Legislation

Betrayal by Texas Republicans: The Shameful Vote on the Stopgap Spending Bill

Published

6 months ago

January 19, 2024

In a stunning display of disregard for the principles they claim to uphold, five Texas Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives have betrayed their constituents by voting in favor of a ‘stopgap’ spending bill that does nothing but kick the can down the road. The recent passage of the short-term funding extension, also known as the continuing resolution (CR), raises serious questions about the commitment of these representatives to responsible governance.

The CR, which passed with a narrow margin, is nothing short of a legislative cop-out. Instead of addressing the core issues and fulfilling their duty to pass the necessary spending bills for the fiscal year 2024, these Republicans chose the path of least resistance, allowing the government to limp along with temporary measures until March.

One must question the wisdom of this decision, especially when considering the bill’s implications. The CR, passed 314 to 108, extends funding deadlines to March 1 and March 8. It was pushed forward by House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, despite the reservations of House Republicans.

Congress has been passing CRs to avoid government shutdowns since the end of September, failing to pass 12 annual spending bills for the 2024 fiscal year. The stopgap bill was passed before funding would have been cut off for agencies like the Veterans Affairs Department and Transportation Department on Friday. The rest of the government, including the Defense and State Departments, had a deadline of February 2.

The $1.66 trillion piece of legislation will punt the fight over government spending into early March, after being signed into law by President Joe Biden. It’s worth noting that this was not a bipartisan effort to address fundamental budget issues; rather, it was a last-minute scramble to avert a government shutdown.

These Texas Republicans, including John Carter, Dan Crenshaw, Monica De La Cruz, Jake Ellzey, and the retiring Kay Granger, voted in favor of a bill that not only fails to provide stability and predictability for the nation’s finances, but gives away all leverage to accomplish conservative goals of stopping the flood of illegal aliens into the country. The CR perpetuates a cycle of short-term fixes, disregarding the need for comprehensive and responsible budgeting.

Among the five Texas Republicans who shamefully voted for this bill, all but one are facing primary challenges that deserve attention. Let’s shine a light on the individuals who failed to stand up for their constituents and opted for a temporary solution over principled governance. As we head into primary season, voters must carefully consider whether these representatives truly reflect their values and priorities. The choices made in Washington impact every Texan, and it’s time to hold these individuals accountable for their actions.

John Carter (Tex. U.S. House Texas District 31): With five opponents in his primary – William Abel, John Anderson, Abhiram Garapati, Mack Latimer, and Mike Williams – Carter’s support for the CR raises concerns about his commitment to conservative values. Voters must question whether he is the right representative to champion their interests.
Dan Crenshaw (Tex. U.S. House Texas District 2): The ‘One-eyed McCain’ is facing a challenge from Jameson Ellis. Crenshaw’s vote for the stopgap bill does not align with the principles he claims to defend. Ellis and the voters of District 2 deserve a representative who will fight for their interests, not one who takes the easy way out.
Monica De La Cruz (Tex. U.S. House Texas District 15): De La Cruz, who is running against Vangela Churchill, has demonstrated a lack of commitment to the constituents of District 15. Churchill and voters deserve a representative who will prioritize their needs over political expediency.
Jake Ellzey (Tex. U.S. House Texas District 6): Ellzey, facing challenges from James Buford and Clifford Wiley, has disappointed voters by supporting a temporary fix instead of advocating for a comprehensive solution. District 6 needs a representative who will tackle the tough issues head-on.
Kay Granger (Tex. U.S. House Texas District 12): As a lame duck representative retiring from Congress, Granger’s vote for the CR leaves a stain on her legacy. Voters should question the wisdom of her decision, especially considering her imminent departure.

This stopgap spending bill is not a solution; it’s the same, “lucy and the football” tactic that establishment Republicans have been playing on the People for a long time. Forever promising to take action, then at the last minute pulling the ball away. The fact that these Texas Republicans chose to align themselves with a bill that fails to address the fundamental issues of the Republican party is a betrayal of the trust placed in them by their constituents… and their constituents have had enough.

