Summer Wrap Up

The summer is always a busy time for Houstonians. As many of you are getting back into the school routine and wrapping up summer travels, I wanted to share some of the work I did both in and around the community during the summer district work period.

Dr. Venkat Selvamanickam, the M.D. Anderson Chair Professor of Mechanical Engineering shows me the Texas Center for Superconductivity at the University of Houston.

I toured the University of Houston’s Advanced Superconducting Manufacturing Institute and saw firsthand how they’re helping America become more energy independent. UH is using their expertise to help the private sector create superconductive wire to enable more efficient and economical electricity.

Representatives from the Children’s Assessment Center and I discussed the important work they do to help crime victims.

I also had the opportunity to meet with members from the Children’s Assessment Center who advocate for children in the community that have been sexually abused. As Chairman of the Commerce, Justice and Science (CJS) Appropriations Subcommittee, I have worked to increase resources available to crime victims. I am proud to support the important work the Children’s Assessment Center does on a daily basis in Houston and across the country. 

Boeing Space Exploration Vice President John Elbon described the CST-100 Starliner and a mission to Mars. 

I sat with John Elbon, Boeing Space Exploration Vice President, and Mark Mulqueen, Boeing ISS Program Manager to discuss Boeing’s work on the CST-100 Starliner, which is scheduled for its first crewed flight in 2018. They also discussed going to Mars and exploration missions in cislunar space. Later in the day, I met with Dr. Michael Hawes, Vice President & Program Manager for Lockheed Martin’s Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle. Dr. Hawes updated me on how Lockheed is working with NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA). Dr. Hawes discussed the work they are doing on Orion across the country and here in Houston at Johnson Space Center. After our visit, I stopped by Lockheed’s Orion simulator and practiced docking Orion with the International Space Station.

Houston Airport System met with me to discuss Houston’s upcoming Spaceport at Ellington Field.

Directors Mario Diaz and Tim Joniec from the Houston Airport System stopped by the Houston office to update me on the economic development plans for the Houston Spaceport at Ellington Field. It was a productive meeting and I’m glad we had a chance to discuss the future of the Houston Spaceport.

Lt. James “Jim” Duncan (third from left) was presented with a Purple Heart and Silver Star medals at a ceremony in his honor.

Lt. James “Jim” Duncan was recognized for his heroic service during the Korean War with a Purple Heart and a Silver Star Medal. It was my distinct honor to present him an American flag flown over the U.S. Capitol for his bravery and leadership.

It is an honor and a privilege to represent you and Texas in the United States House.

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