Weber, Randy RSS Articles

Rep. Weber Introduces the Lone Star Coastal National Recreation Area Act

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Randy Weber (TX-14) introduced H.R. 9325, the Lone Star Coastal National Recreation Area Act, legislation to establish the Lone Star Coastal National Recreation Area on the Upper Texas Gulf Coast. The measure would expand outdoor recreation opportunities, support conservation and coastal resilience, and help preserve the natural, cultural, and economic resources that make the Upper Texas Gulf Coast unique.

The proposed recreation area would span portions of Jefferson, Chambers, Galveston, Brazoria, and Matagorda Counties along the Upper Texas Gulf Coast. Home to more than five million Texans, the region includes some of the nation's most treasured coastal resources and recreation areas.

"The Texas Gulf Coast is unlike anywhere else in America," said Congressman Weber. "Whether it's fishing in our bays, watching wildlife along the coast, or simply spending time outdoors with family, generations of Texans have made memories here. The Upper Texas Coast is one of God's greatest blessings to our state, and we have a responsibility to be good stewards of it. This legislation helps ensure future generations can experience and enjoy everything this special part of Texas has to offer while keeping decisions in the hands of local landowners who know this coast best."

The Lone Star Coastal National Recreation Area Act would:

Establish the Lone Star Coastal National Recreation Area along the Upper Texas Gulf Coast.
Keep local leadership, voluntary participation, while avoiding new federal regulatory authority.
Expand opportunities for outdoor recreation, public access, tourism, and heritage-based economic development.
Support conservation, coastal resilience, and stewardship of the region's nationally significant natural and cultural resources.
Encourage coordination among local governments, land owners, conservation organizations, and other regional partners.

“As a Congressman representing the Houston area, I proudly co-sponsored the Lone Star Coastal Recreation Area Act,” said Congressman Hunt (TX-38). "I commend Rep. Weber and local partners for their unwavering commitment to ensuring Texas’s Gulf Coast is equipped with the resources necessary for thriving fishing, coastal communities, and energy infrastructure. Legislation like this secures Texas’s position as the leading state in national economic development.”

“The great State of Texas is home to one of the country’s most important coastal landscapes,” said Congressman Nehls (TX-22). “I’m proud to cosponsor my friend, Congressman Weber's, legislation to strengthen and expand public access to the Upper Texas Coast for outdoor recreation and tourism on our waterfronts. I will always support enhancing our local economies and recreational resources in our communities.”

"For more than fifteen years, communities across the Upper Texas Coast including my home county of Brazoria, have worked together to build a shared vision for the future of this extraordinary region," said J.P. Bryan, Chair, Lone Star Coastal Alliance. "By establishing the Lone Star Coastal National Recreation Area, this legislation creates a framework to elevate the coast's extraordinary natural, cultural, and recreational assets while supporting jobs, tourism, outdoor recreation, and economic opportunity across the five-county region. This legislation reflects the best of Texas, local leadership, strong partnerships, and a commitment to leaving something meaningful for future generations."

"The Lone Star Coastal National Recreation Area is a locally driven initiative that brings together communities, land managers, businesses, and conservation partners around a shared vision for the Upper Texas Coast," said County Judge Jeff Branick, Jefferson County. "The legislation respects private property rights, maintains local control, and creates new opportunities to expand public access, support outdoor recreation, and strengthen coastal economies. We are pleased to support this important milestone and look forward to continued collaboration as the effort moves forward."

"The Lone Star Coastal National Recreation Area represents a unique opportunity to protect and celebrate one of America's most important coastal landscapes while maintaining local leadership and voluntary participation," said Bill Balboa, Executive Director, Matagorda Bay Foundation. "By connecting existing public lands, communities, and conservation partners, this legislation will strengthen stewardship, expand public access, and support the long-term health of the Upper Texas Coast. The Matagorda Bay Foundation is proud to support this collaborative effort and its vision for future generations."

