Rep. Jake Ellzey

We face a great number of challenges in our country. I encourage everyone to be a voice of light in a time of darkness to those who need help. Keep joy in your hearts. Hope in man. And faith in God.

This week, Interior held Tribal Witness Days. Tribal leaders traveled from across the country to share their testimony over two days, giving members the opportunity to listen and learn directly from their experiences.

Spent some time with Officer Mike Lewis of the Waxahachie Police Department while he was in DC. Mike just graduated from the FBI Academy, which is no small accomplishment, and represents the very best of our law enforcement community. It’s always good to see folks from home in Washington, especially those serving with integrity and commitment.

This week, I joined Member Day before the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee to discuss priorities for the FY27 Interior bill. I had the chance to visit with American Samoa Delegate Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen about the importance of funding for Insular Affairs. American Samoa has a proud tradition of service, sending more recruits per capita to our military than any state or territory.

Met with leaders from Texas A&M yesterday to talk about the work they’re doing as one of the leading research universities in the country. From advancing innovation to preparing the next generation of leaders, the impact of Texas A&M reaches far beyond campus.

We’re back in Washington today and met with Texas Credit Union. We talked about ways to help Texans who are building credit for the first time, as well as folks who’ve struggled with credit in the past, and making sure they have the tools to get back on solid financial footing. Always good to hear directly from the folks working to help families get ahead.

The President and the American diplomatic community made a serious effort to bring Iran to the table to discuss a peace that protects the whole region. Instead, the mullahs chose to attempt to reconstitute their nuclear weapons program. After the 10-day deadline, the United States and the State of Israel have begun to dismantle Iran’s offensive weapons capability, including their ballistic missile programs. As I write this, there is evidence that the leadership of the Islamic State of Iran has been decapitated; we have a scheduled House members call tomorrow to learn more about these developments and the way forward. Please pray for our service members involved and their families. Humbly, Jake

President Trump gave the world the Artemis Program, and NASA and our partners have the plan to deliver. We will standardize architecture where possible, add missions and accelerate flight rate, execute in an evolutionary way, and safely return American astronauts to the Moon, this time to stay. This is the NASA that once changed the world. This is the NASA that will do it again.

One of the greatest privileges of serving in Congress is attending the State of the Union address. Last night, we gathered in the House Chamber to hear President Trump report on his first year in his second term and lay out his vision for the year ahead. The State of the Union is more than a speech. It is a constitutional tradition that brings together the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches in a single room, a reminder of the responsibility we share to serve the American people. It is a moment to reflect on where our country stands, the challenges we face, and the opportunities before us. Last night, we were reminded of all of the things we’ve accomplished. We have worked to towards economic strength, reinforced our national security, and advance policies that put American families first. While we have accomplished a lot in a short period of time, there is still more to do. And as I sat in that chamber, I was filled with an overwhelming sense of purpose to continue serving with integrity and resolve, with a deep hope for the future of our nation, and gratitude for the folks back home whom entrusted me to be their voice in Congress.

Had a great conversation with @JasonWhitely this afternoon. Make sure you turn into @wfaa’s Inside Texas Politics this week!

Secure elections protect every legal voter and strengthen our Republic. Proof of citizenship is not optional. It is fundamental. The SAVE Act ensures that only American citizens decide American elections. I was proud to vote for this legislation and help pass it in the House.

This week in Palestine, I had the honor of joining Community Mpact for their 2026 Black History Month Gala, where Anderson County’s Black Veterans were recognized for their service and sacrifice. It was a privilege to help honor Lieutenant Colonel Russell Hooper and Major General John L. Phillips, both proud natives of Palestine who answered the call to serve our nation with distinction. These men represent the very best of East Texas and the very best of America. I’m grateful to @CodyHarrisTX, Ernie Williams, and Community Mpact for shining a light on leaders who paved the way and continue to inspire the next generation. When young men and women can look up and see heroes from their own hometown, it matters.

I enjoyed meeting Aarit Kumar, a student at Uplift North Hills Preparatory in Irving and the winner of this year’s Congressional App Challenge. His app, GreenByte, is an impressive example of how young Texans are using technology and creativity to solve real-world problems. Congratulations to Aarit on a well-earned achievement and for representing North Texas so well.

I was honored to welcome Chris Crosby, CEO of Compass Datacenters based in Dallas, Texas, and Kirk Offell, CEO of Overwatch Mission Critical based in Austin, Texas, to discuss Empowering Rural America Through Investment in Innovation. During their testimony, Mr. Crosby and Mr. Offell shared their expertise on the importance of data centers and the growing need for digital infrastructure. Texas is at the forefront of data center growth because of our pro-growth, pro-energy approach and the strength of our small business community, which provides essential support by supplying, maintaining, and servicing these facilities.

It was great to visit with folks from our district who are part of Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America. These are neighbors who care deeply about our kids and families and are doing the hard work to prevent substance abuse in our communities. I’m grateful for their heart for serving and for the difference they’re making back home.

Once again, House Republicans stepped up and got the job done. While some in Washington were willing to let the government shut down and create uncertainty for families, workers, and small businesses, our majority came together and delivered for the American people.

As of today, the Biden-era CR numbers come to an end. We passed legislation that addresses the needs of now while providing a path to protect our future. And I was proud to stand with my colleagues and support it.

Completing the appropriations process through regular order is an important responsibility of Congress, and I’m encouraged to see the House reach the finish line today. Passing all twelve appropriations bills shows we can still govern responsibly and deliver the stability the American people expect.

From energy reliability to infrastructure readiness, Texas has become the premier destination for data center development. WATCH: @RepEllzey and Mr. Crosby break down what makes Texas a national leader.

AI is transforming America’s economy. As investment grows, rural communities are becoming key components in America’s innovation future. WATCH: @RepEllzey gavels in today’s @HouseSmallBiz Rural Development, Energy, and Supply Chains Subcommittee hearing, examining the rapid growth of data centers in Rural America.