WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, Chairman of the Immigration, Border Security and Citizenship Subcommittee, and U.S. Sen. Jon Kyl, Chairman of the Terrorism, Technology and Homeland Security Subcommittee, on Monday requested the President’s support for an emergency border security and immigration enforcement supplemental appropriation in order to fully fund enforcement priorities that Congress has authorized.

“While I’m still very much committed to a comprehensive immigration reform bill, I believe that for the legislative process to move forward, the White House and the Congress must restore public confidence in the government’s ability - and will - to enforce the immigration laws,” Sen. Cornyn said. “It is for this reason that we are seeking the President’s support for a supplemental, and we are hopeful that it will re-energize discussions between all parties in our effort to reach a compromise on this very important issue.”

Sen. Cornyn has played a key role in the Senate immigration reform debate and continues to work to bolster border security and implement comprehensive immigration reform. He will serve on the conference committee that will reconcile the differences between the House and Senate immigration bills.

Cornyn and Kyl authored The Comprehensive Enforcement and Immigration Reform Act (S.1438). The key components of their legislation include enhanced border security and interior enforcement, employer accountability, and reform to bring the current illegal population into compliance with the law.

Estimated Figures for Proposed Immigration and Border Security Supplemental Appropriations Request:

Account                                              Amount (in billions)

500 Border Patrol Agents                       $0.135

300 Detention Beds                               $0.046

Employee Verification System               $0.400

Fencing and Vehicle Barriers                  $1.829

US VISIT Entry-Exit                               $0.193

800 ICE Agents                                     $0.100

New Capital Equipment                          $0.976

TOTAL                                                  $3.679

More information on the key areas that need to be addressed:

• Detention Beds: necessary to end “catch and release”
• 94 percent of detained aliens are deported, but only 11 percent of non-detained aliens are deported.
• DHS releases 600 illegal Salvadorans each week.
• Several years ago, the Intel Reform Bill authorized 8,000 beds every year from 2006 through 2010.
• Even with the supplemental and Sen. Kyl’s efforts on the DHS Appropriations bill, we are still 1,300 beds short of that authorization.
• Border Patrol Agents:
• The Intel Reform Bill authorized 2,000 new Border Patrol agents a year.
• From Fiscal Year 2001 through Fiscal Year 2005, there was a net increase of less than 2,000 agents over the five year period.
• We have seen that the National Guard presence has resulted in a deterrent effect along the border.
• Almost 40 percent of illegal immigration has occurred during the last five years. So while the number of illegal immigrants has increased by 850,000 a year, the number of additional Border Patrol agents has increased by only a few hundred each year.
• Worksite Enforcement
• 45 percent of illegal immigrants are visa overstays.
• In 1999 there were 2,849 worksite arrests for immigration violations. By 2004, that number had dropped to 159.
• Last year, there were only three (3) Notices of Intent to Fine for violations of the enforcement laws.
• Worksite Enforcement Program Performance: FY1999-FY2003

Audio of Sen. Cornyn’s comments at press conference on Monday: 

www.cornyn.senate.gov/immigration
 

“I am pleased at the tremendous results of this operation, which greatly reduced all types of crime, led to dozens of arrests, and shut down the activities of international crime syndicates across a five-county region,” Perry said. “Last month we completed a similar successful effort in the Del Rio area, which provided a model for operations that will be conducted in every county along the Texas-Mexico border. The international drug cartels and human smuggling rings will not know when or where law enforcement operations like this will occur or how long they will last. The message we are sending to criminals who exploit our border is that the cost of doing business in Texas is going up substantially.”

The operation brought together the sheriffs from the five counties, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Department of Public Safety, the Texas National Guard, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the Civil Air Patrol, the Texas National Guard and the Governor’s Division of Emergency Management. 

State assets involved in the operation included a team of DPS Highway Patrol troopers with communications support personnel, a DPS SWAT team, DPS helicopters and crew members providing 24-hour support, a team of Texas Parks and Wildlife game wardens and ground Units with all-terrain vehicles.

