Former Assistant Whip, United States House of Representatives

Representative, United States House of Representatives, 1992-2006

Co-Chair, Congressional Border Caucus

Founding Member, Congressional Hispanic Conference

Experience, National Republican Congressional Committee

Vice Chair, United States/Mexico Congressional Caucus

Co-Chair, Caucus on Community Health Centers, 2003-2004

Producer, WABC, New York

Assistant News Director, WTAF, Philadelphia

Executive Producer for Public Affairs, KENS-TV, San Antonio, 1989

Executive News Producer, KENS-TV, San Antonio, 1986

Member, Crimestoppers

Member, Rural Health Care Coalition

Member, San Antonio Library Foundation

Member, Women's Athletics Advisory Council, University of Texas

Chairman, Texas Victory, 2002

Astrological Sign:

Capricorn

Awards:

-Congressional Support for Science Award, Institute of Food Technologies, 2004
-Mr. South Texas, 2004
-Champion of Ground Water, National Ground Water Association, 2004
-Friend of the Farm Bureau Award, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004
-Friend of the Taxpayer Award, Americans for Tax Reform, 1996-1997, 2002-2004
-Thomas Jefferson Award for Distinguished Service, Food Distributor's International, 1996, 2000, 2004
-Champion of Small Business, Small Business Survival Committee, 1996, 2000, 2004
-Spirit of Enterprise Award, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 1996-1999, 2002-2004
-Champion of the Year Award, National Association of Community Health Centers, 1995-2004
-Guardian of Small Business, National Federation of Independent Businesses, 1993, 1995, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2003, 2004
-Champion of Conservation, Association of Texas Soil and Water Conservation Districts, 2003
-Eye Care for You Award, Friends of the Congressional Glaucoma Caucus Foundation, 2003
-President's Award, National Association of Resource Conservation and Development Councils, 2003
-Man of the Year in Texas Agriculture, Texas Agricultural Agents Association, 2003
-Grape & Wine Public Policy Leadership Award, Winegrape Growers of America, 2003
-Texas Friends of Rural Water Award, 2002
-TRIO Honorary Achiever Award, 2002
-Champion of the Merit Shop, Associated Builders and Contractors, 1999-2002
-Champion of the Merit Shop, American Builders and Contractors, 2001
-Award for Legislative Excellence, American Diabetes Association, 2001
-ADVAMED Award, 2001
-Distinguished Legislator Award, Animal Health Institute, 2001
-Food Industry Congressional Leadership Award, 2001
-Free Trade Alliance Award, 2001
-Champion of Private Property Rights, 1994, 2001
-Congressional Food Leadership Award, National Food Processors, 2001
-Hero of the Taxpayer Award, 60 Plus Association, 2000
-Friend of the Shareholder Award, 2000
-Policymaker of the Year, National Job Corps, 2000
-Alpha Award, Job Corps Association, 2000
-Retail Champion of the 106th Congress, National Retail Federation, 2000
-Polio Eradication Champion Award, Rotary International, 2000
-Outstanding Young Texas Ex Award, University of Texas Ex-Students' Association, 1993, 2000
-Star Award, U.T. Health Science Center, 2000
-Super Friend of Seniors, 60 Plus Association, 1996-2000
-Health Care Award, National Association of Geriatric Education Centers
-Benjamin Franklin Public Policy Award, National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies
-President's Award, National Association of Resource Conservation and Development Councils