Senator John Cornyn

The Washington Times
By Jennifer Harper

"I hope the President will come to Texas ready to take a few notes and learn from one of the most successful states in the nation when it comes to job creation and economic growth," says Sen. John Cornyn.

His advice for Mr. Obama is something that Mr. Perry has already put into practice.

"As the nation's economy continues to remain stagnant, I hope he’ll see the power low taxes, reasonable regulations, and a business-friendly environment has in driving a Texas economy that continues to grow and put people to work," the Republican lawmaker observes.

You can read the full article in the Washington Times here.

We live in uncertain times. With Americans struggling to make ends meet; volatility overseas, and a White House that just doesn't seem to get it, it's more important than ever that you and I are on the same page. That is why I am calling on you for help.

I would like to invite you to become one of my Issue Advisers.

To join this group, please take a moment to answer my short survey about what issues matter the most to you.

Your membership and feedback will allow me to continue fighting for what's most important to my fellow Texans.

I look forward to reviewing your response!

In a crass display of political gamesmanship, the Obama administration has chosen to exploit modest cuts to the federal government's budget to maximize the negative impact on Americans.

Under sequestration, the Federal Aviation Administration's budget was reduced to 2010 levels, a cut that amounts to less than four percent of its 2012 budget.

In response, the White House and the FAA have chosen to furlough air traffic controllers one day out of every ten, which could delay flight arrivals for up to one third of travelers at major hubs across the nation.

I've cosponsored a bill to allow the FAA to transfer funds between accounts to mitigate the effects of sequestration on travelers.

If you agree with me, I hope you will join me by signing my petition today!

It is unacceptable for the Obama administration to make a political point at the expense of American travelers. Join me in sending the White House a message by signing my petition to stop Obama's flight delays today!

At least 11 emergency responders are missing and presumed dead following the massive West fertilizer explosion near Waco, but Sen. John Cornyn said that 60 people remain unaccounted for.

Twelve bodies have been recovered so far, and search and rescue efforts will continue for another for survivors after the West Fertilizer Co. blast Wednesday night. Chris Barron, the executive director of the State Firemen's & Fire Marshals' Association of Texas, said his organization has calculated that 11 first responders are missing and believed to have died in the explosion.

They are five West volunteer firefighters, a retired firefighter who assisted West, a Dallas Fire-Rescue captain who lived in the town and four emergency medical technicians, Barron said. He said some bodies recovered haven't been identified yet.

Cornyn, who toured the blast site Friday, said that 60 people haven't been located and said many could be alive and staying with friends and family. That number came from the Texas State Fire Marshal’s office, Cornyn’s office said.

"There are a number of confirmed dead but a number who are unaccounted for," he said after touring West.

Texas Department of Public Safety Sgt. Jason Reyes said the bodies were found "in the area" of the facility that exploded. He did not say how many were found at the explosion site and how many were recovered from surrounding buildings. Mayor Pro-tem Steve Vanek confirmed that five of West's 33 firefighters, including the city secretary, died in the explosion.

Sen. Ted Cruz, who joined Cornyn on the tour, declined to discuss whether buildings and houses in West were built too close to the fertilizer facility. The site opened in 1962.

"We need to allow time for a careful investigation of what occurred. We all want to know what happened here," Cruz said. "It would be a mistake to rush to a conclusion."

Cornyn said he expects there will be a review of the facility’s close proximity to homes and schools.

"I'm confident there will be exactly the kind of review you're talking about on the local level, state level and the federal level,” he said. “We have authorities from all of those jurisdictions here in place."

Since the article was published, it has been updated. You can read the full updated article here.

Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected in today's tragic events at the Boston Marathon.