The New York City criminal trial into former President Trump resulted in a politically-motivated, unjust conviction, and marks a dark turning point in our country. For the first time in American history, our system of justice has been weaponized by a political party against a former United States President. Make no mistake, this is election interference.
The Biden Administration has routinely used the Justice Department as a tool to go after conservatives, and this decision further proves that Democrats are willing to do anything to target their political opponents.
I fully support President Trump and his right to appeal this sham trial.
The Biden Administration is Using a Lizard to Kill Energy Production in the Permian Basin
Today, I introduced a Congressional Review Act (CRA) to nullify the Biden Administration’s U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service final rule listing the dunes sagebrush lizard as “endangered” under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
Listing the dunes sagebrush lizard under the ESA is an incredible threat to energy production in the Permian Basin. On the campaign trail, President Biden promised to kill the fossil fuel industry. This tactic is just the latest in a string of assaults on the Permian Basin and our way of life.
Last year, I introduced the Limiting Incredulous Zealots Against Restricting Drilling (LIZARD Act) that would have prevented this action. We cannot allow the President to take control of private property and kill energy jobs in West Texas. Read more here.
A Week Across Texas-11
It was great to host five community town halls in Brownwood, Goldthwaite, Llano, Mason, and Brady this week. It was a pleasure to honor folks in each of these communities who are making an incredible impact. In addition, town halls give me the opportunity to listen to your questions and concerns. I take the stories I hear across the district with me to Washington, D.C. and use them in committee hearings, meetings, and more. Thank you to all who took the time to come out this week. Please follow me on Facebook or keep an eye on this newsletter to stay up to date on future events.
Memorial Day with Tall City American Legion Post 119 in Midland
Memorial Day is arguably the most important holiday we observe as a country. It is a time for us to come together and remember what it truly means to be Americans as we honor the incredible men and women who died defending our great nation. As a veteran myself, I served with many colleagues who paid the ultimate sacrifice. I see it as my duty to remember their sacrifice, and I pledge to keep their memory alive for future generations.
On Monday, I was blessed to attend the Tall City American Legion Post 119’s annual Memorial Day service in Midland. As we look toward the 80th Anniversary of D-Day, Memorial Day is a powerful reminder of the price of freedom.
Celebrating 100 Years of U.S. Border Patrol Service and Sacrifice
The U.S. Border Patrol celebrated their 100th anniversary this week. I was honored to cosponsor a resolution alongside my colleagues on the U.S. House Homeland Security Committee to honor and commemorate the Border Patrol’s service and sacrifice to our country.
Our Border Patrol Agents and their families are faced with overwhelming mental and physical challenges each day due to the failed border policies of the Biden Administration. The stories these agents tell and the burden they have been forced to bear are unthinkable. We will continue to fight to ensure our men and women in green have the tools and resources needed to protect the American people. Read more about the resolution here.
Central Texas Telephone Cooperative in Goldthwaite
While on the road for town halls this week, I stopped by to meet with the Central Texas Telephone Cooperative (CTTC). Since 1951, CTTC has provided phone and internet service to Goldthwaite and the surrounding area. It is more important than ever that communities across the country have access to high-speed internet. I will always support our local telecommunications providers and continue working to expand access in rural areas.
2024 Congressional Art Competition Winner
Emily Parsons of Killeen High School is the 2024 Congressional Art Competition Winner for the 11th Congressional District of Texas with her piece titled “The American Dream.” Her artwork depicts a family, who are a symbol of American prosperity and happiness, at sunset. Emily’s winning creation will hang in the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. for a full year where it can be viewed by visitors and Members of Congress.
Regional Winners are as follows:
Midland Region: Angel Naila, Trinity School Midland
San Angelo Region: Paris Lack, Texas Online Preparatory Program
Llano Region: Jennifer Barcenas, San Saba High School
Brownwood Region: Sunny Groom, Early Middle School
Killeen Region: Amarilis Muniz, Killeen High School
Congratulations to Emily and all of our Regional Winners! I hope this competition continues to inspire our young artists to pursue their natural talents and create art that highlights the spirit of America.
Photos of the Regional Winner’s artwork can be viewed here.
2024 Congressional Art Competition Winner for the 11th Congressional District of Texas
Emily Parsons, Killeen High School
“The American Dream”
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.
