As always, my office is open for constituents. We are continuing to provide casework support for constituents who need assistance with federal agencies.
Texas Insider Report WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today marks Day 17 of the government shutdown. The Senate still has not passed the House-passed Continuing Resolution, which would reopen the government at previously approved funding levels while negotiations on the appropriations bills continue. The Democrats’ plan to extend costly COVID-era Obamacare subsidies is a nonstarter. Instead of working toward a solution, Democrats have chosen to block paychecks for hardworking federal employees rather than take steps to curb our unsustainable national debt. Each week this shutdown continues, our economy loses an estimated $15 billion in GDP. We must get to a place where, instead of shouting past one another, we are sitting down and negotiating in good faith. I was in Washington this week to advocate for fixing, not fighting.
As always, my office is open for constituents. We are continuing to provide casework support for constituents who need assistance with federal agencies. You can visit my website to fill out a Privacy Release Form and request assistance from my office. Please note that there will be delays in agency responses due to the shutdown. I also have a shutdown guidance page to answer your questions. It is my honor to serve you in Congress. I remain committed to getting the government back open for the people we serve.
Hostage Release in the Middle East
On Monday, we saw remarkable news come out of the Middle East. After 737 days in captivity, the remaining 20 surviving Israeli hostages held by Hamas were released in a peace deal brokered under the real American leadership of our President. The perseverance of the family members of the hostages inspired people around the globe, reminding us of the power of persistence in the pursuit of freedom.
Legislative Highlights
This week, I joined Congressman Tony Gonzales (TX-23) on a letter to Secretary Noem urging DHS to reinstate the Cross-Border Threat Screening and Supply Cain Defense Center of Excellence at Texas A&M University. As the threat of the New World Screwworm continues to drive northwards to our border, it is essential we improve our detection technologies to prevent an outbreak in the United States. You can read the letter here.
H.R. 139→ Sunshine Protection Act of 2025
On May 22, 2025, the Texas Legislature passed House Bill 1393, and Governor Greg Abbott signed it into law on June 20, making Texas the latest state to vote for permanent daylight saving time. However, under the federal Uniform Time Act of 1966, states may opt out of daylight saving time (as Arizona and Hawaii have done), but they cannot remain on daylight saving time year-round without congressional approval.
That’s why federal action through H.R. 139, which I proudly co-sponsored, is essential. This bill would authorize states to observe daylight saving time permanently, giving Texas and others the freedom to set their own policies without federal restrictions.
