We intend to keep the lines of communication open with the Defense Department so we can help our border law enforcement agencies navigate the equipment application process.

At the current rate of 28 miles of SBInet [Secure Border Initiative network] technology every 4.5 years, it would take 320 years - or until the year 2330 - to deploy SBInet technology across the Southwest border. That statistic would be comical if the subject matter were not so serious.

We intend to keep the lines of communication open with the Defense Department so we can help our border law enforcement agencies navigate the equipment application process.

As I get close to my election, I want to spend more time in my district and focus on my reelection.

My focus as part of the leadership is to keep talking about the independent voters, independent voters - how do we get the independent voters back?

If we want to boost border security, we have to help law enforcement agencies beef up their resources to meet this demand. We cannot have one without the other.

You know, I got the third most uninsured district in the whole state of Texas, probably number nine in the whole country. As a Blue Dog, I'm also looking at the cost. So, I have got a very unique district.