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Crossing the aisle
Passage votes where Troy E. Nehls broke ranks with ≥75% of Republicans. Threshold catches substantively partisan splits; unanimous-ish or close votes are excluded.
A bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 180 Steuart Street in San Francisco, California, as the "Dianne Feinstein Post Office".
U.S. House Passes Water Resources Development Act of 2026, Securing Wins for Texas and Local Communities
Position: The release describes the House passage of the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act of 2026 and the congressman's vote in favor, citing provisions on Army Corps of Engineers water projects, Texas port and channel studies, and related authorizations. It expresses support for the legislation as passed.
WASHINGTON, D.C. —Today, Congressman Troy E. Nehls (R-TX-22) proudly voted "YES" on the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 415-9.
"I am proud that the House passed the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act of 2026, which strengthens our nation’s water infrastructure, supports economic growth, and equips the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to build and maintain critical projects across the country," said Congressman Nehls. "This legislation delivers for Texas by supporting continued growth along the Matagorda Ship Channel and renewing and expanding project authorities in Brazoria, Fort Bend, and Galveston Counties. As Texas continues to experience rapid population and economic growth, these investments will help ensure our ports and water infrastructure can keep pace while keeping Texas at the forefront of our nation’s economy."
The House-passed WRDA of 2026 contains several provisions championed by Congressman Nehls that directly benefit Texas and communities across TX-22:
A section that directs the Secretary of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to conduct a comprehensive study to evaluate and recommend local and systematic measures to improve the inland and intracoastal waterways;
A section that creates multiple program offices within the Directorate of Civil Works, including the new Office of Inland Navigation Construction Management, which will provide oversight and coordination across the inland navigation portfolio;
A section that states the Corps should maximize efficiency through the use of multi-year continuing contracts, while authorizing a Government Accountability Office to study the benefits of such contracts;
A section that reauthorizes several existing Corps Civil Works programs, including the non-federal interest dredging authority, through 2030;
A section that authorizes the Secretary to review lands in Chambers, Galveston, and Harris Counties, Texas, to identify any excess lands, including portions of Spilman Island and Pelican Island, to determine if any such land is no longer necessary for project purposes, and convey any excess land.
A section that clarifies the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund (HMTF) allocation requirements from the Water Resources Development Act of 2020, specifically as related to donor and energy transfer ports;
A section that directs the Secretary to expedite completion of the feasibility study for Matagorda Ship Channel, Port Lavaca, Texas;
A section that authorizes new and modified environmental infrastructure authorities, including Brazoria, Fort Bend, and Galveston Counties in Texas, and Amarillo, Texas.
Issues:Transportation And Infrastructure
House T&I Committee Passes Nehls' Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act
Position: Congressman Nehls supports H.R. 7553, the Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act, which would increase transparency and predictability in FAA type certification for Advanced Air Mobility aircraft and support FAA staffing capacity. He argues that current certification delays hinder American AAM innovation relative to competitors such as China.
WASHINGTON, D.C. —Today, Congressman Troy E. Nehls (R-TX-22) announced that his bill, H.R. 7553, the Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act, advanced through the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
"I am proud the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee passed my bipartisan legislation to strengthen American leadership in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM)," said Congressman Nehls. "For far too long, outdated regulations and burdensome certification processes have held back American AAM innovation while allowing foreign adversaries like China to gain ground. This legislation cuts through unnecessary red tape while maintaining the highest safety standards and will ensure the United States is the global leader in AAM and aviation."
This bill would enhance transparency, predictability, and accountability in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) type certification process for AAM aircraft, helping American companies succeed and cementing the United States' role as the global leader in aviation. Additionally, this bicameral, bipartisan legislation would support FAA staffing capacity and prevent gridlock in the certification process for AAM aircraft by requiring more clarity and transparency for industry applicants.
