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California Governor Gavin Newsom’s Attack on the First Amendment: The New Law Criminalizing AI-Generated Political Parody

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Gavin Newsom as Sith Lord

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation on September 17, 2024, that effectively muzzles the First Amendment under the guise of curbing “deepfake” technology. The new law, touted as the nation’s most aggressive stance on AI-generated content, makes it illegal to use artificial intelligence to create parody images, videos, or audio impersonations of political candidates in the run-up to elections. While the law claims to address the growing concern of misinformation in political campaigns, it’s a direct assault on a core element of free speech: political satire.

The Move Against Free Speech

Governor Newsom’s decision comes after a public spat with Elon Musk, owner of the social media platform X. The conflict began when Musk shared an AI-altered video of Vice President Kamala Harris. Newsom rebuked Musk and swiftly vowed to push for legislation that would prevent such content from being shared in California. True to his word, the bill was signed into law and is set to take effect before the November 2024 elections.

The law allows courts to issue injunctions against the distribution of intentionally deceptive political content, including satirical deepfakes, during election season. Penalties can also be levied on individuals or entities that share such content. Newsom, in a conversation with Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff, dismissed the idea that the law was politically motivated, stating, “I could care less if it was Harris or Trump. It was just wrong on every level.”

However, the implication of this law is clear—it limits the ability of citizens, commentators, and even comedians to use AI for political satire, parody, and commentary. While Newsom and his allies frame the legislation as a safeguard against misinformation, this is a direct violation of the First Amendment, which has long protected satire as a form of political expression.

What’s Really at Stake?

At first glance, combating AI-generated misinformation might seem like a noble cause. With deepfakes becoming increasingly sophisticated, the potential for misleading voters is a legitimate concern. But the problem arises when the state begins to overreach, dictating the boundaries of acceptable speech. Political parody has always played a critical role in American democracy, serving as a tool to mock, criticize, and hold the powerful accountable. From the lampooning of Richard Nixon in “All in the Family” to “Saturday Night Live’s” biting satire of both Democratic and Republican politicians, parody has been a vital form of political expression.

This new California law threatens to blur the line between deceptive manipulation and political satire, chilling a form of speech that has been constitutionally protected for over two centuries. As Elon Musk pointed out, “Parody is legal in America.” But in Newsom’s California, it appears that may no longer be the case—at least when AI is involved.

The Broader Implications

The passage of this law is part of a broader, troubling trend in which powerful figures in government seek to control the flow of information under the guise of protecting “truth” and “democracy.” With this legislation, California now leads the charge in cracking down on AI-generated content, but this could easily set a dangerous precedent for other states to follow. If laws like this are allowed to proliferate, it would mark the beginning of a slippery slope, where freedom of expression becomes increasingly curtailed in the digital age.

Even more alarming is the timing. Newsom’s law takes effect before the 2024 elections, a critical moment in American politics. Assemblymember Gail Pellerin, who carried the bill, admitted the law was written with the explicit intent of targeting content in the 2024 cycle, referring to it as the nation’s “first AI election.” Under the pretext of shielding election officials and candidates from targeted misinformation, this law effectively curtails the ability of voters to engage with and criticize political figures in new and creative ways.

Political Satire or Misinformation?

The key issue here is defining what constitutes “misinformation.” While deepfakes that genuinely deceive voters are problematic, this law takes aim at all AI-generated content, even when it is clearly marked as parody or satire. Political figures, especially during campaigns, have always been subject to scrutiny, mockery, and impersonation. Satirical images and videos often draw attention to important issues, shaping public opinion through humor. By prohibiting AI-generated content in this realm, the law conflates misleading information with the use of humor and satire, undermining the spirit of the First Amendment.

The dangers of deepfake technology are real, but the solution to this issue cannot be the heavy hand of government dictating what kinds of content are permissible. As it stands, existing defamation laws are already sufficient to address cases where deepfakes cross the line from satire into malicious deception. Yet, the California law treats all AI-generated political content as a threat, removing the essential nuance that distinguishes satire from falsehood.

Newsom’s Long Battle with Elon Musk

This latest law also highlights the ongoing feud between Governor Newsom and Elon Musk. What began as a disagreement over COVID-19 lockdowns has escalated into a broader clash over free speech and the role of tech companies in moderating content. Musk has been a vocal critic of California’s regulatory environment, especially as the state continues to push for more control over tech platforms and the content they host.

