Representative Randy Weber

National Defense Authorization Act

America faces growing threats every day—from adversaries like China to the chaos unleashed by President Biden’s wide-open border policies. Yet, despite these dangers, the brave men and women of our military stand firm, defending our freedom and democracy with unwavering dedication.

Unfortunately, their selfless service has been met with unacceptable hardships. A recent report from the House Armed Services Committee’s Quality of Life Panel paints a troubling picture: low morale, strained military families, recruitment struggles, and threats to military readiness.

Here’s the reality: servicemembers and their families are battling insufficient pay and housing allowances, with some even relying on food stamps and pantries just to make ends meet. Housing for unaccompanied servicemembers has reached disgraceful conditions—sewage overflows, mold, bedbugs, and worse. Medical care and childcare come with long wait times, and 22 percent of military spouses face unemployment due to licensing challenges and frequent moves. It’s no wonder many are leaving active-duty service.

That’s why this week I was proud to support for the passage of the FY25 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This bill is a game-changer. It prioritizes our servicemembers’ quality of life while ensuring America remains strong against our adversaries. Key provisions include:

Boosting Pay and Benefits: A 14.5% raise for junior enlisted servicemembers and a 4.5% raise for all others, along with expanded allowances.
Upgrading Housing: Increased funding for maintenance and much-needed oversight to ensure servicemembers and their families live in safe, healthy environments.
Improving Healthcare and Childcare: Reducing wait times and expanding access to these critical services.
Supporting Military Spouses: Addressing licensing challenges to help spouses find and keep meaningful employment.

But the NDAA doesn’t stop there. It strengthens national security by:

Deploying the National Guard to secure our southern border, fighting the flood of illegal immigrants and deadly drugs.
Confronting China by preventing CCP espionage in our research institutions, supply chains, and armed forces.
Supporting Israel and banning boycotting entities from operating in DOD commissaries.
Permanently banning TRICARE coverage for dangerous transgender medical procedures on minors.
Eliminating divisive DEI initiatives and Critical Race Theory from our military training.
Cutting $31 billion in wasteful spending and obsolete programs, ensuring fiscal responsibility.

Our servicemembers are the backbone of America’s defense. This NDAA, spearheaded by Chairman Mike Rogers, not only reinforces our military’s lethality but also demonstrates a long-overdue commitment to the men and women who serve—and their families.

It’s time we give our military heroes the support they deserve and I was proud to support the NDAA.

Survey Question of the Week

Last week, SCOTUS heard arguments in the U.S. v. Skrmetti case regarding Tennessee’s law to ban gender-affirming care for minors. The court is not expected to reach a decision until July 2025, but what do you think?

Do you think minors should have access to gender-affirming care?

Yes

No

JUDGES Act

I am proud to announce the passage of the Judicial Understaffing Delays Getting Emergencies Solved (JUDGES) Act of 2024, a critical piece of legislation I co-sponsored to address the shortage of federal judges. This historic measure will bring much-needed relief to overburdened courts, including the addition of four new judgeships in the Southern District of Texas over the next 12 years, beginning on January 21, 2025.

For too long, Texans—and Americans across the country—have faced significant delays in accessing justice due to overloaded courts and a shortage of judges. Shockingly, Congress has not authorized new judgeships in over two decades, and comprehensive judgeship legislation hasn’t been enacted since 1990. During this time, the U.S. population has grown by nearly 100 million people, leading to a 40% increase in federal case filings.

This crisis has overwhelmed our existing judges with crushing caseloads, delaying justice and denying many Americans their day in court. The JUDGES Act addresses this pressing issue by creating 66 new federal judgeships in districts most affected by these delays, ensuring our justice system operates efficiently and effectively for all Americans.

House Republicans are delivering solutions to make the justice system more accessible, fair, and capable of serving the people. As your representative, I am honored to champion this legislation to ensure Texans and all Americans can access timely justice without overburdening our courts.

Together, we are building a more efficient and just system that upholds the rights of every citizen.

Around Washington

This week, I had the pleasure of welcoming Texas General Land Office Commissioner Dawn Buckingham to Washington, D.C.! It’s always a privilege to connect and discuss ways we can better serve the great people of Texas. I also had the honor of speaking to a group of Texans at the Family Research Council's Roundtable. This remarkable nonprofit is dedicated to advancing a family-centered philosophy in public life through research and education.

Recent Legislation

Legislation cosponsor

H.R. 2581 - ALVIN Act
H.R. 10299 - To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to prohibit Federal financial participation for gun violence prevention or intervention programs under the Medicaid program.

Last Week's Survey Results

Should Congress reauthorize President Trump's Tax Cuts?

Yes: 83%

No: 17%

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