Bill Flores | |
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Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Texas's 17th district | |
In office January 3, 2011 – January 3, 2021 | |
Preceded by | Chet Edwards |
Succeeded by | Pete Sessions |
Chair of the Republican Study Committee | |
In office January 3, 2015 – January 3, 2017 | |
Preceded by | Rob Woodall |
Succeeded by | Mark Walker |
Personal details | |
Born | William Hose Flores February 25, 1954 Cheyenne, Wyoming, U.S. |
Political party | Republican |
Spouse | Gina Flores |
Children | 2 |
Education | Texas A&M University (BBA) Houston Baptist University (MBA) |
William Hose Flores Sr. (/ˈflɔːrɛz/; born February 25, 1954)[1] is an American businessman, the Vice Chair of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT),[2] as well as the interim Chair of ERCOT.[3]
From 2011 to 2021, he was the U.S. Representative for Texas's 17th congressional district. Flores chose not to seek re-election in 2020 after five terms in office. He was succeeded by former U.S. Representative for Texas's 32nd congressional district Congressman Pete Sessions. Flores is a member of the Republican Party and the former chief executive officer of Phoenix Exploration Company, an oil and natural gas company.
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Texas A&M 2013 Commencement | Congressman Bill Flores
Transcription
Well Howdy! Howdy! Dr. Loftin, thank you for that nice introduction and thank you for inviting me to join you at this commencement. My wife Gina and I are thrilled to be here. I would also like to exercise one of the privileges that comes with being your speaker this evening and that's to give a shout out to my relatives in the audience this evening. Joining Gina me this evening are my mother Jerry Wagner her husband John Wagner and my sister-in-law Lee Jackson I have a few more shout outs to offer in a few minutes. By the way this commencement, this convication is being recorded by C-span so if y'all think today is a great day to be a Texas Aggie please let our C span audience now with a strong Aggie Whoop! Yes, it is a great day to be a Texas Aggie and here a few other reasons: We're the home to more than 50,000 students ranking as the sixth largest university in the country, we have more than 360,000 former students worldwide as Bowen said a few minutes ago 500,000 the extended Aggie family. We hold a coveted membership in the prestigious Association American universities 1 of only 61 universities with this distinction. We conduct life-changing research valued at more than seven hundred and five million dollars annually currently ranking currently ranking among the top twenty universities nationally and third behind only MIT and University of California at Berkeley for universities without medical schools. We have an endowment valued at more than $5 billion which ranks fourth among US public universities and 10th overall and sports we claim four national team championships and nine conference titles last season both of which were school best. We're the home to Johnny Football Manziel the 2012 Heisman Trophy winner We're recognized as the original and current home of the 12th Man were students stand during football games to show support for the team and for fellow Aggies. A personification of the Aggie spirit. We were recently raided by Sports Illustrated as the nation's best game day and I quote them as follows: "Few venues are more hostile to opponents than the maroon bowl of Kyle Field where the eardrums of visiting players are under constant assault from the Aggie's 12th Man - the nation's best-drilled student body." Our Corps of Cadets is recognized among the nation's largest uniform student bodies at more than twenty three hundred strong we consistently commission more officers annually from the corps cadets then any other school in the country outside the military academies. In keeping with our land grant roots we're one of the universities with the fastest growing population of unrepresented groups. In keeping with our military roots roots we were ranked as one of the most veteran friendly colleges in the country. We have more than 800 student-led clubs and organizations were leaders are molded and selfless service is inculcated into our individual and our group values and here's an interesting tidbit we're recognized as having among the most Facebook fans have any university in the country. In terms of public service Texas A&M is privileged to have many of its own in elected office including an Aggie Governor. We have many many members in the Texas House and the Texas Senate and four members the United States Congress we also have hundreds more serving in all levels from local state and federal government but most importantly over the next few days as you heard doctor office saying we will graduate almost 7,200 graduates the most many graduating class ever. You are the folks that will go change the world and I'm proud to call each of you a fellow Aggie sister or brother. Yes, today is truly a great day to be a Texas Aggie. Now let's start with the little Q&A before I get too much further tonight. I want you to to answer my to raise your hand or a whoop if the answer is yes to any the following. How many have you are the first generation