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Moran, Young Introduce Legislation to Promote and Expand Apprenticeship Programs

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Representative Nathaniel Moran (TX-01) and Senator Todd Young (R-IN) today introduced the Workforce Apprenticeship Growth and Education Support (WAGES) Act on National Apprenticeship Day, creating a refundable payroll tax credit for employers who maintain or participate in a Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP). The tax credit offsets the cost of wages paid to apprentices and mentors, as well as the cost of other program expenses.

“Apprenticeships are one of the most powerful—and underutilized—pathways to prosperity in America,” said Rep. Moran. “This legislation changes that by making it easier and less costly for businesses to invest in the next generation of skilled workers through apprenticeship programs. We are making it practical for employers across America to create workforce opportunities from within their organization by utilizing the expertise of their experienced employees to upskill and mentor younger workers, all while doing so by keeping more of their tax dollars.”

“Apprenticeships equip individuals with sustainable skills to advance their careers and offer employers job-ready workers, but too many businesses still face barriers to launching or scaling these programs,” said Sen. Young. “At a time when high-demand industries are struggling to fill open positions, our bill will make it easier for businesses to invest in high-quality apprenticeship programs, strengthening our workforce and expanding pathways to good-paying careers. This is an important step in ensuring Americans are prepared for the jobs of today and tomorrow.”

Stakeholder Support:

David Simmons, Chief Executive Officer, Caliber Collision: “There’s never been a more exciting time to build a career in the skilled trades. The Wages Act is a meaningful step forward, encouraging companies to invest in apprenticeship programs that create real opportunity for the next generation of talent. At Caliber, we see the impact of these programs every day—building careers, strengthening our workforce, and supporting the future of our industry. We appreciate Congressman Moran and Senator Young for their leadership in advancing this effort.”

Karen Kerrigan, President and CEO, Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council (SBE Council): “The Workforce Apprenticeship Growth and Education Support (WAGES) Act is a timely bill that will strengthen America’s workforce pipeline and help small business employers play a more significant role in skills development. SBE Council strongly supports the WAGES Act and applauds Senator Todd Young and Representative Nathaniel Moran for their leadership in sponsoring this important legislation that will expand access and usage of apprenticeship programs by small businesses and our workforce.”

Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council (SBE Council) Support Letter

Neal Couture, CEO of American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT):“Nondestructive testing is essential to the safety and reliability of our nation’s infrastructure, energy systems, and manufacturing operations, yet the industry is facing a growing workforce challenge as more experienced professionals retire and fewer workers enter the field,” said Couture. “Apprenticeships provide a proven pathway to build that workforce through structured, hands-on learning aligned with real-world industry needs, and the WAGES Act is an important step toward supporting employers and expanding access to high-quality training programs.”

The American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) Support Letter

Alex Rosen, SVP of Legislative Affairs for the American Trucking Associations: “A safe, efficient 21st century supply chain requires a highly trained, qualified workforce to power the trucking industry. The WAGES Act will help meet that goal by providing pathways into interstate trucking while promoting enhanced instruction that will benefit the safety of all road users. ATA applauds Sen. Todd Young and Rep. Nathaniel Moran for seeking to expand opportunities for Americans to access this rewarding, well-paying profession without the burdensome debt associated with other career tracks.”

Sean Kennedy, Chief Advocacy Officer, National Restaurants Association: “Restaurants are one of the last industries where someone can start in an entry-level job and work their way into a leadership position. The Association and our Educational Foundation are committed to supporting that advancement through Hospitality Sector Registered Apprenticeships. More than 5,000 people have already been through the program, and this bill will make it easier for restaurant employers to invest in apprenticeships and scale career pathways across the industry. We appreciate Sen. Young’s and Rep. Moran’s commitment to the career growth of the industry’s workforce and their support of the business owners who employ 1 in 10 people in the U.S.”

Additional Organizations Supporting WAGES Act Include:

U.S. Chamber of Commerce

National Roofing Contractors Association

Associated Equipment Distributors

American Hotel & Lodging Association

Who Qualifies and What’s Covered?

Eligible employers must:

Maintain a RAP OR participate in one through written agreements, like collective bargaining agreements (CBAs);
Employ at least one qualified apprentice during the calendar quarter; and
Not have received federal payments for the same qualifying wages/expenses.

