March 6, 2026

My Thoughts on Operation Epic Fury

For decades, Iran has stood as the world’s leading and most dangerous state sponsor of terrorism, fueling their violent proxy groups of Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis — groups responsible for the deaths of countless Americans and our allies. The regime continues to pursue a nuclear-weapons program, stockpiles thousands of missiles, and has waged war against our people and our values for far too long.

Under the leadership of President Trump, the United States is bringing an end to Iran’s reign of terror in the Middle East and demonstrating, once again, the unmatched strength of the American military. I’ve flown combat missions against the very terrorists funded and directed by the Iranian regime, and I’ve seen firsthand the threat Iran poses. This moment has been coming for the ayatollahs, who have no regard for human life or peace. I am praying for our brave service members carrying out Operation Epic Fury. May God bless our troops and our great country.

To discuss Operation Epic Fury and my experience flying combat missions in the Middle East, I joined Special Report with Bret Baier on Fox News. Watch my full conversation here or by clicking the image below.

209 Democrats Vote Against Funding the Department of Homeland Security

I proudly voted to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) this week. It’s unbelievable to me that the majority of Democrats voted no and continue to hold the security of Texas, our country, and every American community hostage. TSA Agents, brave members of the U.S. Coast Guard, and other DHS personnel all continue to work without pay. This is simply unacceptable. At a time of heightened national security risk, we must open DHS now.

Heritage Foundation Defense Panel

I was honored to participate in a panel alongside fellow Veterans and graduates of U.S. Service Academies Pat Harrigan (NC-10) and Matt Van Epps (TN-07) at the Heritage Foundation’s Launch of the 2026 Index of U.S. Military Strength this week. This is the Heritage Foundation’s comprehensive assessment of how the U.S. military is postured to handle security threats our nation faces.

During the panel, I emphasized the need to invest in Airpower, streamline production of weapons systems, and inspire younger generations at U.S. Service Academies. I will always advocate for American service members and ensure they have all the necessary tools they need to execute their missions. Watch a portion of my remarks here or by clicking the image below.

RSC Member Meeting with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent

The Republican Study Committee (RSC) welcomed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to Capitol Hill for our weekly member meeting. The Secretary outlined the sweeping impact of President Trump’s Working Families Tax Cuts, the historic legislation that stopped the largest tax hike on American families.

During the member meeting, Secretary Bessent highlighted the historic creation of Trump Accounts, which will give every child born in America a head start on their financial future. The RSC is proud to stand alongside the Secretary and the Trump administration in the fight to keep more money in the pockets of hard working families.

Real Texans Interview with the Texas Scorecard

I joined Michael Quinn Sullivan for a Special Edition of Real Texans on the Texas Scorecard. We discussed how Senate Democrats’ refusal to reopen the Department of Homeland Security is impacting everyday Texans, and the success of Operation Epic Fury.

Watch our full conversation here or by clicking the image below.

Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin Appointed to Lead DHS

Huge congratulations to my friend Senator Markwayne Mullin on his nomination to be the next Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Markwayne is the right man for the job and will continue to carry out President Trump’s successful border security policies. Looking forward to working alongside him to make America safe and secure!

Advocating for Rural Communities Utilizing the Brownfields Program

During a House Energy and Commerce Environment Subcommittee hearing titled “Ready for Reuse: Legislative Proposals to Unleash the Potential of America’s Brownfields Sites,” I strongly advocated for rural communities that face unique barriers in implementing the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Brownfields Program.

Rural communities like the ones I represent often lack the in-house expertise to navigate complex federal programs on their own. That is why robust federal technical assistance and streamlined permitting are essential. I look forward to continuing these conversations to draft and champion legislation that will provide clarity and support to communities utilizing the Brownfields Program. Watch my full line of questioning here or by clicking the image below.

Stressing the Need for Clear Federal Guidance on Pipeline Infrastructure

During a House Energy and Commerce Energy Subcommittee hearing titled “America’s Energy Infrastructure: Authorizing Pipeline Safety,” I highlighted the timely and safe development of pipeline infrastructure as a critical component of national security and grid stability. As the nation’s energy demands continue to grow, ensuring America’s pipeline infrastructure keeps pace is critical.

