During my first few months as a member of the United States Senate, constituents have often asked me what constitutes an average day in the Senate. If I have learned one thing since being sworn in last January, it is that every day is different. Between speaking on the Senate floor, meeting with constituents and government officials, and keeping abreast of the many issues that affect Texans, I stay very busy. That said, I jotted a few notes in order to provide some idea of what constitutes an "average" day for me in the Senate.

I am out of the house and on the road to the Capitol by 7:00 a.m. This often gives me two hours before my first scheduled meeting, and I use this time to read, study, and refine my knowledge of the issues that are expected to arise during that day. If my schedule permits, I start slightly earlier and squeeze in a workout at the gym.

The Senate often convenes at 9:00 a.m. When the Senate is in session, a vote on the floor can be called at any time. For this reason, I try to remain available to go to the Senate floor at a moment's notice.

In addition to voting on the Senate floor, I participate in many committee and subcommittee hearings that occur when the Senate is in session. These hearings can start between 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., and — depending upon the subject of the hearing — can last from ten minutes to ten hours. I am a member of the Judiciary Committee, the Armed Services Committee, the Environment and Public Works Committee, and the Budget Committee, and serve as the Chairman of the Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution.

These committee and subcommittee meetings require a considerable amount of time, but they are an extremely important part of the legislative process. During committee hearings my colleagues and I are able to take a closer look at the details of legislation and discuss policies that will affect the daily lives of millions of Texans.

When it is time for lunch, I seldom dine alone. I have learned that meals are a wonderful time to meet with one or more of my Senate colleagues. We use the lunch hour to discuss issues raised in a committee hearing or to inform each other of the issues debated in some of the other Senate committees. During the week, I may also attend up to three official policy lunches that are directed by the Senate party leadership. These meetings present an opportunity for my colleagues and I to plan the upcoming schedule and discuss various strategies.

After lunch, I am grateful for the opportunity to meet with constituents, organizations, my staff, as well as representatives from other government agencies. While these meetings easily fill the afternoon and early evening hours, they allow me to stay in touch with the people whom I serve and work with, as well as to become more knowledgeable on the issues that are important to Texans.

Around 7:00 p.m. my day slows down. If there is no more scheduled activity on the Senate floor for the day, and if I have no official events to attend that evening, I head home. Before I leave, I collect a list of concerns that constituents have communicated to my staff that day via phone, fax, postal mail, and electronic mail. I also retrieve briefing notes prepared by my staff for the following day's events. My late evenings are spent evaluating this information and preparing for the following day when the process will begin again.

I hope this gives you a little insight into what I do on an average day when the Senate is in session. Thank you for your interest; I am eager to meet the needs of Texans — and all Americans — by serving in the United States Senate.