The current FAA type certification process is a rigorous, multi-year evaluation that approves a new aircraft design and ensures it complies with airworthiness, noise, and safety standards. Amended type certifications typically take 3 to 5 years to complete. In contrast, certifying a new aircraft type, such as AAM aircraft, can take 5 to 9 years, with little transparency on where it is in the process.
Watch Congressman Nehls' remarks on the Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act from the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee HERE.
House Passes Nehls' National Law Enforcement Officers Remembrance, Support, and Community Outreach Act
Position: The release states support for H.R. 309, a bill establishing a Department of the Interior grant program for community outreach, public education, and officer safety and wellness at the National Law Enforcement Museum, and urges Senate passage.
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Congressman Troy E. Nehls (R-TX-22) announced that his bill, H.R. 309, the National Law Enforcement Officers Remembrance, Support, and Community Outreach Act, passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a voice vote.
"I am proud that the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed my bipartisan legislation to honor our brave law enforcement officers and raise public awareness of their service," said Congressman Nehls. "As a former law enforcement officer and Texas sheriff, I know firsthand the sacrifices our men and women in blue make, often without receiving the recognition and gratitude they deserve. Our law enforcement officers risk their lives every day to keep our communities safe, and I urge the Senate to swiftly pass this legislation."
"America’s law enforcement officers put their lives on the line each day with courage, resolve and an unwavering commitment to their communities," said House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman. "H.R. 309 supports the National Law Enforcement Museum’s public education, community outreach, and officer wellness initiatives, helping more Americans understand the demands of this noble profession. Rep. Nehls brings firsthand experience to this effort, and I commend his continued leadership on behalf of our nation’s law enforcement officers."
This bipartisan legislation seeks to establish a formal program within the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) that will enhance community outreach, public education, and officer safety and wellness initiatives at the National Law Enforcement Museum. The program will offer grants to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF). Its goals include honoring law enforcement officers, collecting data on officer fatalities and injuries, increasing public understanding and support for law enforcement, improving officer safety and wellness, and strengthening the bond between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
Watch Congressman Nehls' remarks on the National Law Enforcement Officers Remembrance, Support, and Community Outreach Act on the House Floor HERE.
Rep. Troy E. Nehls Co-Leads the Bipartisan Stop Auto Fraud Act of 2026 with Reps. Laura Gillen, Josh Gottheimer, and Vince Fong
Position: The release supports making motor vehicle collision fraud, including staged or fabricated crashes, a federal crime, with resulting fines directed to the Highway Trust Fund. It states the bill is intended to lower car insurance rates and improve road safety.
WASHINGTON, D.C. —Today, Congressman Troy E. Nehls (R-TX-22), alongside U.S. Representatives Laura Gillen (D-NY-04), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-05), and Vince Fong (R-CA-20), introduced the bipartisan Stop Auto Fraud Act of 2026 to make motor vehicle collision fraud a federal crime, improve safety for drivers, and lower car insurance rates nationwide. The Stop Auto Fraud Act of 2026 targets insurance fraud schemes in which bad actors deliberately cause, stage, or fabricate motor vehicle accidents to file false claims and defraud insurance companies for large cash payouts.
“Bad actors across the country are deliberately causing, staging and fabricating car wrecks and filing phony insurance claims, and it’s the hardworking American families who end up paying the price with high insurance rates,” said Congressman Nehls. “It’s time we put an end to this, make it a federal crime, and hold these fraudsters accountable. I’m proud to co-lead the bipartisan Stop Auto Fraud Act of 2026 with Congresswoman Gillen to crack down on these scams, put the fines collected into the Highway Trust Fund, which provides the resources to improve our roads, and make our roads safer.”
“Long Islanders pay some of the highest car insurance rates in the country and ‘crash for cash’ schemes on our roads are driving rates even higher,” said Congresswoman Gillen. “When fraudsters stage car wrecks to scam their way to huge payouts, they’re putting lives at risk and forcing responsible drivers to bear the costs. I’m proud to lead this bipartisan bill to hold these criminals accountable, make our roads safer and lower sky-high car insurance costs.”
