By RJ Morlaes | TX3DNews
Prosper, TX — U.S. Rep. Keith Self (R-TX-03) addressed constituents at a town hall in Prosper this weekend, offering updates on his legislative priorities and fielding questions on topics that included immigration, federal spending, veterans’ healthcare, and the role of government surveillance. Several exchanges drew attention for their pointed framing of hot-button issues such as the U.S. Census, border security, and the potential risks of a central bank digital currency.
Self began with a review of his recent work in Congress, citing efforts to limit spending increases and retain work requirements for certain federal assistance programs. He warned that debt interest could reach $1 trillion annually within a decade and said the government must encourage more Americans to return to the workforce while also bringing manufacturing jobs back to the U.S.
One of the strongest positions he outlined was his belief that the U.S. Census should count only citizens — a proposal that has generated partisan debate in recent years. “The census… should count citizens, not incentivize illegal immigration,” Self told the audience. Federal law currently mandates that the Census count all residents, regardless of citizenship or immigration status, for the purpose of congressional apportionment.
Immigration and Assimilation
Immigration policy and cultural assimilation were recurring themes during the question-and-answer session. Self said the United States should welcome legal immigrants who “embrace American values” but should not allow individuals who “do not accept the U.S. Constitution” to settle in the country. He also warned against communities becoming “strongholds” for groups that reject those values.
His comments came in response to a constituent who raised concerns about “terrorist cells” in the U.S. and the potential for certain areas to operate under systems outside U.S. law. Self emphasized border enforcement and assimilation as policy priorities but did not challenge the premise of the question, which described such communities as a present-day threat.
Government Surveillance and CBDCs
Self devoted part of his opening remarks and multiple answers to the risks he sees in government surveillance and the creation of a central bank digital currency, or CBDC. He argued that such a currency could allow the federal government to monitor and control financial transactions, potentially targeting citizens for their political beliefs.
“If we lose freedom in finance, healthcare, and basic necessities, we risk losing freedom everywhere,” Self said. He linked the issue to broader concerns about government overreach, warning against the misuse of data and surveillance technology.
Gerrymandering Debate
When pressed about gerrymandering, Self defended Texas Republicans’ redistricting decisions by pointing to Democratic-controlled states such as Illinois and Massachusetts. “Both parties do it,” he said, framing the issue as a nationwide political reality rather than a one-party problem. Critics of the current Texas map say it dilutes the voting power of some communities, while supporters argue it reflects lawful political line-drawing.
Other Issues Raised
In addition to these hot-button topics, Self took questions on tariffs, small business challenges, veterans’ healthcare, and the balance of power between Congress and the executive branch.
A local TX-03 business owner described struggling with rising costs and uncertainty over tariffs. Self said he had raised the issue with the U.S. Treasury Department and supported creating policy stability so companies could plan ahead. He also reminded attendees that former President Donald Trump had warned there would be “pain at first” when implementing such trade policies.
On veterans’ issues, Self described a recent visit to the Dallas VA Medical Center and said he is advocating for faster care, reduced bureaucracy, and better accountability.
When asked about congressional authority, Self argued that lawmakers have ceded too much power to the executive branch over the years. He said Congress must reclaim its constitutional role, especially in budget matters and oversight.
Constituent Engagement
Self closed by encouraging residents to remain active in civic life and communicate directly with their elected officials. The Prosper event was one of several town halls he has held in Texas’s 3rd Congressional District, which includes much of Collin County.
While the meeting covered a range of legislative and local concerns, Self’s remarks on the Census, immigration, surveillance, and gerrymandering were among the most pointed, reflecting ongoing national debates that have sharply divided public opinion.