Congressman Jodey Arrington
Texas Insider Report: WASHINGTON D.C. While it looked like U.S. trade representatives were close to clinching a trade deal with our Chinese counterparts recently talks hit a roadblock when the Chinese changed the terms of the agreement at the last minute. For decades we have allowed China to take advantage of us and the result has been stolen technologies a hollowed out manufacturing sector and a $300 billion trade deficit. We are long-overdue to hold them accountable and demand a fairer and more reciprocal relationship for American companies and workers and President Trump is right to have the political courage to stand up to China.
At the same time we need to be smart and strategic about how we hit reset with China. While tariffs are the least desirable trade tool in our kit they are a necessary one and I believe the President is right to use them. However we need to ensure that when we apply tariffs we do so in a way that puts the maximum amount of pressure on China so that they change their behavior while also mitigating against the adverse effects on our own producers manufacturers and economy. That is why I am imploring President Trump and his administration to provide relief to those industries most affected by these tariffs agriculture being chief among them. We must achieve two things: one give the President the runway to force China to a fairer deal; and two ensure our producers and manufacturers can stay in business until we get to the other side of these negotiation. If we can achieve those objectives Im confident the future will be brighter and more prosperous for the next generation.
More Misleading Titles from the Majority
Last week Democrats voted to pass partisan legislation with the purposely misleading title Protecting Americans with Pre-existing Conditions Act. While this bill does nothing to protect patients with pre-existing conditions something we all agree on it does prevent states from having the freedom and flexibility to develop innovative solutions to help working families trapped under Obamacare. We should be debating legislation on the merits not giving bills titles designed to deceive and mislead the American people. Click here to see my floor speech on the need to be straightforward with our fellow citizens not take them for fools.
Border at the Breaking Point
The security and humanitarian crisis at our southern border shows no signs of abating. Last month border patrol agents arrested over 100000 illegal immigrants trying to cross the border illegally nearly 3000 a day and the highest level in over a decade. This surge in illegal immigration is unsustainable and its overwhelming a system already at the breaking point. I applaud President Trump for his tireless commitment to secure our border and its time for Democrats to come to the table and work with us on solutions that will safeguard our sovereignty and keep the American people safe. Click here to read a Washington Examiner article on our worsening border crisis.
Timeless Texas Tradition
The Texas Cowboy Reunion held every year in Stamford has been preserving the heritage of the American cowboy for almost 90 years. In addition to being the worlds largest amateur rodeo theyre now the newest inductees into the Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame. Click here to watch my floor speech recognizing this timeless Texas tradition.
Telephone Townhall this Thursday
I am holding a telephone townhall this coming Thursday May 23rd at 6:45 pm to provide an update on what I have been working on in Washington and to hear your feedback on issues important to our region. If you are interested in participating please click here and fill out the sign-up form to register.
Please know it is an honor to be your Representative. Feel free to reach out to my office and let me know how I can best serve you.
