Beginning January 31st, 2008, United States and Canadian citizens over the age of 19 will no longer be able to provide an oral declaration of citizenship when crossing into the U.S. by land or sea. For a list of acceptable documents please visit the United States Customs and Border Protection. Travelers who are unable to provide one of the following documents can expect delays at the border while their citizenship is verified by Customs and Border Protection.

For individuals who need to obtain a passport you may visit the Passport Acceptance Facility Search Page for all Houston passport acceptance offices. Be sure to bring two passport photos, proof of citizenship such as a certified birth certificate, and photo identification such as a driver’s license. If you are renewing your passport, please visit the United States Department of State.

For information on updating or renewing your driver’s license, please visit the Texas Department of Public Safety. Certified birth certificates may now be ordered online.

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During last night's State of the Union address, the President asked Congress to stimulate the economy for the good of the nation. This morning on KTRH radio, Congressman Culberson agreed by saying, "I strongly support tax cuts because they are essential to helping the economy." The Congressman also spoke about the need to secure our borders by expanding a zero tolerance program that has dramatically reduced illegal crossings and crime near Del Rio and Laredo. He said, "The local community strongly supports zero tolerance because it is focused on law enforcement. Our first step is securing the border. Once that is done, we can work on improving the existing visa system."

Finally, the Congressman mentioned that the House should not pass laws that restrict the abilities of our intelligence agencies. He said, "We have got to make sure we are listening to the terrorists. We shouldn’t be worried about the Constitutional rights of terrorists overseas."

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With all the talk of an impending economic slump, the Republican Study Committee introduced, and Congressman Culberson has cosponsored, H.R. 5109, the Economic Growth Act of 2008, to provide some much-needed, incentive-based relief to job creators. The last time our country faced a recession, rebates were helpful to consumers but did little to turn the economy around. History teaches that the best way to preserve jobs and spur economic growth is to ensure that job creators face a lower tax and regulatory burden. Economic stimulus legislation should actually include economic stimulus. H.R. 5109 is designed to provide broad, growth-oriented, permanent incentives for economic activity across all sectors and industries, with immediate and sustained, long-term implications. For more detailed information, click here.

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On February 17, 2009, television stations across the country are required by law to stop transmitting analog television broadcast signals and to broadcast solely in digital. To ensure that no one loses their favorite television programs after February 17, 2009, the government is helping consumers purchase digital-to-analog converter boxes. These boxes will allow your current TV to operate as it always has after the digital transition. Below is a checklist to determine if you need a DTV converter box and should request a coupon.

-Television sets in my home receive television signals using a set top or roof top antenna. Converter box required for all TVs.

-I receive my television through a satellite or cable provider but still have one or more TVs that use an antenna to receive a picture. Converter box required for TVs not connected to cable or satellite.

-I subscribe to cable or satellite television and all the TVs in my household are connected to this service. No converter box necessary.

-I recently purchased a new digital television but still rely on an antenna to receive programming. No converter box necessary.

Available immediately, you can request two (2) $40 coupons for the purchase of a digital-to-analog converter box by going to www.dtv2009.gov or by calling 1-888-DTV-2009. The National Telecommunications Information Administration (NTIA) will send coupons which you can use at participating retailers for purchase of basic digital-to-analog converter boxes. The current cost of these devices is $60.

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Today marks the one year anniversary of the imprisonment of Border Patrol Agents Ignacio Ramos and Jose Compean. Congressman Culberson continues to work aggressively on behalf of the agents by cosponsoring legislation, signing letters, and speaking out during Congressional hearings. In December, Congressman Culberson stated that “the prosecution of Ramos and Compean is an insult to every American that cares about securing our border and enforcing our immigration laws. These agents should be released from prison immediately for the sake of justice and to restore faith in our government.”

Since their imprisonment, Ramoshas been assaulted by fellow inmates and both agents spent the majority of the past year in solitary confinement. Agents Ramos and Compean were sentenced to 11 and 12 years respectively for defending the border and shooting who they thought was an armed drug smuggler. The agents appealed their case to the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, and a ruling from the court is expected shortly. A list of the actions the Congressman has taken on behalf of the agents can be seen here. The Congressman plans to continue working every angle until the agents are freed.

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