Friends, 

This week marks a momentous occasion as the House of Representatives and the Senate met for a Joint Session of Congress on Thursday with Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio. This meeting holds immense significance for our country as we strengthen the ties between the United States and Japan, two nations bound by shared strategic defense and economic interests. The relationship between the United States and Japan has a long history of mutual respect and economic cooperation.

I was honored to have Mr. Gerald Rincher, the Director of Loader Products at the Komatsu facility in Longview, Texas, join me in Washington for Thursday's Joint Session of Congress. Komatsu is a Japanese-based company that is a global leader in the manufacturing of construction and mining equipment. It plays a significant role in the economy of East Texas by employing hundreds of East Texans and investing millions into its operations here.

Komatsu Mining Corp. develops and supplies technologies, equipment and services for the construction, mining, forklift, industrial and forestry markets. Komatsu has long provided substantial economic growth to the East Texas region. Last month, Komatsu revealed a new 56,000-square-foot, three-story facility in Longview.

Komatsu’s leadership in the manufacturing industry and its investments in East Texas are prime examples of how the U.S. and Japan can strengthen economic ties, promote job creation, and enhance the competitiveness of our region’s resources around the world. Thanks, Gerald, for taking the time to come to Washington, DC for this joint session of Congress on behalf of Komatsu, and for your personal leadership and service to the East Texas community.

Today, soon after this newsletter arrives in your inbox, the House of Representatives will vote on reforms and the reauthorization of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). If you are interested in hearing about this issue and the results of the vote, join me on Monday night for my Tele-Townhall.

On Monday, April 15th, I will hold my 13th Tele-Townhall at 7:00 PM CT! With the range of issues Congress needs to address this spring, this is the perfect opportunity to voice your opinion and hear about what’s happening behind the scenes in Washington, DC. During this Tele-Townhall, we will focus on the FISA reform and reauthorization debate.

If you would like to participate, you can join by calling (888) 485-5170.

Earlier this week, my bill, the Building Youth Workforce Skills Act passed the House of Representatives as part of a larger package to reauthorize the Workforce Innovation Opportunities Act (WIOA).

I spoke on the House Floor to voice my support of Chairwoman Foxx and Ranking Member Scott’s bill, A Stronger Workforce for America Act. This bipartisan bill will address the workforce needs of our industries by making the necessary updates to WIOA. These much-needed reforms brought forth by A Stronger Workforce for America Act will increase skills development for future workers, strengthen connections between employers and the workforce system, and put more Americans on a pathway to a successful career. [1] Included in this Act was my Building Youth Workforce Skills Act, which I introduced alongside Representative Lloyd Smucker (R-PA). The Building Youth Workforce Skills Act will provide eligible in-school youth access to individual training accounts for a wide-range of educational programs. This creates more opportunities for young adults to pursue skills training that will allow them to pursue their passions and meet the workforce demands of businesses.

Lastly, A Stronger Workforce for America Act provides necessary reforms that will ensure federal tax dollars are spent responsibly and that programs are outcome driven. A strong workforce development system is vital to strengthening our economy and providing economic opportunities for Americans, and I believe this legislation will strengthen our current and future workforce.

To watch a video of my remarks, click HERE.

On Monday before heading to Washington, I had the privilege of joining the Marshall Community Advisory Council. It was an enlightening and productive conversation with passionate individuals who are deeply invested in their community. We discussed a wide range of topics, including local infrastructure, education, and healthcare. Their input and concerns were invaluable. Thank you for your commitment and dedication to making a positive impact on the First Congressional District.

On Tuesday, the Sabine River Authority of Texas stopped by my Washington office to discuss how we can better support our natural resources in Sabine County. The Sabine River is a vital water resource for our state, and it plays a crucial role in supporting our economy, agriculture, and communities. We discussed their proposals to increase economic development in the region. Thanks for taking the time to share your priorities with me.

On Wednesday morning, I had breakfast with members of the Texas State Society, co-hosted by the Texas Association of Business and the North Texas Commission. We spoke about the need to reform and pass the Workforce Innovation Opportunities Act, lift the Biden Administration’s permit ban on our LNG industry, and the importance of making permanent certain expiring tax provisions from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. It was great to visit with Texans here in Washington who are doing great work on behalf of our state.

In the afternoon, I had a meeting with the Texas Association of Business. It was an excellent opportunity to dig deeper into key issues affecting our state’s economy and business community. We discussed the current priorities in Congress, ways to rein in federal spending, and the importance of strategic investments in our state. Thank you for your leadership in advocating for good policies that help grow and promote Texas businesses and good-paying jobs in our home state.

I had the pleasure of meeting with the Village Communities of Texarkana who were in DC with the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) this week to discuss their incredible work in creating affordable housing opportunities in East Texas. We talked about the need for affordable housing and community development programs in our community, as well as implementing holistic approaches to housing and community development. Thank you for your dedication to creating more affordable housing opportunities and your work across the State of Texas.

Congressman Nathaniel Moran speaks at Marshall Citizen Action Committee meeting

(Marshall News Messenger)

East Texas business leader joins U.S. Rep. Nathaniel Moran during joint Congress meeting (CBS 19)

Pfluger leads dozens of lawmakers in letter to EPA: Methane fee is unworkable (Odessa American)

On April 9th, 1866, exactly one year after Robert E. Lee surrendered to the Union Army, bringing the Civil War to an end, Ulysses S. Grant was pulled over by officials for speeding in his horse buggy in Washington, DC. 

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.

How many Texas settlers were killed in the Black Bean Incident during the Texas Revolution in March 1843?

17 men

What casual steakhouse chain has its corporate headquarters in Louisville, Kentucky, despite having the Lone Star State in its name?

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