Latest News
e-Newsletter: Week of March 15th
By Midland Times | Mar 25, 2024
On March 25, 2024, Senator Ted Cruz highlighted his advocacy for student athletes' rights and the need for bipartisan legislation to address name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights in collegiate athletics. The Senator hosted a roundtable discussion with various stakeholders, including renowned football coach Nick Saban, to ensure fair competition in college sports.During the roundtable, an unnamed speaker emphasized the importance of Congress taking action to maintain a level playing field in college sports. The discussion focused on the evolving landscape of collegiate...
Sen. Cruz's Amendment to Stop Funding to Iran Defeated in Senate Vote
By Midland Times | Mar 23, 2024
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, faced a setback early Saturday morning as his proposed amendment to prevent the Biden administration from providing Iran access to billions of dollars was defeated in a 51-47 vote.In his statement, Sen. Cruz expressed his concerns about the administration's approach towards Iran, stating, "The Biden administration has a pathological obsession with boosting the Iranian regime and undermining Israel, and tonight Senate Democrats united to endorse that obsession. The...
Sen. Cruz Criticizes Biden EPA's Automobile Regulatory Overreach
By Midland Times | Mar 22, 2024
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), ranking member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, expressed strong criticism towards the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) latest regulatory actions on automobile pollution standards.In response to the EPA's release of final national pollution standards for passenger cars, light-duty trucks, and medium-duty trucks affecting models from 2027-2032 and beyond, Sen. Cruz stated, “Joe Biden and Biden officials are prioritizing politics over the needs of American families. This order...
Sens. Cruz, Scott, Colleagues Introduce Resolution Condemning Religious Persecution by Nicaraguan Regime
By Midland Times | Mar 22, 2024
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Rick Scott (R-Fla.) introduced a resolution condemning the unjust imprisonment of individuals affiliated with Mountain Gateway, a Texas-based Christian missionary organization, by the Ortega regime in Nicaragua. The regime recently targeted and arrested Mountain Gateway members. The regime has also issued warrants for American citizens associated with the organization.Earlier this month, Sens. Cruz and Scott sent a letter to President Biden calling on the administration to implement targeted sanctions against...
Governor Abbott Appoints Buckley, Creighton To Education Commission Of The States
By Midland Times | Mar 22, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Representative Brad Buckley, D.V.M., and Senator Brandon Creighton to the Education Commission of the States (ECS) for terms to expire at the pleasure of the Governor. The ECS gathers and analyzes data concerning education needs and resources as well as encourages research in all aspects of education. The Commission was established over 50 years ago as an interstate compact on education policy.Representative Brad Buckley, D.V.M., of Salado is currently serving his third term in the Texas House of Representatives and represents House...
Governor Abbott Directs State Emergency Response Resources Ahead Of Severe Weather Across Texas
By Midland Times | Mar 22, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott has taken proactive measures to ensure the safety of Texans as the state braces for severe weather. In a statement today, Governor Abbott emphasized the readiness of Texas to deploy emergency resources to assist local officials in responding to the impending storm system. "With the potential for dangerous conditions, including flash flooding and tornadoes, Texans in at-risk communities are urged to remain weather-aware and monitor all roadways to keep themselves and their loved ones safe," Governor Abbott stated.The National Weather Service has issued...
Governor Abbott Reappoints Three To Texas Medical Board District Three Review Committee
By Midland Times | Mar 22, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott has reappointed Ogechika “Oge” Alozie, M.D., Taylor Gillig, and Gabrielle Rich, D.O. to the Texas Medical Board District Three for terms set to expire on January 15, 2030.Ogechika “Oge” Alozie, M.D., CEO of Sunset West Health in El Paso, expressed his commitment to serving on the board, showcasing his extensive experience in infectious disease care and membership in various medical associations. Alozie's background includes a Master of Public Health from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities and a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from...
Pfluger Votes No on Appropriations Minibus
By Midland Times | Mar 22, 2024
WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) took a firm stance on Friday when he voted against the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024. In a statement released after the vote, Rep. Pfluger explained his decision, emphasizing the importance of national security and border control."I voted no today on the spending package," stated Rep. Pfluger. "I appreciate Speaker Johnson’s leadership in finding ways to cut wasteful spending. It was a difficult vote because of many important priorities for national security, including our military. However, the...
Sen. Cruz Introduces Resolution Honoring the 65th Anniversary of the Tibetan Uprising and Condemning the CCP’s Human Rights Record
By Midland Times | Mar 22, 2024
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, introduced a resolution today recognizing the 65th anniversary of the Tibetan Uprising, throughout March 1959. The resolution honors the struggle of the Tibetan people and the Dalai Lama for religious freedom and human rights. The resolution also condemns the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) human rights record and emphasizes the rights of Tibetans to national identity, culture, and religion.In his statement, Sen. Cruz expressed, “The Chinese Communist Party has persecuted...
Pfluger Bill to Block President Biden's Natural Gas Tax Passes U.S. House
By Midland Times | Mar 22, 2024
WASHINGTON, DC — Friday, Congressman August Pfluger's legislation to repeal the Natural Gas Tax included in the Inflation Reduction Act passed the U.S. House of Representatives as a part of H.R. 1023, the Cutting Green Corruption and Taxes Act.Congressman Pfluger spoke on the House Floor in advance of the vote. He expressed his support for the bill, stating, "I rise in support of H.R. 1023, the Cutting Green Corruption and Taxes Act. I am proud that H.R. 1023 includes my legislation, H.R. 1141, to repeal the IRA’s natural gas tax."He criticized the natural gas tax,...
