"This bill prohibits private employers from requiring employees to get a COVID vaccination – and employers that violate the law are subject to a $50,000 fine as well as a lawsuit and injunctive relief from the Texas AG," said Gov. Greg Abbott, signing into law the bill banning COVID-19 vaccine mandates by private employers that passed during the 3rd Special Legislative Session. The new law protects the personal healthcare choices and livelihoods of Texans, and their conditions of employment.

“Yesterday in my district, two innocent Americans were killed in a car crash during a high-speed chase involving a human smuggler. This is not the first time in District 23 that American bystanders have been casualties of this Border Crisis. I serve the largest Border District in Congress, and we’re sick of Mr. Biden’s refusal to crack down on border security."

While Texas has seen some relief from drought conditions, abnormally low relative humidity and wildfires this fall, extreme wildfire conditions have increased and are expanding across the Southeastern United States. This year, southeastern states have seen more than 21,600 wildfires that have burned over half a million acres.

"Last week, our new Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson of Louisiana, immediately hit the ground running. He brought to the floor a resolution condemning the Hamas terror attack and supporting Israel. The House also passed a supplemental appropriations bill to provide support for Israel’s military. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is horrible, and I stand with our ally, Israel, the only true democracy in the region."

Since its launch in 2022, the PROWD Grant Program (Partners for Reentry Opportunities in Workforce Development) has leveraged Bureau of Prison’s (BOP) experience in reducing recidivism with the expert knowledge that state workforce agencies and local partners have about the specific needs of employers where PROWD participants are released. The latest grant of funding will improve employment outcomes for individuals while filling gaps in high demand industries.

“With this crucial grant funding, Texas will further bolster organizations and agencies that work to prevent human trafficking, secure our border, and bring justice to crime victims, among other critical safety initiatives," said Gov. Greg Abbott today, announcing that his Public Safety Office (PSO) will administer over $528 million in funding for a variety of public safety programs and services across Texas – including anti-human trafficking efforts, border security, and law enforcement support.

“The North Korean regime is one of the most inhumane dictatorships in the world. Those who attempt to flee and are sent back are subject to particularly horrific human rights abuses – including lifetime forced labor, torture and execution, and having their children become victims of human trafficking."

“I hope all the Texas Homeowners & Retired Teachers are as excited as Senators Bettencourt, Schwertner, Huffman the 28 other Senators and I are. Thanks to all who turned out to vote Tuesday, it was a total team win for Texas,” said Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, after overwhelming passage of Proposition 4, Prop 7, and Prop 9 at the polls – where 13 of 14 Constitutional Propositions passed.

“The Texas Legislature made progress over the past month protecting Texans from forced COVID-19 vaccinations and increasing penalties for human smuggling. However, there's more to be done. I am immediately calling lawmakers back to complete their work to empower Texas parents to choose the best education pathway for their child, and to increase funding for border and federal immigration laws President Joe Biden refuses to enforce."

“The Spirit of Sacrifice stands as a symbol of legacy and bravery of fallen heroes who gave their all on this sacred ground, and I'm fully committed to preserving the Alamo Cenotaph for future generations,” said Texas General Land Comm. Dawn Buckingham, announcing that the Alamo Trust, Inc. will conduct an in-depth Structural Integrity Investigation of the Alamo Cenotaph beginning in November 2023.

“With an estimated 1,000 people a day moving to the Lone Star State, growing infrastructure is essential to the success of every Texan," said Todd Staples, President of the Texas Oil & Gas Association (TXOGA) following Tuesday's passage of Statewide Ballot Propositions 6, 7 and 8 that were designed to expand water, electricity, and broadband infrastructure for Texas' growing population.

Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn have introduced a resolution to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of Texas Christian University and recognize TCU's legacy in Texas education – as well as its recent athletic successes. TCU, a private, four-year university located in Ft. Worth, Texas, focuses on building a powerful intellectual environment – with a strong emphasis on Faith, Community & Service.

“Enough is enough. At all levels – from Department of State staffers to his press secretary – Biden officials have proven incapable of simply condemning antisemitism without including other -isms and -phobias, and downplaying the real threat to Jewish people from Hamas and its supporters," said Sen. Ted Cruz, after news reports that a Jewish man was murdered in Thousand Oaks, California by a pro-Hamas activist.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick was diagnosed with viral pneumonia last week, and is recovering and working from home. He canceled all his scheduled meetings for this week, including all official engagements. Members of the Texas Senate are fully prepared to address any issues Gov. Abbott may include in a 4th Special Session, and President Pro Tempore of the Senate, Sen. Charles Schwertner, will preside in Patrick's absence.

The Texas General Land Office posted the State of Texas 2021 Winter Storms Action Plan for $43,632,000 in Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery funds earlier today for public comment. These funds were allocated to Texas by the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) for disaster recovery for areas affected by the 2021 Winter Storms from Feb. 11-21, 2021.

As Iranian-backed Hamas terrorists continue to wage an unprovoked and barbaric war against our friend and ally Israel, it's more vital than ever the United States demonstrates strength towards Iran — not weakness. Congress overwhelmingly passed my resolution last week (H.Res.559,) to make it clear – the official policy of the United States is that a nuclear Iran is unequivocally unacceptable. Here are my full remarks.

"The strength and hope displayed as I met with Prime Minister Netanyahu, President Herzog, survivors of the October 7th attack and families of kidnapped Israelis was truly inspiring. ​​​​​​​Texas will continue to help support Israel safeguard their freedom against brutal terrorist organizations like Hamas," said Gov. Greg Abbott, after meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli officials in Jerusalem.

To kick off its "Season of Thanks," Harmony Public Schools began November with a special surprise for its roughly 5,000 staff members across Texas. Last Wednesday, the Texas-born, Texas-wide public charter school system announced a 5% "Season of Thanks" Appreciation Bonus will be paid to teachers the week before Thanksgiving, with all Harmony teachers receiving a minimum of $2,700, and many receiving more.

Senator Ted Cruz & Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska,) along with several of their Republican colleagues sent a letter to the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council (FPISC) about its proposed changes to regulations to re-classify “mining” projects for coverage under the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act. President Donald Trump had added mining industries to the list to boost the economy and bring supply chains home.

“Texas is the proud home to more veterans than any other state – and by translating their Military Leadership Skills into business success, veterans are among the 3.1 million Texas Small Business owners who grow jobs and help drive the mighty Texas economy,” said Gov. Greg Abbott earlier today, announcing that the next 2023 Governor’s Small Business Summit – this one designed to honor Veteran Small Business Owners – will be held in San Antonio on Thursday, November 9th.