While in Israel, our small group witnessed the first time a Speaker of the House traveled inside the “blue line” into the region known as Samaria and Judea (often referred to as the West Bank). We met with regional leaders (both Arab and Israeli) inside of that unstable area to discuss pathways forward for peace and stability in the region. We met separately with Prime Minister Netanyahu in a private meeting to understand more clearly the challenges faced by Israel currently, including the defense of its borders and its people. We were joined by Ambassador Huckabee and Arkansas Governor Huckabee-Sanders, who are providing extraordinary leadership in their respective roles as U.S. Ambassador to Israel and Governor of Arkansas. Additional meetings included those with the Israeli Foreign Minister, Israeli Defense Minister, and members of the IDF to gain a broader perspective of security in the region, and the implications of the U.S.-Israeli recent joint actions against Iran’s nuclear sites. 

We visited other critical parts of the country where terrorism is a constant threat to the Israelis and the minority populations of all backgrounds located within the region. In these places, the topography and location become critically important. For example, we received a defense briefing while atop a peak in the Golan Heights overlooking Syria; we visited a Kibbutz located just feet from the southern Gaza border that was one of the primary targets of Hamas on October 7 where numerous families were murdered; and we visited the Nova festival site where more than 350 young people were murdered. We heard first-hand the story of a young girl who survived that Nova Festival onslaught and is now trying to rebuild her life, like so many others. Despite the terror brought to these communities, we discovered a continued desire to find a peaceful path forward and to be able to live side-by-side with Palestinians who desire peace, as well. In meeting with the Israeli commander in charge of humanitarian aid going into Gaza, we learned more about the ineptness of the United Nations, how it is standing in the way of providing the help needed to the area, and how Hamas is weaponizing the food and medical supplies entering the Gaza region to retain control of people within the Gaza strip and continue to finance its terror operations. Make no mistake: the humanitarian crisis in Gaza could be solved overnight if Hamas laid down its weapons and released the remaining innocent hostages it took nearly two years ago. These on-site visits even more firmly solidified my support for the Israeli people and the need to eradicate those perpetrating evil in the region, including the Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthi terrorist groups.

Iron Dome and the Golden Dome

There was much more to our visit in Israel, but another key visit was to Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, which is Israel’s leading missile defense company. We learned more about the key elements of the Iron Dome layers of protection that Israel uses, and how that technology and their experiences and expertise could be integrated with our own plans for a Golden Dome in the United States. Our challenges will be different in many ways, but the learned expertise of the Israelis will be key to using American taxpayer dollars wisely and effectively as we secure our own borders on land, in the sky and in space.

I had the privilege of sharing a meal at CrossPointe Church with some of East Texas’s finest servants. We came together to honor the 33 members of the Crisis Response Ministry who recently deployed to Camp Mystic and Kerr County, answering the call to help in the wake of the devastating Texas floods. A heartfelt thank you to Jim McKee and Larry White for their hard work in setting up such a meaningful event. Their willingness to step into the hardest moments—meeting both physical needs and offering hope—reflects the very best of our East Texas spirit.

These men and women didn’t wait for an invitation—they saw a need and answered it with compassion, courage, and a deep sense of calling. In the midst of heartbreaking loss, they brought comfort, stability, and hope to families who needed it most. They showed up with empathy and faith during an unprecedented crisis, truly putting Christ in crisis. Their example is a reminder to all of us that serving our neighbors is one of the highest callings we can answer.

Conversations with Tomorrow's Leaders

They are committed to the very values the Scouts stand for—integrity, service, respect, and responsibility. I left our conversation encouraged, and I hope they did as well.  As a former Assistant Scoutmaster, I understand the value of Scouting, and I look forward to seeing how each of these young men of character will lead in the future as they do their duty to God and their Country. 

Lighting the Way: Honoring East Texas’s Rural Electrification Story

I had the privilege of joining the Pittsburg community for the ribbon cutting and mural dedication, hosted by the Northeast Texas Rural Heritage Museum in Camp County. The celebration unveiled a stunning new outdoor mural commissioned by the Upshur Rural Electric Cooperative Corporation (URECC)—a tribute to the vision, grit, and determination that brought rural electrification to East Texas.

This mural is more than art—it’s a testimony. Forged in metal, it tells the story of rural East Texans who refused to be left in the dark. In the early 1930s, fewer than 10% of American farms had electricity, making daily life in rural communities difficult. But East Texans didn’t accept that as their future. They rolled up their sleeves and went to work.

The mural—masterfully crafted by Paul Silva of Fusion Metal Artworks in Hawkins, Texas—brings that history to life in vivid detail. It captures the very spirit of Texas ingenuity and Texas problem solving: serving others, tackling the next challenge for our neighbors, and proving that no obstacle is too great when people, purpose, planning, passion, and persistence come together. That’s the story this rural mural tells—a story that has brought victory and success to East Texas for nearly 90 years. My thanks to URECC, the Northeast Texas Rural Heritage Museum, and everyone who worked to ensure this piece reflects the heart and heritage of our region.

This week, I had the opportunity to tour the Portacool manufacturing facility in Center, Texas, alongside Ben Wulf, President and CEO, and their leadership team. I left both impressed and proud of what’s being built right here in East Texas. For more than 30 years, Portacool has been a leader in portable evaporative cooling technology—delivering American-made solutions that help people work safely and productively in extreme heat. Their innovation and commitment to quality are a testament to the strength of East Texas manufacturing. And, their resilience after a fire ravaged their facilities two years ago is a testament to their character.  Texas Tough and American Made!

As I toured the facility, I saw firsthand the durability, craftsmanship, and commitment to quality that goes into each unit they produce. Their mission goes beyond simply cooling—it’s about protecting health, ensuring safety, and supporting a vital part of American industry. I’m grateful to have witnessed their important work up close, and I’m proud to see East Texas innovation making a difference around the world.

Moran in the Media