As we head into primary season, voters must carefully consider whether these representatives truly reflect their values and priorities. The choices made in Washington impact every Texan, and it’s time to hold these individuals accountable for their actions.

The Texas Liberty Journal stands firmly against such political maneuvering at the expense of responsible governance. It is our hope that voters in these districts will make their voices heard in the upcoming primaries, demanding representatives who will genuinely advocate for their interests, not just when it’s convenient.

Legislation

Texan Justice Prevails: 8 Republican Lawmakers Key in Expelling Rep. Santos

Published

7 months ago

December 8, 2023

Michael Pipkins

George Santos Becomes Sixth Member Ever to be Expelled

Eight Texas Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives played a pivotal role in the expulsion of Representative George Santos (R) from New York’s 3rd District. The move came as a response to Santos’ egregious violations, marking only the sixth expulsion in the history of the House.

The Resolution, H.Res.878, was championed by a bipartisan effort to hold Santos accountable for his actions, as detailed in a damning report from the House ethics committee. The document outlined numerous violations, including falsely reported loans, improper loan repayments, systemic reporting errors, and the conversion of campaign funds to personal use.

The eight Texas Republicans who cast their votes in favor of expulsion are:

Burgess – 26th District, Flower Mound, Little Elm, Gainsville.
Crenshaw – 2nd District, Woodlands, Sheldon.
De La Cruz – 15th District, Stockdale, Corpus Christi.
Ellzey – 6th District, Waxahachie, Corsicana.
Tony Gonzales – 23rd District, Uvalde, Fort Stockton.
Granger – 12th District, Fort Worth, Weatherford.
Moran – 1st District, Longview, Tyler.
Pfluger – 11th District, Opessa, San Angelo.

The total vote of the House to expel reached 311 in favor and 114 against, with all but two Democrats supporting the expulsion. Two Democrats voted present, and three did not vote. Astonishingly, 112 Republicans voted against expulsion, reflecting the gravity of the decision.

Representative Santos, who pleaded not guilty to 23 federal fraud charges, was charged in Federal court with wire fraud, unlawful monetary transactions, theft of public money, and false statements related to a fraudulent political contribution scheme. A superseding indictment filed on October 10, 2023, brought additional charges, including falsifying FEC reports, engaging in identity theft, and fraudulent contribution schemes.

The expulsion attempt faced challenges earlier when members of Santos’ own party attempted to oust him, but senior Democrats voted against it, emphasizing the importance of securing convictions before expulsion. However, the tide turned with the release of the House ethics committee report, which detailed the extensive misuse of campaign funds for personal gains.

New York’s 3rd District, previously held by Democrat Tom Suozzi, is a swing district that has alternated between Democrats and Republicans. Santos’ expulsion leaves the district in a state of political flux, highlighting the critical role of ethical governance in maintaining public trust.

As the nation watches this historic moment, it serves as a reminder of the House’s commitment to upholding its constitutional duty and maintaining the integrity of the democratic process.

Legislation

3 New Texas Laws Affecting Schools that you Must Know About.

3 new laws affecting your childs schools that you must know about.

Published

10 months ago

September 12, 2023

Michael Pipkins

Governor Greg Abbot has signed 773 new laws from the 88th Legislative Session. We’ve isolated the top 3 laws related to Texas schools that are in effect as of September 1, 2023.

Texas House Bill 3

HB 3, a comprehensive school safety legislation, was enacted in response to the tragic Uvalde school shooting, which claimed the lives of 19 students and two educators. This legislation mandates the presence of at least one armed security officer on each school campus during regular school hours. Additionally, it imposes the requirement for specific school staff members to receive mental health training, equipping them to assist students dealing with mental health or substance abuse challenges.

