Methodist Health System Visit
On Friday, I visited Methodist Health System in Dallas and met with Dr. Steve Mansfield, President and CEO of Methodist Health System (MHS), and Laura Irvine, President Methodist Dallas Medical Center (MDMC).  In our meeting we discussed the President’s health care law and the negative impact it will have on patients and physicians in North Texas – fewer choices, increased health care costs and government interference in the physician-patient relationship.  

I shared with them my views on how to best reform our nation’s health care system with policies that empower patients, instead of Washington bureacrats, to ensure access to quality health care. The House has voted to repeal the health care overhaul and I will continue to stand up for seniors, physicians and patients to fight for responsible solutions that will drive down health care costs. 

Dallas Regional Chamber of Commerce
I was also delighted to join three of my colleagues in the North Texas delegation, Joe Barton (TX-6), Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX-30) and Kenny Marchant (TX-24), at the Dallas Regional Chamber’s annual Congressional Forum this week.  This forum provides an opportunity for us to speak with the business community about important legislation and other federal issues that impact our region and state. 

The primary topic of conversation was our struggling economy and the need for solutions that will get North Texans back to work.  The threat of higher taxes, more government spending and onerous regulations causes uncertainty for businesses, which results in less hiring.  That is why I have supported pro-growth policies in the House, including the more than 30 House-passed jobs bills that get government out of the way and empower the free enterprise system.  I enjoyed the opportunity to share these ideas with the attendees today and will continue to stand up for North Texas businesses. To view the bills passed by the House to assist job creators, visit http://jobs.gop.gov.

American Community Survey
Several of my constituents have contacted my office recently about the American Community Survey by the Census Bureau.  I would like to take this opportunity to tell you more about the survey and why you are being asked to fill it out.

According to the Census Bureau, the survey is distributed annually in order to understand the demographics of our communities. 3.5 million Americans are randomly selected to represent their community, and it is required by law to answer the questions.  The reason it is required and seen as extremely important is because the data gathered assists state and federal government in deciding how to allocate over $400 Billion that they spend each year on various expenses from school lunches to new hospitals.

The questions asked in these surveys are about income, social status, financial and employment circumstances, and physical characteristics.  It is also important for you to know that all of your personal information is required by law to be kept confidential, and Census Bureau employees are subject to be fined $250,000 and/or jailed for 5 years if found to have disclosed any information at any time for the rest of their lives. To learn more about the American Community Survey, visit http://www.census.gov/acs/www/about_the_survey/survey_is_legitimate/.

Pete Sessions Leadership and Growth Program
This summer I was delighted to host 185 students from 22 area high schools in Washington, DC for the Pete Sessions Leadership and Growth Program.  Every summer in June and July, students at the high school level are given the unique opportunity for a comprehensive experience of our nation’s capital.

Some of the events from the program sessions included educational tours of the Pentagon, the National Portrait Gallery, the Library of Congress and the Newseum. Students engaged in a wide range of activities, from visiting the Arlington National Cemetery and the Holocaust Museum to researching and discussing policy issues. They were also able to interact with other leaders in Washington, including Congressman Greg Walden (OR-2), Congressman Kevin Brady (TX-8), Congressman Daniel Webster (FL-8), Congressman David Dreier (CA-26), Congresswoman Diane Black (TN-6) and Colonel Jason Bohm of the United States Marine Corps.

I always enjoy learning the perspectives and aspirations of young citizens in my district, and I was pleased to have these students participate in my program. Students who are interested in participating in the Pete Sessions Leadership and Growth Program may contact my Program Manager Sydney Stone at 202.225.2231 or Sydney.Stone@mail.house.gov.