Memorial Day is also an opportunity to renew our commitment to supporting the men and women in uniform, who continue to fight for freedom and democracy every day.  On Thursday, I was proud to vote in favor of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2013, which overwhelmingly passed the House by a vote of 407-12. This responsible bill provides our military with the infrastructure needed to house, train, and equip military personnel, and maintains our strong military base structure. It also funds benefits and programs to ensure that all of our nation’s veterans receive the services they need and deserve.

May Jobs Report
Today the Department of Labor released the unemployment report for the month of May, stating that our economy gained only 69,000 jobs last month and that the unemployment rate rose to 8.2%.  This month marks the 40th consecutive month with an unemployment rate above 8%, making this report even more disappointing.  In addition to the number of Americans that are reported to be unemployed, far too many are underemployed or have simply given up looking for work.  

Today’s jobs report underscores the failure of President Obama’s policies which have left too many Americans without jobs – including more than 50 percent of recent college graduates. The threat of higher taxes, ObamaCare and more bureaucratic red-tape creates uncertainty and discourages small businesses from creating jobs. Additionally, GDP grew at a sluggish rate of 1.9 percent in the first quarter of this year, further highlighting the need for real reforms to spur economic growth.

To give job creators much-needed relief, House Republicans remain committed to advancing a pro-growth agenda to restore confidence in our economy and encourage small businesses to grow, invest and hire again. Our Plan for America’s Job Creators gets government out of the way and empowers the free enterprise system. I will continue to support responsible solutions to get our economy back on track and get America working again.

Congressional Collegiate Intern Program
Today before votes on the House floor, I enjoyed having breakfast with several college students participating in my Congressional Collegiate Intern Program (CCIP) this summer.  During their first week on Capitol Hill, they have already begun learning how our federal government operates and have started working with my staff to complete daily office duties.  I greatly appreciate their hard work and assistance in serving the people of the 32nd Congressional District.

As you may know, every semester and summer, college students have the opportunity to intern in either my Dallas or DC offices.  In addition to duties such as answering phones, opening mail, assisting staff with projects and greeting visitors, interns in my DC office can attend various hearings and briefings on Capitol Hill, participate in the Summer Intern Lecture series, give constituents tours of the Capitol and have weekly lunches with my staff and Washington leaders.

I value the opportunity to welcome students from North Texas each year and to discover the perspectives and aspirations of young citizens in my district. Students who are interested in participating in CCIP may contact my Washington, DC office at 202.225.2231 or email Leigh Young at Leigh.Young@mail.house.gov. To learn more about interning in my Dallas office, contact Sandy Pappas at 972.392.0505 or Sandy.Pappas@mail.house.gov.