and your families to receive a college education. How many of you are the first Aggie in your family. That's awesome. How many of you have jobs when you walk across the stage this weekend That you know that's impressive invest world. How many of you are confident in your future? Whoop! How many of you are worried about your future don't want for that would just hold your hands up. I didn't see any hands go up that's great. How many have your graduating in less than four years? I'm glad it wasn't crickets, that's good. How many of you are graduating in more than four years? How many of you are graduating in more than five years? I think we'll stop there. For the parents and family members in the audience how many of you are happy about seeing your son or daughter spouse graduate this evening? Whoop! From 2007 when I served as chairman of our board of Association for Former Students through my campaign and through my current service in congress I've given over 200 speeches to well over a hundred fifty thousand people. Now why do bring this up? I'm saying this because even though I should be an experienced public speaker I consider this speech tonight to be one of the most difficult speeches ever had to write and deliver. Why do I feel this way? Well there are a number reasons: First there are four persons who change d my life when I was at A&M. The late Phil Ljungdahl professor of accounting, the late J. Wayne Stark who was the founder and director the MSC Dr. John J. Koltus, former vice president of Student Affairs and Dr. Wendy Gramm professor of economics. When I think if these folks I'm reminded the words on the statue of Lawrence Sullivan Ross: "Soldier, Statesman and Knightly Gentleman." Each of these individuals tried to encourage me and to mold me to model those words and they had a profound impact on me. So I wonder what would they say if they were speaking to you tonight instead me. Second our son Will, class of 2012, is in the audience today and he graduates on Saturday. What should I say that will help him remember this graduation beyond having the degree placed in his hand on Saturday. Third thirty-seven years plus one day ago, on May 8th, 1976 I graduated from this institution. It happened across the street in G. Rollie White Coliseum and the speaker for that commencement was general Fred C. Weyand who was then the Chief of Staff the United States Army what would he want me to repeat from the commencement address that he delivered that day. Lastly but most importantly what should I say that will be that little kernel that we'll see they may stick with you and I'm not germinate to help you become the best that you can be and that will make you the Aggie that other Aggies aspired to follow in the future. So where do we start? Why am I here and what do I want to share with you. Well here we go here's what I hope we can share this evening. First I want to congratulate you for your accomplishments and for the degrees that you're about to receive. Second, I want to tell you a little bit about the world and what you're about to enter and third I want to share some reflections with you that I hope will be meaningful for your future the future that will start at the point your degree is placed in your hand this weekend by President Loftin. So, let's get started. Congratulations to each of you upon your completing your education. You have accomplished a significant milestone education as an essential building block to be coming up productive part of our american society and your Aggie education is one of the events where real life change happens for you for your families and for your communities and for our country. Today you join a group representing about 36 percent of our population that will obtain a post-high school degree. For most of you the A&M education you have received will be all that you need in terms of a formal education and that you will need for your career. The rest of your education will come from on-the-job training, from non academic sources, or from life itself your efforts at A&M along with the investment of tax payers of this state, the giving of the A&M philanthropic community, the support of your families and the commitments A&M faculty staff and administrators had prepared you well for this point in time. Will each have you in a big round of a applause for our graduates Now while I want to congratulate all of you, I have some special recognitions at this time. First among this graduating class are six Aggies who have worked for me or interned for my official office for my campaign their names are Nicole Heath, Madison Fox Haley Barnett, Richard Komo, Kyle Brookneller, and John Landis thanks to each other you for your help to me and congratulations. Second each of you has had your own particular challenges and you've got as you've gone to your education that you had to deal with to get to this point. On Monday of this week I received a letter from whatever Spring graduates and in that letter she shared her challenges and her accomplishments and I want to share that letter with you tonight. "Dear Congressman, I'm a 38 year-old African-American woman who grew up in the deep south soon I will be a first generation college graduate. My mother spent her entire childhood on government assistance