A member of the United States House of Representatives from Texas, this politician was born on January 24, 1970, in Potter County, Texas. He graduated from Perryton High School in 1988 and later earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, in 1992. He served in the United States Navy from 1992 until 2012 and has worked as a business executive and commercial pilot. Additionally, he was a member of the Texas Veterans Commission from 2012 to 2018 and represented Texas in the state house of representatives beginning in 2021. He was first elected to Congress in a special election to fill the vacancy left by the death of Representative Ron Wright on July 27, 2021, and has been reelected to the two succeeding Congresses.
In Congress, he has taken active roles in various committees, including the Appropriations Committee and the Subcommittee on Defense Intelligence and Overhead Architecture. He is also a member of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Subcommittee, the Small Business Committee, and the Rural Development, Energy, and Supply Chains Subcommittee. His participation in these committees indicates a focus on fiscal policy, defense intelligence, environmental issues, and supporting small businesses in rural areas.
As a legislator, he has sponsored and co-sponsored several notable bills, demonstrating his commitment to issues pertinent to his constituency and broader national interests. Among these is House Bill 32 (Keeping Texas School Construction Costs Down Act of 2023), which aims to create a safe harbor for certain trust funds related to school construction costs. This legislation has been referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
He has also co-sponsored the Pharmacist Conscience Protection Act, which protects healthcare providers, specifically pharmacists, from discrimination based on their refusal to participate in abortion-related services. This bill reflects his stance on protecting individual rights concerning moral objections.
In assessing his political leanings, his sponsorship of bills like those aimed at restricting abortion services and protecting individual conscience rights indicates a conservative stance on social issues. His involvement in the Appropriations Committee underlines an interest in budgetary matters, likely supporting fiscal conservatism. Furthermore, his work in committees focused on defense suggests a priority towards national security and intelligence operations.
Additionally, his legislative actions surrounding energy independence and agricultural policies, as seen in his support for bills related to domestic energy production and agricultural land use, reflect an alignment with pro-business and traditional economic values often associated with the Republican Party.
Personal life details, such as family information or business endeavors, were not provided, which limits a more comprehensive view of his personal background. However, his service in the Navy and involvement in veteran affairs may resonate strongly with constituents who prioritize military and veterans' issues.
In summary, this politician exhibits a conservative track record within Congress, focusing on key areas such as fiscal responsibility, social conservatism, national security, and support for small businesses, while actively engaging in the legislative process through various committees and sponsored bills. His actions reflect a commitment to both his state and the principles upheld by the Republican Party.