Newsletter: Cutting Red Tape, Securing American Energy
Cutting Red Tape, Securing American Energy
The current approval process for our LNG exports is burdened by bureaucratic red tape that risks American energy independence and dominance, which is why, alongside Senator Cruz, I introduced the Natural Gas Expansion Act. This Bill aims to eliminate regulatory hurdles, which will secure our energy, trade, and job markets, regardless of any change in the executive.
In the past, the approval process to export LNG to non-free trade agreement countries could take several years. For example, a Texas company that filed for an application in October 2012 did not receive approval from the Department of Energy to export LNG to non-free trade agreement countries until April 2017. While the Trump administration has significantly reduced the processing time for non-free trade agreement permits, this bill ensures that Congress provides greater certainty that the review process is not arbitrarily lengthened. This is one way we are working to codify President Trump’s executive actions into law.
Update on Federal Shutdown
Over five weeks have now passed since the House passed a clean Continuing Resolution (CR). Democrats in the Senate continue to hold the federal government hostage over $400 billion in continued subsidies for health insurance companies. As a result, the Senate vote after vote continues to fall short of the 60 votes required to send the CR to President Trump’s desk and reopen our government.
Last week, Democrats in the Senate blocked the Shutdown Fairness Act, which would have ensured that essential workers and our troops are paid during government shutdowns. Despite Congress’s failure, we are grateful that the Trump Administration has thus far found a way to do what is right and pay our military. We are thankful that President Trump and his Administration have taken unprecedented action to protect the pay of our service members and their families from partisan obstruction.
As we are now 28 days into a government shutdown and many federal operations are being paused, my D.C. and district offices remain operational. During this prolonged shutdown, we remain committed to serving and assisting you and your family. For constituent services, please contact either my Corpus Christi office at 361-884-2222 or the Victoria office at 361-894-6446, and they will be happy to assist you in navigating the federal bureaucracy. If you would like to share your thoughts on this matter or any other pieces of legislation, my D.C. office can be reached at 202-225-7742.
For questions regarding federal operations at this time, please click here.
A Hero Comes Home
This past week, I was honored to attend the burial service for U.S. Navy Storekeeper Third Class (SK3) Robert Stillman Garcia and present a flag flown over the Capitol to the family on behalf of the people of the 27th District, expressing our gratitude and honoring their sacrifice. Garcia was a native of Concepción, Texas, and entered the Navy and served on the battleship USS California.
On Sunday, December 7, 1941, during the surprise attack at Pearl Harbor, the USS California was hit by two torpedoes and a bomb, resulting in the loss of nearly 100 crew members, including Garcia, aged 23. Now, after 84 years, he has come back home.
We are thankful that Garcia’s family has, at long last, received closure, and we are forever in debt to those like Garcia who made the ultimate sacrifice. May their memories live on in all future generations.
Serving the People of Texas’ 27
One of the most meaningful parts of our work in serving the people of Texas’ 27th District is helping residents navigate challenges with federal agencies. Whether it is assisting with delays in receiving benefits, cutting through government red tape, or stepping in to advocate on your behalf, our team is here to serve you and get the answers that you need.
Recent Casework Success Stories:
Karla from Victoria County
Karla reached out to our office after being unable to obtain documents from the Veterans Affairs, so her uncle, who served in the Vietnam War, could have a respectful headstone at his grave. Our team filed a congressional inquiry on her behalf, and she received the documents needed to request a headstone for her uncle’s grave.
Resident of Nueces County
A resident of Texas’ 27th District had been trying for three years to get her health insurance corrected before reaching out to our office. After our office submitted a congressional inquiry, she was notified that her insurance coverage had been reinstated.
Virginia from Victoria County
Virginia was facing delays with her 2025 tax return. After her refund had been “in progress” for months without resolution, she turned to our office. We then filed out a congressional inquiry on her behalf, and soon after, her refund was deposited directly into her account.
If you live in Texas’ 27th District and need help navigating a federal agency, please visit cloud.house.gov to find out how our office can assist you.
God Bless,
Michael Cloud
Member of Congress