and she did not even finish high school. She did however receive a GED. Fortunately past is not always prologue and demography is not destiny. Through hard work as a single parent she kept her two children clothed, fed, and secure. Such that we might have the opportunity to use our own sweat and tears to shape our futures. Now having left full-time employment two-and-a-half years ago to finish my bachelors degree. I have maintained a 4.0 GPR, moreover I would be starting a PhD program this fall having received a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship I am the American dream. God bless, Cherish Vance." This story is a perfect example of a life change that comes from higher education Cherish thank you for your letter and congratulations to you. Third and possibly most importantly to Jade and to me, our son Will will graduate this weekend after his last final earlier this week thereby completing his A&M course work he made us out a post on social media that include a hash tag described is higher and experience in graphic detail. The hash tag was "that took way too long" and I think it perfectly describe such the situation. But that said, he's graduating with GPA that's higher than mine and whether it took four more years four years are a few more than four years he still has a degree in his mom and I are very proud of him so Will your mom and I want to say congratulations we're proud of you and we love you. Now while it's important graduate congratulate all of you I think it's also important that you recognize those who helped get you in this point. In order to do that I ask that all the graduates stand. There you go. Now graduates, please give your family members a big round of applause for all the support that they made happy at this point of your life. Now please give the faculty and staff a round of applause for the commitments they have made towards your education. Graduates please remain standing. For those of you in the audience that are active military, veterans, or first responders including law enforcement firemen or EMS please stand also. Also recognize those of you that will be commissioned this weekend into our armed forces that are already standing. Without the selfless service of the group that just stood, we would not be able to enjoy the freedoms and security that we have in this great country. So I now ask everyone to stand and thank this group, thank you for your service to America. You're entering a troubled time in history in the world and in the history of our nation. We're besieged by threats to our national security and to our economic security. Some countries in economic and the European Union are perilously close to the economic meltdown and nobody knows what will happen if they fail. Even our own country has seen its national debt soar the over the past five years to just under $17 trillion dollars. The point where it exceeds our national output, our GDP in addition our federal government is made another 100-plus trillion dollars in financial promises in the form of Social Security, medicare medicaid, and other federal programs these are the financial promises that cannot be kept unless their funding is taken from your generation or unless these programs repaired soon your. You're entering an economic environment where about one of every seven Americans is either unemployed or underemployed or has totally gave me up looking for work altogether. You're entering an economy where you're competing not only against your peers in this room and across the nation, but your peers all over the world. The competition for jobs in this new economy has never been tougher that's the bad news. The good news is that you guys are well prepared to take on these challenges. For 137 years Texas A&M University has been educating, mentoring, and molding the best and the brightest here in Texas and from around the world. The combination of this education and the experiences that you have had here at A&M both in the classroom and out of the classroom has uniquely prepared you for the world you're about to enter. A couple of publications support my positions on this. First, Texas A&M was ranked second in the nation by the Wall Street Journal among all universities public and private in a survey of top US corporations nonprofits and government agencies based on graduates that recruiters prefer to hire. As for the rubber meets the road for undergraduate degrees. Also Texas A&M is ranked in the Top 25 nationally by Washington Monthly in what colleges do for this country. In a nutshell, you graduates will become part of an ever more competitive work force that will restore our country's economy. From our founding in 1876 as Texas' first public institution of higher education A&M has awarded over 350,000 degrees and has provided higher education experience to thousands more. Because of Texas A&M and your educational efforts you have quipped yourselves to hit the ground running. You've earned your education credentials that our economy needs today and you will begin making a difference immediately. Now, your new future starts this weekend at the point that President Loftin places your degree in one hand and shakes your other hand. What happens after that? Well that's up to you. However I have some thoughts