I grew up in Austin, almost in the shadow of our UT Tower. So much of my life has revolved around the Forty Acres. In addition to a fine academic experience, I met my wife, Libby, while successfully campaigning to become student government president. UT fostered my passion for public service, which led to my becoming a Texas State Senator, Texas Supreme Court Justice, and now, your Congressman in the U.S. House. What starts here really does change the world!
While learning and preparing for a career, also determine the type of world in which you want to live; our democracy needs you.
Straight out of an authoritarian playbook, Donald Trump is calling out the military and threatening every institution that provides any check and balance on him. He’s trying to win next year’s elections this year by gerrymandering our state and replacing five Democrats with five extreme Republicans. As a Vice Chair of the Progressive Caucus, I’m working with my Democratic colleagues to defend democracy. But we need you in this fight with us. Rigging the districts means five more votes against reproductive freedom, environmental protection, health care access, educational opportunities and LGBTQ+ rights.
How do we fight back? We get civically engaged, mobilize communities and refuse to stay silent. Your vote is your voice. It’s never too late to hold elected officials — at every level of government — accountable. Register to vote in Austin through student groups on campus or at votetexas.gov.
With Trump’s slash-and-burn approach, American universities are targeted. As a top-tier research institution, UT has lost tens of millions in federal investments for initiatives ranging from the humanities and biomedical research to those on AI technology and climate change. Meanwhile, Trump is cutting student visas, banning some students and professors from entering the country and illegally snatching people off the streets who dare challenge him. State Republicans wrecked constructive efforts UT developed to encourage diversity, equity and inclusion. They’re also limiting students’ freedom of expression and undermining the traditional role of faculty in academic decision-making. If you or someone you know has been affected by funding cuts or new limitations, share your story. The more we expose harm inflicted, the more we sway public sentiment.
Trump’s stranglehold extends to Republicans in Congress. I fought day and night against the passage of his “Big Ugly Bill” that will deny 15 million Americans health care, exacerbate food insecurity, and eliminate graduate education funding opportunities — all to pay for billionaire tax breaks. Individuals like Elon Musk don’t need more advantages over working families.
These cruel policies are happening as Trump’s tariff taxes increase the cost of living. Students are unnecessarily paying higher prices on food, coffee, electronics, clothes and more. As the author of previous successful student financial assistance legislation, I continue seeking new ways to put money in your pockets. To offset rising costs, including housing, and for some, childcare, I have a bill to ensure broad tax-free use of Pell Grants. I also support debt forgiveness initiatives, so students can pursue the American Dream without a lifetime burden of debt.
The antidote to fear is action. I remain hopeful that, working together, we can achieve the progress we seek. There are many ways to get involved.
Give back to our community and see how Congress operates by applying for an internship in my Austin and Washington, D.C. offices at doggett.house.gov. My office is a resource for anyone encountering challenges with, or needing more information on, a federal agency, as well as helping to cut through red tape. Share your federal priorities at doggett.house.gov/survey, and follow me online @RepLloydDoggett.
U.S. Rep. Doggett serves in the House of Representatives for a district that includes UT and most of Austin. He graduated from the University of Texas at Austin’s School of Business and School of Law.
