Newsletter: The Hands and Hearts of Texas: A Light in the Darkest Days

<h3 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-ab6e14178fe16f674bd731e3167b70a8" id="h-the-hands-and-hearts-of-texas-a-light-in-the-darkest-days" style="color: #064264;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Hands and Hearts of Texas: A Light<br />in the Darkest Days</span></h3>

<p class="has-text-align-left">Over the past few weeks, neighboring communities across the Texas Hill Country have been devastated by historic flooding.</p>

<p>The loss is staggering. Over a hundred lives have been lost, and many more are still missing. Hundreds have been rescued, and entire roads, bridges, and neighborhoods have been swept away by the floodwaters. This is a tragedy that has touched many families, and will continue to affect us for years to come.</p>

<p>In Kerr County, alongside President Trump, the First Lady, and first responders, we listened to families who had lost everything. Their grief is unimaginable, but so is their strength.</p>

<p>Everywhere we turned, we saw Texans helping Texans. Not for recognition or applause—just people showing up, handing out food, hauling supplies, and walking side by side with those who are recovering.</p>

<p>And above all, we saw the heroism that makes this state what it is.</p>

<p>During this, one of the most dangerous floods in Texas history, a U.S. Coast Guard aircrew from the Naval Air Station in Corpus Christi risked their lives to save over 160 people stranded by the rising floodwaters. The mission was led by Lieutenant Ian Hopper, Lieutenant Blair Ogujiofor, Petty Officer Seth Reeves, and Petty Officer Scott Ruskan.</p>

<p>They flew into zero-visibility conditions, hovered over floodwaters, pulled people out one by one, and didn’t stop until every life they could reach was safe. I had the opportunity to meet with the crew, hear their firsthand account, and thank them for the courage they showed on behalf of so many families who are alive today because of it.</p>

<p>Please continue to pray for the families who’ve lost loved ones, for the brave first responders still out searching, and for the towns that are just beginning to pick up the pieces.</p>

<p>May God bless the great state of Texas and the United States of America.</p>

<h3 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-49c084f0ff7a4197e9016a8da38a7a84" id="h-protecting-financial-freedom-in-the-digital-age" style="color: #064264;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Protecting Financial Freedom in the Digital Age</span></h3>

<p>The House has worked through several major bills related to cryptocurrency and digital assets.</p>

<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-119s1582es/pdf/BILLS-119s1582es.pdf" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">S.1582</a> — GENIUS Act</li>

<li><a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-119hr3633rh/pdf/BILLS-119hr3633rh.pdf" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">H.R.3633</a> — CLARITY Act</li>
</ul>

<p>These bills were being framed as steps forward for innovation, but some carry serious implications regarding financial privacy and freedom. For example the GENIUS Act, overlooks smaller community banks and current issuers, and most importantly—fails to protect self-custody and leaves the door open to a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC).</p>

<p>A CBDC would give the federal government control over a digital version of the dollar. That means:</p>

<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Every transaction could be tracked;</li>

<li>Accounts could be frozen or censored;</li>

<li>Or a social credit system can be created that rewards or punishes people based on their behavior.</li>
</ul>

<p>That’s why the House passed two standalone bills: the Anti-CBDC Act to ban a CBDC outright, and the CLARITY Act to protect self-custody and support crypto innovation. I urge the Senate to take up this critical legislation, but if they don’t, we worked to ensure the CBDC ban is addressed in the upcoming National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).</p>

<p>It’s a win for financial privacy and a step toward restoring limits on government power.</p>

<h3 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-e9a10a1febba0851b9f32be475328c80" id="h-house-advances-department-of-defense-appropriations-act-of-2026" style="color: #064264;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">House Advances Department of Defense<br />Appropriations Act of 2026</span></h3>

<p>This month, the House advanced the <a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/4016" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">FY26 Department of Defense Appropriations Act</a> — a bill that meets the budget framework set by the Executive Branch, strengthens our military, improves efficiency at the Department of Defense, secures the border, and supports our troops and their families.</p>

<p>As part of this bill, we worked closely with military leaders and Appropriations staff to successfully secure a $6.7 million increase for the Apache Composite Main Rotor Blade (CMRB) program—a key line of work at Corpus Christi Army Depot (CCAD).</p>

