Texas-First Priorities

As a member of Congress, I will work to force Washington to uphold their duty of securing the border. There is no greater responsibility for the federal government than to protect the homeland and its citizens, and the Biden Administration has failed to do so.

Stopping Illegal Immigration

Immigration is a privilege that should be reserved for those who come here legally and respect our processes and our laws.  Illegal immigration makes a mockery of those who follow the law.  Rampant, unchecked illegal immigration is an unstainable burden to American taxpayers who must fund all of the increased costs associated with a porous border: additional law enforcement, health care, and education, not to mention the heartbreak from families subjected to the influx of deadly fentanyl.     

Prioritizing Border Security

Under Joe Biden, the federal government has failed Texas by failing to secure the border. As a result, Texas has been forced to spend billions on border security in order to combat a flood of illegals, drug cartels, human trafficking, and an influx of deadly fentanyl. I voted for the toughest border security laws of any state, including the ability to arrest and deport illegals. Texas has deployed the Texas State Guard and military equipment such as gunboats and surveillance aircraft.  We are building a wall and installing security barriers.  In the last year alone, I voted for over $6 billion to upgrade border security.  As a member of Congress, I will work to force Washington to uphold their duty of securing the border.  There is no greater responsibility for the federal government than to protect the homeland and its citizens, and the Biden Administration has failed to do so. 

Leadership in Fighting the Fentanyl Crisis

One of the consequences of the federal government refusing to secure the southern border is the poison of fentanyl infiltrating our state; last year, an average of five people per day died from fentanyl in Texas alone.  That’s why I decided to do something.  In the most recent legislative session, I authored HB 6, which creates a criminal offense of murder for anyone that supplies fentanyl resulting in someone’s death. Governor Abbott signed this bill into law on September 1, and we are already seeing the impact of this legislation.  Recently, the Tarrant County DA indicted a man in a fentanyl overdose death – the first of its kind to occur since the new law went into effect.  In Congress, I will keep fighting to track these people down and get them off the streets.  

Backing the Blue & Ensuring Public Safety

In Congress, I will combat the “defund the police” radicals intent on undermining public safety and placing our communities at risk.  In the Texas House, I authored tough anti-crime laws to keep our streets safe and ensure justice for victims of crime. I authored Molly Jane’s Law, named after a young woman from this area who was brutally murdered by a sexual predator, to give police better tools to identify and capture sexual predators before they commit more heinous crimes.  I also authored the bill to stop large cities from defunding their police departments and passed a law to combat human trafficking, including mandatory jail time for human and sex traffickers.  To rein in rogue District Attorneys who refuse to enforce laws they disagree with, I helped pass legislation that provides for them to be removed from office. 

Fighting for the American Taxpayer

Americans are overtaxed, and I will support any efforts to return more of their hard-earned money back to them – just as I have done in Austin.  As State Representative, I helped pass a ban on a state income tax or wealth tax, and have fought to eliminate the Texas franchise tax.  More recently, I worked to pass the largest property tax cut in Texas history.  

Defending the 2nd Amendment: A Proven Record

I am proud to have voted to expand Second Amendment freedoms during my service as a State Representative.  For example, I voted to make Constitutional Carry the law in Texas, ensuring that you have the right to ensure your personal safety without government interference. As a member of Congress, I will continue to fiercely protect your Second Amendment rights and freedoms.  Here are some of my specific votes in support of your right to keep and bear arms:   

  • Co-authored and voted for NRA-backed open carry law (2015)
  • Co-authored and voted for NRA-backed campus carry law (2015)
  • Voted for NRA-backed Right To Hunt & Fish Constitutional Amendment (2015)
  • Co-authored and voted for NRA-backed Tenants’ Rights law (2019) 
  • Voted for NRA-backed constitutional carry law (2021)
  • Voted for NRA-backed emergency powers reform law (2021) *
  • Voted for NRA-backed Firearms Industry Non-Discrimination Act (2021) **
  • Voted for NRA-backed Travelers’ Protection law (2021) ***
  • Voted for NRA-backed Merchant Category Code bill (2023) **** 
*prevents closure of firearm retailers and gun manufacturers during a future disaster
**prohibits companies that discriminate against firearms retailers and gun manufacturers from obtaining government contracts
***ensures that hotel guests can transport and store their firearms in overnight accommodations
****outlaws the use of firearm-specific merchant category codes by credit card companies and woke banks to track lawful firearms purchases

Right to Life

I believe strongly that human life is worth protecting, and that has been my consistent record in the Texas House.  The Texas Heartbeat bill, which I supported, stated that if a heartbeat was detected then an abortion could not occur.  As a result of this bill, at least 35,000 lives have been protected.  As State Representative, I voted to defund abortion providers and instead fund alternatives to abortion in order to support those mothers who choose life.  In Congress I will continue to stand for the unborn.

Religious Liberty

The founders intended for Americans to be able to practice their faith and religion free from government interference.  Religious liberty is a cornerstone of American life and must be protected.  After some local governments closed down churches and houses of worship during COVID, I supported a new law which prevented this from ever again happening.   

Fighting the Woke, Liberal Agenda

The so-called Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) movement seeks to inject a liberal political agenda – often targeting our energy industry – into decisions best left to the marketplace and investors.  The Biden Administration’s efforts to force ESG upon America’s investment funds would threaten millions of energy jobs, including many here in Texas. In the Texas House, I have voted to oppose ESG policies and will do so in Congress.