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.
"In Texas, we don't do things half-heartedly. We go big, and we make sure we accomplish our vision," said Gov. Greg Abbott, touting the many achievements from the 88th Regular Session during a speech to the Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF) on Friday, while highlighting his plans to complete the unfinished business of a robust school choice program in subsequent Special Sessions this summer.
The alarms are going off, but President Joe Biden is asleep. It’s past time he wake up and stand up for America. For instance, I was proud to introduce H.R. 3618, the "Safer Schools Act," to allow public school districts to apply for grants directly from the Dept. of Justice to help with assessments for their campus security vulnerabilities and for corrective physical improvements.
President Biden’s unconstitutional student loan bailout program was nothing but a scheme to buy votes for the 2022 election. The President’s plan will force Americans who either didn’t go to college or already paid off their loans to foot the bill for roughly $400 billion of student loan debt. As a result, last week both the U.S. House & Senate used the Congressional Review Act to override his bailout scheme.
“House Republicans initially asked for a return to the funding levels we had in December 2022 – just six short months ago. Instead, the White House refused and Congress is locking in excessive spending levels that continues to fuel inflation. Spending should return to pre-pandemic levels, and what's so remarkable about this debate is, there's no discussion of returning to pre-pandemic spending levels. I cannot support that.”
“I work for the people of Texas’ 36th District – home to more Petrochemical Plants & Oil Refineries than any other Congressional District in the nation. This White House has waged an all-out war against us, our jobs, and the security of our nation. These are the facts... this bill combats President Biden and his environmental activists by accelerating energy project permitting," said Cong. Brian Babin.