I am proud to join House Republicans in unveiling the Commitment to America, a policy agenda designed to build An Economy That’s Strong, A Nation That’s Safe, A Future That’s Built on Freedom, and A Government That’s Accountable.
Two years of complete Democrat control has driven our economy into the ground and made America less safe. Republicans have a plan to restore American energy independence, secure the border, keep the government out of our classrooms, and hold Washington elites and Big Tech giants accountable. The Commitment to America is the playbook we will follow to secure a series of ‘first down’ wins in getting our country back on track.
Learn more about House Republicans’ Commitment to America by going to CommitmentToAmerica.com.
Announcing the Colonel Charles and JoAnne Powell VA Clinic
I am thrilled to announce that this week, Congress passed my bill to rename the VA community-based outpatient clinic in San Angelo, Texas, the “Colonel Charles and JoAnne Powell VA Clinic.”
I cannot think of two people more deserving of this honor than Col. Charles and JoAnne Powell. They are both true American heroes who dedicated their lives to serving our country through a distinguished career in the U.S. Air Force, and later in civilian life when they became two of the most ardent advocates for veterans and military members.
Col. Charles and JoAnne Powell met in preschool in Nashville, Arkansas. They graduated high school together and married in December 1954, six months after Charles graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy. When all of Charles’ missions in the Air Force took him around the world, JoAnne was serving alongside him.
Colonel Powell and JoAnne first flew into San Angelo in 1980, when Charles was appointed as the Base Commander at Goodfellow Air Force Base, and JoAnne the honorary First Lady of the Concho Valley.
They were a perfect team, supporting one another as they completed the missions of life with flying colors. Together they raised an exceptional daughter, Terri, and adored their two wonderful grandchildren.
Now, every veteran who walks in for care at the clinic—and every person in the community who drives by—will be reminded of, and inspired by, the service of Charles and JoAnne.
Colonel Powell passed away on July 2, 2020 and JoAnne Powell passed on March 24, 2021. The couple were married for 65 years. Watch my remarks on the Floor of the U.S. House to honor their incredible legacy here or below:
Democrats Want Higher Prices
This week, Democrats blocked my bill to strike their new taxes on energy production that will drive costs up even higher for American families.
Americans are suffering from the Democrats’ horrible energy policies. Gas utility bills are up 33%. Electricity is 15.8% more expensive than it was a year ago. In the United States, energy costs are so high that 1 in 6 American families cannot afford to pay their utility bills.
Republicans have a plan to fix the economy and restore American energy dominance. We don’t need higher taxes; we need higher energy production.
I was honored to join the Air Force Association as we discussed the importance of our service forces and how we can encourage capacity building for our defense. Having the most lethal and advanced air power capabilities is critical to national and global security. Thank you to Lt. General David Deptula for hosting, and my fellow panelists Col. Mark Gunzinger and Congressman Kaiali‘i Kahele for helping launch this ongoing conversation.
It was also wonderful to see leaders from Goodfellow, who play an instrumental role in our nation’s defense.
Upcoming Service Academy Night
As a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, I can tell you first hand there is no greater privilege than answering our Nation’s call and swearing an oath to defend our country and keep it secure. This Nation, enshrined in the ideals of freedom, liberty, and opportunity, is held up by the men and women who don the uniform and valiantly defend this great country.
In the 11th District, we have incredible young men and women. I challenge each and every one of you to think about a service academy. We need your skills, we need your leadership, we need your service. The country needs your service.
Come learn more on Tuesday, September 27th! All details below:
Supporting Small Businesses
I was honored to receive the prestigious Guardian of Small Business Award from the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB). This award is earned by lawmakers who vote consistently in favor of small businesses on key issues pertaining to economic freedom.
Small businesses represent the very best of America. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, record high inflation, and supply chain disruptions, local organizations and family-run businesses continue to be essential to our economy. I am proud to support small businesses in Texas-11, and I will always champion pro-growth, America first policies that encourage economic freedom.
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