The Midday Brief: May 13, 2010

Your afternoon reading.

“Bush was very strong on immigration. I think he fully understood the challenges that our two countries face in terms of labor mobility. As a former governor of Texas, he had seen firsthand the important contributions of migrants to the economic prosperity and the well-being and the ethnic vitality of the United States.” — Mexico's Ambassador Sees Immigration Tension, National Journal

“After more than eight years of silence on the controversial issues, Mrs. Bush said in an interview with CNN's Larry King Tuesday, that gay marriage and abortion were points of contention with her husband, former President George W. Bush.” — Laura Bush Supports Gay Marriage, Abortion, ABC News

“The trail of problems highlights the reality that, even as the U.S. does more deepwater offshore drilling in a quest for domestic oil, some key safety components are left almost entirely to the discretion of the companies doing the work.” — Emerging oil rig evidence shows lack of regulation, The Dallas Morning News

“Thirty-four percent said they oppose plans for expansion, including 22 percent who strongly oppose them compared to 34 percent who strongly support them.” — Poll: 60% of Americans favor expanded offshore drilling, despite anger at BP, Houston Chronicle

“The breaking point came when Polk sent a force under Gen. Zachary Taylor to the mouth of the Rio Grande. The Mexicans, claiming the United States had invaded, resisted militarily.” — Congress declares war on Mexico, May 13, 1846, Politico

New in The Texas Tribune:

“In a four-month period starting in December, USCIS issued 9,500 visas of that type, commonly called the “U Visa.” That’s more than the 8,660 issued all in all of fiscal year 2009, which ended in September.” — Visas For Victims

“State Sen. Rodney Ellis, D-Houston, who's tried and failed to pass gambling legislation in recent sessions, thinks the coming budget crisis gives him and other supporters an opportunity.” — Video: Rodney Ellis on Bringing Gaming Back