Weber, Randy RSS Articles

Rep. Weber Introduces the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Randy Weber (TX-14) introduced H.R. 8462, National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act (NQIA), legislation to strengthen America’s leadership in quantum science and technology, bolster national security, expand workforce development, and counter growing competition from the Chinese Communist Party and other adversaries.

The legislation reauthorizes and modernizes the landmark National Quantum Initiative, first signed into law in 2018, to advance a coordinated federal strategy to move quantum research beyond basic science and into applied research, commercialization, and deployment. The bill expands programs across the federal government, supports domestic quantum supply chains, strengthens partnerships with U.S. allies, and formally incorporates NASA into the initiative.

The legislation is scheduled for markup before the full House Science, Space, and Technology Committee on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.

“Quantum technology will help define the future of economic strength, scientific discovery, and national security,” said Rep. Weber. “The United States must lead in this mission-critical field and not cede ground to the Chinese Communist Party. This legislation builds on the success of the original National Quantum Initiative by strengthening research, growing the workforce of tomorrow, and helping move breakthrough technologies from the lab into the real world.”

“I want to thank Congressman Randy Weber for his leadership in advancing the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act," said Chairman Brian Babin, House Science, Space, and Technology Committee. "As we consider this legislation at Wednesday’s full committee markup, it’s clear this bill strengthens America’s position in a rapidly evolving global race by modernizing our quantum research enterprise, supporting a skilled workforce, and deepening partnerships with our allies. Ensuring U.S. leadership in quantum technology is critical to our economic competitiveness and national security, and this legislation takes an important step forward.”

The bill also includes provisions to:

Require a strategy to expand cooperative quantum research efforts with U.S. allies;
Authorize up to three National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) centers focused on quantum sensing, measurement, and engineering;
Strengthen National Science Foundation (NSF) traineeships, fellowships, and workforce development programs;
Authorize new quantum testbeds and a multidisciplinary coordination hub through NSF;
Support the development of quantum foundries and domestic supply chains; and
Formally authorize quantum research and development activities at NASA.

Quantum technologies have the potential to transform computing, secure communications, sensing, and defense capabilities. As global competition intensifies, the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act will help ensure America remains at the forefront of one of the most consequential technological frontiers of the 21st century.

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Rep. Weber Announces Membership in Newly Launched Bipartisan Gulf South Business Caucus

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Randy Weber (TX-14) announced he is joining the Gulf South Business Caucus, a new bipartisan caucus focused on strengthening economic competitiveness, energy leadership, and industrial growth across the Gulf Coast region.

The caucus, launched April 23, 2026, brings Members from Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas together to advance policies that support workforce development, infrastructure investment, and long-term economic expansion across one of the most productive regions in the country.

“I’m proud to be an inaugural member of the Gulf South Business Caucus,” said Rep. Randy Weber (TX-14). “In Texas’ 14th District alone, our seven ports support over 200,000 jobs, move tens of billions of dollars in economic activity, and anchor a region that drives more than $1 trillion in trade each year while producing a massive share of America’s fuel supply. The Gulf Coast is the backbone that keeps America moving. This caucus is ready to set the bar high and keep this country charging toward its next era of greatness.”

The Gulf South region contributes more than $3.7 trillion to the U.S. economy and serves as a national hub for energy production, advanced manufacturing, logistics, and chemical production. As a member of the caucus, Rep. Weber will work alongside colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure the Gulf Coast continues to lead in powering America’s economy and supporting its workforce.

Read more here.

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ICYMI: Rep. Weber Pens Op-Ed Highlighting the Importance of Protecting America's Energy Infrastructure

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. - In a new op-ed in the Washington Times, Congressman Randy Weber (TX-14) outlined why pipeline cybersecurity must be treated as a national priority in the face of growing cyber threats. Rep. Weber detailed how vulnerabilities in America’s energy infrastructure pose serious risks to economic stability and national security, emphasizing the need for stronger coordination and preparedness to protect the systems that power our country.

