The Emancipation Proclamation, signed by President Abraham Lincoln, was put into effect on January 1, 1863, but news of the Proclamation and enforcement did not reach Texas until after the end of the Civil War almost two years later.

States get to improve transportation infrastructure; that creates economic development, puts people back to work and, most important, enhances safety and improves local communities.

I represent central Florida, which depends on tourists for its economic survival. We need people to be able to get to the State and enjoy it.

I do not support a constitutional amendment to prohibit gay marriage.

Veterans continue to get the short end of the stick when it comes to this administration.

We are also ignoring and underfunding high speed rail which is one of the best ways to move citizens and improve congestion on our highways.

I just want someone to explain to the American public why investing in transportation in Iraq is so much more important than investing in passenger rail right here in the United States of America.