Dear Friend,
Ronald Reagan would have celebrated his 108th birthday on February 6. He’s the man who got me involved in politics. His message and vision were clear, and he was…and to this day IS…inspiring! I even keep a bust of him in my office.
Some of my favorite Reagan quotes are: “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. It has to be fought for and defended by each generation.” Given on July 6, 1987 at the Annual Convention of Kiwanis International; “If we ever forget that we're one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under.” Given on August 23, 1984 a Dallas Ecumenical Prayer Breakfast; and “Man is not free unless government is limited.” Given on January 11, 1989 during his Farewell Address to the Nation.
Below is an update on Harvey relief funds, the State of the Union, and the Committees on which I will serve for the 116th Congress, both of which are good news for our GREAT district.
Sincerely,
Randy K. Weber
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| Release the Rules |
In early January, I shared an op-ed with the Port Arthur News. One year ago, the third tranche of disaster relief funding was signed into law, and we have yet to see the funds because of arbitrary bureaucratic rules.
“Since then, money appropriated by Congress and approved by the president remains held up by the omnipresent administrative state, specifically in the Office of Management and Budget. Under the current process, funds appropriated by Congress can only be accessed by the states needing the assistance after an arduous process involving rulemaking by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. After rules are set, the states must then draft an action plan, translate it in to several languages, post it for a public comment period and then send it to HUD for final agency approval.
The action plan process generally takes four to six months to complete. This can only begin once HUD sets the initial rules, which has not happened because OMB has failed to approve the rules.
Keep in mind, agency bureaucrats are not under any public accountability to meet a deadline for approving these rules.”
To read the full version of my op-ed, follow this link: Release the Rules, Fund Mitigation.
This week, my colleagues and I sent a letter to OMB Acting Director Russell Vought, asking the same thing: Release the rules, fund mitigation.
"Hurricane Harvey was the most economically destructive hurricane in Texas history and the second-most expensive hurricane in American history. Thousands of Texans are still struggling to put their lives back together and rebuild. Our state’s ability to move forward on projects that will mitigate against future disasters, and the need for future federal disaster assistance, is stalled. ...
As the lead state agency for administering CDBG-DR funds, the GLO has worked hand-in-hand with HUD to define the meaning of mitigation and to identify projects that would best help those impacted by Hurricane Harvey. Despite the collaboration between the GLO and HUD, the rules have not yet been published in the Federal Register. As a result, the GLO has been significantly delayed in drafting a State Action Plan for the funds, the critical next step at the state level before the grants can begin to flow. Texans cannot afford to wait any longer. We urge you to expedite publication of these rules."
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| State of the union |
Now I’ve got to tell you, I was impressed by our President on Tuesday night. He was calm and confident, and he didn’t pull any punches. He said what needed to be said, and frankly, it was what we needed to hear.
For two years, the President has kept his promises and led our nation from a position of strength. His bold actions led to a roaring economy, stronger military, greater prosperity, and stronger protections for the basic rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. During Tuesday’s State of the Union, he outlined his vision for ways to continue our American successes.
We must face the facts: Our nation needs a stronger, safer, better legal immigration system. Included in that is better border security and the closing of legal loopholes. Additionally, infrastructure continues to be a priority in Washington. Last year, we accomplished air travel, disaster recovery, and water infrastructure advances. This year, we will continue focusing on ways to improve our roads, bridges, railways, and more.
President Trump’s comments on anti-Semitism and Socialism were spot on, and I commend his calling the Iranian regime what it is: A state sponsor of terrorism.
The State of the Union was filled with optimism and hope; we were reminded to choose greatness. I hope we were all listening. I applaud the President for the good he has accomplished thus far, and I am hopeful my colleagues and I will continue working together to keep our promise to our constituents.
Below are several moments that stood out to me...
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| Committee Assignments |
This week, committee assignments were finalized! I'll serve on the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee as Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Energy, and on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, with subcommittee assignments to Water Resources and Environment; Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation; and Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.
On Science, Space, and Technology, I look forward to advancing nuclear research priorities and reforms that prioritize the use of limited research dollars. Last year, mine Senator Mike Crapo's (R – ID) bill, the Nuclear Energy Innovation Capabilities Act, was signed into law.
Let me tell you, Infrastructure remains a priority. Last Congress, the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee spearheaded legislation to authorize funding of our air travel, disaster recovery, and water resources. Additional infrastructure legislation is expected this congress. With our five ports and copious amounts of transportation and infrastructure in the district, this committee means a great deal to me.
I am thrilled to have the opportunity to once again serve on Science, Space, and Technology and Transportation and Infrastructure.
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