The Brady Briefing: Expansion at SHSU, Accomplishments of Congress, and a Season of Gratitude
The Brady Briefing is a regular feature of USA Daily Times. In this issue, Rep. Kevin Brady (R-TX) focuses on accomplishments of the most recent Congress, expansion of Sam Houston State University, and being grateful.
By U.S. Congressman Kevin Brady (R-TX)
When not working in Washington I get to work in the district, listening and learning about the concerns of constituents. One of the highlights of the last few weeks was visiting the new state-of-the-art Career and Technology Center at Willis ISD. Director Travis Utecht gave me a tour and I was impressed by the facility and the dedication of the instructors. Institutions like this are a vital part of helping students prepare for the 21st Century American economy. It’s great to have a world-class example in our district.
I also attended the reopening of the Conroe Tenaris plant, and learned it means 100 new jobs in our district. Thanks to tax reform and the rolling back of regulations, the American economy is booming, but it’s extra special when families right here are impacted in a positive way.
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If you missed the news, Sam Houston State University broke ground last week in Montgomery County on their new College of Osteopathic Medicine, which will be the only medical school in Texas between Houston and Dallas. It was an honor to be part of the efforts to bring this new project to pass, and to be able to speak at the groundbreaking ceremony. Many, many folks were involved in making this a reality, but the biggest thanks goes to Dr. Dana Hoyt, President of SHSU, for her amazing leadership and commitment to the school and her students.
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Congress accomplished a great deal this session – historical tax cuts, regulatory relief, rebuilding the military, and opioid crisis funding, just to name a few – but we still have more to do before the New Year.
One of my key priorities is Tax Reform 2.0. It’s already passed the House, so I’m encouraging the Senate to pass this legislation, which will make tax cuts for individuals and small businesses permanent, help families save more and save earlier, and help entrepreneurs take their ideas from the kitchen table to Main Street.
I’m also encouraging the Senate to take up the bipartisan IRS reform package that has already passed out of the House with unanimous support. A new tax code needs a new tax collector – one that works for the American people, instead of against them. This reform will hold the IRS accountable and force them to put taxpayers first.
The JOBS for Success Act is another important bill we’re working on. We have gone from a country asking ‘where are the jobs?’ to ‘where are the workers?’ This bill will help close the jobs gap by creating more tools to help train workers and give states the flexibility they need to help workers find and keep good-paying jobs.
Repealing the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) is another priority I hope we can advance before January, so our hardworking firefighters and teachers can receive from Social Security what they’ve paid in. We’ve received great feedback from stakeholders and progress is being made, but those impacted by WEP can help. Email me at wep.feedback@mail.house.gov and share your story.
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As Americans we have so much to be thankful for. One of the things I’m most grateful for is that I get to live in the United States of America, the greatest nation in the world. The freedoms we enjoy come at great cost, and I’m grateful for the many Americans who fought and died for our country, and the millions who currently serve in uniform. Many families across the nation will have an empty seat at the dinner table this Thanksgiving. Let’s remember those sacrifices and give thanks for the ‘land of the free and the home of the brave.’
Kevin Brady is Chairman of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee.
