Politex

U.S. Rep. Marc Veasey introduces first two proposals in Congress

U.S. Rep. Marc Veasey, D-Fort Worth, has introduced his first two bills in Congress -- one to help veterans and one to encourage healthy lifestyles.

One bill, H.R. 1816, gives more assistance under the post-9/11 GI Bill to veterans seeking degrees in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

The other, H.R. 195, designates May as "Health and Fitness Month," and encourages Americans to lead healthy lifestyles.

Veasey was sworn into office in January.

-- Anna M. Tinsley

Ready for Hillary Clinton?

Supporters of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton plan to hold a rally for the former First Lady and Democrat in North Texas this week, hoping to urge her to consider a second presidential bid in 2016.

As she speaks to the National Multi Housing Council at the Four Seasons Resort and Club in Las Colinas Wednesday night, rally organizers say supporters will start "showing up in force" outside the resort around 6 p.m.

"We are grassroots supporters across the country urging her to run -- and working to build an army of supporters in case she does decide to run," said Seth Bringman, communications director of the Ready for Hillary grassroots movement.

"The idea is to show Hillary the support she has across the country, particularly in Texas," Bringman said. "She's the candidate everybody says could turn Texas blue."

Earlier in the day Wednesday, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush -- who has been mentioned as a key Republican presidential contender in 2016 -- will be speaking at a World Affairs Council luncheon at the Rosewood Crescent Hotel in Dallas.

Bush is brother of former President George W. Bush, son of former President George H.W. Bush and father of George P. Bush, a Fort Worth man who is running for Texas Land Commissioner next year.

Jeb Bush and Hillary Clinton will both be in Dallas to attend the dedication ceremony for the George W. Bush Presidential Center on Thursday.

-- Anna M. Tinsley

U.S. Rep. Marc Veasey calls West explosion "a terrible tragedy"

U.S. Rep. Marc Veasey, D-Fort Worth, called the West explosion "truly saddening and a terrible tragedy."

"As Congressman of the Dallas-Fort Worth area, my heart goes out to our neighbors only a few miles south of the 33^rd Congressional District," he said in a statement releaesd Thursday morning. "A ground team of police and fire departments, federal agencies, first responders, and numerous agencies have been working hard around the clock to assist those in the area. 

"Let us keep the victims and their families in our thoughts and prayers.”

-- Anna M. Tinsley

President Obama: "Prayers go out to the people of West, Texas"

"Today our prayers go out to the people of West, Texas in the aftermath of last night’s deadly explosion at a fertilizer plant," President Barack Obama said in a statement released Thursday morning. "A tight-knit community has been shaken, and good, hard-working people have lost their lives. 

"I want to thank the first responders who worked tirelessly through the night to contain the situation and treat the wounded," he said. "My Administration, through FEMA and other agencies, is in close contact with our state and local partners on the ground to make sure there are no unmet needs as search and rescue and response operations continue. 

"West is a town that many Texans hold near and dear to their hearts, and as residents continue to respond to this tragedy, they will have the support of the American people."

-- Anna M. Tinsley

U.S. Sens. Cornyn and Cruz ask Texans to pray for those impacted by West explosion

U.S. Sens. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz released a statement about Wednesday night's explosion in West.

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the horrific explosion in West, Texas. We grieve for those who are injured and have lost loved ones, and are grateful to the firefighters and first responders who risked their own lives to keep others safe. Today we ask all Texans to keep West in their thoughts and prayers. We remain in communication with Gov. Perry's office and emergency management officials, and stand to offer whatever support we can.”

-- Anna M. Tinsley

Gov. Rick Perry says Margaret Thatcher's death "marks the end of an era."

Texas Gov. Rick Perry released a statement Monday afternoon about the death of Margaret Thatcher.

“The passing of Prime Minister Thatcher marks the end of an era in which bold conservative values faced down tyranny and oppression to open the doors of freedom and democracy for countless people around the world," he said. "Prime Minister Thatcher served with grace, dignity and an 'iron' will. Her legacy will inspire new generations to embrace the conservative principles that promote political and economic freedom.

"Please join Anita and me in sending our thoughts and prayers to Prime Minister Thatcher's family.”

-- Anna M. Tinsley

U.S. Sen. John Cornyn describes Margaret Thatcher as "formidable."

U.S. Sen. John Cornyn released a statement Monday about the passing of Margaret Thatcher.

“Formidable in every respect, Margaret Thatcher was a steadfast defender of liberty, a fierce advocate of freedom, and a great friend to the United States. 

"She never hesitated to remind Americans of our own obligations to the cause of freedom and the need for political courage to do what is right in the face of overwhelming adversity.  Today, Americans and all freedom-loving people around the world mourn her passing. 

"We will remember Lady Thatcher not only as the first female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, but as a transformative figure who revitalized her country and stared down tyranny.  She was a loving mother, a devoted wife, and a supporter of liberty.  May she rest in peace, and may we honor her memory through an unwavering commitment to freedom and individualism.”

-- Anna M. Tinsley

 

U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz says "the world will forever be in (Margaret Thatcher's) debt."

U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz sent out a statement regarding Margaret Thatcher's death.

"Today the world mourns the loss of an extraordinary leader, the great Margaret Thatcher.

"Utterly fearless, she never once went wobbly. Rejecting the failures of socialism, she won the argument for liberty, and her name is synonymous with the policies that restored peace, prosperity, growth, and stability at a time when it seemed like the United Kingdom had none.

"It was truly a Providential blessing that she served alongside President Ronald Reagan and Pope John Paul II -- together the three of them stood unshakable, defended humanity, and won the Cold War without firing a shot. Her magnificent intellect and unwavering work ethic helped her become Britain's first and only female prime minister -- an ascent that wasn't a matter of breaking through the glass ceiling, but simply refusing to acknowledge its existence.

"The world will forever be in her debt; Lady Thatcher was one of kind. Long live the memory of our dearly departed Iron Lady."

-- Anna M. Tinsley

Former U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison on Margaret Thatcher's death

Former U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison released a statement Monday morning about the death of Margaret Thatcher.

"Margaret Thatcher was one of the great world leaders of the last half of the 20th century," she said. "She loved the US and visited here many times, marveling at our entrepreneurship and free enterprise. The US had no greater ally than Margaret Thatcher."

-- Anna M. Tinsley

Former Pres. George W. Bush saddened by death of Margaret Thatcher

Former President George W. Bush was among those offering condolences Monday morning about the death of Margaret Thatcher.

"She was an inspirational leader who stood on principle and guided her nation with confidence and clarity," Bush said in a written statemetn.  "Prime Minister Thatcher is a great example of strength and character, and a great ally who strengthened the special relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States. 

"Laura and I join the people of Great Britain in remembering the life and leadership of this strong woman and friend.”

-- Anna M. Tinsley