Update From Senator John Cornyn

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April 17, 2008   About Senator Cornyn Texas Services for Texans Issues & Legislation For the Press Student & Teacher Contact Update from U.S. Senator John Cornyn Thursday, April 17, 2008 Dear Phillip, As spring arrived in Texas, I've been traveling through our state and listening to Texans from all walks of life.  While we're not immune to national economic trends, I am struck by the ongoing vitality of Texas, in contrast to deteriorating economic times in other parts of the country—and I'm always impressed by the optimism and pride of Texans everywhere.  It's clear that we're doing a lot of things right in Texas:  That's why we're growing, and that's why people want to move here.  These observations remind me that one of my major duties in the Senate is to bring more Texas values to Washington.   As the cost of gas continues to rise, I remain committed to finding ways to reduce prices at the pump. There are a number of steps I hope Congress will take to help achieve that goal, such as boosting domestic energy exploration and refining capacity. In addition, I signed onto the bipartisan Clean Energy Tax Stimulus Act to encourage the development of renewable energy and expand energy efficiency in buildings, homes and appliances. I'm hopeful these initiatives will help to steer our nation onto the path of more affordable energy produced here at home.   Every day, I'm reminded of the sacrifices of our nation's veterans and the service of our men and women currently serving in Afghanistan and Iraq. Just last month in San Antonio, I had the privilege of presenting Seguin resident, Corporal Samuel A. Dunlap II, with a long-overdue Purple Heart for his courageous service during the Korean War. We have a solemn obligation to ensure our veterans, troops and their families have the care, benefits and recognition they need and deserve. This will remain a top priority for me in the Senate.   As the nation marked tax day on April 15th, we were again reminded of the need to make permanent the tax relief that has been critical to our economy. The last thing we should do is allow this relief to expire and a massive tax hike to be imposed on working families. Just this week, I introduced legislation to significantly increase taxpayers' access to federal spending records and earmark information. It will provide taxpayers with information about how their money is spent, and how their taxes are paid. Greater transparency will lead to greater accountability and fiscal responsibility, so I hope my colleagues in the Senate will join me in supporting this important effort. For more information on these and other topics, go directly to my Web site. To receive additional updates, please select the issues that interest you listed on the right. It's an honor to serve you in the United States Senate. Sincerely,  U.S. Senator John Cornyn More News New GAO Report Indicates Need for Continued Efforts to Boost Access to Government Records - 04/15/2008 Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, a leading open government advocate, today issued the following statement regarding a recent report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) indicating more work is needed in ensuring public access to government records. The report shows that progress is being made among government agencies in reducing the delays in processing Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests since President Bush issued an executive order urging faster processing in 2005, but five government agencies have experienced an increase in request backlogs and two agencies have demonstrated no change in processing times. [more] Cornyn Urges Investigation of Recent Deaths at Dallas VA Medical Center - 04/15/2008 James Peake, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, a member of the Senate Armed Service Committee, strongly urged the VA to fully investigate a recent string of apparent suicides by veterans who received psychiatric treatment at the Dallas VA Medical Center. As reported by the Dallas Morning News this morning, a fourth suicide has led the hospital to temporarily close its psychiatric ward. [more] Sen. Cornyn Statement On Pope Benedict XVI's U.S. Visit - 04/15/2008 Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, made the following statement Tuesday regarding Pope Benedict XVI's visit to the United States: "Pope Benedict XVI's visit to America is an occasion of great joy for Catholics across Texas. As an eloquent voice for peace, justice and hope, the Pope challenges us to bring light to others in our daily lives. His powerful defense of the most vulnerable among us inspires men and women to look beyond themselves, and is a reminder of the foundation for any just society. [more] Cornyn Introduces Bill To Boost Taxpayer Access To Federal Spending Records And Earmark Information - 04/14/2008 Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, a leading open government advocate and Budget Committee member, introduced legislation Monday in advance of Tax Day to boost taxpayers' access to federal spending records and earmark information. The Federal Spending and Taxpayer Accessibility Act of 2008 will shed more light on government spending by creating an online earmark tracking system, providing taxpayer record statements and enhancing agency expenditure transparency. [more] Cornyn Urges Congress To Pass U.S. - Colombia Free Trade Agreement - 04/14/2008 Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, a member of the President's Export Council, on Monday urged Democrat House Leader Nancy Pelosi to reconsider her obstruction of the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement, which would boost Texas job opportunities and bolster America's national security. Sen. Cornyn said Texas sends $2.3 billion in goods to Colombia, but America currently faces unilateral tariffs on those products. The accord levels the playing field and creates jobs and opportunity here in the United States, he added. [more] As Texans File Taxes, Cornyn Calls On Democrat Colleagues To Make Critical Tax Relief Permanent - 04/14/2008 Sen. John Cornyn, a member of the Senate Budget Committee, today issued the following statement regarding tax day, tomorrow, April 15, 2008: "As hard-working Texans wrap up the arduous, annual task of filing their taxes, I'd like nothing more than to give them an encouraging pat on the back and share good news about bigger returns and lower taxes in their future. Unfortunately, Democrat leaders in Congress have made this impossible, having recently passed the biggest tax hike in U.S. history. [more] Senate Passes Housing Relief Package, Includes Several Cornyn-Backed Amendments To Boost Housing Benefits For Veterans, Provide Tax Relief To New Homeowners - 04/10/2008 Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, today voted in favor of a broad housing relief package, the Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2008, H.R. 3221, to restore confidence in the U.S. housing market and help to remedy the current foreclosure crisis. The legislation includes several amendments authored or co-authored by Sen. Cornyn, including initiatives to enhance veterans' housing benefits and encourage renewable energy development and energy efficiency. [more] Cornyn: Clear Progress Being Made in Iraq - 04/08/2008 Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, Vice-Chair of the Senate Republican Conference and a member of the Armed Services Committee, made the following statement today regarding the testimony of General David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker before Congress: "General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker made clear that the military surge is showing tremendous progress in reducing violence in Iraq and that there has also been a surge of Iraqi political success. Two-thirds of the benchmarks have been met, but some people insist on seeing the glass as half empty." [more] Cornyn Backs New Proposals to Ensure Greater Transparency & Accountability of Tax Dollars - 04/03/2008 Sen. John Cornyn, Vice-Chair of the Senate Republican Conference, offered his endorsement today for new proposals from the Senate Republican Fiscal Reform Working Group aimed at strengthening transparency and accountability in federal spending. "This much is clear -- Congress must become better stewards of taxpayer dollars. Taxpayers in Texas, and across the country, deserve to see for themselves exactly how and where their tax dollars are being spent by elected officials in Washington," Sen. Cornyn said today. [more] Sen. Cornyn Statement On 40th Anniversary Of Death of Martin Luther King, Jr. - 04/03/2008 Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, today issued the following statement in observance of the 40th anniversary of the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. tomorrow, Friday, April 4: "While it has been 40 years since the last words were spoken by Martin Luther King, Jr., his powerful message has inspired generations of Americans and to this day, speaks forcefully to each of us on the importance of equality, opportunity and the unique value of every human life. As our nation observes the anniversary of his untimely death, I hope each of us can pause to remember the noble cause for which Dr. King fought and died, and continue to build on his dream of ensuring freedom, education, and opportunity for every American." [more] Cpl. Jose Rubio Hernandez To Be Granted Posthumous Citizenship - 04/03/2008 U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, and U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo, announced Thursday that fallen U.S. Army soldier Cpl. Jose "Joe" A. Rubio Hernandez will be granted posthumous citizenship by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). In