In case you missed it…

In the Face of Growing Cyber Threats, Pipeline Security Must be a Priority
Washington Times
Congressman Randy Weber
April 22, 2026

In Ma 2021, Americans received a stark reminder that the infrastructure powering our country is not immune to attack.

A ransomware group known as DarkSide infiltrated the computer systems of the Colonial Pipeline, the largest refined fuel pipeline in the United States. Out of caution, the company shut down operations across its entire system while it worked to contain the breach.

The consequences were felt almost immediately.

Colonial Pipeline operates a 5,500-mile network stretching from Texas to New Jersey, carrying gasoline, diesel and jet fuel to markets across the eastern United States. Every day, the system moves roughly 2.5 million barrels of fuel, supplying nearly 45% of the gasoline and diesel consumed along the East Coas.

When that system stopped moving fuel, even temporarily, the effects rippled across more than 12,000 gas stations and impacted tens of millions of Americans.

Within days of the shutdown, drivers lined up for miles to fill their tanks, and panic-buying spread across several states. The national average gasoline price climbed to levels not seen since 2014, while some states saw increases of more than 20 cents in a single week.

For many Americans, it was the first time they realized just how much their daily lives depend on energy infrastructure that operates quietly in the background.

But what made the Colonial Pipeline attack particularly alarming was not just the disruption itself; it was how it happened.

The attackers never physically touched the pipeline.

Cybercriminals believed to be operating out of Russia gained access to Colonial’s computer network using a compromised password and deployed ransomware designed to lock the company out of its own systems until a ransom payment was made.

In other words, criminals thousands of miles away disrupted one of the most critical energy systems in the United States using nothing more than a laptop and malicious code.

That reality should concern every American. The Colonial Pipeline attack revealed that the systems we depend on every day are no longer threatened solely by physical sabotage or traditional acts of war; They are also vulnerable in cyberspace.

Energy infrastructure has always been vital to the strength of our economy, but the 2021 Colonial Pipeline attack showed just how equally important it is to our national security. Pipelines move the fuel that powers our cars, trucks, airplanes, farms and factories. Refineries turn crude oil into the gasoline and diesel that keep commerce moving. Ports and terminals carry that energy to communities across the country and markets around the world.

The Colonial Pipeline attack revealed what happens when one link in that chain is disrupted. Brief interruptions to a single system can spread quickly across the country. When fuel deliveries slow, transportation costs rise. When prices increase, families feel it at the pump. And when uncertainty spreads across energy markets, the effects are felt throughout the broader economy.

Nearly five years later, the lesson learned from the Colonial Pipeline attack is undeniable: cybersecurity is inseparable from energy and national security.

President Donald Trump’s Cyber Strategy for America recognizes this reality and places securing critical infrastructure at the center of our national cyber posture. One of the strategy’s key priorities is Pillar Four: Secure Critical Infrastructure. This pillar focuses on identifying, prioritizing, and hardening the systems that power our country, including pipelines, energy grids and the digital networks that support them.

That same mission is driving action in Congress.

My Pipeline Cybersecurity Preparedness Act, a bipartisan effort with Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Mich., designates the Department of Energy to lead pipeline cybersecurity preparedness and response, strengthen coordination and improve information-sharing, all without adding new regulatory burdens.

Because what we saw in 2021 cannot happen again.

The United States possesses one of the most advanced and productive energy systems in the world. From the energy fields of Texas and the refining complexes along the Gulf Coast to the pipelines that move fuel to communities across the country, this network remains a pillar of American strength.

But if we are going to retain that strength, we must remain vigilant in cyberspace.

The infrastructure that powers America must be protected with the same seriousness we devote to protecting the nation itself.

That means strengthening cybersecurity across our energy infrastructure now. Not tomorrow. Today.

