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• Denver City Schools Teach Students Valuable Skills

  On September 28th, I toured the career and technology centers at Denver City High School in Denver City, TX.  These state-of-the-art facilities focus on industrial arts and agriculture, and provide high school students with opportunities to learn real-world skills that could qualify them for jobs immediately out of high school. I was impressed to see the work that these students have done. Attending a vocational school, or participating in trade classes in high school, is an excellent way to further education.

  Higher education in all its forms has become the cornerstone of the American dream, and should be supported and pursued.  I fully support vocational schools, community colleges, trade schools and career colleges. They equip students with the tools they need to be successful in their line of work and, in many cases, go on to start their own companies. These small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy, and the federal government should focus on promoting their growth.  I will continue to support legislation that makes it easier for students with trade skills to be successful in the future, whatever their endeavors may be.

   

  

   

  

   

  

  
  

• National POW/MIA Recognition Day

  Today the United States honors and remembers former and active members of the military who have been prisoners of war or are missing in action. No words can express our heartfelt appreciation to these men and women who have suffered tremendously for the sake of our country. The sacrifices made by prisoners of war and those missing in action will never be forgotten.

  I am honored to serve in Congress with Representative Sam Johnson (R-TX), who was a POW in the Vietnam War for seven years, 42 months of which he spent in solitary confinement, and Senator John McCain (R-AZ), a POW for five and a half years during the Vietnam War. He suffered many injuries from his time in a Vietnamese prison camp.

  Every soldier that is captured or missing is another reminder that freedom is never free, and the price is often dearly paid by young men and women who endure for their fellow Americans. May God bless them and their families, and may we never forget them as we enjoy life and liberty in the greatest country on earth.

  

• Deadline Approaching to Apply for Military Academy Nominations!

  As a Member of Congress, I am proud to nominate outstanding young candidates from the 19th District of Texas for four U.S. service academies: the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. These institutions prepare college-age Americans to be officers of the United States uniformed services.

  An excellent education at one of our service academies will broaden the horizons of any young American, and open the doors to many rewarding opportunities.

  For high school seniors, the deadline to apply is November 15th. If you or someone you know may be interested in attending one of these services academies, I encourage you to contact Mary Whistler in my Lubbock office at (806) 763-1611 to learn about the options available to you.

  Click here to learn more about each academy and read the application.

• U.S. National Debt Reaches $16 Trillion

  Today, the U.S. Treasury announced that our national debt has reached $16 trillion. The U.S. debt has risen by more than 50% since Obama’s inauguration, from $10.6 trillion to $16 trillion. This debt is unsustainable; it’s that simple.
  
  Big government isn’t solving our problems.  Despite adding $5.4 trillion to our debt, we’re still struggling with high unemployment and stagnant economic growth.  But the real tragedy of accumulating $16 trillion in debt is that we’re saddling our children and grandchildren with a bill they may never be able to repay.   We’re mortgaging their future.
  
  That’s why I voted for Congressman Ryan’s budget, which dramatically cuts government spending and focuses on empowering Americans who work hard and play by the rules. Unfortunately, while the House has taken action, the Senate continues to sit on its hands, and the burden for future generations of Americans continues to climb.
  
  We have to stop spending money we do not have, and the Senate must help us begin that process.  It’s time for Senate Democrats to pass a budget that shrinks the size of government and doesn’t put the future of the American dream in jeopardy. I will continue to vote to rein in government spending, and I hope you’ll join me in my effort to reduce our debt and take back our future.

  

• House Passes Two Bills to Help Veterans and Support Their Families

  Last night on the House Floor, I was proud to support two bills that help Veterans and support their families: H.R. 4155, the Veterans Skills to Jobs Act, and H.R. 4114, the Veterans Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act.

  The Veterans Skills to Jobs Act would cut through red tape, streamlining the federal certification process for qualified veterans to help them find civilian jobs. Not one member voted against this bill, and it passed on the House Floor by a vote of 369-0.

  H.R. 4114, the Veterans Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act, would increase disability compensation to veterans, which will provide some much-needed relief for veterans struggling to make ends meet as a direct result of their disabilities from military service. This would take effect on December 1, 2012. This bill passed on the House Floor by a voice vote.

  Meeting the needs of our nation’s veterans will continue to be a major focus and priority of mine in Congress. I strongly believe that we must keep the promises we have made to our nation’s veterans. May we never forget or take for granted what each and every veteran has sacrificed.

  

• Eliminating an Unnecessary Regulation for Small Banks and ATM Operators

  Today, the House Committee on Financial Services is expected to consider H.R. 4367, a bill to limit the fee disclosure requirement for automatic teller machines (ATMs).

  Current law requires bank ATMs to display an electronic notice on its screen and a physical sticker notice on the ATM machine telling the customer how much he or she will be charged to use it. Unfortunately, many individuals are removing or defacing the ATM’s physical fee notice placard and then suing the ATM operator for improper notification.

