Moran, Nathaniel RSS Articles

Moran Votes to Secure Border Funding Following Over 100 Days of Democrat Idleness

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Representative Nathaniel Moran (TX-01) voted for the Secure America Act to provide critical funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Since February, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agencies have remained unfunded.

“Democrats spent years allowing the worst border crisis in American history to go unresolved—and now they want to defund the very agencies cleaning up the mess they refused to clean up,” said Rep. Moran. “Since taking back the majority, President Trump and Republicans have secured the border, protected our communities, and ensured the agencies fighting cartels, traffickers, and criminals have the resources they need. It’s evident by the fact that Republicans are the only ones standing up for the safety and protection of the American people.”

What the bill does:

Funding through 2029: Provides long-term funding for ICE and CBP to ensure the border is secure for the future
$3.45 billion to stop fentanyl: Invests in advanced technology and inspection equipment at the border
$108.5 million to protect children: Supports investigators, forensic analysts, and victim identification teams targeting child exploitation networks
Expands local law enforcement partnerships: Strengthens coordination so local officers can help identify and remove criminal illegal aliens

Republicans deliver for the safety of American communities (U.S. Department of Homeland Security):

Border Patrol has released zero illegal aliens into the interior for ten straight months.
Daily southwest border encounters are down 96% compared to the Biden Administration’s daily average.
Border Patrol apprehensions are at the lowest level since data tracking began in 1992.
The southwest border is averaging just over 200 daily encounters, compared to over 5,000 per day under Biden.
Nearly 3 million illegal aliens have left the United States, including 2.2 million self-deportations and more than 675,000 removals.
ICE has arrested more than 1,500 known or suspected terrorists and more than 7,700 gang members.
DHS and HHS have located more than 145,000 children who were lost under Biden.
Fentanyl trafficking at the southern border has been cut by more than half comparedto the same period in 2024.
The Coast Guard seized enough cocaine this past year to prevent quantities capable of killing more than 193 million Americans from reaching our streets.

Read the full text of the Secure America Act here.

###

Moran, McClellan, Blackburn, Schatz Reintroduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Combat Cyberflashing and AI-Generated Abuse

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Representatives Nathaniel Moran (TX-01) and Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) and Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Brian Schatz (D-HI) reintroduced the bipartisan, bicameral Curbing Online Non-Consensual Sexually Explicit Nudity Transfers (CONSENT) Act to prohibit the nonconsensual sharing of intimate images across social media platforms and dating apps. This legislation gives Americans a legal path to fight back against unsolicited explicit content.

“No one should be subject to online sexual harassment and exploitation,” said Congressman Moran. “The explosion of AI-generated abuse material has made the need to address cyberflashing more urgent than ever. The CONSENT Act will give victims in every state the ability to fight back. Artificial intelligence has raised the stakes, and it is time for Congress to rise to the moment to provide added protection from exploitation.”

“As the technological landscape rapidly changes, lawmakers must prioritize the digital safety and security of the American people, especially women and children targeted by cyberflashing and other sexually exploitative practices,” said Congresswoman McClellan.“As a state legislator, I led the effort to criminalize cyberflashing in Virginia. Now, Congress must safeguard against cyberflashing abuses. The CONSENT Act will help provide a safer online environment while empowering survivors with a pathway to accountability.”

“AI has opened the door for bad actors to produce explicit images quickly and cheaply to abuse or harass more victims, especially targeting young women,” said Senator Blackburn. “The bipartisan CONSENT Act would provide victims with a civil right of action and relief when they receive unwanted sexual images or videos on dating apps, text messages, and other forms of online communication.”

“No one should fall victim to unwanted flashing, whether in real-life or online,” said Senator Schatz. “By providing a federal private right of action and imposing penalties, this bill will help prevent sexual harassment and hold perpetrators accountable.”

What the bill does:

Ensures a private right of action against individuals who knowingly send unsolicited, nonconsensual, sexually explicit visual images, whether they are unaltered or manipulated using machine learning or artificial intelligence.
Provides that an individual may obtain either statutory damages (not more than $500) OR compensatory damages for emotional distress, reimbursement for reasonable attorney fees, and a temporary restraining order to cease receiving sexually explicit images from the sender.
Safeguards the privacy of minors and allows a legal guardian to bring a civil action on their behalf and may elect to use the plaintiff’s initials in all further court proceedings.

