Drug cartel-related violence continues to escalate
By Congressman MIchael McCaul
Health Care Update
An updated analysis released by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) warns that access to care for low-income Americans and seniors may be jeopardized.
An estimated 20 million people will be added to the Medicaid program resulting in demand which will be nearly impossible to meet.
- $575 billion in Medicare cuts will make it cost prohibitive for many doctors to treat Medicare patients.
- 50 of Medicare Advantage beneficiaries are predicted to leave the program due to large cuts in their benefit packages.
Border Security
This week I joined several of my colleagues and signed a letter to President Obama once again asking for the deployment of National Guard troops to the U.S.-Mexico border.
The drug cartel-related violence continues to escalate and pose a serious threat to our national security.
Defense Savings & Transparency
I voted for and the House passed H.R. 5013 the IMPROVE Acquisitions Act which seeks to improve the Department of Defenses acquisition system. Its goals are to make sure we get the most value for every dollar we spend on defense acquisitions to make acquisitions auditable so taxpayers know where their money is going to strengthen the IT workforce and to reduce cost and expand resources by encouraging collaboration with the private sector.
Science and Technology R&D
The House Science and Technology Committee passed the America COMPETES Act. This will increase research investment strengthen educational opportunities in science technology engineering and math and promote innovation and competitiveness in the public and private sectors.
As founder of the Congressional High Tech Caucus I believe this legislation will play a significant role in our nations ability to compete globally. I was able to attach an amendment that allows green energy efficient building design where practical.
Puerto Rico
I voted against but the House passed H. R. 2499 the Puerto Rico Democracy Act of 2009. The citizens of Puerto Rico already possess the ability to express their territorys political status and no action from the United States Congress is needed.
While I favor Puerto Rico reaching a conclusion of its territorial status that has been clouded for over 100 years it has become clear that this legislation could become the first step in the long process of achieving statehood and therefore I oppose it.
Defense Savings & Transparency
I voted for and the House passed H.R. 5013 the IMPROVE Acquisitions Act which seeks to improve the Department of Defenses acquisition system. Its goals are to make sure we get the most value for every dollar we spend on defense acquisitions to make acquisitions auditable so taxpayers know where their money is going to strengthen the IT workforce and to reduce cost and expand resources by encouraging collaboration with the private sector.
Science and Technology R&D
The House Science and Technology Committee passed the America COMPETES Act. This will increase research investment strengthen educational opportunities in science technology engineering and math and promote innovation and competitiveness in the public and private sectors.
As founder of the Congressional High Tech Caucus I believe this legislation will play a significant role in our nations ability to compete globally. I was able to attach an amendment that allows green energy efficient building design where practical.
Puerto Rico
I voted against but the House passed H. R. 2499 the Puerto Rico Democracy Act of 2009. The citizens of Puerto Rico already possess the ability to express their territorys political status and no action from the United States Congress is needed.
While I favor Puerto Rico reaching a conclusion of its territorial status that has been clouded for over 100 years it has become clear that this legislation could become the first step in the long process of achieving statehood and therefore I oppose it.
