At a time when our nation can least afford it, the health care law is driving up costs and making it more difficult for small businesses to hire.  Since the law was passed, we have learned that it will cost twice as much as it was originally estimated and that it could reduce the labor force by 800,000 jobs. 

As you may remember, ObamaCare is a product of Washington Democrats forcing a 2,700 page bill through Congress without reading it or revealing its full contents to the public.  In a sharp contrast to their approach, I believe we should offer common-sense, step-by-step proposals that empower patients and ensure access to affordable, quality care. 

In the coming weeks, the House will vote to fully repeal the health care law to restore the sanctity of the doctor-patient relationship and put an end Washington bureaucrats’ power to make our health care decisions.  I will continue to listen to my constituents and fight against government-run health care. You can read the full Supreme Court decision here: http://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/11pdf/11-393c3a2.pdf.
 

House Contempt Vote
On Thursday, the House voted to hold Attorney General Holder in contempt of Congress for his refusal to turn over subpoenaed documents related to Operation Fast and Furious. For over a year, Congress has investigated Fast and Furious to ensure that this type of reckless incident never happens again and to fully disclose all relevant material to the American people – including the Terry family.

Despite being given several opportunities to provide the requested documents, Attorney General Holder has continually refused to cooperate. I am disappointed in the Administration and the Department of Justice’s obstruction and will continue to support efforts to obtain all of the necessary information related to this deeply flawed operation. To learn more about Fast and Furious, as well as the House Oversight Committee’s investigation, visit http://issues.oversight.house.gov/fastandfurious/.

Conference Report on Student Loan Rates & Infrastructure Spending  
On Friday, the House approved the conference report to the Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2012, also known as the “highway bill."   This bill helps to provide the funding that our local communities depend on to develop and maintain their infrastructure, as well as attract businesses and create jobs. Additionally, this conference report includes a provision to stop student loan rates from doubling.

Since the beginning of this Congress, House Republicans have focused on changing the spending culture in Washington to ensure that we live within our means. I am glad to report that this legislation prioritizes spending and does not add to the national debt. To learn more about the highway bill, which passed the House by a bipartisan vote of 373-52, visit the House Transportation Committee’s website.

Good Shepherd Youth Choir
On Friday, I was delighted to welcome the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd’s youth choir to our nation’s capital.  In addition to my office giving them a tour of the U.S. Capitol, I had the opportunity to meet with them in my office. The choir is in DC for a festival at the Washington National Cathedral.

If your family or school will be visiting Washington, DC in the coming months, please let me know in advance how I can accommodate your visit. I am always excited to meet with my constituents from North Texas while you are visiting DC. For more information on DC attractions and important tour request deadlines, please visit my website.

Have a good weekend.