for you to reflect upon. Back on April 25th, I attended a memorial service for the first responders that were killed in the line of duty because of the explosion in West and during that service the brother of one of the 12 been killed in an explosion talked about his brother's life in terms of the dash between his brother's date of birth and his brothers date of death. Here's what I want you to do. I want you to think about the dash in your lives. When at some point in the future someone looks at your tombstone, they will obviously see your date of birth and your date of death. More importantly however what they what will they see in between in your dash. I want all your dashes to bold and rich and meaningful and by the way when I use the term rich I'm not talking about money i'm talking about rich with texture. Here are somet thoughts about building your dashes. First, make a plan for your future second live or execute that plan. Third, strive to become a leader and forth serve others. Now let's dig into the details on these "dash" building blocks if you will and along the way I will try to build in our Aggie core values Of excellence, integrity, leadership loyalty, respect, and selfless service. Let's talk about planning first, all of us know that without a plan we don't know where we're going. So take an inventory of your skills your weaknesses your strength and your knowledge take these attributes decide where you're going life and builder plan overlay to take you there. Start now, do it tonight so the right after President Loftin places that diploma in your hand you can start. Your plan should be a holistic outlook on what you wanna do in your career in your personal life in your family life and in service to others. Always keep in mind however that your plan is a dynamic set of aspirations you should constantly assess how you're doing and achieving it. What's happening in the environment around you and adjust your plan to fit the changes in your opportunities in your goals. By the way for what it's worth, when I graduated I didn't have a plan it was written on a legal yellow pad and it had 1, 5, and 10 year goals and I carried it with me everywhere I went. Now, I carry the latest one electronically on my blackberry. My wife makes fun of me about that. Now some you may want to ask, how did I I do versus my plan well that's a topic for another day. But I wanna tell you this, to prove my point about the need for costant reassessment have your plan. Until the Summer of 2009 none of my plans ever contemplated me running for Congress and here I am today. So other than that, I think I've done pretty well versus my plans. So now that you've written your plan and you've committed to follow it and you've committed to revisit it from time to time what's next well as a commercial the Nike commercials used to say, just do it, go live your plan go execute. When you live your plan do with Aggie core values that you learned here excellence, integrity, loyalty, and respect. Also remember some things when you're living your plan first do with self-confidence regardless of cause. After all remember you built your plan such way to capitalize on the strengths and minimize your weaknesses so you should be confident in it. Second live it every day, look in the mirror each day and say, "What am I gonna do to let my plan today?" Third, realize that you're going to have setbacks along the way. Some of these will be because of your mistakes and some will be because the actions of others. With respect to your mistakes, learn from them but don't dwell on them. When others make mistakes that cause a setback for you, remember that you cannot control their actions however you can control your reactions and response to their mistakes. Fourth, remember that in many cases your ability to execute your plan will involve working with others. While working as a group or a team, remember a couple important elements the stronger the team, the better the outcome. Just like our Aggie Corps brass inscription says "Per unitatem vis." Through unity, strength. Strong teams are based upon that Aggie core value of respect. The golden rule in respect is treat others the way you want to be treated. Fifth, avoid distractions but also avoid fixation. Since I'm a pilot the easiest way for me to explain this is to use flying analogies. Sometimes when people are flying some minor things will go wrong like you know somebody's son knocks a coke can over, I'm not point fingers or anything but this distraction can keep the pilot from paying attention to what he should and have an accident this wouldn't happen if they'd forget about the distraction until they're sure that they have the plane flying in a stable manner and then they can deal with the distraction if at all. On the other hand, there are numerous examples were pilots have become overly fixated on one or two of their primary flight instruments and there are six primary flight instruments and they have crashed because they failed to see the warning signals from the other instruments that they were ignoring. Keep your field of view wide open at all times you'll find opportunity there. Last but not least, remember that we don't control the number of days we have to live, but we do control how we live them. So as