For the first time in decades, the United States will see fair trade as President Trump announced tariffs that level the playing field for American workers and businesses. I will be the first to say that shaking up the status quo isn’t always comfortable, but President Trump is fighting for the American people, and he’s not backing down.

Gone are the days of America being taken advantage of. There is a new sheriff in town and trade is a core issue in restoring American strength on the global stage.

This week, President Donald J. Trump took bold action to declare foreign trade abuses a national emergency and announced new tariffs to combat unfair economic practices that have hollowed out American manufacturing and endangered our economic and national security.

• A 10% baseline tariff will take effect April 5, 2025, on all foreign imports.

• Higher, targeted tariffs will follow on April 9 for countries with the largest trade deficits with the U.S.

• Tariffs will remain in place until fair, reciprocal trade is restored.

• Certain essential goods, like pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, energy, and critical minerals, will be exempt.

President Trump is using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to finally demand reciprocity in trade. For decades, foreign nations have taken advantage of our low tariffs while slamming U.S. goods with outrageous taxes and red tape.

This is about re-shoring American jobs, defending our supply chains, and restoring our economic sovereignty. President Trump’s move will:

• Rebuild critical manufacturing in autos, defense, tech, and more

• Reduce our $1.2 trillion trade deficit

• Counter unfair practices from China, India, the EU, and others

• Protect U.S. businesses from counterfeit goods and IP theft

In 2023, American manufacturing output dropped to 17.4% of global share—down from 28.4% in 2001. We’ve lost over 5 million manufacturing jobs since 1997. Enough is enough.

President Trump is keeping his promise to put America First, holding our trading partners accountable, and securing better-paying jobs for American workers. This is the Golden Rule of Trade: if you want access to our market, treat us like we treat you.

The message is clear: access to the American economy is a privilege—not a right. These tariffs are a powerful tool to reverse the damage done under the Biden Administration and usher in a new era of economic strength and national security.

While I was in Washington working on behalf of TX-14, Team Weber was hard at work across the district! I also had the opportunity to hold a telephone town hall, where I spoke directly with thousands of constituents about the issues that matter most to Southeast Texans. I appreciate everyone who joined the conversation and shared their thoughts!

We were honored to present County Judge Matt Sebesta with a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol in celebration of the brand-new Brazoria County Justice Center in Angleton. This state-of-the-art facility at 237 E. Locust St. will serve our community well! Team Weber attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Texas Surf Museum in Galveston, a fantastic addition to the island that highlights Texas’ unique surf culture and history. We joined the Alzheimer’s Association: Houston & Southeast Texas Chapter for a Community Forum to hear directly from families, caregivers, and service providers about the challenges of Alzheimer’s and the solutions needed to support those affected.

Proud to serve Southeast Texas and keep our communities strong!

Legislation sponsored:

• H.R. 2613 - To improve public-private partnerships and increase Federal research, development, and demonstration related to the evolution of next generation pipeline systems, and for other purposes.

Legislation cosponsored:

• H.R. 2599 - To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to establish the emergency generator tax credit.
• H.R. 1047 - GRID Power Act
• H.R. 2501 - To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow charitable organizations to make statements relating to political campaigns if such statements are made in the ordinary course of carrying out its tax exempt purpose.
• H.R. 2395 - To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to remove short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, and certain other weapons from the definition of firearms for purposes of the National Firearms Act, and for other purposes.
• H.R. 2443 - To eliminate taxpayer funding for the partisan broadcasting outlets known as National Public Radio and the Public Broadcasting Service, and for other purposes.
• H.R. 2446 - To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to prohibit institutions of higher education that authorize antisemitic events on campus from participating in the student loan and grant programs under title IV of such Act.

The Texas Department of Public Safety is committed to protecting the citizens of Texas by only licensing individuals who are properly identified and can demonstrate their ability to safely operate a motor vehicle on public roadways.

The United States Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005 in response to the terrorist attacks on 9/11. The REAL ID Act requires states to adopt and implement uniform standards for the issuance and production of state-issued driver licenses and identification cards if they are to be accepted as identity documents by the federal government. This Act strengthens the integrity and security of state-issued cards in an effort to reduce identity fraud and terrorism.

Beginning May 7, 2025, only state-issued driver licenses and identification cards that are fully compliant with the REAL ID Act will be accepted for official federal government purposes, such as entering secure federal buildings or boarding domestic flights. Texas began issuing REAL ID compliant cards on October 10, 2016, and these cards are marked with a gold circle with an inset star located in the upper right-hand corner, as seen in the examples below.

All Texas driver licenses and identification cards, both compliant (star) and non-compliant (no star) are valid until the expiration date shown on the card. If you replaced or renewed your card after October 10, 2016, and have a gold star in the right-hand corner, your card is REAL ID compliant and no further action is required on your part. You may continue to use your compliant card for federal identification purposes until it expires.

If your card does not have the star, you can continue to use the card after May 7, 2025, but it will only be accepted for state-related purposes such as driving (driver license only), banking, and voting. It will not be accepted as identification for federal purposes.

