Email from Rep. Carter

Howdy Texan –

I wanted to provide you with an update on my work for Texas' 31st district in the United States House.

ON THE DOCKET:

Passing the Budget Resolution
Quality of Life for Servicemembers
Solving the Bus Driver Shortage
Congressional Art Competition
What do you think?

THE BRIEF:

President Trump may have hit the brakes on reciprocal tariffs levied against many of America’s top trading partners, but the duties imposed on China will reach a staggering 145% on certain imports, a White House official confirmed.
U.S.-Russian dual citizen Ksenia Karelina landed in the United States Thursday evening after being released from a Russian prison in an overnight prisoner exchange.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a $5.1 billion cut in wasteful government spending at the Department of Defense.

PASSING THE BUDGET RESOLUTION

Last November, the American people gave Congress a clear mandate—to support President Trump's America First agenda. A critical part of that agenda will be fulfilled through the budget reconciliation process. This week, the House adopted the final budget resolution, allowing the House and Senate to work together to rein in spending and extend tax relief for hardworking Americans in "one, big beautiful bill." I was proud to stand with the President and support the Senate budget resolution on the House floor to get started on a bill that reflects our shared conservative priorities.

QUALITY OF LIFE HEARING

This week, I held a hearing on the quality of life for America's servicemembers in each military branch. Military housing, child care, facilities, and troop pay were all discussed. Quality of life in the military influences readiness, retention, and recruitment efforts, so it's crucial to national security for my committee to have an up-to-date assessment of quality of life issues as we begin developing the 2026 appropriations bill.

SOLVING THE BUS DRIVER SHORTAGE

I recently introduced H.R. 2360, the Driving Forward Act, in the House. The bill aims to end a burdensome regulation that requires prospective bus drivers to pass an under-the-hood mechanics test to get behind the wheel.

When I was in law school, I was a school bus driver. This profession is filled with people who understand what it means to show up early, work hard, and care for kids. Across the country, there are stories of students being unable to get to school because of bus driver shortages. The most basic requirement for a student to learn is simply being at school. Still, federal bureaucrats created a rule requiring a mechanics test that keeps otherwise qualified individuals out of the profession. We need to eliminate unnecessary bureaucratic regulations to fix the nationwide bus driver shortage. My bill makes the current exemption permanent to do just that.

CONGRESSIONAL ART COMPETITION

The 2025 Congressional Art Competition, "America: Through My Eyes," is now open for submission. The artwork is due Wednesday, April 16th, at 5:00 pm and can be delivered to either of my district offices. To learn more about the Congressional Art Competition, please visit my website.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

President Trump has recently utilized tariffs to promote fairer trade for the U.S. I want to hear what you think about this important topic. Click the question below to be taken to this week's What Do You Think? Survey.

As always, thank you for staying engaged with the latest updates from Texas’ 31st Congressional District. It is an honor and a privilege to represent you and our great state in the United States House of Representatives.

Sincerely,