Blog: The Hill Report: Week of August 26 -- 30, 2013

Statement

This week, I had several constituent meetings in North Texas to discuss the current direction of our country and the challenges facing the people of our community and state. I always appreciate the opportunity to share my views with the individuals that I meet and greatly benefit from hearing the opinions and ideas of my constituents.

Dallas Entrepreneur Center

One of my top priorities in Congress is to promote policies that will get government out of the way so that entrepreneurs have the opportunity to succeed and create jobs. Now more than ever, we must encourage a business-friendly environment for our entrepreneurs and small businesses. To see innovative thinking and entrepreneurship firsthand, I was pleased to visit the Dallas Entrepreneurial Center (DEC).

The DEC provides support for Dallas area job creators of the 21st century -- individuals with the entrepreneurial spirit who take an idea and grow it into a viable business. House Republicans have common-sense solutions to assist these entrepreneurs, such as updating our complex tax code and reining in burdensome government regulations. To learn more about my visit to the DEC, view this Dallas Morning News story: http://bizbeatblog.dallasnews.com/2013/08/washington-goes-to-the-dallas-entrepreneur-center.html/.

MetroTex Association of Realtors

On Wednesday, I held an employee town hall meeting with the MetroTex Association of Realtors, which represents the entire North Texas region. We discussed the fiscal problems facing our country, ObamaCare, and other issues brought up by those in attendance. I addressed the impact of ObamaCare on American jobs and health insurance coverage, as well as the enormous cost burden the health care law will place on taxpayers, families, and employers. For example, Delta Airlines recently announced that ObamaCare will cost its company $100 million in increased health care premiums, which will lead to fewer jobs and higher air fare for North Texans.

I also discussed with the group the recent struggles with implementation, including the potential delays in exchanges, the one year delay of the employer mandate, and several missed deadlines on key parts of the law. I will continue to fight with my colleagues to fully repeal and replace ObamaCare to make life better for North Texans.

Richardson East Rotary Club

Also this week, I was pleased to visit with constituents in Richardson at the Richardson East Rotary Club meeting. The primary topic of our discussion was about the upcoming fiscal debates that we will be having in Washington, including the debt ceiling and the continuing resolution (CR). I discussed House Republicans' success in reducing government spending since gaining the Majority and how I will continue to fight to cut wasteful spending.

Ongoing Situation in Syria

As your Congressman, I am closely monitoring the ongoing situation in Syria. I strongly urge President Obama to continue to consult with Congress and the American people before making a decision on how the US should move forward, and will continue to keep you updated.

Source