Latest News
Pfluger Leads Dozens of Lawmakers in Letter to EPA: Methane Fee is Unworkable
By Midland Times | Apr 10, 2024
House Energy Action Team Chairman August Pfluger (TX-11) and 55 House Republicans have sent a letter to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan expressing concerns about the EPA's proposed methane fee. In the letter, the House Republicans stated, "The EPA's proposed rules blatantly violate Congressional intent and create an unworkable regulatory structure for oil & gas producers."The letter emphasized the importance of regulatory compliance exemptions for oil and gas facilities that are adhering to specific requirements. The lawmakers urged...
Senate Democrats Block Sen. Cruz Effort to Establish Committee to Hold Mayorkas Impeachment Trial
By Midland Times | Apr 10, 2024
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) criticized Senate Democrats for their refusal to proceed with an impeachment trial for U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas. Sen. Cruz, speaking on the Senate floor, expressed his disapproval of skipping the required impeachment trial process.During his speech, Sen. Cruz emphasized his concerns about Mayorkas's approach to his role, stating, “It’s not because he’s bad at his job, unfortunately Alejandro Mayorkas is very good at his job. However, he doesn’t view his job as securing the border [or] protecting our homeland...
Cornyn Blasts Dems’ Judicial Intimidation Campaign
By Midland Times | Apr 10, 2024
Washington, April 10, 2024 - U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) criticized Democrats for their alleged intimidation campaign against the federal judiciary during a recent session on the Senate floor. Cornyn specifically highlighted the resistance shown by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas against pressures to change case assignments.In his address, Senator Cornyn commended Chief Judge Godbey and the judges of the Northern District of Texas for standing firm against what he described as political pressure. He emphasized the importance of upholding the...
Cornyn: Biden Has No Plan to Reduce Inflation
By Midland Times | Apr 9, 2024
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) criticized President Biden's economic policies, stating that the administration has no plan to address inflation. Cornyn highlighted the financial strain faced by American families due to rising inflation and excessive government spending."People who once lived comfortably are now living paycheck to paycheck," Cornyn remarked, emphasizing the economic challenges many Americans are currently facing. He pointed out that "The average household in Texas is spending $1,000 a month more today than they did in January of 2021 when...
Senators Cruz and Lee Argue for Impeachment Trial in Op-Ed
By Midland Times | Apr 9, 2024
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Mike Lee (R-Utah) have voiced their concerns in an op-ed published in the Wall Street Journal regarding the impeachment proceedings for Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. The Senators argue that efforts by Senate Democrats to end the proceedings without a trial are unconstitutional and a violation of Senate rules.In their op-ed, the Senators emphasized the importance of following constitutional processes, stating, “The Constitution, Senate rules and precedent are clear: The Senate has an obligation to vote...
Sens. Cruz, Scott, Colleagues Demand Transparency from Biden Administration Following Release of Additional Iran Sanction Waivers
By Midland Times | Apr 8, 2024
U.S. Senators Ted Cruz and Tim Scott, along with several of their Senate Republican colleagues, have demanded transparency from the Biden administration regarding the recent release of additional Iran sanction waivers. The senators, members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, expressed their concerns in a letter addressed to Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen and Secretary of State Antony Blinken.In the letter, the senators criticized the administration's decision to renew a sanctions waiver that allows the Iranian regime to access funds held overseas more...
Cornyn: Dismissing Mayorkas Impeachment Sets ‘Dangerous Precedent’
By Midland Times | Apr 8, 2024
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) has voiced his concerns regarding the dismissal of the impeachment proceedings against U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, stating that it sets a "dangerous precedent" in the nation's history.Senator Cornyn emphasized that the impeachment of Secretary Mayorkas was not due to popularity or incompetence but for "two serious offenses." He criticized Mayorkas for his "willful and systematic refusal to enforce our immigration laws," making catch-and-release the government's de facto policy, which goes...
ERCOT to host inaugural Innovation Summit
By Midland Times | Apr 7, 2024
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) is set to host its inaugural ERCOT Innovation Summit in Austin on May 21. In a press release issued by ERCOT on April 1, the organization announced that the event aims to convene leaders from across the energy research and innovation ecosystem to explore innovative solutions for grid transformation.
Abbott: 'It is an effective barrier that denies illegal entry'
By Midland Times | Apr 7, 2024
On April 5, Gov. Greg Abbott expressed his commendation for the National Guard's efforts in installing "more than 100 miles of razor wire." A press release from the Office of the Texas Governor stated that the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the National Guard are working together to secure the border, aiming to prevent drugs, weapons, and illegal immigrants from entering Texas.
Texas surges soldiers, resources to boost border security in El Paso
By Midland Times | Mar 30, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), and the Texas National Guard are intensifying efforts to enhance border security in El Paso. The collaborative work will add more resources to address illegal activities like drug and human smuggling across the Texas border.
Governor Abbott appoints three to Texas County and District Retirement System board of trustees
By Midland Times | Mar 29, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Ronald “Ronnie” Keister and reappointed Susan Fletcher and Mary Louise Nicholson to the Texas County and District Retirement System Board of Trustees for terms set to expire on December 31, 2029. The Board exists to provide Texas County and district employees with retirement, disability, and survivor benefits.Ronald “Ronnie” Keister, the Lubbock County tax assessor/collector, has been serving in this role since 2009. Keister, a member and former president of the Tax Assessor Collector Association of Texas, is also actively involved in...
