Weber, Randy RSS Articles

Rep. Weber Secures Major Texas Gulf Coast Priorities as House Passes the Water Resources Development Act of 2026

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Wednesday, Congressman Randy Weber (TX-14) voted in support of the Water Resources Devlopment Act of 2026 (WRDA) as the legislation passed the U.S. House of Representatives.

Congress considers WRDA every two years to authorize locally driven water infrastructure projects and establish policies governing how the United States Army Corps of Engineers manages the nation’s ports, waterways, flood protection, and storm risk reduction projects.

“Along the Texas Gulf Coast, strong ports, reliable waterways, and effective flood protection are essential for our communities and our economy,” said Congressman Randy Weber. “This bill moves three TX-14 priorities forward by expediting the Sabine-Neches review and authorizing $10 million for water infrastructure projects that include Brazoria and Galveston counties, and the City of Kemah. I was proud to vote yes and will keep working to move these projects through Congress.”

The House-passed legislation includes three priorities for Texas’ 14th Congressional District:

Sabine-Neches Waterway: Directs the Secretary of the Army to expedite the review and coordination of the Sabine-Neches Waterway Channel Improvement Project feasibility study, helping prevent unnecessary delays as this important project moves through the Army Corps process.
Brazoria and Galveston Counties: Authorizes $5 million for water infrastructure, including water supply projects, across these counties.
City of Kemah: Authorizes $5 million for water and wastewater infrastructure, including stormwater management, in Kemah.

The Water Resources Development Act of 2026 now advances to the U.S. Senate for further consideration.

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Rep. Weber’s PACK Act Powers Forward, Passes Full House Energy & Commerce Committee with 25 Ayes

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. - Today, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce passed Congressman Randy Weber’s (TX-14) bipartisan H.R. 6832, the Packaging and Claims Knowledge (PACK) Act, by a vote of 25-18, clearing the way for consideration by the full House of Representatives.

The vote marks the PACK Act’s third major milestone in less than two months. The legislation received a hearing before the Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade Subcommittee on July 22nd, advanced through the Subcommittee on September 1st, and has now passed the full Energy and Commerce Committee.

“Today, consumer protection won,” said Congressman Weber. “Families should not need a law degree to figure out which bin their garbage goes into, and American manufacturers should not need 50 different rulebooks to label the same product nationwide. The PACK Act backs these claims with independent third-party certification, giving Americans clearer, more trustworthy information.”

“We passed the Subcommittee. We cleared the full Committee 25-18. Now, the PACK Act is charging toward the House floor,” Weber continued. “Folks, the Golden State’s garbage law, S.B. 343, should not become America’s rulebook. We are putting the costly patchwork behind us and moving one commonsense national framework closer to the finish line.”.

The PACK Act would:

PROTECT CONSUMERS: Requires recyclable, compostable, and reusable packaging claims to be accurate and independently certified.
HELP LOWER COSTS: Replaces conflicting state labeling requirements with one consistent framework for products sold nationwide.
KEEP CLAIMS VOLUNTARY: Gives businesses the choice to make covered packaging claims while holding those claims to clear standards.
CREATE ONE NATIONAL FRAMEWORK: Directs the Federal Trade Commission to administer consistent requirements with input from the Environmental Protection Agency and a new advisory council.
PRESERVE STATE AND LOCAL CONTROL: Keeps decisions about solid waste, recycling programs, and infrastructure investment with states.

The legislation has earned support from a broad coalition of manufacturers, retailers, consumer product companies, and trade associations, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Dow, National Association of Manufacturers, Consumer Brands Association, American Beverage Association, Consumer Technology Association, General Mills, Kraft Heinz, PepsiCo, Nestlé USA, Keurig Dr Pepper, and McCormick & Company, and others.