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Chairman Weber Delivers Opening Statement at Energy Subcommittee Hearing on American Energy and Mineral Dominance

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Randy Weber (TX-14), Chairman of the Energy Subcommittee on the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, delivered the following opening statement at today’s hearing, “Subsurface Science and Technology: American Energy and Mineral Dominance.”

Watch Subcommittee Chairman Weber's opening statement here.

Read Subcommittee Chairman Weber’s opening statement below:

"Welcome to today’s hearing titled Subsurface Science and Technology: American Energy and Mineral Dominance. I recognize myself for five minutes for an opening statement.

"Well, good morning, you all. You can tell I’m from Texas. Good morning, and welcome to today’s Energy Subcommittee hearing titled Subsurface Science and Technology: American Energy and Mineral Dominance.

"The United States is blessed with an abundance of natural resources across our magnificent country. For over a century, our nation has generated a significant portion of its power directly from subsurface resources such as coal and natural gas. Technological breakthroughs in subsurface sciences have enabled us to access these resources in new and innovative ways, unlocking potential that was once thought, quite frankly, impossible.

"A great example of this is the geothermal energy sector. Previously, geothermal energy was limited to certain regions due to extremely specific conditions required for it to be a viable energy source. For a geothermal well to be successful, the required combination of shallow heat, permeable rock, and available water had to be present to extract heat from the Earth and generate electricity. If any of these requirements were not met, a geothermal well would not generate power. As a result, the few areas capable of supporting geothermal electricity generation were tapped decades ago, which left the industry in a position where some believed that its full potential had already been reached.

"Thanks to innovation in the oil and gas sector, geothermal is getting a new lease on life. Over the last few decades, oil and gas have been at the forefront of new drilling and extraction technologies and methods. These breakthroughs have helped address issues that traditional geothermal energy has faced in the past. Next-generation geothermal systems are also well suited to play a role in leveraging established technologies like hydraulic fracturing and drilling deeper to access hotter rock, bringing baseload geothermal to new regions across the entire country.

"The timing for these enhanced geothermal systems to be commercialized could not be better. Energy demand is skyrocketing as we are not only onshoring manufacturing, but also electrifying our lives and working to stay ahead of the Chinese Communist Party in the artificial intelligence race. It is very important to ensure that the U.S. is positioned for a prosperous future.

"The Department of Energy underwent a reorganization in November 2025. This reorganization resulted in the establishment of two key offices for today’s hearing: the Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office and the Office of Critical Minerals, Minerals, and Energy Innovation. With their creation, DOE made the subsurface—and, by extension, geothermal energy and critical minerals—a priority moving forward.

"These offices have already announced funding opportunities to accelerate the deployment of next-generation geothermal energy, while helping ensure a safe and secure supply chain for the good old U.S. of A.

"We have seen recently how geopolitical events can impact not only our economy, but the global economy. This underscores the importance of strengthening domestic supply chains to meet both our energy and critical mineral needs. It also highlights the need to continue advancing cutting-edge innovation.

"The discoveries made by oil and natural gas companies that led to hydraulic fracturing, much of it from the Galveston, Texas area, and the hydraulic fracturing boom have helped insulate the U.S. from electricity price shocks, thanks to our enormous natural gas production capacity. This has enabled us to support our allies with LNG shipments to Europe and Asia, not only during the current supply disruption, but in previous ones as well.

"The ability to bring a new baseload power source to market during an energy supply crunch is an enormous win for the American people. Paired with DOE’s ongoing efforts to reduce reliance on critical minerals from foreign countries that may not have always had our best interests in mind, this creates a powerful one-two punch for the subsurface community.

"I want to thank all the witnesses for being here today and for their testimony, and I look forward to a very productive discussion.

"With that, I yield back my time."

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Reps. Weber and Dingell’s Pipeline Cybersecurity Preparedness Act Advances Out of Energy and Commerce Committee

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Randy Weber’s (TX-14) H.R. 7272 Pipeline Cybersecurity Preparedness Act advanced out of the full House Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously and is now eligible for consideration on the U.S. House Floor.

