Friends,

This week, the House voted on the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, which will protect Americans and prevent foreign adversaries, such as China, from targeting, surveilling, and manipulating the American people through applications or apps, as you probably call them, like TikTok, creating an unprecedented case of cyber-espionage. This bill is not a ban on TikTok. It merely requires Chinese companies such as ByteDance, who owns TikTok, to divest TikTok and other apps it controls, or those apps will be prohibited in the United States.

The Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act is a bipartisan bill, unanimously supported by the House Energy and Commerce Committee, made to protect Americans from the serious national security threat that foreign adversary-controlled applications pose.

In 2017, China enacted the National Intelligence Law that requires all businesses to support and assist in handing over data to the Chinese government and ultimately conduct intelligence work for the government, which is operated under the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). So, it’s important to note that there is no Chinese company that can operate autonomously and away from the lens of the CCP.

We cannot allow the CCP to have unlimited access to American citizens’ personal data. Just last week, TikTok sent a targeted campaign to every one of its 170 million users telling them to call on Congress to stop a “shutdown” of the app. TikTok’s users were geolocated and provided with their specific congressman’s phone number. TikTok’s FAQs page clearly details how it collects and uses location data. Imagine if this meddling were to occur during an even more dire national security situation, election, or public health emergency. The result could be catastrophic. 

To read TikTok’s location FAQs page, click HERE.

It is imperative that we do everything in our power to protect our national security. The People’s Republic of China perhaps poses the single greatest national security threat to America. ByteDance falls under this threat. We must stand strong in opposition to the Chinese Communist Party in order to protect the safety of the American people.

To read more about the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, click HERE.

On Tuesday, I had a very productive meeting with Delek US Holdings, Inc.’s President and CEO Avigal Soreq and his excellent team. Delek is a downstream energy company and a major player in the State of Texas and the country and operates a major refinery in Tyler, Texas. We discussed their innovative ideas and policies that undermine affordable, reliable energy for families. Our meeting provided an invaluable opportunity to discuss the vital role Delek plays in the First District’s economy and energy sector.

Congressman Moran with Delek US Holdings, Inc.’s President and CEO Avigal Soreq and Mark Hobbs, Executive Vice President of Corporate Development

This week, I had the opportunity to meet with Riverbend Water Resources District Executive Director Kyle Dooley. Our discussion centered around the district’s crucial role in managing and preserving our water resources. We talked about the challenges they face in ensuring a sustainable water supply for the Texarkana region, the Texas Environmental Infrastructure Program, and energy and water development appropriations for East Texas. It was enlightening to learn about their innovative strategies and the impact they have on our local communities.

I had the pleasure of hosting students from Three Lakes Middle School in Tyler, Texas on a night tour of our nation’s capitol. It was an incredible opportunity to show them the heart of American democracy and inspire them with the rich history and significance of this building. We explored the halls of Congress, visited the House chamber, and discussed the importance of civic engagement and public service. Seeing the awe and excitement in the students was truly rewarding.

I had a great time this week practicing with my Republican colleagues in preparation for our upcoming Congressional Baseball Game for Charity in June! It’s an honor to be a part of this longstanding tradition, joining my colleagues in a friendly and spirited game that brings everyone together.

Thanks to all who joined me for my 12th Tele-Townhall! I was so glad Congressman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) stopped by to answer your questions about this year’s budget process. Tele-Townhalls are the perfect opportunity for you to voice your opinion and hear about what’s happening behind the scenes in Washington, DC. As always, it was a pleasure to speak directly with you, hear your concerns, and answer your questions.

Congressman Nathaniel Moran visits Marshall Christian Academy in tour of First Congressional District (Marshall News Messenger)

Texas politicians react to President Biden’s State of the Union (KETK)

WATCH: East Texas Rep. Nathaniel Moran implies President Biden should be designated ‘incapacitated individual’ (KLTV News)

Republican Suggests Joe Biden 'Incapacitated' (Newsweek)

Biden’s Age Dominates Hur Hearing (U.S. News)

Robert Hur Hearing Fizzles As Former Special Counsel Deflects Questions About Biden’s Age (HuffPost)

Classified Document Hearing Shows Stiff Partisan Divides on Biden's Responsibility, Memory

(Voice of America)

Don't Kill the Geese Laying Golden Eggs of Entrepreneurship | Opinion (Newsweek)

On March 10th, 1876, the first discernible speech was transmitted over a telephone system when inventor Alexander Graham Bell summoned his assistant in another room saying, “Mr. Watson, come here; I want you.” Just three days before, Bell received a comprehensive telephone patent.

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.

Phil Collins was declared an honorary Texan by the state legislature in 2015 for donating his vast personal collection of artifacts related to what San Antonio landmark?

The Alamo

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)

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