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… Read more »

As the 109th Congress comes to an end, I can’t help but think of the progress we have made during these past two years. I have supported legislation and introduced amendments that are beneficial to all. We have been able to assist many communities, including schools, police departments, and the agricultural sector. I have also shown my commitment to our veterans, seniors, and students by… Read more »

As the holiday season approaches, I think about what a joyous time of year it is. As a husband and father, I am reminded of the great memories I have with my family and friends, and the love and sense of communion that holds us together.  But let us not forget what makes this time such a special one: giving thanks. One of the most important actions we must partake in is the one of… Read more »

After battling for months with inaccurate and confusing enrollment information surrounding the Medicare Prescription Drug program, the House Ways and Means Committee is now reporting that 522,856 seniors and disabled workers in Texas--  86% of newly enrolled Medicare Part D beneficiaries -- are now at risk of falling into the “donut-hole.” The “donut hole” is a flaw in the plan that… Read more »

America’s diversity has always been one of our nation’s greatest strengths, and Hispanic-Americans have long played an integral role in America’s rich culture, proud heritage, and the building of this great nation. September 15 through October 15 marks Hispanic Heritage Month, an opportunity to recognize the Hispanic community for the many contributions they continue to make to our great… Read more »

For the past few months, Texas has endured what some experts have deemed the worst natural disaster in this century: severe drought. American farmers and their families are now facing a tough struggle. The devastating drought and historical heat wave have left the Lone Star State parched and have caused billions of dollars in damage and profit loss to the agricultural sector. The impact… Read more »

Today, hard-working families are struggling more than ever to afford the rising costs of basic necessities such as gas, health care, and education. Gas prices have climbed to over $3 a gallon. The average American family now pays $1,200 more than last year for health insurance, and students are encountering more financial roadblocks to their college education than ever before. Despite… Read more »

Today, almost 21 million children and adults in the United States have diabetes. In South Texas, especially among Hispanics, diabetes is an urgent health problem threatening the health of nearly 10% of Hispanic Americans aged 20 years and older and their families. Of the millions of persons affected, less than one third know that they have the disease. We need to have more diabetes… Read more »

Every day hundreds of families in South Texas go hungry or don’t know how or where they will get their next meal. Many are hard-working families who have difficulty making ends meet or have fallen on hard times. Those who suffer most from hunger are the children and the elderly, the most vulnerable members of our communities. A recently released study conducted for the San Antonio Food… Read more »

With the rise in gasoline prices, most Americans are now paying even closer attention to escalating energy prices, but there is one group of Americans that has been especially affected by the negative effects of rising energy costs. Every morning across our nation thousands of farmers and ranchers fuel up and head out to tend their livelihoods, and our nation’s growing dependence on… Read more »