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Op-Eds

A Climate of Change: Greening America and the Economy Together

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On Tuesday, April 22, the country is celebrating the 38th Earth Day. While Earth Day brings focus to the key challenges facing us in preserving our planet, it is also an opportune time to explore the many ways to uplift our individual living costs by taking part in preservation efforts. Collectively, the minor, conscientious changes we make to minimize our carbon footprint will not only…

A Much Needed Boost for the Economy

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In a couple of months, many Americans will be relieved to find a much-needed check in their mailboxes compliments of the U.S. federal government.  This rebate comes when most Americans are facing severe financial troubles. Family incomes and home prices are down while health care, energy, food, education costs, and mortgage foreclosures have climbed. The hardworking people of America…

TEXAS SPACE GRANT CONSORTIUM DEADLINES APPROACHING

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As I continue to advocate quality education in the 28th Congressional District, I take this opportunity to inform students and educators about the fast-approaching deadlines for scholarships and fellowships offered by the Texas Space Grant Consortium (TSGC). TSGC brings universities, government agencies, industries and non-profit organizations in Texas together to make the benefits of…

A Healthy Heart: Debunking the Myths of Heart Disease

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Every year since 1963, Congress has required the President of the United States to declare February American Heart Month. In spirit of promoting healthy hearts, I join many in reaffirming my commitment this month to help raise awareness of heart disease and to offer simple preventative measures each of us can practice. Heart disease continues to be America’s number one killer,…

The Merida Initiative

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As a life-long resident of Laredo, Texas, a city with the population of about 200,000 that borders the Mexican city of Nuevo Laredo, I grew up understanding the economic impact of a healthy relationship between the United States and our southern border neighbor, Mexico. The billions of dollars that are brought into the United States from trade and tourism is money the United States and…

Responding to the Subprime Mortgage Crisis

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The subprime mortgage crisis is an issue that weighs heavy on the minds of lawmakers, lenders, and the American public. Federal Reserve Chairman, Ben Bernanke, estimates that 2.3 million subprime mortgages will reset at higher rates through the end of next year, and an estimated 1-2 million borrowers will be unable to avoid foreclosure. As the threat of foreclosure is quickly…

Approaches to Securing Our Southern Borders

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Washington, DC- As the Chairman of Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and Response, I accept the challenge of participating in legislative policies that govern our nation’s border security. I know there are many issues facing our country, but there is nothing more important than making sure that all Americans feel a sense of security in this country.…

Expanding Access to Capital for Business Owners

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Washington, DC- As a member of the House Committee on Small Business, I am pleased to help create and shape the legislative policies that govern the Small Business Administration (SBA). The private business sector in the United States is composed of businesses of all shapes, sizes, and models. Easy access to capital is often a problem for many business concerns, and it is for this reason…

Rural Broadband Access

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In America, we pride ourselves on being competitive and leading the world in every endeavor we undertake.  As technology continues to progress, it is vital that America and Texas not only keep pace but lead the way in technological advancement and access.  Right now, America ranks 21st in the world at providing digital opportunities to the public.  Moreover, 76 percent of…

Managing Wild Horse Populations

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Wild horses are part of American culture that has been celebrated for hundreds of years.  Wild horses are also part of our Texas heritage. Managing populations of wild horses and burros is critical to the effective stewardship of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands.  BLM’s multiple-use mission is to sustain the health and productivity of the public lands for the use and…