“We are proving that the Texas model works: when we increase law enforcement patrols and coordination, we see a decrease in every kind of crime which protects our border and our communities. Criminals are forced off the streets, fewer Texans make emergency phone calls to local sheriffs, and drug smugglers shut down their operations because the risk of being caught is too great,” Perry said.  

The effort was conducted as part of Operation Rio Grande, Perry’s comprehensive border security initiative that coordinates local, state and federal assets. Planning began weeks before the operation was launched, and intelligence to support the operation was coordinated through the state Border Security Operations Center. 
 

Today, there are competing proposals for dealing with illegal immigration. Some want amnesty and giving the 8-12 million illegals here in America an expedited road to citizenship. I oppose this because it's not fair to the countless men and women from other countries who have and are properly standing in line for visas and residency permits, waiting months and, in some cases, years. That's cutting in line and I oppose it. To stop illegal immigration, the first thing we have to do is secure our borders, both north and south. And that means putting more law enforcement on the borders. 

Second, we need to dry up demand. Overnight you dry up demand and illegal immigration if you significantly increase penalties on employers who hire illegals. If we can send a man to the moon, we can create state driver's licenses or a new social security card, with tamper-proof biometrics on the back, with at least a digital photograph, fingerprints, date and place of birth, and citizenship status. To insure the safety of all our citizens, all of us should apply for this new biometric driver’s license or social security card.

Re: "Republican ruffles political feathers of his own party with newsletter" (July 16):

Bravo to Joe Solis for challenging his fellow Republicans. The man is holding his party accountable. That is what all of us should do in all political parties.

The Republicans have blown their chance to bring improvement. They have largely failed. Joe's remarks about a "Congressman Henry Bonilla RETIREMENT Party" are right on. Now we have to wait to see if this bold and involved citizen will be heard within the party.

If Democrats and Republicans make accountability a priority, both parties will improve. If both parties improve, the country will improve. The time is long past for lock-step agreement along party lines. Solis is an example of how "we" can make the citizens of this country the only special interest group.

I sign every email with the following thought. I invite everyone to do the same.

"Does your incumbent deserve to return to office?

"Vote, but think. Then vote!"

—Larry Nolan Stewart

Newsletter Gets The Truth Out

The South Texas Republican newsletter is like a breath of fresh air in this state. The establishment can say what they want about Joe Solis and his newsletter, but the truth is getting out, and whether they like it or not, people are reading it and are fed up with the pork.

Hats off to Joe for standing up to the bullies in the Republican Party. Those who don't like what Joe is doing, ask your children how they feel about Republicans mortgaging their future.

The reality is that Henry Bonilla and his big spending friends in Congress have forgotten who sent them to Washington. Anyone calling them on their big spending habits risks being labeled "ill informed."

Solis is the Paul Revere of the 21st century. But is he too late?

—Maria Martinez, Austin

Original Source:

Letters To The Editor
 

This event will feature national speakers like Dr. James Dobson of Focus on the Family; Brent Bozell of the Media Research Center; Reverend Don Wildmon of the American Family Association; Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council; Paul Weyrich of the Free Congress Foundation and many more! As part of the entertainment, “Mr. President” Steve Bridges will be on hand doing his impersonation of President George W. Bush.

My goals for this trip are 4-fold:

1. Recruit nationally recognized speakers for our Rough Riders of Bexar County Educational Series

2. Build new relationships with national conservative organizations and individuals for South Texas Republicans, P.A.C.

3. Utilize these contacts to gain support in terms of resources and finances for the P.A.C., and our South Texas Candidates at the state and federal levels

4. Demonstrate the strength of the Republican Party in South Texas at the grassroots level

As a result of my most recent trip to D.C. in May for the Jesse Helms Communications in Foreign Policy School, I developed a relationship with Peter Brookes, Senior Fellow of National Security Affairs with the Heritage Foundation. Because of that relationship, South Texas Republicans is in talks with Peter about speaking to grassroots activists here in San Antonio in the fall!

