The Public Record
Lamar Smith is a former Republican member of the United States House of Representatives, representing Texas's 21st congressional district from 1987 to 2019. During his tenure, he served as the chairman of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, where he focused on issues related to science policy, technology, and innovation. Smith was known for his advocacy of scientific research and development, as well as his support for policies aimed at promoting economic growth through technological advancements.
Two-thirds of Americans say they are ``angry'' at the national media, according to a new Rasmussen public opinion poll. The poll suggests that Americans are angry because of the national media's clear liberal bias. By a margin of more than…
Mr. Speaker, although I believe this legislation is well-intended, I have serious concerns about H.R. 5503 and about the process under which it is being considered today. It is important that BP and other responsible parties pay all costs…
An Associated Press poll found that only 36 percent of Americans approve of the President's handling of immigration, and only 42 percent approve of the way he is handling employment. This is no coincidence. Illegal immigration and…
Mr. Speaker, I want to respond to what my chairman said just a minute ago and set the record straight. We did not have a single legislative hearing on this bill, so we never even went over it one time to fully appreciate the consequences…
As I mentioned in my opening statement, repealing the Limitation of Liability Act hurts victims of maritime accidents. The Limitation of Liability Act provides for the orderly resolution of claims arising out of a maritime accident in one…
Mr. Speaker, I'm opposed to the inclusion of the Preserve Access to Affordable Generics Act in H.R. 4899. Most cases in the United States, whether civil or criminal, antitrust or patent, settle. The reasons for this are simple. Litigation…
Mr. Speaker, over a long history rooted in our Constitution, we have relied on the rule of law and on impartial bankruptcy courts to resolve the debts of failed enterprises. History has proven us correct. Exhibit 1, for the benefits of the…
A recent NBC News survey found that over half of all Americans disapprove of how President Obama is handling the immigration issue; an overwhelming 73 percent support imposing new fines on businesses that hire illegal immigrants; 71…
Mr. Speaker, this motion to recommit would add to H.R. 5175 the same expedited judicial review process that Congress approved as part of the McCain-Feingold campaign finance reform law. Because H.R. 5175 raises the same constitutional…
Yet the DISCLOSE Act would subject corporations and other organizations to yet more regulations that unduly restrict their freedom of speech. It would do this while unfairly sparing unions and other preferred groups from the same…
Most Americans say President Obama lacks a clear plan to deal with the oil spill in the gulf, energy issues, and job creation, according to a new CBS News-New York Times poll. By a 2-to-1 margin, Americans say the President does not have a…
In 2006, the current House majority leader said enacting a budget was ``the most basic responsibility of governing.'' Now he says that the Democratic majority will not even pass a budget this year. The House has passed a budget every year…
Americans say the growing national debt is the greatest threat to our country, according to a recent Gallup poll. Since Democrats took control of Congress in 2007, the national debt has grown by $3.5 billion a day. Since President Obama…
I support House Resolution 1422 to honor the Department of Justice on the occasion of its 140th anniversary. In 1870 Congress passed the ``Act to Establish the Department of Justice.'' President Ulysses S. Grant signed the bill into law on…
It took President Obama 12 days to visit the gulf coast oil spill. In contrast, President Bush visited New Orleans just 4 days after Hurricane Katrina; yet the national media harshly criticized his response as being too slow. For more than…
The American people demand real change in Washington. From record deficit spending to the passage of a health care bill most Americans don't want, there is a serious disconnect between the congressional agenda and the desires of the…
Investigative journalists pursued alleged scandals involving former House majority leader Tom DeLay and former White House deputy chief of staff Karl Rove, even though neither was ever convicted of any wrongdoing. But today, few…
Mr. Speaker, as Congress weighs the question of Wall Street reform, the answer the American people want us to give is clear: "No more bailouts." We should give that answer by passing legislation that sends any failing financial institution…
With the Democrats in control, millions of jobs have been lost. The main job creation has been in the Federal Government, not the private sector. The national debt has doubled and the national deficit has tripled. Taxes have gone up and…
One day after the administration announced that President Obama would send National Guard troops to secure the border, the State Department announced that--surprise--the Guard troops would not be used to stop illegal immigration. This…
President Obama's approval rating hit a new low this week according to a Rasmussen public opinion poll. Just 42 percent of Americans approve of the President's job performance. By a margin of almost 2-1, more Americans strongly disapprove…
The Washington Post Company is trying to sell Newsweek because the magazine is losing money, according to news reports. In response, The Weekly Standard wrote that ``not only has Newsweek suffered from its online competition, it seems to…
Here are a few recent examples of the national media ignoring stories they don't like. Number one, Attorney General Eric Holder has criticized Arizona's new immigration enforcement law and may file suit against it. However, during a…
This resolution recognizes the University of Texas men's swimming and diving team for winning the NCAA Division I National Championship. Under the guidance of head coach Eddie Reese, the University of Texas men's swimming and diving team…
When former President George W. Bush nominated John Roberts and Samuel Alito for the Supreme Court, the television networks repeatedly described them as ``conservative,'' and used terms such as ``bedrock conservative,'' ``staunch…
Politicians like Lamar Smith
