Addressing Terror Threats Associated with Foreign, Cloud-Based Apps Like TikTok
More than 20 years after 9/11, the advent of cloud-based technology has given terrorist groups even more tools to use in their pursuit of deadly chaos.
As the Chairman of the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Counterterrorism, Law Enforcement, and Intelligence, I introduced a bipartisan bill this week with Rep. Jimmy Panetta of California that requires the secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to conduct annual assessments on terrorism threats posed to the United States by terrorist organizations utilizing foreign, cloud-based mobile and desktop messaging applications.
Foreign-controlled apps like TikTok and encrypted messaging platforms like Telegram have shined a disturbing light on the extreme lengths America’s enemies will go to attack our way of life and radicalize young minds with violent extremist ideology, as well as the terrifying potency of their grotesque messages when disseminated on platforms with almost unlimited reach.
Considering the heightened threat landscape created by terrorist organizations around the world, especially as we saw just last October with the devastating terrorist attack in Israel, DHS must take steps to assess and address this threat before it’s too late. Read more about the bill here.
Senior Life Midland: Meals on Wheels
Senior Life Midland is an excellent organization providing homebound services, like Meals on Wheels, to seniors in the Permian Basin. I recently had the opportunity to tour their new facility to get an inside look at the many services they provide.
Meals on Wheels is not just about providing a hot meal; it is about taking care of our neighbors and seniors and building lasting relationships. Senior Life Midland delivers over 500 meals daily in the Permian Basin, and their new facility is up to the task. This fantastic public-private partnership showcases the spirit of volunteerism in our community. Read more about the tour on CBS7 News here.
Biden-Harris Administration Released 99 Suspected Terrorists into the U.S.
This week, the House Judiciary Committee led by Chairman Jim Jordan released an explosive report exposing the Biden-Harris Administration's negligence in releasing at least 99 illegal aliens on the terrorist watchlist into the country after they were arrested.
Secretary Mayorkas refused to give a straight answer when I asked him if DHS detains and removes terrorist threats who cross the border illegally. We now know why: the Biden-Harris Administration released at least 99 dangerous individuals who match the terrorist watchlist into American communities in just two years.
It took less than 20 terrorists to plot the attacks on 9/11 that killed thousands of innocent Americans. The open border policies of President Biden and Border Czar Vice President Harris put our citizens at risk.
Bryce Hoppel Qualifies for His First Olympic 800-Meter Final
Our entire district is so proud of Midlander Bryce Hoppel for representing us well on Team USA at the Olympics. Bryce is a graduate of Midland High School and the reigning U.S. 800-Meter Champion.
He will race in the finals TOMORROW (Saturday) at 12:05p CT. The City of Midland is hosting a watch party at the Momentum Bank Ballpark Diamond Club from 11 am-1 pm. They are serving free hotdogs and chips from the Midland RockHounds, complimentary water from the City of Midland, and free snow cones from Kona Ice!
If you're in the area, I encourage you to attend to support Bryce as he competes for Olympic Gold!
Counter SNIPER Act: Ensuring the U.S. Secret Service is Capable and Apolitical
In today's highly divisive political climate, we must provide adequate security for all presidential candidates—no matter their party affiliation. Unfortunately, recent security failures have highlighted deficiencies in the current system.
I recently introduced the Counter SNIPER Act, which:
· Requires the DHS Secretary to provide justification within 14 days of receiving a request for new or augmented USSS protection for presidential or vice-presidential candidates, including what criteria the candidate did not meet.
· Allows candidates to provide rebuttals with supporting information, which the Secretary must respond to within 14 days, including what criteria the candidate did not meet.
· Calls for the USSS Director to be a Senate-confirmed position to help ensure candidates for this position are capable and apolitical.
Our country was millimeters away from a presidential assassination. We cannot get this wrong.
Honoring the Legacy of Raul Lopez
Our entire family is saddened to learn of the passing of Raul Lopez, a dedicated United States Air Force hero and an integral member of our San Angelo community. After serving as Deputy Base Commander at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Raul and his wife Debbie loved San Angelo so much that they settled here to raise their family.
Mr. Lopez founded the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Program (ROTC) in San Angelo and dedicated years to mentoring the next generation and offering his military and personal expertise to thousands of students. His devotion to our country and investment in our community has changed countless lives for the better. My prayers go out to Debbie and their entire family. He will be greatly missed.
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 Kathy.Keane@mail.house.gov.
Thank you for reading. It is the honor of my lifetime to serve you in Congress. Please follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitterfor daily updates.
