See how Michael Cloud's votes line up with your values.
DeepSyte scores Michael Cloud's record on the issues you care about — not party, not press releases. Take the 2-minute values quiz to see your personal alignment.
Sign in and take the values quiz to see how Michael Cloud's votes line up with your views.
Prediction track record
We haven't made any vote predictions for Michael Cloud yet. Predictions are generated for bills with tagged effects; they show up here as soon as the predict-votes job covers this rep's upcoming docket.
Consistency insights
No paired statements and votes yet for Michael Cloud
We haven't yet found statement/vote pairs on the same topic for Michael Cloud. This usually means either the rep hasn't taken public positions on bills that have come to a passage vote, or those bills haven't been tagged yet. The checker runs as new press releases and votes come in.
Pro analysis
AI rep analysis — Pro
Get an AI-narrated read on Michael Cloud's full voting record against your stated values — aligned themes, conflicts, notable votes, and what to watch for.
We haven't extracted campaign positions for Michael Cloud yet. Once their campaign website or position pages are processed, this card will track what they said vs how they voted.
Crossing the aisle
Passage votes where Michael Cloud broke ranks with ≥75% of Republicans. Threshold catches substantively partisan splits; unanimous-ish or close votes are excluded.
To amend the FISA Amendments Act of 2008 to extend the authorities of title VII of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978, and for other purposes.
RELEASE: Congressman Cloud Announces $7.15 Million Federal Grant for Port of Corpus Christi Infrastructure Security
Position: The release announces a $7,153,376 federal grant to the Port of Corpus Christi Authority for infrastructure security and real-time monitoring of pipelines, rail, roads, and waterways, and frames the project as supporting energy security.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Michael Cloud (TX-27) announced that the Port of Corpus Christi Authority was awarded $7,153,376 through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP).
The Port of Corpus Christi drives major American energy trade and economic growth. The nation’s leading port for U.S. crude oil exports, it processes over 200 million tons of cargo annually, supports the rapid deployment of the U.S. military, and generates hundreds of thousands of jobs. This project will give the Port a live view of what’s happening across its pipelines, rail lines, roads, and waterways.
Key components of the project include:
These tools will help the Port locate potential problems sooner, respond faster in emergencies, and allow ships, trains, and trucks to move more efficiently.
“The Port of Corpus Christi is at the center of American energy security,” said Rep. Cloud. “This project will advance real-time sensing, so energy and goods keep moving safely to markets around the world,” concluded Rep. Cloud.
Putting Patients First The rising cost of healthcare in the U.S. is often framed as a problem that can only be solved by spending more taxpayer dollars. My Ending Patient Runaround Act cuts through the maze of uncertain coverage that patients deal with to have their medical costs reimbursed. When people need emergency medical care […]
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Michael Cloud (TX-27) introduced the Ending Patient Runaround Act to return transparency and patient rights to our healthcare systems, giving Americans more control over their coverage. Health insurance was created to protect Americans from financial debt, but Americans are facing opaque billing, restrictions on networks, and unwarranted changes to their coverage […]
Corpus Christi approves first step toward $17.8M grant to replace aging water lines KIII ABC News Corpus Christi Sumiko A. Lara | October 20th, 2026 Aging water lines along Leopard Street and Up River Road could soon be replaced with the help of a $17.8 million federal grant. The Corpus Christi City Council approved the […]
RELEASE: Congressman Cloud Introduces the Ending Patient Runaround Act
Position: Congressman Cloud introduced the Ending Patient Runaround Act to increase insurance billing transparency, limit unwarranted changes to coverage after enrollment, and require accessible customer service for patients. He argues this would protect Americans from hidden costs and surprise bills.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Michael Cloud (TX-27) introduced the Ending Patient Runaround Act to return transparency and patient rights to our healthcare systems, giving Americans more control over their coverage.
Health insurance was created to protect Americans from financial debt, but Americans are facing opaque billing, restrictions on networks, and unwarranted changes to their coverage after enrollment. Individuals often can’t even reach a representative that speaks English when they call for help. The Ending Patient Runaround Act addresses these issues to protect Americans from hidden costs and surprise bills.
Key provisions of the bill include:
“Health insurance exists to protect families and make healthcare more affordable, yet, Americans can’t even get English-speaking representatives on the phone,” said Rep. Cloud. “The Ending Patient Runaround Act puts patients first, with transparency even before they sign up.” concluded Rep. Cloud.
Healthcare should work for the people who depend on it, not the insurance companies that profit from it.
Putting Patients First The rising cost of healthcare in the U.S. is often framed as a problem that can only be solved by spending more taxpayer dollars. My Ending Patient Runaround Act cuts through the maze of uncertain coverage that patients deal with to have their medical costs reimbursed. When people need emergency medical care […]
Corpus Christi approves first step toward $17.8M grant to replace aging water lines KIII ABC News Corpus Christi Sumiko A. Lara | October 20th, 2026 Aging water lines along Leopard Street and Up River Road could soon be replaced with the help of a $17.8 million federal grant. The Corpus Christi City Council approved the […]
Good News Across Texas President Trump recently visited San Antonio to highlight the progress we have made across the Lone Star State, and I was honored to join him on Air Force One for the flight back to Washington. The results are showing up in Texas homes and businesses with poverty at record lows, low […]
Corpus Christi Approves First Step Toward $17.8M Grant to Replace Aging Water Lines
Position: Congressman Cloud quoted in support of federal investment to modernize and strengthen Corpus Christi's water infrastructure serving military installations.
Corpus Christi approves first step toward $17.8M grant to replace aging water lines
Sumiko A. Lara | October 20th, 2026
Aging water lines along Leopard Street and Up River Road could soon be replaced with the help of a $17.8 million federal grant.
The Corpus Christi City Council approved the first step Tuesday toward accepting the funding, which would cover 70% of the $25.4 million project.
The remaining $7.6 million would come from the city's Water Capital Fund. City officials said the grant would eliminate the need to borrow more than $17.8 million for the project, helping reduce future costs for water customers.
