Immigration reform

• Introduced the most comprehensive immigration reform legislation since 9/11–The Border Security and Immigration Reform Act of 2003 would create a guest–worker program for all undocumented immigrants.
• Introduced Military Citizenship Act (language enacted into law).
• Introduced border parity/entry–exit visa reform.
• Supported reimbursement of hospitals/health care givers for treatment of undocumented immigrants.
• Co–sponsored SCAAP bill to reimburse law enforcement officials for detainment of undocumented immigrants.
• For more information, visit theses links:
  • Immigration and Border Issues
  • U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Military / Defense issues

• Active on Armed Services Committee throughout year.
• Visited 17 of 17 military installations in Texas, among other reasons, to ensure that they are well prepared for next round of BRAC.
• Met with various key defense officials and civilian personnel on this issue.
• Worked to pass partial concurrent receipt for veterans. Continues to work in interest of Texas veterans.
• Traveled to Iraq/GITMO.
• For more information, visit theses links:
  • Homeland Security and Law Enforcement
  • U.S. Senate Veteran Affairs and Military Installations Committee
  • Texas State Senate Veteran Affairs and Military Installations Committee

Judges

• Displayed leadership throughout the year on confirming President's judicial nominees.
• Spearheaded letter signed by all ten freshmen senators calling for "fresh start" in confirmation process.
• Held hearing in subcommittee on filibusters and judicial confirmations.
• Took on leading role in Justice for Judges marathon.
• For more information, visit theses links:
  • The Consitution and the Rule of Law
  • Committee on the Judiciary

Constitutional leadership

• Chaired hearings on:
  • Iraq constitution
  • Judicial nomination process (Constitution Subcommittee)
  • DOMA (Constitution Subcommittee)
  • Victims' Rights Amendment (Constitution Subcommittee)
  • Continuity of congress (Judiciary Committee)
  • Continuity of presidency (Judiciary/Rules Committee)
• Co–sponsored amendment to the Constitution on victims' rights.
• Introduced Constitutional amendment to ban flag burning.
• Introduced bill to authorize federal court in Plano (enacted into law).
• Filed first brief, as counsel of record, in the U.S. Supreme Court on the merits in defense of Pledge of Allegiance.
• For more information, visit theses links:
  • The Consitution and the Rule of Law
  • Committee on the Judiciary

Other items of note:

Transportation — Held field hearing in Brownsville, roundtables in Lubbock and Wichita Falls. Continues to work for Texas transportation needs.

First Responders — Met with first responders across the state to aid them in emergency preparedness. Successfully secured grants and appropriation funding for first responders around the State.

Tort Reform — Co–sponsored Class Action Fairness Act. Continues to work toward ending frivolous lawsuits.

Health Care — Strongly supported community health centers, visiting centers in Houston and San Antonio. Voted to pass major Medicare reform bill.

Economic Growth — Helped pass President Bush's economic growth package. Will look for ways in the next year to cut government spending.