In response to this law, it is not hard to imagine that Musk and others will challenge it in court, arguing that it oversteps the constitutional protections of free speech. Musk’s platform, X, could become a battleground for legal challenges, especially since the law allows users to flag content for removal, putting tech companies in the difficult position of adjudicating what constitutes “misleading” political content.

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Election

Texas House Divided: Rep. Dustin Burrows Defies GOP Caucus, Seeks Democrat Support for Speaker Role

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Dustin Burrows

GOP Divide Over House Speakership Intensifies

In a dramatic turn of events within the Texas House of Representatives, a showdown over the next Speaker has laid bare deep divisions within the Republican Party. Rep. Dustin Burrows, a close ally of outgoing Speaker Dade Phelan, broke ranks with the GOP caucus after failing to secure the Republican nomination. In an unprecedented move, Burrows aligned himself with Democrats, undermining the party’s choice of Rep. David Cook and igniting outrage among grassroots conservatives.

The Battle for Speaker of the House

On Saturday, the Texas House Republican Caucus met to select its nominee for Speaker, a critical position that sets the legislative agenda and controls committee appointments. The race came down to two contenders: Rep. David Cook, a staunch reformer who had publicly pledged to appoint only Republicans as committee chairs, and Rep. Dustin Burrows, a last-minute entrant who offered no commitments to conservative reforms.

Cook emerged victorious after three rounds of voting, with the final tally standing at 48-14 after 26 members loyal to Burrows walked out. This defection sparked a firestorm, as Burrows and his allies immediately began courting Democratic support in a bid to form a coalition that could challenge Cook on the House floor in January.

A Betrayal of Party Principles

The actions of Burrows and the defectors have drawn sharp condemnation from Republican grassroots activists and party leaders. The Republican Party of Texas (RPT) has long advocated for reforms to ensure Republican control over legislative priorities in a state where Democrats have often wielded disproportionate influence. In 2022, 81% of Republican primary voters supported a resolution requiring that only Republicans serve as committee chairs. Cook’s candidacy embodied this grassroots demand for reform, while Burrows’ maneuvering represents a continuation of the status quo.

The RPT Executive Committee issued a strong resolution following the caucus meeting, calling for unity behind Cook and warning that any member voting against the caucus nominee or supporting a secret ballot for Speaker would face censure. Such a censure could prevent them from running for reelection as Republicans.

The Dustin Burrows Record

Burrows’ record has long been a source of contention among conservatives. As Chairman of the powerful Calendars Committee under Speaker Phelan, Burrows held significant sway over which bills reached the House floor. Critics argue that this power was wielded to suppress conservative priorities.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Burrows championed legislation that expanded the ability of local governments and businesses to enforce mask and vaccine mandates, a move that alienated many Republican voters. He also played a key role in blocking a bill that would have protected minors from irreversible gender-transition procedures, though a similar measure passed in a subsequent session.

More recently, Burrows was one of 61 Republicans who joined Democrats in voting to impeach Attorney General Ken Paxton, an act that further fueled skepticism about his conservative credentials. Burrows’ low rankings on conservative scorecards—73rd out of 86 Republicans in the Rice University rankings and a failing 48% grade from Texans for Fiscal Responsibility—underscore his tenuous relationship with the party’s grassroots base.

Grassroots Outrage and Calls to Action

The grassroots backlash to Burrows’ actions has been swift and fierce. Conservative activists argue that Burrows’ alliance with Democrats undermines the integrity of the Republican platform and disregards the will of GOP voters. They have mobilized to pressure representatives to support Cook on the House floor when the legislature convenes on January 14, 2025.

In an email to supporters, Rep. Andy Hopper detailed the events of the caucus meeting and urged constituents to hold their representatives accountable. Hopper emphasized that the caucus rules and the RPT platform explicitly require Republicans to unify behind the caucus nominee, particularly when that nominee is committed to advancing a conservative agenda.

A Pivotal Moment for Texas Republicans

The battle over the Speaker of the House has become a litmus test for the Republican Party’s commitment to conservative principles in Texas. Historically, Democrats have been granted significant influence in the state legislature, including committee chairmanships, despite their minority status. Cook’s victory in the caucus reflects a growing determination among Republicans to end this practice and ensure that legislative leadership reflects the will of the majority.