Rep. Weber introduced the legislation in February 2026 alongside Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI) to strengthen cybersecurity coordination across the nation’s pipeline and liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure.

“Cyberattacks targeting our nation’s critical infrastructure are not hypothetical threats, and the consequences would not be limited to one region,” said Rep. Weber. “A disruption to a pipeline in Texas can be felt by families at the gas pump in Virginia. Americans saw that reality during the Colonial Pipeline cyberattack, when fuel shortages spread across the eastern seaboard. In the event of an attack on our energy infrastructure, we need a coordinated, whole-of-government response to restore operations quickly and protect our energy supply. The Department of Energy is best positioned to lead that effort.”

Background

The need for stronger coordination and preparedness across America’s energy infrastructure became clear during the Colonial Pipeline cyberattack in May 2021, one of the most significant cyber incidents targeting U.S. energy infrastructure.

Colonial Pipeline operates a 5,500-mile pipeline system that transports gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel from the Texas Gulf Coast to the East Coast.
Following the cyberattack, the company shut down operations across the entire pipeline system, disrupting fuel deliveries across multiple states.
The disruption triggered widespread fuel shortages, panic buying, and price spikes, leaving many gas stations across the United States without fuel.
The incident demonstrated how a single cyberattack on critical energy infrastructure can have cascading effects across multiple regions of the country.

The Pipeline Cybersecurity Preparedness Act seeks to strengthen coordination and preparedness across the energy sector to ensure the federal government and industry partners can respond quickly and effectively to cyber threats targeting critical energy infrastructure.

Rep. Weber’s opening remarks:

“I want to thank my friend from Michigan, Representative Dingell, for co-leading H.R. 7272, the Pipeline Cybersecurity Preparedness Act, which unanimously passed through the Energy Subcommittee in February.

“The Department of Energy (DOE) currently serves as the government’s energy sector lead, coordinating efforts across energy infrastructure owners and operators, states, and federal agencies.

“In this role, DOE maintains visibility across the entire energy value chain, an essential part of its mission, while providing the technical expertise necessary to coordinate security and hazards response across the sector.

“As the threat landscape evolves, cyber-attacks on U.S. systems from adversarial nations and rogue actors alike are on the rise. Given the unique risks that cyber threats pose to our energy infrastructure, we must strengthen information sharing and coordination practices in law.

“And we must do so quickly.

“That is why it is critical to advance H.R. 7272. This bill would improve how the DOE works with others in the energy sector to ensure the security and resilience of pipelines and LNG facilities that our nation depends upon for the reliable supply of fuels and electricity.

“This bill leverages the Department’s vast technical capabilities to develop a program that improves the coordination and the technical support needed to ensure timely, efficient, and effective efforts to secure our energy systems and response to disruptions.

“As I said in the Subcommittee markup, let me be crystal clear—H.R. 7272 does not create or authorize a regulatory program.

“Collaboration with agencies, like the Transportation Security Administration, and utilizing their expertise will remain key, however it is important to remember that the Department of Energy retains responsibility over the whole energy and power sector. It also already leads federal coordination on this front.

“For any American watching this today, an attack on our infrastructure is not merely a hypothetical scenario. And the impacts would not be isolated.

“An attack on a pipeline in Texas can be felt in Virginia at the gas pump. We experienced this firsthand when many gas stations along the eastern seaboard quite literally ran out of fuel in the aftermath of the Colonial Pipeline cyber-attack.

“In the wake of a cyberattack, we need a direct, cohesive, whole-of-government response to cut through the chaos, and there is no better entity to lead that effort than DOE.

“With that, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 7272, and I yield back the balance of my time.”

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Rep. Weber Introduces Resolution Recognizing 10th Anniversary of First Lower 48 LNG Export

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Randy Weber (TX-14), Vice Chair of the Republican Study Committee’s House Energy Action Team (HEAT), introduced a House Resolution recognizing the 10th anniversary of the first export shipment of liquefied natural gas (LNG) produced in the lower 48 United States.

