From the refineries to the ports, the Texas Gulf Coast is the powerhouse keeping America moving.

This week, the National Association of Manufacturers, Port Houston, and the Small Business Administration held a roundtable, and I was proud to be part of the discussion. We talked about Port Houston’s container operations and, more importantly, what we can do in Washington to strengthen American manufacturing by improving critical infrastructure, unleashing American energy, and fortifying our supply chains.

The Houston Ship Channel supports nearly $1 trillion in economic value annually, and more than 10,000 trucks move through Port Houston facilities every single day.  Additionally, our own Port of Galveston is directly downstream from the Houston Ship Channel, making commerce in and around Port Houston important to TX-14 as well.  

Folks, when our roads and ports work, America works. We discussed cutting permitting delays, strengthening freight infrastructure to move American goods faster, and keeping the Water Resources Development Act on track so our ports and waterways can continue competing on the world stage.

Small businesses along the Gulf Coast also had a seat at the table and, as a small business owner of 35 years, I know how vital supply chains and a chance to compete is. I was glad to hear about opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses to compete for port contracts and become an even bigger part of the American manufacturing machine.

Of course, you can’t talk about manufacturing without talking about American energy dominance. Electricity demand is climbing as we bring manufacturing back home and develop AI and data centers across our great state. We must unleash the FULL strength of American energy, including advanced nuclear power, and make darn sure Communist China doesn’t beat us to the punch.

The future of Southeast Texas continues to amaze me, and it is all thanks to the hardworking men and women who aren't just moving cargo across the country and around the world, they're moving America forward.

Our workforce is getting stronger by the day, proving once again why Texas’ 14th 

Congressional District and the Texas Gulf Coast are some of the greatest places in America to live, work, and raise a family. Down here, our maritime industry is the backbone of our economy, and investing in the next generation means keeping that backbone strong.

The Galveston Wharves Board of Trustees is investing another $28,000 in maritime education, with $18,000 going to the endowment at Texas A&M University at Galveston and $10,000 to the endowment at Galveston College. These scholarships will help prepare students for careers in marine transportation, engineering, logistics, welding, ship-fitting, and other skilled trades that keep our ports and economy moving.

This investment may be going toward our students, but its impact will be felt across the Gulf Coast for years to come. The Port of Galveston generates $7.3 billion in total economic impact and supports more than 24,000 direct and indirect jobs. The economic engines of Southeast Texas aren't just chugging along, they're firing on all cylinders, and building a skilled workforce for the future will ensure that we continue to lead.

Before long, these students will take the helm as the next generation of mariners, engineers, welders, and skilled workers who keep the Texas Gulf Coast moving. By investing in their education today, we're strengthening our ports, transportation, energy infrastructure, and America's competitive edge tomorrow. I know these bright young Texans are ready to make waves. Full steam ahead, and Gig ’em and Go Whitecaps!

In 2023, the Texas State Legislature passed a law to protect our children from being indoctrinated and violated by public drag performances. These shows are oftentimes too explicit and never appropriate for children. Texas Senate Bill 21 enacted these protections into law, but unfortunately, earlier this week, the law was struck down.

The judge’s advice to Texans was simple: “just don’t go.” Well, that’s not reasoning I buy. Parents and everyday Americans should not have to worry about age-inappropriate or sexually explicit performances being pushed into public spaces where children may be present. There is a time and a place for adult entertainment, and around our children sure as heck isn't it.

Let me be clear, adults are free to make their own decisions, but children deserve to be children. They deserve to be free from indoctrination, sexualized performances, and ideological agendas that seek to confuse them about who they are. Children should be playing with toys and learning how to read and write, not being pulled up on stage with confused thinkers who believe that they are not meant to be who they were born as. 

Protecting children from adult content is not about hatred or silencing Americans First Amendment rights; it is about drawing a commonsense line between what is appropriate for adults and what is appropriate for kids. Our kids aren't political pawns, and they sure as heck shouldn't be an audience for adult entertainment. Leave our kids out of it.

Down here on Texas Gulf Coast we know that August means two things, football season is starting and Team Weber is continuing to run the ball to the endzone for Texas’ 14th District. 

We kicked off the week in Angleton at the Greater Angleton Chamber of Commerce meeting, where Team Weber heard updates from local leaders about small businesses, economic growth, and the exciting opportunities ahead for the Angleton community. Our small businesses are the backbone of our communities, and it is always great to hear directly from the folks working every day to keep Southeast Texas growing.

Over in Port Arthur, Team Weber attended  the Southeast Texas Breakfast, where the trajectory of Davie Defense was discussed, as well as the training that the craftsmen will receive. With major investments being made right here on the Texas Gulf Coast, we are making sure Southeast Texans have the skills and opportunities to get the job done, and that they will be poised to take advantage of the jobs the projects will have to offer.

Finally, we rounded out the week at Port Arthur’s 2026 Industry Show, bringing together the hardworking folks and businesses that keep the economic engines of Southeast Texas firing on all cylinders. From our ports and shipyards to our refineries and small businesses, there is no place quite like the Texas Gulf Coast.

Team Weber is excited for the future of the best congressional district in Texas. We will always continue to fight for you and your office is always here to help! 

• H.Res.1481 - Honoring the life and legacy of the Honorable Kay Granger, a Representative from the State of Texas.
• H.R.9988 - FASTER Act of 2026
• H.R.9904 - Deputy Darren Almendarez Act
• H.R.9892 - To require the United States Trade Representative to initiate an investigation under section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 with respect to the European Union, and for other purposes.
• H.R.9854 - Citizenship Act of 2026
• H.Res.1442 - Supporting the designation of July 20, 2026, as "National Moon Landing Day".
• H.Res.1436 - Condemning Omar Suleiman for celebrating the death of Senator Lindsey Graham and acknowledging that House Democrats invited him to serve as the Guest Chaplain of the U.S. House of Representatives in 2019.

Should American taxpayer dollars be used to hire foreign workers in public K-12 schools?

Yes: 23.1%

No: 76.9%