However, Burrows’ defection threatens to derail these efforts. By seeking Democratic support, he risks fracturing the party and empowering the opposition. The stakes are high: if Burrows and his coalition succeed, it could signal a return to the bipartisan power-sharing arrangements that have long frustrated conservatives.

Conclusion

The January 14 session will be a defining moment for the Texas House of Representatives and the Republican Party. Will Republicans rally behind their caucus nominee and seize the opportunity to implement meaningful reforms, or will divisions within the party allow Democrats to dictate the agenda once again?

As grassroots conservatives mobilize to demand accountability, all eyes will be on the Capitol. For Rep. Burrows and his supporters, the path forward may come with significant political consequences. For the Republican Party, this is a battle for its soul.

Here is the complete list of key representatives in the Texas House Speaker race, categorized by their positions on reform:

(List provided by Grassroots America. https://grassrootspriorities.com/phelan.php)

Daniel Alders
State Representative for Texas House District 6
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Facebook: @DanielAldersTX
X: @danielalderstx
Trent Ashby
State Representative for Texas House District 9
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Phone: 512-463-0508
Email: trent.ashby@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @RepTrentAshby
X: @TrentAshbyTX
Jeffrey Barry
State Representative for Texas House District 29
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Facebook: @votejeffbarry
X: @JeffBarryforTX
Cecil Bell
State Representative for Texas House District 3
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Phone: 512-463-0650
Email: Cecil.Bell@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @CecilBellJunior
X: @CBellJr
Keith Bell
State Representative for Texas House District 4
Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows
Phone: 512-463-0458
Email: keith.bell@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @StateRepKeithBell
Greg Bonnen
State Representative for Texas House District 24
Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows
Phone: 512-463-0729
Email: greg.bonnen@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @DrGregBonnen
X: @DrGregBonnen
Brad Buckley
State Representative for Texas House District 54
Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows
Phone: 512-463-0684
Email: brad.buckley@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @bradbuckleyfortexas
X: @BradBuckleyDVM
Ben Bumgarner
State Representative for Texas House District 63
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Phone: 512-463-0688
Email: ben.bumgarner@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @BenBumgarnerforTexasRepHD63
X: @Bumgarner4HD63
Dustin Burrows
State Representative for Texas House District 83
Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows
Phone: 512-463-0542
Email: dustin.burrows@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @Burrows4TX
X: @Burrows4TX
Angie Button
State Representative for Texas House District 112
Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows
Phone: 512-463-0486
Email: angie.button@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @ACBforTexas
X: @AngieChenButton
Briscoe Cain
State Representative for Texas House District 128
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Phone: 512-463-0733
Email: briscoe.cain@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @BriscoeCain
X: @BriscoeCain
Gio Capriglione
State Representative for Texas House District 98
Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows
Phone: 512-463-0690
Email: giovanni.capriglione@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @VoteGiovanni
X: @VoteGiovanni
David Cook
State Representative for Texas House District 96
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Phone: 512-463-0374
Email: david.cook@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @davidcookfortexas
X: @DavidCookTexas
Tom Craddick
State Representative for Texas House District 82
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Phone: 512-463-0500
Email: tom.craddick@house.texas.gov
Charles Cunningham
State Representative for Texas House District 127
Unconfirmed
Phone: 512-463-0520
Email: charles.cunningham@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @CharlesCunninghamTX
X: @CharlesTX127
Pat Curry
State Representative for Texas House District 56
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Facebook: @people/Pat-Curry-Republican-for-Texas-House/61551098733770/
Drew Darby
State Representative for Texas House District 72
Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows
Phone: 512-463-0331
Email: drew.darby@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @DrewDarbyforTexas
X: @DrewDarbyTX
Jay Dean
State Representative for Texas House District 7
Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows
Phone: 512-463-0750
Email: jay.dean@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @jaydeanfortexas
Mano DeAyala
State Representative for Texas House District 133
Unconfirmed
Phone: 512-463-0514
Email: mano.deayala@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @manoforstaterep
X: @ManoForStateRep
Mark Dorazio
State Representative for Texas House District 122
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Phone: 512-463-0646
Email: mark.dorazio@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @DorazioforTexas
X: @DorazioforTexas
Paul Dyson
State Representative for Texas House District 14
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Facebook: @PaulDysonTX
X: @PaulDysonTX
Caroline Fairly
State Representative for Texas House District 87
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Facebook: @fairlyfortexas
X: @FairlyForTexas
James Frank
State Representative for Texas House District 69
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Phone: 512-463-0534
Email: james.frank@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @repjamesfrank
X: @RepJamesFrank
Gary Gates
State Representative for Texas House District 28
Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows
Phone: 512-463-0657
Email: gary.gates@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @gatesfortexas
X: @GatesforTexas
Stan Gerdes
State Representative for Texas House District 17
Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows
Phone: 512-463-0682
Email: stan.gerdes@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @stangerdesfortexashouse
X: @StanGerdesforTX
Charlie Geren
State Representative for Texas House District 99
Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows
Phone: 512-463-0610
