United States Congressman Jake Ellzey

City of Grand Prairie Fire Station Safety Road Project

Fri, 107 Apr 2026 12:00:00 EST

Proposed Recipient: City of Grand Prairie

Address of Recipient: 300 W Main Street, Grand Prairie, Texas 75050

Amount of Request: $1,760,000.00

Project Description and Statement of Public Benefit: The Fire Station Safety Road Project would widen and improve Davis Road in front of a fire station serving a rapidly growing area in the very southern portion of the city. The current roadway configuration is too narrow and difficult for fire trucks to maneuver safely, creating operational challenges and potential response delays. The proposed project will widen the roadway and improve access to ensure safe and efficient emergency vehicle movement while enhancing overall traffic safety in this high-growth area.

Project will widen Davis Road from Eva Mae Blvd. to Southgate Bend Blvd. in front of the new Fire Station #11.

The Fire Station Safety Road Project on Davis Road represents a responsible use of taxpayer dollars because it directly improves emergency response efficiency and public safety. Showing a positive impact on TX-06, the project enhances roadway access, reduces the risk of collisions, improves response times, and supports reliable fire protection for residential and commercial development in the heart of the district. Under THUD, eligible activities allow the City to address safety deficiencies before they result in accidents or more costly infrastructure retrofits. By improving emergency access now, the project protects life, property, and long-term community stability.

Click here to read full letter.

City of Grandview Flood Resilience & Emergency Access Improvement Project

Fri, 107 Apr 2026 12:00:00 EST

Proposed Recipient: City of Grandview, Texas

Address of Recipient: 1100 McDuff Ave. PO BOX 425, Grandview, Texas 76050

Amount of Request: $2,000,000

Project Description and Statement of Public Benefit: The City of Grandview seeks FY27 federal funding to reconstruct a deteriorated roadway segment and correct longstanding drainage failures that currently prevent reliable east–west travel across the community. Freight trains traveling through Grandview frequently block all existing crossings simultaneously, dividing the town and delaying police, fire, and EMS response. This project will stabilize drainage conditions and rebuild the roadway to modern standards, creating a durable all-weather connection to the existing County road network that ensures reliable emergency access and daily mobility for residents.

This project delivers a direct and positive public safety and transportation benefit to Texas’s 6th Congressional District by restoring a reliable east–west route through Grandview when rail activity blocks the City’s crossings. Grandview has three railroad crossings spanning only 3,100 feet, while freight trains average approximately 5,300 feet and can exceed 9,600 feet, meaning trains can block all crossings at once and physically divide the town.

When trains stop or slow due to congestion/switching, east–west travel can halt entirely, delaying police, fire, and EMS responses across the tracks, creating a critical life-safety risk.

By correcting drainage failures and reconstructing a durable all-weather roadway connection to the County road system, the project improves emergency response reliability, resident mobility, and transportation resilience for a growing rural community adjacent to the I-35 corridor.

Click here to read full letter.

City of Italy Water Wells Project

Fri, 107 Apr 2026 12:00:00 EST

Proposed Recipient: City of Italy, Texas

Address of Recipient: PO Box 840, Italy, Texas 76651

Amount of Request: $391,962.54

Project Description and Statement of Public Benefit: Project Scope of Work

1. Pre-Construction Assessment

Conduct a full downhole video inspection to evaluate casing integrity, screen condition, and evidence of corrosion, scaling, or structural failure.
Perform baseline pump tests to document current yield, drawdown, and specific capacity.
Complete electrical and control system assessment to determine compatibility with modern soft-start or variable-frequency drive (VFD) equipment.

2. Removal of Existing Equipment

Pull the existing pump, motor, column pipe, shafting, and electrical wiring.
Remove obsolete or damaged components for proper disposal in accordance with environmental regulations.

3. Structural Repairs and Casing Replacement

Install new well casing or casing liners where deterioration or structural compromise is identified.
Replace well screens, perforations, or gravel pack as required to restore structural integrity and prevent sand intrusion.
Seal any voids or annular spaces in accordance with state well construction standards.