The PACK Act is cosponsored by U.S. Reps. Troy Balderson (R-OH), Buddy Carter (R-GA), Dan Crenshaw (R-TX), Neal Dunn (R-FL), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), Russ Fulcher (R-ID), Adam Gray (D-CA), Glenn Grothman (R-WI), David Joyce (R-OH), Nick Langworthy (R-NY), Laurel Lee (R-FL), Addison McDowell (R-NC), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), Barry Moore (R-AL), Michael Rulli (R-OH), Bryan Steil (R-WI), Glenn Thompson (R-PA), and Tony Wied (R-WI).

Watch the full exchange here.

Read my full op-ed in 535 News here.

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Rep. Weber’s Bipartisan PACK Act Advances Through E&C Subcommittee as Momentum Builds

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. - Today, the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade (CMT) advanced Congressman Randy Weber’s (TX-14) bipartisan Packaging and Claims Knowledge (PACK) Act (H.R. 6832) to the full Energy and Commerce Committee.

The PACK Act establishes a uniform federal framework governing recyclable, compostable, and reusable claims on consumer product packaging, replacing the growing patchwork of conflicting state requirements that raises costs, complicates interstate commerce, and creates confusion for consumers.

“Whether you’re making a product, stocking a grocery store, or trying to figure out what in the world a label even means, you shouldn’t need fifty different rulebooks,” said Congressman Weber. “The PACK Act cuts through the confusion and brings some good old-fashioned common sense back to the process. If a business chooses to make a recyclable, compostable, or reusable claim, they should have one clear, voluntary federal framework to follow, not a regulatory maze that changes from state to state. That means more certainty for businesses, clearer information for consumers, and fewer costs passed down to hardworking families. The momentum is building, and we’re going to keep pushing until we get this across the finish line.”

During today’s markup, the Subcommittee adopted an amendment in the nature of a substitute offered by Congressman Russ Fulcher (ID-01), a cosponsor of the legislation. The amendment further clarified the role of Federal Trade Commission guidance and established minimum requirements for third-party certifications and certification bodies.

"It ends the confusion consumers face when going to the store and seeing different and conflicting environmental claims about the goods they buy and the resultant lower costs for goods and families," said Congressman Fulcher. "I'm proud to co-sponsor this bipartisan bill, along with my friend Mr. Weber of Texas, who I want to thank for his leadership on it."

The legislation has earned support from a broad coalition of manufacturers, retailers, consumer product companies, and trade associations. In a letter to the CMT Subcommittee ahead of the markup, the PACK Act Coalition wrote, “By reducing consumer confusion and enabling informed choices, we believe the PACK Act will promote proper management of packaging materials at end-of-life, diverting them from landfills and advancing a circular economy.”

The coalition includes the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Manufacturers, Consumer Brands Association, American Beverage Association, Consumer Technology Association, General Mills, Kraft Heinz, PepsiCo, Nestlé USA, Keurig Dr Pepper, McCormick & Company, and dozens of additional organizations and companies.

The PACK Act is cosponsored by U.S. Reps. Buddy Carter (R-GA), Dan Crenshaw (R-TX), Neal Dunn (R-FL), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), Russ Fulcher (R-ID), Adam Gray (D-CA), Glenn Grothman (R-WI), David Joyce (R-OH), Nick Langworthy (R-NY), Laurel Lee (R-FL), Addison McDowell (R-NC), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), Barry Moore (R-AL), Michael Rulli (R-OH), Bryan Steil (R-WI), Glenn Thompson (R-PA), and Tony Wied (R-WI).

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Texas Lawmakers Urge Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works to Maintain Momentum on the Sabine Pass to Galveston Bay Project

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. - This week, Congressman Randy Weber (TX-14), alongside Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn and Congressman Brian Babin (TX-36), sent a letter urging the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to continue advancing the Orange County element of the Sabine Pass to Galveston Bay Coastal Storm Risk Management and Ecosystem Restoration Project (S2G) without delay.

In 2018, Congress authorized the S2G project through the Water Resources Development Act to reduce the devastating effects of coastal storm surge along the upper Texas coast, including Orange County communities that have faced repeated flooding from major storms.

As design work has progressed, estimated project costs have increased, and USACE is currently developing a Post Authorization Change Report. The Texas lawmakers are seeking to ensure that the Orange County element can continue advancing while that process moves forward and that USACE has the direction needed to begin construction using available funds.

In the letter to Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Adam Telle, the lawmakers wrote:

“Although costs have increased, the required level of protection, anticipated
benefits, and communities served remain unchanged. Because the project continues to fulfill its authorized purposes and provides commensurate benefits, we strongly encourage you to provide policy direction to USACE to exercise its discretionary authority to begin constructing the refined project without delay.”

The lawmakers also pointed to the devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey, which flooded more than 27,742 homes and resulted in 9 deaths in Orange County, underscoring the importance of completing the coastal protections envisioned for the community.

“Orange County has waited a long time to see this project become a reality,” said Rep. Randy Weber (TX-14). “Congress authorized S2G nearly a decade ago, Texas has invested significant resources, and the Army Corps has continued working to advance the project. Now, we want to make sure USACE keeps that progress moving and gets the Orange County element into construction. This project matters too much to Orange County to lose momentum now.”

The Sabine Pass to Galveston Bay project will strengthen storm surge protection across Orange County, where more than 86,000 Texans live & work and nearly $5.9 billion in economic activity is generated each year.

We remain committed to working with our federal, state, and local partners to see this project through and deliver it for the people of Orange County.

This effort is supported by the Gulf Coast Protection District.

Read the full letter here.

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Rep. Weber’s Pipeline Safety Authorization Act of 2026 Advances Out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Randy Weber's (TX-14) H.R.9338, the Pipeline Safety Authorization Act of 2026, advanced out of the full House Energy and Commerce Committee and is now eligible for consideration on the U.S. House Floor.

Click to watch Congressman Weber's statement h ere.

Read Congressman Weber's opening statement as prepared for delivery:

"Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment in the nature of a substitute at the desk.

"It is Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute (AINS) H.R. 9338_01.

"This Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute before us today reflects important updates made since the Energy Subcommittee markup last month. These changes fulfill the commitments we made during that markup to keep working across the aisle toward a strong bipartisan final product.

"We listened, we kept our word, and we tightened the language to protect the First Amendment rights of lawful protesters while holding those accountable who knowingly and willfully damage pipeline equipment or disrupt operations by manipulating a valve.

"Throughout this process, we have worked closely with stakeholders across the industry and within the government to develop and refine this legislation. The result is a stronger bill that gives the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) the resources and direction necessary to continue safeguarding more than 3 million miles of pipeline infrastructure across these great United States.

"The bill strengthens civil penalties for pipeline safety violations, promotes best practices across state damage prevention programs, and establishes a voluntary information-sharing system so lessons learned from accidents and near misses can help prevent the next one.

"It also supports communities working to repair and replace aging natural gas distribution systems, sets deadlines for updated carbon dioxide pipeline safety standards, and requires PHMSA to lay out a plan for completing overdue pipeline safety rulemakings.

"Americans deserve nothing less than our continued effort to move the needle closer and closer to 100 percent safety, and this legislation helps us do exactly that.

"Our nation’s pipeline infrastructure operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week to safely deliver the reliable and affordable energy that powers American homes, businesses, and industries while supporting our allies around the world.

"Few regions in the country can rival the pipeline infrastructure along the Texas Gulf Coast. Every day, that infrastructure helps produce, refine, process, and export the energy that powers America and supports our allies abroad.

"In Texas’ 14th Congressional District, we produce and move more energy than just about any other district in the United States. Few places better illustrate the important role pipeline infrastructure plays in our everyday lives.

"Whether that energy originates in the Permian Basin or comes from our neighbors to the north in Alberta, Canada, producing it is only half the battle. American energy dominance depends on our ability to deliver that energy safely and reliably to the people, businesses, and industries that depend on it every day.

"This bill reflects what dedicated members of this body and their staff can accomplish when they come together at the table to make America better. I thank them for their hard work, and I urge every member of this committee to support H.R. 9338 and help move this strong bipartisan bill one step closer to the House floor.

