Texas Insider Report: WASHINGTON D.C. After the Democrats said that they would be willing to negotiate on border security should the government be funded President Trump approved a temporary funding package ending on February 15th. Time and time again President Trump has shown his willingness to negotiate and last weeks funding measure will give my Democrat colleagues yet another opportunity to come to the table to discuss meaningful immigration reform so that we may finally secure our southernmost border and stop rampant illegal traffic.
Watch my recent conversation with Bryan Mudd on border security here. ↓
As a border state Texas has been on the frontlines of this national security and humanitarian crisis. Our state and local law enforcement have been inundated with rising criminal and gang activity. Our families have been devastated by drug addiction and our hard-working taxpayers are spending billions of dollars that could otherwise be used to improve our communities. See the Abilene-Reporter News coverage on border security negotiations here.
In addition poor families and vulnerable children are being exploited by drug cartels taking undo risks because of a broken immigration system riddled with loopholes that encourage illegal immigration. I hope in the next few weeks we can agree on a comprehensive plan that includes physical and judicial infrastructure technology and boots on the ground. A wall fence barrier or door - whatever youd like to call it - is a necessary component to border security and I implore Speaker Pelosi and Democrat Leader Schumer to join with us in our efforts to fix our broken immigration system and infrastructure. Last week I met with the Lubbock A-J Editorial Board to discuss the latest on border security. Read what we discussed here.
Our Crippling National Debt
Let it be clear that the only way we will address our crippling national debt is by reforming our mandatory spending programs like Social Security Medicare and Medicaid. With our recent appointment to Ways and Means West Texas will have a hand in reducing waste fraud and abuse in these programs. See here for The Hills article on the Congressional Budget Offices annual report.
Homegrown Champion
Kutter Bland of Idalou proved that Texas is cattle country this past weekend after showing the Grand Champion a 1339 pound steer at the National Western Stock Show. Well done Kutter and good luck at Texas Tech! Read KCBDs write-up on his victory here.
Farm Bill Fact
With the 2018 Farm Bill passed and signed into law agriculture in West Texas looks better and brighter than ever. Economically Rural America is under tight fiscal constraints and the 2018 Farm Bill provides certainty to the families who work hard every day to put food on our tables and clothes on our backs.
Did you know that by enhancing the Foreign Market Development Program the 2018 Farm Bill promotes trade opportunities for U.S. agriculture exports allowing U.S. farmers to market their products on the world stage?
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.
