Military
October 15th, 2014
In anticipation of the annual Congressional Veterans Commendation ceremony on Saturday, November 1, I encourage 3rd District constituents to show their gratitude to all our veterans by attending this special event. The...
October 7th, 2014
For high school students who’d like to follow the footsteps of these heroes, I’d like to point out one of the many ways you can serve our nation. We have five service academies that that teach young students like you the...
September 24th, 2014
As President Obama climbed down from Marine One after landing in New York for the United Nations General Assembly yesterday, he did the military salute with what appears to be a paper coffee cup in his hand. Footage was...
September 21st, 2014
On Wednesday, the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, where I serve as a Subcommittee Chairman, approved H.R. 5229, the Wounded Warriors Federal Leave Act of 2014.I am proud to see this bill, which I co-authored...
September 16th, 2014
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...
September 14th, 2014
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...
September 12th, 2014
A twenty-four year Army officer was denied entrance to his daughter’s high school in Rochester, Michigan. His offense? He was wearing the uniform of the United States Army.Army Lt. Colonel Sherwood Baker went to his daughter...
September 9th, 2014
I was appalled to learn that VA officials were using an employee training slide show comparing our veterans to Sesame Street’s Oscar the Grouch. Unfortunately, this is symptomatic of the longstanding problems I have seen at...
August 27th, 2014
Sixty years ago Saturday, the first C-130 “Hercules” took off in Burbank, California. Since 1954, Lockheed Martin has created more than 2500 of the planes, and more than half of those are still in operation.The “Hercules”...
August 25th, 2014
As your representative in Congress, one of my jobs is helping you deal with the government. I want to make sure you are aware that I have Red Tape Cutters in my district offices working to help you.First, I’d like to share...
October 14th, 2014
It’s been said that the military’s purpose is two-fold: “To kill people and to break things.” But in the battle against an invisible enemy, in this case the Ebola outbreak in West Africa, United States military forces are...
October 7th, 2014
Recently, a bill I co-authored, H.R. 5229, the Wounded Warrior Federal Leave Act of 2014, was approved by the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and will likely appear on the House Floor in November for final votes...
September 23rd, 2014
Initial U.S. airstrikes have been conducted with coalition partners in Syria against the Islamic State and groups with ties to Al Qaeda.Our first thought should be the safety and success of all our men and women in uniform...
September 19th, 2014
This week I voted in favor of a continuing resolution measure that would fund government operations. It also contained an amendment authored by House Armed Services Committee Chairman “Buck” McKeon (R-Calif.) to authorize...
September 16th, 2014
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...
September 13th, 2014
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...
September 9th, 2014
Many Texans have already heard of Texan Ret. Staff Sgt. Shilo Harris. He is an incredible human being, and I believe Shilo Harris is more than a true American hero: he is a leader. Staff Sergeant Shilo Harris’ Humvee hit an...
August 27th, 2014
On Saturday, September 6th, I am inviting Third District students and their families to attend the annual U.S. Service Academy Information Forum to learn more about the selection process and application requirements for our...
August 26th, 2014
On Monday, August 4, 2014 I began my town hall tour of the 27th Congressional District. Over the span of four days I met with people from across the district to answer questions and to hear what you had to say. My staff and...
August 15th, 2014
Last Wednesday, I voted for H.R. 3230, the Veterans' Access to Care through Choice, Accountability, and Transparency Act that passed the House and Senate last week. This bill takes several steps to improving the Veterans...