AUSTIN –  I applaud Ken Paxton for defending House Bill 2 (HB2) before the United States Supreme Court. HB2 which passed during the 83rd legislative session, ensures the health and safety of women at facilities by holding the clinics to the same standards as ambulatory surgical centers while also requiring practitioners to have admitting privileges… Read more »

AUSTIN – I am extremely pleased that the unconstitutional criminal charges filed against Governor Rick Perry by a rogue Travis County prosecutor have been dismissed by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. As I pointed out more than a year ago, Gov. Perry is a dedicated public servant who served our state with integrity and… Read more »

AUSTIN – I support today’s action by the Texas Racing Commission to repeal its rules for historical racing in Texas. As a state district court has ruled, only the Texas legislature can approve any expansion of gambling. With this issue now behind us, I look forward to sitting down with responsible members of the horse… Read more »

AUSTIN – Today, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick appointed six members of the Texas media to the Elections Advisory Committee. The purpose of this committee is to evaluate the reporting and tabulation of unofficial returns for the primary and general elections. The committee makes recommendations to the office of the Texas Secretary of State. The following… Read more »

AUSTIN –  I sent Attorney General Ken Paxton a formal request for an opinion on the constitutionality of a volunteer-led justice court chaplaincy program and ceremonial court prayer. This request stems from a complaint filed against Judge Wayne Mack from Montgomery County and my continuing efforts to protect religious liberties in Texas. Recently, Justice of… Read more »

AUSTIN – America suffered a major loss with the passing of US Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia. He was an unwavering champion of our Constitution and the rule of law. Justice Scalia said what he meant, and undoubtedly meant what he said. A man of principle and a true constitutional textualist, his legal opinions followed… Read more »

AUSTIN –  Today, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick appointed five members to the Texas Holocaust and Genocide Commission. Additionally, a state senator was appointed to the Southern States Energy Board and a Texan was appointed to the Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) Grant Program Advisory Board.   Texas Holocaust and Genocide Commission This commission  provides… Read more »

I applaud Attorney General Ken Paxton for leading the fight against the illegal actions of the EPA and securing a stay on the EPA’s overreaching Clean Power Plan.  We are confident the EPA’s rule will ultimately be struck down. I will continue standing up for states’ rights against President Obama’s attacks on the 10th Amendment.

AUSTIN – Today, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick announced the creation of a Senate Select Committee on Texas Ports and the appointment of its members. Several of our Texas ports already rank among the top in the export and import of commodities and products in the world. Our ports have a significant impact on the Texas… Read more »

HOUSTON – Today, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announced a major workforce development initiative that bridges the gap between the classroom and the interview room. The lieutenant governor detailed plans to create a statewide model for Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH), targeting workforce-ready partnerships between K-12, higher education and industry. Students will benefit… Read more »