"Insurance fraudsters send premiums skyrocketing and drive up the cost of living for Jersey families,” said Congressman Gottheimer. "The fraud rings behind them don't stop at state lines. That's why I'm proud to work with Reps. Gillen, Nehls, and Fong on this bipartisan bill to make staging or fabricating a crash a federal crime, with fines going straight back into fixing our roads and bridges. We're cracking down on the hucksters and fighting to bring down costs for Jersey families."
"Californians already pay some of the highest car insurance premiums in the nation on top of having one of the highest costs of living,” said Congressman Fong. "Insurance fraud is making it worse. Staged car accidents are a deliberate, organized scam that puts innocent people at risk and drives up premiums for every driver on the road. In the Central Valley, where families depend on their vehicles to get to work, take their kids to school, and run their businesses, these are real costs hitting real people. The Stop Auto Fraud Act makes these schemes a federal crime and gives law enforcement the tools to dismantle the criminal networks behind them."
The legislation is supported by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA), National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (NAMIC), American Bus Association (ABA), American Trucking Associations (ATA), Trucking Association of New York, Texas Trucking Association (TANY), Truck Renting and Leasing Association (TRALA), Southwest Movers Association (SMA), Texas Trucking Association (TXTA), National Tank Truck Carriers Association (NTTC), and Truckload Carriers Association (TCA).
“Staged vehicle accidents are not harmless property crimes,” said Kyle McCollum, Vice President, National Insurance Crime Bureau. "These are violent offenses that put innocent drivers and pedestrians at risk of injury or worse—all so that fraudsters and their facilitators can cash in. As NICB data and frontline investigations demonstrate, staged accident fraud is on the rise, costly—up to $300 a year in increased premiums—and increasingly organized. And it demands an organized, effective response. NICB applauds Representative Gillen’s Stop Auto Fraud Act of 2026, a bipartisan measure making clear that staged accidents are serious crimes deserving serious consequences."
“Auto claims fraud, including intentional crashes, staged accidents, fabricated medical bills, and AI-altered photo evidence, drives up costs throughout the system and ultimately raises auto insurance premiums for everyone,” said Sam Whitfield, Senior Vice President of Federal Government Relations and Political Engagement, American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA). “States that have enacted targeted anti-fraud and staged accident reforms have strengthened enforcement, disrupted organized fraud rings, and helped stabilize auto insurance markets, with some states even experiencing premium reductions. We applaud Representatives Gillen, Nehls, Gottheimer, and Fong for introducing the Stop Auto Fraud Act of 2026, which would establish federal criminal penalties for deliberate staged and phantom auto accidents. By giving law enforcement additional tools to combat organized crime fraud, this legislation addresses a significant driver of rising auto insurance claim costs and helps protect consumers from unnecessary premium increases.”
“Staged crashes and claims connected to them are a particularly malicious form of insurance fraud,” said Jimi Grande, SVP of Federal and Political Affairs for NAMIC. "Not only do these fraudsters endanger innocent drivers and communities all across the country, they also cause extensive financial harm. NAMIC applauds Representatives Gillen and Nehls, along with their co-sponsors, for their work to combat scammers and protect all honest road users.”
“The Truck Renting and Leasing Association (TRALA) proudly supports the Stop Auto Fraud Act and appreciates the leadership from Congresswoman Gillen and Congressman Nehls. Staged accidents continue to cause havoc with insurance premiums. This legislation will help deter bad actors from attempting to put trucking companies out of business by fabricating accidents, then running crooked legal and medical companies who attempt to profit from this blatant criminal activity.”
Read the bill text HERE.
Rep. Troy E. Nehls in the Fort Bend Herald: President Trump is reviving American manufacturing, and Texas is benefiting
Position: The release describes the Bristol Myers Squibb manufacturing investment in Houston as a result of the President's policies and states that these policies support American manufacturing and reduce reliance on foreign pharmaceuticals. It also credits H.R. 1 (One Big Beautiful Bill Act) and trade policy with reviving domestic manufacturing.
