Blog: The Hill Report: Week of September 9 - 13, 2013

Statement

This week in Washington, President Obama addressed the nation regarding the ongoing situation in Syria and once again presented the case for his desire to move forward with a military strike. However, he asked Congress to postpone an authorization vote to give diplomats a chance to pursue the Russian initiative.

As I said in last week's newsletter, I attended a classified briefing for Members of Congress that reviewed both Assad's chemical weapons attack and the Administration's proposed military response. I have also been closely monitoring the unfolding situation in Syria and the robust debate on Capitol Hill. I believe that the Administration has been incapable of proving to the American people that it has a clear goal in Syria that can be achieved through its current military strategy.

Of those of you who responded to the survey last week that had decided where you stood on this issue, 89% oppose the President's plan for military action. Like most of you, I also do not believe the current plan is in the best interests of the American people and our national security. For these reasons, I am against the Administration's current proposal for American intervention in the Syria and, if it were to come to a vote on the House floor, plan to vote against the president's request for congressional authorization.

House Vote to Prevent ObamaCare Fraud

The Obama Administration recently released over 600 pages of new rules and regulations related to the President's health care law. Inside that flood of information was an announcement that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will delay the verification of the eligibility requirements for individuals who receive insurance subsidies. This irresponsible approach -- which relies exclusively on an "honor system" with inadequate oversight -- could result in the government handing out fraudulent payments at the expense of hardworking taxpayers.

In an effort to hold the Administration accountable and prevent rampant fraud and abuse, House Republicans approved the No Subsidies without Verification Act of 2013, legislation to require verification for individuals who claim to be eligible for subsidies. I'm pleased that the House moved forward on this responsible bill to protect North Texas from another reckless piece of ObamaCare.

Constituent Meetings

This week I was delighted to meet with several constituent groups visiting our nation's capital. Below I have highlighted a few of those meetings.

Health Care Groups

On Tuesday, I met with Texas representatives from the American College of Rheumatology, the American Academy of Dermatology, and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. I was also glad to see Texas representatives of the American Cancer Society. I appreciated each of these groups spending time with me to share the important issues facing their particular practices, as well as the health care community as a whole. I look forward to continuing to work closely with each of these groups, and all North Texas health care professionals, to ensure that Texans continue to receive high quality care.

Texas Instruments

On Wednesday, I met with the CEO of Dallas-based Texas Instruments and two of his colleagues in my DC office. The primary topic of conversation was their concern with the lack of action by the Senate regarding the Federal Helium Program, which expires on October 7. The House passed a common-sense bill in May to sell helium from the Federal Helium Reserve in a responsible manner. Our plan would prevent a global shortage, protect jobs, and ensure a fairer return for taxpayers.

Technology Roundtable

On Thursday, I participated in a roundtable with 13 leaders in the technology industry, including five leading technology companies in the 32nd Congressional District. They shared their thoughts and concerns regarding tax reform, free trade, and the intersection of cyber security and technology.

Texas Leadership Forum Kick Off

Last Sunday, I attended the 2013-2014 Texas Leadership Forum (TLF) kick-off meeting in Dallas to welcome this year's participants to the program. Sponsored by Dallas-based Today Foundation, TLF is an innovative, dynamic program for high school students that seeks to foster civic involvement, leadership, and character building in participants while educating them about government and public policy.

This year's TLF participants are: Miguel Acosta, Cruz Perez and Karyna Valencia from Adamson HS; Lauren Jackson and Briana Trahan from Conrad HS; Luz Nambo and Daisy Salas from Irving HS; Griffin Milan and Alex Moser from Lake Highlands HS; Christopher Garfias and Areli Guzman from Molina HS; Matthew Jauregui and Evila Gonzalez from Nimitz HS; Elizabeth Gonzales and Yezzy Hernandez from Sunset HS; Claire Fagin and Milton Washington from W.T. White HS; and Laura Cruz and Alma Leal from Woodrow Wilson HS.

TLF is an outstanding opportunity for select North Texas students to learn firsthand the business skills, leadership abilities, and public policy knowledge essential for informed civic involvement and leadership within their communities. As the honorary chair of TLF, I look forward to seeing them discover new horizons of learning and opportunities through comprehensive leadership development. Next summer, they will travel to Washington, DC where I will host them for a one-week conference featuring a unique, inside view of national government operations and public policy debates. For more information about the Texas Leadership Forum, visit www.todayfoundation.org.

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