The Latest from Washington

Last week we worked on a number of issues in Washington. In the Science Committee, we held a hearing with experts on data security to examine whether your personal information is secure on the Obamacare website. I was surprised and dismayed to learn that the top searches on healthcare.gov are for code vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit. I asked the experts about the fact that Obamacare navigators aren’t required to get federal background checks. They said navigators could easily steal your identity with the information they’re given. You can watch that exchange here.

I had a productive meeting with representatives from the five states working to implement the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Range-Wide Conservation Plan to prevent listing the Lesser Prairie-Chicken as “threatened” under the Endangered Species Act. A listing could be costly for landowners, energy producers, and farmers and ranchers in West Texas. So I’m hopeful the Fish and Wildlife Service will acknowledge that with this plan in place, a listing won’t be necessary.

We also passed three energy bills last week, as part of the House Republicans’ efforts to promote affordable American energy.

We’ll be back in session on December 2, and I’ll update you then on our schedule for the rest of 2013.

Until then, I’d like to share what I’m thankful for this Thanksgiving. First, I’m grateful to all of you, who have given me the opportunity to serve as your voice in Washington. It’s humbling and inspiring to represent such great Americans.

I give thanks every day to the men and women in uniform who serve our country and defend our freedoms. I’m also thankful to all those who serve here at home—from police to firefighters, from nurses to EMTs—our emergency responders keep us safe and secure. And of course, as I sit down to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner with my family, I’m grateful to the farmers and ranchers who work to produce the food that nourishes us every day.

I hope that you and your family have a happy and blessed Thanksgiving.