Email: charlie.geren@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @repcharliegeren
X: @charliegeren
Ryan Guillen
State Representative for Texas House District 31
Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows
Phone: 512-463-0416
Email: ryan.guillen@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @representative.guillen
X: @RyanGuillen
Sam Harless
State Representative for Texas House District 126
Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows
Phone: 512-463-0496
Email: sam.harless@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @samharless126
X: @SamHarless126
Cody Harris
State Representative for Texas House District 8
Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows
Phone: 512-463-0730
Email: cody.harris@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @CodyforTexas
X: @CodyforTexas
Caroline Harris Davila
State Representative for Texas House District 52
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Phone: 512-463-0670
Email: caroline.harris@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @CarolineHarrisForTexas
X: @CarolineForTX
Brian Harrison
State Representative for Texas House District 10
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Phone: 512-463-0516
Email: brian.harrison@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @votebrianharrison
X: @brianeharrison
Richard Hayes
State Representative for Texas House District 57
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Phone: 512-463-0556
Email: richard.hayes@house.texas.gov
Cole Hefner
State Representative for Texas House District 5
Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows
Phone: 512-463-0271
Email: cole.hefner@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @votecolehefner
X: @ColeHefnerTX
Hillary Hickland
State Representative for Texas House District 55
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Facebook: @Hickland4TX
X: @HicklandHillary
Janis Holt
State Representative for Texas House District 18
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Facebook: @Holt4Texas
X: @JanisHolt59
Andy Hopper
State Representative for Texas House District 64
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Facebook: @hopperfortexas
X: @AndyHopperTX
Lacey Hull
State Representative for Texas House District 138
Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows
Phone: 512-463-0727
Email: lacey.hull@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @LaceyHullForTexas
X: @LaceyHullTX
Todd Hunter
State Representative for Texas House District 32
Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows
Phone: 512-463-0672
Email: todd.hunter@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @todd.hunter.710
X: @Dist32StateRep
Carrie Isaac
State Representative for Texas House District 73
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Phone: 512-463-0325
Email: carrie.isaac@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @CarrieIsaacForTexas
X: @CarrieIsaac
Helen Kerwin
State Representative for Texas House District 58
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Facebook: @helenkerwin4tx
X: @HelenKerwin4TX
Ken King
State Representative for Texas House District 88
Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows
Phone: 512-463-0736
Email: ken.king@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @KingForTexas
X: @KingForTexas
Stan Kitzman
State Representative for Texas House District 85
Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows
Phone: 512-463-0604
Email: stan.kitzman@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @StanKitzmanTX
X: @StanKitzmanTX
Marc LaHood
State Representative for Texas House District 121
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Facebook: @MarcLaHoodCampaign
X: @LaHood4Texas
Stan Lambert
State Representative for Texas House District 71
Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows
Phone: 512-463-0718
Email: stan.lambert@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @RepStanLambert
X: @RepStanLambert
Brooks Landgraf
State Representative for Texas House District 81
Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows
Phone: 512-463-0546
Email: brooks.landgraf@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @BrooksLandgraf
X: @BrooksLandgraf
Jeff Leach
State Representative for Texas House District 67
Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows
Phone: 512-463-0544
Email: jeff.leach@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @leachfortexas
X: @leachfortexas
Mitch Little
State Representative for Texas House District 65
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Facebook: @people/Mitch-Little-State-Rep-ELECT-HD-65/61552635488586/
X: @realmitchlittle
Janie Lopez
State Representative for Texas House District 37
Unconfirmed
Phone: 512-463-0640
Email: janie.lopez@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @JanieLopezForTexas
X: @JanieLopezForTX
AJ Louderback
State Representative for Texas House District 30
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Facebook: @aj.louderback.1
X: @LouderbackAj
David Lowe
State Representative for Texas House District 91
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Facebook: @DavidLowe4TX
X: @DavidLowe4Texas
J. M. Lozano
State Representative for Texas House District 43
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Phone: 512-463-0463
Email: jm.lozano@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @RepJMLozano
X: @RepJMLozano
John Lujan
State Representative for Texas House District 118
Unconfirmed
Phone: 512-463-0714
Email: john.lujan@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @VoteLujan
X: @LujanForTX
Shelley Luther
State Representative for Texas House District 62
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Facebook: @shelleylutherHD62
X: @ShelleyLuther
Don McLaughlin
State Representative for Texas House District 80
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Facebook: @donfortexas
X: @donfortexas
John McQueeney
State Representative for Texas House District 97
Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows
Facebook: @McQueeneyForTX
X: @JohnMcQueeneyTX
Will Metcalf
State Representative for Texas House District 16
Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows
Phone: 512-463-0726
Email: will.metcalf@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @WillMetcalfTX
X: @willmetcalfTX
Morgan Meyer
State Representative for Texas House District 108
Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows
Phone: 512-463-0367
Email: morgan.meyer@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @MorganMeyerForTexas
X: @MorganMeyerTX
Brent Money
State Representative for Texas House District 2
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Facebook: @brentmoneytx
