The House Energy and Commerce Committee advanced the Federal Mechanical Insulation Act, legislation I introduced to help improve energy efficiency across federal buildings and reduce waste for taxpayers, to the full House of Representatives.

With more than 300,000 federally owned buildings, the federal government is the largest energy consumer in the nation. Too many of these facilities operate with outdated or insufficient mechanical insulation, which leads to higher energy costs and unnecessary expenses. After working 35 years in the air conditioning business, I have seen firsthand how much proper insulation matters.

The bill takes a simple, practical approach. During the federal government’s existing energy and water evaluations, agencies would assess whether mechanical insulation should be updated or installed. It does not place mandates on private property and does not impose new requirements on the American people. It is a commonsense improvement to a process already in place.

By strengthening true energy efficiency in federal buildings, we can reduce waste, lower costs and ensure your taxpayer dollars are being spent responsibly.

I look forward to the bill advancing to the House floor and continuing the work to make YOUR government more efficient.

Last week’s ambush on two National Guardsmen in Washington, D.C. has exposed major gaps in the federal vetting process for individuals admitted under parole or refugee programs.

Rahmanullah Lakanwal is charged with the murder of Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and for injuring U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, 24, as they carried out patrols just blocks from the White House on November 25th. Specialist Beckstrom passed away on Thanksgiving, and Staff Sergeant Wolfe is still fighting for his life.

The U.S. Citizens and Immigration Services has acknowledged that Lakanwal was admitted under the Biden-Harris Administration’s resettlement program. After the attack, the agency announced new national-security measures, adding stricter vetting for applicants from high-risk nations.

Our region is celebrating a major milestone as Port Freeport marks its 100th anniversary! What began in 1925 as a “small” local port has grown into one of the fastest-growing and most strategically important ports in America.

For a century, Port Freeport has been a gateway of opportunity for Texas’ 14th District. It supports thousands of jobs, drives investment across Brazoria County, and serves as a critical hub for petrochemicals, agriculture, manufacturing imports and American energy exports. Port Freeport is now a major force in global commerce.

Port Freeport’s impact reaches far beyond our district. It strengthens America’s supply chains, helps U.S. products reach markets around the world, and plays a key role in supporting military cargo and national security operations. At a time when our supply chain resilience matters more than ever, Port Freeport continues to deliver for Texas and for America.

This centennial year also marks a period of major expansion. Port Freeport is increasing its container and cargo capacity to meet growing demand, positioning the port for the next generation of trade, jobs and economic growth along the Gulf Coast.

As we celebrate 100 years of service, we honor the generations who built this port and look ahead to a strong, innovative and prosperous second century.

Team Weber stayed busy across Texas’ 14th District this week, joining community leaders, local officials and neighbors at events that continue to strengthen Texas' 14th!

Our team attended the Orange County Mayor’s Breakfast, connected with local businesses at the Nederland Chamber December Networking Coffee, and joined city and county partners for the groundbreaking ceremony for the City of Galveston’s South Shore Drainage Project.

To close out the week, I visited two critical energy sites in our district alongside other members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. At Freeport LNG, I saw firsthand the incredible work being done to power America’s energy future. I also toured the Bryan Mound Strategic Petroleum Reserve site, one of the most important energy security assets in the nation.