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Luttrell Introduces STOP Enemies Act

WASHINGTON – Congressman Morgan Luttrell (R-TX) and a bipartisan group of Representatives have introduced the Safeguarding Tactics and Operational Procedures (STOP) from Enemies Act of 2024 in the House of Representatives. The legislation aims to protect U.S. military training tactics from foreign adversaries by expanding the definition of aiding the enemy.In a statement, Congressman Luttrell emphasized the importance of the bill, stating, “Protecting U.S. military training tactics from foreign adversaries is paramount to safeguarding our national security interests and...


Government

Rep. Troy E. Nehls and Rep. Dan Crenshaw Call for Accountability in Wake of United Airlines Safety Incidents

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congressman Troy E. Nehls and Congressman Dan Crenshaw have raised concerns over recent major safety incidents at United Airlines, prompting them to send a letter to U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. In the letter, the congressmen emphasized the need for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to implement accountability measures to safeguard the public's safety and ensure such incidents do not recur.Regarding the safety incidents at United Airlines, Congressman Nehls and Congressman Crenshaw highlighted the importance of...


Government

Venezuela's Refusal to Take Back Criminals Sparks Concerns in the U.S.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In an op-ed for The Hill, Congressman Troy E. Nehls and Greg Sindelar shed light on the tragic case of Laken Hope Riley, a young nursing student whose life was cut short by a Venezuelan national who entered the U.S. unlawfully. The authors criticize the Biden administration's handling of illegal immigration, emphasizing the dangers posed by allowing criminals to remain in the country.The article highlights the challenges posed by Venezuela's refusal to repatriate its citizens who have committed crimes in the United States. Nehls and Sindelar express...


Government

Governor Abbott Reappoints Missy Medary as Presiding Judge of Fifth Administrative Judicial Region

Governor Greg Abbott has reappointed Missy Medary as the presiding judge of the Fifth Administrative Judicial Region, as reported on March 19, 2024. Medary, who hails from Corpus Christi, has held this position since 2015, as stated by Governor Abbott, "Governor Abbott has reappointed Missy Medary as the presiding judge of the Fifth Administrative Judicial Region for a term set to expire four years from the date of qualification."In addition to her role as the presiding judge, Medary also serves as the judge of the 347th District Court. She brings a wealth of experience...


Government

Governor Abbott Announces Appointments To Texas Semiconductor Innovation Consortium Executive Committee

Governor Greg Abbott has revealed the initial members of the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Consortium Executive Committee (TSIC EC) during an event held at the University of Texas Dallas (UT Dallas). The committee's primary goal is to oversee the operations of the Consortium and collaborate with industry stakeholders to solidify Texas' standing as a national frontrunner in advanced semiconductor research, design, and manufacturing.In his address, Governor Abbott emphasized Texas' historical significance in the semiconductor realm, stating, "Texas is the birthplace of the...


Government

Governor Abbott Reappoints Estevez As Presiding Judge Of Ninth Administrative Judicial Region

Governor Greg Abbott has reappointed Ana Estevez as the presiding judge of the Ninth Administrative Judicial Region for a term set to expire four years from the date of qualification.Estevez, who hails from Amarillo, is currently the judge of the 251st Judicial District Court of Potter and Randall counties. She has been serving as the presiding judge of the Ninth Administrative Judicial Region since 2020.Estevez's dedication to the legal field is evident through her involvement in various committees and associations. She is a member of the State Bar of Texas, Texas...


Government

McCaul Slams Biden Admin’s Crackdown on Gas Cars

WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) criticized President Biden's new regulations aimed at gas-powered vehicles, calling it a move that is out of touch with American families. In a statement, Rep. McCaul expressed his concerns, stating, "Just when it seems like President Biden can’t get any more out of touch with the needs of American families, he takes his administration’s radical climate agenda one step further."McCaul further emphasized the potential negative impact of the crackdown on gas cars, suggesting that it could lead to higher prices and make...


