• Holidays and the Economy
    Dec 16, 2002  - The holidays are a joyous season – a time when we visit with family members and friends. This time of year brings many familiar activities, such as sending greeting cards, decorating our homes and businesses, and shopping for the perfect gift. The subject of shopping brings up another annual topic: ... More
  • Bias in the Media
    Dec 9, 2002  - A republic is strong when its citizens have freedom of expression. This is important for individuals and for media. When the voice of an independent media is absent, liberty suffers. Knowledge is power. Thankfully, the Bill of Rights guarantees us freedom of the press and freedom of speech. American... More
  • Intellectual Property in the Digital Age
    Dec 2, 2002  - Intellectual property rights are a hot topic these days. From the high-profile case against Napster and Kazza about the illegal downloading of copyright protected work, to other battles between the record companies, movie studios, and technology companies, Congress soon will debate the issue of inte... More
  • 107th Congress Finishes Strong
    Nov 25, 2002  - The 107th Congress adjourned this past week. In the final few days several bills related to our war against terrorism were sent to President Bush for his signature.The most important among these bills is the Homeland Security Act. It establishes a new Department of Homeland Security whose primary mi... More
  • Peering into Space
    Nov 18, 2002  - There is much we already know about the Universe. We’ve identified stars, black holes, galaxies, comets and more. But for all our knowledge, it’s what we don’t know that drives our ceaseless fascination with outer space. The Texas sky is filled with stars. In fact, there are 6,000 stars visible to t... More
  • Smith Votes to Create Department of Homeland Security
    Nov 13, 2002  - Congressman Lamar Smith, Chairman of the Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security Subcommittee, voted today to create a new Department of Homeland Security. H.R. 5710, the Homeland Security Act, improves the federal government’s ability to protect the nation from terrorist attacks. The bill also inclu... More
  • House Approves Cyber Security Legislation
    Nov 12, 2002  - The House of Representatives today approved legislation to strengthen America’s cyber security. H.R. 3394, the Cyber Security Research and Development Act, co-authored by Congressman Lamar Smith, passed the House by voice vote. The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) qualifies for funding unde... More
  • Election Day Brings Resounding Victory
    Nov 11, 2002  - Americans are blessed with a privilege and a responsibility to select, by secret ballot, those who represent us in government. The founders of our country knew that if our fledgling republic were to survive, it would require civic participation. Our leaders are neither hereditary heirs nor aristocra... More
  • Smith Announces Hunt VFD Grant
    Nov 8, 2002  - Congressman Lamar Smith has announced that the Hunt Volunteer Fire Department has been awarded a grant for $116,140 through the federal Assistance to Firefighters Program.“The Hunt Volunteer Fire Department has an immense responsibility in serving much of west Kerr County,” Smith said. “This federal... More
  • Veterans Day Honors Defenders of Freedom
    Nov 8, 2002  - Congressman Lamar Smith issued the following statement in observance of Veterans Day:“Service to one`s country is noble. And no one exemplifies patriotic service better than our veterans. “I’m honored to represent veterans who have defended our nation and pledge to keep their concerns at the forefro... More