News From Washington and Across West Texas

Dear Friend,

Last Friday brought good news as President Trump announced he had negotiated a deal with Mexico to ensure they do more to help us combat the national security and humanitarian crisis that is ongoing at our southern border. Included in this historic agreement is a commitment from Mexico that they will increase the number of National Guard troops deployed, especially at their southern border, as well as help house more asylum seekers in Mexico in exchange for avoiding across-the-board tariffs of 5% on all Mexican goods. The first mission of the federal government is to “provide for the common defense,” and with this deal President Trump has demonstrated once again that he will do everything in his power to keep the American people safe. Click here to read an article from Fox News on the immigration and border security deal President Trump reached with the Mexican government. 

Additionally, not only is our deal with Mexico a win in terms of border security, but also with the threat of tariffs now off the table, I believe Congress will have added momentum towards passing the new-NAFTA, or USMCA, trade deal. Texas trade with Canada and Mexico supports almost a million jobs and accounts for $120 billion in exports, and passing USMCA will build on our nation’s already strong economic growth. Whether it means growing our economy by almost $70 billion and creating over 170,000 jobs, expanding market access for our farmers, particularly dairy producers, bringing manufacturing and auto jobs back to our country, or even improving labor and environmental standards across the board, USMCA is a better deal for America. President Trump has done his job, and I will be fighting to make sure we in Congress do ours by passing the USMCA before August.

Exacerbating the Crisis at the Border
While I am pleased President Trump was able to secure the border security agreement with Mexico, unfortunately Democrats in Congress still refuse to address the public safety crisis at our southern border and close loopholes in our own laws that make our country a magnet for illegal immigration. And to add insult to injury, not only are Democrats under Speaker Pelosi not lifting a finger to stop the growing crisis, they’re actually making it worse by spending their time and political capital serving illegal immigrants while neglecting our own citizens and their security needs. For example, just last week, Democrats rammed partisan legislation through the House that would grant amnesty to almost three million illegal immigrants. This comes even as we learned May marked the third month in a row apprehensions at the southern border surpassed 100,000, a level we haven’t seen in over a decade and which is pushing the Border Patrol system past the breaking point. Click here to watch my floor speech opposing this legislation, and here to read my latest op-ed on the need for real border security solutions that put the American people first.

Farmers Are Beautiful
The American farmer is a beautiful picture of all that is good about America: the value and dignity of work, trust in God, love of neighbor, and service to others. During a recent Ways and Means hearing, I had the opportunity to recognize the men and women who, by the sweat of their brow, keep our families clothed and fed and who continue to instill the values of hard work and independence upon which our country was founded. Click here to watch my remarks.

The Greatest Generation
Last week, we celebrated the 75th anniversary of D-Day. To mark this momentous occasion, leaders from around the world, including President Trump, gathered at that sacred spot on the northern shores of France where soldiers crossed the English channel, climbed cliffs, and struggled and suffered to liberate a continent and ensure the future would belong to freedom. On the eve of the invasion, Supreme Allied Commander Dwight D. Eisenhower told his troops that “the eyes of the world are upon you” and that “the hopes and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you.” While much has changed since Eisenhower spoke those words, they serve as a powerful reminder that the eyes of the world are on America still. They are counting on us to defend the cause of democracy and freedom around the world and to prevent tyranny, despotism, and darkness of all kinds from gaining a foothold. Fortunately, because there are still heroes among us who are willing to answer the call of duty and give up their today for our tomorrow, I am confident America will continue to shine bright as a beacon of freedom and what President Lincoln called the last, best hope of Earth. Click here if you are interested watching President Trump’s remarks on D-Day from the Normandy American Cemetery in France, courtesy of C-SPAN.

Wreck ‘Em Tech!
If one thing is for certain, it’s that 2019 is the year of the Red Raider. We saw this once again as this past Friday, Texas Tech captured their first national title for any men’s team when the Track and Field team took the trophy at the NCAA championships in Austin. This comes after Texas Tech narrowly missed out on winning the March Madness tournament, after falling just short in overtime against Virginia. And to add to this string of success, the Red Raiders baseball team also punched their ticket back to Ohama after Sunday’s 8-6 win over Oklahoma State, the team’s fourth trip to the College World Series in six years. Congrats to Coaches Kittley and Tadlock for making West Texas so proud! Click here to read the A-J’s write-up on Tech’s Track and Field championship win.

Please know, it is an honor to be your Representative. Feel free to reach out to my office and let me know how I can best serve you.

Your friend and fellow West Texan,

Jodey C. Arrington
Member of Congress