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:

FBI Director
Army Leaders
TX-31 Art Competition Winner
Texas Farm Bureau
What do you think?

THE BRIEF:

Pope Leo XIV, the first American leader of the Catholic Church, previously known as Robert Francis Prevost, returned to the Sistine Chapel the day after his election to deliver a mass for the College of Cardinal.
The Trump administration on Thursday proposed a multibillion-dollar overhaul of a U.S. air traffic control system that it said still relies on floppy disks and replacement parts found on eBay and has come under renewed scrutiny in the wake of recent deadly plane crashes and technical failures.
President Donald Trump on Friday floated reducing tariffs on China to 80 percent, down from the current 145 percent total, as Washington and Beijing officials prepare for an important meeting this weekend.

FBI DIRECTOR KASH PATEL

This week, I welcomed FBI Director Kash Patel to the Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations Subcommittee to testify on the upcoming budget and other key issues. During the hearing, I questioned him about the FBI’s efforts to combat fentanyl trafficking, illegal border crossings, and human smuggling in coordination with other partners. I also asked about the Bureau’s work to protect critical infrastructure, including America’s energy grids.

One thing is clear: under Director Patel’s leadership, I am confident the FBI remains focused on its mission to uphold the rule of law.

ARMY LEADERS

This week, I met with Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll and Army Chief of Staff General Randy George to discuss the Army’s Transformation Initiative. This effort aims to streamline command structures, optimize force readiness, and eliminate waste. I have long supported modernizing our Army and cutting through bureaucracy to ensure we maintain the most effective and lethal fighting force possible. I appreciate Secretary Driscoll and General George for their continued engagement and thoughtful discussions on this important initiative.

CONGRESSIONAL ART COMPETITION WINNER

Congratulations to Emerson Black, a senior at Salado High School, for winning the 2025 TX-31 Congressional Art Competition! Her piece, titled “Leave Your Past Behind,” will be displayed in the United States Capitol for one year, where it will be seen by millions of visitors.

At the award ceremony held at Texas State University–Round Rock, Emerson was honored with a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol in her name, a TX-31 challenge coin, and a trip to Washington, D.C. to attend the national winners’ reception at the Capitol.

Well done, Emerson!

WELCOMING TEXAS FARMERS AND RANCHERS TO DC

Members of the Texas Farm Bureau visited Washington this week to discuss key agricultural issues, including the Farm Bill, industrial noise encroachment, rural connectivity, and trade. I was glad to meet with them and express my strong support for Texas farmers and ranchers.

Farmers and ranchers are the backbone of America, and we must all recognize the vital role agriculture plays in the health and prosperity of our nation.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Congress recently voted to codify changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. I want to know what you think on this 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,