Dear friends,

It was another busy week in East Texas, thankfully with cooler fall temperatures! I spent this week traveling around the First District to meet with community and business leaders, as well as visiting with East Texans at several townhalls. Even during this time of district travel, my work to ensure government accountability has not stopped. This past week, I worked to shine a light on the national security implications of a planned infrastructure project in Texas and Oklahoma with ties to the Chinese Communist Party and investigate an election integrity concern involving non-citizens in federal detention facilities. These issues underscore the importance of protecting American sovereignty and ensuring free and fair elections, while guaranteeing that truth and resolve prevail in their outcomes.

Early this fall, I was briefed by several regional stakeholders about concerns related to a proposed Pump Storage Hydroelectric Project in Pushmataha County, Oklahoma, led by the Southeastern Oklahoma Power Corporation (SEOPC).

While I support providing affordable and reliable energy to this region, this project raises clear red flags due to SEOPC's ties to China, particularly through its president, Johann Tse, who has a documented history of business dealings with China.

Tse's firm, Aquarian Capital, also has deep connections with China, which is especially concerning in light of the 2024 Annual Threat Assessment by the Director of National Intelligence, which highlights China's ongoing efforts to undermine U.S. interests both domestically and abroad. Additionally, the project involves the use of eminent domain to seize 35,000 acres of land in Oklahoma and Texas, impacting local residents and Native American nations.

This week, I sent a letter to the chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) formally opposing this project due to its connections with China and the strong opposition from the impacted communities. I urge FERC to delay this project until these critical issues are addressed. You can read my letter to FERC here.

In addition, I sent an oversight letter to the United States Marshals Service (USMS) expressing my deep concern and seeking information regarding testimony given before the House Judiciary Committee that described cases of non-citizens held in federal detention facilities in Texas being provided with voter registration resources.

It is illegal for non-citizens to vote in federal elections, and state and local voting eligibility varies by jurisdiction. However, under the Biden-Harris Administration’s Executive Order 14019, USMS is required to provide voter registration education materials to individuals in federal custody, including non-citizens, a practice with the potential to undermine election security and integrity.

To address this, I requested information from USMS on whether non-citizens in federal facilities have received voter registration materials, how many individuals this may have impacted, and which facilities were involved. Additionally, I have asked for clarification on the detention facility mentioned in testimony before the House Judiciary Committee by Cleta Mitchell who referred to a whistleblower’s testimony. I requested an explanation of this grave matter by November 4th, 2024. You can read my letter to the United States Marshals Service here.

I am committed to ensuring that our nation's democratic processes are upheld and will continue to pursue these matters until the appropriate actions are taken.

Tuesday was a full day, starting with a meeting for community leaders and business owners at the Lindale Chamber of Commerce. Lindale is a thriving community that is pro-business, pro-growth, and welcoming to businesses and organizations of all sizes. It encourages a spirit of entrepreneurship by promoting workforce development, attracting new industries, and providing resources for small businesses to grow and prosper. Thanks to the Lindale Chamber for the invitation to give a legislative update and for the opportunity to take questions from members. What a fabulous way to start the day! And congratulations on such a successful Country Fest this past weekend.

With more than 300 small businesses, and $117 million in total new industrial investment in 2023, Kilgore is a great place for people to come to work! Monday through Friday, from 8 to 5, more than 35,000 people travel to Kilgore to work, doubling its population. I had a tremendous day in Kilgore, starting with the Chamber Coalition Capitol Connection luncheon, where I provided a legislative update to representatives from numerous East Texas Chambers of Commerce.

On Wednesday, I had the opportunity to tour Wayne-Sanderson Farms alongside members of the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce and the Tyler Economic Development Council. This company is dedicated to producing affordable, lean protein while fostering an exceptional work environment. Thanks to Frank Singleton, Brent Glasgow, and Ashley Fontenot for the tour and for providing an update on how Wayne-Sanderson Farms is helping America remain strong and healthy in the poultry industry!

Moran in the Media