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Cornyn, Coons, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Protect State and Local Judges
By Midland Times | Mar 20, 2024
U.S. Senators John Cornyn, Chris Coons, Jerry Moran, Jeanne Shaheen, and Sheldon Whitehouse have introduced the Countering Threats and Attacks on Our Judges Act. The bill aims to establish a State Judicial Threat Intelligence and Resource Center to provide support and protection for state and local judges and court personnel.Senator Cornyn emphasized the importance of protecting judges, stating, “Any threat or attack against judges, their families, or court personnel is unacceptable, and more must be done to ensure they can do their jobs safely and live their lives...
Sens. Cruz and Kaine Introduce STOP TRANQ Act
By Midland Times | Mar 20, 2024
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ted Cruz and Tim Kaine have introduced the STOP TRANQ Act to address the escalating threat posed by the drug xylazine, commonly known as "tranq," in the United States. The bipartisan bill aims to enhance efforts in combating the dangerous impact of tranq on American communities.The STOP TRANQ Act would mandate the State Department to include reporting on xylazine in its annual International Narcotics Control Strategy Report. This move is crucial as xylazine, a powerful sedative often mixed with fentanyl, has led to over 3,000 overdose...
Sens. Cruz, Hirono Lead Bipartisan Effort to Maintain Access to the Federal Courts
By Midland Times | Mar 20, 2024
U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz and Mazie Hirono have joined forces to introduce the bipartisan Federal Judiciary Stabilization Act, aimed at transitioning ten temporary federal judgeships to permanent status. This move is intended to ensure continued access to the federal court system for millions of Americans nationwide.Senator Cruz emphasized the importance of the legislation, stating, “This bipartisan legislation will prevent the loss of judgeships that the American taxpayer has come to rely on, and will stabilize the structure of the federal judiciary. This will strengthen the...
Cornyn Urges House to Renew Lend-Lease Authority for Ukraine
By Midland Times | Mar 20, 2024
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) spoke on the floor about the House of Representatives considering legislation to support Ukraine's fight against Russia, emphasizing the importance of renewing the lend-lease authority. Senator Cornyn highlighted the need for bipartisan support for Ukraine and addressed concerns over the cost of assistance.“The House is working on ideas that include a number of policies that were not part of the Senate’s legislation. One of them is called the REPO Act – REPO for Ukrainians Act – which would repurpose seized Russian...
Governor Abbott Renews Drought Disaster Declaration In March 2024
By Midland Times | Mar 19, 2024
Austin, Texas - In response to ongoing exceptional drought conditions, Governor Greg Abbott has renewed the drought disaster declaration for multiple counties in Texas. The proclamation, issued on March 17, 2024, underscores the severity of the situation and the need for immediate action.Governor Abbott's proclamation highlighted the continuation of drought conditions in several counties, excluding a few specific ones. The declaration extends to counties including Bandera, Bell, Bexar, Blanco, Burnet, and many others. The Governor emphasized the importance of utilizing...
Greg Abbott Renews Border Security Disaster Declaration in March 2024
By Midland Times | Mar 19, 2024
Governor Abbott Renews Border Security Disaster Declaration In March 2024Texas Governor Greg Abbott has renewed the border security disaster declaration in the state, citing the ongoing and imminent threat posed by individuals unlawfully crossing the Texas-Mexico border. The proclamation, originally issued on May 31, 2021, has been renewed to address the surge of individuals crossing the border, affecting numerous Texas counties and state agencies.Governor Abbott stated, "WHEREAS, I, Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas, issued a disaster proclamation on May 31, 2021..."...
Governor Abbott Appoints Six To Onestar National Service Commission
By Midland Times | Mar 19, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott has appointed and reappointed six individuals to the OneStar National Service Commission, as announced on March 18, 2024. The commission plays a crucial role in promoting volunteerism in Texas and overseeing the administration of AmeriCorps programs within the state.Jie Li, a partner at Reflexion Capitol, has been appointed to the commission. Li's impressive background includes being a member of various associations such as the Harvard Business School Alumni Angels Association and the Cornell Free Speech Alliance. She holds a bachelor's degree from...
Governor Abbott Appoints McCleskey As Independent Ombudsman For Texas Juvenile Justice Department
By Midland Times | Mar 19, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Robert “Sean” McCleskey as the Independent Ombudsman for the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) for a term set to expire on February 1, 2025. The Office of the Independent Ombudsman is a state agency established for the purpose of investigating, evaluating, and securing the rights of the children committed to TJJD.According to a press release by the Office of the Texas Governor, McCleskey, a resident of San Antonio, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. He is the former chief criminal investigator for the Bexar County...
Cornyn, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Close Financial Loophole in GI Bill Repayments
By Midland Times | Mar 19, 2024
March 19, 2024WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ) have introduced a bill aimed at addressing a financial loophole affecting active-duty service members' GI Bill repayments.The legislation seeks to fix an inadvertent gap that arose during the transition from the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) to the Post 9-11 Forever GI Bill. This gap has prevented thousands of service members from receiving the repayments they are owed for their contributions to the MGIB.Sen. Cornyn emphasized the importance of...
Cornyn, Shaheen Introduce Bill to Prevent Military Personnel Transferring Skills to Foreign Adversaries
By Midland Times | Mar 19, 2024
On March 19, 2024, U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) introduced the Safeguarding Tactics and Operational Procedures from (STOP) Enemies Act. The bill aims to update the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) to prevent active duty and retired service members from providing military education, training, or tactical advice to foreign adversaries.Sen. Cornyn emphasized the need for this legislation by stating, “Our military prohibits U.S. service members from providing our enemies with weapons, ammunition, and intelligence, but military education,...