Stakeholder Support:

Whitney Wolfe Herd, Founder and CEO of Bumble: “For years, Bumble has championed efforts to criminalize cyberflashing and protect people from unsolicited explicit content online. While we are proud of the progress that has been made at the state level, millions of Americans, especially women, remain unprotected without a federal standard. That’s why we support the bipartisan CONSENT Act, which empowers individuals to take legal action against those who knowingly send nonconsensual explicit content. Congress has an opportunity to make it clear that these acts are unacceptable and that everyone deserves a safer, more respectful online experience. Thank you to the bill sponsors who are helping move this critical legislation forward.”

The CONSENT Act is endorsed by the online dating app Bumble, the Sexual Violence Prevention Association (SVPA), the National Alliance to End Sexual Violence (NAESV), the National Domestic Violence Hotline (The Hotline), and the National Women’s Law Center Action Fund (NWLC).

Read the CONSENT Act bill text here.

###

Congressman Moran Announces Texas First Congressional Service Award

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Representative Nathaniel Moran (TX-01) announced the 2026 recipients of the third annual Texas First Congressional Service Award. The award exemplifies the spirit of community, leadership, and dedication to service that defines the students of East Texas.

“It is an incredible honor to recognize the next generation of East Texas leaders through the Texas First Congressional Award,” said Rep. Moran. “Each of these students embodies the values that make our communities strong—hard work, integrity, and a heart for service. I applaud each of them for going above and beyond to serve their schools, communities, and our great state of Texas.”

The Texas First Congressional Service Award is not a scholarship, but rather a service award to recognize deserving students in the First Congressional District of Texas. Nominees should be one male and one female from each school, preferably at the junior or senior level.

For more information or to make nominations, please email MoranStudentServices@mail.house.gov.

Recipients of the 2026 Texas First Congressional Service Award:

Bishop Gorman High School

Samuel Vogler — 11th Grade

Molly McCabe — 11th Grade

Brook Hill High School

Danger Troy — 11th Grade

Jirah Park — 11th Grade

Carlisle High School

Yesenia Alvarez —12th Grade

Cole West — 12th Grade

Chapel Hill High School

Sebastian Sepulveda — 12th Grade

Christian Heritage Classical School

Michael Cherry — 12th Grade

Coleigh Buckland — 12th Grade

DeKalb High School

Diego Andres — 12th Grade

Amari Shaw — 12th Grade

Gladewater High School

Samantha Brown — 12th Grade

John Dru Watson — 12th Grade

Hallsville High School

Payton Rice — 12th Grade

Rianna de Paula Jund — 12th Grade

Laneville High School

Hallie Williams — 11th Grade

Longview High School

Kennedi Simmons — 12th Grade

Marshall High School

Rennick Taylor — 12th Grade

Teresa Lopez — 12th Grade

McLeod High School

Patrick Dickerson — 12th Grade

Molly Terry — 12th Grade

Mount Enterprise High School

Brody Black — 12th Grade

Kaydense Sprayberry — 12th Grade

Mount Vernon High School

Caden Johnson — 12th Grade

Lorena Castillo — 12th Grade

New Boston High School

Hope Hudson — 12th Grade

Corbyn Smithson — 12th Grade

Panola Early College High School

David Cawthon — 12th Grade

Pine Tree High School

Celeste Baker — 12th Grade

Dylan Medrano — 12th Grade

Texas High School

Yaneira Mendoza — 12th Grade

Iyanna Foreman — 12th Grade

Trinity School of Texas

Emilio Mendez — 12th Grade

Brianna Medina — 12th Grade

Tyler High School

Tristen Taylor — 12th Grade

Francesca Austin — 12th Grade

Tyler Early College High School

Irving Degollado — 12th Grade

Molly Johnson — 12th Grade

Tyler Legacy High School

Sydney Cook — 12th Grade

Jordan Harris — 12th Grade

West Rusk High School

Kylee Blackmon — 11th Grade

Mason Gibbs — 11th Grade

Whitehouse High School

Valen Preusse — 11th Grade

Emma Simpson — 11th Grade

Not Pictured:

Center High School

Priw Say — 12th Grade

Nathan Newton — 12th Grade

Chapel Hill High School

Shiloh Smith — 12th Grade

Lindale High School

Kylon Kincaid — 12th Grade

Mollee-Kate DeWolfe — 12th Grade

###

House Passes Moran-Sewell Bipartisan Tax Court Legislation to Protect Taxpayer Rights

Tue, 19 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Representative Nathaniel Moran (TX-01) released the following statement following the unanimous passage of H.R. 6506, the Taxpayer Due Process Enhancement Act. This bipartisan legislation previously passed out of the Ways and Means committee in December.