you live each day, live it as if it's your last. And as if it's the day by which you're going to be judged by which your dash will be described. Okay, so now you've been living your plan and you're now doing well enough that somebody notices you and asks you to lead. It could involve being a mentor to new teachers leading your church choir, or becoming a new department manager to your company. Now what? Again we turn our Aggie core values of excellence leadership, loyalty, and respect. You should bake these values into your leadership style. Also with regard to leading, I have a few things for you to think about. First, always be willing to do what you would ask others to do if you wont do it yourself, they wont follow you. Secondly, lead with integrity if you don't have integrity others wont follow you. Third, be loyal to your team and give credit to others when you or your team does as well because of them. Forth, and this is probably the most important watch out for pride. You've probably been asked to lead at this point because you've been successful but don't let it go to your head. Excessive pride leads to arrogance and arrogance leads to narcissism and remember the only person that likes an arrogant or narcissistic person is themselves. If this happens to you, you may just like me about I work with in congress and then you too can line up with the 12 percent approval rating just like congress has today. So always always always remember that you put your pants on one leg at a time just like everybody else in this world. You're not any more important than any other person. Now before we talk about service, lLt's take an assessment of where we are now. You created your plan, you've updated from time to time, you're living your plan every day, and based on the way that you've done these things you've been asked to lead and you're doing that well. In other words you're a success. Now what? Before we answer that let's make sure we have a clear understanding what the success word success means in my view. For purposes of our conversation today, success should not explicitly be measured in monetary terms it can also be measured by children raised, students taught, people comforted, lives saved, broken hearts healed, discoveries made, inventions created, a nation defended, local threats mitigated by first responders and dozens of other actions. Now let's talk about serving. In my mind serving can take a couple forms. It can include paying back others who helped you get to where you are or it can involve paying for to help others get to where you are now in the future. For this part of our conversation today it's important to remember our Aggie core value of selfless service. It is this Aggie value that has many times impacted the others it is this Aggie value that has many times the impact the others the other things living in planning and leading than those others. When it comes to service you can serve in a number of ways by mentoring and by sharing resources. It is also important to remember while serving is important, our attitude while serving is even more important. If you're serving but you're grumpy the people that you're helping are gonna know that and they're not gonna know that you're not doing it with an open heart. If you're smiling genuinely they will understand that they will know that you genuinely serving from your heart. I want to conclude the serving part of this this conversation with an observation. Even though I made my share mistakes, I still consider my life a success in many ways, however one of the areas which I consider my success to be the most fulfilling is the way that Gina and I've helped others some of my more meaningful days have been when I've seen lives change by service to others. So by planning, living, leading, and serving you can build that dash that is bold and rich and meaningful. It will be the dash that you will be happy to leave as a legacy for others to see. Before I wrap up our conversation tonight I'd like to share a few other thoughts. The first that god has given us a decision tree to use will make her namely decisions. it's called the Ten Commandments. If you use this decision tree when you make your decision you always make the right ones. My next thought is that god put each of you on this earth for a purpose please find that purpose, build it into your plan, and live it. Before I close, please remember to pray for our country during these difficult times, please pray for military men and women who protect our our country from threats abroad and for our first responders to protect us from threats here at home. These men and women sacrifice and selflessly serve 24/7 so that you and I can enjoy evenings like this. On this latter note, since I was sworn into office in January 2011, we've lost twenty four brave Americans: eight in the military and 16 first responders including the 12 first responder who were killed last month in West. These man each examplify the words Jesus in John 15:13 greater love hath no no wonder they ask many lay down his life for his friends. These 24 men each have bold, rich, and meaningful dashes as part of their legacies. Their selfless service is an example to us all. When I look at this crowd, everybody really, but the young graduates in particular. I see a much potential for bold, rich, and meaningful dashes. Will you build those dashes? Will you go build those bold, meaningful Aggie dashes? Will you? If so, will you signify with a strong Aggie whoop. Whoop! Gig 'Em! Thank you, god bless you and God bless Texas Aggies everywhere.
