Friends,

It’s been a busy week, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve as your representative in the United States Congress. I want to take a moment to highlight a heartwarming message my district staff received—one that reminds us why we do this work.

A constituent wrote in to share that, after nearly 14 years of being denied VA benefits for a service-connected disability, they finally received the approval they had been waiting for. Here’s what they said:

“On April 1st, after close to 14 years of VA denials for a service-connected disability, I finally received approval.

I want to thank you and your staff for your assistance in getting this long-overdue disability finally approved. Patience and persistence prevailed! It only took five weeks after your staff contacted the VA to get it done.

Thank you to Congressman Crenshaw’s team—you can put this in the newsletter. You have a great district staff!"

I couldn’t agree more. Our district team works hard every day to advocate for constituents—especially our veterans—and make sure they receive the care and benefits they’ve earned. This story is just one example of the meaningful impact they’re making.

As always, thank you for the trust you’ve placed in me to serve you.

Sincerely,

Congressional Art Competition

TX-02 high school students are invited to submit artwork for display in the U.S. Capitol! Entries are due by April 10, 2025. This year's theme is "Texas," showcasing our state's rich history and culture. In line with the theme, I’m looking for pieces that showcase what makes Texas unique. For submission guidelines and competition details, visit Crenshaw.House.gov/Art-Competition.

Please contact james.holian@mail.house.gov with any questions or concerns.

Tax Filing Season is Here – What You Need to Know
The IRS has officially opened the 2025 tax filing season and is now accepting 2024 tax returns before the April 15 deadline. Taxpayers in federally declared disaster areas may have additional time to file.

Faster Refunds – Most refunds are issued within 21 days if filed electronically. Those eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) may receive refunds by March 3. Track refund status using “Where’s My Refund?” on the IRS’ website or the IRS2Go app.
Avoid Scams – Be on alert for tax scams and identity theft. The IRS never initiates contact via text, email, or social media about refunds or payments. Stay informed with the latest consumer alerts identified by the IRS.
Wait to File Until You Have All Documents – Ensure all income and tax documents are received before filing to avoid delays or errors.
Choose a Trusted Tax Professional – Avoid "ghost" tax preparers who do not sign returns. Always verify a tax preparer’s credentials.

For more information, visit IRS.gov to access official resources

WEP and GPO Retroactive Payments
The Social Security Administration recently announced it will issue retroactive payments and adjust monthly benefits for those impacted by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO). For additional information or questions, please refer to the administration’s blog or contact either of my district offices.

What to Do in an Emergency Abroad
If you or someone you know has an emergency while traveling abroad. The US Department of State is there to assist you. You can contact them any time for assistance. The website, https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html, has all the information you need for each country you visit.

You can also contact my offices for assistance contacting the embassies. Stay safe, stay informed!

Contacts for Emergencies while Traveling Abroad:

From the U.S. & Canada: 1-888-407-4747
From Outside the US: +1 202-501-4444
Kingwood Office: 713-860-1330
Woodlands Office: 281-640-7720

Energy and Commerce Hearing on Over-the-Counter Products

This week, the House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee held a hearing on improving access to affordable over-the-counter (OTC) medications by strengthening the FDA’s approval process through the OTC User Fee Program. The program is designed to speed up access to safe, everyday treatments by streamlining approvals, encouraging innovation, and increasing competition among drug companies. Cutting red tape not only lowers costs but also helps ensure consumers receive timely access to the medications they rely on. These improvements are essential for making healthcare more accessible and easing pressure on the broader system.

Seniors’ Access to Critical Medications Act
The Seniors’ Access to Critical Medications Act brings back a practical policy that allows Medicare patients to get their prescriptions by mail or have a caregiver or family member pick them up. This was allowed during the COVID-19 pandemic but was later reversed, making it harder for many seniors to access the medications they need. For those in rural areas or dealing with serious health issues, traveling to a doctor’s office can be difficult or even unsafe. By restoring this option, the bill removes unnecessary barriers and helps ensure patients get timely, reliable care. I’m proud to cosponsor this bill, and look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to make our healthcare system work better for the people who need it most.

Right Drug Does Now Act

I recently partnered with Rep. Swalwell to introduce the Right Drug Dose Now Act, ensuring that patients receive the best medications tailored to their unique needs. The Right Drug Dose Now Act will enable the use of evidence-based pharmacogenomic (PGx) testing to prevent adverse drug events. Furthermore, it updates health record systems to make this information clearer, leading to safer and more personalized care. This represents a significant step toward a healthcare system that treats patients as individuals rather than statistics.

“Declassified: A Former Station Chief on the Real CIA”

Ralph Goff is a 35-year veteran of the CIA and a 6-time station chief who served in Europe, the Middle East, and Central and South Asia. He gives an inside look into how the CIA manages its agents and assets in some of the most dangerous regions on earth. We discuss the state of play with Russia, the Middle East, and Mexico. We cover fact vs fiction in Hollywood and the real skill sets that make for a good spy. We also look at how the Trump Administration will restore public trust in the intelligence community and strengthen our capabilities to counter adversaries like Russia and Iran.

Ralph Goff also served as the Chief of the CIA’s National Resources Division, working extensively with “C Suite” level US private sector executives in the financial, banking, and security sectors. Today, he is a risk management consultant and contributor to The Cipher Brief.

SITREP #11

On the latest Situation Report, I cover President Trump’s tariff announcement, the Administration’s major changes to the federal workforce, the ongoing debate in the House over proxy voting for new parents, what Tuesday’s elections mean for the House, and more. All the real news and clear analysis you need to know—in less than 20 minutes.

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