Sen. Cruz’s legislation has been endorsed by: US Oil & Gas Association (USOGA), American Exploration and Production Council (AXPC), Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA), American Petroleum Institute (API), National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA), Permian Basin Petroleum Association (PBPA), Texas Alliance of Energy Producers, Texas Independent & Royalty Owners Association (TIPRO), and Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF).

Human trafficking is not a distant, overseas issue—it’s happening right here in our communities, across rural towns and major cities in America. According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, there were over 9,000 cases of human trafficking reported in 2023. However, experts estimate this number is just the tip of the iceberg, as many cases go unreported.

This state rule implementation is required by federal law under the Biden administration and imposes undue burdens on U.S. oil and gas operators, especially small producers who lack the resources of multinational corporations. These rules are part of a larger agenda that threatens not only the state’s energy independence but also the livelihood of numerous Texans who rely on this industry.

Governor Greg Abbott announced the launch of the enhanced State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR) database. STEAR is a free, voluntary registry designed to provide local emergency planners and responders with vital information about their community’s specific needs, such as communication barriers and mobility challenges, to better assist Texans during disasters. The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) built the database and makes the information accessible to participating local officials to use in preparation for and response to disasters.

“This session is about securing Texas’ future—protecting our border, empowering parents, supporting teachers, and driving economic growth. As I said in my remarks today, our mandate is clear: to protect the Texas dream, set the pace for America and the world, and, by working together, ensure our state continues to lead the nation in hope, opportunity, and prosperity. I’m confident we’ll rise to the challenge and deliver conservative results for Texans. Let’s get to work—may God bless this great state.”

Despite having a clear majority of Republican votes, Rep. David Cook, R-Mansfield, was defeated. Speaker Burrows was handed the speakership by Democrats, as has happened behind closed doors session after session since 2009. This may be the first time in our nation’s history where the minority party openly elected the speaker of a legislative body instead of the majority party.

Governor Greg Abbott today announced that he requested a disaster declaration from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for Southeast Texas communities impacted by severe weather and tornadoes in December. If approved, the SBA declaration will make federal assistance available through disaster loans for Montgomery and Brazoria counties and their contiguous counties.

The completion of the 1.5-mile border wall paneling comes shortly after the GLO acquired this ranch along the Rio Grande in Starr County. Less than 24 hours after closing on the property, Commissioner Buckingham signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Texas Facilities Commission (TFC), authorizing them to begin border wall construction. TFC is also in the process of installing security cameras to monitor the property, lighting, and a motorized gate to allow law enforcement vehicles to patrol the entire property.

"With this surplus, my first focus is to continue to cut property taxes and increase teacher salaries, along with making smart one-time investments to ensure our budget is sustainable moving forward and that our state is prepared for the future. Comptroller Hegar’s estimate today is further proof of the Texas economy’s resilience – despite President Biden’s economic malfeasance – and it's proof our conservative policies work," said Patrick.

U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Rep. Troy Nehls (R-Texas-22) introduced the Justice for Jocelyn Act. The bill enhances the detention and tracking of illegal aliens entering the United States. It was written in response to the brutal murder of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray by two illegal aliens in Houston, Texas last year. 

Governor Greg Abbott announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration approved his request for a disaster declaration for Webb County following prolonged boil water notices caused by a water connection issue in Laredo in October. Texas counties included in the declaration are Webb County and its contiguous counties: Dimmit, Duvall, Jim Hogg, La Salle, Maverick, McMullen, and Zapata.

"Americans are ready for a thriving economy, a secure border, energy independence and dominance, safer streets, stronger communities, and to reclaim our leadership on a global stage. I look forward to working with President-elect Trump, Vice President-elect JD Vance, and my colleagues in Congress to fight for the betterment of America. We are incredibly blessed to live in the greatest nation on earth, and I am determined to keep it that way," said Texan August Pfluger.

The protocols allow the U.S. government to return foreign individuals who illegally entered the U.S. through the southern border to Mexico to await immigration proceedings. This legislation would require the Secretary of Homeland Security to reimplement the Migrant Protection Protocols in accordance with the 2019 Homeland Security memorandum titled “Policy Guidance for Implementation of the Migrant Protection Protocols.”

 The Texas oil and natural gas industry shattered records for state and local tax revenue and performance across every sector in 2024, according to the Texas Oil & Gas Association’s (TXOGA) newly released annual Energy & Economic Impact Report (EEIR). Highlights from the report include a history-making $27.3 billion in state and local taxes and state royalties paid by the oil and natural gas industry–a feat driven by record-breaking performance in production, pipelines, storage, processing, refining and exports.

“Texans know all too well the devastation wildfires can cause, and our country is stronger when we come together in times of crisis," said Governor Greg Abbott, announcing he has directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) and the Texas A&M Forest Service to deploy firefighters, emergency management and medical personnel, fire engines, and equipment to assist California's wildfire response following a request from the California Office of Emergency Services.

U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) sent a letter to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center’s interim director Captain Felix Bigby demanding answers after Walter Reed failed to renew its contract with the Holy Name College Friary. Sen. Cruz expressed his concern due to the abrupt manner of the termination, and over lapse in pastoral care because of the termination that service members and veterans experienced during Holy Week.

Congressman Tony Gonzales (TX-23) joined Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-09) in introducing H.R. 38, the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act. This legislation would provide nationwide reciprocity for concealed carry license holders and for residents of Constitutional Carry states. H.R. 38 is supported by major pro-Second Amendment organizations, including the (NRA-ILA), (USCCA), and the (NSSF).

The grant agreement provides for an initial three-year term with an optional renewal. Program services must meet the fentanyl education requirements of House Bill 3908, 88th Legislature, Regular Session, also known as Tucker’s Law, and be aligned with Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for school health programs so that they may be offered in Texas public schools. 

TWC is working to increase the number of qualified child care workers and has now awarded more $1.8 million to support the development of new Early Childhood Educator Apprenticeship Programs. In addition to the six grants in 2022, TWC awarded three grants for a total of $793,401 to create two new early childhood apprenticeship programs and expand one existing program.

U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, introduced an amendment to the U.S. Constitution to impose term limits on members of Congress. The amendment would limit U.S. Senators to two six-year terms and Members of the U.S. House of Representatives to three two-year terms after its enactment. Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.-5) introduced the amendment in the House of Representatives.