Governor Abbott Appoints Wright, Koerner To Texas Veterans Commission
By Midland Times | Mar 29, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Charles “Chuck” Wright and reappointed Laura Koerner to the Texas Veterans Commission for terms set to expire on December 31, 2029. The Commission serves as the state-appointed advocate for Texas veterans as they attempt to secure the benefits rightfully earned in exchange for their service in our nation's armed forces.Charles “Chuck” Wright of Frisco is a financial planner and founder of Lone Star Wealth Strategies. According to the announcement, Wright is a board member of United Service Organizations of Dallas/Fort Worth and the One...
Governor Abbott renews wildfire disaster declaration in March 2024
By Midland Times | Mar 29, 2024
Governor Abbott has renewed the wildfire disaster declaration in Texas, as confirmed in a proclamation dated March 28, 2024. The Governor reiterated the ongoing threat posed by wildfires in various counties and authorized necessary actions to address the situation.In the proclamation, Governor Abbott stated, "WHEREAS, I, GREG ABBOTT, Governor of the State of Texas, issued a disaster proclamation on February 27, 2024..." He further emphasized that the Texas Division of Emergency Management has verified the continuation of wildfire conditions in the affected counties.The...
Abbott issues executive order to fight antisemitism at Texas universities
By Midland Times | Mar 29, 2024
In response to the escalating antisemitism at Texas universities, Governor Greg Abbott (R-TX) has issued an executive order aimed at mitigating antisemitism within higher education institutions. The measure is designed to foster a safe learning environment for Jewish students and all Texans across the state's universities.
Pfluger Calls for Public Trial of Alejandro Mayorkas, Announces Date of Transmission of Impeachment Articles
By Midland Times | Mar 28, 2024
Washington, DC — Today, Congressman August Pfluger, along with Speaker Mike Johnson and other House impeachment managers, have urged Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to promptly schedule an impeachment trial for Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. This call comes in the wake of the House's approval of two articles of impeachment against Secretary Mayorkas. The House is set to transmit these articles to the Senate on April 10th, 2024.In a statement released after sending the letter to Senator Schumer, Rep. August Pfluger emphasized the...
Governor Abbott Posthumously Presents Texas Legislative Medal Of Honor To Two Service Members
By Midland Times | Mar 27, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott posthumously presented the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor to U.S. Army Sergeant Major Jerry Lynn Bell and U.S. Army Master Sergeant Mike Peña during a ceremony at the Texas Capitol. The Texas Legislative Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration conferred to a service member of the Texas military forces.“Today, we honor two men who raised their hand and answered the call for our country,” said Governor Abbott. “Each of these men continued a tradition of heroism that extends back to the very dawn of this great nation. These brave service...
Governor Abbott Announces New Eastman Investment In Longview
By Midland Times | Mar 27, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott revealed today that Eastman will be establishing a new manufacturing facility at its current location in Longview, Texas. The expansion is expected to bring over 200 job opportunities and about $1.2 billion in capital investment. The initiative has been supported by a Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF) grant of $2,040,000.In a statement, Governor Abbott expressed his confidence in Texas as a thriving business environment, stating, "Texas is where businesses flourish and people prosper." He credited the state's skilled workforce, favorable business climate,...
Governor Abbott Launches Texas Space Commission
By Midland Times | Mar 27, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott has officially launched the Texas Space Commission and unveiled the inaugural members of the Texas Space Commission Board of Directors and the Texas Aerospace Research and Space Economy Consortium (TARSEC) Executive Committee. The announcement took place at NASA's Johnson Space Center, where Governor Abbott emphasized the importance of Texas in the space industry.Governor Abbott stated, “Texas is the launchpad for Mars, innovating the technology that will colonize humanity’s first new planet. As we look into the future of space, one thing is clear:...
Sen. Cruz Discusses Impact of His I-27 Numbering Act Becoming Law
By Midland Times | Mar 27, 2024
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz recently took part in a press conference in Midland, Texas, to discuss the impact of his I-27 Numbering Act of 2023 becoming law. The event, hosted by the Midland Odessa Transportation Alliance (MOTRAN), gathered local leaders and stakeholders to delve into the significance of this legislative achievement.During the conference, Sen. Cruz emphasized the importance of the I-27 highway project, stating, "I-27 will run from Laredo, all the way north through West Texas, through the Panhandle, and up through Colorado, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and ultimately all...
Sen. Cruz: “Proud of Bipartisan Work” as I-27 Numbering Act Signed into Law
By Midland Times | Mar 26, 2024
U.S. Senator Ted Cruz expressed his pride in the bipartisan effort that led to the signing of the legislation naming the Ports-to-Plains Corridor as the future Interstate 27. Senator Cruz stated, “I’m so proud to have successfully worked with the community leaders and business owners along the I-27 corridor who have helped to make today a reality, and for the bipartisan work we have been able to do to deliver the benefits that Interstate 27 will bring to Texans. Improving infrastructure for I-27 means more jobs, greater economic development, and better transportation for...