While many were practicing law, running a business or serving in the state legislature in anticipation of running for federal office, U.S. Rep. Will Hurd (R-Texas) was serving as an undercover officer for the Central Intelligence Agency in the Middle East and Asia.
Since arriving in Congress in January 2015, the freshman lawmaker has been an important voice on matters related to national security and intelligence-gathering. Hurd serves as the chairman of the Information Technology Subcommittee and is a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security.
Image: Express News
Besides having one of the coolest jobs before arriving to Congress, Hurd also has the unique responsibility of representing one of the largest congressional districts by area. Encompassing more than 48,000 square miles and nearly 825 miles between the U.S.-Mexico border, Texas’s 23rd congressional district is massive — bigger, in fact, than 29 U.S. states!
Opportunity Lives recently had a chance to sit down for a quick interview with Hurd to learn more about this first-term congressman from the Lone Star State.
- iPhone, Galaxy or Droid?
Droid
- Name one Democrat in the House you are friends with.
Ted Lieu from California. He and I both hold computer science degrees.
Image: FCW
- Favorite beer?
I don’t always drink beer, but when I do I drink Big Bend Brewery’s Hefeweizen or Alamo Golden Ale.
- What’s the one thing people don’t get about Texas?
The Ysleta, Socorro and San Elizabeth missions are the oldest churches in Texas.
- Favorite spy movie
Ben Affleck’s “Argo.” It’s a famous case study that everyone who goes through CIA training learns about.
Image: Youtube
- What’s your guilty pleasure television show?
I love CBS’s “Big Brother.” I wish they would have a season with all of the former members of Congress. It would be amazing.
- “West Wing” or “House of Cards”?
West Wing for sure. The arch when Josh got shot is some of the best TV ever.
- What did your 10-year-old self want to be as a grown up?
I wanted to be a chemist or an engineer. I liked science and building things.
- Favorite thing about being a member of Congress?
I get to help folks fight the government bureaucracy every day. I also speak at many schools as I can and if I’m able to get one kid to reach beyond his or her own perceived limits then I’ll be happy.
Image: hurd.house.gov
- What book are you reading for fun right now?
A book about Marco Polo by Lawrence Bergreen.
Also, Hurd’s Spanish is not too shabby. Check out this short video of Hurd’s bill to rename the Tornillo Port of Entry in El Paso County after Army Private Marcelino Serna, a Mexican immigrant who was the most decorated World War I veteran from Texas.
Israel Ortega is a Senior Writer for Opportunity Lives. You can follow him on Twitter: @IzzyOrtega
The post 10 Things You Don’t Know About Congressman Will Hurd appeared first on Opportunity Lives.