Covered program expenses include:

Related technical instruction (classroom, distance learning, or another approved format);
On-the-job learning costs and supervision reimbursement;
Mentor wages — the amount paid above a journey worker’s base rate while mentoring an apprentice (capped at $10,000/quarter per mentor);
Program development, registration, and maintenance costs; and
CBA contributions to registered apprenticeship sponsors.

East Texas Impact:

Directly benefits industries with deep roots in Northeast Texas: energy, construction, manufacturing, HVAC, welding, automotive, transportation, and healthcare.
Supports community college and career and technical education (CTE) pipelines already operating in the district.
Reduces upfront cost barriers for rural employers who want to formalize informal training programs.
Applies to both small single-employer programs and multi-employer CBA-based programs—flexible for TX-01's diverse employer base.
Refundability ensures full benefits for smaller employers with limited tax liability.

Background:

In 2025, President Trump signed an Executive Order to prepare Americans for high-paying skilled trade jobs of the future, with plans to reach and surpass 1 million new active apprenticeships. This legislation builds on the Trump Administration's efforts to expand apprenticeships. Workers benefit from apprenticeships by receiving a skills-based education that prepares them for good-paying jobs. Apprenticeship programs help employers recruit, build, and retain a highly skilled workforce.

Last summer during a district work period, Rep. Moran held a roundtable with members of the Texarkana Chamber of Commerce. Local businesses and organizations shared a common concern: despite recognizing the value apprenticeships could bring to the community, many lack the resources to take on apprentices. Following this conversation, Rep. Moran set out to find a solution that would make it easier for companies to grow within the community and expand access to apprenticeship opportunities in the region. The WAGES Act is the solution, providing a payroll tax credit to help businesses overcome the financial barriers that have kept them from investing in the next generation of workers.

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VIDEO: Congressman Moran’s Bipartisan Foster Youth Education Bill Passes Ways and Means Committee Unanimously

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, the House Ways and Means Committee unanimously advanced H.R. 7463, the Foster Youth Post-Secondary Education Access and Success Act, during a committee markup. This legislation is aimed at expanding and modernizing the Education and Training Voucher (ETV) program under the John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood (“Chafee program”). U.S. Representative Nathaniel Moran (TX-01), who co-leads the bipartisan legislation with Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28), released the following statement after the bill’s passage:

Congressman Moran with Jaydan Martinez at a roundtable on foster care.

“Several weeks ago, I had the privilege of hearing from Jaydan Martinez, a student from Stephen F. Austin University, just about an hour from my house,” Moran said. “Jaydan’s story is one of resilience in the face of instability, abuse, and constant uncertainty—circumstances no young person should have to endure. His parents were unable to care for him, and like so many foster youth, he was forced to navigate life in the midst of uncertainty. Unfortunately, Jaydan’s experience is not unique. Thousands of young adults aging out of foster care face similar challenges as they try to build a future.”

Moran cited a Government Accountability Office report that found in fiscal year 2023, 28 states returned unused Education and Training Voucher funds—including more than $1.3 million from Texas alone—despite the clear and ongoing need among foster youth.

“HR 7463 strengthens the Education and Training Voucher program by doing two things,” Moran continued. “First, increasing the maximum amount that can be awarded annually from $5,000 to $12,000—without increasing overall program appropriations. And second, by giving states the flexibility to provide a short, structured grace period for students who are struggling academically. It aligns with President Trump’s directive to ensure that unused federal funds intended for foster youth are actually redirected to support their educational success.”

“This is a practical, bipartisan solution that better aligns resources with the needs and gives foster youth a fair chance to succeed,” Moran said. “We have a responsibility to invest in the next generation, especially those who have had to overcome the greatest obstacles. Students like Jaydan are not just stories—they are inspirations and they are the future of this country.”

“Too often, government bureaucracy has gotten in the way of success for foster youth pursuing postsecondary education,” said Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (MO-08). “I commend Representative Moran for introducing legislation that is directly responsive to the feedback of a former foster youth and fellow Texan, Jaydan Martinez, who testified at our roundtable with First Lady Melania Trump and made a compelling case to update the Chafee program to increase the value of the Education and Training Voucher to level the playing field for foster youth.”