WASHINGTON, D.C. —Congressman Troy E. Nehls (R-TX-22) penned an op-ed in the Fort Bend Herald, highlighting Bristol Myers Squibb’s recent announcement of their $2.3 billion investment to build a new 600,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Houston, Texas, which will create an expected 500 permanent jobs and 2,000 construction-related jobs between 2027 and 2030.
In the op-ed, Congressman Nehls discusses how President Trump is reviving American manufacturing and how his policies benefit American workers, including those in the 22nd Congressional District of Texas and the greater Houston region. Congressman Nehls also highlights the $11 trillion in U.S. and foreign investments President Trump has secured, which are further fueling job growth, innovation, and opportunity for hardworking Americans.
Read the op-ed here or below:
"President Trump is leading a revival across the U.S. manufacturing industry. Just last month, we saw the strongest growth in domestic manufacturing since 2022.
H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which I proudly supported and President Trump signed into law in 2025, coupled with President Trump’s trade policies, is revitalizing American manufacturing.
Last week, Bristol Myers Squibb, a global biopharmaceutical company, announced it will construct a $2.3 billion manufacturing facility in Houston, Texas, as part of its previously announced $40 billion investment commitment in the U.S.
The 600,000-square-foot manufacturing facility will produce multiple types of medicines, including small-molecule medicines, biologics, and antibody-drug conjugates.
The company’s decision to build a state-of-the-art facility in Houston will deliver real benefits to my constituents in the greater Houston region. It will create nearly 500 skilled positions, including operations technicians, production specialists, maintenance and engineering professionals, quality-control experts, and site leadership. These jobs will support families across Texas’ 22nd Congressional District and beyond. On top of that, the project will generate approximately 2,000 construction and related jobs between 2027 and 2030, putting more Texans to work during the build-out phase.
The domino effects of this project go even further. These well-paying manufacturing jobs will strengthen our local economy, support surrounding small businesses, and expand the life-sciences talent pipeline that our colleges and universities already fuel. A growing biopharmaceutical presence means more opportunities for the next generation of skilled workers right here at home, while reinforcing America’s ability to produce critical medicines in the United States.
By bringing critical pharmaceutical supply chains back home, President Trump’s policies are enabling jobs that will help hardworking Americans across the country and simultaneously reduce our reliance on foreign countries for pharmaceuticals.
We finally have a President who is putting America first and reviving opportunities for the American worker. Since President Trump’s return to the White House, he has secured $11 trillion in U.S. and foreign investments that are fueling job growth, innovation, and opportunity across our nation.
President Trump has consistently demonstrated his commitment to advancing American manufacturing. Bristol Myers Squibb’s project in Houston is proof that the America First agenda is delivering real results.
In Congress, I will continue to support President Trump’s policies that are fueling the revival we are seeing in manufacturing and job creation for Americans across the country, including right here in Texas’ 22nd Congressional District."
Rep. Troy E. Nehls Applauds U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation Passage of His Bills to Unleash the Next Era of American Aviation
Position: The release applauds Senate committee passage of the Supersonic Aviation Modernization Act and the Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act, arguing that outdated FAA regulations and certification processes hinder American aviation innovation and should be cut back.
WASHINGTON, D.C. —Congressman Troy E. Nehls (R-TX-22) released a statement following the advancement of the Supersonic Aviation Modernization (SAM) Act and the Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act by the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation:
“I applaud the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation’s passage of two pieces of legislation, which I’m proud to lead in the House of Representatives, that usher in the next generation of aerospace innovation, from supersonic flight to Advanced Air Mobility (AAM),” said Congressman Nehls. “For far too long, outdated regulations and rigorous certification processes have held back American innovation. These two pieces of legislation help cement the United States as the world's leader in aviation by cutting through burdensome red tape, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in both the House and Senate to get them across the finish line and onto the President’s desk."
