In the 24th District

Since Congress adjourned, I have been very busy meeting with constituents throughout the 24th District. Whether it is veterans, businesses, or civic groups, the message has been very clear: we need an energy bill that both increase domestic energy exploration and production and promotes research into renewable and alternative energy. We should not do one or the other; we must do both. Increased supply of conventional domestic energy will give us a bridge to renewable and alternative energy which, although not ready to shoulder the burden of American energy needs, will be the primary source of energy in the future.

August 2, 2008

Paying Tribute to Local Veterans
It was a pleasure for me to speak to seniors and veterans at the 17th Annual SeniorFest hosted by the Women’s Division of the Grapevine Chamber of Commerce. The festival, held at the Grapevine Convention Center, was a special evening to honor veterans who bravely served our country. Seventy-two veterans received special gifts (including American flags flown over our nation’s Capitol) for their service and four were given special recognition for unique distinctions including:
• Veteran of the Year, Rodney Smith of Grapevine
• Longest Serving Veterans John Carryer of Bedford and Don Vlad of Fort Worth
• Eldest Veteran George Lawrence of Grapevine

I encourage veterans who have either not received their medals or misplaced them to contact John Hayes (Military and Veterans Affairs Liaison) in my District Office at (972) 556-0162.

August 4, 2008

Mail Contractors Affected by Energy Crisis
As the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Postal Service, and the District of Columbia, I had the privilege of speaking to the National Star Route Mail Contractors’ Association Convention at the Embassy Suites in Grapevine. There, I focused special attention on the bind energy prices have put the mail contracting industry in as the prices of energy have skyrocketed. The rising cost of moving products around the country is just one of the ripple effects the energy crisis is having on industries throughout the nation. To help mail contractors, I support energy legislation which includes domestic energy exploration as a bridge to investment in alternative and renewable energy technologies as part of a long-term strategy to achieve energy independence.

August 6, 2008

Enforcing and Strengthening our Immigration Laws
Illegal immigration has several effects on our country. From depressing wages to threatening national security and American sovereignty, we must be prepared to take the necessary steps to enforce our current immigration laws and pass new legislation to combat illegal immigration. Citizens for Immigration Reform invited me to speak to them at the Carrollton Senior Center where I discussed the steps we are taking in Congress to secure the border and eliminate loopholes that allow illegal immigrants to enter the country undetected. From increased border patrol presence to new technological advances in employment verification, new tools are being used to solve the problem. Following my speech, I also fielded several questions on issues including energy, taxes, and healthcare.

August 7, 2008

Military Veterans Receive Service Medals
Many brave military veterans who have served our country honorably have never received the medals they earned; because of this, my district office is working with veterans in the 24th District to ensure that they receive their due recognition. On this day, I presented five veterans with medals including the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, and the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal. The recipients included:
• Robert Harrison (Carrollton)
• Gary Jackson (Euless)
• Bennie Lemons (Irving)
• Washington McClain on behalf of his father, Hart (Cedar Hill)
• Mark Stewart (Grand Prairie)

August 8, 2008

Grand Prairie Lions Club
I was the featured speaker for the Grand Prairie Lions Club luncheon held at Spring Creek Barbeque where the main course was a lively discussion of the energy crisis which has consumed public debate since energy prices reached an all-time high in July. There, I made the case for an “All of the Above” approach strategy to achieve energy independence that includes domestic energy exploration, increasing our refining capacity, incentivizing fuel efficiency and conservation, and investing in clean alternative and renewable energy technologies.

August 11, 2008

New Eagle Scouts Recognized
Attaining the rank of Eagle Scout is a tremendous accomplishment that signifies dedication to leadership and service. I was honored to present over 40 new Eagle Scouts who are also residents of the 24th District with commemorative gifts and an American flag in recognition of this outstanding achievement. At the event, held at the National Scouting Museum in Irving, the new Eagle Scouts spoke about their service projects aimed at improving the quality of life in their neighborhoods. Eagle Scouts include former and current mayors, governors, congressmen, senators, presidents, Supreme Court justices, Olympic athletes, entrepreneurs, and philanthropists. 

