Madam Speaker, if Republicans today were not willing to use budget reconciliation and depart from appropriations in order to pass a funding bill that would restore funding to ICE and CBP, then what would happen is my Democrat colleagues would be able to achieve what many of them have held for a long time as their objective, and have publicly stated was their objective, and that is to defund immigration enforcement, border enforcement, and abolish ICE. That is effectively what would happen if Republicans didn't act using budget reconciliation to fund ICE and CBP.
2026 MidtermsSolid SeatR+100$1.7M raised
Jodey Arrington
Representative · Texas · Republican
Jodey Arrington
House Floor
Recent comments in the House
Mr. Chairman, I respect my friend from the Commonwealth of Kentucky, but this false narrative is perpetuated every time Republicans actually go after the waste in this town and the fraud that is being perpetrated on the taxpayers and the vulnerable who need these programs. They start saying that we are kicking the vulnerable off and we are throwing them into the streets. All I ask you to do is look to the nonpartisan CBO, once again, and I include this letter in the Record, Mr. Chairman. U.S. Congress, Congressional Budget Office, Washington, DC, June 24, 2025.
Madam Speaker, I have the greatest respect for my friend from Pennsylvania, but that is about as good of Washington obfuscation as I have ever heard. We are talking about funding ICE and CBP. If we don't do it today, ICE and CBP doesn't exist, criminals are running around in our streets, and we don't make good on the promises the American people sent us here to do. They want to talk about tax policy. By the way, they are the party that didn't lift a finger when the tax cuts were going to expire and cause over a $1,000 tax hike for every family in this country.
Biography
Jodey Arrington, a former university administrator and economic development leader, was elected as the U.S. Representative for Texas’s 19th Congressional District in 2016. He prioritizes strengthening rural healthcare, advancing agricultural policy, and promoting fiscal responsibility. Arrington has chaired the House Budget Committee and played a key role in passing legislation to support farmers and ranchers, including disaster relief measures for West Texas. He is known for a pragmatic approach and works to ensure his district’s rural communities have a strong voice in national policymaking.
Education
- Certificate of International Business Management, McDonough School of Business, Georgetown University, Washington, DC2004
- Master of Public Administration, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX1997
- B.A. in Political Science, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX1994
Professional History
U.S. Representative
2017–PresentRepresented Texas's 19th congressional district for 5 terms.
President, Scott Laboratories (Lubbock, Texas)
2014–2016Led a healthcare innovation holding company focused on launching new ventures, telehealth, and other revenue-generating initiatives until his election to Congress.
Vice Chancellor for Research and Commercialization, Texas Tech University System
2011–2014Oversaw research and commercialization efforts for the Texas Tech University System and chaired the Task Force for Enrollment Growth.
Chief of Staff and Senior Administrator, Texas Tech University System
2006–2011Served as system chief of staff and primary liaison to vice chancellors after returning to Texas Tech University in 2006.
Deputy Federal Coordinator and Chief Operating Officer, Office of the Federal Coordinator for Gulf Coast Rebuilding
2005–2006Assisted in coordinating federal recovery and rebuilding efforts along the Gulf Coast following major hurricanes, working with federal, state, and local officials.
Chief of Staff to the Chairman, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
2001–2005Served as chief of staff to FDIC Chairman Donald E. Powell, overseeing the offices of the Chairman, Policy Development, and Public Affairs.
Policy Focus
Taxation15%
Economics and Public Finance11%
Health10%
Immigration8%
Notable Legislation
Key legislative actions from Jodey Arrington's record in Congress.
Agriculture Policy
Helped secure disaster relief funding for Texas farmers and ranchers affected by droughts and severe weather.
Rural Healthcare
Advocated for increased Medicare reimbursement rates to support rural hospitals and healthcare providers in West Texas.
Tax Reform
Supported the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which lowered tax rates for individuals and businesses.
Veterans Affairs
Sponsored legislation to improve access to mental health care services for veterans in rural communities.
Committee Assignments
View details →- House Committee on the BudgetChair
- Joint Economic Committee
- House Committee on Ways and Means
Rep. Jodey Arrington FAQ
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