Early life and education
Flores was born in Cheyenne, Wyoming, at the F.E. Warren Air Force Base, where his father was serving in the military. He is the son of Ruth Ann Theresa (née Kennedy) and Joe Pete Flores. He grew up in Stratford in the Texas Panhandle.[4] His paternal ancestors left Spain and settled in what is now Texas in 1725. Of his heritage, Flores has said, "My family came from Spain in 1725, and if people want to consider me Hispanic, they can, but I didn't advertise that way, and I'm an American first."[5] He graduated with a BBA, cum laude in accounting from Texas A&M University in 1976.[6] While there, he was a member of the Corps of Cadets, the MSC Student Conference on National Affairs, the Ross Volunteer Company,[7] and Corps Staff. He also served as Student Body Vice-President of Finance during his senior year.[citation needed] He has been a licensed Certified Public Accountant since 1978.[8] He also received a Master of Business Administration from Houston Baptist University in 1985.[6]
Business career
Flores served as the chief financial officer (CFO) for two publicly traded energy service firms from 1990 through 1998: Marine Drilling Companies, Inc. (1990–1997) and Western Atlas Inc. (1997–1998). From 2002 to 2005, Flores was the Senior Vice President and CFO of Gryphon Exploration Company.[9]
In 2006, a group of five oil and gas industry executives, led by Flores as president and CEO, formed Phoenix Exploration Company with $350 million of capital commitments from a group of private equity firms that included Riverstone Holdings and Pinebrook Partners. The company was engaged in oil and gas exploration along the Gulf Coast and the Gulf of Mexico.[10] Flores also served as a director of that company from its formation until he retired in December 2009 to run for public office.[citation needed]
Flores is a former commissioner of the Texas Real Estate Commission (appointed by Governor Rick Perry),[11] and a past director and former chairman of the board of the Association of Former Students of Texas A&M University.[8] He has also served on boards of Phoenix Exploration Company, Marine Drilling Companies, Inc.,[12] FreeBirds, Inc., and The PARC, Inc, and the Alley Theater of Houston.[8]
He serves on the board of the Private Enterprise Research Center of Texas A&M University and as a member of the board of trustees of Houston Baptist University, where he serves as Vice Chair.[6]
U.S. House of Representatives
2010 election
In late 2009 Flores entered the Republican primary for the 17th District, held by 10-term Democratic incumbent Chet Edwards.[13] Flores claimed his worries about the future of "the American dream" inspired him to run for Congress.[6] He committed a half million dollars of his own money to self-fund his campaign.[14]
In the Republican primary runoff on April 13, he had defeated Rob Curnock[15] by a 64–36 percent margin.[16] The size of his primary victory was a surprise to many political observers because Curnock was the 2008 nominee and he held Edwards' 2008 vote total close to 50 percent, despite being heavily outspent.[17] During the Republican primary, Flores received the endorsement of former Republican U.S. Senator Phil Gramm[18] After the primary win, Flores was also endorsed by George H. W. Bush, John McCain,[19] Mitt Romney, and Mike Huckabee.[6]
Through December 21, 2010, Flores' campaign raised $3.5 million, of which $1.49 million came from Flores himself. He spent $3.3 million overall.[20]
On November 2, 2010, Flores defeated Edwards with 62 percent of the vote.[21][22][23] This was the largest margin of defeat for a Democratic incumbent in the 2010 cycle.[citation needed]
Flores won his fourth term in the U.S. House in the general election held on November 8, 2016. With 149,417 votes (60.8 percent), he defeated Democrat William Matta, who trailed with 86,603 ballots (35.2 percent) and Libertarian Clark Patterson with 9,708 (4 percent).[24]
Flores won his fifth term in the U.S. House in the general election held on November 6, 2018. With 134,375 votes (56.9 percent), he defeated Democrat Rick Kennedy, who trailed with 97,574 ballots (41.3 percent) and Libertarian Peter Churchman with 4,415 (1.9 percent).[25]
Political positions
Upon his swearing-in, Flores became the first Republican to represent Waco in Congress since Reconstruction.[citation needed] Flores supports limited government and lower taxes[citation needed]; an end to the spending of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act[citation needed]; making the Bush-era tax cuts permanent[citation needed]; anti-abortion positions[citation needed]; and stronger enforcement at the U.S. Mexico border.[26] Flores supports the building of new nuclear power plants to assist the U.S. in becoming energy self-sufficient.[citation needed] He also supports incentives for the development of solar and wind power.[27] Flores is a member of the Conservative Republican Study Committee and the Congressional Hispanic Conference.
