Press Releases
“Over two years ago I took an unpopular stand against this broken and corrupt earmark process by refusing to participate until it is reformed. Today I am encouraged that every House Republican has joined me in this stand and sending a strong message that it is no longer business as usual in Washington. Today’s commitment is a good start, but Congress needs to do more. I encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to extend this moratorium until the system is permanently fixed.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Michael McCaul (TX-10) helped honor nearly 200 women at the U.S. Capitol today, who received the Congressional Gold Medal for their service as a member of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) during World War II. Twenty-two of the women present were from Texas. Among them was Mildred Dalrymple of Austin (photo attached), who Rep. McCaul formally recognized at a ceremony in Austin last summer.
“If Chairman Obey and the Democrats were truly interested in stopping wasteful spending they would join me in overhauling the earmark system. Two years ago I took a stand against this broken and corrupt process by refusing to participate until it is reformed. Americans deserve a real commitment to stop spending their hard-earned money on wasteful special interest pork projects.
Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX) along with Congresswoman Anna Eshoo (D-CA), Co-Chairs of the House High Tech Caucus, have collected more than 100 members’ signatures on a joint letter supporting efforts to include the R&D Tax Credit as part of any economic recovery legislation that Congress considers. The R&D credit expired at the end of 2009.
“I am disappointed that the president and Democrats came to the negotiating table today unwilling to waver from a government-regulated healthcare system that Americans continue to say they don’t want. The discussions produced something we already knew: both parties agree on several key issues such as allowing citizens to buy insurance across state lines, limiting annual and lifetime caps on coverage, preventing insurance companies from dropping coverage and allowing children to remain on their parents’ insurance plans longer.
“The pilot who deliberately crashed his plane into a government building in Austin was a troubled individual not connected with any organized terrorist networks. However, it reminds us that we are still vulnerable to terrorist attacks. My prayers are with the families of those affected by this tragedy. The rapid response and coordination of the Austin Fire and Police Departments, EMS and federal investigators, along with the heroic efforts of ordinary citizens, spared the lives of many.
"America has lost a true political hero. Charlie Wilson's convictions and courage as a member of Congress helped thwart the advancement of the Societ Red Army into the Middle East during the Cold War. Charlie will be remembered for his commitment to preserving the liberties of our allies, and for his actions that helped slow down the Communist regime, which eventually was brought to its knees under Ronald Reagan."