About John
Hi, I’m Texas Senator John Cornyn. You can learn more about me at the links below.
John’s Guiding Principles
John believes that all Americans have a right to know what their elected representatives are doing on their behalf. Below is an overview of some of the guiding principles that help John make decisions on behalf of the 30 million Texans he represents in the U.S. Senate.
Open Government
Open government is a prerequisite for a free society. As our Founding Fathers recognized, a truly democratic system depends on an informed citizenry. Accountability is only an empty promise without transparency.
— Senator John Cornyn
Open government is one of the most basic requirements of any healthy democracy. It allows taxpayers to see where their money is going, it permits the honest exchange of information that ensures government accountability, and it upholds the ideal that government never rules without the consent of the people. Our government is based not on the need to know, but upon the fundamental right to know.
Compassionate Conservatism
I strongly believe in core Texas values - encouraging personal responsibility, compassion for others, and supporting family values. Strong families are the foundation for a prosperous and civilized society, and a compassionate government recognizes their importance in fostering successful communities, happier homes, and healthier lives.
— Senator John Cornyn
Senator Cornyn strongly believes that every life is worthy of respect. Senator Cornyn supports providing opportunity for all by removing government limitations on freedom so every citizen has the chance to realize the American Dream. Government must provide a “hand-up” for citizens, not merely a “hand-out.”
Fixing a Broken System
Obamacare is bad for everyone in the country, which is why I have fought it at every turn.
— Senator John Cornyn
John believes our health care system is broken, but Obamacare, with its prohibitive costs and job-killing policies, isn’t the answer. Rather than waste any more time propping up a costly and unworkable system, he is focused on health reform that brings down costs, increases the quality of and access to care, and preserves the patient-doctor relationship.
John has supported legislation that would help Texans cover out-of-pocket costs, lower the price of prescriptions at the pharmacy counter, and increase the options for lower-premium insurance plans, all while protecting Texans with pre-existing conditions.
Members of the Senate are responsible for introducing and voting on federal legislation, representing their state, and providing a check on executive power. Key powers include confirming presidential appointments, ratifying treaties, serving on committees, shaping the federal budget, and conducting impeachment trials. Each senator serves a six-year term and represents their entire state.