Born on March 23, 1948, in Port Arthur, Texas, this Representative has made significant contributions to Texas politics and governance. He graduated from Forest Park High School in Beaumont in 1966, followed by earning a Bachelor of Science from Lamar University in 1973 and a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Texas at Houston in 1976. He served in the United States Air Force from 1975 to 1979 and in the Texas Army National Guard from 1969 to 1975. Before entering Congress, he served as an alderman and mayor of Woodville, Texas, and held roles on various local boards and commissions.

Since being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2015 as a Republican, he has participated significantly in legislative processes, serving on the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. He is currently a chair of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology in the One Hundred Nineteenth Congress, where he has focused on issues pertaining to scientific advancements and space exploration.

His legislative record includes sponsorship and co-sponsorship of several bills, particularly addressing urgent national concerns regarding border security and immigration. Notable among these is the Fund and Complete the Border Wall Act (HB114), which aims to establish funding for a U.S.-Mexico border wall and reform overtime compensation for border patrol agents. This legislation has received significant traction, reflecting ongoing debates about U.S. border policy.

Another significant initiative he has been involved with is the Foreign Adversary Risk Management Act (HB620), aimed at reviewing foreign investments in U.S. agriculture to prevent potential threats. This bill enhances national security by scrutinizing agricultural supply chains, showcasing his focus on protecting vital domestic sectors.

In addition to these initiatives, his sponsorship of the Protecting Life on College Campus Act (HB435) underlines his commitment to conservative social policies, as this legislation seeks to prohibit federal funding to colleges that offer abortion services.

His approach to governance signals a clear alignment with traditional conservative values, particularly in areas of national security, agriculture regulation, and social issues. His advocacy for stringent immigration policies and foreign investment scrutiny demonstrates a commitment to protecting American interests against perceived threats.

With a notable career and continued influence in Congress, he has emerged as a prominent figure in shaping legislation that aligns with conservative priorities. Through a focus on both local and national issues, he aims to represent the interests of his constituents effectively, reflecting the conservative values prevalent in his district.