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Rep. Randy Weber
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Dear Friend,

Can you believe March is upon us? February just flew by… Below are some highlights from the month and a brief update on things.



In January, I hosted a Listening Session regarding the Tentatively Selected Plan for Coastal Barrier Protection. Y’all brought your concerns and opinions to the table, and I appreciate you coming out to talk about this important issue. The window for public comment closed at the beginning of February, and let me just say, thank YOU for your engagement with the plan, the Army Corps and GLO. I’m hopeful the final plan will reflect the best outcome and protect our families and communities.



Earlier this week, I joined several of my colleagues at a press conference discussing the many shortcomings of H.R. 8 and H.R. 1112, the Bipartisan Background Checks Act and the Enhanced Background Checks Act, respectively. In turn, I voted against both pieces of legislation, along with many of my colleagues, to protect your 2nd Amendment right and to protect law abiding citizens.

In Texas 14, we know the pain of gun violence in a severely acute way. On May 18, 2018, at Santa Fe High School, a shooter took the lives of 10 innocent people and injured 13 more. H.R. 8 would have done nothing to prevent this violent crime. This bill does not address the root of any problem related to gun violence. It does not address the mental health crisis or to prevent criminals from acquiring firearms. What this bill does is it puts the burden of evil on good people, unaffiliated with any potential crime. It would make sportsmen unwitting violators of overly-broad laws. It turns self-defense into a greater burden than it already is. This bill is not our answer to ending mass violence.

The Enhanced Background Checks Act is being touted as a way to close a loophole and make background checks better, but that is a dishonest representation of a bill that in reality is shortsighted at best. The 3-day proceed to sale provision under current statue serves as an incentive to ensure background checks are being completed in a timely, effective manner. What this bill does is lengthen that time period to 20 days. This is a disservice to all seeking protection. If we are serious about addressing this issue, what we need is not lengthened time for inaction. We need better coordination and communication between the FBI, where the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) is housed, and local law enforcement. These bills serve only to make it harder for law abiding citizens to practice their 2nd Amendment right.



Earlier this month, I spoke at the Department of Energy's lunch series: Atomic Wings. We discussed the important role nuclear energy plays in our country today and where we can and should go from here. Since getting to Congress, I have worked toward advancements in nuclear energy research and development.

We received great news: Secretary Perry announced the launch of the Versatile Fast Neutron Source, also called the Versatile Test Reactor (VTR)! This project was authorized by my bill, the Nuclear Energy Innovation Capabilities Act of 2017. The VTR is a critical part of ensuring innovative materials and nuclear fuels research and development can take place in the United States. Nuclear energy research must be validated through direct experimentation in the lab, and this facility will make that possible. America has a long history of leadership in nuclear science, and it is critical we maintain that leadership. I am happy to see Secretary Perry following the direction of Congress and committing to construct this facility. Thursday's announcement is another landmark moment in this journey!

And lastly, my colleagues approved $1.375 billion dollars to protect our southern border and address the humanitarian and national security crisis happening along it. You know it, I know it - $1.375 billion is not enough. President Trump responded with a declaration of national emergency. Mick Mulvaney, Acting White House Chief of Staff and Director of the Office of Management and Budget, clearly stated in a phone call that the money would not come from Harvey relief funds. In addition to the $1.375 billion from the appropriations, the White House will be drawing $600 million from the Treasury Forfeiture Fund, $2.5 billion from existing Department of Defense counter-drug programs, and $3.6 billion from military construction funds to support our mission at the border.

In Texas, we know there is a national emergency on our southern border. In Washington, many of my colleagues are not taking it seriously enough. We need to stop ignoring the problem and fully address the porous border, immigration loopholes, and lack of resources for both ICE and Border Patrol. I support the President’s decision to take forceful action to confront these crises and restore order to our southern border.


A sneak peek at March: Stay tuned…Let’s sit down for a Town Hall!


Sincerely,

Randy K. Weber
 

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