Moran Minute: East Texas Industry, Honor, and Opportunity

By Editor | June 23, 2025 |

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Dear East Texas,

Just over a week ago, Israel took decisive action to dismantle key elements of Iran’s nuclear program and military infrastructure. In the days since, the United States followed suit—targeting critical nuclear assets to protect American lives and stand firm with our greatest ally in the region.

Peace through strength is now in action. This was a necessary step to confront the clear and present danger posed by Iran and its pursuit of nuclear weapons. The Iranian regime continues to call for the destruction of both Israel and the United States, and we must take those threats seriously.

Iran must never possess the world’s most dangerous weapons. Moments like this demand strength, clarity, and prudence—to end the threat without inviting a wider war. This is the kind of leadership the moment demands.

We are blessed and deeply thankful for the hard work and determination of President Trump, Vice President Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and the brave men and women—pilots, service members, and all involved—who helped execute this critical mission with precision and courage.

I joined CBS 19, KLTV 7, and KETK this weekend to break down what this strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities means for America’s national security and why East Texans can be confident in our commitment to peace through strength. You can watch those interviews below.

CBS 19

KLTV 7

KETK

In our next newsletter, I’ll address this conflict in greater depth, particularly the important question of Presidential and Congressional authority in matters of military engagement. It’s a vital conversation for our country, and one I look forward to having with you.

Supporting East Texas Industry & Innovation

Last week, I had the opportunity to tour two major chemical manufacturing sites in East Texas—Eastman Chemical in Longview and Brenntag’s Coastal Chemical facility in Kilgore. These facilities represent the backbone of our region’s industrial economy, employing hundreds of hardworking Texans and driving innovation across a number of business sectors, including energy and manufacturing. For more information about the wide-ranging positive impact that chemical companies like Eastman and Coastal Chemical have on the economy and our everyday lives, visit www.americanchemistry.com.

(Graph from American Chemistry Council)

At Eastman, I met with leadership to look at the site designated for the planned advanced materials project aimed at reducing plastic waste. Their commitment to sustainability, technological advancement, and local workforce development is a strong example of how American industry can lead in solving tomorrow’s challenges. Our office is working diligently with Eastman to do all possible to support their efforts and expand their footprint in East Texas.

At Brenntag’s Coastal Chemical facility, we walked through operations from top to bottom—operations that support the oil and gas industry across the U.S. We discussed my work to roll back costly and unnecessary regulations on the energy sector and the chemical industry. We also discussed the need to roll back taxes on core chemical inputs—efforts I’ve supported through legislation like the Chemical Tax Repeal Act. When we lift the burden off producers, we allow businesses to reinvest, grow, and hire locally.

East Texas industry is not just surviving—it’s leading. I’ll continue doing my part in Washington to ensure these businesses have the freedom to grow, invest, and thrive.

Bringing East Texans Together to Shape Tax Policy

Last Friday, I had the opportunity to sit down with local business owners, chamber leaders, and stakeholders at the Tyler Chamber of Commerce for a joint roundtable conversation on tax reform with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. We discussed how federal tax policy directly affects families, workers, and small businesses right here in East Texas.

I shared how the One, Big, Beautiful Bill will help restore the Trump-era policies that built the strongest economy in modern history—rewarding hard work, driving investment, and expanding opportunity. These reforms are common sense, and they work.

Here’s what we’re fighting for:

Restoring 100% immediate expensing so businesses can invest in equipment and employees today—not five years from now.
Making the Small Business Deduction permanent, giving 30 million small businesses the certainty they need to grow.
Fueling innovation by renewing full R&D expensing to keep jobs and capital here in America.
Rebuilding rural economies by reviving and expanding Opportunity Zones.
Cutting red tape by rolling back burdensome IRS reporting rules that target gig workers and local entrepreneurs.

These reforms are projected to create over 1 million small business jobs annually and raise wages by thousands of dollars per worker.

East Texans deserve a tax code that rewards grit, not government dependence—and I’ll keep fighting to make that a reality.

Hiway 80 Rescue Mission: Faith in Action

On Wednesday of last week, I also visited the Hiway 80 Rescue Mission—a ministry in Longview that meets real needs with faith and compassion. From meals and shelter to job readiness and spiritual care, they’re a lifeline for folks trying to get back on their feet. Thank you to the team for an uplifting afternoon, and for the life-changing work that you do.