National security
Flores supported President Donald Trump's 2017 executive order to temporarily curtail Muslim immigration until better screening methods are devised. He stated that "Taking 120-day breath to evaluate the effectiveness of our vetting program is a smart thing to do."[28]
Texas v. Pennsylvania
In December 2020, Flores was one of 126 Republican members of the House of Representatives who signed an amicus brief in support of Texas v. Pennsylvania, a lawsuit filed at the United States Supreme Court contesting the results of the 2020 presidential election, in which Joe Biden prevailed[29] over incumbent Donald Trump. The Supreme Court declined to hear the case on the basis that Texas lacked standing under Article III of the Constitution to challenge the results of the election held by another state.[30][31][32]
Republican Study Committee
On November 18, 2014, Flores was elected to the Chairmanship of the House Republican Study Committee. Flores was elected on the second ballot, securing 84 votes to South Carolina Representative Mick Mulvaney's 57.[33]
Social media
During his tenure in Congress, Flores had blocked constituents from contacting him through social media.[34]
Committee assignments
Caucus memberships
- House Baltic Caucus[35]
- Congressional Western Caucus[36]
- Veterinary Medicine Caucus[37]
- Congressional Hispanic Conference
Legislation sponsored
- On July 18, 2013, Flores introduced the Protecting States’ Rights to Promote American Energy Security Act (H.R. 2728; 113th Congress).[38] The bill would require the federal government to defer to individual states about regulations governing hydraulic fracturing.[39] It passed the House of Representatives on November 20, 2013.[40]
Personal life
Flores is married to Gina, whom he met in high school.[4] They have two sons.[41] Flores attends Central Church, a church in Bryan.[42]
Flores has served as a member of the Mays Business School Advisory Board, the Corps of Cadets Development Council, Corps of Cadets Association, the Houston A&M Club, the Brazos County A&M Club, and other roles at Texas A&M University.[8] In 2003, he was honored as an outstanding alumnus of the Mays Business School of Texas A&M University.[41] In 2010, he was also recognized as a 'Distinguished Alumnus' by Texas A&M University.[7]
Electoral history
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Republican | Bill Flores (I) | 134,841 | 56.8% | ||
Democratic | Rick Kennedy | 98,070 | 41.3% | ||
Libertarian | Peter Churchman | 4,440 | 1.9% |
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Republican | Bill Flores (I) | 149,157 | 60.8% | ||
Democratic | Bill Matta | 61,245 | 35.2% | ||
Libertarian | Clark Patterson | 9,685 | 3.9% |
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Republican | Bill Flores (I) | 60,502 | 72.4% | ||
Republican | Ralph Patterson | 15,411 | 18.5% | ||
Republican | Caleb Sims | 7,634 | 9.1% |
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Republican | Bill Flores (I) | 85,807 | 64.58% | ||
Democratic | Nick Haynes | 43,049 | 32.4% | ||
Libertarian | Shawn Michael Hamilton | 4,009 | 3.02% |
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Republican | Bill Flores (I) | 143,284 | 79.9% | ||
Libertarian | Ben Easton | 35,978 | 20.1% |
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Republican | Bill Flores (I) | 40,913 | 82.6% | ||
Republican | George W. Hindman | 8,628 | 17.4% |
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Republican | Bill Flores | 106,275 | 61.8% | ||
Democratic | Chet Edwards | 62,926 | 36.6% |
See also
References
- ^ "Guide to the New Congress" (PDF). CQ Roll Call. November 4, 2010. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 8, 2011. Retrieved November 24, 2010.
- ^ "Former congressman Bill Flores named Vice Chair of ERCOT". KBTX. Bryan, Texas. Retrieved February 23, 2022.
- ^ Bennett, Adam (June 18, 2024). "'These statements don't line up'. ERCOT says it's ready for summer but experts remain skeptical". KVUE (ABC news affiliate). Retrieved June 19, 2024.
- ^ a b Petty, Ty (October 25, 2010). "Republican candidate challenges incumbent". Texas A&M University The Battalion. Archived from the original on February 3, 2013. Retrieved November 1, 2010.
- ^ Shapiro, Michael W. (November 10, 2010). "National organization touting Flores' Hispanic roots". Waco Tribune-Herald. Retrieved October 4, 2019.
- ^ a b c d e Cadis, Daniel (October 21, 2010). "Flores challenges 10-term incumbent". Houston Baptist Univ. Collegian. Archived from the original on October 26, 2010. Retrieved October 24, 2010.
- ^ a b "Tribute Wall". The Association of Former Students. Retrieved December 7, 2010.
- ^ a b c d "Biography – Congressman Bill Flores". U.S. Congress. Washington, D.C. Retrieved November 25, 2014.
- ^ Barr, Greg.Investor builds energy base, New private equity fuels funding for start-up companies Archived July 15, 2011, at the Wayback Machine, Houston Business Journal, May 11, 2007.
- ^ Press Release. Phoenix Exploration Company Acquires Gulf of Mexico/Gulf Coast Assets from Cabot Oil and Gas Corporation for $340 Million Archived July 21, 2011, at the Wayback Machine, The Carlyle Group, August 30, 2006.
- ^ Meetings Texas Real Estate Commission Archived July 5, 2009, at the Wayback Machine, Texas Real Estate Commission, February 23, 2009.
- ^ William Flores Form 4, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, March 22, 2005.