Watch Congressman Moran’s Remarks HERE

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Moran, Carter Introduce Legislation to Support Timely Reforestation After Natural Disasters

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Representatives Nathaniel Moran (TX-01) and Buddy Carter (GA-01) introduced the Save America’s Family Forests (SAFF) Act to help rural landowners and forestry operations rapidly recover from natural disasters by removing key taxation barriers that currently delay reforestation efforts across the country.

“When a natural disaster tears through a rural community, landowners shouldn’t have to fight the IRS while fighting to replant their forests,” said Rep. Moran. “We are giving Texas forest landowners the financial certainty and support needed to replant and restore forests. Across East Texas, timber represents decades of strategic investment—and now our rural communities have the tools to reinvest quickly and rebuild for the next generation.”

“From South Georgia to the coast, our communities are seeing firsthand the devastating impacts of wildfires burning thousands of acres and threatening homes,” said Rep. Carter. “The Save America’s Family Forests Act ensures landowners can recover faster and keep their forests productive. I’m proud to introduce this commonsense, bipartisan solution to support Georgia’s forestry community.”

What this bill does:

This legislation allows landowners to fully and immediately expense reforestation costs following a federally declared natural disaster by removing the $10,000 cap and eliminating long recovery periods—improving access to capital needed to quickly replant and restore forests.

East Texas Impact:

The Piney Woods covers approximately 23,500 square miles across East Texas. Within that, approximately 12.1 million acres (about 54% of the region) are productive forestlands, spread across 43 counties.

In 2024, the Texas forest sector directly contributed $27.36 billion in industry output and employed over 73,000 people. When including indirect and induced effects, the total contribution reached $54.19 billion and supported more than 187,500 jobs.

Stakeholder Quotes:

Texas Forestry Association: “Texas forest landowners face real challenges recovering from natural disasters, and outdated tax policy should not stand in the way of replanting and rebuilding. The Save America’s Family Forests Act gives them the tools to reinvest quickly, keep their land productive, and support rural jobs. This legislation also helps fulfill President Trump’s executive order to boost domestic timber production by ensuring we can keep our working forests healthy and resilient to grow more of the resources America depends on.”

Forest Landowners Association: “Family forest landowners play a vital role in keeping America’s working forests healthy, resilient, and productive, but recovering from natural disasters can create significant financial challenges. The Save America’s Family Forests Act provides a commonsense solution by allowing landowners to reinvest more quickly in reforestation when it matters most. By building on proven expensing policies, this legislation will help ensure our forests remain a strong foundation for rural economies, domestic timber production, and long-term environmental stewardship.”

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Moran Celebrates Historic Working Families Tax Cuts on Tax Day, Delivering Real Relief to East Texans

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Representative Nathaniel Moran (TX-01) joined Speaker Mike Johnson (LA-04), Ways and Means Chairman Jason Smith (MO-08) and House Republican Leadership, colleagues, and everyday Americans on Tax Day to highlight landmark tax relief benefitting hardworking families throughout East Texas and communities nationwide.

On July 4, 2025, President Trump signed H.R. 1, the Working Families Tax Cuts, into law. This tax season, millions of Americans are seeing historic refunds—giving them and their families greater liberty and hope for their financial futures.

“East Texans work too hard to hand over more of their hard earned dollars to Washington every April,” said Congressman Moran. “As a member of the Ways and Means Committee, I was privileged to help lead the effort to return more of Americans’ hard-earned dollars back to them and their families, where it belongs.”

“By lowering taxes and rolling back burdensome regulations, we are restoring opportunities for families, farmers, and small businesses to grow, invest, and plan for the future with confidence,” continued Congressman Moran. “East Texans now have greater freedom to keep what they earn, support their families, and bolster their local economies.”

Background:

According to the U.S. Department of Treasury, as of April 14, 2026:

In households across America, over 53 million filers claimed at least one of President Trump's signature new tax cuts.
The average refund this filing season is over $3,400, an increase of 11 percent compared to last filing season.
The average tax cut for filers benefitting from one of President Trump’s signature tax cuts is over $800.
Over 6 million filers have claimed No Tax on Tips, with an average deduction of over $7,100.
Over 25 million filers have claimed No Tax on Overtime, with an average deduction of over $3,100.
Over 30 million seniors have claimed the Enhanced Deduction for Seniors, with an average deduction of over $7,500.
Over 1 million filers have deducted No Tax on Car Loan Interest on their new American vehicles, with an average deduction of over $1,800.
5 million Trump Accounts have been opened, with 1.2 million eligible for the $1,000 pilot program contribution.
Over 34 million families have claimed the enhanced Child Tax Credit, which is permanently doubled and expanded by the Working Families Tax Cuts.
Over 105 million filers have claimed the permanently doubled standard deduction, simplifying tax filing for millions across America.

