It’s an exciting time in the First District! With school starting back up and summer winding down, many parents are feeling a mix of relief and bittersweet emotions as they send their kiddos off to a new school year. I can relate—my own children are moving into elementary school and college. It feels like just yesterday they were starting kindergarten. Time really does fly!

I had the privilege of speaking to the dedicated staff at Tyler ISD and Arp ISD as they prepared for the new school year. Thank you to all the incredible teachers in the First District! The dictionary defines a “hero” as “A person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities.” I’d say educators—whether at home, in public, private, or charter schools—fit that definition. You are heroes to our kids and our communities. Thank you. Godspeed for the coming year!

Read more from the Tyler Morning Telegraph about my visit to Arp ISD HERE.

Read more from the Tyler Morning Telegraph about my visit to Tyler ISD HERE.

I also had the incredible opportunity to visit Breckenridge Village, a Christ-centered community dedicated to empowering adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The love, compassion, and support here are truly inspiring. It's a place where residents grow spiritually, socially, mentally, emotionally, and physically in a safe and nurturing environment. Thank you to everyone at Breckenridge Village for your unwavering commitment to making a difference!

Last week, I was joined by representatives from judicial and law enforcement agencies at For the Silent’s headquarters, where we engaged in crucial discussions about the ongoing fight against human trafficking and the need for increased support. When we recognize that there is evil in this world, it's our duty and responsibility to step forward and right that wrong. In moments of crisis, these efforts provide hope and a future to those in need. Together, we are committed to combating this injustice and making a difference. As a member of the House Judiciary Committee, I was proud to cosponsor and vote in favor of Rep. Laurel Lee's (R-FL) National Human Trafficking Hotline Enhancement Act. This legislation requires entities contracting with the National Human Trafficking Hotline to cooperate with state and local law enforcement when receiving tips through the Hotline.

To read more about the crucial work East Texas Leaders are doing to combat human trafficking click HERE for more from the Tyler Morning Telegraph.

It was an honor to tour the Northeast Texas Child Advocacy Center (NETCAC) in Winnsboro. The NETCAC has served more than 11,500 children across an eight-county region, bringing hope and healing to an entire generation of survivors. I met with staff and local law enforcement to discuss my co-sponsorship of H.R. 8061, the Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act. The Crime Victims Fund, which is entirely funded by fines from criminal convictions, ensures that states can provide support, funding, and restitution to victims of serious crimes; however, the fund is  depleting faster than Congress anticipated. Our Crime Victims Fund (CVF) Stabilization Act guarantees that innocent victims continue to receive the support  they rely on most by using a new source of revenue at no cost to taxpayers. This legislation would shore up the CVF by redirecting fines from False Claim Act convictions into the CVF, which will provide immediate relief to the over-burdened CVF and quickly provide aid to victims of violent crime.

Thanks to everyone who came and stopped by my booth at the East Texas Veterans Resource Fair! My staff enjoyed talking with Veteran members of the East Texas Community and helping folks get to the resources they need. As I mentioned earlier, if you are having any issues dealing with a federal agency, please use this LINK.

Earlier this week, I attended the East Texas Trade Summit Workshop hosted by the Longview Chamber of Commerce. It was a great opportunity to connect with local businesses and professionals, both familiar and new, as we discussed the importance of trade and tariff issues to East Texas businesses who have international markets or who obtain goods or services abroad. I'm committed to ensuring that the voices of our community businesses are heard near and far, and that we are competitive on the international economic stage in all sectors of the economy—from energy to agriculture, aluminum, furniture, manufacturing, and everything in between.

Last week, I joined Carl Higbie on Newsmax to discuss the latest developments in the Hunter Biden trial, the misplaced priorities of the Biden-Harris Administration, and the need to continue the House’s investigation of the failures that led to the near-assassination of President Trump.

Click HERE to read more.

On this day in 1836, Philip Sublett nominated Sam Houston for president of the Republic of Texas. Sublett, a Kentucky native, had participated in the battle of Nacogdoches in 1832 and was a delegate to the conventions of 1832 and 1833. In 1835 he was elected chairman of the San Augustine Committee of Safety and Correspondence. On October 6 he submitted a resolution appointing Houston commander-in-chief of the forces of San Augustine and Nacogdoches until the Consultation should meet. Sublett was commissioned lieutenant colonel in October and in December 1835 was present at the siege of Bexar. He returned to his farm east of San Augustine after the battle of Concepción. Sam Houston resided in Sublett's home while recuperating from wounds received at San Jacinto. Sublett died in San Augustine on February 25, 1850. (TSHA)