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Efforts to Re-Open the Government
October 5, 2013
Dear Friend,
As I've said before, I do not take a government shutdown lightly. In fact, I voted four times to avert a shutdown and stop the ObamaCare train wreck from further shrinking paychecks and work hours. However, the issue at hand – regardless of whether you support or oppose ObamaCare – is whether the fundamental principle of fairness and equal treatment under the law applies to all Americans. Not just the well-connected cronies and Washington insiders.
You know, I think we can all agree that if ObamaCare applies to you it should also apply to me, the President, Vice President, and everyone else in Washington. Also, if President Obama unilaterally gave businesses and unions a one-year break from providing health insurance to their employees – individuals and families deserve the same relief. It’s the right thing to do.
If Senate Democrats work with us or join our efforts in providing equal treatment to all Americans, we could reopen the government today. Unfortunately, they refuse to negotiate. They rebuke our efforts saying, “It is the law.” I couldn’t agree more, I remember the moment the bill was written behind closed doors and shoved down our throats without a SINGLE Republican vote. More importantly, let’s not forget that laws are regularly changed, improved, and/or repealed. If laws in the books are hurting American families and businesses, my duty – as a lawmaker - is to fix that and make sure laws work in favor of America’s well-being, not against. That’s what serving the American people is all about.
The last thing hardworking Americans deserve is to suffer the consequences of Washington’s inaction. Seniors shouldn't worry about when and if they will receive their Social Security check. Our veterans bravely put their life on the line and our troops continue reporting for duty, they deserve to be paid. I could go on and on.
Below you will find a breakdown of my most recent efforts to not only prevent but end the government shutdown.
Actions Taken to Prevent a Government Shutdown:
On Friday, September 20, the House of Representatives passed a bill to keep the government open – and defund ObamaCare, which as personal stories, headlines, and reports indicate is hurting American families and small businesses.
The Senate rejected this measure.
On Saturday, September 28, the House passed another measure to keep the government running, delay the president's health care law for one year, and eliminate ObamaCare's tax on pacemakers and children's hearing aids.The Senate rejected this measure.
That same day, the House also passed the Pay Our Military Act, which ensures our troops get paid during a government shutdown, which was thankfully, adopted by the Senate and signed by President Obama.
On Monday, September 30, the House passed yet another measure to keep the government running and ensure Americans and the President, Vice President, and all Members of Congress receive the same treatment under the health care law. President Obama recently unilaterally delayed the law's mandates on big businesses and the well-connected; this bill would delay the law for everyone.
The Senate rejected this measure too.
Finally, taking all possible actions, the House then passed another bill late on Monday requesting a formal conference committee with the Senate to hash out the differences, compromise, and keep the government open.
The Senate rejected this measure as well.
Actions Taken to End a Government Shutdown:
Wednesday, October 2
H.J.Res. 70, Open Our National Parks and Museums Act, provides immediate funding for (1) National Park Service Operations, (2) the Smithsonian, (3) the National Gallery of Art, and (4) the United States Holocaust Museum at the same rate and under the same conditions as in effect at the end of the just completed fiscal year. Provides temporary funding until another appropriations (such as regular bill or continuing resolution (CR)) is enacted for these operations or December 15, 2013.
H.J.Res. 73, Research for Lifesaving Cures Act, provides immediate funding for the National Institutes of Health at the same rate and under the same conditions as in effect at the end of the just completed fiscal year. Funds are available until another appropriations (such as regular bill or CR) is enacted for these operations or December 15, 2013.
H.J.Res. 71, Provide Local Funding for District of Columbia Act, provides for the immediate availability of local funds (which are subject to the control of Congress through the annual Appropriations process) for the District of Columbia under the same conditions as in effect at the end of the just completed fiscal year. Provides temporary funding until another appropriations (such as regular bill or CR) is enacted for these operations or December 15, 2013.
Thursday, October 3
H.J.Res. 72, Honoring Our Promise to America’s Veterans Act, provides for the immediate availability of mandatory funds generally controlled through the annual Appropriations process for the Department of Veterans Affairs, namely for veterans disability payments, the GI Bill, education training, and VA home loans under the same conditions as in effect at the end of the just completed fiscal year. In addition, discretionary funds for Departmental management are also provided. Provides temporary funding until another appropriations (such as regular bill or CR) is enacted for these operations or December 15, 2013.
H.R. 3230, Pay Our Guard and Reserve Act, provides funding for the pay and allowances of military personnel in the reserve component who are in inactive status. Funds are available until another appropriations (such as regular bill or CR) is enacted for these operations or January 1, 2015.
Friday, October 4
H.J.Res. 85, National Emergency Disaster Recovery Act - provides immediate funding for the Federal Emergency Management Agency at the same rate and under the same conditions as in effect at the end of the just completed fiscal year. Funds are available until another appropriation (such as regular bill or CR) is enacted for these operations or December 15, 2013.
H.J.Res. 75, Nutrition Assistance for Low-Income Women and Children Act - provides immediate funding for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children program at the same rate and under the same conditions as in effect at the end of the just completed fiscal year. Funds are available until another appropriations (such as regular bill or CR) is enacted for these operations or December 15, 2013.
We will not give up. We will continue to offer reasonable solutions to move us forward and get the government up and running.
In the meantime, please know that my priority will be to continue offering premier constituent services across Texas’ Third Congressional District. I strongly believe there’s no other responsibility of a U.S. Congressman that so directly affects the daily lives of patriotic Americans as constituent services. Therefore, my staff and I will continue to be available and assist you with any questions, concerns, and/or federal issues you may have. Please contact me if I can be of service to you at 202-225-4201 or 469-304-0382.
1211 Longworth HOB
Washington, D.C. 20515
Phone: (202) 225-4201
1255 W 15th Street, Suite 170
Plano, Texas 75075
Phone: (469) 304-0382
Fax: (469) 304-0392
