Email from Rep. Carter My work in TX-31 and Congress   A note on this week's events: Civil discourse and respectful debate are not just traditions—they are the very foundation of our republic. Without them, America ceases to be what makes it exceptional. The brutal public execution of Charlie Kirk for engaging in open debate, and the subsequent celebration of this act by the depraved, mark not only a collapse of human decency but also a rejection of the ideals that distinguish us from the rest of the world. Benjamin Franklin once said, “A republic, if you can keep it,” underscoring that the preservation of democracy is not easy work. It solely depends on the people—and most importantly, on their commitment to free, civil, and non-violent exchange of ideas. This moment in history calls for deep reflection on the kind of nation we wish to preserve for future generations. If political violence becomes normalized—and worse, celebrated—we will have forfeited not only our civility, but the republic itself, and that is not something I am willing to let go. I wanted to provide you with an update on my work for Texas' 31st district in the United States House of Representatives.  ON THE DOCKET: Service Academy Forum Constituent Services Update Appropriations Committee Markups Celebrating Angels in Adoption THE BRIEF: Police have arrested a suspect in the assassination of Charlie Kirk on a Utah college campus earlier this week – identified by sources as Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old Utah resident. Gov. Greg Abbott will soon issue an executive order to regulate THC and set a minimum age of 21 to purchase those products in Texas, according to three people who spoke with the governor’s office. President Trump weighed in on the murder of a Ukrainian refugee on the train by 14-time offender Decarlos Brown Jr. and calls for the killer to face the death penalty. Within the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) they are an array of new tax write-offs, exemptions that Trump promised to enact while running for a second term. SERVICE ACADEMY FORUM TOMORROW If your son or daughter is interested in attending a United States service academy, I encourage them to attend the Service Academy Forum tomorrow. The forum will feature representatives from all of the U.S. service academies to help answer questions about the nomination process. This is a free event. Doors open at 8:15 am at Cedar Ridge High School (2801 Gattis School Rd, Round, TX 78664). For more information, click here. CONSTITUENT SERVICES UPDATE In August, my office helped over 200 constituents with issues like delayed IRS refunds and Social Security payments, slow veterans benefits, and passport emergencies. Through those efforts, we returned $736,650 to TX-31 constituents last month. Learn more about the services my office offers here.   PASSAGE OF THE NDAA This week, the House passed the National Defense Authorization Act. This bill provides a 3.8% pay raise for troops, accelerates new technologies, and strengthens deterrence efforts by outpacing China and Russia. The bill also invests in U.S. defense production to rebuild our industrial base and supply chains, while creating jobs. As we continue to see increased threats from Russia, China, and Iran, it is crucial that America invests in our national security, and I was proud to vote for this legislation. CELEBRATING ANGELS IN ADOPTION Congressman Carter welcomes the Villarreal family to Washington, DC. A few months ago, I nominated Katrina and Rudy Villarreal to be 2025 Angels in Adoption honorees. The Angels in Adoption program helps raise awareness about children needing permanent, safe, and loving homes. I nominated the Villarreals because of their extraordinary contributions to adoption and child welfare. I was excited to welcome them to DC this week for the ceremony and to thank them for their work in adoption. 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, John R. Carter Visit our website! WC Williamson County 4407 S IH-35 Suite 101 Georgetown, TX 78626 (512) 591-9061 BC Bell County 2180 North Main St. Suite I-10 Belton, TX 76513 (254) 933-1392 DC Washington, DC 2208 Rayburn H.O.B. Washington, DC 20515 (202) 225-3864 Rep. John Carter | 2208 Rayburn House Office Building | Washington, DC 20515 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice