-- Randy's Roundup --

A Weekly Newsletter from Congressman Randy Neugebauer

Modernizing the State Veterans Home in Big Spring

The Texas State Veterans Home in Big Spring will be getting much-needed updates to make the facility more comfortable for veterans.  The heating and cooling system will be replaced, as will the hot water pump system.  Patients will be able to more easily summon nurses through a new nurse call system, and the nurses’ stations will be renovated.  And by replacing the fire alarm panel, the facility will be safer for staff, veterans, and visitors alike.  The repairs are being funded through a grant recently announced by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.  I’m proud that Big Spring is able to provide the best possible care for our veterans who have fought and suffered in service to our nation.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October represents Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I was blessed to survive my own battle with cancer a few years ago.  Since then, I’ve tried to pass on that blessing by encouraging people to educate themselves about their risk of cancer.  In September, I marked Prostate Cancer Awareness Month by urging men to talk to their doctors about early detection.  This month, I would like to encourage women to get screened for breast cancer.  This year alone, almost a quarter of a million women will be diagnosed with breast cancer.  Education, awareness, and early detection will help improve your chance of surviving cancer.  Survival rates for breast cancer are higher now than they were ten years ago in large part because women are getting tested and catching it early. I hope you’ll take the time to educate yourself today at preventcancer.org.

Working to Defend Taxpayer Interests

I was honored to be named a “Taxpayer Hero” for the first session of the 112th Congress by the Council for Citizens Against Government Waste (CCAGW). The CCAGW’s objective is to increase transparency, minimize waste, permanently eliminate earmarks, and reduce the ever-growing national debt. CCAGW determined which Members of Congress are Taxpayer Heroes based on votes on issues that cut government spending and create opportunities.  For instance, I voted against $2.5 trillion in spending on Obamacare.  I am proud to stand up for American taxpayers in Congress, and I look forward to every opportunity I have to support the rights of families and businesses.

Action Item of the Week: Cattle Raisers Association Event

Tomorrow, I will attend a Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) gathering in Throckmorton, TX. The TSCRA is a 135-year-old trade association and the oldest livestock organization in Texas.  Its members include over 15,000 beef cattle operations, ranching families and businesses primarily in Texas and Oklahoma.  I’ll update our ranchers on legislative issues in Washington, like the Farm Bill.  And I plan to listen to producers and ask them how they are dealing with the drought, rising energy costs, and other factors affecting their industry.