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 deserve better... Read more »
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 space resear... Read more »
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, claiming over 500,00... Read more »
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 border citi... Read more »
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 materializing for man... Read more »
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. My duty,... Read more »
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 that the ... Read more »
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 small businesses in rural a... Read more »
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 enjoyment of present and fu... Read more »
Small businesses create 75 percent of all new employment opportunities and make up 99 percent of all employers. They account for nearly half of all sales revenues nationwide. Given the vast scope of the small business sector, improvements in it have ramifications throughout the State of Texas and across the nation. There is an avenue to improvement: the federal procurement market, as it holds the ... Read more »
