Legislative Issues

Thank you for visiting my web page and your interest in the current legislative issues before Congress. I am dedicated to ensuring I represent your interests in Washington. Please click on the following links to learn more on my position on critical legislation I am working on to improve the lives of the residents of the 19th District and the United States.

 

Agriculture
Federal agriculture policy is very important to the domestic food and fiber supply we enjoy in this country.  The risk mitigation and financial security policies in place for our farmers enable the United States to maintain an adequate and affordable food and fiber supply, year after year, even when mother nature deals blows to our producers.  I believe it is in the interest of this country to continue ensuring the United States has a stable supply of domestic food and fiber.

American Job Creators
“American Job Creators” encourages small business owners to express their opinions to lawmakers concerning federal rules and regulations, and how their companies have been affected by the overreaching arm of the federal government.

Appropriations Requests
I want Congress to get serious about fiscal discipline and accountability. The people of the 19th District demand it.  Everyday families and small businesses across this nation make sacrifices and hard decisions about spending. The time is long past for Congress to do the same.

Education
I support greater accountability for both teachers and schools to ensure that each student is learning and encourage parents to take an active role in their children’s education. Teachers serve a vital role in developing the future leaders of our country, and schools must be given the opportunity to attract and retain top talent.

Energy
America must lead the way in developing and utilizing new sources of clean, safe, and reliable energy while producing existing sources more efficiently.  While I am extremely supportive of our renewable energy resources, especially West Texas wind, the reality is we are not yet at a place where we should be saying “no” to any particular sources of energy.

Family Values
It is important that our laws and government respect human life. I believe the sanctity of human life must be honored and the rights of the unborn need to be protected from the point of conception.  I will continue to work closely with fellow members of the bipartisan Pro-Life Caucus to ensure that abortion is not supported by federal funds and that the rights of the unborn are protected.

Financial Services
One of my highest priorities in Congress has been to ensure that your hard earned tax dollars are not being misspent.  It is why I voted against TARP, and why I have worked to identify and eliminate wasteful spending. As Chairman of the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee on the Financial Services Committee, I have played a leading role in overseeing our financial markets.  One of my highest priorities in Congress has been to ensure that your hard earned tax dollars are not being misspent.

Health Care
I believe improvements can be made to the current health care system that would help contain costs while maintaining access to quality health care. I also agree with my colleagues who say the rising cost of health care is a serious threat to the long-term competitiveness of our country. I will continue to advocate for common sense reforms that increase competition and transparency in the industry to lower costs of health care.

Immigration and Border Security
I support strong policies that plug the holes in our porous borders, make it tougher to obtain and use false identification documents, and take common sense steps to prevent terrorists from operating inside America. As a border state, Texas is frequently confronted with challenges stemming from our southern border. I support an immigration policy that grants citizenship to those who followed the law and denies citizenship to those who have broken the law.

National Security
Our national security is one of the most important issues facing our nation. I am committed to the brave men and women who risk their lives to defend freedom, and will continue to work to make certain that they receive benefits which they have earned through their service.

Small Business
I was a small businessman in Lubbock for many years before coming to Congress, so I understand the needs and concerns of the small business community. I believe small businesses, if allowed, will lead the economic recovery in this country through job creation. The role of the government should be to cultivate an environment for small business where innovation and creativity is their top concern.

Social Security
There is no simple solution to solving the financial problems facing the Social Security Program, and the solution will have to be broad and bipartisan. I am a strong proponent of the need to reform Social Security in a way that respects the needs of seniors who depend on the Social Security program for their benefits while at the same time strengthening the program for future retirees.

Transportation
Transportation systems have long been the vital, life-sustaining arteries of commerce and economic activity of great nations. I believe we must work together in a bipartisan basis with our state and local partners to set responsible priorities to enhance Texas roadways and make efficient use of limited transportation dollars.

U.S. Debt
With a national debt over $15 trillion, the federal government must find a way to cut spending. We cannot continue down this path and let future generations get stuck with the bill. Congress as a whole must take responsibility, show fiscal restraint and control the debt we have accumulated.

Veterans
Because I believe that serving our country in uniform is an extremely noble undertaking, I am committed to working hard for the veterans in the 19th District of Texas. We must keep the promises we have made to our nation's veterans.

Voting Record
Click here to view my recent voting record and a list of legislation I have sponsored and cosponsored.

 

As always, if you have any additional questions or would like more information on a specific issue, please do not hesitate to call my offices in Texas, toll free at (888) 763-1611, or my Washington, D.C. office at (202) 225-4005.