{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["https://carter.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1195", "Carter Fights to Protect the Nation, Secure the Border,  Support Military, Veterans", "2015-12-18", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "John R. Carter", "C001051", "carter.house.gov", "carter", "https://carter.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Representative John R. Carter (R-TX-31) is fighting for Central Texas values, protecting our nation against increasing threats, securing our border, and supporting our military and veterans. This past year in Congress, Rep. Carter and House Republicans have led the fight against President Obama and his liberal policies, including his unlawful executive amnesty.\n\nAs Rep. Carter and Congress wrap up the first session of the 114th Congress, highlights of Rep. Carter fighting for Central Texans include: strengthening our national and border security, supporting our military and veterans, standing up for parents and educators by lessening the federal footprint on our education system and returning to more local control, avoiding a government shutdown, reducing the burden on American tax payers by extending important tax regulations, some that had expired in 2014, and investing in America\u2019s infrastructure.\n\n\u201cI am committed to keeping Texans safe, and securing our borders,\u201d said Rep. Carter. \u201cMuch of the legislation we passed, and the President signed into law this past year is focused on protecting the homeland. Our nation is facing increased global threats from radical Islamic terrorists and I will not sit by and allow these murderous thugs to infiltrate our nation. We must take the fight to them, to their home base, and destroy their operations. What we have done this past year will strengthen our national security, provide for our military men and women, and bolster our border security. We did not ask for this fight, but we must win this war on terror.\u201d\n\n\u201cIn order for us to win this war on terror, we must retain the most powerful and best trained military force. While I would like to see a greater share of funding directed to the support of our military, I believe we have put into the place the tools necessary to maintain and build upon the best armed services in the world. It is imperative to the future of our freedoms that we do all we can to support the men and women who proudly serve to protect this great nation.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe are investing in our economy and paving the way for job creation and economic prosperity. We prevented tax increases that would further burden millions of tax paying Americans and businesses, we lifted the ban on U.S. oil exports, and we delayed an Obamacare provision that would increase taxes on privately held healthcare plans. We also protected American taxpayers from the IRS by reigning in their abusive practices.\u201d\n\n\u201cLifting the ban on oil exports will be a significant boost to our economy, creating hundreds of thousands of jobs, and will enhance our national security. Texans know how important the energy industry is to our prosperity, and by lifting the ban on oil exports we will increase our national GDP by $134 billion, raise government revenues by $29 billion and lower gas prices by roughly 12 cents per gallon. Repealing the ban allows us to better compete with OPEC, and loosing the grip on the global oil market by rogue nations such as Iran and Russia.\u201d\n\n\u201cAdditionally, we put into place measures that will allow for more investment in Texas infrastructure. Central Texans are well aware of the importance of reliable transportation. The ability to move goods and people through Central Texas and across our nation is essential to our quality of life, and it is vital to our economy.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe restored local control over education. Our children deserve the best education possible and I believe putting the power back in the hands of parents, teachers and principals is the most effective way to prepare our students for their future.\u201d\n\n\u201cUnfortunately, the Senate was unable to pass several pieces of key legislation passed by the House. On numerous occasions I voted to repeal Obamacare and to defund Planned Parenthood. The Senate was unable to do the same. I fully support both measures, and will continue to fight for our Central Texas values and repeal these pro-tax, pro-abortion policies.\u201d\n\nNational and Border Security:\n\nRep. Carter is committed to keeping Texans, and all Americans safe. He has proven this time and time again by supporting legislation to strengthen our national security and bolster border security.\n\nNDAA- supports our military, secures our nation, and this year included Rep. Carter\u2019s amendment which empowers installation commanders to allow soldiers to carry a concealed weapon on base for their personal or force protection. http://carter.house.gov/press-releases/carter-fights-to-protect-those-who-protect-us/\n\nDefense Appropriations - This year includes funding to combat the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and other U.S. enemies, to conduct successful military operations, and to maintain a well-equipped and prepared military force.\n\nVisa Waiver Program Improvement Act \u2013 Places stricter regulations on the Visa Waiver program. The bill was passed with an overwhelming majority. http://carter.house.gov/press-releases/carter-supports-stricter-security-measures-for-the-visa-waiver-program/\n\nStopping Syrian and Iraqi Refugees--Rep. Carter supported the American SAFE Act to secure the nation against the threat of terrorists exploiting the refugee system. The SAFE Act prevents admission to the United States of any Syrian or Iraqi refugee until our top security officials unanimously certify that the individual does not represent a security threat. http://carter.house.gov/press-releases/carter-votes-to-protect-texans-the-homeland1/\n\nHalting the refugee and resettlement program \u2013 Rep. Carter is a proud cosponsor of the Refugee Resettlement Oversight and Security Act. This bill will halt the Obama Administration\u2019s plan to bring an additional 10,000 refugees from Syria, and give Congress more control over the process by requiring congressional approval from before any refugees may be admitted into the United States.