The funding comes through a federal program supporting infrastructure near military installations. The project would improve water service for residents, Naval Air Station Corpus Christi and the Corpus Christi Army Depot.
"This federal investment will help modernize and strengthen the city's water infrastructure that is critical to supplying water for both NAS Corpus Christi and the Corpus Christi Army Depot," Congressman Michael Cloud said.
Corpus Christi was one of 26 communities nationwide selected for the funding and is receiving the grant through this program for the first time.
City Council must approve the ordinance a second time before the grant can be officially accepted. A final vote is scheduled for Oct. 27.
Putting Patients First The rising cost of healthcare in the U.S. is often framed as a problem that can only be solved by spending more taxpayer dollars. My Ending Patient Runaround Act cuts through the maze of uncertain coverage that patients deal with to have their medical costs reimbursed. When people need emergency medical care […]
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Michael Cloud (TX-27) introduced the Ending Patient Runaround Act to return transparency and patient rights to our healthcare systems, giving Americans more control over their coverage. Health insurance was created to protect Americans from financial debt, but Americans are facing opaque billing, restrictions on networks, and unwarranted changes to their coverage […]
Good News Across Texas President Trump recently visited San Antonio to highlight the progress we have made across the Lone Star State, and I was honored to join him on Air Force One for the flight back to Washington. The results are showing up in Texas homes and businesses with poverty at record lows, low […]
RELEASE: Texas Delegation Urges Selection of Texas to Host U.S. Space Academy
Position: The Texas congressional delegation urges the Presidential Commission on the United States Space Academy to select Texas as the Academy's host state, citing NASA's Johnson Space Center, aerospace workforce, industry presence, and national security assets.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Members of the Texas congressional delegation today sent a letter to the Presidential Commission on the United States Space Academy expressing strong support for establishing the Academy and urging the Commission to select Texas as its home.
The letter was signed by Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn, House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Brian Babin, and Congressman Michael Cloud. It emphasizes that Texas is uniquely positioned to host the institution charged with developing the next generation of Americans who will explore, operate, build, and defend the Nation’s interests in space.
“Texas has been at the center of America’s space story for more than six decades, and we are leading the way into its next chapter. From NASA’s Johnson Space Center in my district, home to Mission Control and our nation’s astronaut corps, to the cutting-edge commercial space companies developing the technologies of tomorrow, Texas brings together the experience, infrastructure, talent, and innovation that continue to move America forward. As Chairman of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, I am committed to ensuring the United States wins this new space race and remains the undisputed global leader in exploration and discovery. The United States Space Academy will help prepare the next generation to advance that mission, enhance our space defense capabilities, and protect the homeland. Texas has an unmatched foundation on which to build this landmark institution,” said Chairman Brian Babin.
"For over 60 years, when American astronauts need to reach home base, they make the same call: “Houston”. Today, Texas is home to Mission Control, the astronaut corps, more than 148,000 aerospace professionals, and the companies and universities leading the next era of space innovation — as well as a robust military presence. The next generation of Guardians should train alongside people who not only built our nation’s space legacy but are currently building its future," said Congressman Michael Cloud.
The letter notes that Texas offers a rare convergence of civil, commercial, and national security space capabilities. Key advantages highlighted include:
• NASA’s Johnson Space Center — home to America’s astronaut corps, Mission Control, and human spaceflight training;
• One of the nation’s largest aerospace workforces, with more than 148,000 professionals across more than 1,400 companies;
• Major industry presence including SpaceX, Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Blue Origin, Axiom Space, Firefly, and Intuitive Machines;
• Texas A&M University’s Space Institute and more than $5 billion in annual aerospace-related research and development across Texas universities; and
• A robust national security footprint, including Space Force training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland and the Space Force Captain’s Leadership Course at Texas A&M.
The letter underscores that locating the Space Academy in Texas would allow the Nation to leverage more than sixty years of investment in human spaceflight rather than recreating those capabilities elsewhere.
The full letter is available upon request.
Good News Across Texas President Trump recently visited San Antonio to highlight the progress we have made across the Lone Star State, and I was honored to join him on Air Force One for the flight back to Washington. The results are showing up in Texas homes and businesses with poverty at record lows, low […]
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Michael Cloud (TX-27) announced the opening of a new district office in Bastrop to expand local constituent services across the region. Along with the district office in Victoria, the Bastrop location provides direct federal agency assistance to families, veterans, seniors, and small businesses in the northern part of the 27th Congressional […]
Counting the Cost of Interest The Cost Estimates Improvement Act, which I have introduced in the past four Congresses, would require cost estimates prepared by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) or the Joint Committee on Taxation to include the cost of interest on the public debt. Under current law, CBO does not count debt-service costs […]
RELEASE: Congressman Cloud Demands Accountability from ATF on Firearm Registry
Position: Rep. Cloud calls on the ATF to destroy its database of out-of-business records, which he argues functions as an unlawful national registry of gun owners in violation of the Firearm Owners Protection Act of 1986.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – By law, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) is prohibited from maintaining a searchable federal registry of gun owners. When a gun dealer goes out of business, their “out of business records” (OBR) are sent to the ATF, resulting in the ATF having possession of millions of traceable records, involving firearm make, model, and serial number.
In November of 2021, Congressman Cloud (TX-27) led a letter with 51 members of Congress to the ATF, asking how many OBRs their agency kept. The ATF responded a month later, stating they had about a billion records in their possession. In addition, the agency stated their National Tracing Center (NTC) is unable to keep track of an annual trace list that prosecutes violent criminals.
In February of 2022, a follow-up letter with 36 members was sent asking in detail about ATF’s firearm records and traces. After two additional follow-ups, ATF finally responded to Congressman Cloud in July 2026, confirming their database has grown to more than 1.4 billion records.
The Firearm Owners Protection Act of 1986 prohibits “any system of registration of firearms, firearm owners, or firearms transactions.” Despite these restrictions, Gun Owners of America (GOA) found that the database is searchable and can be filtered by make, model, and firearm type, making ATF’s database an illegal backdoor to a gun registry.
