This past month, I spent time serving our country as a reserve officer in the United States Air Force. Reflecting upon my military service, I am grateful to everyone in the 11th District of Texas for the outpouring of support during this time. I would like to especially thank my wife Camille and our family for the sacrifices they make alongside my service.
I spent almost 20 years on active duty. Having the opportunity to reconnect with this aspect of my service and understand the challenges that our military is going through is invaluable. There are so many incredible men and women serving this country who signed up to put the country ahead of themselves and it was incredibly impactful to work alongside them. They want to serve, and they want to know that the mission is making a difference in protecting our great nation.
Our world continues to be a dangerous place, especially with increasing aggression from Russia, China, Iran, and other violent terrorist extremists around the globe. We need to ensure the men and women serving our country in uniform have the tools, resources, and capabilities to complete the mission at hand.
I know that every individual who wears the uniform joins me in having a shared sense of pride and love for this country. Our service members put themselves in harm’s way each day to protect our liberties and freedoms. Their sacrifice and commitment to the United States of America, along with their families, are invaluable. I have hope and continue to be inspired by their courage and patriotism. May God continue to bless our country and service members abroad and at home.
Vice President Kamala Harris Flip-Flopping on Border Wall
This week, Vice President Kamala Harris flip-flopped her stance—claiming that she supports a wall along our southern border. This is in direct contrast to her numerous public statements and years of work opposing a border wall, claiming it was ‘un-American' and a waste of taxpayer money.
Under the Biden-Harris Administration, over 10 million illegal immigrants have entered our country—including known and suspected terrorists. Many Americans have suffered at the hands of dangerous criminals who entered the U.S. illegally and were released by the Biden-Harris Department of Homeland Security.
I invited Vice President Harris to a migrant holding facility located in Midland amid allegations of abuse, sexual assault, and insufficient staffing, which has remained unanswered. The Vice President has spent over three years enabling a border crisis, and the American people know the truth. This flip-flopping is simply a ploy to buy votes during an election year.
Texas Cleans Voting Registration Rolls
I commend the State of Texas for leading the charge to protect our elections by removing one million ineligible individuals from voter registration rolls. House Republicans have worked to enact legislation at the federal level that empowers all fifty states to purge their voter rolls of noncitizens, illegal aliens, and foreign nationals. The integrity of our elections is paramount to the future of our country.
The U.S. House of Representatives passed my legislation to block noncitizens from voting in Washington, D.C. If you are not a citizen, you do not have the right to vote–period.
Read more about Texas' role in cleaning voting registration rolls in the New York Post here.
Odessa-Midland Mass Shooting Anniversary
This week the Permian Basin will commemorate five years since seven innocent lives were taken with numerous others injured in a tragic mass shooting. May we never forget the lives and legacies of the victims. I am incredibly proud of the Odessa and Midland communities for their strength and resilience in the aftermath of this tragedy. The new Bright Star Memorial was dedicated on the campus of the University of Texas Permian Basin to honor those lost, but also
survivors. Let us all continue to pray for peace and comfort to the families of the victims.
Town Halls in San Saba and Lampasas
I will be hosting Town Hall meetings in San Saba and Lampasas next week. Town Hall meetings are one of the best ways I can hear directly from you and answer your questions. I would love to see you there!
Congressional Youth Advisory Council
I am excited to announce the re-launch of the Congressional Youth Advisory Council for high school juniors and seniors in the 11th Congressional District of Texas.This esteemed program offers a unique opportunity for passionate and driven young leaders to engage with government, collaborate with peers, and serve their communities.
Participants will have the chance to interact directly with myself, special guests, and senior staff members in up to four interactive virtual meetings. Additionally, CYAC participants will be provided special admittance to the Pfluger Youth Leadership Conference in Spring 2025 (Date TBD).
The deadline for submissions is September 13, 2024.
For questions about the program or application, please contact Corbette Padilla in the Midland district office at 432-687-2390.
Read more about the Congressional Youth Advisory Council in CBS7 here or below.
Upcoming Service Academy Night
My office will soon be hosting a Service Academy Night for high school students interested in pursuing an education and military career through the U.S. military service academies on September 30th from 6:00-7:30 p.m.
The event will be held at the Angelo State University Houston Harte University Center in the CJ Davidson Conference Center, 1910 Rosemont Drive, San Angelo, Texas, 76901.
Students, parents, and educators are encouraged to attend! If you have questions or would like to RSVP, please reach out to Mary O'Connor in my office at mary.oconnor@mail.house.gov.
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.
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