Newsletter - The Hill Report: Week of July 13 - 17, 2015

Statement

In light of yesterday's tragic shooting, I met with the following members who signed onto this letter advocating a policy change to allow our soldiers who so valiantly serve and protect us abroad to have the capability to protect themselves at home as well. This attack highlights the growing threat of domestic terrorist attacks from what appears to be ISIS-inspired individuals on our military personnel. We must take swift action to allow our service men and women to protect themselves from increasing attacks. I would like to extend my sincere condolences to the family and friends of the four brave marines who were killed yesterday at the military service center in Chattanooga and I sincerely hope that we can prevent future tragedies by ensuring our soldiers are able to protect and defend themselves.

Iran Nuclear Deal
I have been skeptical of President Obama's negotiations with Iran from the outset, and this week's agreement proves that the Administration was more committed to getting any deal than they were to getting a deal that is good for the American people. I cannot support an agreement that puts our allies at risk, encourages the continued spread of terrorism, and puts the Middle East on the path towards a nuclear arms race. I will adamantly fight against this deal and any other "deal" that leads to Iran acquiring more conventional and unconventional weapons.

Legislation Passed in the House

Highway and Transportation Funding Act of 2015
On Wednesday the House of Representatives passed H.R. 3038, the Highway and Transportation Funding Act of 2015. I believe it is critical that we modernize and strengthen our roads, bridges, and highways to create jobs and bolster our economy. I proudly voted for this short term extension to ensure that the construction that is already in progress continues as we work towards a long term strategy that strengthens our nation's highways and public transportation programs but is also paid for in its entirety.

Providing Drought Relief to Western States
In Texas, we have been blessed with a steady amount of rain for the past couple of months. However, prior to this, drought plagued Texas as well as states across the Western United States, mainly California. This drought has had a severe impact on America's food supply, economy, and environment, which has been made worse because of bureaucratic policies based on outdated science. Our water resources have been severely mismanaged, which is why I voted for H.R. 2898, the Western Water and American Food Security Act of 2015. I am pleased that the House passed this bill in order to cut through this unnecessary red tape and provide relief to these communities.

Meetings with Texans

Wendy's
On Wednesday I was delighted to meet with small business owners who operate Wendy's fast food restaurants as a part of the quick service restaurant industry. We discussed a number of important initiatives including long-term tax reform and protecting small businesses from burdensome over-regulation. With 13 Wendy's, and thousands of quick service restaurants in the 32nd Congressional District of Texas it is vitally important to ensure these job creating engines have the certainty they need to invest, grow, and ultimately put more Americans back to work.

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
Tuesday morning I had the pleasure of meeting with two young North Texans representing the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Both girls were diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at a young age and have been actively advocating for this important cause to raise awareness and find a long term cure to diabetes. I wholeheartedly support their efforts and applaud their enthusiasm and dedication to this critical issue.

National Youth Leadership Conference
In Scouting, we learn about responsibility, duty, and aligning your actions to follow a moral code. From my days as a young Scout, to my days as a Congressman, I have always strived to practice the values that I have learned through Scouting. That is why I was delighted to speak to Scouts from across the country during their Youth Leadership Conference about the values that I hold near and dear to my heart. I have no doubt that they will continue to grow and excel in scouting and serve their communities honorably.

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