Key provisions of the letter include:
"ATF has confirmed what we suspected: this unlawful database exists. This database functions as a national registry of gun owners – a violation of federal law and American citizens' Second Amendment rights. This registry should be destroyed. The second it’s in the wrong hands, it's a threat to every gun owner's privacy and freedom." – Rep. Michael Cloud (TX-27)
Good News Across Texas President Trump recently visited San Antonio to highlight the progress we have made across the Lone Star State, and I was honored to join him on Air Force One for the flight back to Washington. The results are showing up in Texas homes and businesses with poverty at record lows, low […]
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Michael Cloud (TX-27) announced the opening of a new district office in Bastrop to expand local constituent services across the region. Along with the district office in Victoria, the Bastrop location provides direct federal agency assistance to families, veterans, seniors, and small businesses in the northern part of the 27th Congressional […]
Counting the Cost of Interest The Cost Estimates Improvement Act, which I have introduced in the past four Congresses, would require cost estimates prepared by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) or the Joint Committee on Taxation to include the cost of interest on the public debt. Under current law, CBO does not count debt-service costs […]
Feds Hold 1.4-Billion-Gun Records on Americans, Congressman Asks Trump to Protect Privacy
Position: Rep. Michael Cloud urged President Trump to act against a centralized ATF database of firearm transaction records, which he and Gun Owners of America characterize as an illegal gun registry in violation of federal law.
Exclusive: Feds hold 1.4 billion gun records on Americans, congressman asks Trump to protect privacy
Amanda Head | September 29th, 2026
"No one in their right mind can look at ATF's digital, searchable 1.4 billion record database of firearm transactions and tell me that isn't a gun registry," says the Gun Owners of America's Federal Affairs Director. The DOJ has been asked to look into use of the ATF's database, and now Second Amendment advocates are knocking on Trump's door.
Rep. Michael Cloud, R-Tex., sent a letter on Tuesday to President Donald Trump urging action on a centralized registry of guns and gun owners that, according to Gun Owners of America (GOA), violates multiple federal statutes.
"No one in their right mind can look at ATF's digital, searchable 1.4 billion record database of firearm transactions and tell me that isn't a gun registry. Several federal laws prohibit gun registration, so it’s truly shocking to see how ATF has disregarded the will of Congress here," Aidan Johnston, GOA Federal Affairs Director told Just The News.
According to Johnston, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives' (ATF) digital database, managed by the National Tracing Center in West Virginia, has surged to 1.4 billion records, a significant increase from the 920 million records reported in 2021.
The database contains various forms of identifying records such as firearm transaction records, names, addresses, and serial numbers. The records are primarily digitized from paper forms when gun stores go out of business, which happened at an accelerated rate under the Biden administration due to its zero-tolerance policies.
While the ATF claims this is a tracing system rather than a registry, Aidan noted to Just The News that making transaction forms permanent under the Biden administration removes the ability to destroy them after 20 years.
Nevertheless, Johnston is hopeful: "Vice President Vance's prior comments about the registry give GOA hope that the Trump Administration might finally put an end to this illegal gun registry and eliminate this threat to our Second Amendment rights."
This is not the first time a lawmaker has sounded the alarm about the database. On September 24, Sen. James Risch, R-Idaho, sent a letter to the Department of Justice urging an immediate investigation into an illegal gun registry maintained by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
"American citizens are entitled to exercise their Second Amendment rights without the federal government compiling searchable lists of their names and firearms,” wrote Risch in a statement. Risch was joined by U.S. Senators Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., Ted Budd, R-N.C., Tom Cotton, R-Ark., Steve Daines, R-Mont., Cindy Hyde-Smith R-Miss., and Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., in the letter sent to Attorney General Todd Blanche.
In a letter shared with Just the News, Cloud urged both Trump and Vice President JD Vance to dismantle what he called an illegal national gun registry. Cloud said the ATF holds 1.41 billion out-of-business dealer records in Martinsburg, West Virginia, including buyers’ names, addresses, Social Security numbers and firearm details.
In his letter, Cloud argued the database violates the 1986 Firearm Owners’ Protection Act and congressional spending bans on centralizing records or searching them by name.
The files have grown by about 500 million since 2021. The letter quoted Vance describing the system as a backdoor registry, cited a 2022 Gun Owners of America report on searches by make and model, and opposed a pending ATF rule that would extend record retention.
Cloud asked for an investigation, destruction of prohibited records and a compliant final rule.
Cloud has pressed the ATF on out-of-business records since 2021, when he and 51 colleagues demanded answers after a May 2022 Gun Owners of America report. He authored the No REGISTRY Rights Act with Sen. Jim Risch to require deletion of the database and bar a future registry. Cloud also won a 2024 appropriations amendment forcing ATF to disclose record totals and introduced the Protecting the Right to Keep and Bear Arms Act to stop emergency gun restrictions. Gun Owners of America rates him A+; the NRA has scored him 92 percent.
Cloud's letter to the president follows actions his office took in investigating the ATF database, including inquiries to the agency made in February 2025 and February 2026.
In its June 10 response letter to Cloud, the ATF argued that out-of-business dealer records (OBRs) remain essential for tracing guns used in crimes, pointing to the July 2024 attempted assassination of Donald Trump: investigators traced the rifle in 30 minutes using records from a dealer that had closed 11 years earlier.
The ATF claims that data shows older records still matter — about 10% of 2022 traces and an average of nearly 13% of traces since 2017 relied on files at least 20 years old. Overall, more than half of the 10.2 million traces since 2000 used these records.
By May 2026, the ATF held roughly 1.41 billion pages and/or images. The agency insisted the files are stored as static, non-searchable images indexed mainly by dealer license number, not by purchaser name, and claimed that their proposed rule would cap retention at 20 or 30 years instead of keeping them indefinitely.
In the aforementioned May 2022 report by Aidan Johnston and shared with Just the News, GOA cites an ATF FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) response and insists that the agency has built an illegal national gun registry.
