113th Congress
"There is no greater symbol of the strength of our democracy than the peaceful transition or continuance of power that we too often take for granted. Today I have renewed hope for America's future, and hope that President Obama will use his second term as an opportunity to work with Congress to solve the greatest challenges we face. No challenge is too great for the United States."
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"My heart goes out to all of the hostages and especially the American citizens involved in this heinous terrorist attack that has unfolded in Algeria. The arm of Al Qaeda's terror network in North Africa has now reached into my home state. Mr. Frederick Buttaccio, a resident of Katy, TX, which I have represented my entire congressional career, is among the victims.
"Today I voted in favor of direct FEMA assistance to the people of New York and New Jersey recovering from Hurricane Sandy. I also voted against a separate bill that ballooned over $33 billion beyond the true emergency and immediate needs of the region, including $188 million for an Amtrak extension project, $135million to improve weather forecasting, and $50 million in tree planting subsidies. It is unfortunate that Congress exploited this crisis to spend taxpayer dollars on resources and programs not directly related to the devastation."
The First Session of the 113th Congress commences January 3rd, 2013.