Newsletter: Safeguarding Our Elections, Upholding the Constitution
Safeguarding Our Elections
The House passed the SAVE America Act last week, marking an important step toward strengthening election integrity and restoring confidence in our democratic system.
The SAVE America Act ensures that only American citizens can vote in federal elections by strengthening proof-of-citizenship requirements and closing loopholes that have created uncertainty in voter registration systems. Free and fair elections are the foundation of our republic, and safeguarding them is not a partisan issue; it is a matter of national integrity.
Specifically, the legislation will:
- Require documentary proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote
- Require Photo ID to vote
- Strengthen verification standards for voter rolls
- Hold states accountable for maintaining accurate and up-to-date registration lists
- The American people expect the same basic safeguards in their elections. In fact, 84% of Americans support photo ID requirements to vote, demonstrating broad agreement that verifying identity is a reasonable and commonsense measure.
Now it is time for the Senate to take up this common-sense piece of legislation and get it to the President’s desk.
Protecting Our 2nd Amendment
In 2021, it was uncovered that the ATF was processing more than 54 million out-of-business gun records per year. A follow-up investigation from our office revealed that nearly 921 million records had been collected and were being scanned into a digital, searchable database. At that pace, the number of gun records held by the ATF likely exceeds 1.1 billion records today, forming a backdoor national gun registry in violation of federal law and the Second Amendment.
I recently followed up on our initial investigation into the ATF’s massive, searchable digital database. The ATF has stonewalled Congress for over 290 days — but we will not allow them to give this issue the pocket veto and will continue to work to get answers as we also work to bring an end to this database.
To halt the illegal buildup and dismantle the database, I introduced the No Retaining Every Gun In a System That Restricts Your Rights (REGISTRY) Act (H.R. 563). This legislation would require the ATF to destroy all firearms transaction records, report their destruction to Congress, and prohibit retaining or receiving new records from out-of-business FFLs.
We do not want this illegal registry, and we will not allow the ATF to keep building it. These efforts will force ATF compliance with the Constitution and federal law, and protect Second Amendment rights from bureaucratic overreach.
Addressing Issues Facing Our Rice Farmers
Texas rice producers play a vital role in feeding our nation and supporting rural communities across our state. Last week, I met with Texas members of the USA Rice Federation to discuss the legislative priorities and growing challenges facing this critical industry.
Our farmers plant between 145,000 and 180,000 acres of rice each year, making Texas one of the top rice-producing states in the country. In our meetings, producers discussed the spread of the rice delphacid, an invasive pest that has caused significant damage across the Texas Rice Belt. They also emphasized the importance of equal trade and timely payments through the USDA Farmer Bridge Assistance Program for the 2025 crop year, which is set to provide $132.89 per acre for rice.
Compete for the Presidential 1776 Award
The Presidential 1776 Award competition registration is now open for high school students across the country. This Award is a part of a national civics competition for students with interests in history, the founding of America, and the fundamental virtues that shaped this country. In celebration of the 250th Anniversary of America, the Department of Education has launched this competition with a specific focus on the Founding Fathers, the Declaration of Independence, the Constitutional Convention, and the key battles and soldiers of the American Revolutionary War.
Students in grades 9–12 will compete in three stages:
- An online multiple-choice test
- An in-person regional semi-finals
- A national final event in Washington, D.C.
Prizes include up to $250,000 in scholarships. The Presidential 1776 Award Online Test will be available between February 22, 2026, and March 1, 2026. If you or a high schooler you know in TX-27 is interested, please register here.
Night to Shine
It was an honor to attend Night to Shine in Victoria, TX last week, an incredible evening that honored over 220 guests and brought together nearly 200 parents/caregivers, 600+ volunteers, and 90 community sponsors. This evening was a testament to the selfless service of so many across Victoria, and it represented the best of what our region has to offer.
Night to Shine is a nationwide celebration held simultaneously across hundreds of communities in honor of those with special needs. Thanks to Riverside Church, Victoria East High School, and the hundreds who came out to make this special night possible.
God Bless,
Michael Cloud
Member of Congress