As of November 2021, ATF held 920 million out-of-business dealer records — 865 million already digitized — containing purchasers’ names, addresses, Social Security numbers, and firearm make, model, and serial numbers. GOA contends this centralized, searchable database violates the Firearms Owners’ Protection Act's explicit ban on registries plus longstanding appropriations riders that forbid consolidating records or retrieving them electronically by name.
Intermediate scanning and conversion steps use fully searchable formats (Excel, CSV, OCR text), and the final OBRIS system (Out-of-Business Records Imaging System) can be queried by serial number, caliber, weapon type, and other fields; name search is merely disabled, GOA says, not technically impossible.
The ATF did not provide documentary evidence that traces from these records have produced successful violent-crime prosecutions. Security practices include unencrypted email and packages labeled as gun records, with roughly 400 employees granted access.
A Biden-era rule then slated for August 2022 would have required permanent retention of every Form 4473, commonly called a Firearms Transaction Record, converting the partial archive into a complete registry of commercial sales since 2002. GOA has demanded immediate destruction of the files and congressional action.
Good News Across Texas President Trump recently visited San Antonio to highlight the progress we have made across the Lone Star State, and I was honored to join him on Air Force One for the flight back to Washington. The results are showing up in Texas homes and businesses with poverty at record lows, low […]
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Michael Cloud (TX-27) announced the opening of a new district office in Bastrop to expand local constituent services across the region. Along with the district office in Victoria, the Bastrop location provides direct federal agency assistance to families, veterans, seniors, and small businesses in the northern part of the 27th Congressional […]
Counting the Cost of Interest The Cost Estimates Improvement Act, which I have introduced in the past four Congresses, would require cost estimates prepared by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) or the Joint Committee on Taxation to include the cost of interest on the public debt. Under current law, CBO does not count debt-service costs […]
LA Homelessness Fraud Cases Expose Deeper Problem than Stolen Millions, Oversight Hawk Warns
Position: Rep. Cloud argues that federally funded homelessness programs reward program spending and activity rather than measurable outcomes, and calls for stronger oversight and incentives tied to effective use of taxpayer dollars.
Rep Cloud says LA homelessness funding rewards programs, not people
Charles Creitz | September 19th, 2026
Federal charges alleging that millions of dollars were siphoned from Los Angeles homelessness programs are exposing what one lawmaker told Fox News Digital is a deeper failure in the way Washington funds and measures such programs.
The latest cases out of Los Angeles fuel the concern of Rep. Michael Cloud, R-Texas, that not only are corrupt providers stealing taxpayer money, but that the programs aren't meeting their goal of getting people off the streets.
"The only people really getting upward mobility in these programs, it would seem, is the people running the programs," Cloud told Fox News Digital after a House Oversight hearing examining federally funded homelessness programs in Los Angeles, Seattle and elsewhere.
"And that’s not really what the program’s supposed to be about."
Michael Young, 46, Lakiya Malone, 48, and Donye Mitchell, 55, were charged in the federal fraud crackdown. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong; Department of Justice)
Federal prosecutors charged three defendants Wednesday in separate homelessness fraud cases involving alleged misuse of taxpayer funds, including money allegedly spent on a nightclub and adjacent bingo hall and bribes allegedly tied to fake housing referrals.
Los Angeles’ homelessness agency paid one of the suspect nonprofits more than $75 million, according to federal prosecutors, leading Cloud to seek out the real culprits blazing the money trail.
Cloud said the fraud itself is only one piece of a broader problem and that the system appears to reward spending and program activity without adequately measuring lasting outcomes.
Government too often judges success by "how much money we send out the door" instead of whether the spending is "actually helping people" or whether safeguards are in place to ensure taxpayer dollars are being used properly, Cloud said, describing the system as having been "incentivized for fraud."
"We’ve got to take those incentives out and get back to making sure that all these programs have incentives for oversight and that the dollars are managed well."
Some programs can keep a person "kind of in a cycle of dependency so that the program manager has job security, in a sense, and gets to live off the government dime," Cloud said.
"You [are seeing], as we begin to look into waste, fraud and abuse, why is it that these Democrat-led states are saying, ‘No, we don't want the controls in place,'" he said, pointing to Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass’ decision to step down from the LAHSA commission.
Los Angeles is not alone, he said, citing what has been called the feds’ "Housing First" philosophy, generally prioritizing placing homeless in housing with less immediate regard for sobriety, mental health treatment or overall stabilizing services.
Cloud did not use the term "housing first" during the interview, but he described the concern behind that critique, arguing that some homelessness programs define success in ways that leave people dependent on government rather than moving toward independence.
Housing First is distinct from HUD’s "Continuum of Care" framework, which is the local funding and coordination structure through which nonprofit providers, state and local governments and other organizations receive federal homelessness money.
In Los Angeles, LAHSA leads the local Continuum of Care, which HUD says received nearly $1 billion in taxpayer dollars over the previous five years.
Under Secretary Scott Turner, HUD moved to suspend LAHSA this year, citing alleged failures involving financial management, internal controls and safeguards against conflicts of interest. LAHSA has challenged the federal action in court.
"The ‘housing first’ experiment failed Americans by warehousing the vulnerable without results," Turner said in June when HUD announced a $4.04 billion Continuum of Care funding opportunity.
A homeless encampment along the 101 Northbound off-ramp, at right, near City Hall in downtown Los Angeles. (Christina House/Getty Images)
"This ideology promised to end homelessness. Instead, billions of taxpayer dollars were spent while homelessness increased to record levels."
That funding will focus on organizations aiding treatment and recovery, while setting aside $1.3 billion for new projects prioritizing transitional housing and supportive services and adding measures intended to prevent fraud, waste and abuse.