Background
The Supersonic Aviation Modernization (SAM) Act:
Congressman Nehls and Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) introduced H.R. 3410/S.1759 on May 14, 2025. The SAM Act directs the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to issue or revise regulations, within one year of enactment, to allow for the operation of civil aviation aircraft to operate at speeds of Mach 1 or higher, so long as no sonic boom reaches the ground, maintaining the highest public safety standards while allowing innovation to move forward.
Enacted in 1973, 14 CFR § 91.817 dictates that no person may operate a civil aircraft in the United States at a speed of Mach 1 or higher, thereby prohibiting non-military-related supersonic flight over the United States. American companies have developed quiet supersonic technologies, and these companies have demonstrated that their aircraft can operate above Mach 1. Despite these innovations, 14 CFR § 91.817 continues to restrict supersonic operations.
The SAM Act, if enacted, would require the FAA to revise existing regulations to allow for the operation of supersonic civil aircraft. Operators would be permitted to fly their aircraft at supersonic speeds within the National Airspace System as long as no sonic boom reaches the ground.
On June 6, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order entitled “Leading the World in Supersonic Flight,” which directs the FAA to lift the U.S. ban on supersonic flight by repealing outdated FAA regulations and establishing updated noise-based standards. The SAM Act codifies President Trump’s executive order.
On December 18, 2025, Congressman Nehls’ SAM Act passed the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and on March 24, 2026, the legislation passed the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly.
The Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act:
Congressman Nehls was joined by Congressmen Jay Obernolte (R-CA-23), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-19), André Carson (D-IN-07), and Senators Peter Welch (D-VT), Ted Budd (R-NC), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), John Curtis (R-UT), Alex Padilla (D-CA), and Jerry Moran (R-KS) in introducing the Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act on February 13, 2026. This bipartisan and bicameral legislation aims to increase transparency, predictability, and accountability during the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) type certification process for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) aircraft, helping American companies thrive and reaffirm the United States' leadership in aviation globally. Additionally, this legislation would bolster FAA staffing capacity and prevent gridlock in certifying AAM aircraft by offering more clarity and transparency.
The Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act is supported by the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA), Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA), Archer Aviation, the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), BETA Technologies, Boeing, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), Joby Aviation, Professional Aviation Safety Specialists, AFL, CIO (PASS), Vertical Aviation International (VIA), Wisk Aero, and the National Air Transportation Association (NATA).
Rep. Troy E. Nehls Applauds Advancement of His Bill to Honor and Memorialize America’s Law Enforcement Officers
Position: The release supports H.R. 309, the National Law Enforcement Officers Remembrance, Support, and Community Outreach Act, which would establish a Department of the Interior program to fund community outreach, public education, and officer safety and wellness programs of the National Law Enforcement Museum through grants to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.
WASHINGTON, D.C. —Today, Congressman Troy E. Nehls (R-TX-22) released a statement following the House Committee on Natural Resources' passage of his bill, H.R. 309, the National Law Enforcement Officers Remembrance, Support, and Community Outreach Act:
“Day in and day out, our nation’s law enforcement officers put their lives on the line to protect and defend our communities,” said Congressman Nehls. “As a former law enforcement officer and Texas Sheriff, I know all too well the sacrifices our men and women in blue make to make our communities safer, often without receiving the recognition or gratitude they deserve. I’m proud that my bipartisan bill, which would pay tribute and honor our brave law enforcement officers and bring more public awareness to their service, passed the House Natural Resources Committee. I appreciate Chairman Westerman for advancing my legislation, and I look forward to its passage through the House.”
“Rep. Nehls’ commitment to supporting our law enforcement officers and their communities is admirable,” said House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman. "I applaud Rep. Nehls for his work on this critical legislation to provide funds for the community outreach, public education and officer safety and wellness programs of the National Law Enforcement Museum.”
Background
Congressman Nehls’ bipartisan legislation would establish a formal program within the Department of the Interior (DOI) to support and enhance the community outreach, public education, and officer safety and wellness programs of the National Law Enforcement Museum through grants to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) and has more than 120 cosponsors.
