Come and Read It Report
Dear Texans,
Like many, I call Austin, Texas home. After three weeks of unruly terror, I am forever grateful for the tireless efforts from local, state and federal law enforcement agencies that have been working around the clock to restore order to our community. I have been in contact with Austin Police Chief Brian Manley to offer my most sincere gratitude to his department. I thank Chief Manley for his constant communication and leadership through this horrific period of time. I will continue to keep the victims in my thoughts, and pray that we have seen the last of these malicious and senseless attacks.
Government Funding Update
Texans in the 25th Congressional District elected me to bring conservative values to Washington, and with less than a day to read the 2,232-page-bill, I could not give my support for the omnibus spending package. I promised my constituents that I would work each and every day on their behalf to drive down the national debt, secure our borders, and get the federal government out of their lives – last week's omnibus fulfills none of those promises. I could not, in good conscience, vote to spend $1.3 trillion in taxpayer funds that would further threaten the welfare and prosperity of Americans for generations to come. You can read my full release here.
School Security Bill
In light of another high school shooting in our country that happened in Maryland just last week, now more than ever we need my school security bill, H.R. 5107, to protect our students and teachers. Every school is going to be different, but this bill will allow schools to begin to secure their buildings so we don't have to sit and wait for the next senseless act of violence that will harm our children. You can read more about my bill here.
Citizens of Government Waste's Annual Report
The Council for Citizens Against Government Waste (CCAGW) released its annual report for 2017, the First Session of the 115th Congress. I was named a "Taxpayer Hero" for earning a score of 98% in CCAGW's 2017 Congressional Rating. As a small business owner for my entire working life, I know the importance of hard work and the value of a dollar. I have spent my entire time in Congress working towards a complete overhaul of our nation's tax code so that Americans can keep more of their hard-earned money. I am proud to be the voice of Main Street in Washington, and will continue to fight to cut wasteful spending and protect the interests of the American taxpayer. You can read my full release here for more information.
Legislative Update
Last week: in addition to voting on 14 legislative items, I cosponsored H.R. 3378, the Ensuring Access to Air Ambulance Services Act of 2017, and H.R. 5313.
I also participated in a Financial Services Committeemarkup where we advanced eight bills to the House floor that will help ensure hardworking Americans have access to credit. You can find a complete list of them here.
It is an honor and privilege to represent the people of Texas' 25th Congressional District and as always, please reach out to me with any issues and concerns that are important to you.
In God we trust,
Roger Williams
Member of Congress