In this Edition:

• Goodbye, Wright Amendment!
• America Must Defeat ISIS
• Commitment to Cut Spending
• Supporting Job Creation
• Mark Your Calendar
  • 10/3: Congressional Youth Advisory Council - EXTENDED APPLICATION DEADLINE
  • 10/17: Medicare Open Enrollment Information Session

Goodbye, Wright Amendment!

Over the past several years I have worked tirelessly to help repeal the Wright Amendment that has denied North Texans the freedom to fly to and from Love Field. On October 13th we will officially wave good-bye to the Wright Amendment! I know many of you are looking forward to new non-stop flights and more affordable ticket prices. Americans should have the freedom to fly whenever they want to, wherever they want to, on whatever airline they want to. 

America Must Defeat ISIS

This summer Americans witnessed the horrific actions of ISIS as it marched into Iraq as part of its mission to create an Islamic State. These terrorists continue to brutally murder anyone who opposes them. In their efforts to terrorize Americans, ISIS beheaded American journalists Steven Sotloff and James Foley. The extremist group also beheaded British hostage David Haines, and on September 18th Australian authorities detained 15 people after discovering ISIS was planning public beheadings in two cities in order to demonstrate its reach.

As a 29-year Air Force Veteran, I know trouble when I see it. And so do the American people. ISIS is clearly a direct threat to Americans and our democratic way of life. They must be defeated, and they must be defeated soundly!

On September 10, the eve of the 13th Anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, President Obama finally announced his plan to confront ISIS. His plan consists of airstrikes and arming Syrian rebels. I think it’s very telling that while over two-thirds of Americans believe the United States should confront ISIS, nearly 70% don’t think the President’s plan will be successful.

I understand Americans doubts about the effectiveness of the President’s plan. In particular, I have concerns with the President’s request to arm Syrian rebels. That’s why, on September 17 I voted against his request.  Bottom-line: the last thing we need is our own weaponry and training to ultimately be used against us.

Commitment to Cut Spending

As a fiscal conservative, I support a balanced budget amendment and consistently fight to get our fiscal house in order. That’s why, when the House passed a spending bill this month to fund the government through December 11^th (H.J.Res. 124), I could not in good conscience support it.

When so many Americans have had to tighten their belts in today’s economy, the last thing Washington needs to do is spend more of hardworking taxpayers’ money. This bill forfeits spending cuts Republicans have fought so hard for from the Obama Administration. I was also disappointed to see this bill extend the Export-Import Bank, which I have opposed previously.

Rest assured I will continue to fight get our fiscal house in order.

Supporting Job Creation

The government does not create jobs and it does not create prosperity, but it CAN make it easier for risk-taking entrepreneurs and hardworking Americans to create jobs by getting Washington out of the way! And with only 62.8% of Americans participating in the labor force – the lowest participation rate since President Jimmy Carter left office – I think we can all agree that this President’s policies have failed miserably.

In an effort to help struggling Americans, this month I voted in support of these jobs bills:

H.R. 2, American Energy Solutions for Lower Costs and More American Jobs Act H.R. 4, Jobs for America Act

I will continue to fight for and vote in support of bills to help employers and entrepreneurs create new jobs.

Mark Your Calendar

October 3rd: Congressional Youth Advisory Council – EXTENDED APPLICATION DEADLINE

10 years ago I created the Congressional Youth Advisory Council (CYAC) in order to gain insight from 3rd District high school students and to inspire civic-minded young adults to achieve their full potential. The Council meets approximately twice each school semester. During the CYAC activities, high-achieving students explore the role citizens, lawmakers, experts, and institutions play in a democracy.

If you are a student who is interested in applying, you will need to submit the following to my Plano office no later than Friday, October 3rd:

1)      The completed application form;

2)      A current photo for identification purposes only;

3)      A short personal essay; and

4)      Two letters of recommendation.

October 17th: Medicare Open Enrollment Information Session

In order to best serve seniors living in the 3rd District, on October 17th at 11am I will host a free information session on Medicare Open Enrollment. The information session will feature the North Central Texas Area Agency on Aging (NCTAAA). 

At this event, you can expect:

An overview of the 2015 Medicare Open Enrollment period, which runs from October 15th through December 7th; Benefits counselors with the NCTAAA who can discuss the 2015 Medicare program; Counselors to provide one-on-one assistance to help individuals sign up or change their Medicare plan to ensure that their selected plans are the best option for their anticipated health care needs in the New Year.

 

WHERE:

Allen Senior Center

451 St. Mary Drive
Allen, TX 75002

WHEN:

October 17th at 11am