On February 24, 2016, the tanker Asia Vision departed Cheniere’s Sabine Pass facility on the Texas Gulf Coast bound for Brazil. That historic shipment marked the first time LNG produced by American workers, using American technology, was exported from the continental United States to global markets. It signaled the beginning of a new era of American energy leadership.

The resolution:

Recognizes and celebrates the 10th anniversary of the first LNG export shipment from the lower 48 states;
Honors the workers, innovators, and communities who made this milestone possible;
Acknowledges the role LNG exports play in strengthening U.S. economic growth, energy security, and international partnerships;
And reaffirms the importance of continued innovation and responsible development of American energy resources.

Over the past decade, LNG exports from the lower 48 have supported an annual average of 273,000 American jobs and contributed more than $400 billion in economic growth. U.S. LNG terminals have shipped more than 8,500 cargoes to over 40 countries and regions around the world, strengthening alliances and reducing dependence on hostile energy suppliers.

“Ten years ago, the first LNG shipment from the Lower 48 left right here in Texas’ 14th Congressional District,” said Rep. Weber. “That moment proved what we’ve always known on the Texas Gulf Coast: when America produces, builds, and leads, we win. Today, the United States is the largest LNG exporter in the world because we didn’t sideline American energy, we unleashed it. Now it’s Congress’ job to protect that success and keep America energy dominant.”

“We applaud the work led by the House Energy Action Team (HEAT) to draw attention to the many economic, geopolitical, and environmental benefits of growing U.S. LNG exports,” said Charlie Riedl, Executive Director for the Center for LNG (CLNG). “As a coalition of companies representing the LNG supply chain, CLNG stands ready to support your efforts and continue to advocate for policies that will create American jobs and strengthen our national security. We look forward to working with you to advance this critical resolution and build awareness of the industry in Congress.”

Read CLNG’s full Letter of Support here.

“Over the past decade, U.S. LNG has strengthened our economy, supported hundreds of thousands of American jobs, and enhanced the energy security of our allies around the world,” said Dustin Meyer, Senior Vice President of Policy, Economics and Regulatory Affairs, American Petroleum Institute. “We applaud Congressman Weber’s leadership in recognizing the workers, innovators, and communities who made the United States the world’s leading LNG exporter, and who will continue to drive American energy innovation and leadership for decades to come.”

“America’s leading independent producers are proud to power a decade of U.S. LNG export leadership, and we applaud Representative Weber for recognizing this historic turning point that helped transform the United States into a global energy superpower," said Parker Kasmer, Vice President of Government Affairs, of the American Exploration & Production Council. "Thanks to the ingenuity and investment of American natural gas producers, U.S. LNG has become a cornerstone of global energy security, powering homes and economies across Europe, Asia, and beyond. As we mark this milestone, we look forward to working with Congress to advance policies that expand the role of American-made natural gas in meeting the world’s growing demand for ever cleaner, reliable energy,"

The resolution is cosponsored by Representatives Rick Allen (GA-12), Brian Babin (TX-36), Troy Balderson (OH-12), Aaron Bean (FL-04), Stephanie Bice (OK-05), Mike Carey (OH-15), Buddy Carter (GA-01), Michael Cloud (TX-27), Mike Collins (GA-10), Dan Crenshaw (TX-02), Jake Ellzey (TX-06), Julie Fedorchak (ND-AL), Randy Fine (FL-06), Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03), Craig Goldman (TX-12), Vincent Gonzalez (TX-34), Pat Harrigan (NC-10), Clay Higgins (LA-03), Wesley Hunt (TX-38), Jeff Hurd (CO-03), Julia Letlow (LA-05), Barry Loudermilk (GA-11), Rich McCormick (GA-07), Addison McDowell (NC-06), Mark Messmer (IN-08), Carol Miller (WV-01), Nathaniel Moran (TX-01), Troy Nehls (TX-22), August Pfluger (TX-11), Michael Rulli (OH-6), Pete Stauber (MN-08), Beth Van Duyne (TX-24), and Roger Williams (TX-25).

