By Congressman Michael McCaul
Last week I visited Applied Physical Electronics in Spicewood west of Austin to get a look at their latest device that can disable the engines of boats and land vehicles from a distance without harming the occupants. This technology has the potential to strengthen border and port security by decreasing the risks involved in initial contact between law enforcement and suspected smugglers.
Rep. Henry Cuellar and I are working in a bipartisan way to identify technology that can expedite securing the US-Mexico border. Technology similar to what we saw at APE has been used by our military in Iraq and Afghanistan.
It is more readily available and will further save taxpayer dollars by eliminating new research and development costs. In April I introduced legislation that urges the Department of Homeland Security to consider using proven DOD technology to secure the border.
Al Qaeda Suspect from Hempstead
I will be briefed this week on the recent indictment of Barry Bujol of Hempstead who is accused of attempting to provide material support or resources to al Qaeda.
Bujol is the latest in a long line of terror suspects who have had direct contact with Yemeni cleric Anwar al-Awlaki who radicalizes Jihadist supporters in America including those with ties to the Houston area and to Texas.
I am particularly interested in Bujols connections to Yemen and other associates that could be in the Houston area. Our law enforcement should be commended for their work tracking Bujol and preventing him from traveling to the Middle East.
Intelligence Gathering
I remain committed to ensuring that the Houston fusion center which I visited last week has the resources and access to information necessary to be fully aware of the threats that exist in the nations fourth largest city and surrounding communities. Local law enforcement are eyes and ears of our Intelligence Community.
They are responsible for passing valuable information to fusion centers which analyze and share it among local state and federal authorities.
This latest terror arrest only reinforces the need for information-sharing and partnership between all levels of government. Intelligence suggests that the
United States will continue to be targeted with small-scale attacks.
US 290 Expansion
Last Wednesday I met with local and state elected officials at the Cy Fair Chamber of Commerce to form a cohesive approach to ensuring the much-needed expansion of U.S. 290 in Harris County between Loop 610 and FM 2920.
Several scenarios for expansion and funding were discussed that we will build on in the coming months. There is agreement at each level of government that ensuring unimpeded mobility on 290 is a priority. We also agree that any plan adopted be cost-effective.
Job Fair!
Congressman McCaul will be hosting a Job Fair on September 1 2010 and is looking for employers interested in participating. The Job Fair will feature employers from across the district state and nation. If you are an employer looking for qualified candidates please contact our Austin district office at (512) 473-2357.
Let Your Voice Be Heard
House Republicans have launched
America Speaking Out to involve the American people in creating a new policy agenda for the 111th Congress. This is a nationwide town hall ensuring your voice will be heard.
You now have the opportunity to directly identify which wasteful government programs you want to eliminate and have Congress put them up for a vote. Each week I post five federal programs on my website. The program with the most votes nationwide is brought to the floor for a vote to eliminate it by House Republicans.
Two weeks ago Americans decided to eliminate the Federal Employee Payraise saving $30 billion over ten years. Unfortunately Democrats defeated our effort.