\n\nPunishing Sanctuary Cities--Supports cutting funds to Sanctuary Cities by supporting the Enforce the Law for Sanctuary Cities Act, which Rep. Carter is a co-sponsor. http://carter.house.gov/press-releases/carter-supports-cutting-funds-to-sanctuary-cities/\n\nFighting surge of illegal immigrant minors\u2014Rep. Carter Introduced the Protection of Children Act which will close loopholes in current law and force the Obama Administration to deport thousands of illegal immigrant minors that are exploiting our immigration system and American\u2019s good will.. http://carter.house.gov/press-releases/rep-carters-bill-protects-children-from-human-traffickers/\n\nKeeping nuclear weapons away from Iran\u2014Rep. Carter voted to reject President Obama\u2019s Iran Nuclear Agreement - http://carter.house.gov/press-releases/carter-rejects-obamas-iran-nuclear-agreement/\n\nhttp://carter.house.gov/press-releases/carter-obama-violated-the-iran-nuclear-agreement-review-act-by-not-disclosing-information-on-iran-side-deals/\n\nMilitary and Veterans:\n\nRep. Carter continues to fight for our Military and Veterans. He was able to secure Purple Hearts benefits for the victims of the 2009 Fort Hood terrorist attack and he called on the FBI to investigate the VA for abuses and misconduct, which has led to positive reforms at the Temple VA. Additionally, he is a strong proponent of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) which supports our military and further secures our nation.\n\nPurple Hearts and benefits for Fort Hood Victims - http://carter.house.gov/press-releases/fort-hood-heroes-to-receive-purple-hearts/\n\nhttp://carter.house.gov/press-releases/rep-carter-and-fort-hood-delegation-release-statements-on-fort-hood-purple-heart-benefit-announcement-by-secretary-of-the-army/\n\nCalled on the FBI to investigate the VA, supports VA reform - http://carter.house.gov/press-releases/carter-supports-va-reform/\n\nNDAA, including Rep. Carter\u2019s provision to all military installation commanders the authority to allow military personnel to carry personal firearms (as permitted by law) when on the installation. - http://carter.house.gov/press-releases/carter-fights-to-protect-those-who-protect-us/\n\nSecured $49.8 million for Ft. Hood\u2019s 1st CAV HQ Renovation - http://carter.house.gov/press-releases/rep-carter-and-rep-williams-secure-498-million-for-ft-hood-renovations/\n\nEducation:\n\nThe Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) replaces the No Child Left Behind Act with a conservative solution that holds schools accountable, reduces federal overreach, restores power back to the parents, teachers and principals.\n\nhttp://carter.house.gov/press-releases/rep-carter-votes-to-restore-local-control-to-schools/\n\nReducing Taxes:\n\nPATH Act \u2013 This legislation prevents tax increases on millions of families and business, makes permanent several important tax provisions like the Research and Development tax credit, and protects taxpayers from abuse by the IRS.\n\nFor more information on the PATH Act visit:\n\nhttp://waysandmeans.house.gov/more-details-on-the-protecting-americans-from-tax-hikes-act-of-2015/\n\nInvesting in America\u2019s Infrastructure:\n\nHighway bill \u2013 The FAST Act, the conference report for the highway bill, will improve our Nation\u2019s surface transportation infrastructure, including roads, bridges, transit systems, and the rail transportation network.\n\nhttp://carter.house.gov/press-releases/carter-votes-to-invest-in-transportation-infrastructure-jobs-and-economic-growth/\n\nDefending our Second Amendment Rights, Defunding Planned Parenthood and Repealing Obamacare:\n\nRep. Carter continues to fight to preserve and protect the Second Amendment and he is fighting the Obama Administration\u2019s attempts to restrict our Constitutional rights. He successfully blocked the ATF from banning the M855 \u201cgreen tip\u201d ammunition used in the AR-15 rifle.\n\nhttp://carter.house.gov/press-releases/rep-carter-halt-on-atf-ammo-ban-a-victory/\n\nOn numerous occasions, Rep. Carter and House Republicans supported defunding Parenthood and repealing Obamacare. Unfortunately, the Senate was unable to pass this legislation with enough votes to force a veto by President Obama.\n\nhttp://carter.house.gov/press-releases/carter-votes-to-defund-planned-parenthood-and-dismantle-obamacare/\n\nhttp://carter.house.gov/press-releases/carter-says-states-should-be-allowed-to-deny-medicaid-funds-state-funds-to-abortion-providers-for-all-health-care-services/\n\nhttp://carter.house.gov/press-releases/carter-stands-for-life-votes-to-defund-planned-parenthood-protect-human-life/\n\nhttp://carter.house.gov/press-releases/carter-votes-to-defund-obamacare-protect-life-create-jobs/\n\nThis is just a sampling of the work done this past year in the first session of the 114th Congress. For more press releases from Rep. John Carter visit: http://carter.house.gov/press-releases/and follow Rep. Carter on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/judgecarter/?fref=nf", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T20:33:33Z"]], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "primary_key_values": ["https://carter.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1195"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 0.9244279935956001, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}