Yesterday, Israel announced the elimination of Yahya Sinwar, the architect behind Hamas' horrific October 7th attacks on Israel. I commend the Israeli Defense Force for standing up to terror and protecting their citizens. This is a victory for justice and a reminder that terrorism will not prevail.
I will continue standing firmly with Israel as they defend their people and sovereignty.
Protecting Voter Integrity in Texas
I recently joined my Texan colleagues in Congress in calling on the Biden-Harris Administration to immediately provide the necessary data to protect the integrity of Texas elections and ensure that only U.S. citizens are registered to vote in the State of Texas.
In the letter, we write: “The Biden-Harris administration has consistently dismissed the prospect of non-citizens voting, erroneously claiming, ‘current laws to prevent noncitizen voting are working.’ Yet the administration is preventing states from enforcing those laws, as evidenced by the failure to provide Texas with citizenship data, and its recent lawsuit against Alabama's removal of noncitizens from its voter rolls. In June 2012, the State of Florida was forced to sue DHS to gain access to the SAVE System to help verify the citizenship status of voters in Florida.
We reiterate our intent that you expeditiously provide the data requested by the state-data that you are required to provide under federal law. To that end, please provide our offices with copies of your correspondence with Secretary of State Nelson. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.”
Americans deserve confidence in our election system. I am proud to work alongside other Texans in demanding that the Biden-Harris Administration protect the integrity of our elections. Read more here.
FCC Fast Tracking Buyout of American Radio Stations
Recently, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) fast-tracked the buyout of over 200 American radio stations, just months before the 2024 election.
As a member of the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce, I joined my colleagues on the committee in demanding answers from FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel on her decision to allow the Fund for Policy Reform, a group aligned with Democratic mega-donor George Soros, to purchase these radio stations. Read more about the letter in Breitbart here or below.
Urging DEA to Extend Telemedicine Prescribing of Controlled Substances
Many Americans, especially those living in rural or remote areas, rely on telemedicine for patient care with their doctor.
I joined a bipartisan group of colleagues on the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee in urging the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to extend current flexibilities for telemedicine prescribing of controlled substances.
We must ensure that doctors can continue to prescribe vital medications for patients. Read the full letter here.
Independent Panel Reveals Secret Service Needs Reform
This week, an independent panel formed by President Joe Biden to review the attempted assassination attempt on President Donald Trump released a report revealing that the U.S. Secret Service needs serious and adequate reform.
The panel said in their report that the U.S. Secret Service had become "bureaucratic, complacent, and static." This finding is simply unacceptable. We must ensure that all protectees under the supervision of the U.S. Secret Service are given apolitical and timely protection.
San Angelo Jet Center Grand Opening
San Angelo Regional Director Kathy Keane attended the grand opening of the San Angelo Jet Center this week, which will further strengthen the aviation community in West Texas. The 24,000-square-foot hangar will allow faster aircraft refueling times along with complete ground handling and line maintenance, aircraft catering, flight planning, and a weather room. I look forward to seeing the lasting impact that the San Angelo Jet Center will have on our community.
Optimum Unveils New Connectivity Centers for Boys and Girls Club
Our office was honored to be in attendance at the unveiling of the newly-remodeled computer labs of the Boys & Girls Club of the Concho Valley with the generous partnership of Optimum. The renovated spaces will provide students access to state-of-the-art technology, high-speed internet, and digital resources for homework assistance and STEM-based activities.
As a member of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communication and Technology, it is vital we close the digital divide for all Americans. To show our appreciation for Optimum investing in the youth of the Concho Valley, Kathy Keane in our San Angelo office was proud to present a Congressional Recognition at the unveiling ceremony.
Service Academy Applications Closing TODAY
Applications for U.S. Service Academies are closing today 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, 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 Closing Soon
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.
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.