Newsletter - The Hill Report: Week of September 28 - October 2, 2015

Statement

This week Congress was once again faced with the task of passing a short term resolution to keep our government running. This vote was yet another reminder that the House must return to regular order so we can do the job that the American people sent us to do.

While I believe it is critical that we fund the government, I could not support this stop-gap measure because it did not put an end to taxpayer funding for Planned Parenthood. Since the horrific Planned Parenthood videos came to light this summer, I have heard from North Texans and shared in their disgust with this organization's alleged behavior. As a father and a fierce defender of all precious, I believe it is critical that we put an end to these gruesome practices.

Legislative Update
Fighting to Protect Life
On Thursday I proudly supported the passage of H.R. 3495, the Women's Public Health and Safety Act. This legislation empowers states to choose to withhold Medicaid funds from flowing to abortion provider. In Texas, we have seen great success since our 2011 decision to exclude abortion providers form the Medicaid Women's Health Program, including a consistent decline in pregnancy rates since that same year. I believe that we must make every effort to protect and honor the sanctity of life and this bill gives the states the flexibility they need to do just that.

Providing Resources for the Bravest Among Us
This week the House passed the FY 2015 National Defense Authorization Act conference report, which will authorize critical funding to America's military. This bill provides the resources necessary for a strong national defense in a fiscally responsible way. Our servicemen and women bravely put their lives on the line to protect our great nation and I was proud to support this legislation to ensure they have the tools and resources they need.

Holding Iran Accountable
Since the so-called Iran nuclear deal was unveiled, I have expressed my opposition to this disastrous deal. I believe it is a dangerous mistake to reward the largest state sponsor of terrorism with billions of dollars in sanctions relief, especially when they owe $43.5 billion in damages to victims in the United States. It is unfathomable that President Obama would take steps to pump money into Iran's economy before innocent Americans have received what they are owed from Iran. H.R. 3457, the Justice for Victims of Iranian Terrorism Act, stops sanctions from being lifted against Iran until they have paid every cent of these damages. I believe this legislation is an important step toward reversing the dangerous course that this Administration has put on and that is why I proudly supported this piece of legislation.

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