As we begin a New Year, House Republicans met last week to outline goals and priorities for 2026. While we delivered meaningful wins last year, like closed borders, crack downs on bureaucratic waste, regulatory relief, and permanent tax cuts, in 2026, we must move with even more urgency and purpose. Now is the time to advance a bold, results-driven agenda that puts South Texas families and American workers first.
Key priorities for the year ahead include:
Energy dominance is essential to America’s national security, economic growth, and affordability for families in South Texas. Last week, the House passed the Fiscal Year 2026 Energy and Water Appropriations Act, and as Vice Chair of the Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee, I worked to ensure that this legislation invests in real energy production and infrastructure while also being responsible with taxpayer dollars.
At a critical moment for our nation’s energy future in the race against China, this bill rejects costly, ineffective Biden-era programs and instead focuses on strengthening America’s energy capabilities.
Key investments include:
These investments directly benefit South Texas, where we continue to lead the country in energy production and exports. By strengthening the Port of Corpus Christi and supporting water, drought, and desalination projects, this bill advances President Trump’s goal of restoring American energy dominance.
See the remarks on the House Floor above
The House Oversight Committee convened last week to investigate recent reports of widespread abuse in our welfare programs across states like Minnesota. Federal prosecutors have already uncovered that the situation in Minnesota could surpass $9 billion in fraud with dozens of people already charged.
It is no doubt that this fraud is widespread across several of our states. This Minnesota hearing helped illuminate the severity of the problem as well as how Congress has enabled this abuse by passing legislation that doles out dollars with little oversight or legitimate safeguards. I questioned Minnesota lawmakers on how we can proactively strengthen checks, tighten accountability, and stop fraud before it becomes headline news rather than always reacting to the latest scandal.
See more on the Oversight Committee above
While our country faces a growing housing crisis, Congress took important action last week in passing the Affordable HOMES Act, which would streamline regulations in the homebuilding process in order to lower costs. President Trump also called on Congress to take decisive measures to prevent large-scale institutional investors from buying-up single-family homes across the country.
True homeownership is essential to maintaining our local communities and strong families, yet in Texas, median home prices rose by about 40% between 2019 and 2023. The median-income family is no longer able to pursue the dream of homeownership, and I am supportive of these efforts from Congress and President Trump to bring-back common-sense governance that helps Americans build homes again.
Every day, hundreds of thousands of men and women wake up and answer the call to protect their communities and our country against those violating and abusing our nation’s laws. Last week, we had the chance to celebrate National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day and take the time to celebrate our nation’s heroes who choose service over self, day in and day out. At a time when our officers face increased violence and threats, it has never been more important to support our local heroes. To all of you in Texas’ 27th District who have protected our laws and communities, I offer my sincere thanks for your service and dedication.
Washington Watch with Tony Perkins: Rep. Cloud Talks 2026 Priorities and Protecting the Unborn
God Bless,
Michael Cloud
Member of Congress