The costs to attend the ‘Washington Briefing’ in D.C. will be about $1,800. The package to attend all 3 conference days and gain admittance to the exhibit halls/book signings will cost $550. The hotel room on location (Omni Shoreham in D.C.) will cost $550 for 3 nights (needed by August 15th!!). Roundtrip airfare is expected to run about $400-600 (plus tax).

All work I do for South Texas Republicans, P.A.C. is as a volunteer. I live strictly on my disability income, which only amounts to $500 a month.

Ideally, to get whatever price breaks I can for travel, and the conference, I need the funds available by August 30, 2006. This would allow for plenty of time planning arrival and transportation while in our nation’s capitol.

Checks/Money Orders can be made out to me, and mailed to:

Schuylar Crist

9570 Autumn Shade

San Antonio, Texas

78254

You may also reach me by phone at (210) 663-6093 or via e-mail at skyskyrider@hotmail.com

You can also check out conference information at www.frcaction.org

Thank you in advance for your prayerful and thoughtful consideration.
 

Washington, D.C. - Dear Senator,

On behalf of more than 800,000 FreedomWorks members nationwide, I write to urge you to support S. 3711, The Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act. This legislation would take an important step towards greater energy security for the U.S. and lessen dependence on foreign sources of energy such as oil.

As Senator Pete Domenici (R-NM) told the media, the Senate proposal would yield more than 5 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, "enough to make sure all the homes in Florida have enough natural gas for 10 years." The proposal would make over 8 million acres available for leasing within one year of enactment. These lands would yield over 1 billion barrels of oil and over 5 trillion cubic feet of gas, thus lessening our dependence on foreign sources of energy.

Allowing exploration will not only lessen America’s foreign dependence on energy, but will lead to the development of alternative fuel sources. Natural gas is a clean, safe, reliable source of energy, and we should make use of this resource by allowing companies to explore off the coasts.

Passage of S. 3711, The Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act, is a signal that the United States Senate is serious about addressing rising energy prices, and is dealing with it in the only sustainable way possible—by accepting the law of supply and demand. FreedomWorks will count your vote on S. 3711 as a KEY VOTE when calculating the FreedomWorks Economic Scorecard. The FreedomWorks Economic Scorecard is used to determine eligibility for the Jefferson Award, which recognizes Members of Congress with voting records that support economic freedom.

Sincerely,

Matt Kibbe
President and CEO
FreedomWorks
 

The San Antonio Express-News reports....[MORE]

Check Out The Feature At FreedomWorks.org
 

The responses, as I prepare to run for Comptroller, are exceeding every expectation and I am honored that so many have volunteered their support from every corner of the state. That is, I believe, due in large part to your efforts at the grassroots level.

My husband, Joe, and I walked door to door in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, for the presidential campaign. I am absolutely convinced that the efforts of grassroots volunteers across this country were the single most effective political strategy employed.

That is why I am asking you today to be part of my campaign team for the primary and general elections as I run for Comptroller.

There are several ways you can get involved. Please select your area of interest. Of course, you can be involved in more ways than one! Visit all links that apply. If you would like to help in another way, please contact our office, or call 512-327-3345

http://www.susancombs.com/
 

Please take advantage of this unique opportunity to learn more about ongoing legislation in Washington, D.C.

Here is one example of what you can expect if you sign up….

In this MegaVote for Texas' 23rd Congressional District:

Recent Congressional Votes -
Senate: Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act
Senate: Voting Rights Act Reauthorization Act
House: Marriage Protection Amendment
House: Pledge Protection Act
House: Veto Override; Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act
House: Condemning the attacks against Israel
House: U.S.-Oman Free Trade Agreement

Upcoming Congressional Bills -
Senate: Gulf of Mexico Lease Sale
Senate: Defense Appropriations, FY2007

House: Government Efficiency Act
House: Abolishment of Obsolete Agencies and Federal Sunset Act
 

In a massive show of opposition to toll roads, more than 400 concerned citizens filled the auditorium at Marshall High School in Leon Valley (the police officer said it was closer to 700) July 27. It was the first public meeting hosted by the Alamo Regional Mobility Authority (ARMA) and the first meeting for the Bandera Road Toll project. The ARMA called their “work group” public meeting format “new,” but it’s really an old tactic to try to bore or anesthetize the public on an issue about which the public is clearly hostile.