August 12, 2008

Best Southwest Chamber of Commerce
During a breakfast at the Thorntree Country Club in Desoto, I gave a legislative policy update for the Best Southwest Chamber of Commerce (which consists of two towns I represent, Cedar Hill and Duncanville). Among the items I addressed were the energy crisis, transportation, and general economic issues. The energy crisis affects transportation policy, where rising fuel costs have forced airlines to cut flights, eliminate in-flight amenities, and charge extra for checked luggage. Rising energy prices have a noticeable effect on disposable income which, in turn, impacts tourism and commerce, a major component of the American economy. I was also honored to receive the Spirit of Enterprise Award from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for my record on business issues.

Bedford Veterans Honored
As part of a service my District Office provides to constituents, I presented two veterans (and Bedford residents) with long-awaited medals at the Bedford City Council hearing. For his service in the U.S. Navy, I presented Benjamin Willis with the Navy good Conduct Medal, Navy Aircrew Badge, and Armed Forces Reserve Medal. I also presented Hozea Chambers with the National Defense Service Medal for his service in the U.S. Air Force, Texas Air National Guard, and Reserves.

August 13, 2008

Energy Issues Highlight Breakfast Q&A
The Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce which represents Carrollton, Addison, and Farmers Branch, held a legislative policy breakfast where I spoke and received questions almost entirely about what Congress plans to do on energy. With energy prices being what they are, businesses in the community have suffered a great deal. However, I am glad to report that I have found wide support for an “All of the Above” bill that will provide us with new domestic energy exploration and production as a bridge to future alternative and renewable energy technologies that are the future of our energy independence.

The Entrepreneurial Spirit Shines
It was a tremendous treat to see the Irving headquarters of the home-grown Premier Designs. Celebrating its 23rd Anniversary, I was given a tour of the facilities including its museum, executive offices, call center, and distribution center. Even in tough economic times, Premier Design has experienced growth in its sales and productivity, much of which has been helped by new technology and new additions to its building, as well as from the dedication of its management, staff, and associates nationwide.

Meetings the Needs of and Providing Quality Services to the 24th District
I visited the offices of the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) Mutual Group located at the former site of the Amon Carter Airfield in Ft. Worth. After touring their contemporary facilities, I spoke to approximately 50 CUNA employees about the need credit unions meet for consumers in the 24th District. As a member of the U.S. House Financial Services Committee and former Chairmen of the Texas House Financial Institutions Committee, consumer finance issues have been at the heart of my legislative priorities. In 2005, I cosponsored the Credit Union Regulatory Improvements Act. After my talk, I fielded questions about energy policy from employees.

August 14, 2008

Transportation and Energy Intersect
I was a speaker and panelist with three of my congressional colleagues at the 11th Annual Transportation Summit held at the Omni Mandalay Hotel in Irving. At the conference, which is the largest transportation policy conference in the nation, I spoke about the effect rising energy prices are having on state and local governments. With Americans driving less, the gasoline taxes that go to the highway trust fund for transportation and infrastructure projects is drying up, leaving many state and local officials worried about how they are going to be able to proceed with planned public works projects. As a former city councilman, mayor, and state legislator, I am uniquely positioned to understand the challenges many public officials are facing.

Technology Thrives in the 24th district
Accenture, a company providing consulting and technology services across the globe, invited me to visit their Irving offices and speak to their management team. Accenture has an exceptional reputation in the community, receiving awards for their innovative leave policies and dedication to diversity. Though their clients include many Fortune 500 companies, Accenture employees are active in the community with non profits including United Way, Salvation Army, and MS Society. At their offices, I spoke about my background in local, state, and federal government, and took questions about energy and business issues. 

Cutting Edge Telecommunications
Verizon is a prime example of what it takes to succeed in the new millennium. They have the desire to make change and an understanding that competition brings consumers lower prices and a better product. Though often mistaken for being just a phone company, Verizon anticipated the need of customers to have services bundled and created FiOS (Fiber Optic Service) which combines internet, television, and phone services. Speaking to both company executives and employees, I emphasized my support for reducing regulatory hurdles and allowing greater competition that ultimately benefits customers. I also reiterated my commitment to comprehensive energy legislation and my desire to work across party lines to ensure the passage of a bill in September.   

I am honored to represent the 24th District of Texas, and appreciate your interest in my e-newsletter.  Please contact my District or DC office with any further questions you may have or visit my website at www.marchant.house.gov.