Dear East Texans,
This week showed a dark side of America.
Charlie Kirk spent his life fighting for truth and helping America return to a place of strong Christian and family values through open and honest debate. At just 18 years old, he started a movement to bring youth voices to the forefront of politics. His debates invited people from all backgrounds and all beliefs to engage in open and honest discourse. He looked to restore the public sphere through truth.
On Wednesday, a single bullet took his life and left all of us heartbroken. If you met Charlie or simply saw him through various media platforms, he leaves an indelible mark on all of us and on America. He leaves behind a wife and two children, who now will grow up without a husband and a father. |
I was fortunate enough to meet him a few years ago when he visited Tyler, Texas. The same tributes you are hearing from those closest to him ring true. He was a selfless, kind-hearted warrior that never backed down from turn; that courageously talked about (and lived out) his faith; and who never shied away from speaking boldly about American exceptionalism and the ideals of liberty.
History has proven time and again, our darkest days often lead to rare moments of unity and strength. Charlie would want exactly that. Over the next days, weeks, and months, we must continue to spread his gospel and never forget the legacy he created.
May God watch over him and his entire family. And, may he rest in peace. |
Watch my floor remarks honoring the life and legacy of Charlie Kirk, here. |
Dinner at the White House: The New Rose Garden |
Last Friday, I was honored to be invited by President Trump to the White House’s Rose Garden Club for dinner. I was joined by my colleagues in Congress and members of the Trump Administration. We were able to enjoy a conversation in the Oval Office with President Trump and Speaker Johnson before being seated. |
During the dinner I was fortunate to sit with the U.S. Trade Representative, Ambassador Jamieson Greer. He has fought for fair trade practices and expanding the market access for Made in America products. It was great to catch up with him and discuss America’s pivotal role in global trade and the current imposed tariffs. It is clear he is working to put America first and prevent the American taxpayer from bearing the brunt of unfair trade practices by other nations that seek to put American interests last. I look forward to continued dialogue with him as a sitting member of the Ways and Means Committee, as President Trump sets the future for trade. |
Supporting Our Troops, Standing Up to China |
Each year, Congress reauthorizes the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for the upcoming fiscal year to authorize funding and set policies for the Department of War. This week, House Republicans passed H.R. 3838, the Streamlining Procurement for Effective Execution and Delivery and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026. This legislation passed the House by a vote of 231-196, fully funding our military while eliminating wasteful spending on DEI and climate-change initiatives. For East Texas, H.R. 3838 included $93 million in funding for the Component Rebuilding Facility at Red River Army Depot (RRAD). This investment will keep RRAD’s workforce strong and ensure our military continues to receive the highest-quality, American-made manufacturing and repair services. Additionally, it included a provision that would restrict the Army from reducing the number of civilian personnel employed at Red River Army Depot until the Secretary has certified to Congress that its reductions do not weaken our military preparedness. As I’ve said before, peace through strength begins right here in East Texas, and RRAD is at the heart of that mission. In June, I sent a letter to Secretary Pete Hegseth detailing the critical role RRAD plays in military preparedness and the need to continue supporting operations and personnel. Read more about my continued efforts to fight for RRAD here. The NDAA also tackles one of the greatest threats we face: China’s grip on our defense supply chain. Today, the Department of War relies on China for critical technologies—from the semiconductors that power weapons systems to rare earth elements used in night-vision devices. Over 40 percent of the chips that keep our weapons running come from China, and in some cases, we are completely dependent on a single Chinese company for vital materials. That’s unacceptable, and frankly concerning. The FY26 NDAA takes action to end this dependence by strengthening America’s defense industrial base, cutting outdated programs, and bringing American industry back to the table. The message is clear: America must never be at the mercy of the Chinese Communist Party to defend ourselves. |
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House Republicans Continue to Champion Common Sense |
House Republicans are continuing to prioritize law and order across the nation. This week, the Stop Illegal Entry Act passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 226-197. This legislation delivers what the American people have demanded for years: a tough, no-nonsense approach to securing our borders and protecting our communities. It establishes a mandatory minimum prison term of five years, with penalties of up to life in prison for individuals who illegally enter or attempt to illegally enter the United States. For too long, repeat offenders have treated our laws like suggestions. House Republicans are declaring that those days are over. If you break into our country time and again, you will face real consequences. This is common sense. Increasing penalties for illegal aliens who repeatedly re-enter the United States will deter illegal entry, strengthen our border, and restore security to American families. With the Stop Illegal Entry Act, House Republicans are sending a clear message: our borders will be defended, our laws will be enforced, and our communities will be made safe again. |
Friday Night Lights and the Future of College Athletics |
Friday night lights are back, and so is college football. Alongside the excitement on the field, there is a major conversation happening in Washington about the future of college sports. You may have seen commercials during football games about the SCORE Act, a bill in Congress that would set national rules for how student-athletes can be paid for the use of their name, image, and likeness. Today, different states have different laws, and the lack of consistency has created confusion for athletes, schools, and fans alike. The SCORE Act seeks to bring clarity by creating one national standard. The discussion now is about how to make sure the law works fairly—for women’s sports, Olympic sports, smaller schools, and for all student-athletes, not just those in the biggest programs. Texans understand these challenges well. Leaders like Cody Campbell have helped highlight what’s at stake. You can hear a recent interview with Cody on this issue entitled “Saving College Sports: Cody Campbell’s Fight for Fairness in the NIL Era.” It is on the September 8 edition of Kent Hance’s “Best Storyteller in Texas” podcast. College athletics is one of America’s great institutions. Preserving it requires honesty, cooperation, and solutions that strengthen every team and every student-athlete. |
On September 11th, terrorists brought buildings down, cost countless lives, and tried to shatter the very ideals our great nation was built on. America rose above and remained resilient in the face of evil. We remember the innocent lives takes and their loved ones. The bravery shown by law enforcement agencies and every day heroes shows the true strength of the American spirit. |
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.
It is an honor to be your voice in Congress.
With gratitude, |
Nathaniel Moran Member of Congress |
Answer to Last Week's Texas Trivia Question
⬇️ When did the first television station in Texas go on the air? |
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This Week's Texas Trivia Question How many high school football teams are in the state of Texas? Check back next week for the answer! |
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