On the Record

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Governor Abbott Urges Texans To Heed Federal Travel Warnings Amid Escalating Violence In Parts Of Mexico

The U.S. Department of State advises U.S. citizens in the following Mexican states to shelter in place until further notice: Baja California, Jalisco, Quintana Roo, and areas of Guanajuato, Guerrero, Michoacan, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas. Texans in need of immediate assistance or guidance can call the U.S. Department of State (from outside U.S: 1-202-501-4444; from U.S.: 1-888-407-4747) or the Texas Fusion Center (1-844-927-0521).

02.24.2026
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Cornyn, Lee, GOP Colleagues File Amicus Brief Against Counting Late Ballots

The amicus in Watson v. Republican National Committee argues that Congress established a uniform national Election Day to safeguard electoral integrity and that federalism requires respecting Congress’ constitutional authority to fix the time of federal elections. It also underscores that states are not free to hold “rolling elections” by continuing to count late-arriving ballots received days, weeks, or even months after Election Day, and that having a clear rule would also bolster election security and confidence in federal elections.

02.24.2026
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Pfluger: U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors Releases Comprehensive Report

At a time when global operations continue to highlight the decisive role of airpower, these recommendations reflect our commitment to ensuring the Academy remains focused on and equipped to develop the warfighters and leaders needed for future complex, multi-domain conflict. I look forward to working with Secretary Hegseth and Secretary Meink to turn these recommendations into lasting improvements for the Academy and our Air Force and Space Force.

02.24.2026
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10-Year-Old Develops AI-Powered Glasses to Help Visually Impaired Children Awarded Sponsorship from  Emotiv, a global brain-computer interface technology company 

While many students use artificial intelligence to create cartoon portraits or edit a paper, Lucas Tudor is using it to change lives. The 10-year-old fifth-grader at Harmony Science Academy-Leander recently earned first place at his campus science fair and a first-place ribbon at the Greater Austin Regional Science and Engineering Fair (GARSEF) for developing AI-powered computer vision glasses, A Eyes, designed to help children with visual impairments navigate daily activities and improve their quality of life.

02.24.2026
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Gov. Abbott Directs DPS to Increase Public Safety Operations Amid Cartel Violence

Governor Greg Abbott today directed the Texas Dept. of Public Safety (DPS) to enhance Public Safety & Homeland Security Operations across Texas in response to escalating Mexican Cartel violence that poses a growing threat to American civilians. Gov. Abbott urged Texans currently in Mexico, as well as those with family members or friends traveling there, to closely follow warnings from the U.S. State Dept. amid ongoing security operations, road blockages, and criminal activity across Mexico. 

02.23.2026
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CONG. BABIN: Supreme Court Undercuts Presidential Trade Authority

Presidents are meant to lead on trade and protect our economy, not unelected judges. The Supreme Court of the United States recently blocked a key tariff tool used by President Donald Trump, undercutting executive authority at a critical moment for American workers and businesses. This ruling is deeply disappointing. Chief Justice John Roberts, along with Amy Coney Barrett and Neil Gorsuch, sided with the Court’s left wing.

02.23.2026
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TWC Launches New Initiative to Support Child Care Businesses

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is launching the Child Care Business Support initiative to strengthen the vital role that child care businesses play in our communities. Through this initiative, child care providers will gain access to expert guidance and training that will help them overcome challenges and more effectively support children and families across the state.

02.23.2026
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Gov. Abbott Announces Federal Assistance for Panhandle's '8 Ball Fire'

"Texas continues to work around the clock to provide all necessary resources to those affected by the 8 Ball Fire in the Panhandle, and I thank the Trump White House & FEMA for swiftly approving the funding," said Gov. Abbott, adding, "And, thank you to our heroic emergency personnel for their efforts to protect their fellow Texans." As of this morning, the 8 Ball Fire had burned an estimated 13,000 acres and forced evacuation of some 400 homes while over 1,100 were threatened.

02.20.2026
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Cornyn, 57 Legislators Work to Protect Women & Babies from Mifepristone, Dangerous Chemical Abortion Drugs

Senator John Cornyn, Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) – chairman of the Senate's Health, Education, Labor & Pensions (HELP) Committee – and 57 other Republicans have joined together to back Louisiana A.G. Liz Murrill’s lawsuit against the FDA to protect women and their unborn children nationwide from dangerous chemical abortion drugs, including mifepristone. The effort is endorsed by the Alliance Defending Freedom, Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life, and the National Right to Life organization.

