More Issues

NASA

On May 25, 1961, President John F. Kennedy addressed the Congress and said, “I believe that this Nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the Moon and returning him safely to the Earth…

Education

Thomas Jefferson said, “That all powers not delegated to the United States, by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States or to the people. To take a single step beyond the boundaries thus specifically drawn around the powers of Congress…

Defense

The safety and security of our nation is always my top priority.  Our men and women in uniform defended American interests abroad and spread freedom by ousting brutal regimes in Iraq and Afghanistan replacing them with functioning democracies that are now allies in the war on terror…

Second Amendment Rights

Thomas Jefferson said, “Laws that forbid the carrying of arms … disarm only those who are neither inclined nor determined to commit crimes … Such laws make things worse for the assaulted and better for the assailants; they serve rather to encourage than to prevent homicides, for an unarmed man may be attacked with greater confidence than an armed man…

Foreign Affairs

Support for Israel

For more than 60 years, Israel has been America’s closest friend and ally in the Middle East. Our countries share a common commitment to democracy, freedom, and peace. Supporting Israel is a matter of personal conviction for me, and I believe one of the reasons God continues to bless our nation is that America has been a proverbial sword and shield for Israel.

I am stunned by the Obama Administration’s continuous tepid support for the State of Israel, even as extremists in Iran and Syria are committed to the destruction of Israel.  Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad’s stated goals of obtaining nuclear weapons and “wiping Israel off the map” represent the most serious threat to regional security and stability.  I support strict economic sanctions on Iran and Syria and I believe the United States should work with the international community to further isolate these tyrannical regimes.

Unfortunately, the Obama Administration fails to recognize this and other threats facing Israel.  The Administration would have Israel return to its pre-1967 borders, a time when their national security and way of life was threatened from every direction.  I am vehemently opposed to putting Israel into this position. Forcing Israel to concede territory to a Palestinian government that has outwardly allied itself with Hamas is an affront to the common values that we share with Israel.  At a time of such tumult in the Middle East, we should be standing with countries that espouse values similar to our own, and continue to protect their right to do so.

I am in agreement with President Obama’s refusal of Palestinian statehood through the U.N. Security Council. If this is to be achieved, there should be a mutual agreement between the two governments, not an arbitrary decision by an international body unfamiliar with the daily security concerns that plague the region. Ultimately, Israel must continue to look out for their interests with the unwavering support of the United States, not with vague assertions of support from an administration that has shown clear indifference.

Some of the legislation I have supported in the 112th Congress:

H.R. 1905 – Iran Threat Reduction Act of 2011 – Declares that it is U.S. policy to deny Iran the ability to support acts of foreign terrorist organizations and develop unconventional weapons and ballistic missiles.

H.R. 2829 – United Nations Transparency, Accountability, and Reform Act of 2011 – Directs the President to use U.S. influence at the United Nations (U.N.) on a wide variety of issues, including to shift the funding mechanism for the regular budget of the U.N. from an assessed to a voluntary basis.

H. Res. 268 – Reaffirming the United States’ commitment to a negotiated settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through direct Israeli-Palestinian negotiations – Reaffirms support for a negotiated solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict resulting in two states, a democratic Jewish state of Israel and a democratic Palestinian state living in peace and mutual recognition. States that any Palestinian unity government must forswear terrorism, accept Israel’s right to exist, and reaffirm previous agreements made with Israel. Opposes any attempt to establish or seek recognition of a Palestinian state outside of an agreement negotiated between Israel and the Palestinians.

H. Res 271 – Expressing support for the State of Israel’s right to defend Israeli sovereignty, to protect the lives and safety of the Israeli people, and to use all means necessary to confront and eliminate nuclear threats posed by the Islamic Republic of Iran – Condemns the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran for its: (1) threats to annihilate the United States and Israel, (2) support of international terrorism, and (3) incitement of genocide of the Israeli people. Supports using all means to persuade the government of Iran to stop building and acquiring nuclear weapons.

Veterans

During his second inaugural address, President Lincoln instructed the country, “to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow, and his orphan.”  I believe our nation has an obligation to care for our brave soldiers who were injured during battle and to provide for the families of those who gave their lives in service to their country…

Transparency

Record high spending bills are passing the House without any opportunity for Members of Congress and the American people to read the legislation.  It is time to stop voting blind.  Rep. Brian Baird (D-WA) and I introduced H.Res. 554, a resolution requiring the House of Representatives to make bills and conference reports available online for 72 hours before they are considered by the House.  This resolution will enhance public participation in our democracy and help restore the public trust in government by raising the level of openness, order, and discourse…

Responses to “More Issues”

  1. Oscar Delapaz says:

    Congressman Culberson,

    Please stop this Foolish Food Modernization Act. I am so tired of supporting these evil corporations who dont care about our right to healthy food. I don’t think the federal government should dictate what is safe to eat, I dont want to be looked at as a drug smuggeler just because of the simple fact that i grow my own tomatoes.

