Babin: Secretary Wright Visits Port Houston

Fully Funding ICE and Border Patrol Officers, Protecting Taxpayer Dollars from Fraud

Texas Insider Report: WASHINGTON, D.C. –  I was honored to welcome Secretary of Energy Chris Wright to Port Houston to showcase the indispensable role Southeast Texas plays in powering our nation and securing America's energy future.

From crude oil and refined products to LNG and petrochemicals, the Houston Ship Channel and Port Houston are the beating heart of American energy dominance. The energy produced, refined, and exported from our region powers homes and businesses across the globe, strengthens our allies, and reinforces America's position as the world's leading energy producer. Every year, Port Houston supports nearly $1 trillion in economic activity and millions of jobs, proving that what happens in Southeast Texas doesn't stay in Southeast Texas, it shapes the future of our nation.

During our visit, we discussed how investments in critical infrastructure, including Project 11 and the expansion of the Houston Ship Channel, are increasing export capacity, improving safety, and ensuring our region remains the gateway through which American energy reaches the world. I have been proud to work alongside local leaders, industry partners, and federal agencies to secure the authorizations and funding necessary to advance this transformational project.

The road to American energy dominance runs through Southeast Texas. With the resources beneath our feet, the infrastructure along our coast, and the hardworking men and women of our district, we have both the privilege and the responsibility of fueling America's prosperity, strengthening our national security, and leading the world for generations to come.

Fully Funding ICE and Border Patrol Officers
Every day, ICE and Border Patrol agents put themselves in harm's way to combat terrorism, dismantle human trafficking networks, stop the flow of deadly drugs, take down violent cartels, and keep Americans safe. Yet for more than 100 days, congressional Democrats blocked funding for the brave men and women serving on the front lines of our homeland security.

While Democrats played political games, our border remained vulnerable and the agencies charged with protecting our nation were left without the resources they need. The consequences of failed border policies are real, and communities across America have paid the price.

That's why I proudly voted for the Secure America Act to fully fund the Department of Homeland Security, including ICE and Border Patrol, and was honored to join President Trump as he signed it into law. This legislation ensures our law enforcement officers have the tools, personnel, and support they need to secure our border, protect American families, and restore the rule of law.

America is strongest when we stand behind those who stand guard over our nation, and I will never stop fighting to ensure they have everything they need to keep us safe.

Protecting Taxpayer Dollars from Fraud
Every dollar stolen by fraudsters is a dollar taken away from hardworking American families and the programs that millions of seniors, children, and vulnerable Americans rely on every day. Unfortunately, fraud and improper payments continue to drain billions of taxpayer dollars from federal programs each year, undermining trust in government and wasting resources that should be serving the American people.

That's why House Republicans took action this month to crack down on fraud and strengthen accountability across the federal government. I proudly voted for the Fraud Prevention and Accountability Act and the Stopping Fraudulent Payments Act to improve oversight, prevent waste, and ensure taxpayer dollars are used as intended.

The American people work too hard to see their tax dollars stolen or squandered. I will continue fighting to root out fraud, protect vital programs, and ensure Washington is a responsible steward of the money entrusted to it by taxpayers.