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.

Today, 250 years ago, the world changed. America changed the course of human history. Over the last 250 years, America has endured war, hardship, division, and sacrifice. But we have also achieved the impossible, expanded freedom, inspired generations, and proven time and again that no challenge is too great when the American people stand together. The story of our nation has never been one of perfection. It has always been one of perseverance. Every generation has been called to leave this country stronger than they found it, and every generation has answered that call in its own way. As we celebrate 250 years of the United States, may we remember those who built this nation, those who defended it, and those who continue to serve it today. The greatest chapters of the American story are not behind us. They are still being written.

Spent the morning at the rededication of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum as it celebrates 50 years. Since opening in 1976, it’s been a place where kids and adults alike can look up, dream big, and learn about the Americans who changed the course of aviation and space exploration. If you ever get the chance to visit, it’s well worth the trip!

A quick look at last week’s rearview before we accelerate into the schedule ahead: ✅ FY27 Defense markup complete ✅ @DHSGov oversight hearing ✅ All 12 FY27 bills reported out of full committee Every hearing. Every markup. Every oversight effort. Article I in action!

While I’m in Washington this week, my district team is back home volunteering at the VA’s Fourth of July picnic. They helped serve hot dogs, ice cream, and pie to nearly 2,000 veterans and VA employees, many of whom served in uniform themselves. It’s a small way to say thank you to the men and women who have served our country. I’m grateful to my team for representing our office and to everyone who helped make the day special for our veterans.

The United States must be able to defend itself. Having the most lethal fighting force on the planet is only half the equation. We must equip our service members with everything they need to deter our adversaries and preserve the peace without firing a single shot. But if that moment comes, We must be prepared to win quickly, decisively, and without question. That’s why I’m proud to support this year’s Defense Appropriations bill, and I’m proud of the work our committee did to advance it.

With Labor-HHS and Homeland reporting out of full committee, and Defense advancing out of subcommittee, Appropriators closed out another productive week. ✅ Thoughtful deliberation and fiscal responsibility continue to guide the appropriations process every step of the way.

11-2 on the field and back to work to continue to win for the American people.

I’m always happy for a free sandwich. You’re on @RepLaLota.

Today, I joined my fellow veterans in washing the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall ahead of Memorial Day. For many of us, this is personal. The names etched into that wall are not just history. They were friends, brothers, sons, and Americans who answered the call and never made it home.

For Country Caucus Co-Chairs @RepEllzey and @RepDonDavis join ABC to discuss Memorial Day. abcnews.com/video/13318727…

This morning I joined Speaker Johnson and House Leadership to discuss this week’s legislative agenda. But perhaps more important than that, I took a moment to talk about Memorial Day and what it truly means to our country. I shared the story of Clark Schwedler, a man I served alongside who didn’t come home. Memorial Day is personal for so many veterans and military families because behind every name is a friend, a teammate, a son, a daughter, or someone who mattered deeply to the people around them. As Memorial Day approaches, we remember Clark and all those who gave their lives defending this country. Their sacrifice secured the freedoms we enjoy every day, and we owe it to them to never forget the cost of that freedom.

Good to visit with the Academy of General Dentistry, including constituent Dr. Brooke Elmore, to discuss the issues facing dentists and oral health providers across the country. We had a productive conversation about the challenges impacting the industry and the importance of ensuring families can continue to access quality dental care in their communities.

Today in a hearing with Secretary of Defense @PeteHegseth, I discussed the USS Gerald R. Ford’s 11 month deployment and the toll extended deployments take on our sailors and military families. As threats around the world grow, this is not the time for fewer carriers. The US Navy relies on aircraft carriers to project power, demonstrate American resolve, deter our adversaries, and protect American interests across the globe.

Always good to sit down with folks from back home. Enjoyed visiting with the Hillsboro Airport management team in our district office today and hearing more about what’s going on in the community. Appreciate them taking the time to stop by.

There are few things as peaceful as our Capitol completely empty. Yesterday, after votes and after everyone had gone home, I just stopped and took a moment to take it all in. The quiet halls, the stillness of the chamber, the weight of the history in the walls, it’s a reminder of how far we’ve come and how much further we have to go. I’m grateful for the opportunity to apart of the greatest institution ever created. And I’m thankful for everyone who sent me here.

Hey everyone, after a long, frustrating but ultimately productive and rewarding week, I’m heading home. But before that, let’s take a walk.

I was proud to support measures that help ensure success for Texas farmers and ranchers as they face some of the toughest conditions in decades. A strong agricultural base keeps family farms in business, helps stabilize food prices, and supports rural communities. Food security is national security, and America must remain able to feed itself.

The Trump EPA is proving every day that you can both protect the environment AND grow the economy. No longer is it a binary choice where we are forced to pick one or the other.

Thank you @RepEllzey and @RepBethVanDuyne for securing $2 million for @DallasPD’s Weed and Seed program! Investing in our communities’ long-term health ensures Dallas’s remarkable public safety progress will continue for years to come. We’re grateful for your advocacy in Washington!

Had a good conversation with Secretary Doug Burgum about preserving our nation’s battlefields and supporting law enforcement on tribal lands. Protecting these historic sites honors the Americans who came before us, and making sure tribal law enforcement has the resources they need helps keep communities safe. Appreciate the discussion and look forward to continuing the work together.