Bill Flores Discusses the Latest from Washington

Press Release

U.S. Representative Bill Flores (R-Texas) issued the following statements regarding the announcement of the 2020 Congressional Art Competition winner from TX-17; the June labor market report; the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement coming into effect; talking with Texans on issues that affect our communities; legislative hearings from this week; honoring Texans on the House floor; and resources for Texans about the SARS-CoV-2 virus and COVID-19.

Congressional Art Competition Winner

"Each year, I look forward to reviewing the Congressional Art Competition submissions from students across the 17th Congressional District of Texas. This competition provides a great opportunity for talented and aspiring high school students to showcase their artistic skills. This year's winner is Genevieve (Gena) St. Clair, a student at Allen Academy in Bryan, with her piece "Women of the World.'

"The Congressional Art Competition is an annual contest that encourages and recognizes the artistic talents of students from each participating Congressional District throughout the country. Since 1982, high school students from around the country have competed in the competition to have their artwork shown in the U.S. Capitol. Gena's painting will be seen by thousands of visitors from all over the world when the Capitol is reopened. Thank you to Gena and all the other talented high school students who submitted entries this year. We also want to thank all the Art teachers and parents who supported the students who participated this year, including Jennifer Easterling, the Art Teacher at Allen Academy. In addition, two of our local art experts, Stephanie Sale and Benjamin Knox were helpful to Team Flores in judging the entries in this year's competition."

June Jobs Numbers Beat Expectations

"Earlier this month, the Department of Labor announced that the economy added an astounding 4.8 million jobs in the month of June, shattering economists' expectations. This was the largest monthly jobs gain in the history of our country and the unemployment rate fell by more than 2 percentage points. This growth is a strong indicator of a resilient economy. The last two months of positive job numbers also highlight the importance of the Paycheck Protection Program in creating stability for small business job creators. These loans have supported more than 51 million jobs and helped over 80 percent of all small business employees.

"Reopening the economy in a safe and responsible manner is important for the millions of Americans who have been affected by the Coronavirus. In the last two months, the economy has added 7.5 million jobs, showing positive trends. States and businesses must continue to work together to continue reopening the economy safely."

New US-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement a Big Win for Texas

"Earlier this month, the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) went into effect, replacing the outdated and unbalanced North American Free Trade Agreement. The negotiations and USMCA agreement produced one of the largest, fairest, and most balanced trade agreements ever for our nation. It contains innovative provisions that will increase global economic competitiveness, grow the economy, and support American jobs.

"This is a big win for Texas. Together, Mexico and Canada purchase half of Texas's manufacturing exports, and trade with these two countries supports nearly 1 million Texas jobs, including full time, high-paying jobs that offer real opportunities to hardworking Texans. The new USMCA will also provide a stronger market for Texas agriculture, by guaranteeing better access for Texas farmers and ranchers to overseas beef, dairy, corn, wheat, and pork markets.

"Texas stands to greatly benefit from this strengthened agreement as we move into a diverse 21st-century economy. I applaud President Trump for his efforts and his commitment to the working men and women of this country."

Talking with Texans

"Last Wednesday, I joined Scott DeLucia on WTAW to discuss issues impacting Central Texans. These include the impact of the Coronavirus, current legislative activities in Congress, and issues regarding Facebook. To listen to the interview, please click here.

"Last Thursday, I participated in a Facebook live discussion with the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce to discuss issues that are affecting our local small businesses. I talked about how it is important as we all work to slow the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 Virus and COVID-19 that we follow basic health and safety procedure. One of the easiest, most effective things you can do to prevent the spread of this pandemic is to wear a facemask anytime you are out in public. Wearing a facemask shows respect for your friends and neighbors by limiting person-to-person spread. By wearing a mask, we are all helping to stop the spread and to protect the most vulnerable in the community, including the elderly and people with underlying health conditions. To watch the discussion, please click here."

Legislative Hearings

"Last Wednesday, I participated in two committee hearings that examine the Coronavirus's impact on Americans. The Energy and Commerce Committee held a hearing entitled "Addressing the Urgent Needs of Our Tribal Communities," where I took the opportunity to discuss innovative ways to eliminate red-tape and streamline regulations that severely limit our ability to expand broadband on our public lands to help close the digital divide. This hearing included a review of my bill H.R. 7349, the Enhancing Administrative Reviews for Broadband Deployment Act," which directs the Administration to identify barriers in granting permits for communications facilities on Federal land. This bill is one of 26 others in a package of Republican bills aimed at streamlining government red-tape to improve the lives of hardworking Texas families.

"Also last Wednesday, the House Budget Committee held a hearing to examine the federal role in research and development (R&D). The federal government plays a lead role in funding and encouraging basic research and fundamental scientific discovery in support of our national priorities in the core physical sciences at our nation's universities and civilian science institutions.

"Basic research is critical to the success of research activities taking place at the three major research and educational institutions that have footprints in the 17th Congressional District of Texas -- Texas A&M University, Baylor University, and The University of Texas. I continue to advocate for federal government investment in Basic R&D to ensure that these institutions are able to continue conducting important research activities that ultimately become the "seed corn' of knowledge and discovery for future economic opportunity, health, and human development. In doing so, these investments provide an outstanding "ROI' for our nation's taxpayers."

Celebrating a Centennial Anniversary and Honoring Texans on the Floor of the House of Representatives

"A few days ago, I took time to speak on the House floor celebrate the 100th anniversary of a Brazos Valley veterans' service organization and to honor the lives and legacies of the following Texans."

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