Friends, In December, Governor Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 4 (SB4), making illegal entry into Texas a state crime. In a disappointing but not surprising move, the Department of Justice doubled down on the Biden Administration’s weak open border policies by responding with a lawsuit against the State of Texas, challenging the constitutionality of SB4.
Since March 2021, Texas has taken the initiative to do everything within its power to stem the tide of migrants. Shockingly, with each action that Texas takes, the Biden Administration has fought tooth and nail against it. While President Biden allows an unprecedented surge of migrants to flood our borders, his Administration takes every opportunity to paint Texas as the bad actors in this crisis.
Whether it is the construction of barricades on the riverbank or in the river itself, the Biden Administration has challenged the actions taken by Texas to protect its citizens. The situation is unsustainable for Texas and the rest of the country. As we have become used to saying, every state is a border state under President Biden. I support Governor Abbott’s defense of our great State. I am confident the Court will recognize what we all see and know – that President Biden has abdicated his responsibility to protect our borders.
This week, I joined 20 Members of the Texas Congressional Delegation that wrote to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland expressing opposition to the Department of Justice’s lawsuit against Texas’ SB4, which passed the Texas legislature on November 21, 2023. The letter was led by Congressman Roger Williams (TX-25).
Along with those 20 Members of the Texas Congressional Delegation, 15 states have expressed their support for Governor Abbott and the State of Texas. These states include Florida, Virginia, Georgia, North Dakota, South Dakota, Tennessee, Alabama, Montana, Idaho, Utah, West Virginia, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Arkansas, Louisiana, Iowa, and Wyoming.
The ongoing crisis at the border is, without a doubt, the biggest threat to the sovereignty and security of our nation. As we reported last week, I led the passage of House Resolution (H.Res.) 957, which condemns the Biden Administration’s open borders policies and calls on President Biden to end these policies immediately. The resolution passed the House of Representatives by a 225-187 vote, with fourteen Democrats joining all Republicans in supporting its passage.
I have been focused on the issue of border security since day one of taking office. Last year, I was one of only eight original co-sponsors, and the only freshman original co-sponsor, to the toughest border security bill passed in decades — H.R. 2 the Secure the Border Act of 2023, which includes the Congressman’s Visa Overstays Penalties Act. My first bill filed in Congress also addressed border security — H.R. 672 the Border Security Investment Act.
To watch Congressman Moran’s remarks on the passage of H. Res. 957, click HERE.
To read more about the letter, click HERE. |
On Monday, I had an incredible time touring LeTourneau University in Longview with President Steven Mason. LeTourneau has a storied history of leadership in the discipline of engineering, and it boldly integrates principles of faith in everything they do. Mr. LeTourneau would be proud of the incredible work they are doing here in the First District. |
|
|
|
|
Congressman Moran with LeTourneau University President Steven Mason and Dr. Thomas Whittaker |
|
Later that day, I visited Hatco in Longview where I saw Hatco’s commitment to quality first-hand. There is no question why it has been the premier maker of cowboy hats for over 150 years. Their process today still involves a high level of attention to detail and specialized equipment that dates all the way back to 1897 (still in use!). East Texas is lucky to have such talent and craftsmanship in our own backyard. |
|
|
|
|
Congressman Moran visiting Hatco in Longview, TX |
|
As the only Texan on the Education and the Workforce Committee, I am committed to expanding local control for school districts in East Texas.
This week, I met with Region 8’s Executive Director Dr. David Fitts and members of his team to discuss how we can support their vital work supporting local school districts, administrators, staff, and teachers. We are grateful for the hard work that Region 8 does to make sure we have the best schools and most prepared workforce in East Texas. |
|
|
|
|
Congressman Moran with Region 8’s Executive Director Dr. David Fitts and members of his leadership team; Heather McGregor, Deputy Executive Director and Michele Leach, CFO |
|
Atlas Roofing Company is known for their long-lasting, quality roofing products that can withstand the test of time. I had the pleasure of meeting with the incredible team at Atlas Roofing in Daingerfield. It was inspiring to see firsthand the innovative techniques they employ to ensure the highest quality roofing material for our communities in the First District and across the nation. |
|
|
|
|
Congressman Moran visiting Atlas Roofing Company in Daingerfield, TX |
|
Texas Heritage National Bank has been foundational to the financial well-being of the East Texas community for over a century. I visited their headquarters in Daingerfield this week to meet with Chairman John Bryan, Senior Vice President Brenda Howard, and board members to give a legislative update and discuss how Congress can support community banks and businesses. |
|
|
|
|
Congressman Moran meeting with Texas Heritage National Bank |
|
This week I also met with the Kilgore Rotary Club to give a legislative update and discuss their concerns regarding the border and the appropriations process. Thanks for allowing me to join you and for all the work that you all do to support the Kilgore community. |
|
|
|
|
Congressman Moran with Kilgore Rotary Club |
|
Merritt Preferred Components has been specializing in complex tools since 1928. On Wednesday, the Merritt Preferred Components’ leadership team showed me the quality products it produces in support of our aerospace, energy, mining, and commercial industries, giving me a better understanding of how I can support this long-standing industry leader. Thank you for your service to East Texas and the nation. |
|
|
|
|
Congressman Moran with members of Merritt Preferred Component's team in Kilgore, TX |
|
Wednesday afternoon, I had the opportunity to meet the new President and CEO of the Greater Tyler Association of REALTORS, Cody Jones. It’s important that I stay up to date with community leaders so we can collaborate together to better represent the East Texas community. |
|
|
|
|
Congressman Moran with Tyler Association of REALTORS President/CEO Cody Jones, Annie Dwyer, and Bella Rubio |
|
Building future leaders is essential for the long term strength of our communities and ultimately the strength of the nation. I had the pleasure of presenting William Barker with The Congressional Award Bronze Medal for his exceptional accomplishments and community service. Congratulations William on such a high honor!
The Congressional Award is a public-private partnership that recognizes distinguished students in our community. Click HERE to learn more about The Congressional Award. |
|
|
|
|
Congressman Moran with William Barker |
|
On January 22, 1903, the Hay- Herrán Treaty was signed between the United States Secretary of State John M. Hay and Tomás Herrán of Colombia. The treaty was ratified by the U.S. Senate; however, it was never ratified by the Senate of Colombia. Therefore, the treaty had no effect. If the treaty had been ratified, it would have allowed the U.S. a renewable lease of 100 on a six-mile-wide strip across the isthmus of Panama, which, at the time, was Colombia. |
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, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nathaniel Moran
Member of Congress
|
|
|
What is the nickname for Texas? The Lone Star State |
How many different species of reptiles and amphibians live in Texas? Check next week’s newsletter for the answer to this week’s Texas Trivia question. |
|