4. Pumping Equipment Replacement

Install a new submersible or vertical turbine pump sized to meet system demand and hydraulic conditions.
Replace the motor, column pipe, drop pipe, shafting, and all downhole wiring.
Install new check valves, pitless adapters (if applicable), and sanitary seals.

5. Electrical and Power System Upgrades

Replace outdated electrical wiring, conduit, and control panels.
Install modern soft-start equipment and/or a variable-frequency drive (VFD) to improve energy efficiency, reduce mechanical stress, and enhance operational control.
Upgrade surge protection, grounding, and safety disconnects to meet current electrical codes.

This project will have a positive impact on the city by increasing water capacity and availability. Will increase opportunity for development in and around city.

Click here to read full letter.

Navarro County Ambulatory Care Association DBA: Dr. Kent E. Rogers Clinic

Fri, 107 Apr 2026 12:00:00 EST

Project Recipient: Navarro County Ambulatory Care Association

Address of Recipient: 618 N Main Street, Corsicana, Texas 75110

Amount of Request: $351,000.00

Project Description and Statement of Public Benefit: The total project cost is estimated at $351,000. This includes approximately $26,000 for diagnostic and chronic disease management equipment and exam room improvements, $250,000 for the purchase and outfitting of a mobile healthcare unit to expand rural outreach services, and $75,000 for health IT infrastructure including secure cloud-based electronic medical record systems, telehealth capability, and remote patient monitoring technology. At this time, no federal funds have been secured for this project. If the full amount is not funded through the appropriations request, the clinic will pursue supplemental funding through private foundations, healthcare partners, and local community support.

This project will directly improve healthcare access and outcomes for residents of Texas’s 6th Congressional District, particularly those living in rural communities across Navarro, Freestone, and Limestone counties. In Navarro County alone, a medically underserved community of approximately 57,000 residents, more than 37,000 individuals face significant barriers to accessing healthcare, including over 12,000 uninsured residents, approximately 11,000 underinsured individuals, and more than 13,000 Medicaid beneficiaries who often struggle to find providers due to workforce shortages and limited reimbursement rates. As a result, more than half of the county’s population experiences inadequate access to affordable healthcare services.

Click here to read full letter.

Dallas College New Health Sciences Facility Construction Project

Fri, 107 Apr 2026 12:00:00 EST

Proposed Recipient: Dallas College

Address of Recipient: 2311 Butler Street, Dallas, Texas 75235

Amount of Request: $5,700,000.00

Project Description and Statement of Public Benefit: Dallas College is seeking federal support for construction of a new 277,000 square foot training and education center focused on Health Sciences education to address the growing healthcare workforce needs in North Texas.

This center will allow Dallas College to relocate a portion of its health science programming to a location within the Southwestern Medical District at 2311 Butler Street, Dallas, Texas. The new 7.8 acre location places students in the heart of the health district that attracts nearly 3 million patient visits a year to its clinics and hospitals, thus, further enriching students’ learning experience. The College’s traditional academic programming will be augmented by a health sector innovation hub that engages students and health industry stakeholders in collaborative work that embraces technology and its role in the evolving healthcare industry.

The future center will centralize much of Dallas College’s healthcare programming by bringing together nursing, allied health, and simulation-based training resources into a dedicated facility designed to support modern healthcare education and workforce development. By consolidating these programs and expanding access to advanced simulation technology, the center will increase training capacity and improve coordination across healthcare disciplines.

Hospitals, clinics, and healthcare systems serving residents of TX-06 rely on a steady pipeline of trained healthcare professionals from regional education and training institutions. By enabling the development of the future Simulation & Training Center, this project will help expand healthcare training capacity and support the preparation of more than 300 healthcare professionals annually, strengthening the healthcare workforce that serves patients throughout the region.

Click here to read full letter.

City of Alvarado's Infrastructure Project

Fri, 107 Apr 2026 12:00:00 EST

For Country Caucus Endorses Four Bipartisan Bills Supporting Servicemembers, Veterans, and National Security

Fri, 86 Mar 2026 12:00:00 EST

Washington, D.C. — The bipartisan For Country Caucus today announced its endorsement of four bills focused on strengthening our national security and improving the lives of servicemembers, Veterans, and their families.

