Friends,

The Biden Administration’s bureaucratic red tape and excessive regulations have been suffocating our economy and limiting our individual liberties, debilitating our nation’s growth and economic prosperity. Rules that were originally meant to protect consumers and ensure fair competition have now burdened businesses with unnecessary regulations. Here are four examples:

1. EPA Emissions Rule In April, I was proud to join my colleague Congressman Andrew Clyde’s (GA-09) legislation to block the Biden Administration’s electric vehicle (EV) mandate. The joint resolution disapproves the rule and would overturn the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) tailpipe emissions rule. Biden’s radical rule and dangerous overreach cannot go uncontested. We must fight for individuals’ freedom of choice. Click HERE to read what Fox News had to say about the legislation.

2.  Emission Standards The Biden Administration’s rule titled “Multi-Pollutant Emission Standards for Model Years 2027 and Later Light-Duty and Medium-Duty Vehicles” would force automakers to ensure 56% of light-duty car sales are battery electric and another 13% are hybrid by 2032.^[1] This anti-free market rule forces Americans to abide by the administration’s woke climate agenda at the expense of hard-working Americans. Consumers deserve the freedom to choose their own vehicles.

3. Noncompete Agreements Recently, the FTC issued a final rule that bans noncompete clauses between workers and employers in most employment contracts. We must continue to push back against the FTC’s regulatory interference to stimulate development and free-market competition that will both benefit American consumers and incentivize innovation.

 4. Consumer Welfare Standard Last year, I sent a letter to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) expressing my concerns regarding the Commission's approach to mergers and acquisitions, which has led to diminished options for consumers. Under the bad leadership of Chairwoman Lina Khan, the FTC has abandoned the free-market principles established by the consumer welfare standard, which has been the industry standard for mergers for over 40 years. The FTC and Chair Khan’s ill-advised approach to mergers and acquisitions stifles innovation, impedes competition, and diminishes consumer choice.

On Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen appeared before the House Committee on Ways and Means where she was questioned about the Biden Administration’s budget that threatens the paychecks of hardworking Americans. Americans are already struggling and if President Biden has his way, all Americans will see the largest tax hike in our country’s history.

Earlier this year, the House passed the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act, which extends the Trump-era Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and provides much-needed relief for American families. It is now time for the Senate to pass this legislation to make Trump’s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act permanent.

On Tuesday, the House passed my Rural Weather Monitoring Systems Act as part of the Weather Act Reauthorization Act of 2023. My bill will require a full-scale review of our current weather monitoring systems, and ultimately expand access to accurate weather monitoring systems that track life-threatening weather events. Currently, most weather monitoring radars are based around large cities and metropolitan areas, leaving small towns and rural communities like ours unprepared and more vulnerable to inclement weather.

My legislation will provide a review of our current gaps and help the implementation of solutions in areas where coverage must currently be supplemented. Identifying areas where weather radar can be improved is crucial for the safety of our communities in East Texas.

To read more about my Rural Weather Monitoring Systems Act, click HERE.

On Wednesday, I met with SMU’s Vice Provost for Research, Chief Innovation Officer, and Director for the AT&T Center for Virtualization, Dr. Suku Nair. We discussed SMU’s plans for research and development related to artificial intelligence as well as the impact their research will have on East Texas. Pony Up Mustangs!

Recently, I joined the University of Texas at Tyler as they recognized Dr. Kirk Calhoun for 22 years of service to the UT system. I was honored to present Dr. Calhoun with a Congressional Record that commended him for his service, hard work, and dedication. He will certainly leave a legacy of improving and expanding health services and education. Thank you for representing the East Texas community so well.

Click HERE to listen to my remarks on the House floor congratulating Dr. Calhoun.

On May 1st, 1931, the Empire State Building opened for the first time after only thirteen months of construction.

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.

Which Texas city is known as the ‘Live Music Capital Of The World’?

Austin, Texas

Which major river forms the border between Texas and Mexico?

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