MINUTES

 

SENATE COMMITTEE ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS & TRADE

Thursday, September 18, 2008

9:00 a.m.

Capitol Extension, Room E1.016

 

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Pursuant to a notice posted in accordance with Senate Rule 11.18, a public hearing of the Senate Committee on International Relations & Trade was held on Thursday, September 18, 2008, in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.016, at Austin, Texas.

 

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MEMBERS PRESENT:

 

MEMBERS ABSENT:

Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr.

Senator Dan Patrick

Senator Craig Estes

Senator Carlos Uresti

 

Senator Troy Fraser

Senator Mario Gallegos, Jr.

Senator Kel Seliger

 

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The chair called the meeting to order at 9:03 a.m.  The following business was transacted: 

 

The chair welcomed members of the Senate Border Delegation to the hearing: Senator Judith Zaffirini and Senator Eliot Shapleigh.

 

The chair opened the hearing to invited testimony on Charges #5:

 

Study and make recommendations to stem the tide of illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and human smuggling, and to reduce the criminal activities within the Border region. (Joint charge with Senate Committee on Transportation and Homeland Security).

 

At 11:15 a.m. roll was called, and a quorum was present.

 

At 11:25 a.m. Senator Uresti assumed the chair. 

 

At 11:30 a.m. Senator Lucio, Jr. resumed the chair. 

 

Senator Estes moved adoption of the minutes from the previous hearings held on August 13, 2008, and June 18, 2008; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

At 12:40 p.m. Senator Lucio, Jr. moved that the committee stand at ease until 1:00 p.m; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

At 1:10 p.m. the committee reconvened. 

 

At 1:20 p.m. Senator Uresti assumed the chair. 

 

At 1:25 p.m. Senator Lucio, Jr. resumed the chair. 

 

The chair closed invited testimony and then opened the hearing to public testimony on Charge #5.

 

Witnesses testifying and registering on the charges are shown on the attached list. 

 

The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

There being no further business, at 4:20 p.m. Senator Lucio, Jr. moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the chair.  Without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

 

 

 

 

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Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr., Chair

 

 

 

 

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LeAnn Gallegos, Clerk