From Congressman Michael McCaul
Published: 06-11-07
Published: 06-11-07
The past few weeks have been very exciting and productive for me both in Texas and in Washington D.C. This week the House reconvened and passed legislation which improves energy efficient technologies supports security and freedom for Afghanistan as well as providing funding for controversial stem cell research. Green Energy Education
On Wednesday the House unanimously passed the Green Energy Education Act of 2007 which I authored. This legislation authorizes the Department of Energy to partner with the National Science Foundation to help universities educate and train the next generation of engineers and architects to develop energy efficient technologies for buildings.
On Wednesday the House unanimously passed the Green Energy Education Act of 2007 which I authored. This legislation authorizes the Department of Energy to partner with the National Science Foundation to help universities educate and train the next generation of engineers and architects to develop energy efficient technologies for buildings.
The bill raises awareness and promotes education about energy efficient technologies and design practices that can make buildings more energy efficient as well as encourages cooperation between research agencies to avoid the unnecessary and wasteful duplication of programs. This bill will help decrease energy costs and usage across our country if it becomes law.
Afghanistan Freedom & Security
Also on Wednesday the House passed the Afghanistan Freedom and Security Support Act of 2007. This legislation reauthorizes the Afghanistan Freedom Support Act of 2002 which provides economic and military assistance to Afghanistan. The bill additionally provides support for programs such as assistance to women and girls energy development and counter-narcotics. Our support is needed in Afghanistan in order to assist in maintaining the security against terrorism and stability of this country.
Also on Wednesday the House passed the Afghanistan Freedom and Security Support Act of 2007. This legislation reauthorizes the Afghanistan Freedom Support Act of 2002 which provides economic and military assistance to Afghanistan. The bill additionally provides support for programs such as assistance to women and girls energy development and counter-narcotics. Our support is needed in Afghanistan in order to assist in maintaining the security against terrorism and stability of this country.
Stem Cell
On Thursday the House passed the controversial Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007. I support adult stem cell research but the issue of embryonic stem cell research is one of conscience for me. This legislation would use Federal taxpayer dollars to support and encourage the destruction of human life for experimental research. I support using stem cells derived from umbilical cord blood amniotic fluid and various other sources. As a society we can not afford to go down the path of embryonic stem cell research that creates life just to experiment and ultimately destroy it. We can move forward in this field without destroying human life which is why I opposed this legislation.
On Thursday the House passed the controversial Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007. I support adult stem cell research but the issue of embryonic stem cell research is one of conscience for me. This legislation would use Federal taxpayer dollars to support and encourage the destruction of human life for experimental research. I support using stem cells derived from umbilical cord blood amniotic fluid and various other sources. As a society we can not afford to go down the path of embryonic stem cell research that creates life just to experiment and ultimately destroy it. We can move forward in this field without destroying human life which is why I opposed this legislation.
Recently scientists have come up with new ways to continue embryonic research without destroying or harming life. I have included a link about this new and exciting research below. It is my sincere hope that we can use this new research to help make people healthier and at the same time take the controversy out of this issue.
District Work Period
The Memorial Day District Work Period gave me the opportunity to attend Memorial Day services at the Houston National Cemetery in Spring to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice serving in our armed forces and speak of the heroic men and women who have defended our freedom and democracy.
The Memorial Day District Work Period gave me the opportunity to attend Memorial Day services at the Houston National Cemetery in Spring to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice serving in our armed forces and speak of the heroic men and women who have defended our freedom and democracy.
Also during the District Work Period I was also able to hold various meetings tour various facilities and meet with constituents.
Last week the Tomball Chamber of Commerce presented me with the Spirit of Enterprise Award. This award is given to representatives for their strong pro-business stance in Congress. I have supported tax cuts that encourage economic growth and create an atmosphere where Texas and America can flourish. These tax cuts are responsible for the vibrant and robust economy that we are experiencing today. I will continue to support the interests of our business community which deserves the ability to operate unencumbered by burdensome government regulation.
For decades the fine people of Brenham and Giddings have found no relief or help in solving the problems with their post offices. Just last week I brought top officials in the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to Brenham to tell us why they had not been able to help solve these problems and explain what steps they would take to find solutions. For more than an hour city leaders from Brenham and Giddings explained the needs and the USPS officials listened. In the end I believe both cities will find some relief and some solutions to these long running problems. However I will not stop working to make sure the USPS follows through and fulfills the needs of these communities. Stay tuned for updates.
