The United States is facing an urgent financial crisis that threatens our fiscal and economic stability. Our government is currently borrowing about 50 cents for every dollar we spend. Our debt is the number one threat to our security and our economic recovery. Since the start of the 112^th Congress, I’ve voted to reduce federal spending by $121,628,720,000! Our nation is over $15.9 trillion dollars in debt. I do not want to leave a legacy of debt for the next generation and pledge to continue working to reduce federal spending so that our children and grandchildren can have the bright future that they deserve.

In addition to a Balanced Budget Amendment, I supported a budget alternative that would cut taxes and reduce spending. It is time to let Americans keep more of what they earn and for the government to spend less. We need to trust and empower individual Americans instead of the federal government. By taking these steps, our economy will see the growth and prosperity that have defined America for generations.

The unemployment rate posted its 41st consecutive month at 8.0% or higher in June. While the unemployment rate has declined by 1.8 percentage points since peaking at 10.0% in October 2009, most of the decline is attributable to the decline in labor force participation. We are fortunate in Houston to have a strong economy that has bucked national trends and find ourselves adding jobs to the economy. For those of you in Houston who may be looking for work, I encourage you to take a look at the many private sector companies in Houston that are currently hiring by clicking here.

House Republicans are working to try and improve the economy. We have passed more than 30 bills that would stimulate the economy, however, the Democrat controlled Senate has not considered any of these bills. I urge the Senate and the President to join the House in protecting American jobs and American families.

I have supported the following legislation in the 112th Congress that would help create American jobs and put our fiscal house back in order:

• H.R. 872, Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act of 2011 – passed the House on March 31, 2011.

• H.R. 910, Energy Tax Prevention Act of 2011 – passed the House on April 7, 2011.

• H. J. Res. 37, Net Neutrality – passed the House on April 8, 2011.

• H. Con. Res. 34, House Republican Budget – passed House on April 15, 2011.

• H.R. 1230, Restarting American Offshore Leasing Now Act – passed House on May 5, 2011.

• H.R. 1229, Putting the Gulf of Mexico Back to Work Act – passed House on May 11, 2011.

• H.R. 1231, Reversing President Obama’s Offshore Moratorium Act – passed House on May 12, 2011.

• H.R. 2021, Jobs and Energy Permitting Act of 2011 – passed House on June 22, 2011.

• H.R. 2018, Clean Water Cooperative Federalism Act of 2011 – passed the House on July 13, 2011.

• H.R. 1315, Consumer Financial Protection Safety and Soundness Improvement Act of 2011 – passed House on July 21, 2011.

• H.R. 1938, North American-Made Energy Security Act – passed House on July 26, 2011.