The endorsed legislation includes:

H.R. 3151, the SHIPS for America Act of 2025, led by Reps. Trent Kelly and John Garamendi, which rebuilds America’s maritime industrial base and expands domestic shipbuilding capacity, which is critical to our national defense.
H.R. 6993, the BEACON Act, led by Reps. Jack Bergman and Sarah Elfreth, which expands access to innovative, non-pharmacological treatments for Veterans with mild traumatic brain injury through new VA grant programs.
H.R. 6469, the FREEDOM Act, led by Reps. Dave Min and Claudia Tenney, which promotes internet freedom in Iran by advancing the development and evaluation of emerging communications technologies.
H.R. 7188, the MOLD Act, led by Rep. Jimmy Panetta, which puts stronger standards and accountability in place to ensure military families are not living in unsafe housing conditions.

“We’ve all worn the uniform, and we know what it means to serve,” said Co-Chairs Congressman Don Davis and Jake Ellzey. “These bills reflect the For Country Caucus’s commitment to strengthening our national defense, supporting veterans and military families, and advancing practical solutions. We will continue working across party lines to deliver results for those who serve and the nation they have sworn to defend.”

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Mon, 82 Mar 2026 12:00:00 EST

Proposed Recipient: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Address of Recipient: 600 John Kimbrough Blvd., Ste 509, MS 7101 College Station, TX 77843-7101

Amount of Request: $3,518,500.00

Project Description and Statement of Public Benefit: This community project would focus on using the agricultural sciences and principles of conservation planning to provide federally mandated, state sanctioned and approved pesticide applicator certification (pre-licensing) training to Texas Veterans, their eligible family members and agricultural producers in District 6. In addition, the project would provide hands-on, science-based training to improve understanding and management of soil health among veterans, adult farmers, ranchers, and Extension personnel.

The project would introduce participants in the use of portable soil testing kits recently designed by Texas A&M AgriLife Research through a USDA-NIFA grant. These portable testing kits are ready to be assembled and deployed. District 6 is proposed for a pilot project for veterans and agricultural producers on the curriculum, training, and distribution of the portable soil testing kits.

Click here to read full letter.

Texas A&M Health Science Center Strategic Opioid Response for Public Safety and Justice

Thu, 78 Mar 2026 12:00:00 EST

Proposed Recipient: Texas A&M Health Science Center

Address of Recipient: 8441 John Sharp Parkway Clinical Building 1, Suite 3100, Bryan, TX 77807

Amount of Request: $750,000.00

Project Description and Statement of Public Benefit: The Strategic Opioid Response for Public Safety and Justice project will provide education and outreach to law enforcement and the judicial system along the I-35 and I-45 corridors, which are known to be high drug trafficking corridors, as well as focus on surrounding rural counties of Anderson, Cherokee, Ellis, Hill, Navarro, and Freestone to prevent opioid-related crimes and decrease recidivism among at-risk individuals.

Specifically, the project will strengthen the workforce across law enforcement, the judicial system, including pretrial services, parole officers, prosecutors, the courts, and wrap-around services such as Child Protective Services (CPS), and Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), to reduce opioid use through evidence-based training, education, surveillance, and service navigation.

Click here to read full letter.

Jacksonville, TX Police Department Armored Rescue Vehicle and Regional Unmanned Aerial Systems Project

Thu, 78 Mar 2026 12:00:00 EST

Proposed Recipient: Jacksonville, TX Police Department

Address of Recipient: 911 S. Bolton Street, Jacksonville, Texas 75766

Amount of Request: $528,000.00

Project Description and Statement of Public Benefit: This project will fund the acquisition of one armored rescue vehicle and the development of a regional unmanned aerial systems (UAS) response capability supported by two mobile drone response vehicles. The armored rescue vehicle will provide protected evacuation and rescue capability for officers and civilians during high-risk incidents, including active shooter events, barricaded subjects, hostage situations, and other critical emergencies where ballistic protection is required.