"The Upper Texas Gulf Coast's marshes, wetlands, and barrier islands provide essential natural infrastructure that helps reduce storm impacts and complements the significant investments being made in coastal protection and flood risk reduction," said Coalter Baker, Executive Director, Gulf Coast Protection District. "The Lone Star Coastal National Recreation Area advances a common-sense, Texas-led approach that strengthens and sustains these natural systems while supporting recreation, tourism, conservation, and resilient coastal communities."

"As a 5th generation landowner and rancher on the Upper Texas Gulf Coast, I appreciate that the Lone Star Coastal National Recreation Area is built on voluntary participation, local leadership, and respect for private property rights," said Loy Sneary, Sneary Cattle, LLC. "This initiative recognizes that working lands, conservation, recreation, and economic opportunity can all coexist and strengthen one another. It offers a practical, collaborative approach to preserving the character and heritage of the Texas coast while creating new opportunities for future generations."

Original Co-sponsors: Reps. Brian Babin (TX-36), Wesley Hunt (TX-38), and Troy Nehls (TX-22).

This bill has been referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

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Reps. Weber and Min Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Ensure Fallen First Responders' Beneficiaries Receive Tax Relief

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Randy Weber (R-TX) and Congressman Dave Min (D-CA) introduced the Tax Relief for First Responder Beneficiaries Act, bipartisan legislation to ensure the families and designated beneficiaries of fallen public safety officers receive the full benefits intended for them without unnecessary tax burdens. The legislation serves as the House companion to S. 4497, introduced by Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Ted Cruz (R-TX).

When a public safety officer makes the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, federal law provides certain death and survivor benefits to help support their loved ones. However, portions of the Internal Revenue Code currently limit some tax relief provisions to "surviving dependents," potentially excluding other beneficiaries designated by the fallen officer. The Tax Relief for First Responder Beneficiaries Act modernizes these provisions to ensure benefits are treated consistently and can reach a broader range of intended recipients.

"Our first responders willingly put their lives on the line every single day for people they may never meet," said Rep. Weber. "They answer the call at all hours, walk into dangerous situations, and put service above self. When one of these heroes makes the ultimate sacrifice, Congress has a duty to stand with the ones they leave behind. The loss of a loved one does not end when the funeral is over, and families should not have to fight through outdated tax rules while carrying that burden. This legislation ensures benefits can reach the beneficiaries our fallen public safety officers intended to provide for and honors the sacrifice these brave men and women made in service to their communities."

“Families of fallen first responders have already paid an unimaginable price. The last thing they should have to worry about is whether the benefits meant to support them will be reduced by unnecessary federal taxes or limited by outdated definitions of who qualifies as a survivor," said Rep. Min. "This commonsense fix ensures that public safety officer death benefits go where they belong: to the loved ones these heroes leave behind. We have a responsibility to make sure their families receive the full support, dignity, and flexibility they deserve."

The Tax Relief for First Responder Beneficiaries Act would:

Expand tax relief for public safety officers' death benefits by updating the Internal Revenue Code from a narrow definition of "surviving dependents" to "surviving beneficiaries."
Allow survivor annuity benefits to extend beyond a child of the fallen officer to include designated beneficiaries of life insurance policies and benefit plans.
Better ensure benefits are distributed according to the wishes of the fallen officer and reach the individuals they intended to support.

“Public safety officers risk their lives every day to keep our communities safe. When tragedy strikes and an officer loses their life, we must look out for their families in their time of need,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I’m proud to fight for this legislation, and I will keep working across the aisle to make sure families of first responders receive the support they deserve for their sacrifices."

The legislation would provide greater certainty that benefits intended for the loved ones of fallen first responders are not diminished by outdated tax provisions. By expanding eligibility for certain tax-free death and survivor benefits, the bill helps ensure surviving beneficiaries receive meaningful financial support during one of the most difficult times of their lives.

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Rep. Weber Announces More Than $2 Million for Southeast Texas Projects Included in FY27 Commerce, Justice, Science Funding Bill

Wed, 27 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Randy Weber (TX-14) announced funds for three projects in Texas' 14th Congressional District were included in the Fiscal Year 2027 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act after the legislation advanced out of the full House Appropriations Committee.