addition, Rubio received lateral posthumous appointment to Corporal, from Specialist. Sen. Cornyn said: "Cpl. Rubio gave his life defending America and protecting our freedom. Granting posthumous citizenship is an important way to honor his sacrifice and show gratitude for his service. I join his family and loved ones in mourning his loss, and assure them his sacrifice made our nation safer, stronger and freer." [more] Cornyn Joins Bipartisan Effort to Encourage Development of Renewable Energy - 04/03/2008 Sen. John Cornyn announced today that he has joined with a bipartisan group of senators to cosponsor new legislation that encourages the development of renewable energy and expands energy efficiency in buildings, homes and appliances. "Developing clean, renewable energy sources that help meet our future energy needs, while reducing our dependence on foreign sources remains one of the great challenges facing our country today," Sen. Cornyn said today. "This bipartisan legislation gives Congress an opportunity to break the political stalemate and begin to move forward on this critical issue." Among other initiatives, the bipartisan Clean Energy Tax Stimulus Act of 2008 extends incentives to encourage renewable energy including tax credits for wind power, geothermal, biomass, and hydropower." [more] Cornyn Seeks Action On Final Farm Bill - 04/02/2008 Sen. John Cornyn met with members of the Texas Farm Bureau on Capitol Hill today and said that he continues to advocate for their priorities as final negotiations continue on the Farm Bill. In attendance at the meeting with Sen. Cornyn were roughly 100 Texas Farm Bureau County Chairs and Texas Farm Bureau Board Members from throughout the state. Sen. Cornyn expressed his frustration with the slow pace of the negotiations, stating, "Some Texas farmers have already planted their crops while congressional committee power plays are delaying the Farm Bill..." [more] Cornyn: Federal Government Must Do More To Help Border Law Enforcement Personnel - 04/02/2008 Sen. John Cornyn, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, pressed Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff on the need for the federal government to do more to aid border communities struggling with the costs of illegal immigration. "I have heard from a number of my constituents – law enforcement personnel, sheriffs and the like – who would like the federal government to provide them some assistance so they can do their job," Sen. Cornyn said at today's hearing. [more] Texas Times Weekly Column Paul Revere of Texas - Juan Seguin: Sam Houston retreated eastward with his remaining troops. The Mexican Army was not far behind. Those days, the spring of 1836, were the gravest possible for the fledgling Republic of Texas, and they produced a new Texas hero. Capt. Juan Nepomuceno Seguin, an officer commissioned by Stephen F. Austin, rode hard on horseback ahead of Mexican Gen. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna's army after it seized Goliad. He warned settlers of the approaching danger, and became a Paul Revere of the Texas revolution... Wild Winds: Texas Tornadoes: Texas is hit by more tornadoes than any other state. Texas anchors the southern end of "Tornado Alley," a wide swath of land that touches most states in America's midsection north to the Dakotas. Some 1,000 tornadoes hit the United States annually and an average of 139 per year strike Texas. Since 1953, official records list 7,319 tornadoes hitting Texas, more than half in spring and early summer, the tornado "season." May 11 marks the 55th anniversary of a destructive tornado in Waco that virtually mirrors another storm that struck Goliad, near the Gulf Coast, five decades earlier. Each caused 114 deaths. They're tied as the 10th most deadly tornadoes in United States history... Note: To read previous Texas Times weekly columns, click here. To receive it in your inbox each week, click here. Texas Tuesday Coffees Come By and Say Hello: If you travel to Washington for business or pleasure, please consider visiting my U.S. Senate office. Each Tuesday when the Senate is in session, I host an open house at 9:15 a.m. Please contact my office at 202-224-2934 and ask for the Texas Tuesday Coffee coordinator to let us know you'll be coming and to get the best directions. Please Feel Free to Tell a Friend E-mail: E-mail: E-mail:   UPDATED! Click here to see a map and photos from Senator Cornyn's Texas travels!   Please select the issues that interest you or that you would like to know more about: Agriculture Crime, Law & Order Education Energy Environment Foreign Policy Healthcare Homeland Security Immigration/Borders Jobs & The Economy Military & Defense Open Government The War On Terror Soldiers & Veterans Texas If you are having trouble, click here. CONTACT INFORMATION WASHINGTON DC 517 Hart Senate Office Bldg. 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