Newsletter - The Hill Report: Week of July 20 - 24, 2015

Statement

This week I had the opportunity to meet with North Texans in Washington and learn more about what they feel are the most important issues facing our community and nation as a whole. Some of the issues that we discussed involved protecting our nation's rule of law and the importance of reducing federal government overreach -- which were both addressed in legislation that the House passed this week.

Upholding our Rule of Law and Reducing Regulatory Burdens
Enforce the Law for Sanctuary Cities Act of 2015
Texans and the American people are frustrated with government officials who blatantly disregard our nation's laws. From President Obama to mayors in cities across our country, elected officials are actively choosing to ignore immigration laws, and the leaving the American people are left to shoulder the burden. Policies like executive amnesty and sanctuary cities encourage illegal immigration, and they must end.

The Obama Administration's policies have made it easier for rogue local governments to defy federal immigration laws, which is why I proudly supported H.R. 3009, the Enforce the Law for Sanctuary Cities Act of 2015. This legislation encourages local governments to respect the rule of law as written by cutting off specific federal grants for sanctuary cities that defy immigration law. I believe that cities should not receive grants or funds from the federal government if they choose to ignore the requirements of federal law.

Improving Coal Combustion Residuals Regulation Act of 2015
I have always been a strong proponent of getting government out of the way and supporting a free enterprise system that spurs the economy through private sector job creation. Egregious government agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have placed enacted onerous regulations that have harmed job creation across the country. On Wednesday, the House passed H.R. 1734, the Improving Coal Combustion Residuals Regulation Act of 2015 that streamlines regulations and protects more than 300,000 American jobs. I proudly supported this legislation to reign in the EPA and create much needed job certainty for Americans across the country.

Welcoming Texans to the Capitol

Texas National Guard
Thursday morning I was pleased to meet with the next generation of Texas National Guard leaders, young men and women who put their lives at risk to protect American freedoms at home and abroad. We had a robust discussion about the relationship between Congress and the National Guard and how we can best assist them as they transition from tactical to strategic leaders. I look forward to watching these men and women continue to succeed as they continue their selfless service protecting our great nation.

Texas Leadership Forum
This week I was delighted to welcome bright, young North Texas students to Washington D.C. who were participating in the Texas Leadership Program (TLF). TLF gives select students from the Dallas area a unique perspective of leadership, business, community involvement, and the federal government throughout the year and the ends with a conference in Washington, D.C. I always enjoy meeting with these students each year and learning more about their goals and aspirations as they continue to develop as leaders.

Source