From Congressman Blake Farenthold
Let Freedom Ring
Texas Insider Report: WASHINGTON D.C. What we take for granted now was nothing more than a dream when America was founded. Prior to the Revolutionary War few men dared to do what a few heroic Americans did declare our rights are God given that they do not come from man nor government and no one can take those rights away. In order to defend those beliefs they declared war on the greatest military power in the world and formed a Republic. At the time it was considered a lost cause but they prevailed in what will always be remembered as the great American story; the underdog story.
America has gone on to prove that no matter your status your wealth or education your race or sex you can achieve greatness in America. America has led the world in technological breakthroughs built the transcontinental railroad liberated a people oppressed by tyranny and fought to defend the rights of oppressed people in two world wars.
America was created by dedicated individuals who believed in principle above all else. They believed that individual freedom transcends time that all men are created equal and that no one can take those God given rights away. The belief in something greater than ourselves is not as often seen today. It happens however and should happen more. You may see it in a service member volunteering to defend our country or in the farmer who teaches a child the importance of hard work or the teacher who inspires the next generation of Americans to achieve their dreams.
A belief that we are here for something greater than ourselves is important. It is for that believe that more than 200 years ago our forefathers risked their lives to achieve the freedoms we take for granted today. Even our country as a whole standards for something larger than itself. America stands as a shining beacon of light holding out hope for those who are oppressed and yearning for the freedom our Country offers. God bless America God bless Texas God bless you and God bless the rest of the world.
Discussing the Issues that Matter to You
While members of Congress returned home to work in their districts last week I took the opportunity to visit several communities in the 27
th Congressional district. I stopped by the Victoria Chamber of Commerce to hear what was on the minds of local business folks and answer their questions about what we are doing in Washington to create a healthier and more robust economy. We also discussed the recent Supreme Court rulings on same-sex marriage and Obamacare including what Congress should do in response; the FAAs reauthorization and how it could positively affect the Victoria airport; and the growing concerns over the EPAs attempt to overregulate the waters of the United States something I voted to block earlier this year.
I attended a round table discussion with Victoria County Commissioners Burns and Garcia along with the Victoria County Veterans Service officers and personnel at the Gulf Bend Center in Victoria where we discussed steps to expand Veteran Services in Victoria something I strongly support and am working hard to achieve. I was delighted to recognize and honor Warriors Weekend President Ron Kocian for his outstanding efforts to help our wounded veterans with a special Congressional recognition. As a reminder to all our veterans and anyone else needing help with the Federal Government I have a team red tape cutters on staff in both the Corpus Christi and Victoria District offices. Im especially proud of these dedicated professionals who can provide helpful resources to those of you dealing with bureaucratic red tape.
I also had the opportunity to meet with Caldwell County Judge Ken Schawe and emergency management chief Martin Ritchey. I also visited with Shiner May Fred Hilscher and Lavaca County Commissioner Dennis Kocian.
Service Academy Appointments
Each year I have the unique privilege as a Member of Congress to nominate outstanding young men and women from the 27th District of Texas to our United States military service academies. Each applicant for a congressional nomination must meet the following eligibility requirements as of July 1st of the year of admission to an academy:
- Must be between 17 and 23 years old
- Must be a U.S. citizen
- Must be legally domiciled within the boundaries of the 27th District of Texas
applicant must be between 17 and 23 years old
must be a U.S. citizen
All application materials for the entering class of 2020 must be received by the Corpus Christi office no later than Friday October 30 2015.
In addition to applying for a nomination from me it is advisable to request a nomination from both of your United States Senators and from the Vice President of the United States.
Applicants are carefully evaluated based on numerous qualifications that include: character scholarship leadership physical fitness medical fitness and motivation. Interested students should contact my Corpus Christi office in the spring of their junior year in high school to begin the application process.
Congressman Blake Farenthold
Attn: Academy Nominations Coordinator
101 N. Shoreline Blvd. Suite 300
Corpus Christi Texas 78401
(361) 884-2222
The Jaws Act
Shark finning is currently banned or regulated in an increasing number of countries and it is time the United States became a leader in the effort to eradicate shark finning permanently.
Recently the United Arab Emirates introduced regulations on abusive fishing practices that are threatening the survival of some shark species. This reprehensible practice causes sharks to die a slow and painful death typically at the bottom of the sea where they are unable to ward off predators.
The international community has responded to growing conservation concerns over the practice of shark finning. I am again sponsoring The Justice Attributed to Wounded Sharks Act JAWS Act because it is an important step to show the international community where the United States stands on this issue and encourage other nations to follow suit.
The act prohibits foreign assistance to countries that do not prohibit shark finning in the territorial waters of their country or the sale possession and importation of shark fins obtained as a result of shark finning.