“Today, we are strengthening taxpayer rights and ensuring Americans have a clear path to challenge the IRS,” said Rep. Moran. “This legislation advances fairness and accountability in our tax system—guaranteeing no one loses their day in court over arbitrary deadlines or IRS overreach. By protecting taxpayer rights, extending filing windows, and strengthening Tax Court jurisdiction, we are delivering real, lasting safeguards for every American.”

The bill makes three changes to Tax Court proceedings to protect taxpayers’ rights:

Pauses Unfair Deadlines — When a taxpayer is undergoing collection proceedings, the statutory deadline for filing a claim for a refund will be held open to account for the pending collection proceeding. Currently, only three years is permitted whether you are currently challenging a tax dispute before the court or not.
Protects Taxpayer Rights — Unless the taxpayer consents, the IRS will no longer be allowed to apply a taxpayer’s annual overpayments to a taxpayer’s disputed tax liability during collection proceedings. This prevents the IRS from pulling the jurisdictional rug out from under a taxpayer who is involved in a collection proceeding.
Expands the Tax Court's Jurisdiction — Codifies the Tax Court's ability to review determinations and existing tax liabilities, as well as make equitable tolling decisions for collection proceedings so the taxpayer is not deprived of his or her day in court.

“America’s Tax Court exists to mediate disagreements between the IRS and taxpayers. Every American deserves the right to dispute IRS actions taken against them and not have their claim to due process circumvented or denied,” said Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (MO-08). “Unfortunately, as the system stands today, the IRS can abandon the judicial review process while still imposing penalties on individuals who will have no real way to challenge what the government claims. As a former county judge, Representative Moran is leading the charge through the Taxpayer Due Process Enhancement Act to restore taxpayer rights and ensure Americans can have their day in court.”

Watch Congressman Moran’s floor remarks as delivered, here.

Read the full text of the bill here.

###

Congressman Moran Honors Six East Texas Students at Service Academy Nominees Brunch

Mon, 18 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

TX-01 nominees recognized for earning appointments to the nation’s most prestigious military institutions

On Saturday, May 16, 2026, Congressman Nathaniel Moran (TX-01) hosted his annual Service Academy Nominees Brunch to honor six outstanding young men and women from East Texas who have earned appointments to the United States’ most prestigious military service academies.

The brunch brought together the nominees, their families, and community leaders to celebrate the achievements of these exceptional students and the beginning of their journeys in service to our nation.

“Serving our country in uniform is not a decision anyone makes lightly, and the young men and women we honored today understand exactly what they're signing up for,” said Congressman Moran. “They've already demonstrated the character, the work ethic, and the heart for service that our military demands. East Texas has always answered the call when our nation needs it most, and this class carries that tradition forward. I'm grateful to their families for raising the kind of young people our country needs, and I look forward to watching them lead.”

This year’s class of nominees from the 1st Congressional District of Texas represents the best of East Texas. Each student endured a demanding application process that tested their academic achievement, physical fitness, leadership, and character. Their appointments reflect not only their individual merit but also the strong families, schools, and communities that shaped them.

2026 SERVICE ACADEMY NOMINEES

Nora Ni

United States Military Academy — West Point, NY

Brook Hill High School

“Applying to the service academies was a journey of endurance and consistency, and I am deeply grateful for the support from my family, teachers, mentors, and Congressman Moran’s office in this endeavor. It is truly an honor and a privilege to give back in service to our nation alongside such an exceptional team. I know the years ahead won’t be easy, but I am excited to face the challenges because I know they will build my capacity to serve and lead.”

— — —

Brock Sieber

United States Air Force Academy — Colorado Springs, CO

Grace Community High School

“Applying for the service academies has been a rigorous and long process but my hard work has paid off. My desire to serve my country has given me the discipline to overcome the challenges that come with the process. There is no greater sacrifice for the ones I love than to dedicate my life to protecting all Americans. I am beyond grateful to be given the opportunity to serve God, my community, the state of Texas, and the United States of America in the Air Force.”

— — —

James Thomson

United States Naval Academy — Annapolis, MD

Hendrix College

“I feel extremely honored to get this opportunity to serve my country. The application process has been long, yet undoubtedly worthwhile. I look forward to contributing my best and becoming part of a lifelong family.”

— — —

Brooks Frans

United States Naval Academy — Annapolis, MD

Bishop Gorman High School

“I believe that service means giving myself and my talents for the good of others. Throughout the admissions process, I learned more on my own work process and the guidance God gives through His plan. In all, I believe that I am well prepared to serve as a midshipman at the United States Naval Academy.”

