The Biden-Harris Administration’s open border policies have created the worst border crisis in American history. Because of its reckless policies, human trafficking is rampant, deadly drugs such as fentanyl are pouring into the U.S., and our laws are being neglected. Unfortunately, no one understands this grave reality better than Texans. This crisis burdens not only the Border Patrol but also local communities from El Paso to Brownsville, which lack the resources to care for the influx of migrants. President Biden and Vice President Harris have shown little interest in assisting these communities, leaving Texans to shoulder the burden. The impact on local economies is severe, with businesses shutting down or relocating due to safety concerns during migrant surges.

I am committed to holding the Biden-Harris Administration accountable for its disregard of duty, and I will continue to support legislation to help the men and women who risk their lives to protect our border on a daily basis. I was proud to serve as the only freshman original cosponsor of H.R. 2 (Secure the Border Act), legislation that would secure our border by requiring the Department of Homeland Security to resume building a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, end catch and release of migrants, reinstitute President Trump’s successful “Remain in Mexico” policy, place limits on who qualifies for asylum eligibility, and strengthen and streamline the asylum process to expeditiously review migrant’s claims. This legislation, if signed into law, would immediately alleviate the surge of illegal immigrants and deadly drugs pouring into our county and put a stop to the largest human trafficking operation in the Western Hemisphere.

As Texans, we live every day on the front lines of this Administration’s border crisis. The Senate and President must move swiftly if we are to prevent the cartels from further damaging our porous southern border.

H.R. 2 passed the U.S. House of Representatives on May 11, 2023, by a vote of 219-213. Additionally, my legislation, the Visa Overstays Penalties Act, passed as part of H.R. 2. This critical legislation would crack down on those who enter our country on a traveler’s visa, but then purposefully overstay their travel and remain in the United States indefinitely. Up until the Biden-Harris Administration, visa overstays were the largest group of illegal immigrants in the country.

To read more about H.R. 2 (Secure the Border Act), click HERE.

Last week, I was pleased to introduce the bipartisan, bicameral RESTORE ACT to strengthen protections for American innovators. When U.S. courts enforce the exclusivity of patent rights, America becomes a world leader in innovation, but American innovation is only as strong as the confidence in knowing ideas cannot be stolen by competitors. In the last two decades, innovators have found it harder to obtain a permanent injunction from U.S. courts, which stops bad actors from stealing their intellectual property (IP). Our legislation will restore the rights of American innovators by ensuring permanent injunctions are accessible from U.S. courts. This bill will provide greater certainty in the protection of IP and prevent cases from being taken overseas to countries like China – subjecting American innovators to the CCP’s control. When U.S. courts enforce the exclusivity of patent rights, America becomes a world leader in innovation.

You can learn more about the RESTORE Act HERE.

On behalf of the Texas Veterans Land Board, the Texas Veterans Commission, and UT Tyler's Military & Veterans Success Center, residents in the First District are invited to attend the Back to School Veterans Resource Fair!

This event is going to be an action-packed day for the entire family and is geared toward all military members, past or present!

Don't miss out on:

• Veterans Resource Fair with top-notch organizations for residents of Smith, Henderson, Van Zandt, Wood, Upshur, Gregg, and Rusk counties

• Information on the VLB's loan programs (land, home, home improvement, and land auctions), long-term skilled facilities, and cemeteries

• Delicious food trucks

• Back to School Supply Drive for local military children of the Texas National Guard (please bring any school supplies for our donation drive)

• Claims clinic to assist with your VA claims, PACT Act, and more (please bring a copy of your DD214 if you need help with your VA Claims)

Mark your calendars and join us for a fantastic day of resources, support, and community. My staff will also be there with a booth to assist you and answer any questions you may have.

We can't wait to see you there!

For additional information and free admission, use this link: https://bit.ly/ETVB2SRF

I appreciated the opportunity to witness firsthand the crucial work home health providers do for patients in East Texas. I look forward to continuing to support their important efforts here and across the country!