“The horrific nature of these videos demand scrutiny and investigation. The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services will continue to examine the practices of abortion providers and whether state law adequately protects the sanctity of life. “The recent anniversary of Roe v Wade decision is a solid reminder of the over 50 million innocent… Read more »

AUSTIN – This week Texas is celebrating one of my top priorities, school choice. Since I joined the Texas Senate in 2007 I have pushed for more school choice. Giving our children the flexibility of attending a better school, for a better future, is about giving them opportunity. No parent or student should ever feel… Read more »

AUSTIN – Today, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick made the following statement in response to the public hearing on sanctuary cities by the Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs & Military Installations Subcommittee on Border Security. “I applaud the thorough review and broad discussion about this important public safety issue,” Patrick said. “Under Chairman Brian Birdwell’s leadership… Read more »

AUSTIN – Today, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick made the following statement in response to the arrest of a terror suspect in Houston. “I applaud the thorough law enforcement investigation that resulted in this arrest,” Patrick said. “Based on the facts, as we know them, today’s action may have prevented a catastrophic terror related event in… Read more »

AUSTIN – Today’s presidential announcement on increasing gun control is simply political posturing and more propaganda. President Obama’s rhetoric demonstrates that he has no interest in protecting our Second Amendment right. He is simply out of step with mainstream America and certainly out of step with the majority of Texans. This is the latest example… Read more »

AUSTIN – Former State Senator Chris Harris of Arlington was a dedicated public servant with a 28-year career as a state lawmaker. He had a reputation of being tough and tenacious in representing his district and his conservative values. He was also known for his sense of humor on and off the Senate floor and… Read more »

AUSTIN – I support Governor Abbott in calling for the immediate removal of the “mock nativity” display located inside the Texas State Capitol. It violates the State Preservation Board’s regulations for Capitol displays and purposefully mocks the religious beliefs of others. Displays such as this must meet certain state requirements that promote a “public purpose.” This display… Read more »

AUSTIN – Five months ago I expressed my disappointment in the actions of the Legislative Budget Board (LBB) staff when they challenged the budget vetoes by Governor Abbott. At the time the LBB Executive Director, Ursula Parks, sent a letter to the Comptroller expressing her view that the Governor did not act appropriately. I disagreed with her… Read more »

AUSTIN – It is completely unacceptable for the city of Beaumont to ban its police officers from holding voluntary Bible studies during their lunch hour. This is an infringement on their First Amendment Right to free exercise of religion guaranteed by the United States Constitution. The City of Beaumont should immediately reverse its decision to… Read more »

AUSTIN – Due to the retirement of Senator Troy Fraser and Senator Kevin Eltife, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick announces the following appointments: Sen. Craig Estes – Chairman, Senate Natural Resources and Economic Development Sen. Kelly Hancock – Chairman, Senate Business and Commerce “The Texas Senate is losing a significant amount of institutional knowledge with the… Read more »