that American technology won’t be used to attack our servicemembers or allies overseas. This is the first time in the history of Congress that a bill has been passed to codify a foreign direct product rule, and on Wednesday, I am proud to report that my legislation was signed into law, marking a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts to show the strength of our nation in the face of evil.

I had the opportunity to meet the Food Network’s 2023 “Christmas Cookie Champion” Madison Bagley while meeting with members of the Panola County Chamber of Commerce. Madison Bagley is the owner of Busy B Bakehouse in Carthage, TX where she makes everything from scratch with love. Congratulations on this amazing win! We are so glad to have such an amazing baker and champion in our District! Thank you to Panola County Chamber Executive Director Keri Vance for helping set up this meeting and our tours in Panola County.

I toured the Tyson Foods Carthage Plant this week to check out their state-of-the-art technology and distribution processes that ensure the safety of their products. I was joined by leaders in the Carthage community. It was great to learn more about the opportunities the Tyson plant provides for East Texans and the significant role they play in our local economy. Thank you for investing in our community!

Last week, I met with Rice University President Reginald DesRoches, Trinity University President Vanessa Beasley, and Assistant Vice President for Government & Community Relations at Baylor College of Medicine Herb Butrum. We discussed the work these institutions are doing regarding top-tier research and their impact on communities throughout Texas. As the only Texan on the Committee on Education and the Workforce, these meetings are imperative to helping me understand and represent higher education institutions in Texas.

I had the pleasure of meeting with members of the Texas Association for Home Care & Hospice (TAHC&H). We discussed the future of value-based purchasing in health care and future rules from the Administration that could impact the future of home care for Texans. Thank you for working to ensure quality access to home care and hospice for Texans.

On April 21st, 1836, Sam Houston and the Texas militia unleashed a surprise attack on Mexican General Antonio López de Santa Anna known as the Battle of San Jacinto. The eighteen-minute fight was the final battle of the Texas Revolution.

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,

P.S.

According to the tall tale, what did Pecos Bill throw over a tornado that ended up in Texas?

His Lasso

Which Texas City is known as the ‘Live Music Capital Of The World’?

Check next week’s newsletter for the answer to this week’s Texas Trivia question.