We talked about how nonprofits like this succeed not because of red tape—but in spite of it. That’s why I’ll keep working to support the kind of local partnerships that make a lasting difference in people’s lives.

It’s places like this—rooted in purpose and anchored in faith—that remind me why this work in Congress matters.

As summer temperatures rise, ministries like Hiway 80 Rescue Mission in Longview are stepping up to serve more people in need—offering relief, dignity, and hope to the most vulnerable in our community.

Click here to see how they’re meeting the moment and how you can be part of the effort.

Empowering Families in Longview: Buckner Roundtable

At Buckner International’s Family Hope Center in Longview, I had the chance to sit down with State Senator Bryan Hughes, and other local leaders and service providers to talk about a challenge that hits close to home—how we lift up families who are struggling to get ahead.

As a member of the Ways and Means Committee, I’ve pushed for pro-family tax policies like expanding the Adoption Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit in the One, Big, Beautiful Bill, broadening opportunities to invest for the future of their children through the Trump Accounts included in the OBBB, expanding access to health savings accounts, strengthening programs that help foster youth access education, jobs, and stable housing, and many more pro-family provisions of the OBBB. We also talked about how smart tax incentives can help local businesses hire more East Texans—and keep them here.

Buckner’s legacy of serving children and families with Christ-centered compassion runs deep. I’m grateful for their continued leadership and for the honest, forward-looking conversation about how to serve the people of East Texas well.

Texans Talking Texas Priorities

I had a great conversation with Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins—a fellow Texan—about how we can partner to support critical projects across East Texas.

That includes the Sabine River Authority, which plays a vital role in managing, preserving, and distributing the waters of the Sabine River system—resources essential to both our communities and our industries. From agriculture to energy, East Texas depends on smart, local water stewardship.

I appreciate Secretary Rollins’ leadership and look forward to working together to protect and promote our region’s future.

Building a Stronger Future Through Higher Education

Last week, Texarkana College and UT Tyler signed a new agreement to make transferring between schools easier and more affordable for students in East Texas. Here’s what it means:

Credits will transfer more smoothly, so students will be able to continue their success when transferring from a two-year degree program at Texarkana College to a four-year degree program at UT Tyler.
Students will be able to access UT Tyler advisors to help select the right classes and stay on track to graduate.
Transfer students will get help applying for scholarships and financial aid, reducing the cost of a four-year degree.

In short, students will waste less time, spend less money, and have more support as they earn their degrees—all while staying close to home. This is how we build and maintain opportunities for future generations, right here in East Texas.

Honoring EMS and First Responders

This past weekend, I joined CHRISTUS Flight for Life and EMS teams at the 2025 National EMS Memorial Service to honor those who gave their lives in service to others.

We remembered: Jeanne Lackey (29) – TMF Flight for Life; Gerald Morgan, Sr. (46) – TMF Flight for Life; and Kathryn Lea Ohnheiser (31) – TMF Flight for Life. All three tragically died in the line of duty on February 13, 1989, in an air medical accident. We also honored James Thomas (32) – Champion EMS, who died on May 31, 1988, from a traumatic injury sustained in the line of duty while responding to a call along the highway.

I was grateful to meet with the Ohnheiser family in person and present them with a Congressional Record entry honoring Kathryn. Congressional Records were also provided to CHRISTUS for each of the other families of the fallen as a way to honor their life of service and their sacrifice. Their stories were powerful, and their legacy will not be forgotten.

East Texas is safer because of their service, and we are forever in their debt.

You can also find photos and videos from the ceremony on my Facebook page.

Miracle League of Tyler

Although I wasn’t able to attend in person, I was honored to congratulate the City of Tyler and the Miracle League of Tyler on the grand opening of the new Miracle League Field at Faulkner Park on the field of Nationals Park in Washington, D.C.

This new field is specially designed for children and adults with physical and mental challenges. It features a rubberized surface to accommodate wheelchairs, walkers, and other mobility devices. It’s more than a ballfield—it’s a place where barriers come down, friendships are built, and the joy of the game is shared by all.

I’m grateful for everyone who made this project possible. It’s a shining example of how East Texans care for one another and make room for everyone at the table—and on the field.