Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham is encouraging Texans to vote for the Alamo Exhibit at the Ralston Family Collections Center as the "Best New Attraction in America" in the USA TODAY 10 Best Readers' Choice Awards. The Alamo Exhibit has been nominated for this prestigious award, which not only recognizes incredible attractions and businesses, but also provides the locations as recommendations to readers for future experiences.

Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar announced today he has completed the transfer of about $3.06 billion into the State Highway Fund (SHF) and $5.46 billion to the Economic Stabilization Fund (ESF; commonly known as the “Rainy Day Fund”). The Rainy Day Fund, which normally receives the same amount as the SHF, received $2.41 billion more because of the general revenue (GR) surplus at the end of fiscal 2023.

On Feb. 5th, 2021, Joe Biden lifted terrorism-related sanctions on the Iranian-controlled Houthis and three of their leaders. "Now the Houthis and other Iranian-controlled terrorists are openly and routinely attacking the United States and our allies – but the Biden White House refuses to reverse its decision," said Sen. Ted Cruz, reintroducing his legislation to impose terrorism-based sanctions as acts of violence continue to escalate in the Middle East.

U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28), along with other members of the House Appropriations Committee, participated in a Congressional Delegation (CODEL) to Antarctica to witness the ongoing research activities being carried out by American scientists and servicemembers.

Governor Greg Abbott skydived with 106-year-old World War II veteran Al Blaschke at Skydive Spaceland San Marcos to honor the service and sacrifice of U.S. military veterans. The Governor and Mr. Blaschke were flown in a de Havilland DHC-6-200-Twin Otter aircraft and jumped at 8,500 feet. This was Governor Abbott's first skydiving jump.

“The Texas oil & natural gas industry's doing its part to ensure that no matter the weather, we're winter ready – but we urge all Texans and Texas industries to be prepared as well​​​​​​​,” said Texas Oil & Gas Association president Todd Staples. "Texas produces more than enough natural gas to meet our needs here at home, but we can't operate without electricity" Staples said, as Oil & Natural Gas Operators across the state have been preparing months in advance for cold weather.

"I keep hearing from many in education – teachers' associations, the media, those who oppose parental choice (for school children) – that Texas greatly underfunds education, or that school choice would take money away from public education. Neither is true. Texas spends about 50% of our entire budget on public & higher education. That's one out of every two dollars. Some who voted against school choice attended private schools, or send their kids or grandkids to them."

Congressional District 23, which I represent, spans more than 800 miles of the U.S.-Mexico Border – stretching from San Antonio to El Paso. Crime and violence are unfortunate common denominators that I hear about time and time again, and whether in urban areas, rural towns, or along the border, there's a sense that crime is on the rise and that Law Enforcement is stretched too thin. That's why I’ve been laser-focused on working with Local, State & Federal Officials to "Back the Blue" in San Antonio.

Consider a hypothetical proposal for the Federal Government to spend $100 billion in a year. It could be to help secure the border, or it could be anything. That sounds large — and it is large. So, what would that $100 billion cost the "Average" U.S. Family? In the United States there are approximately 131 million households – and, you might not think that you're "average," either. But there’s a lesson here: If you want to make a good case, tell people what the spending will cost an "average" family.

During a House Homeland Security Committee hearing last week, I questioned Homeland Security Sect. Mayorkas and FBI Director Wray about the global threats the U.S. homeland has opened itself up to thanks to Joe Biden's open borders disaster – and demanded answers about detainees on "The Terrorist Watchlists." Both openly admitted there are known or suspected terrorists who've crossed the southern border – and have not been detained. This is an unacceptable threat to the safety of each and every American.

Governor Greg Abbott celebrated new graduates joining the most elite law enforcement agency in the nation at the Texas Department of Public Safety’s (DPS) Recruit Class B-2023 Graduation Ceremony in Austin. During his keynote address, the Governor congratulated the 94 graduate troopers on completing a rigorous 30-week training program and thanked them for answering the call to serve and protect their fellow Texans.

“Texas has been forced to develop new solutions after the federal government abdicated enforcement – and even weaponized immigration law to intensify surges at the border to historic levels of unvetted foreign aliens,” said Attorney General Ken Paxton, fulfilling his obligation to give written notice of Texas' new law to the "commanding authority" after Border Patrol Agents were given the power to enforce State Felony Offenses at Port of Entry or Border Patrol Traffic Checkpoints.

“I'm proud to be with President Trump today to thank the 1,000s of Texas National Guard soldiers & DPS Troopers who are stationed along the border for Operation Lone Star to respond to President Biden’s border crisis," said Gov. Greg Abbott, as he and the 45th President thanked and served meals to over 240 Texas National Guard soldiers, Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers, and other service members stationed on the border in Edinburg over Thanksgiving. 

October marked the highest number of migrant encounters for any October on record. These record numbers prove what Texans already know: The crisis at our border is unsustainable and pose a serious threat to our homeland. I will not be silent when it is clear the Biden administration's failed open-border policies — and Secretary Mayorkas' dereliction of duty — have created the worst border crisis I've ever seen.

Commissioner Christian sent a letter in early November encouraging the SBOE board to adopt curriculum that would include the benefits of Texas oil and natural gas production. The Texas State Board of Education voted on its Proclamation 2024 which determines the types of textbooks and materials students will use in the 2024-2025 school year. Following the SBOE’s actions, Texas Railroad Commissioner Wayne Christian applauded the outcome.

Ballots have been tallied from election day and voters have made it clear— state parks matter to the people of Texas. Proposition 14, which creates the Centennial Parks Conservation Fund, passed with overwhelming support from Texas voters. The fund is made from a portion of state budget surplus and creates a dedicated funding stream for acquiring and developing state parks.

“When I was a senator, it was hard building support to increase the Homestead Exemption. I had allies as a Senator, but not enough to move the needle. When I became Lt. Governor in 2015 – and Sen. Bettencourt took my spot – our army in the Texas Senate quickly grew. We've made good progress since then, but never before did we have the budget surplus funds we did this year," said Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick. “What's next? I'm never getting off the bus for lower property taxes.”

"I have long said that educating our children is the most important thing we do," said Texas Land Commissioner & Texas Permanent School Fund (PSF) Corp. Board Member Dawn Buckingham earlier today, highlighting that with over $55 billion, the PSF is essential to supporting public education in the Lone Star State. It is the largest fund of its kind in the nation, and the corporation's board has just named Bob Borden as its new Chief Executive Officer.

The Lone Star State’s civilian labor force reached a new record high of 15,162,100 – after growing by 20,900 people over the month in October. This marked the 10th consecutive monthly increase, and included the addition of 21,100 Texans employed over the month. The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held steady at 4.1%. “The Texas economy continues to grow, and there are nearly 480,000 job listings for individuals with the right skills,” said Texas Workforce Commission Chairman Bryan Daniel.

"We implore you to reverse course and recommit to a strong campaign of diplomatic and economic pressure to hasten transition to a democratic government in Venezuela. Failure to do so only benefits the Maduro regime, and its strategic partners China, Russia, and Iran," said Sens. Ted Cruz & Jim Risch (R-ID,) who along with six other Senate Republicans called on President Biden to reverse his easing of economic pressures ahead of Venezuelan elections in 2024.