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Moran, Cornyn Spotlight Rural Health Challenges, Solutions During East Texas Visit

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

During National Public Health Week, Rep. Nathaniel Moran (TX-01) joined Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) in Tyler for a meeting with East Texas health care providers, educators, and community leaders at the University of Texas at Tyler Health Science Center.

During the visit, Moran and Cornyn met with stakeholders from across the region to hear how the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program is helping hospitals, clinics, and providers modernize health systems to better meet the needs of their communities. They also toured the UT Tyler Health Science Center’s new Helicopter Critical Care Transport Simulation Center.

“In our district, we heard from counties that have lost their rural hospitals, and in places like Marion County, there is no medical facility, no doctor, and no pharmacy,” said Rep. Moran. “That’s simply not acceptable. When we see these health care deserts, we must build partnerships with providers to expand access to quality care. The best solutions don’t emanate in Washington—they come from local providers and community leaders who understand the real challenges on the ground. Our goal is to work alongside them to close those gaps and ensure every East Texan has access to the care they need.”

“Congressman Moran and I worked with President Trump to bolster federal investment in rural health care by passing the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, and one piece of that is the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program to help hospitals, clinics, and providers in East Texas and around our state, around the nation, to modernize our health systems and provide access to health care,” said Sen. Cornyn. “I'm proud that we secured $281 million in funding for rural access to health care in Texas for one year, and that is going to be done over a five-year period.”

“We appreciate Congressman Moran and Senator Cornyn for bringing providers, local leaders, and educators to the same table,” said Chad Jones, CEO of Wellness Pointe. “Rural communities benefit most when hospitals, health centers, behavioral health providers, and county leaders work from one local plan instead of building parallel systems.”

“We are grateful to Senator Cornyn and Congressman Moran for visiting our campus to engage directly with community leaders and health professionals on the challenges and opportunities facing rural health,” said UT Tyler President Julie V. Philley, MD. “We appreciate all efforts—across government, education and health care—to strengthen access to quality care for rural communities.”

Background:

The RHT Program was established under the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, also known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which allocated $50 billion over five years through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to strengthen access to care and modernize health systems in rural areas.

Texas is set to receive the largest share of any state—more than $281 millionthis year.Over the past decade, 14 rural hospitals in Texas have closed, and dozens more are at risk. Nearly 60% of rural hospitals no longer deliver babies, and Texas currently ranks last nationwide in funding per rural resident. Local governments, rural hospitals, and health care providers will be able to apply for grants starting this spring.

Participants included Dr. Julie Philley, president of the University of Texas at Tyler; Kevin Lambing, RHTP consultant for the Texas Organization of Rural Community Hospitals (TORCH); Luke Schwartz, medical student and UT student regent; Jared Smith, CEO of UT Health East Texas; Chad Jones, CEO of Wellness Pointe; Robert Newsom, county judge of Hopkins County; Allison Harbison, county judge of Shelby County; Kaylee McDaniel, hospital administrator of Sabine County Hospital; Becki Mangum, CEO of Andrews Center; and Dr. Kristin Ault, family physician at Family First of Jacksonville.

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Congressman Moran Applauds $80 Million Army Investment in Red River Army Depot

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Rep. Nathaniel Moran (TX-01) applauded the Department of the Army’s announcement of an $80 million contract awarded to Hadrian Automation Inc. to launch the first phase of an Advanced Automation Manufacturing project at Red River Army Depot (RRAD) in Bowie County.

The investment will establish a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in the region, accelerate production of critical components for next-generation weapons systems, and solidify East Texas as a critical hub in America’s defense manufacturing network.

“This is exactly the kind of bold investment our national security demands—an innovative factory of the future—and I am proud it’s happening right here in Northeast Texas,” said Congressman Moran. “This $80 million investment is a reflection of the confidence in RRAD’s capacity to support the future of America’s defense. Our region has the infrastructure, the expertise, and the commitment to get this done. I look forward to seeing RRAD lead the way in modernizing how our Army equips our warfighters.”