Congressman Pfluger Welcomes Speaker Mike Johnson to the Permian Basin to Kick off Energy Week
By Midland Times | Mar 18, 2024
"WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) recently welcomed House Speaker Mike Johnson (LA-04) to the Permian Basin for a rig tour with Diamondback Energy to launch Energy Week in Congress. The visit aimed to underscore the importance of the oil & gas industry and promote pro-energy policies while criticizing the Biden administration's stance on energy.Expressing his enthusiasm for the visit, Congressman Pfluger stated, "It is a privilege to welcome Speaker Mike Johnson to the Permian Basin to kick off Energy Week and recognize the incredible contributions of...
Governor Abbott Strengthens Texas’ Economic Partnership With The United Kingdom
By Midland Times | Mar 15, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott of Texas recently concluded a successful economic development mission to the United Kingdom aimed at bolstering the economic partnership between Texas and the UK. The trip, organized by the Governor’s Economic Development & Tourism Office and the Texas Economic Development Corporation, focused on enhancing trade relations and attracting new business investments to Texas.During the visit, Governor Abbott expressed his enthusiasm for the economic opportunities available in Texas, stating, "Texas is a state of infinite economic opportunities." He...
Sen. Cruz, Rick Scott, Colleagues Call for Sanctions Against Nicaragua Over Religious Persecutions
By Midland Times | Mar 15, 2024
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), along with Senators Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), and Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), have sent a letter to President Biden urging targeted sanctions against Nicaragua following religious persecutions carried out by the Ortega-Murillo regime. The Senators expressed deep concern over the escalating violations of religious freedom in Nicaragua and highlighted the recent arrests of pastors and American citizens from the evangelical group Mountain Gateway.According to the letter, the Ortega-Murillo regime's actions...
Texas Transports Over 105,000 Migrants To Sanctuary Cities
By Midland Times | Mar 15, 2024
Texas Governor Greg Abbott, in collaboration with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Texas National Guard, continues to make significant strides in securing the border and combating criminal activity. Since the commencement of Operation Lone Star, a joint initiative, there have been more than 504,900 illegal immigrant apprehensions and over 40,600 criminal arrests, with over 36,300 felony charges. Additionally, Texas law enforcement has seized a staggering 469 million lethal doses of fentanyl during this mission.As part of the operation, Texas has...
Sen. Cruz Issues Statement Honoring the Life of Fallen U.S. Border Patrol Agent Christopher Luna
By Midland Times | Mar 15, 2024
HOUSTON, Texas – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) issued a statement honoring the life of fallen U.S. Border Patrol Agent Christopher Luna, who recently passed away in the line of duty.Agent Luna was on board a National Guard helicopter when it crashed in La Grulla, Texas, resulting in his tragic death along with two members of the National Guard, and leaving another in serious condition.Sen. Cruz expressed his condolences, saying, “Heidi and I are praying for the family and friends of U.S. Border Patrol Agent Christopher Luna who was tragically killed in the line of duty....
Senator Cornyn Questions HHS Secretary Becerra on Migrant Child Welfare
By Midland Times | Mar 14, 2024
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) confronted U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra during a Senate Finance Committee hearing regarding the treatment and welfare of migrant children placed with sponsors in the U.S. Amid concerns of abuse and trafficking, Senator Cornyn questioned Secretary Becerra on the Biden administration's oversight of over 85,000 migrant children. "Any unaccompanied children who come to our border are basically transferred to your care by the Border Patrol, correct?" Senator Cornyn asked, to which Secretary Becerra...
Cornyn on Schumer’s Israel Speech: ‘Deeply Disrespectful’
By Midland Times | Mar 14, 2024
WASHINGTON – Today on the floor, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) criticized Democrat Leader Schumer for his speech regarding Israel. Cornyn expressed his disapproval, stating, "I was shocked to hear the comments of the Senate Majority Leader this morning excoriating our closest ally, the only democracy in the Middle East."In his remarks, Cornyn emphasized the importance of supporting Israel, stating, "We need to stand with Israel. They need to be able to finish the job not because they want to, but because they must in order to continue to exist."Cornyn further...
Sen. Cruz Response to Schumer’s Israel Comments
By Midland Times | Mar 14, 2024
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) has strongly criticized Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's recent remarks regarding Israel, stating, "In the last 24 hours Joe Biden and Biden officials have given Iran a $10 billion sanctions waiver, sanctioned Israeli Jews, and said that Israel’s top priority should be aiding Gazans. Now Democrat Leader Schumer is calling for the overthrow of Israel’s government while Israel is fighting potentially existential wars, doing unbelievable damage to Israel’s security and the US-Israel relationship." Cruz expressed his concern...
Cornyn, Bennet Introduce Bill to Lower Prescription Drug Costs for Seniors
By Midland Times | Mar 14, 2024
U.S. Senators John Cornyn and Michael Bennet have introduced the Increasing Access to Biosimilars Act in an effort to reduce prescription drug costs for seniors. The bill aims to promote competition and encourage physicians to prescribe biosimilar medications with lower out-of-pocket costs.Sen. Cornyn highlighted the importance of the legislation by stating, “Far too many seniors forgo treatment because they can’t afford the high cost of prescription drugs.” He further explained, “This legislation would help lower the costs of prescription drugs by expanding access to...
Governor Abbott Celebrates Bond Between UK, Texas During Margaret Thatcher Centre Lecture In London
By Midland Times | Mar 14, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott recently highlighted the strong bond between the United Kingdom and Texas during a lecture at The Margaret Thatcher Centre in London. The Governor's speech was part of his economic development trip to the UK, where he emphasized the shared values of freedom, democracy, and hard work between the two regions."President Ronald Reagan and Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher both shared a love for freedom and opportunity," Governor Abbott stated during his speech. He emphasized the importance of upholding these principles and working together to protect the...