    Thank you for your time

  2. Rafael Cespedes says:

    Congressman Culberson,
    When do we say enough is enough! Will we allow the government to keep infringing on our rights?
    Smoking, what we eat, and etc… Now the most ridiculous thing we have going is patting-down passengers. And if you don’t comply we will have you arrested and/or impose a $10,000 fine on you—the latest policy this weekend. The last time I was patted down was, which was very humiliating, when I was driving my father’s car and the registration sticker was displayed in front of the license plate instead of the back. Now mind you, after I showed them that the sticker was attached in the front license plate, the police officers still proceeded to pat me down on the side of the freeway and made a comment that you should know better since you are in college—-this happened 30 years ago. I am not disagreeing that patting down is unnecessary but have we taught these government officials how to use their common sense when profiling criminals. Are 5 year olds or frail wheelchair bound grandmas really considered terrorists? My children are taking the plane this holiday season for the first time. Their ages are 10, 11, and 13. The thought of them being patted-down is disgusting and demeaning. After we have taught them that talking to strangers or being touched by strangers should be avoided—how should I support this unruly new rule. Now the excitement of flying have become a stressful event instead of an exciting one. How about air traffic coming from different countries? Do they thoroughly frisk or x-ray their passengers before loading the airplane? We are not criminals! Furthermore this, weekend a new policy was placed that if you refused you ed or fined for $10,000. Instead, I think you should be allowed to turn around and take other means to get to your destination. We shouldn’t be arrested for refusing to be patted-down. We should train these TSAs how to use common sense when using such techniques. Advanced technologies should be in-place to ensure that those who refused to be x-rayed should run a background check. I hope you introduce to our legislation to stop this invasive process.
    Thank you for your time.

    Rafael Cespedes

  3. cleve.messer says:

    I never much liked the societies in any third world country. I resent that the Dems/Progressives are to be pushing for this. If I wanted to live like a salvadorian, i would have moved there long ago.
    Any one who wants the USA to become a poor country should be encouraged to leave.

  4. Paul Allee says:

    There is one answer to the economy, and to a robust recovery. Fire the IRS. The party that embraces the Fair Tax will own this country for decades, because they will over night restore prosperity, and at the same time restore trust that our government is really interested in sweeping change that is helpful to the people. Want our loyalty? get you hands out of our pockets! The Fair Tax is exactly that – fair. The poor will pay the same amount they pay today – zero. The coffers will overflow, the deficit will be erased, and those that make their money illegally will pay their fair share. There is a petition in the works RIGHT NOW, asking Charlie Rangle to air this issue before Congress.
    Do the real math, not the political math, and become a real patriot. Study this tax, Congressman. Really understanding it will set you free, and on the right track. The time is now, and the party that embraces this REAL change will be heroic. The rest is polispeak, and a waste of time.

  5. Lou Yelich says:

    Dear John,

    Thank you for your email about tthe “Formal Gov’t Takeover of Healthcare”!

    SO WHAT ARE YOU DOING ABOUT IT EXCEPT WHINING WHILE THE DEMOCRATS EAT YOUR LUNCH!!!!

    Am I Angry??You damn right I am!!

    YOU HAVE AN EASY WAY TO STOP OBAMA ON HEALTHCARE, BUT ASK YOURSELF WHY YOU WON’T TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IT!!!!

    Rep. Bart Stupak {A DEMOCRAT} has an amendment on ABORTION which OBAMA and his crew can’t stomach. All the Catholic Bishops in the US Catholic Bishop Conference are for STUPAK’S amendmendment!!! They are leading hundreds of millions of Catholics against the non-inclusive provision on ABORTION in the healthcare bill.

    SO WHY ARE NOT ALL REPUBLICAN REPRESENTATIVES ALONG WITH STUPAK’S DEMOCRAT REPRESENTATIVES ABSOULUTELY STOPPING THE HEALTHCARE BILL!!!!

    CUT YOUR WHINING AND DO SOME WORK YOU WERE SENT TO WASHINGTON TO DO!!!!

    AM I MAD; YOU DAMN RIGHT I AM!!!!

    Lou Yelich

  6. Andrew Lees says:

    Congressman Culberson,

    Thank you for your ongoing opposition to both Cap & Trade, and the Democrats’ unconstitutional attempt to take over our nation’s health care system. Please keep up the good work, and step up your efforts to sway your fellow members of the House. I suspect the union of these states hangs in the balance.

    Andrew Lees
    donttreadonme@me.com

  7. Raul Mulpuri says:

    Congressman Culberson,

    Thank you for raising your voice against the Cap & Trade bill. I think this bill will do more harm to our country & economy than doing any good by raising power price, spending on new renewable power facilities, job losses in already matured power generation sources.

    The best way for this country going forward is, to cut down gradually on traditional fossil sources & encourage renewable sources by tax cuts & other means rather than making policy changes that forces industries to shift suddenly.

    Being a Texas resident, i share the same opinion as yours that this bill will do more harm to Texas, due to the fact that fossil fuel being a major power source in Texas.

    One more thing, we have to bring developing nations to the table & engage them to commit for pollution reduction, because BRIC countries will be major sources in the next 20 years.

    Thank you once again for standing to support Texas & US interests.

    Regards
    Ratnakar Mulpuri
    16431 Mesa Point Dr
    Houston, 77095

  8. Steve Reynolds says:

    Congressman Culberson,

    What is your position on Cap and Trade.

    I feel it’s the EU ways of forcing the US to follow in their footsteps. This will not drive down emissions significantly and creates unfair competitive advantages.

    I could go go with more detail, but this is not a good bill for America, our industries or the American people. It also opens the door for more larceny from Wall Street and institutions i.e. Al Gore.


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