Congressman Lamar Smith

Congressman Lamar Smith Saturday.

Smith, the Republican U.S. Representative from San Antonio, who was responsible for appropriating the funds at the request of city officials, said the funding, which comes from the 2010 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill, needs only to pass a final House floor vote later this month. He said he expects the vote to be a positive one.

"This became my top priority, and is probably the most funding I've gotten for New Braunfels in a long time, and for a worthy cause," said the 11-term congressman who represents District 21, which includes Comal and Bexar counties.

"I would like to emphasize this (announcement) is a good sign. It is likely, but not guaranteed. It is likely because it has been approved by the Homeland Security Committee and we expect it to be approved on the House floor vote June 23," Smith said. "We always wait until approval by the committee before announcing such things. We expect the funding and it looks good - unless an unforeseen obstacle arises."

If all goes well, Smith said, he would hope the city would see the approved funding "by the end of the year."
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"These projects are huge financial commitments by the city, and we are glad we have a great working relationship with Congressman Smith," he said.
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"The North Tributary project is one of our top priorities, and we are extremely grateful for the support we have received from Congressman Smith."

Smith added that it was "very rare," and he could not remember the last time a funding project - also known as an earmark - of his was approved for the full amount.

"There are good earmarks, which serve a public service, and there are bad earmarks, which are done in the dark of the night," he said.

Smith is wrong on need for speed building border fence

To the editor:

Congressman Lamar Smith's increasing penchant for political expediency exceeds my tolerance for politcal folly.

He is quoted in today's Herald-Zeitung as saying the "...expeditious construction of the border fence is a victory for the American people."Far, far from it Congressman Smith.

Please name me one fence that worked: the Berlin Wall? the Great Wall of China? the Maginot Line? the Iron Curtain? the walls of Jericho?

Did he see the pictures of people climbing over the new border fence?

Congressman Lamar Smith Discusses Border Security with Austin Technology LeaderAxalto : News - Congressman Lamar Smith Discusses Border Security with Austin Technology Leader
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Congressman Lamar Smith Discusses Border Security with Austin Technology Leader