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CBP's Tall Task of Combatting Fentanyl

The week started with a short trip to Customs and Border Protection at Los Angeles International Airport to see firsthand what our CBP officers are up against as they work to protect our nation from dangerous imports from around the world, and items smuggled through our ports of entry. 

Most people think fentanyl only comes to the US in its final form as the deadly poison killing tens of thousands of Americans each year. That used to be the case, but President Trump got China to crack down on illegal fentanyl exports. But Chinese suppliers still illegally export the precursor chemicals for fentanyl. Most people think those go straight to Mexico, but the reality is much of it comes straight to the US right here through LA.

These precursors are hidden in legitimate commercial cargo and make their way to Mexico, where they are combined to make fentanyl and pressed into pills. CBP has to find these chemicals somehow, while competing with high volume, time constraints, and forged manifests. They’re finding a lot, but not everything. And it doesn’t help when dozens of their agents have to go deal with the crisis at the southern border.

So, what can be done? Simple changes to law — like higher penalties for falsified manifests — can start to crack down on those fueling the crisis. Let’s start there.

Border Patrol needs our Support 

This week I also had a chance to meet with the leadership of the Border Patrol’s Rio Grande Valley sector. The men and women in green are tirelessly working every day to secure our border, confiscate illicit drugs and weapons being brought across our border, and to keep one step ahead of the Mexican cartels at every minute. It was an honor to hear from these dedicated agents and I look forward to working with them to ensure they have the tools they need to be successful in their mission.

Never Forget

 

On a somber note, earlier this week we learned of the deaths of two SEALs, Chris Chambers and Nathan Ingram. They were killed in action in the Gulf of Aden during a ship boarding operation on January 11th.

The vessel was carrying Iranian weapons to the Houthis in Yemen (same Houthis that have been shooting those missiles at US ships lately, disrupting global trade). The seas were rough, and one SEAL went into the water during the boarding. It appears the second went in to rescue his teammate.

These ops are dangerous. We have to hook a caving ladder to a hard point high up on the deck and climb up from the smaller combat craft alongside the ship, while both are moving. All at night. With rough seas, a lot can go wrong. Everyone carries flotation with them and emergency “water wings”, but we don’t have the details of what happened exactly or whether the flotation worked.

The water is warm, about 80 degrees, so the search went on for a long time in the hopes these guys could be found.

Unfortunately, that search was called off after an extensive search. Pray for the families of these heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice.

I wish more Americans understood the dangerous world we live in. I wish more understood how fragile the system is that gives you all of life’s comforts and freedoms. Chaos spreads easily and quickly, as history shows over and over. Leaving evil alone doesn’t make it go away. Thank God there are brave men willing to raise their right hand and take on these dangers and protect our way of life.

I often hear people complain that “we are at war” in one way or another - whether it was Iraq, Afghanistan, Ukraine, or maritime operations like this one. But let’s be clear, there has never been a “we.” The vast majority of Americans have been completely insulated from any of the costs of war. There is no we. There is a small number of us, and some, like these two men, make the ultimate sacrifice. Their families make an even greater sacrifice than you can imagine. Pray with them today. Never forget.

Out and About in TX02

Lake Houston Rotary Club Congressional Update

I very much enjoyed visiting with members of the Lake Houston Rotary Club and providing a Congressional update. Lake Houston Rotary Director Juan Aybar moderated a q/a session with me, and then I was happy to take questions from all in attendance. The Rotary is a fantastic organization promoting civic and community engagement.
 
Talking Leadership at Porter High School

When I have the opportunity to speak with High School students, I take it. After making brief remarks, I got to take questions from Seniors at Porter High School and engage with them of topics on leadership, being a Congressman, being a SEAL, and other interests about Washington, DC and legislating in today's environment. These students are our future, and seeing their enthusiasm and how they think, makes me feel great about the world we will have as they become our leaders.     

Talking Important Economic Investments with The Woodlands Economic Development Partnership

A big thank you to The Woodlands EDP for hosting me this week to give an update on that we have going on in Washington, DC. I also had the opportunity to discuss the $26.4 million in economic investments I am fighting to secure in the final appropriations framework being that is expected to pass, soon. 

Catching Up with TX02 Elected Officials

It was great to catch up with dozens of elected officials from across TX02 this week. Having the opportunity to hear from them and get an update from our leaders in the District about what they are facing, allows me to better represent you all in Washington, DC. I was also able to give an update on the legislation I got passed, legislation that is pending, and the appropriations I have secured for our community.

Constituent Services

U.S. Postal Service Hotline

Making your Spring and Summer travel plans? 

Remember to check your passport and renew it in time. Most countries require your passport be valid for an additional six months from the time you enter. 

Here are some helpful tips. 

Save the Date

 

USNA Admissions Forums

The United States Naval Academy Office of Admissions will be conducting an admissions forum in our area on Saturday, February 24, 2024, from 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm at Strake Jesuit College Preparatory, Houston, TX.

For more information about our USNA Admissions Forums nationwide, please go to https://www.usna.edu/Admissions/Connect/Events.php.