Currently, Jacksonville and neighboring jurisdictions rely on mutual aid from outside agencies for armored rescue capability. Response times for those resources can extend several hours, leaving responding officers and civilians exposed during critical incidents. The armored rescue vehicle would be nimble enough for call responses of all types, including police, fire, EMS, and other rescue services. The vehicle would be used exactly like a police cruiser, but deployed only in critical events, and would provide more protection and resources on scene than a typical police interceptor.

Click here to read full letter.

Arlington, Texas Police Department Drone as First Responder Program

Thu, 78 Mar 2026 12:00:00 EST

Proposed Recipient: Arlington, Texas Police Department

Address of Recipient: 101 West Abram Street, Arlington, TX 76010

Amount of Request: $2,000,000.00

Project Description and Statement of Public Benefit:

The requested federal funding will allow Arlington to build on and sustain the DFR program infrastructure through a five-year subscription and support period. By continuing to invest in technology that reduces response times, improves decision-making, and enables more efficient deployment of personnel, the Arlington DFR system can continue to save lives and strengthen community trust.

The proposed Drone as First Responder (DFR) system will be delivered through an integrated hardware and software services model. This structure includes the drone airframes, secure docking stations, charging systems, sensors, and associated launch infrastructure, along with the cloud-based operating platform, remote flight management software, data storage, cybersecurity protections, firmware updates, system maintenance, and user licenses.

Click here to read full letter.

Arlington, Texas Police Department Security Network

Thu, 78 Mar 2026 12:00:00 EST

Proposed Recipient: Arlington, Texas Police Department

Address of Recipient: 101 West Abram Street, Arlington, TX 76010

Amount of Request: $900,000

Project Description and Statement of Public Benefit:

As Arlington continues to host large-scale, high-attendance events across multiple venues and entertainment corridors, expanding our operational drone fleet is critical to maintaining rapid response capabilities. Increasing both Drone as First Responder (DFR) assets and portable UAS platforms will enhance the ability to provide immediate aerial situational awareness, reduce response times, support perimeter security, and assist with suspect tracking, crowd monitoring, and incident management. Fixed DFR assets positioned near major venue clusters will allow aircraft to launch within seconds of a call for service, while portable systems will provide field operators and specialized units with flexible deployment options during dynamic operations. Expanding this fleet ensures comprehensive coverage during extended events.

At the same time, Arlington must address the growing threat of unauthorized and malicious drone activity. As the proliferation of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) continues — particularly heavy-lift agricultural (“crop-dusting”) drones capable of carrying and dispersing airborne substances or delivering other dangerous items over populated areas — the City’s risk profile has evolved. These platforms are commercially accessible, can carry significant payloads, and introduce a heightened threat environment for stadiums, transportation corridors, entertainment districts, and critical infrastructure. Proactive UAS identification and mitigation capability is essential to address malicious aerial activity, including threats from domestic terrorism and weaponized payloads.

Click here to read full letter.

Tarleton State University NASA Launch Lab Project

Thu, 78 Mar 2026 12:00:00 EST

Proposed Recipient: Tarleton State University

Address of Recipient: 1333 W. Washington Street, Stephenville, TX 76401

Amount of Request: $1,446,706.00

Project Description and Statement of Public Benefit: Rural middle school students often have limited access to hands-on science and engineering learning experiences that integrate technology and mathematics and connect classroom concepts to real-world careers. This project proposes a NASA-themed summer academy delivered through an immersive summer camp model on Tarleton State University’s campus and designed to provide rural middle school students with immersive, experiential learning opportunities grounded in scientific inquiry and engineering design. Through hands-on investigations, problem-based challenges, and technology-enhanced activities, students will explore NASA-inspired themes such as space exploration, Earth systems, and engineering for extreme environments. The project is a collaborative effort between Tarleton State University’s College of Education and Mayfield College of Engineering, engaging faculty, engineering students, and preservice teachers in both program design and delivery. High-quality instructional design and professional learning will be supported through faculty, rural teachers, and preservice teacher participation in STEM-based professional development prior to designing, developing, and implementing the student summer academy, strengthening the sustainability and instructional impact of the academy.