X: @BrentMoneyTX
Matt Morgan
State Representative for Texas House District 26
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Facebook: @morganfortexas
X: @morgan4texas
Candy Noble
State Representative for Texas House District 89
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Phone: 512-463-0186
Email: candy.noble@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @CandyNobleHD89
X: @CandyNobleHD89
Michael Olcott
State Representative for Texas House District 60
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Facebook: @votemikeolcott
X: @olcott4texas
Tom Oliverson
State Representative for Texas House District 130
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Phone: 512-463-0661
Email: tom.oliverson@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @TomOliverson
X: @TomOliverson
Angelia Orr
State Representative for Texas House District 13
Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows
Phone: 512-463-0600
Email: angelia.orr@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @AngeliaOrrForTX
X: @AngeliaOrrForTX
Jared Patterson
State Representative for Texas House District 106
Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows
Phone: 512-463-0694
Email: jared.patterson@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @jpattersontx
X: @JaredLPatterson
Dennis Paul
State Representative for Texas House District 129
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Phone: 512-463-0734
Email: dennis.paul@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @Dennis.Paul.HD129
X: @DennisPaul129
Dade Phelan
State Representative for Texas House District 21
Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows
Phone: 512-463-1000
Email: dade.phelan@speaker.texas.gov
Facebook: @TexansForDade
X: @DadePhelan
Katrina Pierson
State Representative for Texas House District 33
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Facebook: @KatrinaForTexas
X: @katrinapierson
Keresa Richardson
State Representative for Texas House District 61
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Facebook: @keresafortexas
X: @KeresaForTexas
Nate Schatzline
State Representative for Texas House District 93
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Phone: 512-463-0562
Email: nate.schatzline@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @NateforTexas
X: @NateSchatzline
Mike Schofield
State Representative for Texas House District 132
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Phone: 512-463-0528
Email: mike.schofield@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @SchofieldForTexas
X: @RepSchofield
Alan Schoolcraft
State Representative for Texas House District 44
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Facebook: @SchoolcraftforTX
X: @Schoolcraft4TX
Matt Shaheen
State Representative for Texas House District 66
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Phone: 512-463-0594
Email: matt.shaheen@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @MattShaheenTexas
X: @MattShaheen
Joanne Shofner
State Representative for Texas House District 11
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Facebook: @joannefortexans
X: @joannefortexans
Shelby Slawson
State Representative for Texas House District 59
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Phone: 512-463-0628
Email: shelby.slawson@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @SlawsonForTexas
X: @ShelbySlawson
John Smithee
State Representative for Texas House District 86
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Phone: 512-463-0702
Email: john.smithee@house.texas.gov
David Spiller
State Representative for Texas House District 68
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Phone: 512-463-0526
Email: david.spiller@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @RepresentativeDavidSpiller
X: @DavidSpillerTX
Valoree Swanson
State Representative for Texas House District 150
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Phone: 512-463-0572
Email: valoree.swanson@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @ValoreeSwansonforTexas
X: @ValoreeforTexas
Carl Tepper
State Representative for Texas House District 84
Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows
Phone: 512-463-0676
Email: carl.tepper@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @CarlTepperForTexas
X: @CarlTepper
Tony Tinderholt
State Representative for Texas House District 94
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Phone: 512-463-0624
Email: tony.tinderholt@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @tonytinderholtfortexas
X: @reptinderholt
Steve Toth
State Representative for Texas House District 15
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Phone: 512-463-0797
Email: steve.toth@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @RepresentativeSteveToth
X: @Toth_4_Texas
Ellen Troxclair
State Representative for Texas House District 19
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Phone: 512-463-0490
Email: ellen.troxclair@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @EllenTroxclair
X: @EllenTroxclair
Gary VanDeaver
State Representative for Texas House District 1
Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows
Phone: 512-463-0692
Email: gary.vandeaver@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @GaryVanDeaverHD1
X: @GaryVanDeaver
Cody Vasut
State Representative for Texas House District 25
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Phone: 512-463-0564
Email: cody.vasut@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @votevasut
X: @cvasut
Denise Villalobos
State Representative for Texas House District 34
Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows
Facebook: @denise.etheridge.58
X: @DVillalobos20
Wesley Virdell
State Representative for Texas House District 53
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Facebook: @wesvirdellfortexas
X: @wesvirdelltx
Trey Wharton
State Representative for Texas House District 12
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Facebook: @profile.php?id=61553738502474
X: @WhartonForTexas
Terry Wilson
State Representative for Texas House District 20
Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows
Phone: 512-463-0309
Email: terry.wilson@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @TerryWilsonPage
X: @TerryWilsonTX
Terri Leo Wilson
State Representative for Texas House District 23
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Phone: 512-463-0502
Email: terri.leo-wilson@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @TerriLeoWilson
X: @TerriLeoWilson
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Heated Congressional Clash: Rep. Pat Fallon Confronts Secret Service Director Over Security Lapses

