Newsletter - The Hill Report: Week of September 14 - 18, 2015

Statement

As a father, I have always strongly believed that every effort should be made to protect and honor the sanctity of all human life. The horrific Planned Parenthood videos released this summer pulled back a curtain that abortion advocates have tried so hard to keep closed that exposes how horrifying these practices can be. It is more important than ever to put an end to the cruelty and barbarism described in detail in these videos. Today I proudly joined my colleagues in the House of Representatives in passing two vital pieces of legislation that protect innocent American lives, H.R. 3134, the Defund Planned Parenthood Act of 2015 and H.R. 3504, the Born Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act.

Fighting Lawsuit Abuse
This week the House of Representatives also voted on H.R. 758, the Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act. For far too long trial lawyers have exploited legal loopholes that allow them to take advantage of innocent victims. This bill would close those loopholes so that trial lawyers are discouraged from filing frivolous lawsuits that burden Americans and small business owners who have done no harm with onerous legal costs. I proudly supported this legislation to ensure that there are mandatory penalties for those who file lawsuits with baseless claims and to fully compensate victims of frivolous lawsuits in federal courts.

Meetings with Texans
Texas Instruments
On Wednesday I was delighted to meet Richard Templeton, CEO of Texas Instruments. Based in the heart of the 32nd Congressional District, T.I. entered the semiconductor business in the late 1950's and today is the third largest manufacturer of semiconductors worldwide with more than 13,000 employees based in the United States. As semiconductor products account for approximately 95% of T.I.'s business, it remains vitally important that Congress is aware of the issues that the industry faces. In my role as co-chair of the Congressional Semiconductor Caucus, I am proud fight on behalf of North Texas businesses to promote this critical American industry.

Employee-Owned S Corporations of America
Friday morning I met with small business owners from Texas who represent the Employee-Owned S Corporations of America. In our meeting I received an update on how Texas-based employee-owned companies benefit our state through promoting retirement security, generating positive economic activity, and creating good jobs. The benefits of ESOPs are particularly important given Congress' task of addressing the difficulties plaguing the U.S. economy, working Americans, and their families. I am proud to support these small businesses and look forward to working with my colleagues to preserve and expand employee ownership in S corporations to provide the benefits of this structure to more working Americans.

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