As the U.S. prepares to host several high-profile, mass-spectator events like the Olympics, the FIFA World Cup, and Nationwide Celebrations for our 250th Birthday, our nation has work to do to prevent another terrorism incident like the Boston Bombing. I'll never forget leading the Congressional Investigation into the Boston Marathon Bombing as chairman of the Homeland Security Committee. One of the worst parts was, it could have been prevented.
Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock recently visited the Texas Bullion Depository (TxBD) to see its operations firsthand and discuss new TxBD services and preparations for legal tender legislation. In 2015, the Texas Legislature passed a law establishing the state-administered depository for precious metals as an official agency under the administration of the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, operated by a private entity without any use of taxpayer dollars.
As a former fighter pilot, I know firsthand the risks that airmen take every day when they step into the cockpit. I've fought alongside the best this nation has to offer. This bill's deeply personal, and honors my friend and former fighter pilot, Colonel Andy "Pablo" Shurtleff, who recently lost his life after battling cancer. The ACES Act is more than just a bill — it's a lifeline and message to every pilot who's ever put on the uniform.
“This package isn’t just a response to new funding – it’s a reflection of who we are. At Harmony, our people are our purpose – we’re committed to supporting and growing every educator, every staff member, and every leader who makes Harmony the incredible place it is,” said Harmony Schools Central Texas Area Superintendent Dr. Mustafa Altindag, announcing sweeping increases in its compensation plan for the 2025–2026 school year.
Newly declassified documents reveal that former President Obama and his National Security Team laid the groundwork for what would become a years-long, politically motivated investigation of President Trump. Despite "intelligence assessments" that Russia was probably not attempting to influence the 2016 election, the Obama White House pushed forward anyway, creating it's own assessment to justify the false narrative.
Congressman Tony Gonzales (TX-23) advanced legislation through his seat on the House Appropriations Committee that focuses on lowering energy costs and advancing reliable energy resources. Additionally, West Texas has been identified as a potential source of critical minerals, and Congressman Gonzales also advanced one of the largest investments focused on mining production technologies for critical minerals extraction in decades.
Texas Land Commissioner & VLB Chairwoman Dawn Buckingham, and Veterans Land Board (VLB) Exec. Secretary Tony Dale today marked the 25th Anniversary of the William R. Courtney Texas State Veterans Home in Temple with an event that featured keynote speakers while celebrating the commemoration and Texas Veterans Home's commitment to serving Veterans in the Temple Community.
Governor Greg Abbott today thanked his fellow Governors across the country for providing critical emergency response and recovery resources to Texas following a request for support after devastating flooding across the state. Following an Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) request from the State of Texas, 26 states provided state emergency response resources to assist Texas with flood response and recovery operations.
Congressman Gonzales and Petty Officer Ruskan were joined by Senior Advisor to the Secretary for the Coast Guard, Mr. Sean Plankey, Commandant of the Coast Guard, Admiral Kevin E. Lunday, Vice Commandant of the Coast Guard, Vice Admiral Tom Allan, Master Chief Heath Jones, 14th Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard, and Master Chief Phillip Waldron, selected to be the 15th Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard.
During the meeting, Ambassador Moreno Bau offered support to Texans following the catastrophic flooding that occurred over July 4th holiday weekend, recalling a similar tragedy which occurred a year ago in Valencia. The Ambassador also underscored Spain's strong economic footprint in Texas, noting that Spain has over 100 active investment projects in the state across key industries like energy production, infrastructure, and steel manufacturing.
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller announced a bold step forward in the battle against the reemergence of the New World Screwworm (NWS) near the United States. Working closely with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) is spearheading efforts to reintroduce an improved pest control method to our international Screwworm response: Swormlure Bait.
Colonias are predominantly rural, Hispanic communities located along the U.S.-Mexico border, characterized by substandard housing, inadequate access to potable water and wastewater infrastructure, and high poverty rates. Colonias located within metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) with populations exceeding 1,000,000 are excluded from eligibility for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Colonia Set-Aside Program—even if they continue to face the severe infrastructure deficiencies characteristic of colonias.
Along with FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is supporting the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) in helping residents apply for federal disaster assistance. Our office is working hand-in-hand with officials at the Disaster Recovery Centers to assist residents with federal agencies. If you need to replace important documents such as Social Security Cards, Birth Certificates, Passports, etc., please contact my office for assistance.
Last week, my House Colleagues and I passed the Defense Appropriations bill to: Support our Servicemembers, Strengthen National Security, and Fulfill President Trump’s Mandate of restoring American Military Superiority. After four years of President Biden’s weak leadership that fueled global chaos, President Trump has swiftly reassert the U.S. Military as the front runner on the global stage and restore peace through strength.
Last week, House Republicans took action to rein in Washington’s reckless spending by passing a major "rescissions package" that eliminated over $9 billion in wasteful programs flagged by President Trump & the Dept. of Government Efficiency. House Republicans are digging into the bloated bureaucracy, ending Democrat's ridiculous woke projects, and eliminating spending that insults our intelligence & values.
Governor Greg Abbott today announced three Skills Development Fund (SDF) grant awards totaling more than $3.8 million to Dallas College by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) to help train students for specialized jobs. Through these grants, Dallas College will provide customized training to over 1,900 new and current workers at local businesses in high-demand occupations, including construction, manufacturing, engineering, and more.
Governor Greg Abbott today ceremonially signed Senate Bill 8 and Senate Bill 36 to boost Texas’ coordinated border security efforts with the federal government and establish the Homeland Security Division within the Texas Department of Public Safety at the Sheriff’s Association of Texas 147th Annual Training. The Governor participated in a fireside chat with U.S. Border Czar Tom Homan to discuss the successful collaboration between Texas and the federal government to secure the border.
U.S. Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas), John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Congressman Brian Babin (R-TX-36) released the following statements after their Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge Act passed the U.S. House of Representatives and now heads to the President’s desk. This bill would codify President Trump’s Executive Order renaming the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge near Houston, Texas, to the Jocelyn Nungaray National Refuge.
Governor Greg Abbott today received a briefing and held a press conference at Donald Lewis Hisle Elementary School on Texas' continued response to severe flooding impacting Central Texas. Prior to the briefing and press conference, the Governor toured damage at Sandy Creek Bridge and meet with local first responders to thank them for their service. As other parts of the state are expecting severe weather throughout this week, the Governor encouraged Texans to monitor the weather, make an emergency plan, and heed the guidance of state and local officials.
Today, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announced the senators who will serve on the Senate Select Committee on Disaster Preparedness and Flooding. The first hearing will take place at the Capitol in Austin on July 23. The second hearing will take place the following week in Kerrville on July 31, to give residents an opportunity to have their voices heard.