We are in a recession. However, President Biden and Democrats would rather redefine a recession than restore a healthy economy. 

According to an advanced estimate released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the real gross domestic product (GDP) decreased at an annual rate of 0.9% in the second quarter of 2022. This follows a GDP decline of 1.6% within the first quarter, meaning that we have hit the rule-of-thumb recession definition: two consecutive quarters with negative GDP readings. 

Now - at the worst possible time - Democrats are doubling down to 'Build Back Broke.' Congressional Democrats are planning to raise taxes on America’s job creators, throw money at their Green New Deal agenda, and worsen America’s inflation crisis with their Far-Left Socialist reconciliation package.

Hardworking American families are feeling the pain at the grocery store, gas pump, and in their pocketbooks. And every day, the American people understand this simple truth: We can't afford Democrats' failed policies.. But we are certainly paying for them. 

Republicans will fix the economy and revive the American Dream: 

1.  Put an end to "Build Back Better," and eliminate wasteful government spending that's driving inflation.
2. Continue proven pro-growth tax policies that increase take-home pay, reduce the cost of living, boost local businesses, and encourage innovation. 
3. Reconnect workers to jobs and end incentives that enable individuals to earn more by staying home rather than going to work.  

Alongside our Texas Senators, I introduced the Texas Coastal Spine Authorization Act to authorize the construction of the coastal barrier protection system, which would mitigate the impact of major hurricanes and other significant water events in and around Galveston Bay—and the vast petrochemical industry that surrounds it.

Yesterday, the Senate approved the authorization of the coastal spine project in the 2022 Water Resources Development Act. The next step will be to reconcile the Senate bill with the version that the House passed in June. Once we receive authorization for the project, then Congress can request the appropriations dollars to fund it.

The coastal barrier is a matter of national security. The Texas Gulf Coast is home to millions of people, countless homes and jobs, and numerous refineries. The Texas Coastal Spine Authorization Act will strengthen the resiliency of the Gulf Coast. It’s imperative that we complete this critical barrier protection as soon as possible, since it’s a question of when—not if—another big storm barrels up the upper Texas Gulf Coast.

I introduced the Protect Our Children’s Schools Act to allow schools to use unspent previously appropriated Federal COVID-19 education-related funding to improve school security. Sen. Cruz introduced the Senate companion to this legislation.

Our district knows too well that evil people do evil things, and we know the importance of protecting our children in schools. As we approach a new school year, our children should feel safe and secure when they walk through the doors of their classrooms, and that’s why I introduced a commonsense bill to harden schools.

The excess and unused monies to address the coronavirus should be used to keep our kids safe from monsters in their communities, and our bill would make sure local schools can use these funds to address their specific security needs. 

I joined nearly 40 of my colleagues in sending a letter to the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) Secretary Gina Raimondo to direct the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to allow better science and improved access to red snapper fishing opportunities.

The letter expresses strong concerns from dozens of Members of Congress that NMFS is attempting to use flawed science and a one-size-fits-all approach that would undermine the successful state management of fisheries negotiated seven years ago. Further, the federal agency’s efforts would result in fewer fishing days for anglers in the Gulf States and adverse economic impacts.

Specifically, the NMFS proposal would require all state fisheries data to be converted into a single federal system that is less accurate than the current state management data. Even the National Academies identified deficiencies in this federal system. This “calibration” would result in distorted federal management recommendations and completely ignore the most advanced assessment of red snapper ever done, the “Great Red Snapper Count” - that showed triple the fish assumed by federal assessments.

Red Snapper fishing is vital in TX-14 and across the Gulf Coast. The National Marine Fisheries Service relying on outdated science is a misguided attempt that will single-handedly harm anglers across the Gulf of Mexico. I am proud to join my colleagues in urging Sec. Raimondo to rethink the NMFS proposed rule...immediately. 

Legislation sponsored:

• H.R. 8518 - To authorize the project for hurricane and storm damage reduction and ecosystem restoration, Texas.

Legislation cosponsored:

• H.R. 8490 - To direct the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection to transfer the care and custody of an unaccompanied alien child to the Secretary of Health and Human Services or such child's parent or legal guardian, and for other purposes.
• H.R. 8501 - To prohibit abortion sanctuary States from receiving funds from the Department of Health and Human Services, and for other purposes.
• H.R. 8507 - To provide that under the securities laws certain disclosures related to scope 3 greenhouse-gas emissions may not be required.

God Bless you and God Bless Texas!