Third Anniversary of the U.S. Withdrawal from Afghanistan
Yesterday marked the three-year anniversary of the Biden-Harris Administration's catastrophic withdrawal from Afghanistan, which took the lives of thirteen American combat heroes in Kabul. This decision has allowed the Taliban to regain control and become a breeding ground for terror.
While the Taliban celebrated the U.S. withdrawal with a parade of American military equipment left behind, no one in the Biden-Harris White House has been held accountable.
We will never forget the consequences of this action by the Biden-Harris White House, and we grieve with the families of those killed.
The Biden-Harris Foreign Policy Strategy Unleashes Chaos Abroad and Home
From their first day in office, the Biden-Harris Administration has adhered to a foreign policy strategy of appeasement. In three years, the world has witnessed the disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan, Putin's invasion of Ukraine, and Hamas's attack on Israel. All of these events have weakened the United States on the world stage.
I penned an op-ed in the Washington Examiner detailing the failed foreign policies of the Biden-Harris Administration that are emboldening our adversaries. It is past time to exert maximum pressure and stand firm with our allies. Read the full op-ed here or below.
Bryce Hoppel Breaks U.S. Record at Paris Olympics
Last week, Midland High graduate Bryce Hoppel raced the fastest 800-meter race of his life in the Olympic finals in Paris and broke the record for the fastest Team USA finish in history. No American has ever run two laps around a track faster than Bryce, who ran an incredible time of 1:41:67. Bryce, everyone in Texas-11, and in fact everyone in America, is so incredibly proud of you.
You represent the absolute best in our country, and you have represented the USA with honor at these Olympic Games!
Calling on Biden-Harris DOE to Renew LNG Export Permits
Since before coming to office, I have made it my mission to enable U.S. energy producers to do what they do best: fuel our nation and allies with affordable, reliable, secure energy.
Unfortunately, the Biden-Harris Administration has worked to shackle the industry with burdensome regulations that stifle production—and even went so far as to impose an illegal ban on liquefied natural gas (LNG)exports.
The U.S. House of Representatives passed my legislation the Unlocking Our Domestic LNG Act of 2024 which would reverse this de facto ban, and a federal judge recently deemed it unlawful. I joined Congressman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) and other members of the House Energy Export Caucus indemandingthe Biden-Harris Administration immediately authorize LNG export permits.
With the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, President Biden and Vice President Harris must unleash American energy to support our allies. Read the full letter to the DOE here.
Protecting Cell Service in Rural Communities
I recently introduced the Supporting National Security with Spectrum Act, which would fully fund the "Rip and Replace" program to remove Chinese equipment from American telecommunication networks. If this program is not fully funded, thousands of wireless and broadband providers will be saddled with billions of dollars in costs that could result in service blackouts and company closures.
There are over 6,000 sites across the United States in need of "Rip and Replace" funding, 341 of which are in Texas alone. This bill is vital to our national security and to ensure rural areas do not lose access to basic connectivity. If left unfunded, Chinese equipment such as Huawei and ZTE will remain in our networks, including near areas of strategic importance, like military bases and airports. Read more about the bill here.
Texas Oncology Tour in Odessa
Since 1986, Texas Oncology has been a leader in our state for cancer treatment. I recently toured their facility in Odessa to gain a better understanding of their role in providing compassionate care to patients. Texas Oncology has 280 locations with more than 530 physicians helping Texans fight cancer. Their service and passion for helping others in times of need is inspiring.
Thank you to the team and staff at Texas Oncology for allowing me to tour their facility and learn about their services.
Henderson Family from Odessa in Washington
Thank you to James and Marie Henderson of Odessa for stopping by our Washington, D.C. office after their U.S. Capitol tour earlier this week. I encourage families and schools from across Texas-11 to visit Washington and its many attractions. To book a tour through our office, please visit https://pfluger.house.gov/forms/tourrequest/.
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.
Step-by-Step Video Guide
The Congressional App Challenge website has a step-by-step video guide that walks students, parents, and educators through the application process. Click here to access the video guide.
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.
