It was a pleasure to be on the road traveling through Texas-11 to hear directly from so many of our fantastic communities. This week, I hosted Town Halls in San Saba and Lampasas along with Coffee with the Congressman in Odessa. I am proud to represent these strong communities that contribute to our nation's food, energy, and national security.
Since January, I have hosted many events across the district—each event providing excellent opportunities for me to hear your thoughts, concerns and answer questions. I take your opinions and suggestions seriously to help advance policy priorities that benefit Texas-11. Thank you all for the honor of representing you in Congress.
Midland Police Department Radio Tower Ribbon-Cutting
I was honored to be in attendance at the Midland Police Department's ribbon-cutting for the Greenwood Radio Tower. The completion of this essential project will upgrade radios and other emergency equipment used by law enforcement and first responders. I am proud to have secured the necessary funding for this project that will benefit thousands across the Permian Basin.
Reliable communication is the backbone of effective emergency response and public safety. Together, we all made a significant step forward in ensuring that our law enforcement officers are well-equipped to serve the community. Read more here about the project in the Midland Reporter-Telegram.
Expanding Broadband Access in Rural Communities
This week I introduced the PROTOCOL Act alongside Representative Debbie Dingell (MI-06) to improve the mapping process for broadband funding. There are currently over 130 broadband programs being funded across fifteen different federal agencies with little coordination on billions of dollars being spent. The lack of coordination by federal agencies has led to leaving many communities across the country unserved from basic broadband service.
I have had the opportunity to connect with many leaders in Texas-11 who are working to close the digital divide in America, like Central Texas Telephone Cooperative (CTTC) in Goldthwaite. Read more about the PROTOCOL Act here.
Kiwanis Club of San Angelo
I was honored to be selected as the keynote speaker for the San Angelo Kiwanis Club this week. The Kiwanis Club is a service-based organization that focuses on bettering the lives of youth in our communities. Kiwanians believe in helping young people develop mentally, physically, and emotionally. I applaud their service and dedication to seeing our community thrive.
Killeen Kangaroos Football Game
Thank you to the Killeen Kangaroo Football Team for letting me flip the game coin at their first home game last Friday. I look forward to following all of our football teams across Texas-11 and wish them a winning season.
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.
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.
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.