“They expect hundreds of people to sit through hours of presentations and ‘work sessions’ before they ever have the opportunity to actually get their comments on the record. It’s offensive and an insult to people’s time. They love to claim paying tolls will save you time, well, why don’t they save us time and just give us the mike,” says Terri Hall, Regional Director of SanAntonioTollParty.com.

After starting the meeting late and after a lengthy opening presentation, the moderator then had attendees break-up into work sessions to discuss ideas, alternatives, etc. for another 20 minutes. Then the public had to endure RJ Rivera and Associates “sharing” a summary of attendees’ thoughts rather than actually letting the public tell it themselves. By the time the public comment portion commenced, a full two hours had passed! A good half of the crowd of concerned citizens left midway through the meeting disgusted at the lack of consideration for folks’ time…but not before hundreds signed our petition to stop the toll roads, to make donations, and to sign-up to volunteer.

This dog & pony show approach was designed to fatigue the public into submission, numbing the people with a 30-minute presentation, and then work groups in order to peel them off in frustration. By the time the public comment portion came, it was a half-empty room!

However, it backfired. Many folks complained of the format, including State Representative David Leibowitz, and one called it a “sham” when they finally got their turn at the microphone. 

The public could see precisely what the RMA was trying to do, and that was to divide and conquer the opposition. They knew the turnout would be enormous and their mission was to break people up, wear folks down, and waste their time. When public comments come last, it was obvious to everyone what was happening. And, of course, they knew the media wouldn't stick around to report on the litany of opposition.

Once the public finally got to speak, there were still a good 200 people left in the room and many mentioned the need to vote out ALL politicians who support tolls or who voted to toll our roads, particularly Governor Perry. Some spoke to how there’s an awakening among the grassroots--that it’s time to take our government back. Several fantastic solutions were proposed, including loud applause for and frequent reference to improved, expanded public transit options. There was actually a good portion of the audience that supported doing nothing. One hundred percent of the public comments were opposed to the tolls with the exception of Vic Boyer of the San Antonio Mobility Coalition (a lobby group on behalf of the highway special interests), who is ardently in favor of tolls.

The meeting finally ended at 10 p.m.!

This is a complete departure from the glory days of the Texas Department of Transportation. They have descended into a process devoid of accountability to the public, using secret deals for the benefit of multi-national special interests and, for all intents and purposes, are selling off Texas to the highest bidder, which is a far cry from providing safe, reliable, affordable transportation for all Texans.

Setting the record straight: the RMA IS broke and has spent or allocated over $10 million!

I’m so glad Mr. Thornton recognizes the seriousness of the financial state of the RMA. Do a public information request and see for yourselves, folks. They have no money! At the last Board Meeting in July, they explicitly stated they will now be funded exclusively by TxDOT. They have spent both loans from the City and County ($1.25 million from the county and $500,000 from the City, which is illegal, the City cannot loan money), and they have allocated all of the first Mobility Fund grant (turned loan since a grant was illegal) from TxDOT to preliminary engineering of the toll roads on Bandera, Wurzbach, and I-35 to HNTB. The Board voted to allocate $6.5 million to HNTB in January and Thornton promised there would be more lots where that came from. I know because I was there and saw it myself.

