This week, I enjoyed celebrating our nation’s independence with constituents at community events and celebrations across the 32nd District.  On Independence Day, itis important to reflect on the principles that have made our nation great – freedom and liberty – and I was delighted to talk with North Texans about what those principles mean to them. 

On Tuesday evening, I attended the annual Addison Kaboom! Town Independence Day celebration.  This patriotic event is filled with local entertainment, including a fireworks show, and food from several local restaurants.  I was pleased to attend this exciting celebration with constituents.  To learn about Kaboom! Town, visit http://www.addisontexas.net/events/kaboomtown/.

On Wednesday morning, I rode in the Park Cities Rotary Club Annual 4^th of July Parade. This year the Rotary Club was collecting canned food items at the parade for the North Texas Food Bank, which is celebrating their 30^th Anniversary year.  As you may remember, my District staff and I volunteered at the North Texas Food Bank earlier this year and I was pleased to see the Rotary Club using this opportunity to support the fight against hunger. 

Also on Wednesday, I participated in the City of Richardson’s “Family Fourth” celebration at Breckinridge Park. I enjoyed spending time with the City of Richardson City Council and my constituents during this exciting gathering to celebrate our great nation. 

I would like to extend a special thank you to those who made these outstanding events possible.  I greatly enjoyed celebrating Independence Day with my constituents and honoring the brave men and women in uniform who make freedom possible. 

This disappointing jobs report underscores the need for pro-growth policies to help struggling Americans get back to work. For 41 consecutive months the unemployment rate has been above 8%, yet the Administration continues to push for higher taxes, more government spending and bureaucratic red-tape that harms small businesses.  To make matters worse, the President’s health care tax will make it harder for job creators to hire in this already weak economy.

I remain extremely concerned about chronic unemployment and will continue to fight for policies that will help get North Texans, and all Americans, back to work.  House Republicans have passed over 30 bills from our Plan for America’s Job Creators, and next week we will vote to fully repeal the President’s health care law.  I stand ready to work with the President, Senate Democrats and my colleagues in the House on common-sense proposals that will empower small businesses and entrepreneurs. 

I am extremely pleased to report that Dallas will be the home to one of these new offices, and I believe it is a great pick for a new hub of innovation.  The Commerce Department stated that the four sites were selected “based upon a comprehensive analysis of criteria includinggeographical diversity, regional economic impact, ability to recruit and retain employees, and theability to engage the intellectual property community.”

I look forward to the jobs this new patent office is expected to bring to the Dallas area  -- approximately 125 – and will be sure to keep you informed on this exciting news for North Texas.

Have a good weekend.