Because Fort Hood, the Army’s premier installation to train and deploy heavy forces, is in the 31st Congressional District, issues concerning defense are particularly important to me. I am reminded daily of the sacrifices made by the brave people who serve and protect our great nation, and it is of the utmost importance that I do everything I can to support legislation that improves the quality of life for soldiers and their families.

I am proud to serve on the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee to ensure our troops have the equipment, tools and training they need to defend our country. In this position, I am able to advocate on behalf of Fort Hood, and in the last ten years, I have secured over $1 billion for Fort Hood directly.

In 2018, I worked with Army leadership to create a pilot program at Fort Hood so soldiers could get industry credentials prior to leave the Army. The Credentialing Assistance Program helps bridge the gap between military service and civilian jobs for our military members. This program was so successful that it is now employed Army-wide.

In this Congress I have cosponsored several bills to support our troops:

• H.R. 1448 PAWS Act: Implements a program and a policy related to service dog therapy for veterans.
• H.R. 1302 Gold Star Altitude Act: Authorizes DoD to offer transportation on military aircraft to children, surviving spouses, parents, and siblings of members of the Armed Forces who die during Active Service.
• H.R. 499 Education Savings Accounts for Military Families Act of 2021: Establishes a program to provide children with parents on active duty in the uniformed services with funds to pay educational expenses.

I am committed to looking out for our troops and will continue to work hard on their behalf to provide the services and benefits they so greatly deserve as the protectors of our nation.