Good News Across Texas President Trump recently visited San Antonio to highlight the progress we have made across the Lone Star State, and I was honored to join him on Air Force One for the flight back to Washington. The results are showing up in Texas homes and businesses with poverty at record lows, low […]
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Michael Cloud (TX-27) announced the opening of a new district office in Bastrop to expand local constituent services across the region. Along with the district office in Victoria, the Bastrop location provides direct federal agency assistance to families, veterans, seniors, and small businesses in the northern part of the 27th Congressional […]
Counting the Cost of Interest The Cost Estimates Improvement Act, which I have introduced in the past four Congresses, would require cost estimates prepared by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) or the Joint Committee on Taxation to include the cost of interest on the public debt. Under current law, CBO does not count debt-service costs […]
Position: The Trump Administration and Port of Corpus Christi are partnering to explore the integration of small modular reactor (SMR) technology into maritime operations to reduce shipping costs, enhance port resilience, and advance U.S. maritime competitiveness.
Nuclear Engineering International
Anew US partnership focused on small modular reactor (SMR) technology for maritime applications has been launched by US Secretary of Transportation Sean P Duffy with the Port of Corpus Christi in Texas. Duffy, Maritime Administrator (MARAD) Stephen M Carmel, US Representative Michael Cloud and Port leaders kicked off the initiative which aims to revitalise US shipbuilding, cut fuel costs, and restore US maritime dominance.
It is the second agreement the Department has signed since Secretary Duffy launched the SMR initiative in May. The first agreement was signed by MARAD, the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in June with the Port of Long Beach in California. That agreement directly complemented a separate lease at the port with BlueCore Energy, a nuclear startup developing floating, barge-mounted SMRs.
The Port of Corpus Christi is the largest US port for petroleum exports and a national leader in liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments. In the first half of 2026, energy-related cargo movements at the port included 11.5 m tonnes of LNG, a 36.3% increase year-over-year, 17.1m tonnes of refined products, 8.2m tonnes of bulk liquids, 914,606 tonnes of natural gas liquids, and 66m tonnes of crude oil. In June, the port handled 110.3m tonnes of cargoes making the first half of 2026 the best first half of the year in the port’s history.
Through a memorandum of cooperation (MOC), MARAD and the Port of Corpus Christi agreed to work together to explore opportunities to advance maritime energy systems, including through the potential integration of SMR technologies, resilient port microgrids, shoreside power architecture, infrastructure capable of supporting emerging vessel propulsion concepts, and related workforce development opportunities.
“Small modular reactors have the potential to reshape America’s maritime sector, lower shipping costs, and bolster our supply chains,” said Duffy. “I’m thrilled that the Port of Corpus Christi is embracing this exciting partnership with the Trump Administration to ensure the United States leads the way in innovation. Maritime dominance starts with rebuilding America’s fleet with this state-of-the-art technology.”
Maritime Administrator Carmel noted: “This agreement with the Port of Corpus Christi demonstrates that the leading energy port in the nation understands the significance of this technology. SMR integration has the potential to drive down costs and guarantee that our critical Gulf Coast maritime supply chains remain resilient against any contingency, from extreme weather to power grid disruptions, while training the next generation of high-skilled American mariners.”
The four pillars of MOC expand into concrete operational goals: SMR technology integration; resilient port microgrids; shoreside power architecture; and advanced vessel propulsion infrastructure.
SMR technology integration – the primary objective is to evaluate how SMRs can be physically and legally safely housed within a major commercial hub. The port signed a complementary study with UK ship-based nuclear company Core Power to evaluate the feasibility of hosting floating nuclear barges. Power generated from SMRs will support both port operations and the surrounding industrial complex, which is heavily reliant on petroleum and LNG production. Initial phases will map out safety perimeters, emergency handling, and legal compliance required for commercial nuclear facilities.
Resilient port microgrids – major Gulf Coast ports face severe vulnerabilities from weather anomalies and external energy blackouts. The integration of SMRs intends to sever the port’s dependence on the main Texas electrical grid. The targeted microgrid architecture will isolate port power, ensuring critical supply chain operations remain active during hurricanes or regional grid collapses. The baseload power provided by SMRs will ensure steady energy supply required for massive industrial operations.
Shoreside power architecture – “cold ironing” or plugging ships into the port electrical grid while docked, requires vast amounts of clean electricity. The research outlines shore-based support infrastructure needed to service nuclear-powered commercial ships when they call on the port. SMR power grids will connect directly to docks, enabling ships to shut down diesel auxiliary engines and transition to zero-emission shore power smoothly.
Advanced vessel propulsion infrastructure – the ultimate long-term horizon for the Department of Transportation is transforming commercial shipping logistics. The study will examine what a port needs to refuel, service, and maintain civilian vessels propelled by onboard marine SMRs. Rather than immediate deployment, this groundwork maps the future supply chain requirements for a new, modernised domestic merchant fleet. The agreement explicitly outlines joint technical training programmes to educate the next generation of American mariners and port technicians in nuclear maritime tech.
Earlier in August, Core Power issued its response to Marad’s original SMR request for information outlining the company’s Project Pathfinder programme for designing, building, and placing into service a US-flagged nuclear-powered commercial vessel. The Port of Corpus Christi has now signed a memorandum of collaboration with Core Power to study opportunities for firm, reliable power from floating nuclear power plants (FNPPs) and readiness for future calls by nuclear-powered commercial ships.
The study evaluates how a major energy gateway prepares for two distinct scenarios: hosting a FNPP to supply power to the port and region and serving as a safe harbour/gateway for nuclear-powered commercial ships. Core Power will use the busy Texas petroleum and LNG export hub to map out practical requirements such as grid connections, customer needs, predictable transit routes, and berthing arrangements. The initiative aligns with Core Power’s broader Liberty programme, which targets bringing commercial floating nuclear power to the US market by the mid-2030s.
“Port Corpus Christi, as the preeminent energy gateway in North America, is committed to remaining a leader in the global energy marketplace, even as that marketplace expands and evolves, said Jeff Pollack, Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer of the Port of Corpus Christi Authority. This collaboration will help us understand what would be required technically, environmentally, operationally and commercially for floating nuclear power plants and future calls by nuclear-powered commercial ships to be considered in the real-world context of the Port. It is about gathering evidence and keeping our region competitive for future investment, industry, and high-value jobs.”
