Newsletter: Fraud, Energy, & Funding the Border

Mar 10, 2026

Oversight Hearing Unveils Rampant Fraud in Minnesota

For years, state officials in Minnesota ignored and enabled massive fraud across state welfare programs that could have totaled up to $9 billion, according to estimates by federal prosecutors. Last week, the House Oversight Committee had an opportunity to question Minnesota officials, including Gov. Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison, on the rampant abuse allowed under their watch.

Despite the Committee’s focus on addressing the fraud situation, the Democrats brought a local Minnesota pastor, Mariah Tollgaard, in as a witness who argued that cracking down on fraud is contrary to the Gospel and the elements of a free society.

I questioned this pastor on the Christian understanding of charity, and whether funneling more and more taxpayer dollars towards government programs, especially when they are actively fraudulent, is compatible with her Biblical worldview.

Politicians and media pundits all across the nation often weaponize terms like “empathy” or “compassion” without any context in order to ignore basic questions of a functioning society. In this specific case, a recent report found that workers in Minnesota were directed to put “compassion over compliance” when it came to fraud prevention. It is time for lawmakers to confront the fundamental principles that lead to this widespread fraud rather than always reacting years after the fact.

See the Oversight Committee questioning here.

Working with Our Ports

There is no doubt that in South Texas, our ports are the gateway to further economic stability and growth. Last week, in Washington, I had the chance to sit down with several local city and Port officials from TX-27 to discuss policy solutions and how to streamline their abilities to dredge, perform maintenance, and increase trade.

President Trump made clear in his visit to TX-27 last month that places like the Port of Corpus Christi will be leading the charge in achieving American energy dominance. When visiting Corpus Christi alongside the President, Secretary of Energy Chris Wright also announced increased authorization for LNG exports at the Port of Corpus Christi. According to the Department of Energy, this order will make Corpus Christi the second-largest LNG export project in the United States.

Outside of serving as a federal partner for our ports in securing critical funding, this Congress, I’ve been focused on getting the Natural Gas Export Expansion Act across the finish line. I introduced this bill alongside Senator Cruz, which would expedite approval for LNG exports and reduce regulatory delays. This bill would help solidify the U.S. as the leading LNG exporting nation in the long-term rather than being subject to the ever-changing rules of a new Presidential administration.

Fighting Against Government Overreach

A government-run digital currency could allow federal bureaucrats to track Americans’ purchases and gain unprecedented insight into their personal finances. It would hand the unelected Federal Reserve unprecedented power over your money and civil liberties.

A bill moving through the Senate, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, includes language that would stop the Federal Reserve from issuing a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) before 2030. While that may sound good in theory, this specific type of temporary language leaves the door open, and even signals to others, that a CBDC would be implemented once the 2030 date has passed.

In the wake of the developments of this bill, last week, I urged the Speaker of the House and Senate Majority Leader Thune to permanently prohibit the researching and creation of a Central Bank Digital Currency and remove any temporary language regarding the CBDC before bringing it to the House.

Congress must make it clear that Americans’ financial privacy is not negotiable. A prohibition on a CBDC should be permanent. Thank you to the 31 Members of Congress who joined me in demanding these reforms.

Hear more on this issue here

Voting to Fund Border Security

Unfortunately, Democrats have continued to play political games, allowing the Department of Homeland Security to remain shuttered for weeks—even as threats to our nation grow. Last week, I once again voted to fund the Department of Homeland Security and reopen this critical part of our government.

Meanwhile, members of the Coast Guard—including the Coasties who proudly serve in TX-27—continue to go without pay during this unnecessary impasse. It’s time for Democrats in the Senate to stop the partisan games, pass DHS funding, and ensure the brave men and women protecting our homeland have the resources and support they deserve.

Intern in My Office

The Summer 2026 internship application for my DC office is now open! This internship opportunity allows students to learn about public service, the legislative process, and the inner workings of the federal government. Interns will have the opportunity to conduct meaningful legislative research, attend Congressional committee hearings and briefings, and work alongside our team in solving casework and constituent specific problems. My office’s current and former interns have been integral to our work to serving the people of Texas’ 27th District, and many have already gone on to become leaders in both the public and private spheres.

Interns will work 5-days a week in my Washington, D.C. office between the months of May-August depending on availability. Applicants should have an interest in public service, Texas ties, and a good work ethic. If you or a student you know in the Coastal Bend region are interested, please apply on my website, and a member of my staff will be in touch to schedule an interview.