This week, Speaker Pelosi pushed forward the so-called COMPETES Act. 

Instead of pursuing serious policies to counter China, Democrats stuffed a 2,900 page bill full of climate change provisions and partisan initiatives that do nothing to improve American competitiveness. Whether it is COVID, inflation, the southern border, or combatting foreign adversaries, Democrats have failed to rise to the occasion and put the American people first. Speaker Pelosi’s COMPETES Act is no different. 

I authored several amendments to defend Permian Basin oil and gas workers, strike $8 billion for the UN Green Climate Fund, combat Chinese fentanyl being trafficked across the United States borders, and protect Texas healthcare workers from President Biden’s vaccine mandate. All were struck down by the Democrats. We can do better. Congress must come together to address one of the most critical threats facing our Nation – combatting the Chinese Communist Party.

We must continue to put America’s safety and prosperity first.

Just this week, the House Homeland Security Committee hosted a hearing on the dynamic and changing terrorism landscape that threatens our homeland daily. This administration and Democrats in Congress continue to take their eyes off the ball concerning terror threats.

My line of questioning included finding real answers to provide transparency for the American people – including how we can protect all Americans, our American allies, and secure our border. In case you missed it, you can tune in to our hearing on counterterrorism here.

Advancing our Foreign Policy

President Biden’s failures in energy policy, along the U.S.-Mexico border, and in the tragic Afghanistan evacuation have emboldened Vladimir Putin. The United States used to negotiate from a posture of peace through strength. The Biden Doctrine is crisis through weakness.

If you would like to read my Op-Ed on this current crisis, click here.

I spoke to Fox News this week, sharing insights from my recent trip to Ukraine. There I visited with with top Ukrainian officials including President Zelensky, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov, and others. The message I received from all of these leaders was clear: Vladimir Putin is acting out because he senses an environment of weakness – an environment created by President Biden.

President Biden has sent troops to Eastern Europe and is reportedly considering troop deployment to Ukraine, now is the time for strong leadership. We must put American priorities first.

Click here or below to watch my conversation with Fox on the latest Ukrainian developments.

War on Drugs

Fentanyl is pouring into our country through gaps in our border caused by the Biden Administration’s poor policies – and Americans are paying the price in tens of thousands of human lives lost. Last year alone, 11,201 pounds of fentanyl were seized – enough to kill the entire U.S. population seven times over.

Last week alone, the Odessa, Texas Medical Center Hospital treated 7 people, mostly teens, for drug overdoses.

According to the Odessa Police Department, these teens are taking narcotics, unbeknownst to them laced with fentanyl – a drug so deadly, even skin contact can lead to an overdose.

While the seven overdose patients sent to MCH last week all survived, not all are as lucky. In November, a 15-year-old Odessa boy died of an overdose after taking a drug laced with fentanyl. In that same weekend, OPD said it responded to three other overdose calls involving teens.

Fentanyl is tearing families apart in what has become the deadliest drug crisis in American history. We can no longer ignore this crisis, which is why I will continue to champion legislation that confronts this issue head on.

Military Service Opportunity

This week, I called Midland Legacy High School student Alessandra Lagpacan to inform her that she has received a full offer appointment from the U.S. Naval Academy.

Alessandra is a first generation American and current senior at Midland Legacy High School. Her heart has been set on serving as a pilot in the U.S. military since elementary school—when she attended a Veterans Day ceremony.

This is the American dream. We are lucky to have a generation of brave young women and men like Alessandra who are willing to step forward to defend our nation. It was an honor to have had the opportunity to share this news and hear her pride.

Alessandra is just one of the exceptional candidates from the 11th District of Texas who, after applying for nominations through our office, received appointments to U.S. service academies.

For more information on applying to a service academy, visit my website. I will also be hosting an Academy Night at 5:30pm on March 11, 2022 in San Saba, Texas at the San Saba High School. The event will provide students, parents, counselors, and educators the opportunity to learn about the Service Academy nomination process and meet with representatives from Service Academies, Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC), and my office.

Watch Alessandra’s touching reaction to the call here or below!

Winter Weather

 My office continues to monitor the cold weather system traveling across Texas. Please exercise utmost caution if you must get out and about.

There are numerous warm weather shelters around the district that are open to help you, as well as warm clothes supplied by local volunteer organizations.

As you prepare to keep yourself and your family safe, please find helpful tips here to keep in mind and to protect yourself and your family.

As always, my office is open if you are in need of assistance.

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