Celebrating 239 Years of
American Freedom and Independence
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As we celebrate Independence Day today, we are reminded of the strong and lasting American principles that unite and guide us as a nation – and we thank those who have sacrificed so much to protect our freedoms.
The fight to defend these principles that began 239 years ago undoubtedly continues today. Our Constitutional republic that was laid forth by our Founding Fathers is being threatened at home and abroad. With many in Washington refusing to address the dangerous expansion of power within the federal government and the courts, I remain steadfast in my commitment to defending the Constitution, the principles of limited government and the rule of law.
Please join me today in praying – not only for a return to our founding principles of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness – but also for the protection of those in our Armed Services who are serving on the front lines of freedom in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other battlefields across the globe.
To watch Babin's Independence Day Message, please click here. |
Babin Discusses the
SCOTUScare Act on Fox News |
I spoke with Neil Cavuto on Fox News last week about the SCOTUScare Act (H.R. 2905), legislation I introduced to require Supreme Court Justices and their staff to sign up for Obamacare. This legislation simply extends the same provision of the law that requires Congress to sign up for Obamacare to include the Supreme Court. To learn more about the SCOTUScare Act, please click here.
To watch the interview, please click here.
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Defending Traditional Marriage and Protecting Religious Freedom
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As a strong defender of traditional marriage and state rights, I believe it is absolutely wrong that 5 members of the Supreme Court have overturned the will of millions of Americans, including millions in the State of Texas. I also believe the Court's decision sets the government on a collision course with the religious freedoms guaranteed in the First Amendment of the Constitution.
That is why it is critical that Congress takes immediate action to restore each state’s ability to determine their own marriage laws and protect individuals and institutions with deeply held religious convictions on marriage to ensure that they do not face discrimination because of their convictions.
As an unwavering advocate for protecting the traditional definition of marriage, I have cosponsored a Constitutional Amendment (H.J. Res 32) to define marriage as between one man and one woman. I have also cosponsored H.R. 2802 to protect churches, Christian schools and colleges, and business owners from being coerced by the government to act against their religious conviction in regards to acceptance of same-sex marriage.
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Supreme Court Rules Against
EPA Power Plant Regulations |
This past week the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) did not properly consider the costs of its new power plant regulations and the impact they will have on the American people and energy producers. Despite being one of the most expensive regulations in U.S. history, the EPA determined that such costs should have “no bearing on” whether they are appropriate or not.
This is absolutely unacceptable and I am pleased that the Supreme Court struck down the EPA’s outrageous and expensive power plant regulations, which would have a direct impact on Southeast Texas.
The EPA's clear disregard for the American consumer and our energy producers demonstrates just how far out of touch this runaway agency has become. We must continue all efforts to rein in the EPA and turn back unnecessary regulations that only hurt hardworking Americans.
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Babin Applauds FAA
Approval of Houston Spaceport |
On Tuesday, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced that it had approved a launch site license to make Ellington Airport the 10th commercial spaceport in the United States. This is great news for the city of Houston, Ellington Field and the Johnson Space Center. It will further solidify our area as a world leader in commercial spaceflight — while creating more jobs and economic opportunities for the people of Houston.
As Chairman of the House Space Subcommittee, I look forward to working with the community and our local leaders to ensure this project continues moving forward with the support it deserves and needs.
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Snap-Shots
from the Week |
I recently toured the Praxair industrial gas manufacturing facility in Deer Park to learn more about the plant and its operations. The facility produces liquid oxygen, nitrogen, and argon to be used in a variety of services within the petrochemical industry.
We held our first County Judge’s luncheon and workshop today at the Catfish Cabin in Lumberton, Texas. We had a great discussion on how we can better serve our nine counties and meet the needs of our shared constituency.
I had a wonderful time participating in the grand opening of the Colmesneil Volunteer Fire Department. Congratulations to the community!
I had a great meeting this past week with Dr. Chris Kraft, NASA's first flight director, and his immediate successor, Gene Kranz. Enjoyed talking with both men about the future of America's space program.
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