Congressman Joe Barton files for re-election

Congressman Joe Barton.

ENNIS — Congressman Joe Barton yesterday filed to seek re-election to Texas’ 6th Congressional District that includes Ellis County, Navarro County and a portion of Tarrant County.

Barton is Chairman Emeritus of the full Energy and Commerce Committee. He is also a member of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, Subcommittee on Energy and Power, Subcommittee on Health and Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.

Congressman Barton prioritizes a conservative agenda of reducing the federal deficit, creating jobs, helping Texas and the US have better, cheaper and more available energy and repealing and replacing Obamacare.

"In Congress, I have made it a priority to promote free market principles and pass legislation to create jobs so that more and more Americans can prosper," Barton said. "It is essential that the government does not infringe upon our rights as free individuals in a free market economy."

Most recently, Congressman Barton drafted legislation to lift the ban on crude oil exports, which will put Americans to work, enhance our national security, and reduce gas prices. His bill passed the House of Representatives and is pending in the Senate.

"As the representative of Texas’ 6th District, I will continue to implement a pro-job growth agenda that empowers businesses and families, reduces regulatory burdens and encourages entrepreneurship throughout Texas."

Congressman Barton has recently been an outspoken critic of the President’s lack of action dealing with ISIS. He believes a strong US military presence is vital to protect Americans at home and our interests abroad. In light of the recent attacks in Paris, Congressman Barton stated: "We must destroy this evil in Syria and Iraq and make sure they never again have the ability to attack our allies or the United States."

Barton attended Texas A&M University, where he was the outstanding industrial engineering student for the Class of 1972. He went on to earn a Master of Science degree in Industrial Administration from Purdue University. In 1981, he was selected for the prestigious White House Fellows Program, and served as an aide to then-Energy Secretary James B. Edwards.

Congressman Barton and has four children and five grandchildren.