  This bill eliminates the requirement for the physical sticker, and therefore the liability for small banks and other smaller ATM operators. The electronic notices will still provide very clear information about ATM fees for customers. As the electronic notices on ATMs have become more robust and noticeable, this one and a half page bill is simply common sense, and offers to eliminate one more unnecessary regulation from the federal government.

  I am a cosponsor of this bill, and I look forward to supporting it in the Financial Services Committee this afternoon.

  Click here to learn more about this legislation.

• Flag Day

  “A thoughtful mind, when it sees a nation’s flag, sees not the flag only, but the nation itself; and whatever may be its symbols, its insignia, he reads chiefly in the flag the government, the principles, the truths, the history which belongs to the nation that sets it forth.”  
  --Henry Ward Beecher

  Today is Flag Day, a day to honor and commemorate the adaptation of the United States flag. The American flag is the universal symbol of freedom, democracy and hope. I encourage you to take time today to reflect on this powerful symbol and the freedom it represents. Now more than ever, we must remember America’s great and complex history, and reflect on what our country means to all who live here, and to people across the world.

  Many of us fly our flag in support of our nation and the troops that fight to protect us all. Today and every day, I am praying for all the brave men and women who are fighting, and those who have paid the ultimate price, to protect America’s freedom.

  As a Member of Congress, I am able to arrange for an American flag to be flown over the United States Capitol for those who live in the 19th District of Texas. Flags may be flown on any day of the year and for special occasions such as a birthday, a retirement, an Eagle Scout award and many others. Please visit my website to learn how to order a U.S. Flag from my office.

  And to learn more on flag protocol, such as properly flying the flag or disposing of a worn flag, please click here.
   

• Science Hearing on EPA's Impact on Jobs and Energy Affordability

  Today, the House Science Committee’s Energy and Environment Subcommittee held a hearing to examine the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) impact on jobs and energy affordability. We evaluated the costs and benefits of federal environmental regulations, as well as the science behind EPA’s justifications. The Obama Administration continues to place greater burdens on individuals and small businesses, resulting in higher energy costs for consumers while offering questionable environmental benefits. Read more from the hearing memo by clicking here.

  EPA’s regulatory onslaught is stifling energy production throughout the United States and making it more difficult for hard-working Americans to find jobs.

  House Republicans have a solution to this problem: reduce the number of regulations coming out of government agencies like the EPA. As a former small business owner in Lubbock, I know the impact of unnecessary red tape from the federal government and how it hinders effective work. Small businesses, communities and individuals must have the freedom and ability to contribute to a growing economy. I am opposed to any legislation that places greater regulatory burdens on the backs of West Texans, and I look forward to continuing to shed more light on the harmful effects that the EPA’s actions have had on jobs, energy and families in our country.

• Bipartisan Legislation Reaffirms Commitment to Israel's Security

  Today, the House of Representatives passed the United States-Israel Enhanced Security Cooperation Act of 2012, a bill which I co-sponsored.  This legislation comes at a critical time: our partnership with Israel is more valuable now than ever with political instability in the Middle East and ongoing efforts to prevent Iran from developing nuclear capabilities.

  H.R. 4133 is bipartisan legislation that reaffirms our nation’s commitment to Israel’s security, and ensures that Israel maintains the ability to defend itself from threats.  I’m also a co-sponsor of H.Res. 568, which urges the President to reaffirm our opposition to a nuclear Iran and oppose any policy that relies only on containment to control that threat.  The U.S. and Israel share a mutual commitment to democracy, freedom, and security, and by pledging our support to Israel, we pledge our support to these important values.

  

• National Day of Prayer

  “Today our nation is at peace and is enjoying prosperity; but our need for prayer is even greater…We are all God’s handiwork, and it is appropriate for us as individuals and as a nation to call on Him in prayer.”

  -Ronald Reagan
  National Day of Prayer Proclamation
  January 29, 1985

  Today, May 3rd, is the National Day of Prayer. Prayer has been a part of American culture for longer than we have been a nation. George Washington is believed to have fallen on his knees at Valley Forge to pray for his troops and his country. President Reagan strongly believed in the power of prayer and religion. I share that belief and continually pray for our country, our leaders, our troops, and the citizens of Texas that I so proudly represent.

  Being aware of God’s work every day through prayer is part of why I believe we are so blessed in America. We face difficult times, but prayer has a role to play in how we address our challenges. Whether we pray to give thanks for the abundant blessings in our lives, to reflect on the military men and women who have sacrificed for our liberty, or to simply enjoy peace in the presence of God, active prayer has the ability to move mountains. Today, I encourage all Americans to be silent for a few moments, thank the Lord for our blessings of freedom and democracy, and pray for the continued strength of our nation.

  

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