Core Power CEO Mikal Bøe noted: “Ports are where energy systems and global trade meet. For floating nuclear power plants, we need to understand sites, grids, customers, operating models and long-term service arrangements. For nuclear-powered commercial ships, we need safe and predictable pathways for transit, berthing and routine port operations. Port Corpus Christi gives us a real operating environment in which to assess both pathways separately, but as parts of the complete industrial and regulatory system needed to make maritime nuclear commercially deployable. This is how we move from promising technology to products and infrastructure capable of supporting US energy and maritime competitiveness.”
Core Power said the proposed work covers two related but distinct product pathways. Under the Energy track, the parties intend to assess the site-specific technical, environmental, regulatory, operational and commercial requirements for the potential deployment of an FNPP. The work is expected to consider marine and site conditions, water use and discharge, grid connection, potential customer and offtake requirements, candidate locations and mooring, safety and security, permitting, operations, maintenance and long-term service support.
Under the Propulsion track, the parties intend to examine what would be required for the Port to receive nuclear-powered commercial ships safely and routinely in the future. The work is expected to consider a reference vessel and power-system envelope, transit and berthing, port-stay safety and security, cargo interfaces, emergency preparedness, liability, classification and the roles of U.S. and international maritime and nuclear authorities.
UK-based Core Power formally entered the US market in November 2021 when it established its US subsidiary, Core Power (US) and opened its first American office in Washington DC. This move was specifically designed to begin direct engagement with US maritime and nuclear regulators, such as NRC. Around the same time, Core Power teamed up with major American energy players Southern Company and TerraPower on a Molten Chloride Fast Reactor project, which secured cost-share funding from DOE.
In February 2025 Core Power drastically upscaled its US footprint. At a summit in Houston, Texas Bøe announced a “US-anchored” maritime civil nuclear programme under which the company committed to building its primary manufacturing yard for Floating Nuclear Power Plants (FNPPs) inside the US.
Freedom 250 Mobile Museum coming to Victoria Crossroads Today Don Brubaker | August 25th, 2026 Freedom 250, is bringing one of its traveling Mobile Museums, known as “Freedom Trucks,” to Victoria, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore the nation’s history through an interactive exhibit designed for all ages. The Freedom Truck is coming to […]
– Countering China Aggression
– National Defense Briefing at the Pentagon
– RIMPAC Trip to Solidify Texas's Role in America's Pacific Defense
– South Korea
– Japan
– Taiwan
– UPCOMING: New World Screwworm Event August 19th
Victoria Advocate marks 180 years of journalism with congressional recognition The Victoria Advocate Jakob Gurley | August 12th, 2026 The Victoria Advocate is marking 180 years of serving the Crossroads, a milestone recognized by Congressman Michael Cloud with an entry in the Congressional Record honoring the newspaper’s history and contributions to South Texas. Cloud visited […]
RELEASE: Congressman Michael Cloud and Senator Cornyn Introduce Two Companion Bills: The DEPOTS Act and Depot Data Transparency Act
Position: Representatives Cloud and Gonzalez, along with Senator Cornyn, introduce legislation to improve financial management and transparency at Department of War depots and arsenals, specifically addressing accounting issues from mission changes and requiring depot-level reporting of maintenance work allocation.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Michael Cloud (TX-27) introduced two House companion bills to improve oversight and financial management of Department of War (DoW) depots and arsenals: The Defense Expenditure Planning for Optimizing Throughput and Sustainment (DEPOTS) Act and the Depot Data Transparency Act.
The DEPOTS Act aims to clear the outdated internal accounting charges tied to depots and arsenals, which were affected by mission changes. The Department of War (DoW) runs depots and arsenals using revolving funds, but when facilities receive mission changes from the government, some of the old equipment or capital investments stop generating revenue.
Key provisions of the DEPOTS Act include:
"The DEPOTS Act is a commonsense flexibility for a real problem. Depots shouldn't face the adverse effects alone due to mission changes by the Department of War and Congress,” said Rep. Cloud. “Corpus Christi Army Depot does critical work keeping our service members' aircraft safe and reliable, and this practical reform keeps our Army’s and the nation's rotary aircraft operational and, in the fight,” concluded Rep. Cloud.
“Texas’ two extraordinary Organic Industrial Base sites, the Corpus Christi and Red River Army Depots, make immeasurable, ongoing contributions to our nation’s defense readiness," said Sen. Cornyn. "I’m proud to introduce the DEPOTS Act, which would allow the Department of War to provide surpluses to depots whose labor rates have been negatively impacted by government-directed mission changes, and the Depot Data Transparency Act, which would improve transparency into how depot-level maintenance funds are allocated and allow Congressional oversight at each depot,” concluded Sen. Cornyn.
The Depot Data Transparency Act, co-led with Congressman Vicente Gonzalez, requires DoW’s depot maintenance to apply to all individual depots rather than being averaged across an agency, thus strengthening the visibility of where taxpayer dollars are going.
For years, the DoW reported the percentage of work done at its Army Depots under each Defense Agency, rather than at each depot individually. This gap has allowed work contracts to shift away from certain depots, including Corpus Christi Army Depot. The bill thus fixes a loophole in our current law that requires at least half of depot maintenance work to stay with government-run facilities to protect our national security and industrial base.
“Over the past decade, Corpus Christi Army Depot’s highly trained civilian workforce has dropped by thousands due to the Army’s increasing reliance on private companies for helicopter repair work. This is a federal issue hurting depots across the country and requires a federal solution; it starts with bringing greater transparency to the Army’s maintenance and overhaul schedule. Our bill builds on bipartisan language we secured in the House-passed National Defense Authorization Act and would ensure we protect South Texas’s military competitiveness and the thousands of workers it employs,” said Rep. Gonzalez.
The DEPOTS Act and Depot Data Transparency Act work together to keep depots competitive for mission and platform changes, promote public transparency, and strengthen our organic industrial bases.
Read the bill text for the DEPOTS Act here.
Read the bill text for the Depot Data Transparency Act here.