Government

Houston Man Sentenced to 90 Years for 2017 Crime Spree That Left Two Dead

A 60-year-old Houston man, Russell Cormier, was sentenced to 90 years in prison for a 2017 crime spree that resulted in the deaths of two individuals. Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg expressed relief that justice was served after a lengthy trial process. Ogg stated, “Our prosecutors work hard to bring cases like this to trial to get justice for victims’ families who should not have to wait this long.”Cormier's violent actions included the fatal shooting of his ex-wife and a former co-worker during a two-day rampage in northeast Houston. The incident was fueled by...


Government

Houston City Council Passes Tax Exemption for Child-Care Facilities

Houston City Council has recently passed an amendment to provide a tax exemption for qualifying child-care facilities effective from the 2024 tax year. This decision comes after the successful passing of Proposition 2 in November 2023, which granted cities and counties the authority to offer property tax exemptions for child-care facilities. The new amendment, known as Section 44-30, enables eligible child-care facilities to claim either a partial or complete exemption from their property taxes.Child-care providers seeking to benefit from this tax exemption must meet...


Government

Governor Abbott Renews Drought Disaster Declaration In March 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...


Government

Greg Abbott Renews Border Security Disaster Declaration in March 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..."...


Government

Governor Abbott Appoints Six To Onestar National Service Commission

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...


Government

Governor Abbott Appoints McCleskey As Independent Ombudsman For Texas Juvenile Justice Department

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...


Government

Crenshaw, Spanberger, Dean, Hunt Lead Bipartisan Effort to Target Online Sales of Illicit Drugs Laced with Fentanyl

U.S. Representatives Dan Crenshaw, Abigail Spanberger, Madeleine Dean, and Wesley Hunt have joined forces to introduce bipartisan legislation aimed at combating the online sale of counterfeit pills and illicit drugs laced with fentanyl. The bill, known as the Targeting Online Sales of Fentanyl Act, seeks to address the growing concern of fentanyl-related deaths and the proliferation of these dangerous substances on the internet.Crenshaw emphasized the importance of understanding the current landscape of online fentanyl sales, stating, “We can’t offer solutions to combat...


Government

Houston Man Sentenced to Prison for Committing Bigamy a Second Time

A Houston man, Orlando Coleman, has been sentenced to three years in prison for committing bigamy just two months after being put on probation for the same offense. Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg announced the sentencing, stating, "At the heart of this repeat offender’s schemes was a plan to defraud women and take advantage of them for financial gain."Coleman, who portrayed himself as a bishop traveling to churches across the country, was found to have married at least 10 women in different states. Assistant District Attorney Vanessa Goussen, who prosecuted...


Government

Rep. Wesley Hunt & Senator Graham Push Back on Democrats’ Plan for a Federal Election Takeover

U.S. Representative Wesley Hunt and Senator Lindsey Graham have spoken out against the Democrats' plan for a federal election takeover. During a testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Representative Hunt emphasized the importance of preserving voter identification and maintaining secure, state-run elections. He stated, “Having a government-issued I.D. isn’t racist, it’s American.”Senator Graham also criticized the John R. Lewis Voting Advancement Act, a piece of legislation that aims to remove voter identification and citizenship verification requirements,...


Government

Tour de Houston Presented by Apache Corporation Adopts New Start and Finish at Discovery Green

Mayor John Whitmire expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming Tour de Houston Presented by Apache Corporation, stating, “Tour de Houston is important to our community, and I am excited we are hosting the event this year in partnership with Houston First."Apache CEO John J. Christmann IV highlighted the significance of the event, saying, “Apache is honored to partner with the City of Houston to support this annual tradition."The 17th annual ride, scheduled for Sunday, April 7th, will feature a new start and finish at Discovery Green and the new Avenida Plaza. Mayor...


Government

Governor Abbott Strengthens Texas’ Economic Partnership With The United Kingdom

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...


Government

Texas Transports Over 105,000 Migrants To Sanctuary Cities

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...


Government

Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Support Disabled Veterans Housing Needs

Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) has introduced the Disabled Veterans Housing Support Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at addressing the inconsistent treatment of disabled veterans seeking housing assistance. The bill seeks to rectify the unjust disqualification of veterans receiving disability income through the Department of Veterans Affairs from certain HUD programs. This issue has been highlighted during Financial Services Committee hearings.In a statement, Congresswoman De La Cruz emphasized the importance of the bill, stating, "Our disabled veterans have...