Representative Randy Weber

Real America's Voice

House Republicans have stayed focused on one goal: reopening the government. But every time the Senate gets the chance to act, Democrats drop the ball.

This week, the number two House Democrat, Katherine Clark, said it herself,

“Of course there will be families that are going to suffer...but it is one of the few leverage times we have.”

Democrat leadership is using hardworking Americans as leverage and behind closed doors, their own members admit it. One senator said, “People are going to get hammered if they vote for the House-passed bill.” Another added, “We would have enough votes if people were not terrified of getting the guillotine.”

House Republicans already passed a clean funding bill to keep the government open through November 21st. Every week this shutdown drags on costs America roughly $15 billion in GDP and puts thousands of jobs at risk. Meanwhile, Democrats are demanding $1.5 trillion in new spending which includes billions for healthcare for illegal immigrants and millions for projects in Honduras and Venezuela. Republicans won’t bend the knee to wasteful spending or political games. We’re standing firm on the mandate voters gave us to restore fiscal sanity and protect working families.

It’s time to reopen the government.

How the Shutdown Impacts Families

As the federal government shutdown continues, critical nutrition programs like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) are now at risk of running out of funds.

According to recent reports, at least 25 states have warned that November benefits may not be issued if Congress doesn’t pass a funding bill soon. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has confirmed that its contingency funds are limited which means families who rely on this assistance could face real disruptions in the weeks ahead.

For families in Texas’s 14th District, that could mean delayed or reduced benefits and added strain on local food banks and community resources. While October payments were covered, November’s are uncertain if this shutdown continues.

House Republicans already passed a clean funding bill to keep the government open and protect these essential programs, but Senate Democrats have refused to take it up. Every day of delay adds unnecessary hardship for families trying to make ends meet.

If you or someone you know receives SNAP or WIC benefits, please reach out to the Texas Health & Human Services Commission (HHSC) or your local assistance office for updates. And as always, if you need help navigating a federal agency or program, my offices are here to assist you. Feel free to give us a call at (202) 225-2831.

Protecting Our Shores: U.S. Strikes on Drug-Smuggling Vessels

Over the past several weeks, the United States has launched targeted strikes against vessels in the Pacific carrying massive loads of deadly narcotics headed toward our shores. These operations are part of a broader effort to stop fentanyl and other drugs before they ever reach American soil. A mission Texans know all too well.

At the end of September, President Trump formally notified Congress that the U.S. is now engaged in a “non-international armed conflict” with these drug-smuggling networks. The shipments intercepted so far contained enough poison to take tens of thousands of lives — proof of just how serious this fight really is.

A lot of this trafficking runs through ports controlled by Nicolás Maduro’s corrupt regime in Venezuela. His dictatorship has turned that country into a launchpad for cartels and criminals spreading chaos throughout our hemisphere.

Taking the fight to the cartels before their poison hits our communities is a strong, decisive move that saves lives.

White House Renovations

President Trump has always said he wants to leave America better than he found it and that includes 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue! Since returning to office in January, he’s launched a full renovation effort to ensure the White House reflects the greatness of our nation.

From updates to the Rose Garden and Oval Office to the installation of the iconic American flags, and now the newest addition, a grand ballroom. The White House is being restored with pride and purpose.

And here’s the best part: every bit of it is privately funded. Not one dime of taxpayer money is being used!

Presidential renovations are nothing new. For decades, presidents have made improvements to meet the needs of their time:

1962: President Kennedy redesigned the Rose Garden.
1970: President Nixon built the Press Room and the famous bowling alley.
1975: President Ford added the outdoor pool.
1993: President Clinton led a major restoration of the Executive Mansion.
2009: President Obama added a basketball court and garden.

Now in 2025, President Trump is carrying that legacy forward.

In order for America to stay on top, we’ve got to look the part. As the leader of the free world, the United States shouldn’t be hosting state dinners or international gatherings under a tent. This new ballroom gives the White House the space and stature to welcome world leaders with the strength, dignity, and class that America deserves.

Survey Question of the Week

Do you support President Trump's privately funded renovations?

Yes

No

Around the District

It’s been a full week here in Texas’ 14th! My Beautiful Bride, Brenda Gail, and I attended the official naming ceremony for the Amelia Island at the Port of Galveston. This new hopper dredger is a big step forward for our Gulf Coast. It’ll help keep commerce moving, support local jobs, and strengthen one of our region’s most vital assets. God bless her and all those who sail on her!

I had the opportunity to sit down with local leaders and Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows for the BayTran Roundtable to talk about transportation and infrastructure projects across the Houston–Galveston area. We also hosted a Telephone Town Hall, where nearly two thousand of you joined in to ask questions and share what’s on your mind. I always appreciate hearing directly from you! Listen to full tele-town hall here.

To finish the week, I met with the U.S. Coast Guard to discuss their ongoing operations along the Gulf. Their dedication to securing our waterways and protecting our ports is unmatched, and it’s an honor to support the men and women who keep Texas safe.

Recent Legislation

H.R.5746 - MARA Act of 2025
H.R.5688 - Non-Domiciled CDL Integrity Act
H.Res.799 - Recognizing President Donald J. Trump's Role as a Transformational Peacemaker Whose Achievements in International Diplomacy Merit the Nobel Peace Prize
H.R.5746 - To require the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to establish an assessment program for commercial-scale offshore aquaculture through demonstration projects, to establish Aquaculture Centers of Excellence, to support aquaculture workforce development and working waterfronts, and for other purposes

Last Week's Survey Results

Have you noticed gas prices drop since January 2025?

Yes: 64.1%

No: 35.9%

It is a privilege to represent our district in Congress. While we’ve faced many challenges in recent years, through strength and prayer, we have persevered.

Please know that we are always a resource for you. Call or stop by any of the offices (YOUR offices, we work for you), whenever you need assistance or want to talk about an issue before Congress.

For assistance or more information, please call or go online to visit us at weber.house.gov.

God Bless you and God Bless Texas!

Sincerely,

Randy K. Weber