Issues:Law Enforcement And Crime Updates
Rep. Troy E. Nehls to Advance Water Resources Development Act of 2026, Securing Wins for Texas and Local Communities
Position: The release states Rep. Nehls voted to advance the Water Resources Development Act of 2026 in committee, describing it as bipartisan legislation that funds water infrastructure projects, including Texas ports and channels such as the Matagorda Ship Channel.
WASHINGTON, D.C. —Today, during a House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee markup, Congressman Troy E. Nehls (R-TX-22) voted “YES” to advance the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026, bipartisan legislation that addresses critical water resources infrastructure needs across the country, including the State of Texas and the 22nd Congressional District of Texas.
“I proudly voted to pass the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act of 2026, which invests in our nation’s infrastructure, boosts our economy, and gives the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers the tools it needs to build and maintain critical infrastructure projects across the United States,” said Congressman Nehls. “This legislation delivers for the State of Texas by supporting growth through the Matagorda Ship Channel and by renewing and expanding authorities for projects in Brazoria, Fort Bend, and Galveston Counties for years to come. This bill makes the necessary investments to ensure that Texas’s infrastructure can keep up with our rapid population and economic growth. WRDA provides critical support to Texas’s ports and water infrastructure projects and helps Texas to continue to be the driving force behind our nation’s economy, and I’m proud to have supported its passage.”
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Rep. Troy E. Nehls in the Washington Examiner: Sneaky new gambling tax punishes you for losing. Reconciliation 3.0 must end it.
Position: Rep. Nehls calls for Congress to restore the full deduction of gambling losses against gambling winnings, reversing the 90 percent limit enacted in H.R. 1, and expresses support for the FAIR BET Act in Reconciliation 3.0.
WASHINGTON, D.C. —Congressman Troy E. Nehls (R-TX-22) penned an op-ed in the Washington Examiner, calling for reform to a specific tax code change made by H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which imposed a tax increase on Americans who gamble by reducing the amount of losses they can deduct from 100 percent to 90 percent. In the op-ed, Congressman Nehls explains why this provision is unfair and the need to restore consistency and fairness to our nation’s tax code, and his support for the FAIR BET Act.
As Congress begins to work on Reconciliation 3.0, Congressman Nehls believes Congress could right this wrong and restore fairness to the tax code.
Read the op-ed HERE or below:
"Washington has a bad habit of creating new taxes that sound harmless until ordinary Americans get the bill.
Buried deep within the Senate’s version of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which is now law, is a provision that few people have heard about, but millions could feel its effects.
That’s exactly what happened when the Republican-led Senate inserted a provision into Section 70114 of the OBBBA, which taxes gambling losses at a rate of 10%. Comparatively, the original House-passed version of the OBBBA did not reduce the deduction limit for gambling losses against winnings.
Under current federal law, not only are gamblers’ winnings taxed, but also gambling losses are now treated as taxable income. Now, when a gambler loses, the federal government claims its share of their losses through the newly created tax code. Regardless of whether you win or lose, Uncle Sam takes a cut.
For decades, the tax code previously recognized a simple principle of fairness: gamblers should be allowed to deduct their losses against their winnings, up to the amount won. After all, a gambler who wins $10,000 over the course of a year but loses $10,000 has not actually earned a profit. Taxing someone on money they have never truly kept is fundamentally unfair.
This approach resembles what is often commonly referred to as a “sin tax,” an excise tax levied specifically on goods and services that are deemed harmful to society and individuals.
Gambling isn’t the only thing in U.S. society that is subject to a so-called sin tax, which is a targeted tax that government officials have imposed to discourage certain behaviors. Large targets of this type of excise tax include alcohol, tobacco, and in some jurisdictions, fast food. These goods and services require the consumer to take a risk on their own fruition, like investing in the stock market.
