I want to update you on where things stand with electing a new Speaker. The House has been without a Speaker for 17 days. This week, the Republican Conference voted on Jim Jordan as the Speaker-elect. I supported Jim Jordan. I believe we need a leader who will fight for our conservative Texas values, like closing the southern border, eliminating the deficit, and cutting our wasteful spending. Jim Jordan was committed to doing that and returning to work for the American people. 

The House had three votes for Speaker of the House this week. Unfortunately, approximately 20 Republicans didn't vote for Jim Jordan - meaning he could not get the majority needed on the Floor to elect him as Speaker. Today, during a closed-door Republican conference meeting, there was a vote to see if he should continue his run as Speaker. My vote for him on the floor and in conference to remain Speaker-designate was not enough. Jim Jordan is a class act, and I was proud to stand with him throughout this process. We missed a good opportunity to have a truly conservative speaker. 

Now, we are back to square one. Members who wish to run for Speaker have until Sunday to file as nominees. We will hear from the members on Monday afternoon. The Republican Conference must unite and unify behind a plan and a person. Every second wasted only delays the House's ability to pass legislation. I remain committed to doing what is best for the Fourteenth District of Texas and what is best for every American. 

Yesterday, President Biden asked Congress for a $106 billion emergency national security funding package: 

$61.4 billion for Ukraine
$14.3 billion for Israel
$14.45 billion for southern border
$2 billion for Indo-Pacific
$10 billion for humanitarian aid (Israel, Gaza, Ukraine, border)

Here are my thoughts about Ukraine and Israel funding being tied together: We need to stand strong in support of our greatest ally, Israel. For over 75 years, since its very birth as a nation, Israel has been a strong and faithful ally to the United States. We simply don't have the same track record with Ukraine. Sadly, because the State of Israel has been forced to prove it time and time again, I believe Israel can—and will—win the war. Unfortunately, the Biden Administration has failed to articulate any strategic vision that would culminate in a victory for Ukraine other than writing open-ended checks on the backs of hard-working American taxpayers. This town is hellbent on tying everything into one massive spending package—especially, when unpopular measures need to piggyback on must-pass bills in order to get funded. Ukraine and Israel are two separate issues, and Congress should vote on them separately.

The crisis at our southern border is unparalleled. 3.8 million illegal immigrants have entered our country since President Biden took office. President Biden's attempt to tie border security money into this package is laughable. He needs to get serious and actually secure the southern border instead of welcoming millions into our country. 

My message to the President: Don't hold Border security and Israel aid hostage so the Swamp can give Ukraine a blank check.

Team Weber attended the annual luncheon for Greater Houston Partnership and AMOCO Federal Credit Union this week. They also participated in the BAYTRAN meeting for an update from the Houston Mayor Pro Tempore and the Houston-Galveston Area Council board meeting. Team Weber also attended various events for the Brazoria County Fair Association, including the ribbon cutting for the fair, Senior Citizens Day, and Special Children's Day.  

We're hosting a special passport day to help you and your family apply for your passport in Galveston County. If you are a first time applicant or need a renewal, we can help! Usually, the passport office is closed on Saturdays, so this is your chance to get your passport!

Before you make any travel plans, please remember to check the expiration date! It is a little known fact that some countries won’t allow entry if the visitor’s passport expires in six months or less. This effectively means that your passport may expire months before you think it does. Please check your family’s passports and if any will expire in less than a year, begin the renewal process now.

No appointments are required to apply for passport, and routine and expedited services are available at the event. Passport photo services will also be available.

Information on how to apply for a passport — including the necessary documents and fees — can be found at travel.state.gov. 

Please contact my office if you have any questions about the event: (281) 316-0231

*This event is to apply for or renew your passport. You will not receive your passport at this event. Passports take between 8-11 weeks to process.

What to bring: 

1. Proof of citizenship: Your evidence must be an original or certified, physical copy. A certified copy is any document that has the seal or stamp of the official issuing authority. You must submit one of the following documents

• Full validity, undamaged U.S. passport (expired passports are accepted). Full validity means the document is/was valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for children under 16.
• U.S. birth certificate
  • Issued by the city, county, or state of birth
  • Lists your full name, date of birth, and place of birth
  • Lists your parent(s)' full names
  • Has the date filed with registrar's office (must be within one year of birth)
  • Has the registrar's signature
  • Has the seal of the issuing authority
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth
• Certificate of Naturalization 
• Certificate of Citizenship

2. Photo ID

Passport fees

Age 16 and older: Passport book: $130, Passport card: $30

Age 15 and under: Passport book: $100, Passport card: $15

Expedited Fee: Per application: $60

Acceptance Fee: $35

Photo Fee: $12

Legislation cosponsored:

• H.R. 5933 - To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require additional information in disclosures of foreign gifts and contracts from foreign sources, restrict contracts with certain foreign entities and foreign countries of concern, require certain staff and faculty to report foreign gifts and contracts, and require disclosure of certain foreign investments within endowments.
• H.Res. 797 - Condemning the Biden Administration for failing to fulfill the United States Government's duty to American citizens left stranded in Israel.
• H.Res. 798 - Condemning the support of Hamas, Hezbollah, and other terrorist organizations at institutions of higher education, which may lead to the creation of a hostile environment for Jewish students, faculty, and staff.
• H.R. 5968 - To amend the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to provide for a crisis evacuation loan program, and for other purposes.
• H.R. 5947 - To provide for the rescission of certain waivers and licenses relating to Iran, and for other purposes.
• H.R. 5949 - To amend title 18, United States Code, to enhance the privacy of legal gun owners, and for other purposes.
• H.Res. 777 - Urging the Biden administration to demand the release of all hostages in Gaza.

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!