Wednesday, I praised H.R. 2042, the Ratepayer Protection Act of 2015 in a hearing on the economic impacts of the Environmental Protection Agency’s plan to regulate power plants. The bill, which passed in the House, would give states flexibility and even exemptions from federal regulations if a state’s governor determines that such plans would increase electricity prices. The purpose of today’s hearing was to examine a U.S. Read more about Congressman Smith Supports Bill to Empower States over EPA Regulations
Texas and California are trying to reform legal migration on their own. The politics in these two states couldn’t be more different, but legislators in both states recently proposed running their own guest-worker visa programs to get around the federal immigration reform gridlock. Relying on states to create their own migration systems may well be the solution to America’s immigration woes. Read more about Immigration Reform: Let the States Lead the Way
The Roman Empire was notorious in its massacre of Christians 2,000 years ago. Now Christians are once again facing deadly persecution. Barbaric terrorist groups like ISIS are stalking and attacking Christians wherever they find them. Christians are disappearing, and some are fleeing countries like Syria and Iraq, home to Christians since the days of early Christianity. Read more about Religious Cleansing Against Christians
Only a few more days until the Luling Watermelon Thump! What began in 1954, thanks to a great idea from a local high school principal, is now one of the best festivals in Texas. Between Thursday and Sunday, several bands will headline on the main stage, and, of course, don’t forget the 5K fun run/walk and the 53rd annual golf tournament. Read more about Luling Watermelon Thump
Yesterday I voted to repeal Medicare’s Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB), one of the most controversial programs authorized under the Affordable Care Act, or ObamaCare. I an a cosponsor of the bill, H.R. 1190, Protecting Seniors’ Access to Medicare Act.
You’re getting onto a highway. You want to go to your destination but there are roadblocks. The barriers are stacked up in layers. Even if one is removed, you still can’t get anywhere. So is it worth it to start eliminating obstacles, even though it won’t clear the road yet? Read more about What Good is the Texas Gold Depository?
A Texas lawyer has filed a lawsuit, and is attempting to have it declared a class action against the City of Houston, for the possibly illegal collection of drainage fees. The fees are one of the results of the 2010 Prop 1 “Rain Tax” charter amendment election, which is in danger of being thrown out after a recent Texas Supreme Court ruling. Read more about Texas Lawyer Building Class Action Lawsuit Against City for Possibly Illegal Houston Drainage Fee
I can recall a Pope changing history, in recent history, by making clear to the leaders of the former Soviet Union, that if they invaded his native land of Poland, (as they were clearly threatening to do) he would travel to the battle line and stand with the free Polish army and people against Soviet aggression. Read more about Holy See What He Said Now!?
Last week—and with my support—the House passed the Protect Medical Innovation Act (H.R. 160) to repeal Obamacare’s medical device tax. Instead of focusing on policies that encourage medical innovation, the medical device tax raises the cost of health care products that millions of Americans rely on—including pacemakers, MRI machines, and insulin pumps. Only in Washington would this be considered a good idea. Read more about Repealing Obamacare’s Medical Device Tax
The 2016 NDAA will increase the military readiness and capabilities of the United States without increasing spending on programs entirely unrelated to our national defense, and I am grateful for the support my amendments received, including measures that will ensure the readiness of our troops, support for our allies, and continued vigilance against our adversaries. Read more about 2016 NDAA Reaffirms Our Commitment to Our Men and Women in Uniform
Wednesday, I praised H.R. 2042, the Ratepayer Protection Act of 2015 in a hearing on the economic impacts of the Environmental Protection Agency’s plan to regulate power plants. The bill, which passed in the House, would give states flexibility and even exemptions from federal regulations if a state’s governor determines that such plans would increase electricity prices. The purpose of today’s hearing was to examine a U.S. 
Texas and California are trying to reform legal migration on their own. The politics in these two states couldn’t be more different, but legislators in both states recently proposed running their own guest-worker visa programs to get around the federal immigration reform gridlock. Relying on states to create their own migration systems may well be the solution to America’s immigration woes. 
The Roman Empire was notorious in its massacre of Christians 2,000 years ago. Now Christians are once again facing deadly persecution. Barbaric terrorist groups like ISIS are stalking and attacking Christians wherever they find them. Christians are disappearing, and some are fleeing countries like Syria and Iraq, home to Christians since the days of early Christianity. 
Only a few more days until the Luling Watermelon Thump! What began in 1954, thanks to a great idea from a local high school principal, is now one of the best festivals in Texas. Between Thursday and Sunday, several bands will headline on the main stage, and, of course, don’t forget the 5K fun run/walk and the 53rd annual golf tournament. 
Yesterday I voted to repeal Medicare’s Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB), one of the most controversial programs authorized under the Affordable Care Act, or ObamaCare. I an a cosponsor of the bill, H.R. 1190, Protecting Seniors’ Access to Medicare Act.
The following article was authored by Keith Weiner and originally published on SNBCHF.com.
A Texas lawyer has filed a lawsuit, and is attempting to have it declared a class action against the City of Houston, for the possibly illegal collection of drainage fees. The fees are one of the results of the 2010 Prop 1 “Rain Tax” charter amendment election, which is in danger of being thrown out after a recent Texas Supreme Court ruling. 
I can recall a Pope changing history, in recent history, by making clear to the leaders of the former Soviet Union, that if they invaded his native land of Poland, (as they were clearly threatening to do) he would travel to the battle line and stand with the free Polish army and people against Soviet aggression. 
Last week—and with my support—the House passed the Protect Medical Innovation Act (H.R. 160) to repeal Obamacare’s medical device tax. Instead of focusing on policies that encourage medical innovation, the medical device tax raises the cost of health care products that millions of Americans rely on—including pacemakers, MRI machines, and insulin pumps. Only in Washington would this be considered a good idea. 
The 2016 NDAA will increase the military readiness and capabilities of the United States without increasing spending on programs entirely unrelated to our national defense, and I am grateful for the support my amendments received, including measures that will ensure the readiness of our troops, support for our allies, and continued vigilance against our adversaries. 