However, gambling is fundamentally different from purchasing a pack of cigarettes or a bottle of liquor. Gambling involves risk-taking, much like investing in the stock market, starting a small business, or making other speculative financial decisions. No investor would be expected to pay taxes on gross stock sales without accounting for the losses incurred along the way. Gamblers should be afforded the same basic principle of tax fairness.
Now, thanks to the provision the Senate slipped into the OBBBA, gamblers could face an effective tax rate of 264% in certain scenarios, according to an analysis conducted by KPMG. This phantom income penalty tells players that if you win, you’re good, but if you lose, you’re in bigger trouble than you should be.
To right this wrong, I’m proud to colead the FAIR BET Act with Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV), which would restore the 100% deduction for gambling losses, correcting the course the Senate took on this issue.
The gaming industry supports millions of U.S. jobs and generates billions of dollars in tax revenue that fund schools, infrastructure, public safety, and other essential services in communities across the country. The players who support that industry should not be singled out and penalized for losses in a way that no other industry faces.
The FAIR BET Act restores fairness, consistency, and common sense to the tax code by ensuring that taxpayers are not taxed on income they never actually earned.
As Congress embarks on Reconciliation 3.0, we have the prime opportunity to correct this wrong and restore fairness for millions of people.
Alongside efforts to lower costs, strengthen healthcare, and eliminate waste, crack down on fraud that drains taxpayer dollars, Congress must reverse course and restore 100% loss deductibility for gamers and gamblers alike.
We cannot let this moment pass us by."
Rep. Troy E. Nehls Votes to Send Second Reconciliation Package to President Trump’s Desk
Position: The release supports passage of S.2, the Secure America Act, which would provide multi-year funding for ICE and CBP and invest in border security technology, and opposes Democratic efforts to defund law enforcement or abolish ICE.
WASHINGTON, D.C. —Congressman Troy E. Nehls (R-TX-22) released the following statement after voting “YES” to pass S.2, the Secure America Act, which would provide robust funding for federal law enforcement, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and support the Trump Administration’s efforts to secure our nation’s borders:
“Because Democrats in Congress have refused to fund our brave ICE officers and Border Patrol Agents through regular order, my Republican colleagues and I in both the House and Senate have worked tirelessly to robustly fund these agencies through September 30, 2029, ensuring that Democrats' political games cannot further hamstring the security of our homeland,” said Congressman Nehls. “Further, this legislation makes investments in advanced technology that will assist federal law enforcement with mitigating threats at our nation’s borders.
“While Democrats continue to fight to defund law enforcement and abolish ICE, my Republican colleagues and I stand united in ensuring that ICE officers and Border Patrol Agents have the support they need to keep America safe."
Issues:CongressImmigration
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.ALLEGIANT TRAVEL COMPANY PAC1 contribution$9,000
3.SMART TD PAC6 contributions$9,000
4.LEIDOS INC4 contributions$7,500
5.AIRPORTS COUNCIL INTERNATIONAL-NORTH AMERICA PAC3 contributions$7,500
6.ALLIED PILOTS ASSOCATION PAC3 contributions$7,000
7.DELL TECHNOLOGIES, INC POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE1 contribution$5,000
8.PHILLIPS 66 PACEnergy1 contributionEnergy company PAC for Phillips 66 — backs candidates supporting oil refining, petrochemicals, pipeline infrastructure, and energy independence policies.AI$5,000
9.NATIONAL BUSINESS AVIATION ASSOCIATION INC PAC (NBAA-PAC)1 contribution$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.LEIDOS$17,100
2.WINKLEVOSS CAPITAL MANAGEMENT$13,200
3.SPARROW GROUP$7,000
4.TOLUNAY-WONG$7,000
5.ORC THE BRAZOS$6,831
6.ESSC$5,165
7.TRAVIS KISNER$5,165
8.HIF GLOBAL$4,000
9.MADDOX INDUSTRIES$3,500
10.THE ORCHARD RECOVERY$3,500
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.
