It is with a heavy heart that I write to you this week. Camille and I are mourning the loss of Charlie Kirk, who was tragically murdered in an act of political violence. Charlie was a man of God. He was a loving father, a devoted husband, and a dear friend. He was a true warrior for the conservative movement and an outspoken advocate for free speech, even for those who disagreed with him.
I had the privilege of serving alongside him on the U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors this year, inspiring the next generation of servicemembers together. I will never forget his charisma and mission to inspire young Americans. Political violence is from the pit of hell, and I want to be very clear: any person who targets or incites violence against another individual because of their beliefs is an enemy of this country. I will be leading the charge to ensure we unite as Americans to condemn political violence in any form.
This call for unity is especially important as we also marked the 24th anniversary of 9/11, the deadliest terror attack in our nation's history. Nearly a quarter of a century later, the threats we face have not gone away—they have only evolved, becoming more dangerous and sophisticated. As Chairman of the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence, I am committed to ensuring we stay ahead of these evolving threats to prevent a tragedy like 9/11 from ever happening again.
Please join me in praying for our nation and the Kirk Family.
Best,
A Message to Texas-11
As I reflected on the 24th anniversary of September 11th and the assassination of Charlie Kirk, I filmed a message to my fellow TX-11 residents and all Americans.
This week was a somber reminder of how fragile life truly is. We must honor and remember the lives and legacies of American patriots. I pray that, as we did 24 years ago, our country can be united behind the theme that we as Americans do not tolerate the incitement of violence against anyone for political reasons. Please watch my full message here or by clicking the image below.
Remembering the 24th Anniversary of 9/11
To further reflect on the 24th anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks, and the evolving nature of terror threats facing America today, I penned an op-ed in Fox News this week. Americans must never forget that fateful day, and we must stay vigilant to prevent a tragedy like this from ever happening again. Read the op-ed, in part, below.
On the morning of September 11, 2001, I was in Del Rio, Texas, justone week away from graduating from pilot training. It was a day that began like any other as I looked forward to what was supposed to be a celebratory start to my flying career.Then, everything changed. The horrificterrorist attacksonour nation notonly altered the course of my life but also revealed the fight of our generation.
After graduating, I wentonto serve as a fighter pilot in theU.S. Air Force, flying combat missions in the F-22 against ISIS in IraqandSyria. Twenty-four years later, the lessons I learned from that fateful dayandthroughout my combat service remain etched in memory, serving as a reminder that our enemies are always watching, adapting,andwaiting patiently in the shadows.
Read the full piece here or by clicking the image below.
Securing Wins for Texas-11 in the National Defense Bill
In some positive news, I was proud to have secured major wins for Texas-11 in the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which passed the House this week. The NDAAis the legislative vehicle that authorizes policies, programs, and spending for the Department of War.
Ensuring our military is properly equipped to deter, and if necessary, win any potential future conflict, must be a top priority in Congress. This year's NDAA helps us achieve these objectives by implementing President Trump's Peace Through Strength agenda, codifying over 45 of his Executive Orders and legislative proposals, andfully funding several of his priorities, such as the F-47, autonomous weapons systems, and new battle force ships.
It also refocuses the Pentagon on lethality and warfighting by eliminating DEI programs, banning Critical Race Theory, and ending the woke idea that our servicemembers should be promoted on anything other than merit. The NDAA also secures America's borders, builds a ready, capable, and lethal fighting force to confront the threats of tomorrow, and supports our servicemembers with a 3.8% pay raise, improved housing and education, and expanded access to healthcare and childcare.
All the while, it ensures hardworking Texans continue to play a critical role in our national defense by funding Goodfellow Air Force Base's much-needed dormitory upgrades and supporting Fort Hood's Smart Water Grid and Central Energy Plant to enhance base resilience.
Read more about the FY26 NDAA and the wins I secured in it here.
Emergency Communications Preparedness
As a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, I participated in a Communications and Technology Subcommittee hearing to discuss public safety communication in the United States. During the hearing, I highlighted the need for secondary communication options during an emergency in rural areas. It is critical that Congress examine how to bring connectivity to areas unserved.
Watch my full line of questioning here or by clicking the image below.
Experts Confirm: Biden-Era Regulations Make It Harder to Buy and Own Homes
The Biden Administration's Department of Energy imposed burdensome energy efficiency standards on homes, raising costs and harming grid reliability. During a House Energy and Commerce Energy Subcommittee hearing this week, witnesses confirmed that these harmful policies have significantly raised costs for homeowners. Republicans have worked tirelessly to roll back these regulations that put a chokehold on hardworking Americans.
Watch my full line of questioning here or by clicking the image below.
ICYMI: KWEL Morning Show with Craig Anderson
I joined the KWEL Morning Show with Craig Anderson to condemn political violence in all forms and speak on the incredible impact of Charlie Kirk's legacy.
Listen to our full conversation here or by clicking on the image below.
2025 Congressional App Challenge
My office is accepting submissions for the 2025 Congressional App Challenge. This competition is an excellent opportunity for students in middle and high school to further develop their skills in computer science and STEM.
Students have until October 30, 2025, to submit their app. Information on the Congressional App Challenge, including how to apply, can be found on my website by clicking here.
· The app will be unveiled in a Congressional Reception in Washington, D.C., in late December (date TBD).
· Additional prizes may 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.
· The competition is open to students in 6th-12th grades.
· 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.usor contact Kathy Keane in my office at kathy.keane@mail.house.gov.
Deadline Extended: Apply for FEMA Assistance by September 28th
Since the devastating floods swept through Central and West Texas on July 4th,my office and I have been working closely with local leaders and officials to ensure that residents in Texas's 11th Congressional District have access to the resources and assistance they need.
FEMA has extended the deadline for residents impacted by the floods to apply for FEMA assistance. I strongly encourage homeowners, renters, and students who have not yet applied to do so before the new deadline on Sunday, September 28th.
Additionally, FEMA released information on legal services and disaster case managers available to flood survivors, as unexpected legal issues may arise after a disaster that can leave individuals and families devastated.If you are facing legal issues resulting from the July storms and flooding, you can get free legal advice. Click HERE for more information.
REMINDER: If you are in need of assistance with a federal agency, my office is here to help. For more information, please visit our website HERE.
Thank you for reading. It is the honor of my lifetime to serve you in Congress. Please follow me onFacebook,Instagram, andX (formerly Twitter)for daily updates.