Texas port looks to SMRs Nuclear Engineering International August 25th, 2026 Anew US partnership focused on small modular reactor (SMR) technology for maritime applications has been launched by US Secretary of Transportation Sean P Duffy with the Port of Corpus Christi in Texas. Duffy, Maritime Administrator (MARAD) Stephen M Carmel, US Representative Michael Cloud and […]
Freedom 250 Mobile Museum coming to Victoria Crossroads Today Don Brubaker | August 25th, 2026 Freedom 250, is bringing one of its traveling Mobile Museums, known as “Freedom Trucks,” to Victoria, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore the nation’s history through an interactive exhibit designed for all ages. The Freedom Truck is coming to […]
– Countering China Aggression
– National Defense Briefing at the Pentagon
– RIMPAC Trip to Solidify Texas's Role in America's Pacific Defense
– South Korea
– Japan
– Taiwan
– UPCOMING: New World Screwworm Event August 19th
RELEASE: Congressman Cloud Introduces the Permanent CBDC Ban Act
Position: Congressman Cloud introduced legislation to permanently prohibit the Federal Reserve from issuing a Central Bank Digital Currency, arguing that a CBDC would enable unconstitutional financial surveillance and grant the Federal Reserve unchecked power over individual finances.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Michael Cloud (TX-27) introduced the Permanent CBDC Ban Act, legislation that would permanently prohibit the Federal Reserve from issuing or creating a Central Bank Digital Currency. A CBDC would expose Americans to unconstitutional financial surveillance and give the Federal Reserve unchecked power over individual finances.
The Permanent CBDC Ban Act is a direct response to a critical shortcoming in the 21st Century Road to Housing Act. That legislation restricted the Federal Reserve from issuing a CBDC but only temporarily, with the restrictions set to expire on December 31, 2030. The Permanent CBDC Ban Act would strike that expiration date and permanently prohibit the Federal Reserve from issuing a CBDC.
“A Central Bank Digital Currency is the ultimate tool of surveillance and control. It is antithetical to the values of liberty and financial freedom that define this nation,” said Rep. Cloud. “The Federal Reserve should never have the power to monitor, restrict, or expire a single American's money. A CBDC would hand them exactly that power. Congress must make sure that never happens," concluded Rep. Cloud.
Original Cosponsors: Representatives Don Bacon, Sheri Biggs, Lauren Boebert, Eric Burlison, Buddy Carter, Ben Cline, Andrew Clyde, Eli Crane, Warren Davidson, Byron Donalds, Paul Gosar, Harriet Hageman, Pat Harrigan, Diana Harshbarger, Clay Higgins, Nancy Mace, Rich McCormick, Addison McDowell, Mark Messmer, Barry Moore, Riley Moore, Andy Ogles, Scott Perry, Chip Roy, Keith Self, Greg Steube, Marlin Stutzman, Dave Taylor, Matt Van Epps, Derrick Van Orden.
View more information on the bill here.
Congressman Keith Self: "I’m proud to join Congressman Michael Cloud as an original cosponsor of the Permanent CBDC Ban Act. A Central Bank Digital Currency is the ultimate threat to financial privacy, the final tool for total government surveillance and control. It would give the unelected Federal Reserve unprecedented power to track every transaction, restrict what you can buy, freeze your accounts, and even expire your money at will. The temporary ban that sunsets in 2030 is not enough. This one-sentence bill makes the ban permanent, as it should be. BAN CBDC—FOREVER!"
Congressman Byron Donalds: "Central Bank Digital Currency would give unelected bureaucrats in our federal government absolute control over your money. This is not just wrong; this is a dangerous and direct threat to our freedom and sovereignty. I’m proud to join this effort and defend liberty for all Americans."
Congressman Chip Roy: "Unelected bureaucrats should never have the power to track, monitor, or control Americans’ private financial transactions under the guise of a government-run digital currency. We must protect financial privacy, preserve the freedom to use cash, and ensure that government never erodes our constitutional liberties. That is why I am proud to co-sponsor Rep. Cloud’s legislation to permanently ban a central bank digital currency and keep government out of Americans’ wallets."
Congressman Eric Burlison: "A central bank digital currency would give the government the power to make someone disappear from economic life without ever convicting them of a crime. Turn off their money, and the rest takes care of itself. We have already seen what debanking can do; a CBDC would put that power directly in Washington’s hands. America must never build an economic kill switch."
Congressman Barry Moore: "The federal government has proven time and again that it cannot be trusted with more power. Central Bank Digital Currency would create the infrastructure for financial surveillance and government control unlike anything we’ve ever seen. We must stop it before it starts. That’s why I’m proud to support Rep. Cloud’s Permanent CBDC Ban Act and ensure Americans, not Washington bureaucrats, remain in control of their own money.”
Congressman Buddy Carter: "Americans shouldn’t have to worry that the federal government could track or control how they spend their hard-earned money. That's why I'm proud to support the Permanent CBDC Ban Act to safeguard financial privacy and ensure a government-issued digital dollar never becomes a reality."
Congressman Clay Higgins: "I support personal freedoms and liberty, including every American’s right to financial privacy. The Permanent CBDC Ban Act would prohibit the Federal Reserve from issuing a central bank digital currency that could be used to track every monetary transaction a citizen makes."
Congressman Eli Crane: "A Central Bank Digital Currency threatens personal privacy and opens the door to totalitarian control over our finances. Americans overwhelmingly reject this idea, yet under current law, the Federal Reserve could still implement one as early as 2031. Thankfully, Rep. Cloud has introduced legislation to permanently prohibit its creation. I’m grateful to be an original cosponsor and will keep fighting to block this dystopian system."
Congressman Paul Gosar: "Americans don’t want a government-controlled digital dollar that can be used to monitor purchases, restrict transactions, or punish political dissent. A CBDC is incompatible with a free society. This bill permanently closes the door on that dangerous idea and protects Americans’ financial freedom from future abuse."
Congressman Addison McDowell: "A central bank digital currency (CBDC) directly undermines the civil liberties and financial freedom of Americans. The United States does not need to follow in the footsteps of Communist China and implement unconstitutional financial surveillance. We do not need the federal government putting its nose into how hardworking Americans spend their money."