The ERCOT grid in Texas relies heavily on natural gas-fired generation to meet peak energy demands and maintain grid stability. Pipelines are the safest method of energy delivery, and our national security depends on their expansion. I will continue to advocate for strong state and federal partnerships to keep energy flowing from the Permian Basin to the rest of the country. Watch my full line of questioning here or by clicking the image below.

Joining Mornings with Maria on Fox Business

Before the U.S. House of Representatives voted to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), I joined Mornings with Maria on Fox Business to preview this crucial vote. During the interview, we also discussed Operation Epic Fury.

Watch my full conversation with Maria Bartiromo by clicking the link here or the image below.

Meeting with Texans in Washington

This week, I 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.

2026 Congressional Art Competition

Attention all parents, students, and teachers in TX-11! My office is now accepting submissions for the 2026 Congressional Art Competition. This competition gives high school students from across Texas-11 the opportunity to have their artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol Building.

This year’s theme is ‘Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary,’ and students will have until April 13th, 2026, to submit their artwork. Information on the Congressional Art Competition, including how to apply, can be found on the Congressman’s website by clicking here.

Every year, I am completely blown away by the talent and creativity of so many incredible young artists throughout Texas-11 who participate in the Congressional Art Competition. This year’s theme gives students the opportunity to tell America’s story through their own creative lens. I am especially excited to see how students use their art to celebrate our nation’s history and express their patriotism. I am incredibly blessed to represent the 11th District and to support these remarkable young artists as they help commemorate this historic moment for our country.

RULES

Artwork must be two-dimensional and original in concept, design, and execution. Art must follow the theme of ‘Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary.’

The artwork’s dimensions can be no larger than 26 inches high, 26 inches wide, and 4 inches deep. Accepted mediums for the two-dimensional artwork are as follows:

• Paintings: oil, acrylics, watercolor, etc.
• Drawings: colored pencil, pencil, ink, marker, pastel, charcoal (It is recommended that charcoal and pastel drawings be fixed.)
• Collages: must be two-dimensional
• Prints: lithographs, silkscreen, block prints
• Mixed Media: use of more than two mediums such as pencil, ink, watercolor, etc.
• Computer-generated art
• Photographs

Students are highly encouraged to review the competition’s complete rules and regulations on our congressional website. Please contact Carol Cunningham in the Llano District Office at carol.cunningham@mail.house.gov with any questions.

Second Lady Usha Vance Bookmark Design Contest for America 250

Last week, Second Lady Usha Vance announced the Bookmark Design Challenge: Celebrating America’s 250th, an opportunity for students in grades Kindergarten-8th grade to design an original bookmark celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary.

As we celebrate America’s 250th Birthday this year, we have a powerful opportunity, and responsibility, to ignite a love of country in the next generation. America’s story is one of freedom and limitless possibility, and our students should feel proud to be part of it. This Bookmark Design Challenge invites young people to express their creativity and discover what patriotism means to them. I applaud Second Lady Vance for leading this effort to empower kids to honor our past while imagining America’s future, and I encourage every student in TX-11 to participate.

This challenge is open to students across the nation’s 50 states, the District of Columbia, and five territories. Second Lady Usha Vance will select three national winners—one from each of the following categories:

• K–2
• Grades 3–5
• Grades 6–8

Winning designs will be featured during commemorative activities celebrating America’s 250^th anniversary in 2026, such as the Great American State Fair, the Second Lady’s 2026 Summer Reading Challenge, and other Office of the Second Lady and NEA events. Each winning student, accompanied by a parent or guardian, will also be invited to Washington, DC, in summer 2026 to participate in a series of celebratory events.

Applications must be submitted through the NEA’s website arts.gov/bookmarks before Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET. Please visit the NEA’s website for additional details, including full guidelines and FAQs. Questions about the Bookmark Design Challenge may be directed to bookmarks@arts.gov. 

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.