Support from the Army

“To maintain a decisive edge, we must overhaul how we build and sustain our equipment,” said Brent Ingraham, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology. “This contract is a prime example of how we are leveraging commercial innovation to build a more robust and efficient industrial base that will deliver advanced capabilities to the warfighter faster and more reliably than ever before.”

“We are collaborating with industry, other military services, and academia to achieve maximum capacity and learn how best to implement advanced manufacturing at every echelon,” said Lt. Gen. Chris Mohan, commanding general of Army Materiel Command. “Advanced manufacturing is a foundational capability that supports building ready combat formations across the Army, and we must build and leverage our organic capability, as well as that of industry.”

Background

For more than 80 years, Red River Army Depot has stood as one of the U.S. Army’s most vital logistics and maintenance installations. Located in Bowie County, RRAD is a cornerstone of the Army's Organic Industrial Base (OIB), the network of government-owned facilities that keeps American warfighters equipped and ready. RRAD also serves as a major employer of skilled workers across the East Texas region.

The contract was awarded to Hadrian Automation Inc. under a Commercial Solutions Opening posted in January 2026, with an initial value of $39.2 million and a total cumulative value of $80 million. The investment will establish a cutting-edge manufacturing facility in Texarkana focused on producing components for weapon systems, including small unmanned aerial systems, with work scheduled for completion by March 2027.

For more information, see the Department of the Army's release here.

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VIDEO: Congressman Moran Warns of China’s Aggressive Push to Dominate Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

During a hearing of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, U.S. Rep. Nathaniel Moran (TX-01) highlighted China’s aggressive efforts to dominate the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors and stressed the need for the United States to maintain its edge in medical innovation and supply chain security.

“The United States has historically led the world in medical innovation, and that leadership did not happen by accident,” Moran said. “It grew from a culture that values scientific inquiry, protects intellectual property, and respects the dignity of every patient who participates in research. But the global landscape has changed quickly.

“China has made biotechnology and pharmaceuticals a national priority, with a clear goal: to compete with and ultimately surpass American firms,” Moran continued. “Today, for certain essential generic medicines, China is already the dominant, or even sole, producer of key active pharmaceutical ingredients. That is why American leadership in emerging pharmaceutical technologies is so critical. Innovation is America’s strength. It always has been, and we must ensure the United States continues to lead.”

Watch Congressman Moran’s Opening Remarks and Exchange HERE

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Moran Signs Letter Urging Trump Administration to Combat Illegal Chinese Vapes

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Rep. Nathaniel Moran (TX-01) joined 70 of his House colleagues in a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer urging the Trump Administration to address the flood of illegal Chinese e-cigarettes entering American markets without FDA approval.

Led by Rep. Mike Carey (OH-15), the letter calls on the administration to make curbing illicit Chinese vape imports a priority in any future trade negotiations with China.

"These illegal Chinesevapes are a threat on every front. They contain toxic levels of lead and carcinogens, and are deliberately marketed to target our kids with candy flavors and social media influencers. They are sold near schools and military bases by foreign nationals, and their 'smart' technology risks funneling sensitive data directly to the Chinese Communist Party," said Moran. "This is not an accident—it is a deliberate strategy by Beijing. Meanwhile, Mexican drug cartels have seized on this trade as a revenue stream, with federal authorities tracing these sales to cartel operations and fentanyl proceeds. The United States cannot stand idle. Any trade deal with China must include a binding commitment to stop this—full stop."

The letter highlights that Chinese vape exports to the U.S. surpassed $10 billion in 2025, that so-called "smart vapes" pose cybersecurity risks to military personnel, and that illicit e-cigarette sales have become a revenue stream for Mexican drug cartels with ties to fentanyl operations.

Full text of the letter can be found here or below:

Dear Secretary Bessent and Ambassador Greer:

As trade discussions with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) advance, it is critical that the United States Trade Representative (USTR) and the Department of the Treasury confront the ongoing exploitation of our trade system. Any new trade agreement with China should require the Chinese government, through its oversight of e-cigarette exports, to take decisive action to curb the influx of illegal, youth-oriented e-cigarettes that openly flout U.S. and Chinese law.

