Last week, I chaired a hearing to examine the treatment of whistleblowers under the current administration. The witnesses shared their stirring and heartbreaking testimony. Their compelling story clearly shows the need for more to be done to insure the proper treatment of Federal workers under the 2012 Whistleblower Protection Act.
Whistleblowers are an essential tool in uncovering misdeeds, waste,
The global threat of the terrorist group ISIL is real. And it’ll only increase if we allow ISIL to keep building support, resources, and arms. Based on the briefings I’ve received on the subject, I don’t see any current threat on our home turf. But there is certainly the potential for an attack in the future – especially with the still porous condition of our southern border. Read more about Eliminating the Global Threat of ISIL
"If you aren't willing to fight for what you believe, do not cry about what you will lose."
I have no idea who this quote is from, but I love it. I think it's fitting of the upcoming Speaker's race for the Texas House. What do I mean? I mean that if you aren't willing to fight for a new, conservative Speaker of the House, then don't cry about what you will lose. What will we lose? The conservative stronghold that we have maintained here in Texas, despite the current speaker's liberal influence. Read more about Is It Murphy's Law to Support Joe Straus?
On August 28, I wrote a piece questioning the militarization of our local police departments. In that article I asked some tough questions concerning the need for local law enforcement agencies to have military surplus items such as grenade launchers and mine resistant armored vehicles (the later are specifically known as a MRAP). I believe that
HOUSTON, Texas -- A uniformed Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Trooper was asked to leave a Waffle House restaurant in Grapevine this week because he was armed. The trooper was wearing a Texas DPS helicopter pilot “field uniform” that consists of a DPS polo shirt, tan slacks and his badge and gun were on his belt. Trooper was asked to leave and not to return because he was wearing a gun. Read more about Uniformed DPS Trooper Asked to Leave Waffle House Because He Was Armed
Today marks the first day of National Hispanic Heritage Month, a month-long celebration of a rich heritage that has had an immense impact on our local community and nation as a whole. This month gives us the opportunity to pause and reflect upon the many contributions Hispanic Americans have made to our great nation, ranging from the arts, service in the military, and to their strong presence in the business community. Read more about Pete Sessions Statement on National Hispanic Heritage Month
As we remember the tragic occurrences of 9/11 we must also recognize that we still live with the very real threat of continued acts of terrorism. Two American journalists have been savagely executed and the Middle East remains unstable. This past week, we finally heard from the President that he now understands it will take more than hope to defeat terror and evil in this world. Read more about Standing United Against ISIL
"It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat." -Teddy Roosevelt Read more about Turner vs. Straus: Who Will Emerge Victorious?
I met with a group of doctors from the Nueces County Medical Association to encourage them to start accepting VA medical vouchers again so our veterans can receive the quick and effective treatment they have earned. One of the changes made under H.R. 3230 allows veterans to seek care outside the VA if there are unreasonable delays in receiving treatments. Once our local doctors feel confident that they will be compensated for their services in a timely manner they will again be able to accept VA vouchers.
I am a strong supporter of H.R. 3230, the Veterans' Access to Care Through Choice, Accountability and Transparency Act, a bi-partisan effort to make the necessary reforms to improve patient care
Patriotism is alive and well in Comal County. SPC Justin “JP” Lane received a hero’s welcome on September 11, 2014 with a parade and BBQ, Texas-style. The event was to present JP, as he is called, with a home in Smithson Valley. He was given the ‘keys’ to his new house by HelpingAHero.org. JP could not have landed in a more conservative and friendly neighborhood. Read more about SPC Justin Lane Receives HERO’S WELCOME with New Home in Comal County
Last week, I chaired a hearing to examine the treatment of whistleblowers under the current administration. The witnesses shared their stirring and heartbreaking testimony. Their compelling story clearly shows the need for more to be done to insure the proper treatment of Federal workers under the
The global threat of the terrorist group ISIL is real. And it’ll only increase if we allow ISIL to keep building support, resources, and arms. Based on the briefings I’ve received on the subject, I don’t see any current threat on our home turf. But there is certainly the potential for an attack in the future – especially with the still porous condition of our southern border. 
"If you aren't willing to fight for what you believe, do not cry about what you will lose."
HOUSTON, Texas -- A uniformed Texas Department of Public Safety
As we remember the tragic occurrences of 9/11 we must also recognize that we still live with the very real threat of continued acts of terrorism. Two American journalists have been savagely executed and the Middle East remains unstable. This past week, we finally heard from the President that he now understands it will take more than hope to defeat terror and evil in this world. 
"It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat." -Teddy Roosevelt 
I met with a group of doctors from the Nueces County Medical Association to encourage them to start accepting VA medical vouchers again so our veterans can receive the quick and effective treatment they have earned. One of the changes made under 
Patriotism is alive and well in Comal County. SPC Justin “JP” Lane received a hero’s welcome on September 11, 2014 with a parade and BBQ, Texas-style. The event was to present JP, as he is called, with a home in Smithson Valley. He was given the ‘keys’ to his new house by HelpingAHero.org. JP could not have landed in a more conservative and friendly neighborhood. 