Cornyn Denounces Schumer, Wyden Attempts to Ram Through Tax Deal
By Midland Times | Mar 22, 2024
U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) has spoken out against the efforts of Leader Schumer and Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden to push through the Tax Relief for American Workers and Families Act without allowing Senators to debate and amend it. Cornyn expressed his concerns about the bill's Child Tax Credit expansion, which is projected to cost over $33 billion in the next three years.In his remarks, Sen. Cornyn criticized Chairman Wyden for not involving all Senators in the legislative process, stating, “Chairman Wyden has shown zero interest in moving this bill...
Senator Cruz Stands Firm on Border Security and Foreign Policy
By Midland Times | Mar 22, 2024
Senator Cruz has been vocal in his fight for various amendments and legislation in the Senate. When it comes to border security and immigration policies, Senator Cruz did not mince his words, criticizing the Biden administration's approach. He stated, “Had Joe Biden simply followed the law, what would have happened is that murderer would have been put on a plane flown back to Venezuela and Laken Riley would still be alive.” He further criticized the administration for prioritizing political agendas over the safety of American citizens.In response to the crisis at the...
Governor Abbott Reappoints Three To Humanities Texas
By Midland Times | Mar 22, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott has reappointed Stacey Neal Combest, Elizabeth Johnson, and Ellen K. Ramsey to Humanities Texas for terms set to expire on December 31, 2025. The organization, as the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, is dedicated to conducting and supporting public programs in various humanities disciplines, as stated by Humanities Texas.According to Humanities Texas, the organization plays a crucial role in strengthening Texas communities by fostering the knowledge and judgment necessary for a representative democracy. Stacey Neal...
Governor Abbott Reappoints Bruce Oakley to Board of Pilot Commissioners
By Midland Times | Mar 21, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott has reappointed Bruce Oakley to the Board of Pilot Commissioners for Harris County Ports for a term set to expire on February 1, 2026. Oakley, a partner at Hogan Lovells US and former judge of the 234th Judicial District Court in Harris County, has an extensive background in law and public service.Oakley's impressive credentials include membership in various legal associations such as the State Bar of Texas, Houston Bar Association, American Board of Trial Advocates, and Bar of the Supreme Court of the U.S. His dedication to the community is evident...
Governor Abbott Highlights Growing Support For School Choice At Texas Policy Summit
By Midland Times | Mar 21, 2024
Governor Abbott today celebrated the growing support for school choice for all Texas families during the opening keynote address at the Texas Public Policy Foundation's (TPPF) annual Texas Policy Summit in Austin.“Because of the hard work of everyone in this room, we are on the brink of giving Texas parents what they have been asking for: school choice," said Governor Abbott. “A resounding number of Texans support educational freedom for every Texas family because they know that no child should be trapped in a failing school just because of their zip code. This next...
Governor Abbott Reappoints Wang To Family Practice Residency Advisory Committee
By Midland Times | Mar 21, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott has reappointed Zoey Wang to the Family Practice Residency Advisory Committee for a term set to expire on August 29, 2026. Wang, who is currently an investment banking associate at Goldman Sachs in Houston, brings a strong background in finance and business administration to the advisory committee.According to reports, Wang received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from The University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. With her educational background and...
Cornyn, Sinema, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Improve Schools’ Access to Mental Health Grants
By Midland Times | Mar 21, 2024
On March 21, 2024, a group of U.S. Senators, including John Cornyn, Kyrsten Sinema, Thom Tillis, Jon Tester, and Maggie Hassan, introduced the Creating Access and Resources in Education (CARE) for Student Mental Health Act. This bill aims to enhance schools' ability to access federal mental health grants funded in part by the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act.Sen. Cornyn expressed the urgent need for improved mental health resources in schools, stating, “Far too many young people struggle with their mental health, and far too many schools lack the resources to recognize...
Sen. Cruz Condemns CCP’s Tightening Influence Over Hong Kong
By Midland Times | Mar 21, 2024
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has strongly criticized the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) increasing control over Hong Kong. Sen. Cruz expressed deep concern following the passage of a new law, Article 23, by the Hong Kong legislature that expands the CCP's erosion of the region's freedom and autonomy.In a statement, Sen. Cruz stated, “The Chinese Communist Party is determined to coerce officials in Hong Kong to pass legislation that mirrors restrictions on freedoms across China. This law includes a...
Cornyn on Democrats Browbeating Israel: ‘Never Seen Anything Like This’
By Midland Times | Mar 21, 2024
March 21, 2024WASHINGTON – Today on the floor, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) condemned the Democrat Majority Leader and President Biden for refusing to respect Israel’s sovereignty and undermining support for Israel’s fight against Hamas."Following Hamas’ brutal attack against Israel on October 7, some five months ago, Republicans and Democrats came together, along with the President of the United States, and declared our support for Israel," expressed Senator Cornyn.Describing a shift in bipartisan support, Cornyn stated, "This once rock-solid support on a...
Cornyn, GOP Colleagues Assert Judiciary Should Leave Legislating to Congress
By Midland Times | Mar 21, 2024
U.S. Senator John Cornyn and several Republican colleagues have penned a letter to Judge Robert Conrad, Director of the Administrative Office of U.S. Courts, emphasizing that the Judicial Conference should refrain from involving itself in the legislative process. In the letter, Cornyn, along with Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell and 17 other Senate Republicans, expressed their concerns over the Judicial Conference's recommendation regarding the random assignment of cases involving nationwide injunctions. The lawmakers asserted that such actions would encroach upon...