Mar 24, 2026
Media
Newsletter: DHS Funding, Farmers, and Corpus Christi Military Installations
Apr 07, 2026
Newsletter
Funding the Department of Homeland Security
After weeks of Democrats holding Department of Homeland Security funding hostage, last week, the Senate sent over a DHS funding bill to the House that covered some elements of the department but did not fund Homeland Security Investigations, Border Patrol, or ICE. This means that key operations that are essential to public safety, including child sex trafficking investigation units, would continue to go unfunded.
Later that day, the House passed a Continuing Resolution (CR) to fund the entirety of DHS for eight weeks. While CR’s are never ideal, this vote was the necessary response to ensure that essential agencies like ICE and Border Patrol could continue their work. Yesterday, the Senate once again had an opportunity to pass DHS funding by unanimous consent but instead gaveled out.
Over the weekend, President Trump took decisive action to pay Transportation Security Administration workers due to the ongoing stress on America’s air travel infrastructure during the lapse in DHS appropriations. DHS expects TSA employees to begin receiving paychecks as soon as this week.
Americans overwhelmingly asked for border security in the last election, and they expect Congress, at the very least, to fund these operations.
Supporting Texas Farmers
After celebrating National Agricultural Day, I had the pleasure of hosting farmers from TX-27 and members of the Texas Farm Bureau and Texas Grain Sorghum Association in my Washington, D.C. office to discuss the critical challenges facing our agricultural community. In particular, we discussed the hurdles sorghum farmers encounter with fuel policies, as well as ongoing trade negotiations with countries such as India, which recently announced a reduction in agricultural tariffs.
These conversations followed a week-long celebration of America’s farmers led by the Trump Administration. During this time, several key initiatives were announced, including a new 90% loan guarantee program for small agricultural businesses, and the introduction of a nationwide “Product of USA” voluntary labeling standard aimed at strengthening consumer support for domestic supply chains.
According to the Administration, reforms enacted over the past year have provided tax relief to more than 220,000 family farms across Texas, along with delivering over $600 million in crop insurance tax relief.
Advocating for Corpus Christi Military Installations
The Corpus Christi Army Depot (CCAD) plays a critical role in maintaining and repairing our military’s rotary-wing aircraft, ensuring readiness across the force. At the same time, Naval Air Station Corpus Christi is shaping the future of our armed services by training the next generation of pilots for the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.
Last week at the Pentagon, I met with senior defense officials to discuss continued support for both CCAD and Naval Air Station Corpus Christi. Strengthening these institutions is essential to preserving our military’s edge and advancing a strategy of peace through strength.
I’m encouraged by President Trump’s signal of support for CCAD during his recent visit to Corpus Christi, and I look forward to continued conversations with Pentagon officials on this front to ensure CCAD can continue to serve the military and the Coastal Bend for decades to come.
Congressional Art Competition
The 2026 Congressional Art Competition is open for high school students across the Coastal Bend! This event encourages young artists to showcase their talents, and there is no set theme. Students may submit artwork on any subject of their choice.
The deadline to submit is April 2nd, and entries can be dropped off at our district offices in Victoria and Corpus Christi before that date. Four winners will be selected.
Students should enter the competition in the district where they reside, not where they attend school, and artwork must be an original creation of a single student.
For more information on rules, eligibility, and submission requirements, please visit our Congressional Art Competition webpage. This is a unique opportunity for students to gain recognition for their creativity and to represent the best of the Texas spirit!
See last year’s winner, Edna Hisler, by Bobbi Catalano, Gregory-Portland High School, below.
Easter Office Closures
In observance of Good Friday and Easter, my Washington, D.C., and district offices will be closed on April 3rd and April 6th. Should you have any questions or concerns, please visit my website to leave a message with my staff or me.
In the Media
Newsmax Wake Up America: Rep. Cloud Discusses DHS Funding