Congressman Weber serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, where he is Vice Chairman of the Energy Subcommittee and serves on the Environment and Oversight & Investigations Subcommittees.

Rep. Weber’s district on the Texas Gulf Coast is home to critical LNG infrastructure that powers American energy production and strengthens national security.

Rep. Weber’s Pipeline Cybersecurity Preparedness Act Clears House Energy & Commerce Energy Subcommittee, Moves One Step Closer to House Floor Consideration

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Randy Weber (TX-14) delivered remarks as the Pipeline Cybersecurity Preparedness Act advanced out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Energy Subcommittee and now heads to the full House Energy and Commerce Committee for consideration before moving to the House floor.

Watch Rep. Weber's remarks here.

Read Rep. Weber’s remarks below.

“Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

“My legislation, the Pipeline Cybersecurity Preparedness Act, which I am proud to lead with my friend from Michigan, Representative Dingell, has long-standing support in this Committee. Addressing cyber and physical threats, as well as other hazards to our fuel infrastructure, requires information sharing and coordination among infrastructure owners, states, and the federal government. It also requires visibility across the entire energy sector, from fuels to power, upstream to downstream, including the facilities that secure American energy dominance around the world.

“Mr. Chairman, the Department of Energy serves, by law, as the government’s lead for the energy sector. As such, it has broad visibility and the expertise necessary to ensure security and hazard coordination across the entire energy system. H.R. 7272 would improve how the Department of Energy works with others to ensure the security and resilience of pipelines and LNG facilities that our energy sector depends on for the reliable supply of fuels and electricity.

“This legislation leverages DOE’s vast technical capabilities to develop a program that improves coordination and provides the technical support needed to ensure timely, efficient, and effective efforts to secure our energy systems and respond to disruptions.

“To be extremely clear, H.R. 7272 does not create, nor does it authorize, a regulatory program. Let me repeat: this bill does not create, nor does it authorize, a regulatory program. It is intended to strengthen DOE’s ability to inform, improve coordination, and build capabilities within states and across the energy sector.

“Other agencies, such as the Transportation Security Administration, certainly play a vital role when it comes to pipeline cybersecurity. However, the Department of Energy retains responsibility across the entire energy and power sector and already leads federal coordination in this area.

“This bipartisan effort maximizes the Department of Energy’s capabilities in the public interest and, in turn, strengthens all stakeholders responsible for the secure delivery of fuels and power.

“With that, Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 7272.”

Rep. Weber Delivers Over $3 Million to Southeast Texas as President Moves to Reopen the Government

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Randy Weber (TX-14) supported final passage of H.R. 7148, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026, which will be signed immediately by President Donald J. Trump to reopen the federal government and deliver over $3M in funding across Texas’ 14th Congressional District.

The funding includes:

$2,000,000 for Lamar State College Port Arthur to support the Advanced Terminal Workforce Development Center, preparing students to enter the workforce immediately while strengthening the efficiency, safety, and reliability of terminal operations that underpin the regional economy.
$1,000,000 for the City of West Columbia for Phase One of the City’s Street Reconstruction Project, addressing aging local roadways and improving infrastructure relied upon by families, small businesses, and first responders.
$730,000 for the City of Angleton to rehabilitate the Lexington Square building, including HVAC replacement, structural repairs, exterior improvements, and the installation of a shaded parking structure to better serve residents and visitors.

“Keeping the government open is one of our most basic responsibilities, and shutdowns only hurt hardworking Americans,” said Rep. Weber. “This bill will be signed immediately by the President to reopen the government and put more than $3 million to work right here in Texas’ 14th District. Those dollars are being used to train workers, rebuild local streets people drive every day, and upgrade community facilities families rely on. It took a herculean effort to get this done, and folks across Southeast Texas will feel the positive impact where they live, work, and raise their families.”