This project directly addresses rural STEM opportunity gaps by bringing high-quality, science and engineering-rich learning experiences to students in TX-06. Research consistently shows that STEM career interest solidifies in middle school, yet rural students often have limited exposure to authentic engineering design, role models, or industry pathways. By integrating engineering student mentors, preservice and in-service teachers, science education and engineering faculty, this project creates a multi-layered workforce pipeline that benefits the region long after the grant period ends.

Click here to read full letter.

Palestine, TX Police Department Night Vision Equipment Project

Thu, 78 Mar 2026 12:00:00 EST

Proposed Recipient: Palestine, TX Police Department

Address of Recipient: 511 N John St, Palestine, Texas 75801

Amount of Request: $188,255.64

Project Description and Statement of Public Benefit: The Palestine Police Department Emergency Response Team (ERT) is the tactical response team serving Anderson County and regularly responds to critical incidents both within and beyond county lines. The team provides mutual aid to surrounding jurisdictions and works alongside state and federal to include the DEA and ATF partners to safely resolve high-risk incidents, including the service of violent felony warrants, barricaded subjects, and other dangerous tactical operations throughout District 6.

The acquisition of night vision equipment will significantly enhance operational effectiveness during low-light and night-time deployments, when many high-risk incidents occur. This capability will allow operators to detect and assess threats more effectively, reduce response times, and increase precision in rapidly evolving situations. Most importantly, it will improve the safety of the citizens of District 6, ERT personnel, and all law enforcement partners involved in these operations.

Click here to read full letter.

Congressman Jake Ellzey Votes to Strengthen Election Integrity with SAVE Act

Tue, 48 Feb 2026 12:00:00 EST

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Jake Ellzey (TX-06) voted in favor of the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, legislation that strengthens election integrity by requiring proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote in federal elections.

The SAVE Act amends the National Voter Registration Act to require states to verify U.S. citizenship when registering individuals to vote in federal elections. The legislation also provides states with tools to remove non-citizens from voter rolls and establishes penalties for officials who knowingly register non-citizens.

“Secure elections protect every legal voter and strengthen our Republic,” said Congressman Ellzey. “Proof of citizenship is not optional. It is fundamental. The SAVE Act ensures that only American citizens decide American elections.”

Since passage of the legislation in the House, misinformation has circulated about what the SAVE Act actually does. The facts are clear:

MYTH: The SAVE Act prevents married women or individuals who have changed their name from voting.
FACT: False. Updated identification such as a REAL ID, passport, or government-issued ID showing place of birth are sufficient. States are required to provide a process to address name discrepancies.
MYTH: Everyone will need a passport to vote.
FACT: No. Acceptable documentation includes a REAL ID, military ID with proof of U.S. birth, or other government-issued identification that shows U.S. birthplace.
MYTH: Non-citizen voting is not a real issue.
FACT: States have removed non-citizens from voter rolls in recent years. Even one unlawful ballot undermines public trust in our elections.
MYTH: It is already illegal for non-citizens to vote, so this bill is unnecessary.
FACT: Current law limits states’ ability to verify citizenship during voter registration. The SAVE Act closes that gap and provides states with clear enforcement tools.

Congressman Ellzey has consistently supported policies that secure the border, enforce the rule of law, and protect the integrity of American elections.

Ellzey: House Republicans Deliver, Move Nation Away from Shutdown

Tue, 34 Feb 2026 12:00:00 EST

Washington, D.C. – Today, Houses passed legislation to end the partial government shutdown.

“Once again, House Republicans stepped up and got the job done,” said Congressman Ellzey. “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.”

With this vote, the House has now funded 11 of the 12 annual appropriations bills. This covers approximately 96 percent of the federal government. This marks the most significant return to regular order in the appropriations process in many years and fulfills a commitment House Republicans made to govern responsibly.

“This is exactly what Texans expect us to do; pass individual funding bills, bring accountability back to Congress, and keep the government functioning,” Ellzey continued. “This is how Congress is supposed to work.”

Ellzey emphasized that work remains on the final Homeland Security appropriations bill, which funds essential agencies including Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Transportation Security Administration, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Secret Service, and FEMA.

“This final bill is critical,” Ellzey said. “It affects border security, disaster response, aviation safety, and the men and women who protect our communities every day.”

