On the Record

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Rep. Tony Gonzales Advances Bill to Fully Fund Veterans Healthcare, VA Benefits and Programs

This week, Congressman Tony Gonzales (TX-23) advanced the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Military Construction and Veterans Affairs (MILCON-VA) funding bill out of the House Appropriations Committee, which he serves on. Congressman Gonzales drafted several key provisions in the bill that benefit Texas military installations and veteran communities from South to West Texas, including El Paso and San Antonio. This legislation fully funds VA benefits and programs.

06.12.2025
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CONG. SESSIONS: Naloxone Awareness Day & Life Month

June 6th was Naloxone Awareness Day – a day to recognize the life-saving power of naloxone and the urgent need to confront our nation’s drug epidemic. Naloxone is a medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose and save lives. I commend the David & Jackie Siegel and the Victoria’s Voice Foundation for their tireless advocacy and leadership in raising awareness and expanding access to this critical tool.

06.12.2025
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Christian Cheers President Trump’s Proposed Reversal of Biden CO2 Rules for Reliable Energy-Based Power Providers 

President Donald Trump’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a proposal to roll back the Biden Administration’s rules dictating carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions for fossil fuel-based power plants. Following the announcement, Texas Railroad Commissioner Wayne Christian said; “President Trump is continuing his promise to roll back Biden’s onerous regulatory regime and put America back on a path toward Energy Dominance."

06.12.2025
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Senators Cruz, Rosen Introduce Effort to Expanding Opportunities for Servicemembers Leaving Active Duty

U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz & Jacky Rosen (D- NV) introduced the "SkillBridge Congressional Fellowship Act of 2025" to allow servicemembers transitioning out of active military duty to complete Congressional Fellowships through the Department of Defense’s (DoD) SkillBridge Program and allowing them to begin exploring post-service careers in public service and policy. 

06.11.2025
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Rep. Tony Gonzales Addresses Veterans and Foster Youth Housing Issues with HUD Secretary

During a House Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development (THUD) hearing, Congressman Tony Gonzales (TX-23) asked the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Scott Turner, about housing issues facing veterans and foster youth. Congressman Gonzales also received a commitment from HUD Secretary Turner to visit Texas' 23rd Congressional District. 

06.11.2025
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Congressman Babin: Honoring the 81st Anniversary of D-Day

Last week, we commemorated the 81st anniversary of D-Day. On June 6, 1944, thousands of brave American service members stormed the beaches of Normandy, facing unimaginable danger to liberate Europe from tyranny. Their courage and unwavering sense of duty changed the course of history and secured the blessings of liberty for generations to come. As Americans, we are forever indebted to the heroes of D-Day and all who have worn the uniform of our Armed Forces.

06.11.2025
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Governor Abbott Announces Construction of New Panhandle State Hospital

The 164,475-square-foot, 75-bed hospital will provide high-quality inpatient psychiatric services to adults. The hospital is designed with the latest mental healthcare standards in mind to promote recovery and healing. Patients will have access to common activity areas and outdoor courtyards to encourage social interaction. This is the first state-operated hospital in the 26-county area.

06.11.2025
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CONG. PFLUGER: Showing the Permian Basin & Texas to Members of Congress

From my first day in Congress, I've vowed to be a voice for the Permian Basin, for Texas, and for the Oil & Gas Industry in Washington. West Texas is the heartbeat of the American Energy Industry, and I believe that being able to see the region that powers the world firsthand is crucial for Members of Congress. That's why I am always eager to host them here – and share the story of Texas.

06.10.2025
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Rep. Tony Gonzales: Homeland Security Package Clears Important Step

Congressman Tony Gonzales (TX-23) released the following statement after voting to advance the FY26 Homeland Security Appropriations package to the full House Appropriations Committee. Congressman Gonzales played a key role in crafting this year’s homeland security budget through his seat on the House Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security. 

06.10.2025
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Governor Abbott Activates Additional State Emergency Response Resources Ahead Of Severe Weather

Governor Greg Abbott announced that he directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate additional state emergency response resources ahead of increased threats of severe weather and flooding expected to impact the state over the next several days. According to the National Weather Service, severe weather is forecasted across large portions of the Panhandle, North, West, and East Texas beginning later today and lasting through the week.

06.10.2025
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CONG. McCAUL: Standing Up to Anti-Semitism, Countering Terrorism in Wake of the Boulder Attack

I was deeply saddened and disturbed by the heinous attack that occurred recently in Boulder, Colorado in which an Egyptian citizen who'd overstayed his visa launched Molotov Cocktails at a group innocent people — including a Holocaust survivor — who were marching peacefully in support of Israeli hostages. I am praying for a full recovery for the victims. The recent rise in antisemitic acts of violence is appalling and unacceptable.