"I yield back the balance of my time."

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ICYMI: Rep. Weber Pens Op-Ed Highlighting the Need for Honest, Reliable Packaging Claims

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In a new op-ed in 535 News, Congressman Randy Weber (TX-14) made the case for passing the bipartisan PACK Act to bring greater clarity and consistency to packaging claims nationwide. Rep. Weber detailed how conflicting state labeling requirements create confusion for families and higher costs for businesses, emphasizing the need for honest, reliable packaging claims that keep consumers informed.

In case you missed it…

It Shouldn’t Take a Lawyer to Know What Belongs in the Recycling Bin

535 News
Congressman Randy Weber
July 21, 2026

Picture a mother standing in her kitchen, holding an empty container over two bins. Its label says recyclable, but her recycling program says it does not belong in the blue bin. She searches for instructions and still cannot tell where it should go.

She wants to do the right thing. She should not need a law degree to figure it out.

That moment plays out across America. Recycling symbols can mean one thing in Texas and another in California. Even packaging made from recyclable material may be rejected because of its shape, size, color, or the equipment available locally.

The result is confusion, higher costs, and more material in landfills.

California is making the problem even worse.

California’s S.B. 343, dubbed the “Truth in Recycling“, prohibits the use of the “chasing arrows” symbol or any other recyclability claim unless the product meets specific criteria determined solely by California.

California may govern itself, but its laws should not dictate how businesses operate nationwide. While there is an injunction against S.B. 343 for the moment, the issue remains that states are trying to create standards for what is labeled as recyclable (and compostable and reusable), when the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) long had jurisdiction over claims on packages.

Companies cannot realistically create a different label for every state’s definitions and standards. When California imposes its own standard, businesses may be forced to apply it nationwide. In effect, California’s elected officials get to play Congress, writing rules for Americans who never voted for them.

Fortunately, Congress already has the bipartisan solution in the palm of its hand. I like to call it the PACK Act, short for the Packaging and Claims Knowledge Act.

Within the PACK Act, companies remain free to decide whether to label their packaging recyclable, compostable, or reusable. But once a company decides to make one of those claims, it has to prove it.

Every claim would first be verified by an accredited independent third-party certifier. When local access is limited, recyclable labels would have to say so. Compostable and reusable claims would have to live up to their promises too.

To make sure those protections are applied consistently across the country, the FTC would enforce the law and issue compliance guidance with input from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and technical experts. That would create one clear national framework, so a label that follows the rules in Texas is not forced to meet a different standard every time it crosses a state line.

At the end of the day, a mother standing over her recycling bin will have honest information about whether a package belongs there. Businesses that choose to make these claims will have certainty too, without being forced to spend more navigating a different standard in every state.

That kind of clarity and consistency is why the PACK Act has earned overwhelming support across the American marketplace. Families and businesses alike are ready for one honest, reliable national packaging standard.

This week, the PACK Act gets its day before the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade during a hearing on “Legislative Proposals to Strengthen Consumer Protection in a Changing Marketplace.”

In a town where bipartisan agreement is hard to come by, the PACK Act has brought both sides to the table. This hearing will show why the issue has cut through the Washington noise and why it is time to get it fixed.

If Congress fails to seize this moment, packaging-claim rules like California’s could become the de facto national standard. Businesses will spend more navigating regulations and less on hiring workers or improving products. Small manufacturers may pull products from certain markets, while consumers pay more and understand less.

Families stretching their grocery budgets should not foot the bill for California’s regulatory agenda. Main Street businesses should not need Sacramento’s permission to sell nationwide. Without congressional action, the confusion will deepen, and the most restrictive state will continue setting policy for everyone else.

The PACK Act keeps consumers informed, businesses competitive, and the words on a package worth trusting. Congress must take this bipartisan bill across the finish line and send it to President Trump’s desk.

We are the United States of America, not the United States of California. One state does not get to write the rules for the other 49.

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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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