- ^ Flores rolls to runoff win; Canseco comes from behind, Houston Chronicle, April 14, 2010.
- ^ Blake, Aaron. Wealthy businessman to challenge Rep. Chet Edwards, The Hill, December 15, 2009.
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- ^ Texas Secretary of State Election Results[permanent dead link], April 13, 2010.
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- ^ Shapiro, Michael W. Edwards, Gramm spar as ex-senator endorses Flores, Waco Tribune-Herald, April 8, 2010.
- ^ Tinsley, Anna (October 23, 2010). "District 17 congressional race getting hotter as Election Day nears". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Retrieved October 24, 2010.
He gained significant GOP backing, including an endorsement from former President George H. W. Bush and support from 2008 Republican presidential nominee John McCain, who filmed a commercial for him.
- ^ "2010 Race: Texas District 17". OpenSecrets.org. October 13, 2010. Archived from the original on October 27, 2010. Retrieved October 24, 2010.
- ^ a b "2010 General Election, Election Night Returns, Unofficial Elections Results As Of: 11/3/2010 12:14:58 PM". Texas Secretary of State. November 3, 2010. Retrieved November 22, 2010.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Chet Edwards ousted after 20 years in Congress - AP Texas Politics". Houston Chronicle. November 12, 2010. Archived from the original on November 12, 2010. Retrieved October 21, 2018.
- ^ "Chet Edwards ousted after 20 years in Congress". Archived from the original on March 13, 2012. Retrieved May 15, 2018.
- ^ "Election Results". Texas Secretary of State. November 8, 2016. Retrieved December 17, 2016.
- ^ "TX-17 Election Results (NYT)". New York Times. November 6, 2018.
- ^ Turner, Kris (November 5, 2010). "Meet Texas' new congressmen: Bill Flores". Houston Chronicle. Archived from the original on November 10, 2010. Retrieved November 16, 2010.
- ^ Ocana, Damarys (December 23, 2010). "New Latinos in Power: Jaime Lynn Herrera, David Rivera, Bill Flores". Latina. Latina Media Features LLC. Retrieved January 6, 2011.
He's also vowed to push for the creation of new nuclear plants as a way to make energy more efficient, while expanding incentives to allow more solar and wind energy.
- ^ Blake, Aaron (January 29, 2017). "Coffman, Gardner join Republicans against President Trump's travel ban; here's where the rest stand". Denver Post. Retrieved January 30, 2017.
- ^ Blood, Michael R.; Riccardi, Nicholas (December 5, 2020). "Biden officially secures enough electors to become president". AP News. Archived from the original on December 8, 2020. Retrieved December 12, 2020.
- ^ Liptak, Adam (December 11, 2020). "Supreme Court Rejects Texas Suit Seeking to Subvert Election". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on December 11, 2020. Retrieved December 12, 2020.
- ^ "Order in Pending Case" (PDF). Supreme Court of the United States. December 11, 2020. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 11, 2020. Retrieved December 11, 2020.
- ^ Diaz, Daniella. "Brief from 126 Republicans supporting Texas lawsuit in Supreme Court". CNN. Archived from the original on December 12, 2020. Retrieved December 11, 2020.
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- ^ "Members". Congressional Western Caucus. Retrieved June 27, 2018.
- ^ "Members of the Veterinary Medicine Caucus". Veterinary Medicine Caucus. Archived from the original on September 21, 2018. Retrieved October 12, 2018.
- ^ "H.R. 2728 – Summary". United States Congress. Retrieved November 20, 2013.
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Following his graduation, Bill married Gina, the girl he pursued in high school. They have been married for thirty-two years and are the parents of two adult sons, Will and John. John and his wife, Aimee, were to have the first grandchild in early 2011.
- ^ "Ten Southern Baptists sworn in as new reps". Baptist Press. January 5, 2011. Archived from the original on December 26, 2014. Retrieved December 25, 2014.
- ^ "General elections 2012" (PDF). Texas Maniac. 2012. Retrieved December 27, 2012.
External links
- Bill Flores at Curlie
- Appearances on C-SPAN
- Biography at the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
- Financial information (federal office) at the Federal Election Commission
- Legislation sponsored at the Library of Congress
- Profile at Vote Smart