Davie Defense has been awarded a contract by the United States Coast Guard to build five new Arctic Security Cutters, part of a larger program of up to eleven vessels designed to strengthen America’s presence in the Arctic.
These ships are heavy-duty polar icebreakers built to operate in some of the toughest conditions on earth. They will help ensure the United States can protect its interests, maintain access to key waterways, and compete in increasingly contested Arctic waters
Most importantly for our district, three of these cutters will be built right here in Galveston and Port Arthur, Texas. That means restoring major shipbuilding capacity to the Gulf Coast and bringing advanced maritime manufacturing jobs back to Southeast Texas.
In 2025, INOCEA acquired Gulf Copper’s shipbuilding assets in Galveston and Port Arthur. With this new Coast Guard contract, those facilities will move beyond repair work and begin building full-scale national security vessels. That means advanced manufacturing jobs, stronger industrial capacity, and long-term economic growth for Southeast Texas.
Our district already powers America. TX-14 produces 27% of the nation’s gasoline, 35% of its natural gas, 60% of its jet fuel, and 80% of its military-grade fuel. Now, Southeast Texas will also help build the ships that protect America’s interests around the world.
The Arctic is becoming a growing area of global competition. Russia operates more than 40 icebreakers, while the United States has a limited and aging fleet. Strengthening the Coast Guard’s icebreaking capability is critical to protecting national security, supporting maritime safety, and maintaining freedom of navigation in strategic waters.
By bringing world-class icebreaker expertise to the Texas Gulf Coast and restoring major shipbuilding capacity on the Gulf Coast, this program strengthens both our local economy and America’s security.
Southeast Texas doesn’t just power America. We build what keeps it strong.
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This week, I spoke in support of H.R. 3617, the Securing America’s Critical Minerals Supply Act, legislation that strengthens the Department of Energy’s ability to identify and address vulnerabilities in America’s energy and critical mineral supply chains.
Nearly 50 years ago, Americans experienced the consequences of energy dependence during the OPEC oil embargo. Gas prices skyrocketed, lines formed at gas stations, and adversarial nations used America’s reliance on imports to their advantage. The solution then was clear: unleash American energy production and restore energy dominance.
Today, we face a similar challenge, but instead of oil, it is critical minerals and rare earth elements that power our economy and national security.
These materials are essential for semiconductors, nuclear reactors, oil and gas infrastructure, the electric grid, advanced manufacturing, and military weaponry. Yet China currently produces 60% of the world’s rare earths minerals and controls roughly 90% of the processing capacity, along with 80% of critical mineral processing overall. That level of control creates serious economic and national security risks.
H.R. 3617 strengthens the Department of Energy’s role in securing domestic supply chains and reducing dependence on foreign adversaries. The Trump administration has already taken important steps to combat undue foreign influence, including new international partnerships to diversify supply chains and the creation of the Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation within DOE.
Securing reliable access to critical minerals is about protecting American jobs, lowering costs for families, and ensuring we remain a global leader in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing.
America cannot afford to trade one form of energy dependence for another. We must strengthen our supply chains and secure the resources that power the next generation economy. |
The U.S. economy added 130,000 jobs in January 2026, beating expectations and signaling continued resilience in the labor market. Employers hired across multiple sectors, including healthcare, social assistance, and construction, while the national unemployment rate ticked down to 4.3%, lower than many economists anticipated.
Strong job gains early in the year have boosted confidence that the labor market remains solid as the Federal Reserve evaluates interest rate policy. While some data revisions show slower overall job growth in 2025 than previously reported, the January report offers a promising start to 2026. |
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Are you seeing the benefits of a stronger job market in Southeast Texas?
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Team Weber spent the week across Southeast Texas meeting with local leaders and community partners who are helping move our region forward.
From discussions with the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce to connecting with business owners at the Bridge City Chamber Coffee and participating in the Brazosport Area Chamber Government Affairs meeting, the focus remains on strengthening our economy and supporting local priorities.
We also joined the Brazoria County Head Start meeting and the Gulf Coast Protection District Board Meeting to continue conversations on education, coastal protection, and long-term resiliency.
Southeast Texas is built by people who care deeply about their communities, and we are proud to work alongside you every step of the way! |
- H.R.7442 - To eliminate the Carbon Reduction Program and PROTECT Program and dedicate the funding to a new bridge formula program that distributes funding based primarily on overall deck area, and for other purposes.
- H.R.7296 - SAVE America Act
- H.R.7185 - To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exclude from gross income certain retirement plan distributions used for a down payment or closing costs for a principal residence, and for other purposes.
- H.R.7184 - To amend the Controlled Substances Act to prevent the importation of illicit pill press machines with the intent to counterfeit substances, and for other purposes.
- H.R.7156 - To expand and clarify the grounds for civil denaturalization proceedings for individuals who have defrauded a governmental program, joined a terrorist organization, or committed certain criminal offenses.
- H.R.7111 - To require the Bureau of Prisons to submit to Congress an annual summary report of disaster damage, and for other purposes.
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Do you support requiring proof of U.S. citizenship and photo ID to vote in elections?
Yes: 85.1% No: 14.9% |
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! |
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Sincerely,
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Randy K. Weber
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