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The Iranian regime has long made its intentions clear—chanting “Death to Israel, Death to America” while working behind the scenes to destabilize the Middle East. For decades, their fingerprints have been all over some of the worst acts of terrorism in the region. They’ve armed and funded the world's most dangerous terrorist organizations—all while pushing full steam ahead on a nuclear program that poses a threat to every freedom-loving nation. Let me be clear: Iran is not just a danger to Israel. It's a critical node in a global axis of authoritarian powers, China, Russia, North Korea, Venezuela, all working in concert to weaken the United States and our allies. Last Thursday, the International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed what many of us already suspected: for the past two decades, Iran has secretly been enriching uranium—reaching levels high enough to produce 10 nuclear bombs. That’s not a peaceful energy program. That’s preparation for mass destruction. President Trump and his administration have been crystal clear, no nuclear weapons for Iran. Period. I have also been crystal clear for YEARS. Iran should not have their hands on a nuclear weapon. Despite countless efforts to negotiate, the Ayatollah continues to chase his nuclear ambitions with reckless abandon. That’s why I strongly support Israel’s decisive strikes last Thursday night against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. Prime Minister Netanyahu could not afford to sit idly by and wait for a regime that has openly called for Israel to be “wiped off the map” to act on that threat. Israel, our most loyal and capable ally in the Middle East, is acting not only in its own interest—but in ours. Their mission to dismantle Iran’s nuclear capabilities and eliminate key terrorist leaders directly enhances American security and the stability of the region. With multiple nuclear sites now destroyed and Iran’s military leadership in disarray, the regime in Tehran is running out of time and options. As President Trump said, “Iran must make a deal, before there is nothing left.” And let me make one thing perfectly clear: if Iran dares to retaliate against American lives or interests, the United States will respond swiftly and with overwhelming force. In Congress, I will continue to stand with Israel, stand against terrorism, and fight to keep America safe from those who seek to destroy our way of life. |
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This week, on Galveston Island and across America, we commemorated the 160th Anniversary of Juneteenth, a pivotal moment in our nation’s history. I was honored to celebrate in Galveston, the birthplace of Juneteenth, alongside the City and the Juneteenth 160th Commemorative Celebration Committee. I had the privilege of presenting them with an official Congressional Record, so that for generations to come, our nation will remember Galveston's rightful place in the story of freedom and the enduring importance of this day. The Congressional Record that I presented: Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Juneteenth, a day that holds deep meaning not just for our nation but especially for the proud people of Galveston, Texas. One hundred sixty years ago, Union troops arrived in Galveston and issued General Order No. 3 – delivering long-overdue news: that the enslaved people of Texas were free, in accordance with President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. Though that proclamation had been signed more than two years earlier, it was on June 19, 1865, that the promise of freedom finally reached our shores. Galveston, which I have the honor of representing, is where Juneteenth was born. And I’m proud that our community continues to lead in preserving this history. From the mural that commemorates where General Order No. 3 was read to the many community events held throughout the month of June, Galveston is living proof that remembering our history makes us stronger, not weaker. Not long ago, Juneteenth was not even recognized as a federal holiday. But in a rare moment of unity, Congress came together to pass H.R. 1320. I was honored to co-sponsor this legislation and even prouder to see it signed into law on June 17, 2021. It marked the first new federal holiday in nearly four decades, and rightfully so. Juneteenth is a reminder that while freedom may be delayed, it must never be denied. We must always strive to live up to the founding principles of this great country: liberty, justice, and opportunity for all. Let us honor the past, reflect on our progress, and commit to forging a future that preserves liberty not just in words but in action. |
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