Strengthening the Strategic Petroleum Reserve
Texas Insider Report: WASHINGTON, D.C. – Just over a year ago, American families were struggling under the weight of Democratic mismanagement. Inflation was crushing household budgets, and chaos at our southern border threatened the safety of communities across the country. Simply put, the policies of the last administration left America in a very difficult place.
Since President Trump took office, House Republicans have been working to turn our country around, and the results are clear. Inflation has dropped to 2.4 percent, illegal border crossings have fallen dramatically, and Congress has passed hundreds of bills to restore fiscal responsibility, strengthen national security, and get our economy back on track. Most importantly, we promised relief for working families, and we delivered.
One of the biggest victories has been the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, signed into law on July 4, 2025. This historic legislation delivered the largest tax cut in American history, boosting take-home pay for working families and providing real relief for the middle class. During this tax season, families are seeing the impact firsthand. But the benefits go far beyond a lower tax bill. The law also includes major reforms to help families afford adoption, childcare, and time off when life matters most.
Making Adoption More AffordableFor the first time, up to $5,000 of the Adoption Tax Credit is now refundable. In the past, families could not receive more than they owed in taxes. Now, families who open their hearts and homes to a child will receive direct financial support to help with the cost of adoption.
Modernizing Paid Leave
We made the Paid Family and Medical Leave Tax Credit permanent and expanded it nationwide. We also reduced the required employment time from one year to six months so more workers can take time off for the birth of a child, a medical emergency, or caring for a loved one.
Cutting the Cost of Childcare
The law increases the Child and Dependent Care Credit from 35 percent to 50 percent and raises the income threshold so more middle-class families qualify. This change will help millions of households save hundreds—often nearly $1,000—on the cost of care.
Supporting Childcare Through Small Businesses
We also increased the tax credit for employers who provide childcare to their workers to $500,000, and up to $600,000 for small businesses. By allowing small businesses to work together and partner with childcare providers, we are creating more local options for working parents.
House Republicans are focused on delivering real results, not empty promises. Whether it is securing the border, cutting wasteful spending, or putting more money back into the pockets of hardworking Americans, we are committed to restoring the strength, prosperity, and security that our country deserves. Promises made, promises kept.
Strengthening the Strategic Petroleum Reserve
Last week, President Trump announced a coordinated agreement with the International Energy Agency to release oil reserves to stabilize global energy markets while the United States completes its objectives in Iran. Under this plan, America will release 172 million barrels from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, far less than the nearly 300 million barrels drained during the Biden administration, when reserves were tapped for political purposes ahead of the 2022 midterm elections after failed energy policies drove prices higher.
Unlike the previous administration, we are replenishing what we use. The United States has already secured agreements to replace more than 200 million barrels within the next year at no cost to taxpayers. Today, the Strategic Petroleum Reserve holds about 415 million barrels, up from 395 million just one year ago, as we work to rebuild the stockpile responsibly. While the Trump administration requested funding to fully refill the reserve, Congress has already taken the first step by providing funding to begin the process.
House Republicans remain committed to restoring American energy dominance, strengthening our national security, and ensuring the Strategic Petroleum Reserve is used for real emergencies, not politics.