• Applying for a Texas Driver License or Identification Card (PDF)
• Renewing a Texas Driver License or Identification Card (PDF)
• Applying as a Teen Driver for a Learner License (PDF)
• Upgrading a Teen Driver Learner License to a Provisional Driver License (PDF)
• Applying for a Commercial Driver License (PDF)

To order a certified copy of your Texas birth certificate, or if you were born in Texas and never issued a birth certificate, you may contact the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) for assistance.

If DSHS is unable to provide you with a certified copy of your Texas birth certificate and you are unable to present another official document proving your identity or U.S. Citizenship, please send an email to REALID@dps.texas.gov. Be sure to include your full name, date of birth, and a telephone contact number where you can be reached.

For additional information on the REAL ID Act, how it may impact you, and renewing or replacing your card, visit our Frequently Asked Questions below.

1. What is REAL ID?

REAL ID is a coordinated effort by the states and the federal government to combat terrorism, identity theft, and other crimes by strengthening the integrity, accuracy, and security of the driver license and identification card issuance process. The REAL ID Act was part of the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Defense, the Global War on Terror, and the Tsunami Relief Act and was passed by the U.S. Congress in 2005.

2. How did the REAL ID Act impact the Texas driver license and identification card issuance process?

The REAL ID Act established new minimum issuance standards, which include:

• Requiring proof of identity, date of birth, social security number, lawful status, and primary residence address
• Verifying the authenticity of the documents presented for issuance
• Incorporating additional security features into the card, and
• Increasing security and privacy of personal information collected during the issuance process.

The Texas driver license and identification card issuance process is in compliance with these standards. These requirements are not based upon age, but for providing for the security of the driver license and identification card issuance process.

3. Is Texas compliant with the REAL ID Act?

Yes, Texas has implemented all of the security standards required by the REAL ID Act and began issuing REAL ID compliant DL/ID cards on October 10, 2016. The Texas REAL ID compliant-card is marked with a circle with an inset star located in the upper right corner of the card.

4. How does Texas complying with the REAL ID Act benefit me?

Texans are able to use their current driver license or identification card for federal identification purposes for boarding domestic flights, entering federal facilities, and other official federal purposes.

5. What would have happened if Texas had chosen not to comply with the REAL ID Act?

After May 7, 2025, Texas DL/ID cards would not be accepted for federal identification purposes, and Texas residents would not be able to enter federal facilities or board a domestic flight unless they had another form of identification acceptable for federal purposes, such as a U.S. Passport.

6. What do I need to do?

Because Texas is in compliance with the REAL ID Act, all Texas driver licenses and identification cards are currently valid forms of identification for federal purposes.

If your card expires after May 7, 2025, and you want a REAL ID compliant card, you can request a duplicate card either in person or through Texas.gov. If you have been issued a card on or after October 10, 2016, and see a gold star in the upper right hand corner, you already have a REAL ID Act compliant card, and no further action is required on your part.

If you received your renewal notice in the mail, be sure to bring the required documents that are listed in your renewal notice. If you did not receive a renewal notice, are obtaining a replacement, or are not sure what to bring with you, you may use our interactive REAL ID Document Check Application to assist in preparing you for your Driver License office visit. Just follow the steps, and at the end, you will have a customized checklist of the documents to bring for your visit.  While these documents may already be on file with the Department, bringing them with you will minimize any delays in renewing or replacing your driver license or identification card.

To determine if you are eligible to renew online or need to obtain a replacement card, visit www.texas.gov.

7. Why was a notice mailed to me asking me to renew early?

Notices are being sent out reminding customers that they can renew their DL or ID card up to two years in advance of expiration to provide customers with plenty of notice to receive a REAL ID compliant card by the May 7, 2025, deadline if they want one.

8. I don't fly on domestic flights or visit federal facilities. Do I still need to get a compliant card?

No. As long as your existing Texas DL is still valid and not expired, it is acceptable for driving on any public roadway nationwide, and an identification card will continue to be valid for non-federal identification purposes. However, when you renew again, you will receive a REAL ID compliant card.

9. I have both a Texas driver license and identification card. Can I keep both?

No. REAL ID and Texas law only permits a person to hold a driver license or identification card, but not both. You can view the law by visiting Texas Transportation Code Section 521.183.

10. Does the REAL ID Act create a national database of driver information?

No. Driver information is securely maintained by the Texas Department of Public Safety and is not entered into a national database.

11. Do REAL ID compliant marked cards contain an electronic chip?

No. Texas driver licenses and identification cards do not contain an electronic chip. Some states issue an enhanced driver license or identification card that contains an RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) chip to assist with rapid identification checks at federal border checkpoints. Texas does not participate in this program.

12. What happens if I do not currently have a REAL ID compliant Texas driver license or identification card and do nothing until after May 7, 2025?

If your driver license is still valid, you may continue to use it for non-federal purposes, such as operating a motor vehicle, voting, or banking. You will not be able to use it for federal identification purposes, such as boarding domestic flights or entering secure federal facilities, after May 7, 2025.  If you attempt to present a non-compliant Texas driver license or identification card after May 7, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) or other federal agency responsible for security will determine whether to permit you access/entrance or subject you to additional screening as prescribed by that agency.

Additional information regarding the REAL ID Act can be found on the DHS website.

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!