Today, I introduced a resolution condemning President Biden's irresponsible withdrawal of petroleum products from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR). This comes after President Biden announced he would release another 15 million barrels of SPR. Nearly 60% of the SPR is located in our Congressional District – TX-14.

The Energy Policy and Conservative Act of 1975 was enacted on December 22, 1975, creating the SPR to respond to the global oil crisis. There have only been three emergency drawdowns from the SPR in its history—during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and, in coordination with the International Energy Agency, responding to instability in the Middle East and North Africa in 2011. President Biden has drained more than a third of the U.S. SPR to help quell gas prices.

We are 639 days into Joe Biden's disastrous presidency, and it has been an all-out assault against American energy. One of the most alarming offensives is Biden's abuse of America’s invaluable SPR. This resolution calls for President Biden to halt the sale of petroleum products from the SPR and to begin replenishing this critical emergency resource immediately. This is no longer about reducing gas prices for political gain; now he’s recklessly gutting our energy defense.

The four things the resolution does: 

1.  Recognizes energy security is national security.
2. Recognizes that President Biden’s attack on domestic production of oil and gas has resulted in the United States being energy dependent.
3. Encourages higher levels of domestic oil and gas production as Americans produce energy more cleanly and more efficiently than any other country. 
4. Calls upon President Biden to halt the sale of petroleum products from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and to begin replenishing the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

I recently cosponsored the State Immigration Enforcement Act. This legislation allows states and localities to pass and enforce laws that mirror federal immigration laws. The Biden Administration has virtually stopped immigration enforcement—allowing deportable aliens to remain in the country and incentivizing illegal aliens to enter the country.

We must authorize states to act because the Biden Administration has refused to enforce our nation's federal immigration laws amid a historic invasion. We are facing an unprecedented crisis at our southern border. States like Texas must have the authority to act because President Biden and the Border Czar will continue to ignore the very real crisis at our southern border.

I had a busy week around the district! Last week, I met with the Texas Farm Bureau in Waco to discuss important issues affecting the agriculture industry and the upcoming Farm bill. Our farmers and ranchers are the original conservationists! I attended the 2nd Annual Chuckwagon Chili Cookoff hosted by the League City Regional Chamber of Commerce. I presented them with a certification of Congressional Recognition for National Chamber of Commerce Week. The Chamber of Commerce plays a key role in promoting development to help local businesses thrive and prosper in our communities. Small businesses are the backbone of America. I also spoke at the Golden Triangle Industrial Group in Beaumont. 

Legislation cosponsored:

• H.R. 8597 - Emergency Care Improvement Act 
• H.R. 9190 - To amend title 31, United States Code, to limit the use of Federal funds for the salaries or expenses of political employees if the President's annual budget submission to Congress is late, and for other purposes. 
• H.R. 9191 - To amend title 31, United States Code, to limit the use of Federal funds for travel by the President if the President's annual budget submission to Congress is late, and for other purposes. 
• H.R. 9197 - To prohibit the use of Federal funds to develop, implement, facilitate, or fund any sexually-oriented program, event, or literature for children under the age of 10, and for other purposes.
• H.R. 9174 - To authorize State enforcement of immigration laws, and for other purposes.

God Bless you and God Bless Texas!