Friends,

Our country faces serious challenges—none more urgent than the rising levels of violence and drug trafficking driven by Mexican cartels. These networks are fueling the fentanyl crisis that is devastating families and communities across America. I’m honored that Speaker Johnson has asked me to lead a new House Intelligence Task Force to confront this threat directly. It’s a responsibility I take seriously, and I’m committed to ensuring Congress plays a leading role in stopping these dangerous organizations.

Back in the district, I had the chance to watch a great baseball game between Kingwood Park and West Fork. It’s always good to be home, spending time with the community, and supporting the next generation of leaders both on and off the field.

As always, if there’s anything my team or I can do to help—whether it’s with a federal agency, a question about legislation, or just staying connected—please don’t hesitate to reach out. Hope y’all have a great weekend!

Sincerely,

Congressional Art Gallery

On Tuesday, April 15th, I will host the Congressional Art Competition at the Ardest Gallery in the Woodlands. This event will feature amazing artwork created by high school students around the district and is a great way to recognize their creativity and hard work. During the event, I’ll have the honor of selecting the winning piece, which will be displayed in the Capitol for the entire year!

Kingwood Park and West Fork Baseball Game

Last week, I had the chance to watch a great baseball game between Kingwood Park and West Fork—two great schools (and great teams) here in TX-02. I’m always proud to support our student-athletes and the strong community values they represent. Thank you to both teams, coaches, and families for letting me come out and watch! I had a great time and look forward to attending more games this season and cheering on our local teams across the district.

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

Crenshaw Appointed by Speaker Johnson to Lead New House Intelligence Task Force Targeting Mexican Cartels

I’m honored to have been selected by Speaker Johnson and Chairman Crawford to lead the newly established Cartel Task Force within the House Intelligence Committee. This task force will play a critical role in shaping the legislative strategy to dismantle violent Mexican cartels and the transnational criminal networks driving the fentanyl crisis and threatening U.S. national security. Over the past two years, I’ve led extensive efforts to identify the tools and authorities necessary to address this growing threat. With President Trump back in the White House, we have a unique opportunity to act decisively. I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress and the administration to ensure our agencies are fully equipped to confront and defeat the cartels.

Full Energy and Commerce Committee Markup

This week, the House Energy and Commerce Committee advanced 20 bipartisan bills focused on commerce, communications, and healthcare. These commonsense measures strengthen economic resilience, protect consumers, and confront emerging digital threats—while staying true to the principle of smart governance without growing bureaucracy. Notable legislation included the TAKE IT DOWN Act to combat nonconsensual deepfake content, the Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act to address battery safety risks, and the Deploying American Blockchains Act to bolster U.S. leadership in blockchain innovation.

Hearing on AI and American Global Competitiveness

The House Energy and Commerce Committee discussed AI development and competition with China. A key point: reliable energy is crucial for microchip manufacturing and data centers. However, strict permitting under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Biden-era regulations like the Clean Power Plan hinder energy infrastructure construction. I’m committed to working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to remove these barriers, so the United States can lead the world in artificial intelligence and stay ahead of China in this critical race.

"The Policies Behind Your Tax Return"

Tax season is here, and so is the debate about what you owe and why. Cato Institute’s Adam Michel joined me to break down the policies behind your tax return—from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to what’s at stake if key provisions expire in 2025. We cover how the law affected everyday Americans, why claims about corporations and the rich not paying their “fair share” fall apart, and what an ideal tax system could actually look like.

SITREP #12

In this week’s SITREP, I break down the latest on tariff negotiations, a major Supreme Court ruling on immigration enforcement, two key House votes that you should know about, the Trump Administration’s crackdown on schools that promote harmful gender ideology, and a breakthrough in genetic engineering.

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