Pete Gallego

-Washington DC

This thing we call "The Sequester" is a manufactured monster.

Approximately two years ago, the 112^th Congress passed extreme across-the-board cuts known as sequestration. This budget measure was designed to be so drastic that it was supposed to force a bipartisan compromise on reducing the deficit. All sides seem to agree that the cuts were never meant to happen.

As we now know, there was no compromise. Partisan gridlock got in the way of good public policy. On March 1, 2013, sequestration took effect. It threatens the future of Texas families and the economic prosperity of our state. According to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office, sequestration would cut economic growth in 2013 by one-third. A report from the House Committee on Appropriations projected a loss of 2.14 million jobs, nearly half of which would come from small businesses.

A 2012 George Mason University study estimated that Texas could lose almost 160,000 jobs. Data compiled by the Pew Charitable Trusts shows that in the area of defense, Texas would be among the hardest hit. Of particular importance to this committee today, is the impact of the sequester on border security, trade, and commerce.

A.D. Ibarra

-Eagle Pass

The Eagle Pass Eagles squared off against the strong Alexander Bulldogs on Friday evening and came out firing on a nice pass to the middle where the Eagle forward took the ball moved to his left and let go of a shot from mid-range, approximately 20 feet from the goal as the ball bent into the back of the net as Alexander's goalie reached but could not get to the ball for the 1-0 lead. The Eagles defended well but with 10 minutes remaining in the first half, Alexander took the ball right then sent a center pass into the area which was headed in by the Alexander striker, a magnificent goal to tie it at 1-1. The Bulldogs scored again in when a pass to the middle found the Alexander forward in the area. He weaved his way into the area juking two or three Eagle defenders and shot low right to get the game winner past the Eagle goalie for the 2-1 match winner. District 29-AAAAA soccer has improved immensely and the competition is fierce. Eagle Pass Soccer in particular has seen the benefit of many of their players joining elite teams and travel squads which have been garnering championships at the state and national levels. Coach Juan Chavez and his side should be solid on both sides of the field and this match indicates thatthey can compete at this the highest level of soccer in the University Interscholastic League. This match was one of the first held at the new EPISD Football Stadium this season.