06.09.2025
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Rep. Tony Gonzales' Legislation to Increase Federal Penalties for Assaulting Law Enforcement or Impeding Their Operations

Congressman Tony Gonzales (TX-23) announced he will introduce legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives to take severe action against those who assault law enforcement personnel, including ICE Agents or CBP officials. If enacted, the Curbing Offenses on Policing Services (COPS Act) would increase jail time and civil fines for assaulting a law enforcement officer or interfering with the performance of their official duties.

06.09.2025
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Texas Natural Gas Production Reaches New High in March; Strong Energy Exports Continue

According to TXOGA’s estimates, Texas crude oil production remained steady at 5.7 million barrels per day (mb/d) in May 2025, while natural gas gross withdrawals rose to 36.9 billion cubic feet per day (bcf/d), with marketed production reaching a record 34.4 bcf/d. Natural gas liquids (NGLs) production remained strong at 4.0 mb/d. From January through May 2025, Texas accounted for 42.2% of total U.S. crude oil production and 29.2% of U.S. marketed natural gas production.

06.09.2025
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Land Commissioner Buckingham Announces GLO's Coastal Erosion Planning and Response Act Project for Jamaica Beach on Galveston Island

Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, M.D., is pleased to announce the Jamaica Beach Coastal Erosion Planning and Response Act (CEPRA) project on Galveston Island. Through this CEPRA project, the Texas General Land Office (GLO) will regrade the beach with 61,000 cubic yards of beach quality sand over 3,300 linear feet of Jamaica Beach, supporting the future stability of this popular recreational area.

06.09.2025
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Gov. Abbott Signs Record Public Education, Teacher Pay Raise Funding Into Law

"This is more than just policy – it's a promise," said Temple ISD teacher JoMeka Gray, adding, "This legislation touches the lives of 5.5 million Texas students, it strengthens the teaching profession, and supports the needs of special education students. I offer my deepest thanks to our Governor & Legislature," said Gray, who joined Gov. Abbott and over 175 educators, students, and parents for the bill's signing at Salado Middle School.

06.06.2025
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MOORE: Here's 14 Hidden Gems in 'The Big Beautiful Bill'

Our number-crunchers at the Committee to Unleash Prosperity rate the House-passed Tax Bill as a B – a good bill, not a great bill. And Steve Forbes rates it as "needs improvement." That said, we've cherry-picked about a dozen of our favorite, unheralded items from the White House's "50 Wins in the One Big Beautiful Bill" document that we suspect you haven't heard about. They're pretty "Big & Beautiful," to say the least.

06.06.2025
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Sen. Cruz Leads Resolution Designating June as “Life Month”

This resolution is supported by ADF, Heritage Action, SBA Pro-life, National Right to Life, Human Coalition, Heartbeat International, Family Research Council, Students for Life, Americans United for Life, Family Policy Alliance, Concerned Women for America, Catholic Vote, March for Life, 40 Days for Life, National Pro-Life Alliance, NIFLA, Citizens for Life, Christian Broadcasting Network, Focus on the Family, Liberty Counsel Action, and Eagle Forum.

06.06.2025
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South Texas Cong. Gonzales Presses FAA Leadership on U.S. Readiness Against Adversarial & Unmanned Drones

"We just saw Ukraine conduct one of the most significant operations of the Russia-Ukraine War, and with a small amount of money, with a small amount of quadcopters they were able to decimate Russia’s Long-Range Strategic Bombers. I’m worried about that – that’s not a “what if,” that’s now. My question is pretty simple: Is our U.S. airspace safe from drone threats?" asked South Texas Border Cong. Tony Gonzales.

06.05.2025
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Governor Abbott Signs Strongest Bail Reform Package In Texas History

Governor Greg Abbott today signed into law the strongest bail reform package in Texas history at Crime Stoppers of Houston. Joined by dozens of bail reform advocates and families of victims, the Governor signed Senate Bill 9, Senate Bill 40, House Bill 75, and Senate Joint Resolution 5 to protect Texans by keeping violent, repeat offenders behind bars.  

06.05.2025
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Railroad Commission of Texas Launches Podcast: Texas Energy on Track

Co-hosted by Bryce Dubee, RRC Spokesperson and Nick Kraynok, RRC Multimedia Manager, the show will feature in-depth conversations with the agency’s many subject matter experts, frontline staff and leadership. Each approximately 30-minute episode will explore a timely topic, with discussions on key regulatory issues including orphan well plugging, produced water management and seismicity, as well as behind-the-scene insights on how the agency operates.

06.05.2025
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06.11.2025

TEXAS INSIDER ON YOUTUBE

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06.10.2025
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06.06.2025
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