Praying for Those Impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton
Camille and I continue to pray for all those in Florida impacted by Hurricane Milton, along with our fellow Americans in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee, as they work to rebuild their communities after Hurricane Helene.
I am working with my colleagues in Congress to press the White House to prioritize disaster funding from FEMA for American citizens. For far too long, the Biden-Harris Administration has prioritized illegal immigrants over its own citizens. We must ensure those impacted by both Hurricane Milton and Helene receive adequate support.
Marking One Year Since October 7th
It was a somber honor to speak at the Congregation Beth Israel on the first anniversary of the horrific October 7th attacks on Israel. It has now been one year since Iran-backed Hamas terrorists brutally murdered 1,200 innocent civilians, savagely assaulted women and children, and took hundreds hostage.
I joined my colleagues in Congress and signed on to a resolution condemning the attacks of October 7th and calling for Hamas to immediately release the hostages and surrender. The United States must continue to support Israel as they fight to defend their country. Read the full resolution here.
Afghan National Arrested in Oklahoma for Election Day Terror Plot
An Afghan national, Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, was arrested in Oklahoma and charged with plotting an Election Day terrorist attack in the United States on behalf of ISIS. It was later revealed that he entered the United States days after the Biden-Harris Administration's disastrous Afghanistan withdrawal—and had been granted parole status.
This shocking revelation is a testament to the Biden-Harris Administration's failure to secure the homeland. As Chairman of the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Counterterrorism, I was among the first in Congress to expose this Administration for allowing known and suspected terrorists (KSTs) to cross the southern border. Read more in the Daily Wire here or below.
ChinaAid Banquet
I was honored to speak at ChinaAid of Midland's Annual Banquet with Founder Dr. Bob Fu.
ChinaAid provides assistance to persecuted people groups and rights activists located in China. I invited Dr. Fu to testify in front of the U.S. House Homeland Security Committee to detail his experience with transnational repression at the hands of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Transnational repression, the act of foreign governments or their proxies targeting individuals in another country using various coercive tactics, has become an increasingly concerning issue in the United States.
Since President Xi Jinping took power, the CCP's repression against religious freedom, human rights, and the rule of law has reached its worst level. I am grateful for Dr. Fu's leadership across the globe in standing up to dictators like President Jinping. At the event, we were joined by my colleague and fellow Texan Congressman Chip Roy (TX-21).
I will continue standing with Dr. Fu and the many other Americans who have suffered from intimidation tactics by authoritarian regimes.
West Texas Lighthouse for the Blind
I had the opportunity to tour the Midland location of the West Texas Lighthouse for the Blind. This incredible company employs individuals with vision impairments who would otherwise have a difficult time finding employment. Around 70% of Americans with severe vision loss are unemployed. West Texas Lighthouse for the Blind serves an essential need in our community to not only employ but empower individuals with vision impairments to live a meaningful life. Their service and impact will last for generations.
Visiting TLCA Plane Rebuild
It was great to visit students at Texas Leadership of San Angelo who are rebuilding a Vans RV-12iS aircraft, which was donated to them through the non-profit Tango Flight Program. Students in this program are the next generation of engineers, pilots, and aviation mechanics or engineers. TLCA is the only school in its region to be partnering with the Tango Flight Program. I look forward to seeing the completed aircraft and the future endeavors of these talented students.
American Legion Auxiliary Unit 19 Award Presentation
I was privileged to attend and present annual awards to the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 19. The American Legion Auxiliary was founded in 1919 and is currently one of the largest veteran support organizations, with approximately 1.2 million members working in 8,500 local Units. I applaud their stellar work in bettering our community and supporting veterans of West Texas.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas 25th Anniversary Luncheon
Thank you to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas for inviting me to their 25th Anniversary Luncheon. I enjoyed touring their facility in San Angelo and speaking with their employees. In Texas alone, Blue Cross Blue Shield is the largest provider of health benefits and insures over 8 million Texans. Their facility in San Angelo employs 900 individuals who are tirelessly serving our communities each day.
Service Academy Applications Closing Soon
Applications for U.S. Service Academies are closing soon on October 18, 2024. This is an excellent opportunity for high school graduates to pursue a career in military service and serve our country in uniform.
If you missed Service Academy Night last week, please visit our website here to learn more about the application process to U.S. Service Academies. Please contact Mary.OConnor@mail.house.gov in my office with any additional questions.
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 skills.
The deadline is October 24th, 2024 at 12:00 pm ET. Students can learn more, 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.
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