The last time the United States had this magnitude of indebtedness was after World War II. It took decades for Congress to reduce our debt to a responsible level, but as a result of their steadfast efforts, the country emerged as the only global superpower. The strategy was simple — bring down spending and grow the economy. Today’s leaders must relentlessly run the same plays.

“We believe consumers should have more choices, not fewer. Our legislation would ensure that AM Radio continues to be available for millions of Americans who want to listen to it in their cars & trucks – and who rely on it during emergencies," said the two senators from opposite sides of the political spectrum, as they introduced their bipartisan and bicameral bill to keep AM radio in new vehicles.

For months, I've pushed the State Department and Secretary Anthony Blinken to allow Congress to view the Afghanistan dissent cable – a document in which 23 Kabul Embassy Employees warned against the Biden White House's withdrawal plan – or lack thereof. I recently issued a subpoena for the document, and threatened to hold Mr. Blinken in contempt of Congress if he did not comply.

Governor Greg Abbott today announced the next stop in the 2023 Governor’s Small Business Summit will be in The Woodlands on Thursday, June 15. The Governor’s Small Business Summits aim to help Texas small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs reach new heights by connecting them with the resources and information needed to start, strengthen, and grow a business.

The Texas Senate’s “2-Step” Property Tax Reform Plan, by State Sen. Paul Bettencourt, passed the Senate unanimously with bipartisan support on the first day of the 88th Special Session, with all 30 Senators as co-authors. The plan increases the Homestead Exemption permanently to $100,000 – totaling $5.3 billion and $12.3 billion worth of compression for Texas homeowners.

Millions of law-abiding family, friends & neighbors are now at risk of prosecution and arrest on federal gun charges as of June 1st. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives’ (ATF) new rule, effective as of January 31st with a 120-day grace period, reclassifies pistols as short-barreled rifles if they are equipped with a stabilizing brace, rendering millions of firearms illegal.

For the first time since World War II, the Federal Public Debt has reached 100% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP,) meaning the federal government will soon owe more in debt than the annual size of the American economy. And, that number is projected to double to 200% by 2050 – when interest payments will be the single largest budget item, exceeding even Social Security & Medicare.

"There should be no political division when it comes to public safety. When it comes to protecting our children & families from illicit drugs, violence, lawlessness — there's no room for debate. Local departments should not have to fund themselves alone, and there are federal dollars available," said Cong. Gonzales, who has successfully secured millions of federal dollars for Police & Sheriff Departments throughout District 23.

RRC Chairman Christi Craddick, Commissioner Wayne Christian, and Commissioner Jim Wright each sent letters to Texas Senator John Cornyn and Commerce, Science & Transportation Ranking Member Senator Ted Cruz outlining concerns about S.576, the Railway Safety Act of 2023, and its specific impacts on the energy supply chain in America.

"The executive branch doesn’t have the power to ignore Congress’ carefully-crafted laws regarding non-immigration visas, and President Biden’s Dept. of Homeland Security is circumventing the law Congress established regarding non-immigration visas. It’s hurting American workers,” said Sen. Ted Cruz, as he filed a brief along with fellow Senators Mike Lee, Tom Cotton, Mike Braun, and Katie Britt.

Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar today announced his certification of House Bill 1, the "General Appropriations Act" that was approved by both the Texas Senate and House of Representatives during the recently gaveled Regular Session of the 88th Texas Legislature.

While avoiding default means America's small business owners can avoid a destabilizing event for Main Street, we need to make sure that we’re investing in public goods and addressing critical needs as we continue to recover from the COVID pandemic. Congressional leaders must come together to make critical investments in Main Street so we grow a firmer foundation for future growth. 

“The Texas Senate is in Austin working diligently, and will pass these bills over and over again in every Special Session until the Texas House returns from their vacation to address the priorities of Texas. The creation of the Texas Border Force will further bolster our historic efforts to keep Texas safe,” said Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick earlier today, after the Senate passed three critical bills bolstering Texas' authority to enforce the border.

​​​​​​​"One thing we all agree on is providing resources that make our communities safer, as well as supporting law enforcement in the State of Texas," said Gov. Greg Abbott, as he signed eight critical pieces of public safety legislation into law that were passed during the 88th Regular Legislative Session. The bills enhance criminal penalties for growing classes of crimes, and will hold rogue District Attorneys accountable.

The proposed rule, "Energy Conservation Standards for Distribution Transformers," would in effect require critical electric grid companies to produce transformers using a different type of steel, further exacerbating supply chain shortages as manufacturers take significant time to revamp their production lines while vetting foreign suppliers instead of relying on American suppliers.

First Lady Cecilia Abbott today announced that she will serve as Honorary Chair of the 33rd Annual Governor’s Volunteer Awards. The Governor’s Volunteer Awards, administered by the OneStar Foundation, honor the exemplary service of individuals, groups and organizations in Texas that have made a significant and measurable contribution to their communities through service and volunteering.

“Texas is the home of innovators, and I’m proud to see UT Tyler Health Science Center leading the way on the cutting edge of innovative healthcare, and the new medical school training our next generation of leaders in the healthcare industry," said U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, as he toured the University of Texas Tyler's Health Science Center and the Public Health Lab of East Texas while participating in a UT Tyler Leadership Roundtable.

"‘Made in Texas’ is already a powerful global brand, and with significant, continuing investments in education & training, workforce development, infrastructure and innovation, we're building an even brighter Texas of tomorrow," said Gov. Greg Abbott earlier today, celebrating Texas again leading the nation with the most Fortune 500 headquarters, growing to 55 on the just-released 2023 Fortune 500 List.

The last thing Americans want is the heavy hand of the federal government burdening their families and businesses – yet the Biden White House has failed to take note. These bills push back on the Biden Administration’s efforts to dictate what types of stoves Americans cook on. That’s right, Joe Biden and Democrats want to limit your ability to purchase and use gas stoves, and its worrisome.

It is time to end the anti-law enforcement rhetoric, and instead, provide the nation's courageous Police Officers, Sheriff Department Forces, and Border Security Agents in Texas and across our country with the resources they need to safely do their jobs. Rather than sending messages of discouragement, we should regularly show our deep appreciation for the work of these courageous Public Servants.