Latest News
Senate passes resolution blocking DOE's new gas furnace efficiency standards
By Midland Times | May 21, 2024
On May 21, 2024, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution authored by Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) disapproving a Department of Energy rule on gas furnace efficiency standards. The rule, which would effectively ban non-condensing gas furnace models, was criticized for potentially increasing costs for American families.
Pfluger unveils CongressRam statue at San Angelo office
By Midland Times | May 21, 2024
Yesterday, Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) held an unveiling and dedication ceremony for CongressRam Pfluger, a new art installation by local artist Raul Ruiz, outside the San Angelo Congressional office. Submissions from the 2024 Congressional Art Competition were also on display for public viewing.
Cruz criticizes Blinken over Biden administration's foreign policy decisions
By Midland Times | May 21, 2024
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today criticized U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken over the Biden administration’s foreign policy decisions during a hearing. The critique focused on President Biden's actions, including expressing condolences to Iran for the death of President Raisi and delaying a shipment of military aid to Israel.
HEAT leaders criticize Biden administration's SPR release plan
By Midland Times | May 21, 2024
WASHINGTON, DC – RSC House Energy Action Team (HEAT) Chairman Rep. August Pfluger (R-TX) and RSC Chairman Kevin Hern (R-OK) released a statement following the Biden Administration's announcement to release 1 million barrels of gasoline from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.
Senator Cornyn criticizes President Biden's tax increase plan
By Midland Times | May 20, 2024
On May 20, 2024, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) addressed the Senate floor to discuss President Biden's plan to allow the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to expire at the end of 2025. The expiration of this act would result in a tax increase for over 60% of American households and further strain small businesses and families already grappling with high inflation.
Senator Cornyn addresses devastating Texas storms on Senate floor
By Midland Times | May 20, 2024
On May 20, 2024, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) addressed the recent severe storms that wreaked havoc in Houston and eastern Texas. The calamitous weather events brought heavy rains, wind, and flooding, affecting millions of individuals and tragically claiming the lives of eight Texans.
Senators Cruz and Britt propose federal bill to safeguard IVF access
By Midland Times | May 20, 2024
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Katie Britt (R-Ala.) have authored an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal regarding their proposed legislation, the IVF Protection Act.
Senators Cruz and Britt introduce IVF Protection Act
By Midland Times | May 20, 2024
U.S. Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Katie Britt (R-Ala.) have introduced the IVF Protection Act, a piece of legislation aimed at ensuring states do not restrict access to in vitro fertilization (IVF) services. The bill stipulates that it does not mandate any individual or organization to provide these services, but rather allows states to uphold appropriate health and safety standards regarding the practice of IVF. According to the bill's language, states that enforce an outright ban on access to IVF would be disqualified from receiving Medicaid funding.
Bill to protect U.S. transportation infrastructure from Chinese espionage becomes permanent
By Midland Times | May 17, 2024
On May 17, 2024, U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Gary Peters (D-MI) announced the signing into law of their Airport Infrastructure Resources (AIR) Security Act. This legislation permanently extends their 2023 law that prevents government grants from being used to subsidize the purchase of airport infrastructure such as jet bridges from hostile governments. The act was signed into law as part of the FAA Reauthorization Act.
Bill introduced to streamline Intelligence Community acquisition processes
By Midland Times | May 17, 2024
On May 17, 2024, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Mark Warner (D-VA), and Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) introduced the Enabling New Agile Buying-power and Leveraging Enhancements in Intelligence Community (ENABLE IC) Acquisitions Act. This legislation aims to streamline acquisition processes within the Intelligence Community (IC), with a focus on prioritizing small business concerns and nontraditional defense contractors.
Senator Cruz discusses FAA reauthorization act's impact on safety
By Midland Times | May 17, 2024
As the Ranking Member on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, I am proud of the major bipartisan victory we secured following the passage of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act. This bill will create thousands of jobs across Texas and bolster investment in aerospace technology to enhance public safety and customer transparency. Safety remains the top priority whenever an American boards a flight. This comprehensive legislation aims to deliver a safer and more convenient travel experience for consumers nationwide.
USPS pauses facility changes in Texas following Senator Cornyn's intervention
By Midland Times | May 17, 2024
On May 17, 2024, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) issued a statement in response to Postmaster General Louis DeJoy's agreement to delay the implementation of certain changes to the United States Postal Service (USPS). These changes, referred to as the "Mail Processing Facility Review," would have affected facilities in Abilene, Corpus Christi, El Paso, Lubbock, McAllen, and Midland. This decision comes after Senator Cornyn and 26 of his Senate colleagues called on USPS to halt any modifications that could potentially slow down mail delivery.
Direct Flights Between D.C. and San Antonio Now Legalized
By Midland Times | May 17, 2024
On May 17, 2024, the FAA Reauthorization Bill was signed into law, allowing airlines to establish a direct route between San Antonio and Reagan National Airport. This legislative change enables five additional long-haul flights into Reagan National Airport.
Senators propose naming Texas post office after late Fire Chief Zeb Smith
By Midland Times | May 16, 2024
U.S. Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) have introduced a bill to designate the United States Postal Service located at 107 North Hoyne Avenue in Fritch, Texas as the “Chief Zeb Smith Post Office.” The legislation aims to honor the life of service of the late Fritch Volunteer Fire Chief, who tragically lost his life while battling a fire earlier this year.
Senators introduce bill to repeal tax on certain firearm purchases
By Midland Times | May 16, 2024
On May 16, 2024, U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Tom Cotton (R-AR), and 11 other Senate Republicans introduced the Repealing Illegal Freedom and Liberty Excises (RIFLE) Act. This legislation aims to eliminate a tax imposed on firearms regulated under the National Firearms Act.
Pfluger introduces Defending American Property Abroad Act
By Midland Times | May 15, 2024
Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) has introduced the Defending American Property Abroad Act, a significant legislative measure designed to safeguard American companies operating overseas, especially in the Western Hemisphere. The introduction of this legislation is in response to recent actions by the Mexican government that have threatened the property rights of American businesses. A notable instance is President Andrés Manuel López Obrador's proposal to take over a quarry and port owned by Vulcan Materials Co. in Mexico, which poses a significant risk to American economic...
Cruz lauds House passage of FAA Reauthorization Act 2024
By Midland Times | May 15, 2024
U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Ranking Member Ted Cruz (R-Texas) expressed his approval following the House of Representatives' passage of the bipartisan FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024. This comprehensive legislation aims to deliver a safer and more convenient travel experience for Texans and consumers nationwide.
Sen. Cornyn introduces resolution to block ATF rule that affects gun sellers
By Midland Times | May 15, 2024
U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) joined 43 Senate Republicans in an effort to strike down a rule that puts burdens on firearms dealers, and that the Senators say is unconstitutional.
Senator Cornyn urges Congress to pass Back the Blue Act
By Midland Times | May 15, 2024
U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) took to the Senate floor on May 15 to promote his Back the Blue Act, a bill to protect law enforcement officials and provide protective tools for police officers. Cornyn introduced the bill on May 11 with support from 38 other Republican Senators.