Archived McCaul Minutes from the Current Congress

Browse archived McCaul Minutes from the 109th Congress..

June 2008

June 24, 2008 - As the people of the 10th District endured another weekend with historically high gas prices, the Democrat-controlled Congress has not scheduled a vote on a single piece of legislation this week to increase production of U.S. energy and help lower gas prices. Poll after poll show Americans are calling on Congress to ramp up oil and gas exploration on remote federal lands and far off our coasts.
June 16, 2008 - On a day devoted to celebrating some of the heroes in our lives, I had the honor of spending Father’s Day welcoming home the men and women of the U.S. Army’s 453rd Battalion and thanking them for fighting the War on Terror on the front lines in Afghanistan. As a father of five, being away from home on Father’s Day was a small sacrifice for me to make compared to the sacrifice that these men and women have made to fight the War on Terror. It was a proud moment to stand with the Katy VFW Post 9182 as we officially welcomed 100 reservists from across the Houston area back to the United States.
June 10, 2008 - In the course of one short week the Democratic leadership controlling Congress proposed the largest tax increase in American history, and their lack of an energy plan caused the price of gas to eclipse $4 a gallon. I voted against the tax increase. And I keep pounding away at my American-Made Energy plan that balances more domestic drilling with alternative energy so that we can achieve energy independence and bring gas prices under control. Gas sold for $2.33 a gallon the day Democrats took control of Congress in January 2007. The price has increased more than 70%.

May 2008

May 30, 2008 - On this Memorial Day, a day which honors service and commitment to our nation and remembers the sacrifices made by those who never made it home, I joined city and county elected officials, the Washington County Veterans Association Officers, and the people of Brenham at Veteran’s Memorial Plaza to honor the 2200 veterans of Washington County and all veterans who have given their lives in service of their country, and to remember all those who have valiantly served since WWI.
May 20, 2008 - This weekend, I was honored to spend time with veterans and soldiers currently stationed at Fort Hood during the Giddings Armed Forces Day ceremony. I was proud to pay tribute to the men and women of our armed forces, who put themselves in harm’s way every day to keep our country safe. Also this weekend, I had the opportunity to kick off the Bastrop Relay for Life to celebrate all those who have won the battle against cancer. It was extraordinary to see the strength of the human spirit in each and every cancer survivor. As we paid tribute to those no longer with us, we were reminded that the memory of each life lost to this terrible disease only strengthens our resolve to fight harder and find a cure.
May 13, 2008 - Last week, the House voted on legislation relating to the Housing Crisis, the American Housing Rescue and Foreclosure Prevention Act. This weekend, I had the opportunity to spend time with my constituents in Brenham and Tomball. It was an honor to speak at the Lone Star College commencement ceremony and participate in Brenham’s annual Maifest Parade.
May 5, 2008 - It is always a pleasure to meet with constituents traveling to DC. Last week, I was able to visit with the Home Builders Association of Greater Austin and the Independent Banking Association of Texas with representatives from Brenham. Congress passed legislation to prevent genetic discrimination in the work place and directed OSHA to create new regulations over combustible dust.

Aril 2008

April 28, 2008 - It is always a pleasure to meet with constituents traveling to DC. Last week, I was able to visit with the Home Builders Association of Greater Austin and the Independent Banking Association of Texas with representatives from Brenham. Congress passed legislation to prevent genetic discrimination in the work place and directed OSHA to create new regulations over combustible dust.
April 21, 2008 - This was quite a memorable week as I was able to join President Bush at the White House as he welcomed the Pope Benedict XVI, on behalf of all Americans, to the United States. He wished him a happy birthday, and thanked him for the spiritual and moral guidance, which he offers to the whole human family. The President wished the Pope every success in his Apostolic Journey and in his address at the United Nations, and expressed appreciation for the Pope’s upcoming visit to “Ground Zero” in New York.
April 14, 2008 - Last week, General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker appeared before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs for the first time since September to provide a candid assessment of the status of our mission in Iraq. As a member of the Committee, I attended the hearing and was able to ask our nation’s top general and chief diplomat on the ground about the progress of our troops in Iraq.
April 7, 2008 - Last week, Congress passed legislation to reauthorize the U.S. Fire Administration and provide funding for HIV/AIDS relief around the world. I was able to spend much needed time with my family this weekend as well as attend the AIPAC Reception on Sunday evening in Houston with other members of the Houston Delegation.

