Retail is one of the biggest drivers of economic growth in America, and I see it every day across the great 14th Congressional District of Texas.

I am proud to be a recipient of the National Retail Federation's (NRF) 2026 Hero of Main Street Award, presented at the Retail Advocates Summit in Washington, D.C.

The NRF presents this award to Members of Congress who have championed legislation that supports retailers, small businesses, and the local economies they power.

I was proud to support the legislation behind this award, which includes:

• H.R.1 – One Big Beautiful Bill: Makes pro-growth business tax policies permanent, including the 21% corporate tax rate, immediate R&D expensing, bonus depreciation, and tax relief for small businesses and entrepreneurs. 
  • This legislation also included important provisions for consumers and workers including:  No Tax on Tips, No Tax on Overtime, No Tax on Social Security and an enhanced Tax Deduction for Seniors.
• H.Con.Res.14 – FY2025 Budget Resolution: Sets a long-term federal budget framework focused on controlling spending, reducing deficits, and restoring fiscal responsibility.
• H.R.2853 – Combating Organized Retail Crime Act: Strengthens federal efforts to crack down on organized retail theft, go after criminal networks, and protect businesses and consumers.
• H.R.5408 – Faster Labor Contracts Act: Creates a structured process to help employers and newly formed unions reach first-contract agreements more efficiently.

I'll keep fighting to cut unnecessary red tape, support small businesses, and strengthen our economy so job creators have every opportunity to grow and succeed.

When America's retailers and small businesses succeed, America's communities succeed!

Did you know that the oldest Chamber of Commerce in the great state of Texas got its start right here in Galveston in 1845?

More than 180 years later, that proud Texas tradition is alive and well across TX-14. Chambers in Beaumont, Port Arthur, League City, Lake Jackson, Angleton, and so many more chambers are supporting small businesses, strengthening local economies, and keeping Main Street America thriving!

Small businesses are the lifeblood of our great Southeast Texas communities, and our TX-14 Chambers of Commerce play a BIG role in making sure they have the resources and opportunities they need to keep their doors open and succeed. That’s why I was proud to join Representative Randy Fine (FL-06) in supporting his resolution designating the third Wednesday in October as Chamber of Commerce Day.

What this resolution recognizes:

• Supports designating the third Wednesday of October as “Support Your Local Chamber of Commerce Day” to recognize the vital role Chambers play.
• Highlights how Chambers of Commerce advocate for small businesses, promote economic growth, create job opportunities, and connect business owners with valuable resources.
• Celebrates the leadership of Chambers in fostering partnerships, addressing local challenges, and bringing businesses and community leaders together to build stronger, more prosperous communities.

As a former small business owner myself, I know firsthand that running a successful business takes more than hard work and determination. It takes strong relationships, a supportive community, and the right connections to turn opportunity into economic growth. That’s exactly where our Chambers of Commerce come in! They advocate for hardworking business owners, connect entrepreneurs with valuable resources, and bring community leaders together, laying the foundation for local businesses to grow.

When our small businesses succeed, our communities thrive, jobs are created, and the American Dream stays alive. That’s how we keep Texas and America strong!

On the Texas Gulf Coast, we know flooding all too well. Hurricane Ike and Hurricane Harvey left their mark on homes, businesses, and families across our district, and every storm season reminds us how important it is to be prepared.

That’s why I’m glad to share some good news. FEMA has announced $400 million in Flood Mitigation Assistance funding to help communities reduce flood risk before the next storm hits. Our cities and counties in TX-14 can use this funding to elevate flood-prone homes, buy out properties that flood again and again, and improve drainage across entire neighborhoods.

Here’s what you can do:

• Make sure you have flood insurance. Only homes covered by a National Flood Insurance Program policy are eligible for this funding.
• Reach out to your city or county. If your home has flooded before, let your local floodplain manager know you’re interested. Your local leaders apply through the state, and they’ll be putting projects together through February 26, 2027.
• Spread the word. Share this with neighbors who have dealt with repeat flooding.

Getting ahead of flooding protects our families and cuts disaster costs for taxpayers and flood insurance policyholders down the road. If you have questions, YOUR office is here to help at (202) 225-2831!

Here's where things stand with the federal investigation into Rep. Ilhan Omar's immigration history:

• On October 12, Department of Homeland Security agents searched her Washington, D.C., home under a judge-approved warrant.
• The Justice Department calls it a criminal investigation, but no charges have been filed.
• Investigators are reviewing her family's immigration records and have subpoenaed some of her relatives.
• Rep. Omar came here as a refugee from Somalia in 1995 and became a citizen in 2000.

Rep. Omar was also recently asked about a long-running claim that her former husband, Ahmed Nur Said Elmi, is her brother. Her answer was "Not to my knowledge."

If she has nothing to hide, both matters should be easy to clear up. 

American citizenship is a privilege, and the process for earning it has to have integrity. Investigators should follow the facts wherever they lead, with the same rules for everybody.

As cooler winds pick up here in Southeast Texas, Team Weber is staying hot on the trail with new wins for Texas’ 14th District!
 
Team Weber started off the week by attending the Orange County Coastal Storm Risk Management Project Meeting in Bridge City. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers gave a detailed breakdown of the new Coastal Storm Risk Management Project, which will improve flood resiliency, restore coastal marshes, and preserve wetlands across the district.
 
Next, we honored the late Floyd Batiste, an esteemed member of the Port Arthur community and former CEO of the Port Arthur Economic Development Corporation. Mr. Batiste oversaw the creation and growth of the Business Park and secured funding for renovations and improvements, so in his honor, the Business Park at Spur 93 will be dedicated in his name. 

Team Weber attended the Three Rivers Council’s 42nd Annual Distinguished Citizens event honoring Golden Pass LNG, the very terminal Energy Secretary Chris Wright visited earlier this year to showcase American energy dominance! This event raised money for Scouting America to continue building character, leadership, and citizenship for the next generations of Southeast Texans.

We also had the opportunity to join our veterans at the 8th Annual Honor Local Vets Awards Luncheon at the College of the Mainland Conference Center in Texas City, where we celebrated the brave men and women who served our country and still serve the Gulf Coast every day.
 
Team Weber has been hard at work across the Gulf Coast! On to the next week!

• H.Res.1618 - Recognizing the third anniversary of the October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks on Israel, honoring the victims and the hostages, and calling for the complete disarmament of Hamas for a durable end to the war in Gaza.
• H.R.10737 - To amend the Environmental Research, Development, and Demonstration Authorization Act of 1978 to promote transparency in science, and for other purposes.
• H.R.10620 - Barron's Law
• H.R.10580 - LABEL Act
• H.R.10542 - Combating Pasture Mealybug Act
• H.R.10356 - Empowering Moms Act

Do you support Congress investigating federal grants that may be funding terrorist organizations?

Yes: 90.6%

No: 9.4%