Update from U.S. Senator John Cornyn
Update from U.S. Senator John Cornyn
In recent weeks, as part of the military-wide restructuring plan, the Army announced that it will base an additional 8,800 troops in Texasover the next two years at Fort Hood and Fort Bliss . This is outstanding news for these important facilities and their communities, and a positive sign for our state in the coming BRAC round.As our troops continue to fight around the globe in the war against terror, I encourage you to continue your support of the men and women in uniform who defend our country and their families at home in Texas . And as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I will continue to make the case to the Pentagon that Texas has the space, community support and training conditions necessary to support more troops.
Texas Travel: Homeland Security, Jobs, Health Care
I had the opportunity in the past week to travel throughout Texas during the first part of the Senate's summer adjournment.In particular, I met with more of our first responders at the 75 th Anniversary of the Texas Municipal Fire Training School at Texas A&M University in College Station . The firefighters and police who protect our hometowns need more support than ever, and this will continue to be one of my highest priorities in the Senate. I held a meeting with elected officials and community leaders in El Paso to discuss the coming round of BRAC and the importance of Fort Bliss in defending Texas and America . And in San Angelo I saw how the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Facility works to ensure that Texas and the region are protected from terrorist activity. I was also pleased to highlight the importance of workforce training in Sherman and Lubbock. In Wichita Falls , Abilene and Odessa I focused on making health care more affordable and accessible. And leaders of the agriculture community in Amarillo gathered for a roundtable forum to express their needs and concerns.
9/11 Commission Report
The release of the 9/11 Commission Reportthis month was an important event. While many will use this important report as a basis to score political points, we must all remember that its purpose is not to point fingers, but to help guide the reforms already underway.In the three years since the horrific attacks, this President and this Congress didn't wait for a commission's report before taking action - we've taken the fight to the enemy and the nations that harbor them; passed numerous reforms of our intelligence and law enforcement agencies, including the Patriot Act and the creation of the Department of Homeland Security; created Project BioShield to prevent and respond to Anthrax, Smallpox and other bioterror threats; and tripled funding for homeland security. The Senate has already begun to hold hearings to examine the 9/11 Commission's findings with more scheduled in August, and we will all continue working to ensure that America is safefrom those bent on destroying our way of life.
Defense of Traditional Marriage Continues
In July, the Senate held its first vote on the Federal Marriage Amendment. The amendment would define marriage as between one man and one woman in the U.S. Constitution. Unfortunately, we came up short in votes, but this is an important debate and one that is just beginning. The question before the Senate was simple: Do you believe traditional marriage is important enough that it deserves full legal protection? In 1996, a bipartisan majority of 85 Senators answered "Yes," and joined together to pass the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) . Now, with this nationwide law under threat from the courts and marriage being redefined by activist judges, we must pass an amendment that defends the right of the American people to decide the definition of marriage. The assault on traditional marriage is not going away, and I hope that Congress will act to protect the most fundamental building block of our society.
Combating Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery
The Senate unanimously passed a bipartisan resolution I authored this month, S. Res. 414, urging all states to adopt legislation to combat human traffickingand to ensure the full coordination of local, state and federal efforts.I also chaired a hearingin the Judiciary Committee's Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Property Rights concerning this problem. Most Americans would be shocked to learn that slavery and involuntary servitude continue to persist, not just around the world, but hidden in communities across America .The horrible stories we heard about human suffering should not exist anywhere in the world, and especially not in the United States of America .We must act to fulfill our moral commitment - not just to punish violators of our criminal laws, but to repel an assault on our nation's core beliefs about the fundamental worth and dignity of every human being. I'm currently working with the Department of Justice and other government agencies to establish anti-trafficking task forces in Texas .
Jobs and Economic Growth
There was more encouraging news about the economic growth in Texas over the past month.The unemployment rate in our state fell slightly to 5.7 percent, with more than 3,300 new jobs created.In all, this year has seen more than 74,100 jobs created in Texas alone.These are all good signs, and we need to continue working to keep America and Texas the most free market-friendly places on the planet.
Come See Me
If you're traveling to Washington for business or pleasure, I would greatly appreciate the chance to say hello while you're here. I have an open house in my office, Hart Senate Office Building , Room 625, from 9:00 to 9:30 AM every Tuesday while Congress is in session, so I can greet and talk with Texans who are here. Please call Denise Pleasant in my office at (202) 224-2934 to let me know you'll be coming.
Best regards,
Senator John Cornyn