Richie Mink's MyC-SPAN

Juan Osuna, director of the Justice Department’s Executive Office for Immigration Review, testified at an oversight hearing on the adjudication of immigration cases and removal proceedings.

Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), a candidate for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination, spoke at the Republican Jewish Coalition Presidential Forum at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. He outlined his plans for defeating ISIL* and immigration reform. Topics included violent extremism, his push to move the U.S. embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, and his opposition to the Iran nuclear agreement.

* The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), or DAISH/DAESH in Arabic is a militant group that has called itself the Islamic State.

Sarah Saldana testified at a hearing on the vetting of potential guardians of unaccompanied immigrant children and the release of some immigrants with criminal backgrounds. She answered questions on how her Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency decides who to arrest and deport. Following her testimony, the committee heard from a panel of immigration policy analysts and a law enforcement association representative.

Mayors from several cities along the Texas border talked about border security, trade, drug cartels, and relations with Mexico.

Marc Frey talked about possible changes to the Department of Homeland Security’s Visa Waiver Program (VWP), and addressed arguments that it poses national security risks.

Viveka Novak talked about controversy surrounding gun violence prevention, as well as how spending by gun control groups compares to that by gun rights groups.

Representative Elizabeth Esty (D-CT) talked about efforts to prevent gun violence and possible gun control legislation following the mass shooting at Umpqua Community College, in which nine people died. Representative Esty’s district includes Newtown, Connecticut, the site of the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. Twenty children and six adults were killed in that attack.

Gun rights advocates talked about the 2016 elections and gun policy. Then speakers from throughout the day responded to questions from members of the audience.

“Gun Owners and the 2016 Elections” was part of the 30th annual Gun Rights Policy Conference was held at the Sheraton Crescent Hotel.

Participants gathered to promote second amendment rights. Among the issues addressed were current gun legislation, violent crime facts, gun safety awareness. At various points in the rally entertainment was provided.