Sen. Cruz met with top Panamanian officials, including the Minister of Economy and Finance, Felipe Chapman; Minister of Public Security, Frank Abrego; and Panama Canal Authority Administrator, Ricaurte Vásquez Morales. During these meetings, Sen. Cruz reiterated the growing threats posed by China and other foreign actors seeking to exert influence over the region, threatening both American and Panamanian national and economic security. 

Governor Greg Abbott announced today that The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has received federal approval to extend the deadline for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) applications relating to severe flooding that occurred over Fourth of July weekend. Individuals who may be eligible for DUA now have an additional 25 days—until September 29, 2025—to apply for assistance.

This important legislation includes the bill language of the transformative, bipartisan H.R. 2308 – "The FEMA Independence Act of 2025" co-led by Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) and introduced by Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) to remove the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) from Department of Homeland Security (DHS) supervision and to restore it as an independent, Cabinet-level agency reporting directly to the President.

Attorney General Ken Paxton has secured the extension of restraining orders against Robert Francis O’Rourke and his organization, Powered by People, which prevents the distribution of financial payoffs to Texas Democrats who broke quorum. Previously, the Fifteenth Court of Appeals ordered a stay in a mandamus petition from O’Rourke, which paused the proceedings in the Tarrant County District Court and would have allowed the temporary restraining orders issued by that court to expire.

The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is Congress’ annual opportunity to set the direction of our armed forces, and this year it carries more weight than ever. After years of progressive ideological agendas under the Biden administration, the Pentagon has strayed dangerously far from its constitutional mission. If Congress fails to act decisively now, the readiness of the United States military will continue to erode — and with it, our national security.

After four years of the Biden Administration hamstringing American energy, stifling our economy, and ceding national security ground to our adversaries, House Republicans and the Trump White House are getting the country back on track. Last week I joined my Republican colleagues to pass the 2026 Energy & Water Appropriations Act – which secures a decisive victory for Texans, AND for all Americans who want to see this nation prosper,

Last week, President Trump made a historic move to restore strength and clarity to our nation’s military. On Friday, he announced that the Department of Defense will return to its original name: the Department of War. For nearly 200 years, America operated proudly under the banner of the Department of War — an unapologetic reminder that our U.S. Armed Forces exist to win and defend this nation.

“This new LNG export facility supports thousands of jobs in the Rio Grande Valley, brings billions of dollars in investment to the region, and strengthens Texas’s energy leadership. Texas is the energy capital of the world, and I am proud to fight to ensure it stays that way. I'm proud to have led the fight to secure federal authorization for this Rio Grande LNG Project,” said Sen. Cruz.

Since the devastating July 4th floods swept through Central & West Texas, my office and I've been working closely with local leaders and officials to ensure that residents in Texas's 11th Congressional District have access to the resources and assistance they need.  FEMA has extended the deadline for residents impacted by the floods to apply for FEMA assistance. I strongly encourage homeowners, renters, and students who have not yet applied to do so before the new deadline on Sunday, September 28th.

Division is cancer on society. It also happens to be the medium in which Democrats thrive the most. They want to divide the country because that, too, benefits them – its the crux of most of their agenda. Divide to conquer. But for real Americans – and for the sake of the country – they need to be stopped. The choice is clear: Destroy Democrats, before they Destroy America. It’s not out of control yet, but it’s not far off.

"I think that there will be positive things that will be seen that happen in Washington, D.C., to where public demand (in other cities) would say, 'yes we would like this,'" Sessions said. "It's obvious that Chicago has a problem – and what happens is, that in this political dialog the president wants to be able to prove that everybody in the in the U.S.is entitled to a safe neighborhood, and the safety by government. 

Under the "no tax on tips" provision of H.R. 1 – "The One Big Beautiful Bill" various occupations are excluded from federal taxes on tipped income, and up to $25,000 can be deducted in tipped income annually from 2025–2028. The Trump administration has officially released the list of occupations that qualify for the "no tax on tips" provision of H.R. 1. See further Treasury Department sourcing.

Homeowners and renters whose homes sustained damage and aren't insured now have until Sunday, Sept. 28 to apply, according to the agency. Several counties, including Kerr, where more than 100 people from all across the state died when the Guadalupe River rose to historic levels the morning of July Fourth, were designated for assistance from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration in the wake of the natural disaster.

Our good friend Nigel Farage, the leader of Britain's Reform Party, was in Washington, warning Congress against adopting a version of the United Kingdom's Online Safety Act. That law requires tech platforms to remove legal but "harmful" content if a bureaucrat declares it so. Apparently banned speech is like pornography - they know it when they see it. This poses a danger to commercial speech not only for the British but also for Americans who travel to or do business in the UK.

Every week, President Trump is putting America first on the world stage, cutting tougher trade deals, squeezing NATO freeloaders, and making sure foreign governments finally pay their bills. Now Congress is stepping up to back him. Right before the August recess, lawmakers tucked language into an appropriations bill blasting foreign governments that have been stiffing U.S. businesses and taxpayers. Now that they’re back, they’re ready to turn up the heat.

"We are shaping the Texas economy as the best state for business development, job opportunities, and exports," said Governor Greg Abbott, delivering remarks that touted the legislative victories of the 89th Legislature during the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce "State of the State" luncheon earlier today. “Together, we'll continue to remain the No. 1 state for doing business," said Abbott.

The National Strategy for School Security Act requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to develop a comprehensive, federal framework for school campuses across the nation to improve their security posture against threats of targeted violence. This national strategy must identify specific school security vulnerabilities and outline all existing recommendations, funding, and programs that are available to overcome these threats.

The VLB Veterans Land Loan Program is the only one of its kind in the nation, giving Texas Veterans and Military Members the opportunity to borrow up to $150,000 to purchase land at a competitive interest rate with a minimum five percent down payment for tracts of one acre or more. Through the Dual Spouse Land Loan Benefit, two Veterans who are spouses and are individually eligible to borrow up to $225,000.