The bill includes more than $2 million for projects serving communities across Texas’ 14th Congressional District:

$1.05 million for Texas A&M University at Galveston’s Disaster Resilient Texas initiative to improve online disaster risk assessment and communication capabilities for Gulf Coast communities vulnerable to severe weather events.
$500,000 for the University of Texas Medical Branch’s (UTMB) New Approach Methodologies Repository & Shared-Service Center to support biomedical research and strengthen scientific collaboration and innovation.
$500,000 for the City of Beaumont’s public safety technology and infrastructure improvements to help equip first responders and strengthen emergency response capabilities.

“Living on the Texas Gulf Coast teaches you pretty quickly that preparation matters,” said Rep. Weber. “We’ve seen what hurricanes can do. We’ve seen the importance of a strong emergency response. We’ve also seen the incredible work being done by researchers and medical professionals right here in Southeast Texas. These investments support the people and institutions working every day to keep our communities safe, informed, and moving in the right direction. I’m proud to help bring these priorities to the table as the FY27 appropriations process moves forward.”

The broader legislation also strengthens key national priorities by:

Increasing funding for the National Weather Service to help protect Americans from severe weather and eliminate radar coverage gaps.
Focusing Department of Justice grant funding on efforts to combat the opioid crisis, address child exploitation, eliminate the rape kit backlog, and prevent school violence.
Maintaining strong support for NASA’s Artemis program to help ensure American astronauts are the first to return to the Moon.

"The TX-14th Congressional District is one of the most flood-impacted areas in the nation, yet communities too often lack access to critical information, such as predicted property damage in advance of a storm,” said Dr. Sam Brody, Director, Institute for a Disaster Resilient Texas (IDRT). “IDRT's new publicly available online risk communication system will be the first of its kind to deliver timely, accurate, and understandable information that helps individuals reduce the impacts of flood events. We are deeply grateful to Congressman Randy Weber for his support of this work and his enduring commitment to protecting the communities of the upper Texas coast."

“Texas is a leader in biomedical innovation,” said Dr. Jochen Reiser, President and CEO of the UTMB Health System. “This funding will expand use of customizable devices for specialized health-related projects at UTMB, such as organ-on-a-chip and organoids, to accelerate drug development and advance new treatments. We are currently using such emerging systems to develop treatments for preterm birth, preeclampsia, and neurologic disorders. UTMB is grateful for Representative Weber’s support for our institution, as we focus on enhancing quality of life with cutting-edge technologies for our patients.”

“We are grateful to Congressman Randy Weber for securing this important investment in Beaumont’s public safety infrastructure,” said Christopher S. Boone, City Manager for Beaumont. “This funding will help us expand high-quality camera coverage, strengthen our technology network, and give our public safety teams better tools for real-time monitoring and response.”

The Fiscal Year 2027 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act is now eligible for consideration on the House Floor before moving to the United States Senate.

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Rep. Weber Applauds Advancement of FY27 Energy and Water Funding Bill Containing More Than $120 Million for the Texas Gulf Coast

Thu, 21 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Randy Weber (TX-14) announced that the Fiscal Year 2027 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act has cleared another major legislative hurdle following passage out of the full House Appropriations Committee.

The bill contains more than $120 million in funding victories for Texas’ 14th Congressional District, which includes:

$100 million for the Sabine-Neches Waterway construction project to continue the deepening and expansion of one of the nation’s most critical energy export corridors.
$12.7 million for Galveston Harbor and Channel operations and maintenance to support dredging and navigation improvements along one of the busiest entrance channels in the United States.
$9.2 million for the Coastal Texas Protection and Restoration Study, also known as the Ike Dike Project, to advance long-term coastal storm protection efforts along the Texas Gulf Coast.

The broader legislation also strengthens America’s national and energy security by:

Modernizing America’s nuclear weapons stockpile and strengthening deterrence against foreign adversaries.
Supporting President Trump’s goal of quadrupling U.S. nuclear energy capacity by 2050.
Expanding investments in critical minerals extraction and domestic supply chains to reduce dependence on foreign nations.
Maintaining cybersecurity protections that help secure and strengthen America’s electric grid.
Prohibiting the sale of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to the Chinese Communist Party.

