Friends,

It should come as no surprise that our home State of Texas is the top energy-producing state in the United States, with Houston being the Energy capital of the world. From oil and gas to electricity, our State is at the forefront of energy production and innovation.

Over the last week, the House voted on a variety of energy bills aimed at protecting and bolstering this critical industry from the Biden Administration’s misguided executive actions and policies that are bad for Americans and harmful to our domestic energy production. These bills cover a range of topics and include:

• H.R. 1023 - To repeal section 134 of the Clean Air Act, relating to the greenhouse gas reduction fund
  • Repeals the $27 billion “Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund” program administered by the Environmental Protection Agency that is intended to make grants for climate banks to finance low- and zero emission energy projects.
  • Strikes the Natural Gas Tax imposed by President Biden in the Inflation Reduction Act.
• H. Res. 987 - Denouncing the harmful, anti-American energy policies of the Biden administration
  • Denounces the harmful, anti-American energy policies of the Biden administration. 
• H.R. 1121 - Protecting American Energy Production Act
  • Prohibits the President from declaring a moratorium on the use of hydraulic fracturing without Congressional authorization.
  • Expresses the sense of Congress that states should maintain primacy for the regulation of hydraulic fracturing for oil and natural gas production on state and private lands.
• H.R. 6009 - the Restoring American Energy Dominance Act
  • Repeals the Bureau of Land Management from restricting oil and gas production on federal lands.
• H.R. 7023 - Creating Confidence in Clean Water Permitting Act
  • Creates transparency in the EPA’s permitting process for critical water infrastructure.
• H. Con. Res. 86 - Expressing the sense of Congress that a carbon tax would be detrimental to the United States economy
  • Opposes President Biden’s proposed carbon tax and expresses the harm it would cause to American consumers.

(Courtesy of House Republican Conference)

These bills are key to promoting energy production, increasing energy independence, and ensuring affordable energy for the American people. I am committed to ensuring that our energy sector remains reliable, affordable, and able to meet the needs of our growing economy.

Earlier this week, I joined Education and the Workforce Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (NC-05) in sending a letter to the Department of Labor in opposition of the Biden Administration’s latest proposed rulemaking which imposes unnecessary and burdensome federal regulation on apprenticeship programs.

The proposed rule “injects political ideology and DEI mandates into the apprenticeship system and imposes significant burdens on apprenticeship sponsors and employers.”[1] These mandates will lead to fewer apprenticeship opportunities and exacerbate the shortage of skilled workers in our nation’s workforce. Instead of focusing on how to ensure more students and young adults can enter the workforce, the proposed rule would create additional barriers which will lead to fewer apprenticeships for our future workforce. I am proud to stand with Chairwoman Foxx and my colleagues on the Committee on Education and the Workforce in opposition of this proposed rule. Our apprenticeship programs should remain driven by employers and the needs of our workforce, not burdened by federal overreach.

Click HERE to read the full letter.

On Thursday in the Committee on Education and the Workforce, I supported Congressman Kevin Kiley's (CA-03) H.J.Res. 116, which rescinds the Biden Administration's dangerous, anti-growth contractor rule, while supporting independent contractors and American workers. Independent contractors play a crucial role in our nation's economy and deserve to benefit from their own labor.

To watch my remarks in Education and the Workforce Committee, click HERE.

It was fantastic to have the Texas Bankers Association, which included bankers from East Texas, in Washington this week. We discussed the importance of banking services and financial opportunities for individuals and small businesses in the East Texas community. Thank you for serving the First District and supporting our growing economy.

It was a privilege to speak with interns at The Heritage Foundation and share my framework for effective conservatism. The principles that form this framework are the structural and substantive pillars that make our government more productive, fiscally responsible, and accountable. We engaged in meaningful conversations about the significance of these principles in shaping a prosperous and free society based on conservative values. I am grateful for opportunities like this with the next generation of conservative leaders and challenge them to think independently.

I had a great time giving students from Wiley College in Marshall, Texas a night tour of our nation’s capitol building! We discussed the vast history of Congress and the importance of fulfilling your civic duty. Giving these tours and meeting with constituents from the First District is truly incredible, and I am blessed to have these opportunities.

Despite the maroon clashing with my scarlet red TTU colors, I had a great time this week visiting with Texas A&M students and graduates while attending the ‘Aggies on the Hill’ events. It was an incredible opportunity to connect with the impressive Aggie community and showcase the outstanding work being done by one of our beloved Texas institutions. It was inspiring to witness the dedication and enthusiasm of the students, alumni, and faculty who are making a difference in both Texas and Washington, DC. I’ll make an exception and give this group of impressive young people a “Gig ‘Em Aggies."

On Tuesday, I spoke on the House floor in support of Congressman Michael Burgess’ (TX-26) bill, the Preventative Health Savings Act. This bipartisan legislation will cut costs for patients and increase transparency in our nation’s healthcare system. The passage of this bill represents a crucial step towards improving access to preventative healthcare services and addressing healthcare costs for Americans. I am proud to support this bill and the lifesaving and cost-cutting initiatives it will bring for all American citizens.

To watch my full speech on the House floor, click HERE.

Congressman Nathaniel Moran visits East Texas schools in tour of First Congressional District (Tyler Morning Telegraph)

Bob Good, Chip Roy Lead Letter Insisting Spending Bills Secure the Border (Townhall)

Bills of the week: Quantum scoop, AI and more (AXIOS)

On March 18th, 1937, a natural gas leak caused an explosion at London School in New London, Texas in Rusk County. The explosion killed nearly 300 people, most of them children. The explosion is the deadliest school disaster in U.S. history.

This week, we remember the many East Texans who had family members and friends lost in the catastrophic school explosion.

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.

This Texas Town has produced well over 2.5 million barrels of oil in its history, and it was once known as the "World's Richest Acre." What is its name? (Hint: It is in the district)

Kilgore, Texas

This Texas football team was undefeated (13-0) in the 2005-2006 season and went on to win the NCAAF Championship. What is its mascot?

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