Ahead of Memorial Day, I was privileged to join a bipartisan group of veterans in Congress to clean and wash the Vietnam Veterans Memorial located on the National Mall in Washington D.C. The memorial includes the names of over 58,000 servicemen and women who gave their lives in service in the Vietnam conflict.
Over the course of our Nation’s history, countless young men and women have heeded the call to service and tragically did not return home. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is a reminder that freedom comes at a high cost.
As we enter Memorial Day Weekend, let us all honor and remember the heroes who gave the ultimate sacrifice while defending our country.
D.C. Noncitizens Voting Bill Passes U.S. House
Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed my legislation to block noncitizens from voting in our Nation’s capital.
In 2022, the Washington D.C. Council passed a law allowing noncitizens, including illegal immigrants and foreign agents, the right to vote in local elections. Free and fair elections are a prerequisite for a healthy republic. The radical D.C. Council ruling dilutes the power of the citizen voter.
My legislation is critical for restoring the sanctity of the voting process and ensures only American citizens can vote in Washington D.C. Click here to watch my full remarks.
Welcome CongressRam Pfluger
Camille and I were delighted to dedicate and unveil CongressRam Pfluger, a new art installation by renowned local artist Raul Ruiz, outside of the San Angelo Congressional Office. Student submissions from the 2024 Congressional Art Competition were also on display for public viewing.
CongressRam Pfluger joins the Downtown San Angelo Inc. Sheeptacular Art Project, which has 165 participating sheep installations. Each is uniquely designed and painted by local artists sponsored by local businesses or organizations. CongressRam’s design represents the pillars and foundation of the 11th District of Texas—energy, agriculture, and national security.
You can learn more about the Sheeptacular Art Project here.
2024 Farm Bill Heads to U.S. House Floor
The U.S. House Committee on Agriculture passed the 2024 Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024, most commonly known as the Farm Bill, out of committee early this morning. It now heads to the U.S. House Floor for a full vote.
My family has been involved in agriculture for generations, and I know first-hand how critical a strong safety net is for farmers and ranchers.
Significant accomplishments of the 2024 Farm Bill include the largest investment in the farm safety net since 2002, expanding market access for producers, and protecting our supply chains and farm land from the Chinese Communist Party. I am proud of the bipartisan work the House Agriculture has conducted to support American agricultural producers.
The Biden Administration’s Proposed Building Code is ‘Unworkable’
The Biden Administration recently announced a final rule to eliminate fossil fuel usage in all federal buildings by 2030 and other unworkable building codes for American homes. I joined my colleagues on the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy to examine the Administration’s rush-to-green energy agenda which will only drive up costs further for American homeowners. Watch my full line of questioning here or below.
Increasing Mental Health Resource Accessibility for Seniors
This week, I joined my colleague Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY) in introducing the Increasing Mental Health Options Act. This bipartisan legislation would increase mental health resources and access for seniors. Millions of Americans are affected by mental health problems each year. Medicare beneficiaries, especially those living in rural areas, are less likely to see mental health professionals than their urban counterparts. We must work to ensure our seniors have access to the help they need.
Harnessing AI to Defend and Secure the Homeland
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a critical tool and benefit to healthcare, education, and cybersecurity within the last year. However, the rate at which AI is developing is concerning. The Committee on Homeland Security held a hearing to explore the different ways AI can be used to strengthen America’s safety and national security. Watch here or below for my full line of questioning.
Memorial Day Ceremony at Tall City American Legion Post 119
I will be the guest speaker for the Tall City American Legion Post 119 Memorial Day Ceremony at the Lewallen-Garcia-Pipkin Funeral Home and Chapel in Midland. Please join us to remember and honor our fallen service members.
Tall City American Legion Post 119 Memorial Day Ceremony
May 27th, 2024 at 11:00 AM
Lewallen-Garcia-Pipkin Funeral Home and Chapel
2508 North Big Spring Street
Midland, Texas
ASU President Ronny Hawkins
It was great to catch up with Angelo State University President Ronny Hawkins earlier this week before I headed back up to Washington D.C.
During our meeting, President Hawkins graciously presented me a ASU Baseball jersey, which I already know will be a great addition to my collection and will come in handy for the upcoming Congressional Baseball Game. I hope everyone will be cheering on our ASU Rams Baseball Team this weekend as they compete for a back-to-back NCAA Division II Championship. Go Rams and bring home the gold!
Upcoming Town Halls Across Texas-11
I will be hosting Town Halls in Brownwood, Goldthwaite, Llano, Mason, and Brady next week. I would love to see you at one of the events.
2024 Congressional App Challenge
My office is now accepting submissions for the 2024 Congressional App Competition. The competition is open to all 6-12 grade students in the 11th Congressional District of Texas and is an opportunity for students to develop their skills in computer science and STEM.
The deadline is October 24th, 2024 at 12:00 pm ET. Students can register and upload their app here.
PRIZES
The winner from the 11th Congressional District, chosen by a panel of expert judges, will be featured on the House of Representatives website, House.gov, as well as on CongressionalAppChallenge.us. The winning app will also be displayed in the U.S. Capitol among other winners from across the country. Additional sponsor prizes to be announced.
RULES
Students will create an application (aka app) for PC, web, tablet, robot, mobile, etc Any programming such as C, C++, JavaScript, Python, Ruby, or “block code” will be accepted.
There are NO LIMITS on the application theme or topic.
Students may work individually or in teams made up of no more than four.
Students are highly encouraged to review the competition’s complete rules and regulations on the Congressional App Challenge’s website. For more information, please visit congressionalappchallenge.us/ or contact Kathy Keane in the San Angelo Office at [email protected].
Thank you for reading. It is the honor of my lifetime to serve you in Congress. Please follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for daily updates.