02.20.2026
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Gov. Abbott Announces NRG Energy Expansion In Houston

Governor Greg Abbott today announced that an NRG Energy, Inc. (NRG) electric power generation plant to be constructed at the existing NRG Greens Bayou facility in Harris County has been designated as a qualified project under the Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation (JETI) program. The new 455-megawatt natural gas facility represents $617 million in capital investment.

02.19.2026
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Cornyn Announces National Border Patrol Council President Paul Perez as State of the Union Guest

U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee Subcommittee on Border Security and Immigration, today announced National Border Patrol Council (NBPC) President Paul Perez as his guest for President Donald J. Trump’s State of the Union address to Congress next week. The State of the Union address will take place on Feb. 24.

02.19.2026
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Breathless In Seattle

If there were an award for the most counterproductive tax increase in modern history, it might be Washington state's estate tax. Enacted last year, the rate is 35%, which as even the liberal Seattle Times admits "is by far the highest in the U.S." That comes on top of a 40% federal estate tax.  Why would anyone with more than $50 million in wealth die in Seattle when they can move to Utah or Florida or Texas or several other dozen states and pay absolutely nothing?  

02.19.2026
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Governor Abbott, TWC Announce Over $163,000 Job Training Grant For Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area

Governor Greg Abbott announced a Skills Development Fund (SDF) grant award totaling over $163,000 to Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). Through this grant, Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area will provide customized training for 66 new and current workers at Tekscend Photomask Round Rock Inc. for high-demand occupations in machinery manufacturing.

02.19.2026
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Gov. Abbott Celebrates Record-Breaking School Choice Demand

​​​​​​​“Through this program, families will receive funds to send their children to a school that is the best fit for them," said Gov. Greg Abbott, celebrating Texas' record-breaking demand for school choice with over 100,000 Texas families submitting applications to the Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA) Program. This marks the nation's largest launch of allowing eligible students to direct funding toward their choice of educational providers.

02.18.2026
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The Decline of the Washington Post

Publisher Will Lewis resigned after owner Jeff Bezos announced a restructuring of the once-influential newspaper that closed the entire sports section. One third of the staff was fired, including at least 300 newsroom journalists. This has been part of a pattern in the industry for several years, especially as younger people now get their "news" from the internet or read and watch only those outlets that reinforce what they already believe. As a result, advertisers have also fled.

02.18.2026
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Historic Milestone: More Than 100,000 Students Apply for Texas Education Freedom Accounts

The record-setting demand for school choice in Texas hit a new milestone this weekend. The program is not first come, first served. Families who apply before the March 17 deadline will have an opportunity to participate. If demand exceeds available funding, funds will be allocated through a lottery that prioritizes students with disabilities and students from low- and middle-income households. The timing of a family’s application has no bearing on their position in the lottery.

02.17.2026
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Governor Abbott Supports HUD Launching Fair Housing Investigation Into EPIC

Governor Greg Abbott today supported U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner in directing the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity to launch an investigation into the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC) for potential violations of the Fair Housing Act. Governor Abbott and the State of Texas continue to take action to uphold the rule of law and defend Texas communities from any threats posed by EPIC.

02.17.2026
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Sens. Cruz and Britt Introduce Bill to Protect Community Banks

U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Katie Britt (R-Ala.) introduced the Community Bank Relief Act. The Community Bank Relief Act raises the $10 billion asset threshold for covered bank issuers and ties it to an annual cost-of-living adjustment measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to enable more community banks to remain exempt from the Durbin restrictions, allowing them to strengthen their financial flexibility and ultimately reduce costs for American families.

02.17.2026
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CONG. BABIN: Atrocities in Iran Remind Us What American Strength Preserves

Last week in the Washington Times, I addressed the heartbreaking tragedy unfolding in Iran and the brutal reality of a regime that answers peaceful dissent with bullets and prison cells. For 47 years, since 1979, Iran’s rulers have exported terror, fueled instability across the Middle East, and oppressed their own people with impunity. I also wrote about a truth that history has proven time and again: Peace is not preserved by weakness.

02.16.2026
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CONG. PFLUGER: The 'SAVE America Act' Passes the U.S. House

Last week, I proudly voted to pass the "SAVE America Act" to secure U.S. Elections. It's common sense that only Americans should be able to vote in American elections, and this legislation ensures just that. Every single Democrat who voted against the bill proved they'd rather let Illegal Aliens tip the election scales, than protect your vote. Without everyone presenting a valid ID when voting – your legitimate vote means nothing. It's called the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility "SAVE" Act for a reason.

02.16.2026
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02.23.2026

TEXAS INSIDER ON YOUTUBE

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02.20.2026
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02.19.2026
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