<p>We also pushed back against harmful provisions that would divert defense resources toward political agendas. The final bill prohibits taxpayer funding for DEI programs, gender-transition procedures, drag queen shows, and COVID-19 mask mandates. It also blocks funding from going to foreign adversaries or being used in ways that undermine the War Powers Resolution.</p>

<p>Other key highlights from the bill:</p>

<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>$189 billion for military personnel, including a 3.8% pay raise for all servicemembers.</li>

<li>Funding for Black Hawk helicopters and the Apache CMRB program — both core CCAD missions.</li>

<li>Investments in missile defense and space programs, including the Golden Dome effort.</li>

<li>Support for the U.S. defense industrial base and $1.15 billion for counter-drug operations, including enhanced National Guard capabilities.</li>

<li>Prohibits funding for UN agencies acting against U.S. interests, including UNRWA.</li>
</ul>

<p>Now that the bill has passed the House, it heads to the Senate for further consideration. Throughout this process, the focus remains on ensuring the concerns of South Texas aren’t left behind.</p>

<h3 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-b1526f95a707ea9b96f5771815c9091d" id="h-what-texas-27th-is-getting-done" style="color: #064264;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">What Texas 27th is Getting Done!</span></h3>

<p>From record-setting infrastructure to small acts of service, communities across Texas’s 27th District continue to lead with strength, resilience, and determination.</p>

<p>This month, the <a href="https://portofcc.com/port-of-corpus-christi-customers-close-record-second-quarter-first-half-in-q2-2025/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Port of Corpus Christi</a> set a new record — moving 51.1 million tons of cargo in the second quarter of 2025, and more than 102 million tons in the first half of the year. With increased exports of crude oil (+3.8%) and liquefied natural gas (+10.8%), the Port is helping fuel American energy independence while supporting jobs across the Coastal Bend.</p>

<p>Thanks to recent upgrades including a newly expanded, deepened, and widened ship channel,  transport efficiency has improved dramatically, with estimated annual savings of over $200 million for users.</p>

<p>Across the region, families and communities are stepping up in other ways too:</p>

<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>In Kerr County, after devastating floods, Coastal Bend neighbors mobilized <a href="https://www.kristv.com/news/local-news/in-your-neighborhood/corpus-christi/coastal-bend-unites-for-kerr-county-flood-relief-you-can-join-the-effort" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">volunteer drives</a> quickly—from Sinton FFA to 7Brew Donation Day—delivered gift cards, supplies, and relief to those in need.</li>

<li>In Caldwell County, local law enforcement ran <a href="https://www.facebook.com/61572574670934/videos/784061310701999/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Operation Heat Shield</a>, distributing nearly 100 box fans to seniors and vulnerable households struggling through the summer heat.</li>

<li>In Corpus Christi, <a href="https://portofcc.com/port-of-corpus-christi-launches-monthly-public-tours-reinforcing-community-engagement-and-transparency/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">monthly public tours</a> of the Port have begun, giving residents a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most vital energy hubs in the country.</li>
</ul>

<p>The story across TX-27 is one of people stepping up, doing the work, and building a stronger future—together.</p>

<h3 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-1ea6321b59b6a85a9442355680717705" id="h-in-the-media" style="color: #064264;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">In The Media</span></h3>

<p><strong>Breitbart:</strong> Exclusive — <a href="https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/07/08/exclusive-gop-house-members-demand-termination-of-nih-funding-of-cruel-dog-and-cat-experiments/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">GOP House Members Demand Termination of NIH Funding of Cruel Dog and Cat Experiments</a></p>

<p>God Bless,</p>

<p>Michael Cloud<br />Member of Congress</p>

<p></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://cloud.house.gov/posts/newsletter-the-hands-and-hearts-of-texas-a-light-in-the-darkest-days">Newsletter: The Hands and Hearts of Texas: A Light in the Darkest Days</a> appeared first on <a href="https://cloud.house.gov">Cloud</a>.</p>

Newsletter: The Hands and Hearts of Texas: A Light in the Darkest Days

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