However, the HNTB estimated cost was $8.2 million, and the RMA only had $7.5 million in Mobility funds (which have to be allocated specifically to construction or engineering of toll roads). Again, they’re in financial trouble. So let’s add that up, shall we? HNTB will get $8.2 million for preliminary engineering (not counting right of way acquisition), then there’s the nearly $2 million from the City and County they’ve already spent, and they also received $1 million from TxDOT to “review” the toll contract (CDA) for 281/1604 with two foreign companies (that’s being negotiated in secret, no less). That adds up to more than $10 million allocated or spent with no new money flowing in except from TxDOT. So, how is it inaccurate to say you’re broke, Mr. Thornton? Your own records show it. Since TxDOT has been the primary and now sole source of RMA funding, how can the RMA claim “local control” or  “independence” from TxDOT.  It’s hard to believe they’ll EVER bite the hand that feeds them!

Regardless of the month-to-month balance sheet manipulations (I’ll leave those machinations to the finance experts), you’re still broke. You take issue with challenges from the public, obviously. However, we’re smarter than you give us credit for and you demonstrate why un-elected tolling authorities should not be deciding when, if and how our public infrastructure should be leased to foreign companies.

About Ms. Cockrell-Newton:

I knew her name sounded familiar. I dug up an old email where we actually had a pleasant dialogue, back when she had an open mind. Once she began to learn about the tolling of existing roads and right of way, the leasing of our infrastructure to foreign companies with no accountability to the taxpayers, and the myth of free flowing “free” lanes (which will come under the control of non-compete agreements and have to be congested BY DEFINITION in order for anyone to pay to take an adjacent toll road), she seemed to see the light:

“Well this is certainly a different picture than Bill Thornton presented....

I'll just have to learn more…will continue to follow the toll road things to watch the information...Kevin Wolff is my boss…Thanks for the additional information.”

Perhaps she’s been getting an earful from the wrong folks!

Ms. Cockrell-Newton even said this:

“Keeping the emotions and name calling and accusations out of the message usually creates an atmosphere where people will work together for a solution benefiting everyone.”

Agreed, so why did she cast the first stone? Seems that she’s no longer concerned that they’re tolling existing roads (she previously told me she was for tolling only NEW roads), that privatizing them and putting under the control of foreign companies for 50 year monopolies is the most expensive transportation option for taxpayers, and that there’s no accountability to the voters. We’re not about name-calling; we’re about the facts. It’s the other side that continually levels charges and calls names without facts or examples. Let’s elevate the discussion and please do try to defend your viewpoint…it’ll be tough because it’s indefensible to the grassroots.

Join the revolution at http://www.SATollParty.com.
 

This is a series by an anonymous political insider in Bexar County. The views of this author do not represent the views of South Texas Republicans. 

Editor Joe Solis is obviously not shy about taking on fellow Republicans. Maybe it is a political death wish. Just when you thought he topped himself by taking on the Democrats' most hated congressman, Henry Bonilla, he is now taking shots at the Lieutenant Governor, David Dewhurst. Who would have ever thought it?

Ironically, Democrats for the most part haven’t been too critical of Dewhurst in the past. Actually, he has a more positive reputation among Democrats as a Republican than most other Republicans have with Democrats.

When the Democratic State Senators took their leave and escaped to New Mexico, Dewhurst was credited with giving them the heads up to flee the state. Among Democrats he is basically considered less strident and confronting of Democrats than other Republicans. And the beat goes on.

Last week, I opined that Democrats and Republicans in the River City were secretly, quietly and not so secretly and quietly blurring the lines between the two parties. I pointed out that Republicans were backing Democrats and Democrats were crossing over to vote for Republicans.

I even said, “I can hardly wait to see what prominent Republican or Democrat will step out and cross the line. I predict it will happen when we least expect it.”

Ta Da!

It happened this past week. It seems that Roy Barrera Jr., former Bexar County Republican Party Chairman, crossed that great divide and endorsed Democratic City Clerk Margaret Montemayor for re-election. Three cheers for the Republicrat. Am I good or what?

It seems only right that Barrera crossed over Party lines, since former Democratic Party Chair Gabe Quintanilla endorsed Republican Susan Reed for re-election for D.A. Is it getting blurry in here? Can you see me now?