Congressman Warren Davidson: "A temporary CBDC ban is like building the Death Star and promising not to turn it on until 2030. The infrastructure for unprecedented financial surveillance is being built right now and will be waiting for someone to flip the switch when the current ban expires. I am proud to support this legislation to permanently prohibit the Federal Reserve from creating a government-controlled digital currency."
Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger: "Americans' financial freedom should never be at the mercy of an unelected Federal Reserve. A Central Bank Digital Currency would open the door to unprecedented government surveillance of Americans’ financial transactions and give Washington far too much control over how people spend their own money. That’s a line our country should never cross. I'm proud to join Congressman Cloud in introducing the Permanent CBDC Ban Act to ensure this prohibition never expires and to permanently protect Americans’ privacy, financial freedom, and constitutional liberties."
Congressman Pat Harrigan: "The federal government has no business creating a tool that could be used to monitor, influence, or restrict how Americans spend their own money. Once that authority exists, it will never stay limited for long. I'm proud to be an original cosponsor of the Permanent CBDC Ban Act because protecting individual liberty means stopping dangerous ideas before they become permanent institutions. The Federal Reserve should focus on maintaining a sound monetary system, not building the infrastructure for financial surveillance."
Congressman Ben Cline: "A Central Bank Digital Currency would give the Federal Reserve an alarming surge of unchecked power to violate the Fourth Amendment rights guaranteed in our Constitution. Under federal control, CBDCs become a dangerous tool for unelected bureaucrats to spy on and potentially restrict how Americans spend their hard-earned dollars. I am proud to cosponsor Congressman Cloud’s legislation to make the ban on CBDCs, passed in the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, permanent."
Congressman Matt Van Epps: "A central bank digital currency runs counter to American principles and the dynamic financial system they support. It would invite government surveillance, potential confiscation, and excessive state control. A permanent CBDC ban preserves our financial freedom."
Texas port looks to SMRs Nuclear Engineering International August 25th, 2026 Anew US partnership focused on small modular reactor (SMR) technology for maritime applications has been launched by US Secretary of Transportation Sean P Duffy with the Port of Corpus Christi in Texas. Duffy, Maritime Administrator (MARAD) Stephen M Carmel, US Representative Michael Cloud and […]
Freedom 250 Mobile Museum coming to Victoria Crossroads Today Don Brubaker | August 25th, 2026 Freedom 250, is bringing one of its traveling Mobile Museums, known as “Freedom Trucks,” to Victoria, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore the nation’s history through an interactive exhibit designed for all ages. The Freedom Truck is coming to […]
– Countering China Aggression
– National Defense Briefing at the Pentagon
– RIMPAC Trip to Solidify Texas's Role in America's Pacific Defense
– South Korea
– Japan
– Taiwan
– UPCOMING: New World Screwworm Event August 19th
Articles from a curated list of national outlets that mention Michael Cloud.
No recent news mentions yet.
Source: GDELT 2.0 GKG, filtered to a curated list of national outlets. Inclusion is not endorsement; opinion pieces and reported news are mixed.
Recent stock activity
Periodic transaction reports filed under the STOCK Act — disclosed by the rep, sourced from public filings.
No disclosed trades on record.
Source: open-data mirrors of the Senate eFD and House Clerk financial-disclosure systems. Disclosure within 30 days of trade is required by law (45 for spouse/dependent trades).
Top PAC donors · 2026 cycle
Political action committees that gave the most to this rep's principal campaign committee this cycle. PAC giving is direct organizational support — industry, ideological, or leadership.
1.SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP. PACDefense2 contributionsAerospace and defense contractor PAC — supports candidates backing federal space contracts, national security priorities, and commercial space development.AI$10,000
2.BUCKEYE LIBERTY PAC2 contributions$10,000
3.CHENIERE ENERGY, INC. PAC3 contributions$7,500
4.THE FARM CREDIT COUNCIL POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE3 contributions$7,500
5.LETS GET TO WORK PACLeadership1 contributionLeadership or member-affiliated PAC — specific positions not clearly inferable from the name alone.AI · low$7,000
7.CONSERVATIVE OPPORTUNITY LEADERSHIP AND ENTERPRISE PAC3 contributions$6,000
8.PHILLIPS 66 PACEnergy3 contributionsEnergy company PAC for Phillips 66 — backs candidates supporting oil refining, petrochemicals, pipeline infrastructure, and energy independence policies.AI$6,000
9.AMERICAN CRYSTAL SUGAR COMPANY POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEEAgriculture1 contributionAgricultural processing PAC for American Crystal Sugar — backs candidates supporting farm subsidies, sugar price supports, and agricultural trade policies.AI$5,000
10.NATIONAL CATTLEMEN'S BEEF ASSOCIATION POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE (NCBA-PAC)Agriculture1 contributionAgribusiness PAC representing U.S. cattle ranchers and beef producers — backs policies supporting livestock production, trade, and agricultural infrastructure.AI$5,000
Source: OpenFEC (api.open.fec.gov) Schedule A receipts where contributor type is “committee.” Aggregated by contributing committee. Self-transfers from joint-fundraising / victory committees are excluded.
Top individual contributors · 2026 cycle
Itemized individual contributions over $200 to this rep's campaign committee, aggregated by donor employer. PAC giving is shown above; this section is people, not organizations.
1.VICTORIA COLLEGE$17,976
2.MAGIC INDUSTRIES INC$13,200
3.MERCER CONSTRUCTION COMPANY$13,000
4.HHA HOSPITAL MEDICINE$12,000
5.BRAVO ORDNANCE$8,500
6.SELF$7,355
7.PORT LAVACA FORD$7,000
8.RAMIREZ ARCHITECTS$7,000
9.CL THOMAS INC.$7,000
10.CITIZENS MEDICAL CENTER$6,800
Source: OpenFEC Schedule A receipts where contributor type is “individual,” aggregated by the donor's self-reported employer. This is a geographic / industry correlation, not a corporate endorsement.