H.R. 7148 now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law, reopening the federal government and advancing Fiscal Year 2026 funding toward final completion.

Reps. Weber and Dingell Introduce Bipartisan Pipeline Cybersecurity Preparedness Act to Protect America’s Energy Infrastructure

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Randy Weber (R-TX) introduced the bipartisan Pipeline Cybersecurity Preparedness Act alongside Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI), legislation to protect America’s pipelines by placing the Department of Energy as the lead agency on cybersecurity coordination.

Cyber threats to critical energy infrastructure are increasing in frequency and sophistication, putting the pipelines that transport energy across the country at risk. While pipeline cybersecurity responsibilities are currently spread across multiple federal agencies, the Department of Energy already serves as the Energy Sector Risk Management Agency and has demonstrated its ability to respond during major incidents, including the 2021 Colonial Pipeline cyberattack.

“Texas’ 14th Congressional District helps power America, and protecting our pipelines is critical to our national and energy security,” said Rep. Weber. “This bill puts the Department of Energy’s expertise in the lead to coordinate preparedness, response, and recovery efforts to protect our pipelines.”

The Pipeline Cybersecurity Preparedness Act directs the Department of Energy to coordinate with federal, state, and industry partners to strengthen the security and resilience of pipeline infrastructure by:

Improving federal coordination and information-sharing related to cyber and physical threats;
Supporting preparedness, response, and recovery efforts following cybersecurity incidents;
Developing voluntary cybersecurity tools, technologies, and pilot projects in partnership with industry;
Strengthening workforce development and cybersecurity training for pipeline and LNG facilities;
And preserving existing agency authorities and creating no new regulatory requirements.

"As our world becomes more digital and interconnected, strong cybersecurity is essential, especially when it comes to protecting our energy supplies,” said Rep. Dingell. “Cyber threats to our energy infrastructure are real, growing, and need action now. The Pipeline Cybersecurity Preparedness Act strengthens the Department of Energy’s role by ensuring its experts are fully engaged in federal coordination and working closely with industry to secure our pipelines. We must continue to act decisively to safeguard our critical infrastructure and our national security.”

Read more here.

Rep. Weber Announces 2025 Congressional App Challenge Winner

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 05:00:00 GMT

League City, TX - Today, Congressman Randy Weber (TX-14) announced Aarush Sinha, a student at Clear Creek High School, as the winner of the 2025 Congressional App Challenge for Texas’ 14th Congressional District. Aarush earned first place for his app, Vision Warrior, a web-based application designed to assist individuals with visual impairments through accessible, real-world technology.

Vision Warrior combines text-to-speech technology with color detection to help users better interact with their surroundings. The app can analyze text from PDFs, Word documents, text files, and images, read that content aloud, and identify colors within both text and images. It also features a webcam function that allows users to point their camera at an object and hear both the detected color and any readable text in real time.

“The talent we see from students here in Southeast Texas continues to impress me year after year,” said Rep. Weber. “Aarush identified a real need and used his technical skills to build something that can genuinely improve people’s lives. That’s exactly what the Congressional App Challenge is all about, and he should be incredibly proud of this achievement.”

This year’s competition was highly competitive, with students across TX-14 submitting innovative and thoughtful applications. Congressman Weber congratulated all participants for their creativity, technical skill, and willingness to take on real-world challenges through technology.

Established by Members of the U.S. House of Representatives in 2014, the Congressional App Challenge is a nationwide competition designed to encourage students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math. The program allows students to compete within their congressional district by creating and showcasing original software applications for mobile, tablet, or computer platforms.

“The Congressional App Challenge continues to showcase the innovation and potential of students right here in Southeast Texas and around the nation,” Weber added. “I look forward to seeing what these young developers accomplish next.”