Our nation is faced with the most consequential decisions since the 1860's when President Abraham Lincoln and Congress worked together to save the Union – and government of the people, by the people, and for the people. As an historian, political leader, former Speaker of the U.S. House and a citizen, I want to share with you where I think we are as of September 2023.

No wonder Democrats are sounding the Alarm Bells – 3 key groups they can't afford to lose now say the country's doing worse under Joe Biden's leadership. A full 73% of women say the country is doing badly, while only 27% say its doing well. That's crushing for Biden, who won females by 15% in 2020. Hispanics say the nation's doing badly by a 66% to 34% margin, and then there's Independents...

When asked the "Right Track-Wrong Track" question about the current state of the country, just 34% of "Likely Voters" believe President Biden has us headed in the right direction. And, 56% of "Likely Georgia Voters" say they believe the prosecution of Donald Trump's being "unfairly handled" by Fulton County D.A. Fani Willis, including 39% who say it’s "Very Likely" unfair.

“President Biden has established a secret nuclear deal with the Iranian regime that is being kept from Congress and the American people – including a $6 billion ransom and release of Iranian operatives. These are only the barest outlines of the staggering concessions Biden has already made and intends to make to the Ayatollah, including an additional $10 billion transfer," said Cruz.

"Joe Biden’s war on domestic energy is absurd and he's prohibiting oil production and drilling on millions of acres of oil-rich U.S. land. Russia and Saudi Arabia – who seek to disrupt our economy and take advantage when America shows weakness – are deliberately cutting their energy output to hurt us," said Cong. Brian Babin of the new regulations.

“From clinical counseling, to home modification, these Fund for Veterans’ Assistance grants will help bolster resources for veterans in our Gulf Coast Communities. Texas will never forget the sacrifice and service that veterans and their families made for our state and nation,” said ​​​​​​Gov. Greg Abbott, announcing 31 FVA grants totaling over $6.9 million for 26 Gulf Coast area organizations.

​​​​​​​“While the federal government refuses to safeguard Texas communities, the General Land Office will step up and assist our state in its robust border security efforts,” said Texas Land Comm. Dawn Buckingham, authorizing the Texas Dept. of Public Safety (DPS) and the Texas Rangers to access Fronton Island in Starr County for the purpose of policing & patrolling.

There are three designations a teacher can receive – Recognized, Exemplary, and Master. Roughly 833 Harmony Charter School teachers across 62 Campuses and 6 Districts will receive the bonus awards, including nine in Dallas receiving nearly $22,000 in bonuses. The school blends high standards and expectations with rigorous curriculum to engage families to cultivate excellence.

“Texas is prepared to take this fight all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. Today’s decision merely prolongs President Biden’s willful refusal to acknowledge that Texas is rightfully stepping up to do the job that he should have been doing all along. This ruling is incorrect and will be overturned on appeal. We will continue to utilize every strategy to secure the border, including installing strategic barriers."

Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) today announced over $36 million in grant funding for veterans across Texas that will be distributed through TVC's Fund for Veterans' Assistance (FVA) Big Check Tour. Approved by TVC Commissioners in May, this grant funding will be awarded to 135 organizations across Texas and will serve more than 81,700 Texas veterans and their families.

According to the most recent data released by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to the Texas Home School Coalition (THSC,) Texas experienced 29,765 withdrawals from public school to homeschool between grade 7-12 during the 2021-2022 school year.  This high has previously only been matched during the COVID-19 peak in the 2020–2021 school year, when the number was 29,845.

Congressman Tony Gonzales (TX-23) introduced the Curbing Offenses on Policing Services (COPS) Act in the U.S. House of Representatives. The COPS Act increases penalties for individuals who assault first responders and law enforcement officers with a deadly or dangerous weapon.

A majority of voters believe economic conditions have worsened under Joe Biden, with 52% of "Likely U.S. Voters" saying they believe the economy has gotten worse since he became president, while 31% say the economy has gotten better and 14% believe the U.S. economy is about the same. See the August 29th-31st survey questions here.

“Revenues for Fiscal Year 2023 were ahead of our projections released in January,” said Comptroller Glenn Hegar, announcing that August 2023 State Sales Tax Revenues increased 5.7% over August 2022. Total sales tax revenue for the three months ending August 2023 were up 5.0% from the year earlier. At 57% of all collections, Sales Taxes are the largest source of state funding.

The parents of these brave young Americans gave powerful testimonies on the heartache they've endured after losing their sons and daughters. Despite consistent efforts from the families – and my committee – the Biden White House has held no one accountable for this tragedy, and continues to stonewall Congress by withholding key documents requested by my committee.

“Texas stands with Law Enforcement & Firefighters bravely and selflessly responding to the wildfire tragedy on Maui, and I encourage 1st Responders there to reach out through the Texas Law Enforcement Peer Network and speak with a fellow first responder who can help share the burden,” said Governor Greg Abbott, announcing that Texas is offering free virtual peer-to-peer counseling services in response.

The Texas Tuition Promise Fund offers parents & loved ones the chance to prepay for a child's future tuition, and some fees at Texas public colleges and universities at today's prices, excluding medical and dental schools. To celebrate the plan's birthday, the $25 application fee to enroll in the plan will be waived for September and October 2023. (Enrollment must be postmarked by Oct. 31, 2023.)

“Judge John Kazen was recommended though our bipartisan Federal Judicial Evaluation Committee. Based on that assessment, my own review, and Judge Kazen’s experience in private practice and on the bench, I recommended him to the White House for nomination to this federal seat in Laredo," said Sen. Cruz. "I'm confident he'll continue his father’s tremendous legacy once he is confirmed," said Sen. Cornyn.

“In Corpus Christi and in the Panhandle, farmers and ranchers told us the same story — under Joe Biden we’ve seen the highest inflation in 40 years, which is making feed, fertilizer, diesel and equipment more and more expensive," said Sen. Ted Cruz, as he and the Ranking Republican Member of the Senate Agriculture & Nutrition Committee, John Boozman, met with Texas agricultural leaders about the upcoming Farm Bill.

Reentering the workforce can be a challenge for individuals who have been incarcerated. Time away from the labor market and a criminal record can be barriers to employment – yet many employers are facing labor shortages exacerbated by the tremendous economic growth Texas is experiencing. As a result, the Texas Workforce Commission is hosting its "Growth through Reentry to Advance Careers & Employment" (GRACE) Conference.