Homeland Security

The security of our nation is of the utmost importance to me.  In Southeast Texas in particular, there are many problems with homeland security that must be addressed.

The Port of Houston is the second largest port in the U.S. in terms of shipment weight.  In addition to the Port of Houston, Southeast Texas has three more of the top ten largest ports in the country.  The volume of containers coming into these ports makes them vulnerable to a terrorist attack.  The security of these ports is one of my highest priorities, and we must implement measures that will ensure the screening of cargo that is entering our ports.

In addition, Southeast Texas is home to our nation’s petrochemical industry.  This sector is vital to the economy of our region.  Steps must be taken at the federal level to ensure that the refineries throughout the gulf coast are safe and secure.  We learned from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, that damage to these plants has a profound effect on the nation’s economy.  An attack on one of these refineries would result in a far worse outcome than what we saw with these natural disasters.

Lastly, the problem we experience in Texas regarding border security needs to be addressed with urgency.  As I have in the past, I will work to provide funding for more border patrol agents and technology on our borders, including cameras and aerial surveillance.  I also fully support a physical barrier where it is cost-effective and efficient in hard to patrol areas.

Securing our nation, and the Southeast Texas region is one of my top priorities, and I will work hard to ensure the safety the people of my district and the nation as a whole.