April 24, 2026

2026 Midland-Odessa Fly-In

I was thrilled to welcome more than 80 leaders from Midland and Odessa to Washington as the Midland Chamber of Commerce and Odessa Chamber of Commerce co-hosted their 2026 Washington Fly-in, presented by Diamondback Energy. Now in its third biennial year, this trip is a powerful reminder of the region’s role in powering our country and fueling our economy.

The Permian Basin is the heart of American energy production, driving our economy and strengthening our national security. But beyond the resources, it’s the people who make this region so exceptional, and it was a true pleasure to have so many of them in Washington this week. These innovators and local leaders are the ones who power our success every single day. We have an incredible story to tell in West Texas, and weeks like this are where we get to tell it.

I am so proud of the energy professionals, small business owners, civic leaders, educators, and students from the University of Texas Permian Basin who traveled to Washington, D.C., to tell the Permian Basin’s story and advocate for policies that support the growth and innovation needed in the region.

Congressional Panel with Fellow Texas Colleagues

During the Midland-Odessa Washington Fly-In, presented by Diamondback Energy, this week, I was proud to be joined on a panel by two of my fellow Texas colleagues, Reps. Jodey Arrington (TX-19) and Craig Goldman (TX-12), to share a firsthand update on how we are working together to fight for our Texas way of life in DC.

Permian Basin Honor Flight

It was a profound honor to join Midland Mayor Lori Blong at the World War II Memorial this week to welcome and thank veterans from the Permian Basin Honor Flight to Washington, and to lay a wreath in tribute to their service and sacrifice.

These men and women answered the call to defend our nation at its most critical hour, and it was humbling to personally thank them and ensure they receive the recognition they deserve. During their visit, my office presented each veteran with a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol.

The freedoms we enjoy today were not given to us freely. They were earned through the courage, dedication, and sacrifice of generations of American service members. The veterans of the Permian Basin Honor Flight represent the very best of our nation, and it is one of the greatest honors to represent them in Congress. We are forever grateful for their service, and I wish them a safe journey home to Texas.

Watch my interview on KLST during our time at the WWII Memorial here or by clicking the image below:

U.S. House Unanimously Passes Mystic Alerts Act

This week, the U.S. House unanimously passed my Mystic Alerts Act, marking a major step forward for emergency preparedness across our nation. The bipartisan legislation will modernize America’s emergency alert infrastructure by integrating satellite networks into the Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) system, helping ensure Americans can receive critical, life-saving alerts even when traditional communications infrastructure is damaged or nonexistent.

After witnessing the devastating impacts of the floods in Central and West Texas, we must ensure every American can receive emergency alerts when it matters most, so a tragedy like this never happens again. I am proud to have led on this legislation to update the WEA system to strengthen emergency preparedness for Americans and first responders. Read more about the House passage of the Mystic Alerts Act in CBS7 here or by clicking on the image below.

Federal Broadband Deployment Tracking Act Unanimously Passes House

In addition to the Mystic Alerts Act, the House also unanimously passed my Federal Broadband Deployment Tracking Act this week, marking my 11th bill to pass the House during the 119th Congress so far. The legislation will improve transparency and efficiency in the broadband deployment process.

It is time to close the digital divide and create a more connected future for all Americans, and the passage of my legislation is a critical step to accomplishing this goal. The Federal Broadband Deployment Tracking Act will help ensure that investments in broadband expansion reach Americans more quickly and efficiently. Watch my remarks in support of the legislation last year in the Energy and Commerce Committee here or by clicking on the image below.

Questioning the Nuclear Regulatory Commission Chairman

This week, I urged Chairman Nieh during an Energy Subcommittee hearing to ensure that licensing work completed under the Department of Energy’s pilot program is carried over efficiently as Natura Resources and other companies look to scale from demonstration reactors to full commercial deployment.

I also highlighted a major milestone for West Texas and the future of nuclear energy: the NRC’s approval of a small molten salt reactor at Abilene Christian University, and emphasized the important role West Texas plays in maintaining this momentum as the U.S. works to lead in advanced nuclear technology.

Energy demand is growing, and we need to be ready to meet it. As companies like Natura Resources move from demonstration reactors to full commercial deployment, a streamlined licensing process is essential. Removing unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles allows promising nuclear projects to scale faster and deliver reliable energy to America. Watch my full line of questioning here or by clicking the image below.

Speaking with the American Association of Crop Insurers

It was great to join my friend, former Congressman and Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee Mike Conaway, and the American Association of Crop Insurers during their annual visit to our nation’s capital this week. During the visit, we discussed the many wins for the agriculture industry within the Working Families Tax Cuts, and discussed the need to build on that momentum by passing a strong Farm Bill this Congress. America’s farmers are the backbone of the nation, and I will always advocate for them in Congress.

Pushing to Modernize Satellite Regulations

During a Communications and Technology Subcommittee hearing focused on modernizing satellite policy and strengthening America’s communications infrastructure, I pressed witnesses on how the SAT Streamlining Act would reduce regulatory barriers, boost investment, and help American satellite providers compete globally. Specifically, we examined how updated licensing processes can accelerate innovation and support U.S.-based companies like AST SpaceMobile, headquartered in Midland, Texas.

The framework governing this industry should reflect the modern era and support companies leading the charge right here in West Texas. Watch my full line of questioning here or by clicking the image below.

KWEL Morning Show with Craig Anderson

I joined the KWEL Morning Show hosted by Craig Anderson to discuss the Permian Basin Honor Flight in DC this week, the need to pass the Save America Act, the House passage of my Federal Broadband Deployment Tracking Act, and much more. Listen to our full conversation here or by clicking on the image below.

Meeting with Texans in Washington

This week, I also had the pleasure of meeting with several Texas community leaders and partners in Washington. Thank you all for taking the time to discuss how we can implement smart, commonsense policies to strengthen Texas-11 together.

I would also like to extend my sincere congratulations to the Permian Road Safety Coalition (PRSC) on receiving the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Public Service Award. This distinguished national recognition reflects your organization’s unwavering commitment to improving roadway safety and saving lives across the Permian Basin.

Thank you for reading. It is the honor of my lifetime to serve you in Congress. Please follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) for daily updates.