House Republicans have called on the Senate and the White House to continue negotiations in good faith to complete the remaining funding without delay.

Congressman Jake Ellzey Statement on Completion of FY26 Appropriation Process

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 12:00:00 EST

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Jake Ellzey issued the following statement after the House of Representatives completed work on all twelve Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations bills:

“Completing the appropriations process through regular order is an important responsibility of Congress, and I am encouraged to see the House fulfill that duty this year,” said Ellzey. “Passing all twelve appropriations bills reflects a commitment to transparency, accountability, and a legislative process that allows Members to fully participate in shaping federal spending.”

“For too long, Congress has relied on continuing resolutions and last-minute packages that weaken oversight and reduce public confidence. Returning to a committee-driven process strengthens the institution and improves outcomes for the American people.”

“These bills provide full-year funding for the federal government while incorporating reforms to reduce waste, improve efficiency, and ensure taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly. They also include critical investments in national security and reflect the seriousness of the challenges facing our country.”

“Just as important, passing these bills through regular order, exactly as we did, gives the Senate the best opportunity to consider and advance legislation that can meet the 60-vote threshold and become law, rather than defaulting once again to short-term fixes.”

“The work now moves to the Senate, and I hope to see this process carried through in a way that respects the constitutional role of Congress and delivers stability for the people we serve.”

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Congressman Jake Ellzey Supports FY26 Appropriations Package Restoring Regular Order and Advancing America First Priorities

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 12:00:00 EST

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Jake Ellzey voted for the FY26 Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment appropriations package, marking a significant step toward restoring regular order in Congress and delivering responsible, full-year funding for critical government functions.

“This is how Congress is supposed to work,” said Ellzey. “We’re returning to a transparent, member-driven process that respects Article I of the Constitution, strengthens accountability, and gives the American people confidence that their tax dollars are being spent wisely.”

The legislation fully funds key agencies through the end of the fiscal year, removing the threat of another government shutdown and providing certainty for federal workers, families, and businesses.

The package advances several priorities critical to Texas and the nation, including restoring American energy dominance, strengthening national security, and supporting law enforcement efforts to combat fentanyl trafficking and violent crime. It includes major investments in grid security, critical minerals, geothermal energy, and the modernization of the nation’s nuclear deterrence.

The legislation also bolsters funding for public lands management, wildland firefighting, tribal public safety programs, and national parks, while maintaining longstanding protections for the Second Amendment and preventing taxpayer dollars from being used to fund abortions.

The FY26 appropriations package reflects House Republicans’ commitment to responsible governance, national security, and delivering results for the American people while avoiding unnecessary shutdowns and restoring faith in Congress.

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1-10-2026 Walk with Jake

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 12:00:00 EST

For Country Caucus Advances Bipartisan Agenda on National Security, Veterans, and Innovation

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 12:00:00 EST

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The For Country Caucus announced support for seven bills focused on strengthening national security, supporting servicemembers and veterans, and ensuring the United States remains competitive in emerging technologies.

The legislation reflects the Caucus’s core mission of pragmatic, bipartisan leadership centered on readiness, accountability, and results for the American people.

Supported legislation includes:

H.R. 2756, the National Biotechnology Initiative Act, establishing a coordinated federal approach to biotechnology to strengthen U.S. security and competitiveness.
H.R. 5586, the TRICARE Transition Transparency Act, ensuring military families receive clear and timely notice when health care coverage changes.
H.R. 5770, the National Security Biotechnology Workforce Training Act, requiring annual biotechnology training for the Department of Defense workforce.
H.R. 6000, the Veterans’ Sentinel Act, improving data collection and reporting on veteran suicides occurring on college campuses.
H.R. 6001, the Veterans with ALS Reporting Act, directing the VA to study ALS in the military and veteran communities and improve access to clinical trials.
H.R. 6002, the Veterans Earned Education Act, expanding education benefit transfer options for eligible servicemembers and veterans.
H.R. 6304, codifying a national artificial intelligence strategy to promote American leadership while safeguarding against security risks and ideological bias.

The For Country Caucus remains committed to advancing bipartisan solutions that strengthen our military, support veterans, and protect America’s future.