Congressman Solomon Ortiz (D-Texas) serves on the House Armed Services Committee, its Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces and its Subcommittee on Readiness, where he is the Ranking Democrat.

He also serves on the House Resources Committee, its Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources and its Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans.

First elected to Congress in 1982, Ortiz has focused on creating jobs, increasing educational opportunities and building a strong national defense program. He has worked to improve living conditions at military bases, increase military pay and benefits, combat drug smuggling and increase trade along the U.S. - Mexico border. He supports a balanced policy to conserve natural resources and fights for greater funding for military bases in his district.  In 2004, he has raised the awareness about border security issues, letting Americans know that illegal immigrants captured by the Border Patrol are frequently released into the U.S. population when detention facilities are full.

Before his election to Congress, Ortiz served in the U.S. Army, spent several years on his county council and worked six years as his county sheriff.

Rep. Solomon Ortiz's Official Website

Do you have a story to share?

Is government making a difference in your everyday life? Do you or your community have a problem that government needs to solve?

We'd like to hear from you.

The average public school is 42 years old. (National Education Association)