Speaking of D.A. Susan Reed, we still are awaiting news of charges against Tom Rickhoff’s sons for street racing. I guess we shouldn’t hold our breath, lest we pass out from lack of oxygen. Since Rickhoff is oblivious to all the commotion, we can center our attention on his opponent, Barbie Scharf-Zeldes. Like Montemayor, she has a conservative Republican who not only supports her, but is serving as her campaign treasurer!

I see where Scharf-Zeldes had a press conference with deaf people this past week to bring them into the Democratic fold. That is a smart move on her part.

How come only women candidates are smart enough to think of something like that?  I guess it is because women are more nurturing and sensitive to those kinds of issues.

And what about last week’s ranting from former Mayor Bill Thorton for toll roads?  As a Democrat, I can tell you that most Democrats are NOT for toll roads. Many Democrats laud Terri Hall for her efforts to stop the insanity.

For those Republicans who don’t want those expensive toll roads, you have lots of support from your brothers and sisters in the Democratic Party.

It is the same with the issue of immigration. Republicans are not the only Party who thinks that the immigration issue should be about security first. While Democrats don’t want illegal immigrants abused or taken advantage of, at the same time we don’t want our borders overrun with criminals and those who would abuse our laws, either. Where is the dialogue?

That is the moderate viewpoint. I AM the "Republicrat"!

Readers of the 'Republicrat': Please Join Us For Dinner With Special Guest:

A Message and Invitation from Joe Solis:

Marialyn Barnard is an experienced attorney with “stellar credentials,” as noted in the San Antonio Express News!

Marialyn is an experienced civil litigator. She was an attorney to state and federal judges at both the trial and appellate levels before she became an Assistant United States Attorney in civil litigation.  She has been a corporate attorney, as well as having worked on family law cases and probate matters. She has the broad base of legal experience needed for the 225th District Court. 

Marialyn is truly dedicated to public service in all areas of her life. She was a high school teacher and social worker before becoming an attorney. She has volunteered extensively through many charitable organizations, including San Antonio Metropolitan Ministries (SAMM), Habitat for Humanity, the Children’s Shelter, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Community Justice Program, and much more, all for disadvantaged individuals and families. 

I am hosting this special dinner for individuals who have never met Marialyn. This is not a fundraiser or campaign rally. It is classic meet and greet that includes a fabulous dinner by Chef Paul Arrendondo. There are only 40 seats available. Please contact me today if you would like to attend this special event.

When:  August 29th, 2006 at 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Where: Chef's Farmers Market, 7034 San Pedro (210) 320-3442, (210) 683-1082

Menu:
We will be serving our wonderful Pasta Station. This menu consists of three different types of pastas and sauces such as: penne, linguine, and rotini pasta; then you have a choice of pesto, marinara, and our creamy alfredo sauce (which are all made from scratch). You also have a choice of enjoyable mix-ins, such as: spinach, green peppers, onions, mushrooms, chicken, meatballs, Italian sausage, and succulent tomatoes. This is also served with Parmesan and buttered garlic bread served on the side for your liking. In order to wash down all this fabulous food we are serving Iced Tea. For whoever may have room for dessert, we are serving an amazing Tres Leches cake and coffee.

Chef's Farmers Market:
All of this amazing food will be cooked by Mr. Paul Arredondo, Executive Chef. He has worked at various places and maybe you have had the chance to taste his exquisite cooking at any of these places: La Mansion – he was the Banquet Chef, The Hilton Airport – he was the Executive Sous Chef, The Embassy Suites and Double Tree Hotel – he was the Executive Chef. Now he is working for himself and has opened Chef's Farmers Market, which has been open for a year since May 15, 2005. He has his family, including wife, daughters, nieces and nephews that have come together to make his dream become a reality. We also have our non-family workers who are considered family because of everything that they have done to help for the sake of this fantastic restaurant.

We hope that you all enjoy this sensational food. It is also a pleasure to have you all at Chef's Farmers Market.