This week, I enjoyed spending time in North Texas to talk with my constituents about the current direction of our country and the work of Congress. 

On Saturday, I had the privilege of speaking at The Fund for American Studies (TFAS) annual fall Leadership Conference in Dallas.  The conference attendees included leaders, supporters and alumni of TFAS. During the two-day conference, participants attended site visits, as well as presentations by leading experts on current public policy issues.

The Fund for American Studies was founded in 1967 and its mission is to prepare young people for leadership by teaching them the ideas of freedom and a free-market economy.  My address to the conference focused on the American dream and how the current Administration’s policies threaten that dream.  We discussed how the government does not create jobs, and how the policies coming out of Washington are preventing the free-market system from thriving.  In contrast, I shared my ideas of a government that empowers small businesses and entrepreneurs so that they may invest and innovate to ensure a brighter future for all Americans.

Irving Hispanic Chamber of Commerce 7th Annual Awards Gala
On Thursday evening, I was honored to attend the Irving Hispanic Chamber's 7th Annual Awards Gala with my North Texas colleague, Congressman Joe Barton (TX-6). The Gala was held at the new Irving Convention Center and I greatly enjoyed hearing from the keynote speaker, the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) President and CEO, Javier Paolmarz.

As you may know, the Irving Hispanic Chamber of Commerce was recently awarded the Small Chamber of the Year Award for 2011 by the during their annual convention in September.  I am extremely proud of the Irving Hispanic Chamber and it is always inspiring to see local chambers receive the credit they deserve for continually helping the Hispanic business community succeed and further driving the local economy.  I am also proud to join local communities across Texas in acknowledging Texas Chamber of Commerce Week (October 17 – 21). I am grateful for the efforts of all Chambers, including the Irving Hispanic Chamber, in the 32nd Congressional District to support businesses in our community so they can thrive and enhance the lives of all North Texans. To learn more about the Irving Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, visit their website at http://irvinghcc.com/.

Learning for Life Character Luncheon
Also on Thursday, I had the opportunity to give the keynote address at the annual Circle Ten Council Learning for Life Character luncheon.  As you may remember, I am very active with the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) in Congress and in my community.  As a member of the BSA's Circle Ten Council Executive Board, it was particularly rewarding to share my thoughts on learning, character and duty with the business and community leaders in attendance.

I shared with the group how key figures in my life helped shape who I am today, as well as the importance of becoming a mentor and helping develop our nation’s future leaders. Organizations like Learning for Life make a difference in our community by creating opportunities for our youth to develop the character and leadership skills necessary to succeed, and I was honored to be invited to speak to them this week.

Naval Academy Forum
On Saturday, November 5th, the United States Naval Academy will be conducting an Admissions Forum in Dallas from 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency.  During the event, they will be giving an Admissions Brief for interested students, parents and educators interested in the Naval Academy. 

The forum is a great opportunity to learn more about the nomination process and to ask questions regarding admission to the Naval Academy.  Sandy Pappas of my District Office will be in attendance to answer any questions you may have. For more information about my nomination process for high school students seeking to attend one of the U.S. Service Academies, please visit my website. 

World Series Game 3
As the St. Louis Cardinals come to the great state of Texas on Saturday for Game 3 of the World Series, I wish the Texas Rangers the best of luck.

 

Have a good weekend. Let’s go Rangers!