Interactive: Texas Congressional Personal Financial Disclosures

Curious which Texas lawmakers are investing in oil and natural gas, and which keep a wallet full of credit cards? The Clerk’s Office at the U.S. House of Representatives released the 2011 financial disclosure reports today. Only 21 of Texas’ 32 U.S. Representatives met the deadline. The others have asked for an extension, but their reports should be available soon. The Texas Tribune had uploaded all the documents here for easy perusal.

Each report tells a story. U.S. Rep. Lamar Smith, R-San Antonio, who filed the longest disclosure, has a hefty investment portfolio. On his list are a variety of well-known companies: Urban Outfitters, Microsoft, McDonalds, Priceline and Intel, to name a few. In contrast, U.S. Rep. John Carter, R-Round Rock, has few investments listed, but the largest is $1 million to $5 million investment in ExxonMobil, from which he collects $15,000 to $50,000 a year in dividends. Other lawmakers, like U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo, keep their money invested in rental properties. Cuellar has six rental properties in Laredo, including a mobile home. Perhaps the most interesting investments are personal: U.S. Rep. John Culberson, R-Houston, listed only one asset other than his home and retirement plan — a collection of “Civil War/Texas Collectibles” worth $5,000 to $15,000.