Cornyn Speaks In EP On Growth
EL PASO, TX. – Senator John Cornyn assures El Pasoans that growth at Fort Bliss is at the top of his priority list.
Cornyn spoke at a news conference arranged by the El Paso Chamber of Commerce today. Among the topics, the planned growth at Fort Bliss. Specifically, Cornyn addressed the 11,000 troops who are headed this way as part of a base realignment and closure plan. The senator says the move is part of his plan to keep soldiers in mind at all times.
“It’s important for our military because we are a nation at war. And we must do everything we can to support our all-volunteer military as well as military families.” The senator adds that he is also staying focused on border security. Right now he is working on getting laser visas valid for six months instead of the current thirty day period.
Further, Cornyn went onto discuss economic growth issues including extending tax relief to create jobs and expand opportunities. “The record economic growth in Texas over the past few years is due in large part to the tax relief passed by Congress for working families and small businesses. Unfortunately, the new majority in Congress has begun reversing this trend, and the recently-passed Democratic budget paves the way for the largest tax increase in this nation’s history,” Sen. Cornyn said. “I have introduced legislation to help combat these outrageous tax hikes and will keep fighting on the side of El Paso residents and taxpayers.”
In reference to the Senate’s efforts to bolster border security, Sen. Cornyn said the Senate recently passed a measure introduced by Cornyn to authorize $100 million for border law enforcement officials. Also, he co-sponsored an amendment with Texas Senator Kay B. Hutchison to provide local border input and consultation on fencing and physical barriers on the border.
Having recently co-chaired a hearing to examine the prosecution of former Border Patrol agents Ignacio Ramos and Jose Compean, Sen. Cornyn asked President Bush to commute the agents’ sentences, saying, “This case has only made more evident our need for immigration reform, both in our tactics, and in our laws.”