The Administration has made clear that stopping the flow of dangerous and plainly illegal Chinese e-cigarettes is a national priority. We commend the important work of U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers, who continue to intercept illicit, often misdeclared, shipments. Despite these efforts, Chinese e-cigarette exports to the United States continued to rise during the final quarter of 2025, surpassing $10 billion in that year.

These devices are a threat to national security. The Department of Justice has reported that unauthorized vapes are frequently smuggled from China and sold near schools and military bases, putting minors and service members at risk. The Drug Enforcement Administration has investigated vape shops in proximity to military installations and found that many are owned or operated by foreign nationals suspected of deliberately targeting military personnel. One joint operation led to 20 arrests, including three Chinese nationals.

The emergence of Chinese “smart vapes”—which connect to smartphones—poses an additional cybersecurity threat. These devices may enable unauthorized access to personal data, cameras, microphones, geolocations, and networks. If used by military personnel, sensitive information could flow directly to the Chinese Communist Party under China’s 2017 National Intelligence Law, which requires companies to cooperate with state intelligence services.

Given the threat these devices pose, the U.S. government should aggressively counter the source of these products. It is far more efficient to prevent these products from entering the United States from China than it is to intercept such products once they have entered the U.S. domestic supply chain. Chinese law bans manufacturers from shipping e-cigarettes to a country where those products are illegal.8 Although the State Tobacco Monopoly Administration (STMA) exerts extensive control over the e-cigarette- industry in China, including the export of such products, the STMA has allowed massive quantities of illegal e-cigarettes shipments to the United States. This is not an administrative lapse; it appears to be a deliberate strategy on the part of the STMA that capitalizes on gaps in U.S. enforcement. Any forthcoming agreement with the PRC must ensure that the STMA enforces its existing rules on these illegal exports.

The need for action is urgent. Illicit Chinese e-cigarette makers and their U.S. distributors intentionally design and market products to appeal to young people—using candy flavored cartridges, toy-like designs, and packaging styled after fashion accessories. They rely on influencer marketing on youth-heavy platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. These illegal products often contain carcinogens, toxic additives, and high levels of heavy metals like lead, along with other unknown substances.

Moreover, the illicit e-cigarette- trade has become an attractive revenue stream for Mexican drug cartels. Associated Press reporting indicates that cartels have secured a dominant share of the illegal market in Mexico and are continuing to expand their operations in the United States. E-cigarette sales are illegal in Mexico, but demand for these products still exists which has likely led to the rise of cartel involvement in the sale of these devices. The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (a bureau of the Department of the Treasury) has identified these products as a vehicle for trade-based money laundering schemes tied to fentanyl proceeds, and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms has similarly traced funds from illicit Chinese e-cigarette sales to foreign adversaries and cartel operations inside the United States.

For these reasons, we strongly urge the USTR to elevate this matter in ongoing trade negotiations with China and to pursue a binding commitment requiring the Chinese government to stop all e-cigarette exports that fail to comply with U.S. and Chinese law. U.S. national security and public health require nothing less.

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Fox News: 40+ House Republicans rally behind Markwayne Mullin for DHS, call it a ‘critical moment’ for border security

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Nearly 50 House Republicans are writing to President Donald Trump backing Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., to lead the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) after Kristi Noem's ouster.

The pragmatist GOP Main Street Caucus is taking a formal stance, endorsing Mullin on Monday, as well as backing a targeted crackdown on illegal immigrant criminals in the U.S.

It's a rare formal statement by the House Republican group, led by both Chairman Mike Flood, R-Neb., and Rep. Nick LaLota, R-N.Y., and signed by 47 other GOP lawmakers.

"Senator Mullin has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to border security. His familiarity with the legislative process and his longstanding support for pro-America policies make him well-suited to lead DHS at this critical moment," the letter said. "We are confident he will bring the focus and discipline necessary to further our shared priorities."

Trump tapped Mullin to lead the department last week while announcing that Noem would no longer serve in his Cabinet. He instead established a new role for her as special envoy at a new Trump-created initiative called Shield of the Americas.

The vast majority of Republican lawmakers immediately hailed Mullin's nomination, particularly as criticism was steadily growing of Noem's handling of DHS.

Among the most volatile chapters in her tenure occurred during Trump's immigration operation in Minneapolis, which inspired bipartisan calls for restraint amid city-wide protests over the federal agent-involved killing of two U.S. citizens.