Broadly, this legislation grants the state enhanced authority in the implementation of school safety protocols, encompassing aspects such as facility security and regular evaluations. For instance, the Texas School Safety Center is now responsible for conducting facility standards reviews at intervals not exceeding five years. Furthermore, it establishes a dedicated school safety and security office within the Texas Education Agency.

Under House Bill 3, security officers can be sourced from the district’s own police department, school resource officers from external law enforcement agencies, or peace officers hired in the capacity of security officers. School districts unable to meet this requirement may apply for a “good cause exception,” the criteria for which will be defined by each local school board.

Moreover, this law empowers the Texas Education Agency to exert greater influence in enforcing robust active-shooter protocols within school districts. Those failing to meet the agency’s standards in this regard could potentially come under state supervision.

HB 3 gives each school district $15,000 per campus and $10 per student for safety-related upgrades. Many school officials have complained this allotment is not enough to pay for improvements they will have to make. Lawmakers also set aside $1.1 billion for school safety grants that the state’s school districts can apply for.

Other provisions in the bill include the obligation of an educational institution to have bullying prevention policies and procedures; the right of a school to place a student who has engaged in certain bullying behavior in a disciplinary alternative education program or to expel the student;

The bill also requires each district employee who regularly interacts with students to complete an evidence-based mental health training program designed to provide instruction to participants regarding the recognition and support of children and youth who experience a mental health or substance use issue that may pose a threat to school safety.

Texas House Bill 114

HB 114 amends the state’s education code that formally required the expulsion of a student who was caught with tobacco or marijuana on school property or at a school-sanctioned activity. Under the previous version of the code, students were sent to alternative school.

The amended code allows administrators to decide how to proceed on a case-by-case basis and would require students in possession of or under the influence of marijuana to complete a drug and alcohol awareness program approved by the Texas Education Agency. The schools would then report the offense to local law enforcement agencies.

The bill also forbids the use of E-Cigarettes. The E-Cigarette doesn’t have to contain tobacco in order to be considered an “E-Cigarette” … it’s the type of device that is banned.

According to Sec. 161.081 of the Health and Safety Code, and “E-Cigarette” is an electronic cigarette or any other device that simulates smoking by using a mechanical heating element, battery, or electronic circuit to deliver nicotine or other substances to the individual inhaling from the device; or a consumable liquid solution or other material aerosolized or vaporized during the use of an electronic cigarette or other device described by this subdivision.

The school may confiscate and dispose of the device and may also notify local law enforcement if they choose. A student having 5 or more e-cigarettes on a school property will now be considered a Class B misdemeanor … a very serious offense that is punishable by a maximum 180-day county jail term, $2,000 fine, or both (Texas Penal Code Ann. § 12.22). Although, it remains to be seen if a minor would receive such a harsh penalty.

Texas House Bill 900

HB 900, or the Restricting Explicit and Adult-Designed Educational Resources Act (READER), bans “sexually explicit material” from public school libraries. This means any communication, language, or material, including a written description, illustration, photographic image, video image, or audio file, other than library material directly related to the curriculum required that describes, depicts, or portrays sexual conduct, in a way that is patently offensive.

Under Texas Law, “Sexual conduct” means sexual contact, actual or simulated sexual intercourse, deviate sexual intercourse, sexual bestiality, masturbation, sadomasochistic abuse, or lewd exhibition of the genitals, the anus, or any portion of the female breast below the top of the areola.

Book vendors will have to rate books based on their references or descriptions of sexual material. Books listed as “sexually explicit” will be removed from shelves. The law gives them until April 1, 2024 (that’s not an April fools joke) to provide a list of sexually explicit material that might still be in use and available at public schools.

The bill came after two years of parents raising concerns and asking for local bans on books that schools found inappropriate. A federal judge said Thursday he will temporarily block the law, which was set to go into effect Friday. State attorneys said they would appeal the decision.

Between July 2021 and June 2022, Texas took more books off school library shelves than any other state. Most of those titles centered on race, racism, abortion and LGBTQ issues.