“Year after year, the appropriations process is where priorities are tested, refined, and fought for, which makes this milestone an important one for the Texas Gulf Coast,” said Rep. Weber. “Seeing this legislation continue to advance with more than $120 million in funding for Texas' 14th Congressional District speaks to the hard work being done to keep America’s energy corridor strong, competitive, and prepared for the future. Whether it’s deepening the channels that move American energy, maintaining the ports that keep commerce flowing, or continuing long-term coastal protection efforts, these are the kinds of investments that carry consequences far beyond Southeast Texas. I’m proud to help carry these priorities through each stage of the process as the bill moves closer to the House Floor.”

The Fiscal Year 2027 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act is now eligible for consideration on the House Floor before heading to the United States Senate for further consideration.

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Rep. Weber Announces Major Texas Gulf Coast Funding Wins as FY27 Energy and Water Appropriations Bill Advances

Mon, 18 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Weber (TX-14) announced more than $120 million in funding victories for Texas’ 14th Congressional District in the Fiscal Year 2027 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act following passage out of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water. The legislation will now advance to the full House Appropriations Committee before it heads to the U.S. House Floor.

The bill includes critical funding for Texas Gulf Coast priorities championed by Rep. Weber, including the Sabine-Neches Waterway, the Coastal Texas Protection and Restoration Study, and the Galveston Harbor and Channel.

“Texas’ 14th District is the district that powers America, and these investments are proof that the work happening on the Texas Gulf Coast matters to every single American,” said Rep. Weber. “Our ports, waterways, and energy infrastructure keep this country moving. From producing the fuel that powers our military to moving commerce through some of the nation's busiest waterways, Southeast Texas and the Gulf Coast are essential to America’s economic strength and national security. I’ll continue fighting every single day to make sure our communities remain at the forefront of these conversations in Washington.”

Included in the FY27 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Act:

$100 million for the Sabine-Neches Waterway construction project, continuing progress on the deepening and expansion of one of the nation’s most important waterways for energy production and exports.
$12.7 million for Galveston Harbor and Channel operations and maintenance, supporting dredging and navigation improvements for one of the busiest entrance channels in the United States.
$9.2 million for the Coastal Texas Protection and Restoration Study (locally known as the Ike Dike Project), helping advance long-term coastal storm protection efforts along the Texas Gulf Coast.

"Deepening the Sabine-Neches Waterway is one of the most vital missions of our time, and we are honored to serve Jefferson County, Texas, and this great nation," said Randy Reese, Executive Director and CEO of the Sabine-Neches Navigation District. "We are committed to delivering economic prosperity and energy security for generations."

“The Port of Galveston greatly appreciates the leadership and support of Congressman Randy Weber and Congressman Chuck Fleischmann, Chairman of the House Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee, for recognizing the national and regional importance of the Galveston Harbor and Channel project," said Rodger Rees, Port Director & CEO, Galveston Wharves at the Port of Galveston. "Under Chairman Fleischmann’s leadership, the Fiscal Year 2027 House appropriations legislation proposes increasing the President’s budget request for the Galveston Harbor and Channel project from $44.8 million to $60.5 million to help ensure that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has sufficient funding to adequately maintain this critical federal navigation project. While the legislation still requires approval by the full House and subsequent congressional action, this represents a significant step forward for the Port of Galveston and the many industries that rely upon this federal navigation channel."

“This funding sends an unmistakable message: Congress is committed to advancing the Coastal Texas Project,” said Coalter Baker, Executive Director, Gulf Coast Protection District. “This bill is another example of consistent, dedicated investments in coastal storm risk mitigation, reinforcing the fact that protecting the Texas coast is a national priority. We appreciate Congressman Weber’s leadership in keeping these projects moving forward and ensuring they remain front and center in Washington."