March 2008

March 17, 2008 - Congress adjourned on Friday for a two week district work period without sending President Bush the bipartisan, Senate-passed FISA bill that will provide our nation’s intelligence officials with the tools they need to protect the American people and our troops serving overseas. Also this week, Congress voted to increase taxes on Americans. Over the next several weeks, it is my hope that Members of Congress will reflect on their responsibilities to the American people – none of which are higher than our responsibility to help protect them.
March 10, 2008 - The House adjourned on Thursday without a vote on the bipartisan Senate FISA bill, legislation Democratic leaders knew would pass with overwhelming support. The stakes remain high for our national security – the simple fact is that Democratic leadership allowed the Protect America Act to expire putting Americans at home and the war-fighter abroad at great risk.
March 3, 2008 - Last week, the House passed legislation to raise energy prices for consumers and Democratic Leadership, again, neglected to pass the bipartisan, Senate-passed Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) modernization bill, putting Americans at home and the war-fighter abroad at great risk.

February 2008

February 25, 2008 - Last week's District Work Period provided me with the opportunity to travel throughout the district and hold events as well as meet with businesses, local leaders and constituents which all call the 10th District home.
February 19, 2008 - Last week was a busy yet disappointing week for Congress. On Thursday, House Republicans staged a "walk-out" in protest of Democrats' refusal to take up a responsible bill to protect America from future foreign terrorist attacks.
February 11 2008 - As a Member of Congress and a former Boy Scout, it was my honor to stand before the Texas Boy Scouts at their Annual Report to State at the Texas Capitol on February 2, 2008.
February 05, 2008 - I have been very busy the last ten days working on behalf of my constituents. Recently, I participated in a two day, bi-partisan fact-finding mission to Mexico with another Member of the House Committee on Homeland Security.

January 2008

January 31, 2008 - Early last week, I participated in a two day, bi-partisan fact-finding mission to Mexico with another Member of the House Committee on Homeland Security.
January 18, 2008 - After the holiday season and much needed time in our District with constituents, the House reconvened this week for the 2nd Session of the 110th Congress.

December 2007

December 21, 2007 - This was the final week of voting in the United States House of Representatives and it contained work on a variety of important issues.
December 14, 2007 - This was a busy, yet somewhat disappointing week in Congress.
December 7, 2007 - I hope you had an enjoyable and safe Thanksgiving holiday and are looking forward to spending more time with family and friends in the up coming weeks.

November 2007

November 16, 2007 - I hope you took a moment this past Veteran’s Day to remember and honor all those who have served our great nation in the armed forces.
November 09, 2007 - This week the House passed appropriation legislation for the Department of Defense, Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services and Education.
November 02, 2007 - This was a busy but exciting week in your nation’s capital. Below is a brief recap from Capitol Hill.

October 2007

October 26, 2007 - This was a busy week both in the district and on the Hill. On Monday, I spent time at the new Dell Children’s Hospital in Austin.
October 19, 2007 - This week, the House passed legislation which protects the public’s right to information through a free press. We also continued the suspension of taxing Internet providers and worked to improve railroad safety.
October 12, 2007 - This week the House passed legislation to prevent the Internal Revenue Service from entering contracts with private collection agencies to collect taxes owed but not paid to the Federal government, and to establish a National Affordable Housing Trust Fund.
October 5, 2007 - This week, the House passed legislation to improve government accountability, expand the Military Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Act, create new commissions to provide grants for infrastructure and economic development, and modify residential property tax laws.

September 2007

September 28, 2007 - This week, the House passed legislation to reauthorize children’s health insurance, reform the National Flood Insurance Program and provide investment opportunities to small businesses.
September 22, 2007 - Yesterday, two new contract postal units opened in the City of Brenham to help solve the congestion problem with the current post office. During the past week, the House passed legislation to overhaul the Federal Housing Administration, authorize funding for the Federal Aviation Administration and reauthorize terrorism risk insurance.
September 14, 2007 - Congress received an update this week from both America’s top general and top diplomat in Iraq regarding the status of their missions in Iraq.
September 05, 2007 - This August District Work Period has provided me the opportunity to travel throughout the district and hold events as well as meet with businesses, local leaders and constituents which all call the 10th District home.

