2009 Session videos
Of Republicans Vote to Change Two-Thirds Rule as it Relates to Special Orders
(starts at 3 hours, 47 minutes)
Ultrasound (2nd Reading): April 30, Senate Session Part II
(starts at 5 hours, 25 minutes)
Ultrasound (3rd Reading): May 1, Senate Session
(starts at 1 hour, 51 minutes)
Van de Putte Teen-Mom Contraception (SB 592): May 1
(bill comes up at 5 hours, 22 minutes)
(Dan begins debate at 3 hours, 28 minutes)
Hinojosa Medicaid Drug Abuse Program (SB 796): April 2
(bill comes up at 33 minutes)
(Dan begins debate at 41 minutes)
Senate Floor debate on Don McLeroy: May 28
(starts at 2 hours, 3 minutes)
Debate on local option gas tax bill: May 25
(starts at 9 hours, 50 minutes)
Debate on Voter ID : March 11
(starts at 3 hours, 40 minutes)
Click Here for 2007 Session Videos
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Let's Get Started!
This past Monday was the filing deadline for both Republicans and Democrats who want to run for office in 2010. I did not have anyone file against me from either party. I believe this is a tribute to the strong team we have built in Senate District 7. No Senator has a stronger support group than I do, and no district has a Senator more committed to representing the people of the district than me. We make a great team. I think potential candidates realize that together we are making a difference in our party and in our state. Thank you for your continued support, encouragement, and prayers. I am honored and blessed to represent you in the Texas Senate.
As we begin 2010 I wanted to take a moment to wish you and your family a blessed New Year. The past twelve to eighteen months have been a challenge for our nation on many levels. It has also been a challenge for each one of us on a personal level. Whether we have suffered losses in our savings, our businesses, or are still worried about losing our jobs, this is a stressful time for many Americans.
As conservatives we have the added concern about a regime in Washington that seems determined to undermine our Constitution. They want to interject themselves into every aspect of our lives, our school rooms, our boardrooms, our showrooms, and our hospital rooms. Government in Washington is out of control and out of touch. Republicans, Independents, and even some Democrats, are concerned about a Government that wants to expand to all areas of our lives while at the same time is dysfunctional in the areas they are currently overseeing.
On Christmas day there was another attempted terrorist attack in the skies over America. The Homeland Security Director seemed incapable of understanding the seriousness of the issue in her comment that the system worked just fine. Our President addressed the nation about this near miss attack after 4 days passed, and then went on to play a round of golf. Our values, principles, and culture, are under attack from both the political radical left inside our borders, and from radical terrorists outside our borders.
So, how do we welcome in the New Year with optimism and hope. First, we must remind ourselves we have been in crisis before in our country and were victorious over those struggles. Second, we still live in the greatest country in the world. And for those of us in Texas we live in the greatest state in our country.
We have the finest military the world has ever seen -- the next “greatest generation" of brave young men and women is on the job. We have the best healthcare in the world. We are still a country where anyone, no matter who they are, who their parents where, what they have, or where they are from, can still achieve the American dream.
We are a nation of great people. Americans have done more for the world than any country in the history of the world. We are generous in our volunteerism and our giving. No nation has shed more blood and treasure for others than America. When we fight on foreign soil we don't fight to conquer, we fight to free others. And I for one am not about to take part in the Presidents world apology tour. We have made our share of mistakes as a nation. But let's be clear, we are not a good nation that occasionally is great, we are a great nation that occasionally gets it wrong. I'm proud to be a Christian, a Conservative and an American.
As conservatives 2010 will be the year we begin to take our country and the Republican Party back to its core principles and values. I embrace the grass roots movement, the passion of the Tea Party movement and am proud of those who attended town hall meetings across our state and nation. There is an awakening afoot like I have not seen before. But before we can take back our nation we must take back our party.
I welcome everyone who wants to join our conservative cause, but I do not intend to water down that same cause to build a bigger political tent that stands for nothing. We have important elections ahead in March and in November. We must elect people who truly believe in limited government, less government spending, a secure border, a strong military, a free market capitalistic economic system, and a pro life, pro family values culture. Most importantly we need elected officials who will fight for our Constitution as it was written.
I intend to do my part in my position as Senator, business owner, father, husband, friend, and fellow Texan. I believe most Americans share my vision for Texas and America. We may disagree in shades of gray on some issues, but most Americans want lower taxes, less spending, less Government, a strong economy and a country in which they can live without fear of losing their life or liberty.
Texas will play a major role in the future on our nation and the world. The world cannot and will not be a safe and stable place unless America is strong. America will not and cannot be strong unless Texas is strong. Texas has one of the largest economies in the world. Our population will double in only 30 years making us the largest state in the nation. If we fail in Texas, America cannot be strong.
There is a lot riding on what we do as a state during the next several years. Education must be a priority in our state so that we have a workforce ready for the challenges and opportunities ahead. We must find a solution to the transportation problems we face, and we must find a way to fund our needs without taxing people out of their homes and businesses. I am ready for the challenge and the fight. I know you are as well. We didn't get in this mess overnight and we will not get out of it overnight. But be assured we will be victorious. We are right on the issues.
Liberty is not guaranteed but must be fought for in each generation. If we have soldiers willing to give their life for our liberty in faraway lands the least we can do is be willing to do all we can in our own country. Our job is to win at the ballot box. I'm excited about 2010. It will be a year of great opportunity and great victories for those of us who want to return our nation to the nation our fathers and mothers turned over to us. Our children and grandchildren deserve no less than our maximum effort to pass on the baton of peace, prosperity and liberty that was given to us.
So join me in a tip of the glass to our greatest days of the past, the greatest days that are still to come, and the part that each of us are going to play in winning back our nation. Let's get started.
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