Trump responded to the uproar by upending federal leadership there, replacing Noem-empowered Greg Bovino of Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) with border czar Tom Homan.

The Main Street Caucus letter revealed that more than two dozen lawmakers in the group met with Trump's Homan last week while praising his handling of immigration enforcement across the country.

"As members of the Republican Main Street Caucus, a group of more than 85 House conservatives focused on governing and producing legislative results, we write to express our strong support for the work of Tom Homan and his efforts to strengthen our nation’s immigration enforcement in his role as White House Border Czar," the letter said.

"Last week, approximately two dozen members of our caucus met with Mr. Homan to discuss the current state of immigration enforcement and the steps necessary to strengthen public safety while restoring confidence in federal immigration law."

Among the agreed-upon initiatives, the letter said, was keeping Trump's immigration crackdown focused on people who commit crimes within the U.S.

"First, enforcement efforts should remain focused on the worst criminal offenders. Prioritizing the removal of individuals who pose the greatest threats to public safety ensures that federal resources are used effectively while protecting American families and communities," they wrote.

It's a notable point given past criticism of DHS, from both sides of the aisle, about indiscriminate targeting of undocumented people in places like federal courthouses during routine immigration appointments.

They also called for the repeal of policies in sanctuary jurisdictions that "undermine public safety and hinder lawful immigration enforcement" and giving federal authorities "access to local jails before criminal aliens are released."

"Finally, we agreed there should be clear communication from ICE to the American people and to Congress regarding its success in deporting the worst criminal offenders—individuals with records of assault, battery, rape, DUI, and other serious crimes," the letter said.

The lawmakers added that "Homan’s approach reflects those principles, and we believe his leadership will continue to strengthen the federal government’s ability to enforce immigration laws in a targeted and effective manner."

By Elizabeth Elkind
Fox News Reporter

Moran, Van Orden Introduce Bill to Invest in Fathers, Sons, and the Future of American Families

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 05:00:00 GMT

U.S. Representatives Nathaniel Moran (TX-01) and Derrick Van Orden (WI-03) introduced the White House Council on Fathers and Sons Act of 2026, legislation establishing a council responsible for coordinating efforts across agencies to address challenges facing fathers and young men. The council would promote the involvement of fathers in families, help address rising mental health challenges among males, and support the development of programs that help young men develop successfully into adulthood.

“For too long, our society has stood by as young men fall behind in our classrooms and fatherhood becomes increasingly absent in too many families and communities,” said Congressman Moran. “This legislation is necessary to acknowledge that—in addition to the important role that mothers play—strong men are needed to raise strong families. This intentional acknowledgement of the federal government of the important role that fathers play in the institution of the family, will change generations to come for the better—for everyone.”

“Today, too many fathers and sons face challenges that threaten the stability of our families and communities,” said Congressman Van Orden. “From declining educational attainment and stagnant wages to rising mental health struggles, men and boys are being left behind. This legislation takes a practical step toward addressing those issues by bringing federal agencies together to support effective programs and opportunities that will ensure that young men and fathers across our nation have the guidance they need to succeed. Strong men build strong families, and strong families build a stronger America.”

Background:

Today, men and boys—both fathers and sons—are facing more hardships than ever before. Fewer college degrees are now being awarded to men than women, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Men are now earning less per week than they were in 1979, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. Men and boys are struggling with pressures and issues not faced by previous generations and are paying with their lives. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, suicide rates among men and boys has risen steadily between 2001-2021. In 2021, the suicide rate among males was 4 times higher (22.8 per 100,000) than among females (5.7 per 100,000). To make matters worse, according to Richard V. Reeves’ book Of Boys and Men, we know public programs aimed at today’s youth, both boys and girls, are not adequately reaching boys in their impact.

Under the bill, leaders from major federal departments—including Health and Human Services, Education, Labor, and Veterans Affairs—would participate in the council to coordinate solutions and review programs affecting fathers and sons. The council would also consult with state and local governments, nonprofit organizations, and faith-based institutions to identify effective strategies and share best practices to promote the important role of men in the institution of the family instead of diluting it.

If enacted, the council would provide periodic reports to the President outlining federal programs affecting fathers and sons and recommending ways to strengthen family support nationwide.

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