Last week, we hosted our Congressional Art Competition Awards Reception at the beautiful Tyrrell Historical Library in Beaumont. For 44 years, this competition has recognized the artistic achievements of high school students across the country, and this year’s theme for our district was “Historical Landmarks of Texas.” It was great to meet so many talented young artists and see the landmarks that hold special meaning to them. Congratulations to our first-place winner, Jillian Lopez-Danek, a senior at Lutheran South Academy, for her outstanding piece, Angelic Prose!

I hopped aboard a pilot boat with my friend Rep. Mike Collins (R-GA), Chairman of the Water Resources Subcommittee, to tour two of our container ports. Did you know the Port of Houston is the busiest in the United States? It’s a cornerstone of our economy, and we're working to keep it strong.

It’s always a pleasure to visit the Port of Beaumont and hear about the great work happening there! I was truly honored to be recognized by the Port for receiving the American Association of Port Authorities' Port Person of the Year award. Supporting the Port of Beaumont—and all the ports in our district—is a priority for me. Their work is vital to the prosperity, economy, and national security of the United States.

I was honored to speak to the Greater Houston Partnership about how Washington can support domestic energy independence, the future of supersonic transportation, and why Houston is key to American innovation. Our region is on the frontlines of the future, and I’ll keep fighting for policies that help us thrive.