— — —

Jayden Riley

United States Air Force Academy Preparatory School — Colorado Springs, CO

Atlanta High School

“Applying to the United States Air Force Academy has been a journey of discipline, growth, and purpose for me. It has shown me what it truly means to commit to something bigger than myself. To me, serving my country isn’t just about wearing the uniform—it’s about leading with integrity and putting others before myself every day. It’s an honor and a responsibility I don’t take lightly.”

— — —

Matthew Scheusner

United States Merchant Marine Academy — Kings Point, NY

Tyler Legacy High School

“The application experience itself separated the wheat from the chaff—those who could finish the application and those who couldn’t. I’m very grateful to everyone who helped me finish the application and then being accepted on top of that. I want to give back to my community—the great city of Tyler and its mentors—which helped me get to where I am today. To do so, I am going to honor them by serving my country and one day invest in the next generation like they did for me.”

Members of Congress may nominate candidates for appointment to four of the five U.S. service academies: the U.S. Military Academy (West Point, NY), the U.S. Naval Academy (Annapolis, MD), the U.S. Air Force Academy (Colorado Springs, CO), and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (Kings Point, NY). Each member may nominate up to fifteen individuals for each vacant academy slot allotted to their district.

Students interested in pursuing a service academy nomination from Congressman Moran’s office may begin the process during their junior year of high school by contacting the district office at (903) 561-6349 and asking to speak with the Service Academy Coordinator.

###

PHOTO RELEASE: Moran Tours East Texas to Spotlight WAGES Act

Tue, 12 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Representative Nathaniel Moran (TX-01) toured five East Texas employers and educational institutions to highlight the Workforce Apprenticeship Growth and Education Support (WAGES) Act, legislation he introduced alongside Senator Todd Young (R-IN), to create a refundable payroll tax credit for employers who participate in Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs).

“Apprenticeships are one of the key pathways to greater prosperity and liberty in America,” said Rep. Moran. “What I saw across East Texas confirmed exactly why this legislation matters. From lumber mills in New Boston to collision shops in Tyler, employers are ready and willing to invest in the next generation of workers—they just need Washington to remove the financial barriers that have held them back.”

West Fraser Lumber Mill | New Boston

Rep. Moran tours the West Fraser Lumber Mill in New Boston with plant leadership and local economic development officials. The facility already operates an apprenticeship program, and leadership discussed the cost barriers that prevent rural manufacturers from expanding workforce training efforts.

Texas High School | Texarkana

Rep. Moran joins Texarkana ISD Superintendent Dr. Brubaker and local community, education, and workforce leaders for a working lunch and roundtable on connecting classroom pathways to workforce needs, followed by a tour of the school’s newly renovated Career & Technical Education (CTE) facility.

Reliance Mechanical Contractors | Nash

Rep. Moran tours Reliance Mechanical with owner Cody Peek, where skilled tradespeople work daily in HVAC, electrical, and welding. A roundtable with local industry and economic development partners followed.

Trane Technologies | Tyler

Rep. Moran visits Trane Technologies in Tyler to discuss employer-driven workforce pipelines. Tyler Junior College leadership joined the conversation to highlight coordination between college-level technical instruction and hands-on employer training.

Caliber Collision | Tyler

Rep. Moran concludes the tour at Caliber Collision in Tyler, where a broad regional roundtable brought together employers, educators, and economic development leaders from across East Texas to discuss expanding apprenticeship access.

Read more about the WAGES Act here.

Read the WAGES Act one-pager here.

LOCAL COVERAGE

KLTV 7: Congressman Moran plans WAGES Act to expand apprenticeship programs in East Texas

KETK: Rep. Moran pitches WAGES Act to skilled trade companies in East Texas

KSLA: Rep. Moran introduces WAGES Act to support apprenticeship programs

KTBS: Rep. Moran introduces legislation to expand apprenticeship programs

Texarkana Gazette: Moran talks workforce bill at Texas High

Texas GOP Vote: Moran, Young Introduce Legislation to Promote and Expand Apprenticeship Programs

###

Fox News: Texas GOP backs resolution saying states have right to repel border ‘invasion’

Thu, 07 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The U.S. House’s Texas GOP Caucus announced Thursday that it is united behind a resolution from Rep. Jodey Arrington, R-Texas, arguing that states have constitutional authority to secure their borders against an "invasion" or "imminent danger."

The caucus is urging Congress to approve the measure, citing what Republicans called the "failed open-border policies" under former President Joe Biden and the millions of illegal immigrants who crossed into the country during his administration.

