It was an honor to deliver the State of Midland address to the Midland Chamber of Commerce this week.
Midland anchors the Permian Basin—a region critical to national security and prosperity. We are poised to solve many of the critical issues facing our Nation and world.
Exactly two years ago this week, on April 20, 2020, WTI hit negative prices for the first time in history. Now, we are producing a record number of barrels every week.
In the Permian Basin, we recognize the critical importance of secure, abundant, affordable energy better than anywhere else—because we know what it takes to produce it, we understand how devastating it would be to lose it, and we see the potential before us if we had the opportunity to unleash our full capabilities.
For far too long, some in our country have underestimated one the greatest tools God has blessed our country with – the abundance of oil and gas beneath our feet here in the Permian Basin.
At a time when our world is increasingly destabilized, our nation needs to lead from the front. The Permian Basin is too important of an asset to be left out of our national security toolkit, and we must use this unique asset to our benefit around the world.
I affirmed that the State of Midland, and the State of the entire Permian Basin, is resilient, renewed, ready, and strong.
Thank you to the Midland Chamber of Commerce for allowing me to report on the State of Midland the State of Midland address!
Taking Lessons from West Texas to Washington, DC
This week, I was joined by Congressman Jodey Arrington and Chairman Dan Newhouse in leading the Western Caucus West Texas Agriculture and Energy Field Tour.
We brought seven Members of Congress from across the country to West Texas to give them a first-hand look at the work happening to make our region the epicenter of agriculture and energy production for the country.
One of the most valuable experiences members of Congress can have is seeing how actions in D.C. have adverse and unintended consequences for folks on the front lines. That is why we met directly with agriculture and energy producers to hear from the people who matter the most when it comes to keeping our nation energy and food independent.
In Lubbock and Lamesa, we heard from researchers and agriculture producers, and also toured a dairy and feed yard. Most importantly, we were able to sit down with the producers who feed and clothe our nation and hear how the policies in Washington, DC are affecting their livelihoods and ability to keep America at the forefront of innovation.
In the Permian Basin, we met with oil and gas producers, went up on a drilling rig, and toured an active frac site. My colleagues saw our world class Permian Basin oil & gas production for themselves, and learned how we do it safer and more efficiently than anyone else. Most importantly, they heard about the challenges facing this critical industry.
These members will now be vocal and effective advocates for our ag and energy industries, and will join me in pushing back against the destructive policies coming through Congress.
We are united in putting Midland over Moscow, re-establishing American energy dominance, and further supporting our farmers and ranchers.
Supporting our Israeli Allies
Last week, I was joined by my Republican colleagues in sending a letter to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin urging the transfer of KC-46A aerial refueling tanker to Israel expeditiously.
It appears that the Biden administration is delaying the transfer of critical aerial refueling tankers to Israel in a political effort to placate Tehran during their dangerous Iran nuclear deal negotiations. The United States should not be putting the Ayatollah over our allies in Israel. The White House must reverse course and expedite this transfer as soon as possible.
Read the full text of the letter by clicking here or below.
ACES Act
I recently introduced the Aviator Cancer Examination Study (ACES) Act to study a potential link between aviators and increased cancer rates.
This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to identify the cancer incidence in the entire aviation community, what toxins they face, and whether a link exists between their illnesses.
As a former fighter pilot, I know the risks that airmen and women take every day when they step into the cockpit. After putting their lives on the line in the line of duty for their country, airmen and women deserve assurances that they will be taken care of and not put in undue danger. This legislation will play a vital role in protecting our service members and advocating for health and overall well-being.
Migrant Encounters
According to the U.S. Customs and Broder Protection, more than 210,000 migrants tried to illegally cross our southern border in March – and that does not include those who crossed undetected.
This is the direct result of President Biden’s failed border policies.
Almost half of these migrants were expelled under Title 42 – the Trump-era immigration requirement for immediate expulsion. However, President Biden recently announced his intention to rescind that authority next month.
Blocking Title 42 expulsions will most certainly incentivize even more illegal mass migration.
Under President Biden and “Border Czar” VP Harris, the border humanitarian crisis is becoming exponentially worse. I will continue pressing my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to pass border security solutions.
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