August 2007

August 06, 2007 - As Congress prepared to enter its August District Work Period, the House worked throughout the week and the weekend in passing legislation regarding lobbying reform, healthcare and energy.

July 2007

July 27, 2007 - The House reconvened this week from its Independence Day Work Period and quickly got to work on pending legislation.
July 13, 2007 - The House worked hard this week on some very important legislation which, among other things, provides more security for our nation.

June 2007

June 29, 2007 - As you may already know the Senate's amnesty immigration bill was defeated yesterday.
June 8, 2007 - This week, I came out strongly against the way Majority leaders in the House are spending taxpayer’s money.

May 2007

May 18, 2007 - This week, the House passed legislation which provides funding to our national defense and protects our armed forces and our veterans.
May 11, 2007 - This week, the House once again worked on controversial legislation concerning the War in Iraq.
May 04, 2007 - This has been a productive week in the House of Representatives. The House passed legislation improving the Head Start program, expanding the National Science Foundation, enhancing the National Institutes of Standards and Technology, and expanding federal hate crime law.

April 2007

April 20, 2007 - The few weeks have been very exciting and very productive for me back in Texas and in Washington D.C. This week the House reconvened and passed legislation which revamps the disaster loan program, gives shareholders more say in the compensation process and improves our waterways.

March 2007

March 30, 2007 - This week, the House passed three pieces of legislation which provide further assistance for our wounded soldiers, improves rail and public transportation security, and a resolution which sets the budget for Fiscal Year 2008.
March 23, 2007 - I am pleased to report that the House took real action this week towards helping our veterans and making sure they are not forgotten.
March 16, 2007 - This week, America took an important step towards ending childhood cancer. I co-introduced legislation which will provide money for finding a cure for this disease, which kills more children than any other.
March 9, 2007 - Earlier this week, I was honored to attend a Texas Independence Day celebration at the birthplace of Texas, Washington on the Brazos. Back in Washington, Congress was busy passing legislation regarding water quality as well as naming the U.S. Department of Education Building after former President Lyndon B. Johnson.
March 3, 2007 - After this past week I in DC, am happy to be back in Texas celebrating Texas Independence Day. It was a busy few days both here in the Texas Tenth and in Washington.

February 2007

February 23, 2007 - This was a very productive and exciting week for me as I was able to spend an entire week back in the Texas Tenth meeting and working with constituents. This gave me the opportunity to attend various meetings, tour facilities and meet with constituents as I made my way throughout the district.
February 16, 2007 - This was a controversial week in the House of Representatives. Specifically the controversy surrounded a resolution concerning the War in Iraq. The House also passed legislation that provides tax relief for small businesses.
February 9, 2007 - This has been a busy and exciting week in Congress for the Tenth Congressional District. On Tuesday, I was honored to receive an appointment to the House Ethics Committee where I will work hard to hold Members to the high standards expected of elected officials. The House passed legislation which helps reduce America's dependence on foreign oil and I attended a hearing Committee on Homeland Security hearing looking into the issues and challenges facing the Department of Homeland Security.
February 2, 2007 - This week, America and a Pflugerville family laid a true hero to rest. The House passed a resolution encouraging the hiring of our nation's veterans, as well as a spending bill for 2007 to fund federal programs.

January 2007

January 26, 2007 - This week, the House passed legislation that protects companies that develop anti-terrorism technologies, as well as legislation to strip pensions from Members of Congress who are convicted of a felony. I would also like to take this time to update you regarding the case of the Border Agents Ignacio Ramos and Jose Compean.
January 19, 2007 - This week the House passed legislation that will help provide relief for college students with loans as well as reorganize the House of Representatives Page Board. Also this week, I co-introduced legislation that will name the Department of Education Building after former President Lyndon B. Johnson and had the privilege of meeting with high school students from the Katy area.
January 12, 2007 - This week, I am happy to report I received my committee assignments for the 110th Congress. Also this week the House passed legislation that will help further secure our nation as well as raise the minimum wage.
January 5, 2007 - It truly is an honor to represent the 10th District of Texas in the United States House of Representatives for the 110th Congress. This week the House reconvened to start the 110th Congress. On Thursday, I was sworn in and took an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States.