Texas Insider Report: WASHINGTON, D.C. – I wanted to provide you with an update on my work for Texas' 31st district in the United States House.
The Docket
- January Constituent Services Update
- Passing the HALT Fentanyl Act
The Brief:
- The Pentagon is sending an additional 1,500 active-duty troops to the southern border by the end of the month, a U.S. official told Fox News on Wednesday.
- Texas’ top officials have pledged to cut property taxes for homeowners and businesses this year, building on a mammoth package of tax cuts lawmakers passed two years ago.
- Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said during an interview that he plans to encourage air traffic controllers to keep working past the mandatory retirement age of 56, which he says would enhance safety.
In January, my office assisted 185 Texans who were facing issues with federal agencies and helped return over $4 million to constituents. This amount includes IRS refunds, VA benefits, and Social Security payments owed to constituents that were stuck behind bureaucratic red tape. If you need help with a federal agency or want to learn more about constituent services, click here.
Halt Fentanyl
This week, the House passed the HALT Fentanyl Act, legislation I proudly supported to combat the deadly opioid epidemic. This bill permanently classifies illicit fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I drugs, giving law enforcement the tools they need to crack down on traffickers and protect our communities. Fentanyl overdoses are now the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18-45, and we must take decisive action to stop this crisis and save lives.
Juvenile Justice Center Expansion Project Groundbreaking
As many of you know, I served as a district court judge in Williamson County for 21 years before becoming your U.S. Representative. I am deeply passionate about juvenile justice and was on the bench when the Williamson County Juvenile Justice Center was originally constructed. On Friday, I had the privilege of joining Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell, State Representative Caroline Harris Davila, county commissioners, and other leaders to break ground on the Juvenile Justice Center expansion project. This expansion will provide much-needed resources to support the county's growing needs. Ensuring that young people have the opportunity to turn their lives around and make better choices is vital to our society, and I am grateful to have been part of this important milestone.
