We face a great number of challenges in our country. I encourage everyone to be a voice of light in a time of darkness to those who need help. Keep joy in your hearts. Hope in man. And faith in God.

With Labor-HHS and Homeland reporting out of full committee, and Defense advancing out of subcommittee, Appropriators closed out another productive week. ✅ Thoughtful deliberation and fiscal responsibility continue to guide the appropriations process every step of the way.

11-2 on the field and back to work to continue to win for the American people.

I’m always happy for a free sandwich. You’re on @RepLaLota.

Today, I joined my fellow veterans in washing the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall ahead of Memorial Day. For many of us, this is personal. The names etched into that wall are not just history. They were friends, brothers, sons, and Americans who answered the call and never made it home.

For Country Caucus Co-Chairs @RepEllzey and @RepDonDavis join ABC to discuss Memorial Day. abcnews.com/video/133187276/

This morning I joined Speaker Johnson and House Leadership to discuss this week’s legislative agenda. But perhaps more important than that, I took a moment to talk about Memorial Day and what it truly means to our country. I shared the story of Clark Schwedler, a man I served alongside who didn’t come home. Memorial Day is personal for so many veterans and military families because behind every name is a friend, a teammate, a son, a daughter, or someone who mattered deeply to the people around them. As Memorial Day approaches, we remember Clark and all those who gave their lives defending this country. Their sacrifice secured the freedoms we enjoy every day, and we owe it to them to never forget the cost of that freedom.

Good to visit with the Academy of General Dentistry, including constituent Dr. Brooke Elmore, to discuss the issues facing dentists and oral health providers across the country. We had a productive conversation about the challenges impacting the industry and the importance of ensuring families can continue to access quality dental care in their communities.

Today in a hearing with Secretary of Defense @PeteHegseth, I discussed the USS Gerald R. Ford’s 11 month deployment and the toll extended deployments take on our sailors and military families. As threats around the world grow, this is not the time for fewer carriers. The US Navy relies on aircraft carriers to project power, demonstrate American resolve, deter our adversaries, and protect American interests across the globe.

Always good to sit down with folks from back home. Enjoyed visiting with the Hillsboro Airport management team in our district office today and hearing more about what’s going on in the community. Appreciate them taking the time to stop by.

There are few things as peaceful as our Capitol completely empty. Yesterday, after votes and after everyone had gone home, I just stopped and took a moment to take it all in. The quiet halls, the stillness of the chamber, the weight of the history in the walls, it’s a reminder of how far we’ve come and how much further we have to go. I’m grateful for the opportunity to apart of the greatest institution ever created. And I’m thankful for everyone who sent me here.

Hey everyone, after a long, frustrating but ultimately productive and rewarding week, I’m heading home. But before that, let’s take a walk.

I was proud to support measures that help ensure success for Texas farmers and ranchers as they face some of the toughest conditions in decades. A strong agricultural base keeps family farms in business, helps stabilize food prices, and supports rural communities. Food security is national security, and America must remain able to feed itself.

The Trump EPA is proving every day that you can both protect the environment AND grow the economy. No longer is it a binary choice where we are forced to pick one or the other.

Thank you @RepEllzey and @RepBethVanDuyne for securing $2 million for @DallasPD’s Weed and Seed program! Investing in our communities’ long-term health ensures Dallas’s remarkable public safety progress will continue for years to come. We’re grateful for your advocacy in Washington!

Had a good conversation with Secretary Doug Burgum about preserving our nation’s battlefields and supporting law enforcement on tribal lands. Protecting these historic sites honors the Americans who came before us, and making sure tribal law enforcement has the resources they need helps keep communities safe. Appreciate the discussion and look forward to continuing the work together.

As a Navy guy, I hate to admit it, but the Army is doing a lot of things right. During today’s House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee hearing, we discussed how Army transformation is making sure our soldiers have the technology they need for the next fight while being responsible with taxpayer dollars. That balance matters. I’m especially encouraged to see continued progress on the MV-75 Cheyenne. It brings the speed and range our forces need in the Pacific and other critical theaters, and it represents the kind of forward-thinking capability our military should be investing in. Service over politics. Always.

For Country Caucus Announces Endorsement of Four Bipartisan Bills:

✔️ Paychecks for all personnel ✔️ Borders protected ✔️ Airports monitored ✔️ Shores guarded Once again, @HouseGOP backed comprehensive funding for our national security. It's evident where the House stands: with the American people. bit.ly/3PzOGNC

The Caucus is proud to endorse the SHIPS for America Act, led by @RepTrentKelly. Strengthening America’s maritime industrial base is critical to our national security. This bill helps rebuild domestic shipbuilding capacity and ensures we remain competitive on the glacial stage.

Had a good visit this with Andrew Watterson, Chief Operating Officer of Southwest Airlines. Before coming to Congress, I spent years flying for Southwest, so it’s always meaningful to reconnect with the people and leadership behind an airline that played such an important role in my life and career. We talked about the aviation workforce, safety, and the continued importance of keeping America moving.