"It is the job of elected officials to protect the Americans that sent them to office," Rep. Brandon Gill, R-Texas, said in a statement to Fox News Digital.

"Unfortunately, we’ve seen Democrat leaders willfully facilitate a border invasion time and time again. States ought to be able to step in and secure the border when federal government cannot or will not do so. I am proud to join the Texas GOP Caucus in standing up for the American people.

The House resolution, first introduced in 2021 in response to the border crisis under the Biden administration, affirms that states have a right under the Constitution to secure their borders if the federal government fails to act. Courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court, have long treated immigration enforcement as primarily a federal responsibility.

H.Res. 50 says states retain sovereign authority under Article I, Section 10 of the Constitution to defend their territory and citizens from "invasion" or "imminent danger" when the federal government fails to meet what Republicans describe as its Article IV, Section 4 obligation to protect states from invasion.

In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, Arrington said the U.S.-Mexico border has largely been secured under the Trump administration but argued his resolution is needed to ensure states can act if a Democrat returns to the White House.

"What we want to avoid is what happened during the four years of the Biden administration, which is, we had a bunch of states being overrun and overwhelmed with illegal immigration and all the various problems that occurred as a result. We didn't have a federal government that was doing its job and, in fact, we had a federal government that was obstructing states like Texas from actually filling the gap that they left because they abdicated that responsibility," the congressman said.

Arrington argued that fentanyl and other drugs flowing across the border contributed to more than 100,000 overdose deaths in a single year during the Biden administration, while illegal border crossings, cartel activity and drug and human trafficking strained border states.

"The drugs were killing hundreds of thousands, they were killing a plane load of American citizens every week," Arrington said. "They killed over 100,000 Americans in one year, which is more than we lost in the Vietnam War. When you're losing more American citizens to what is tantamount to chemical warfare from the Mexican terrorist drug cartels, in close cooperation with the Chinese who were providing the precursor material for synthetic fentanyl, that was the greatest and most imminent threat to our nation during those four years."

The congressman highlighted that his resolution has received support from the Texas GOP Caucus, conservative organizations, law enforcement officials and legal experts.

"The Constitution, as interpreted by the Supreme Court, forbids states from interfering with the federal government’s monopoly over our territorial sovereignty," John Yoo, former deputy assistant attorney general for the Office of Legal Counsel, said in a statement to Fox News Digital. "But the House of Representatives could make its own findings of fact that failures at the border rose to the level of an ‘imminent danger’ that would justify a state’s exercise of self-defense. Such a set of findings might bolster Texas’s case in the courts as well as its political case to the public. Without such congressional support, Texas is likely to fail."

In a press release obtained by Fox News Digital, Texas GOP Caucus Chairman Rep. Nathaniel Moran, R-Texas, said, "The Framers understood that a state cannot be left at the mercy of a federal government that refuses to do its job when there’s an invasion at its border."

"That's why Article I, Section 10 exists — and that's exactly the situation Texas and our border states faced for four years under the Biden administration. H.Res. 50 affirms what the Constitution already guarantees: states have every right to defend its citizens. The Texas GOP Caucus is united in ensuring that right is recognized and preserved," he said.

The resolution comes amid a legal battle over Texas Senate Bill 4, a state measure that would allow police officers to arrest migrants suspected of illegally crossing into the U.S. and authorize state judges to order certain migrants to leave the country.

The law is set to take effect next week after a federal appeals court vacated a lower court ruling last month that had blocked enforcement. The appeals court found the plaintiffs in that case did not have standing to sue, but it did not resolve the broader constitutional questions surrounding the law.

S.B. 4 established a state-level crime for illegal entry and authorized state magistrates to order certain individuals to leave the country if they are convicted.

Arrington told Fox News Digital that Texas’ S.B. 4 could soon reach the U.S. Supreme Court as legal challenges continue.

The Texas Civil Rights Project, the American Civil Liberties Union and the ACLU of Texas filed a new lawsuit this week seeking emergency relief to block several provisions of the Texas measure before they take effect May 15.

The groups argue the law is unconstitutional, saying immigration enforcement is exclusively the responsibility of the federal government and that federal law should preempt the state statute.

Cody Wofsy, deputy director of the ACLU’s Immigrants’ Rights Project, argued that S.B. 4 is "cruel and illegal," adding that the groups "will keep fighting it until it is permanently struck down."

"Every court to have reached the merits of laws like S.B. 4 has found them to be unconstitutional," he said in a statement.

The three groups did not respond to Fox News Digital's requests for comment on Arrington's resolution in time for publication.

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.

###

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

# # #

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.”

###