Politics News | Midland Times

U.S. Representative August Pfluger (R-San Angelo) has voiced concerns that the Biden administration's efforts to increase regulation of oil and gas producers will exacerbate the financial strain on Americans already grappling with record-breaking inflation. The Republican legislator from the Permian Basin, along with his colleagues Rep. Jodey Arrington (R-Lubbock) and Tracey Mann (R-KS), have introduced a bill aimed at overturning the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) methane regulations that target American energy producers.

Cornyn Urges Mexico to Fulfill Water Treaty Obligations in Call with Secretary Blinken

U.S. Senator John Cornyn from Texas expressed his concerns about Mexico's delayed water deliveries during a phone call with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Senator Cornyn emphasized the importance of Mexico fulfilling its obligations under the Treaty Relating to the Utilization of Waters of the Colorado and Tijuana Rivers and of the Rio Grande.Senator Cornyn stated, “Now in the fourth year of a five-year cycle, Mexico continues to fall further and further behind in fulfilling its obligations and releasing the water it owes to the Amistad and Falcon reservoirs, and...

Midland influencer: Diversifying Midland-Odessa to ‘75% oil and gas, 25% other’ can lead to a ‘more robust economy’

Kevin Dawson, the influencer behind the Maybe in Midland-Odessa Facebook group, said that a diversified economy could lead to a more resilient future, albeit requiring strategic alignment of skill sets and competitiveness in wages. Dawson was a guest on a recent episode of the Best of Midland Podcast.

Cornyn, GOP Colleagues Demand Schumer Hold Mayorkas Impeachment Trial

April 11, 2024WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) and 42 of his Senate GOP colleagues have called on Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) to hold a trial to consider the impeachment of Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.Senator Cornyn, along with his colleagues, expressed their concerns about the situation at the southern border, stating, "Our brave men and women at Customs and Border Protection have worked tirelessly to make our nation safer, yet with 7.5 million encounters since President Biden took office, our southern border...

Pfluger introduces legislation to overturn EPA’s methane regulations targeting American energy producers

Four members of Congress from Texas introduced a bill to overturn the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) methane regulations that the members of Congress say would harm U.S. energy producers.

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

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

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

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

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.