Dear Friend,
As we get ready to return to Washington next week, I can't help but reflect on the last legislative year and 2017 as a whole. From January to December, we were constantly on the move. It was a big year for Texas 14, our Great State, and the United States. There are countless memories that don't have a photograph to go along with them - reviewing the military academy nominees in my district offices, listening to a matter that concerned you while we stood in line at Home Depot, and enjoying time spent with yall. Here are 12 photographed memories from last year that I won't soon forget. Looking forward to the memories to be made during this new year and the second session of the 115th Congress.
Sincerely,
Randy K. Weber
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Always a humbling way to begin - being sworn in to represent YOU. A few weeks later, we witnessed one of the most incredible traditions in American history, the peaceful transfer of power from one president to another. Last year was filled with accomplishments. The House sent several hundred bills to the Senate, and between both Chambers, we sent just about 100 bills to the President for his signature. Over the course of the year, we rolled back burdensome regulations; celebrated small businesses, families, and innovation; and reformed the broken tax code, among many other legislative items. |
In March, Congressman Jerry McNerney (D - CA) and I spoke on a nuclear energy panel. This policy area has bipartisan support. We enjoy working together to further advance our science and energy capabilities. As Chairman of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee's Subcommittee on Energy, I have the opportunity to work closely with the research and development side of scientific advancement. Last year, I introduced and worked on several bills regarding nuclear research and development. The Department of Energy Research and Innovation Act (H.R. 589) is currently awaiting further action in the Senate, and I'm hopeful that my Nuclear Energy Research Infrastructure Act (H.R. 4378) will come to the House Floor soon for a vote.
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Living on the Gulf Coast, we all know the devastation that comes with an intense storm surge. The best way to protect our families, communities, and the engine of the American economy is to build a coastal spine. The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee traveled to the Netherlands last April to review their coastal barrier protection system. With such low-laying lands, these floating barriers (photographed behind us) protect the Netherlands during high tides and surges. A coastal spine will reinforce protection of the Gulf Coast, ensuring we don't have another incident like Hurricane Ike (2008) and that we avoid anything worse happening. We all know the next hurricane isn't a matter of "if," it's simply a matter of "when." |
Outer space is the final frontier. Meetings with NASA and the space industry are always exciting. There is so much to learn and explore. In 2019, the James Webb telescope is set to launch. The Webb Telescope is currently at Johnson Space Center. Once launched, the telescope will be the most powerful multi-purpose observatory and will gather data on the first stars and the atmospheres of planets.
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Working closely with our anglers and the Department of Commerce, we secured additional days for our recreational Red Snapper fishermen during the 2017 season. There were many meetings and phone calls to get to this point. Many thanks to our anglers for discussing the issue with us, and to all of the State Parks Departments, the Department of Commerce, and the Gulf Coast States for their hard work in getting this done.
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One of my most important responsibilities as your Member of Congress is to assist YOU in matters involving the federal government. Over the summer, my district staff and the district staff for surrounding areas met and discussed best practices for getting you the information you need. Our greatest joy is working for YOU. Texas 14 is the best district.
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Local organizations are the bedrock of our communities. It is always an honor and privilege to speak before you, updating you on the happenings in Washington D.C. and discussing the issues that are most pressing in our daily lives as members of our communities. Thanks for inviting me, Angleton! |
As the rain kept falling, the local EOCs, county officials, first responders, and countless volunteers and good Samaritans did an outstanding job keeping us safe and even rescuing us. I cannot thank them enough for their tireless efforts to rescue our neighbors and provide shelter from the storm and food for the hungry. The UNITED effort made all the difference. Harvey picked the wrong fight - you do not mess with Texans.
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In the immediate aftermath of Harvey, our President and First Lady visited Texas. His compassion was clear as he spoke with us about short and long term assistance. President Trump saw the devastation first hand, and he knows rebuilding is going to take a long time. Working with this White House has been entirely different than my first four years in Congress. From rolling back burdensome regulations; fixing our broken health care, tax code, and immigration systems; taking care of our troops; and focusing on Americans' priorities, President Trump has played a key role in accomplishing many great things.
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Hurricane Harvey brought unprecedented damage and flooding. Sadly, the devastation didn't stop with Harvey - then came Irma, Jose, Maria, and the wildfires out West. Members of the Texas Delegation have continued to meet with Speaker Ryan, Leadership, our Texas senators, and White House officials. We will not stop until Texas has the support and resources we need. We passed the first disaster supplement in September, followed by a second in October, and the third is currently with the Senate.
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“Service Above Self” is the Rotary motto. Imagine if everyone put service above self? The world would be a remarkably different place. For over 100 years, Beaumont Rotarians, and rotarians everywhere, have worked tirelessly for others and set many an example for the community.
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Ronald Reagan once said, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.” Our veterans are our heroes. We passed many bills last year that support our veterans and our troops. Most notably is The Department of Veterans’ Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act (S. 1094) , which reforms the VA and helps restore confidence in the agency and its employees.
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