This week in Washington, the House Judiciary Committee voted to end bulk data collection on Americans under section 215 of the Patriot Act. The USA Freedom Act, if enacted into law, would end bulk collection of the phone records by the NSA and would prohibit the government from large-scale indiscriminate collection of data. Read more about FREEDOM Act Strengthens Civil Liberty Protections
As Gov. Greg Abbott, R-Texas, rolled out his top priorities for lawmakers in Austin earlier this year, one of the things he sought to highlight is the importance of a skilled workforce and the fact that a four-year degree is not a necessity for every single student. Abbott is a big believer in higher education, make no mistake. In fact, one of his emergency items includes recruitment of more Nobel Laureates and their equivalents to Texas. Read more about Texas Governor Receives Honorary Welding Certificate, a Document of “Economic Freedom”
I listened to last week’s oral arguments before The Supreme Court about a constitutional mandate of same-sex marriage, and I was STUNNED. Much was discussed on both sides about the social implications and social impositions of declaring same-sex marriage a constitutional mandate under Equal Protection in the 14th Amendment. I believe both are enormous and socially foolish. Others think they are enormous in a positive way. Read more about Clarity On The Supreme Court Case Of Whether Same-Sex Marriage Is A Constitutional Right
The Senate has passed a property tax cut. The House has passed a sales tax cut. The Senate, led by Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, followed the clear will of the people and delivered on their promise to reduce property taxes and continue elimination of the franchise tax. The House took a different approach. Read more about Texas Taxes: A Win–Win Opportunity or a Friendly Fire Disaster?
I released the following statement after voting this past week in favor of H.R. 2029, the FY2016 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs funding bill:
This bill is yet another opportunity for us to reform a troubled agency system and direct the VA to prioritize an overwhelming backlog of disability claims. Our veterans deserve the best health care, not delayed care. Read more about Congressman Smith Votes for More VA Reforms
This week the House passed the first joint budget with the Senate since 2001. For far too long Senate Democrats have hindered our ability to put forth common sense solutions to lower our nation’s debt, balance the budget, cut taxes for American families, and get our nation’s economy back on track. With the new Republican Congress we have managed to accomplish all of these goals. Read more about This Week in Congress
This week in Washington, the House Judiciary Committee voted to end bulk data collection on Americans under section 215 of the Patriot Act. The 
The following article was written by David Dewhurst and 
“Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it”.
The following article was authored by Texas Speaker of the House Joe Straus.
As Gov. Greg Abbott, R-Texas, rolled out his top priorities for lawmakers in Austin earlier this year, one of the things he sought to highlight is the importance of a skilled workforce and the fact that a four-year degree is not a necessity for every single student. Abbott is a big believer in higher education, make no mistake. In fact, one of his emergency items includes recruitment of more Nobel Laureates and their equivalents to Texas. 
I listened to last week’s oral arguments before The Supreme Court about a constitutional mandate of same-sex marriage, and I was STUNNED. Much was discussed on both sides about the social implications and social impositions of declaring same-sex marriage a constitutional mandate under Equal Protection in the 14th Amendment. I believe both are enormous and socially foolish. Others think they are enormous in a positive way. 
Campaigns have a tendency to bring out the worst in people and that's never truer than when a lot of money for companies and officials is on the line.
The Senate has passed a property tax cut. The House has passed a sales tax cut. The Senate, led by Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, followed the clear will of the people and delivered on their promise to reduce property taxes and continue elimination of the franchise tax. The House took a different approach. 
I released the following statement after voting this past week in favor of H.R. 2029, the FY2016 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs funding bill:
This week the House passed the first joint budget with the Senate since 2001. For far too long Senate Democrats have hindered our ability to put forth common sense solutions to lower our nation’s debt, balance the budget, cut taxes for American families, and get our nation’s economy back on track. With the new Republican Congress we have managed to accomplish all of these goals. 