Rep. Weber Leads Mother’s Day Resolution Celebrating America’s Mothers

Fri, 08 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. - Ahead of Mother’s Day, Congressman Randy Weber (TX-14) introduced a resolution recognizing the importance of motherhood and honoring the women who raise and shape the next generation of Americans. The resolution reaffirms the significance of mothers, the sacrifices they make for their families, and the lasting impact they have on communities across the country.

“Motherhood is one of God’s greatest blessings and one of the strongest foundations of our country,” said Rep. Weber. “For generations, mothers have raised families, strengthened communities, and shaped the character of our nation. As some continue trying to redefine or diminish what motherhood means, we are standing firm in recognizing and celebrating the women who give life, love, and sacrifice so much for the next generation. On Mother’s Day, and every day, we honor the mothers who keep America strong!”

This resolution:

Supports policies that recognize mothers as mothers;
Acknowledges that Mother's Day is intended specifically to commemorate motherhood and to honor the mothers of the United States;
Recognizes the importance of motherhood, the sacrifices women make when choosing to raise a family, and the invaluable contributions of motherhood to the family, community, states, and the country as a whole;
And encourages the people of the United States to observe Mother's Day in celebration of the women who have chosen to bring life into the world and nurture the next generation.

Cosponsors include: Reps. Don Bacon (NE-02), Brian Babin (TX-36), Stephanie Bice (OK-05), Buddy Carter (GA-01), Craig Goldman (TX-12), Harriet Hageman (WY-At Large), Diana Harshbarger (TN-01), Wesley Hunt (TX-38), Barry Loudermilk (GA-11), Mary Miller (IL-15), Blake Moore (UT-01), Barry Moore (AL-01), Nathaniel Moran (TX-01), Rich McCormick (GA-07), Addison McDowell (NC-06), John Moolenaar (MI-02), Michael Rulli (OH-06), Maria Salazar (FL-27), Pete Sessions (TX-17), Chris Smith (NJ-04), Brian Mast (FL-21), and Claudia Tenney (NY-24).

Read the full bill text here.

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Rep. Weber’s National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act Advances Out of the Full House Science, Space, and Technology Committee

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Randy Weber’s (TX-14) H.R. 8462, the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act, advanced out of the full House Science, Space, and Technology Committee unanimously and is now eligible for consideration on the U.S. House Floor.

Watch Representative Weber's Opening Statement here.

Read Representative Weber's Opening Statement below:

"Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I’m pleased to sponsor and support H.R. 8462, the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act.

"The Trump Administration has identified quantum information science, technology, and engineering as one of the Nation’s highest research and development priority areas. First passed in 2018 during President Trump’s first term, the National Quantum Initiative aimed to accelerate the Nation’s advancement in quantum sciences and technologies. These efforts demonstrate a long-term commitment to American innovation, as well as maintaining U.S. leadership in science and technology.

"As the global push toward quantum supremacy intensifies, the United States faces growing pressure to maintain its leadership. Our adversaries, including the Chinese Communist Party, are committing significant resources to quantum information science. The U.S. cannot and must not afford to fall behind in the race for quantum supremacy.

"This legislation builds on the hard work and progress we’ve made over the past eight years to strengthen quantum information science. It sustains the basic research that underpins our success while including translational research to move quantum technologies toward real-world applications. It also prioritizes workforce development, recognizing that a strong talent pipeline is absolutely critical to advancing and deploying these technologies

"Lastly, it reinforces the importance of leveraging international partnerships to address the challenges and threats posed by our adversaries. This legislation also formally adds the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, NASA, to the National Quantum Initiative. NASA has made meaningful contributions to the goals of the National Quantum Initiative through targeted investments, including quantum-enabled technologies for space science and precision measurement. Quantum science, engineering, and technology have the potential to redefine what’s possible in this field. The National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act helps unlock that potential, and that is exactly what it is going to do.

"I want to thank everyone who took the time and effort to submit thoughtful feedback and suggestions on how Congress can strengthen the National Quantum Initiative. I look forward to continuing to work with my fellow members of this committee and stakeholders as we move this process forward.

"Mr. Chairman, I yield back."

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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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