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Ronald Rowe

Washington, D.C. — A congressional hearing turned fiery when Texas Republican Rep. Pat Fallon clashed with acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe over the agency’s recent controversies and alleged politicization of its operations. The bipartisan task force, investigating assassination attempts on President-elect Donald Trump, convened to scrutinize security failures, but tensions escalated as Fallon accused Rowe of neglecting his duties during a high-profile 9/11 memorial event.

At the heart of the confrontation was a photo of Rowe at the memorial, standing in close proximity to Vice President Kamala Harris, President Joe Biden, and Vice President-elect J.D. Vance. Fallon pointedly questioned whether Rowe’s position compromised the protective detail for Trump, who was also present at the event in New York City.

“Who is usually, at an event like this, closest to the president of the United States, security-wise?” Fallon asked Rowe.

Rowe, deflecting from directly addressing his own role, stated that the special agent in charge (SAC) is typically positioned closest to the president. However, Fallon pressed further, asking if Rowe himself was acting as the SAC during the event. Rowe avoided a clear response, asserting that he attended to honor Secret Service members who perished on September 11, 2001.

Accusations of Politicization

Fallon, a staunch advocate for transparency and accountability within federal agencies, challenged Rowe’s motives for attending the event. He suggested Rowe’s presence near high-profile political figures might signal aspirations to secure a permanent appointment as Secret Service director under the Biden administration.

“This isn’t about showing respect for the fallen,” Fallon said. “You endangered lives—those of President Biden, Vice President Harris, and President-elect Trump—by misaligning your agents. This was a political audition, plain and simple.”

Rowe, visibly agitated, pushed back against Fallon’s assertions, calling them “out of line.” The acting director defended his record, emphasizing his service at Ground Zero after the 9/11 attacks and accusing Fallon of politicizing the tragedy.

“Do not invoke 9/11 for political purposes,” Rowe retorted, raising his voice.

Fallon fired back, refusing to back down. “Don’t try to bully me. I am an elected member of Congress, and I am asking serious questions. You’re playing politics and failing in your duties.”

Fallout from Security Failures

The confrontation comes on the heels of a major scandal for the Secret Service. On July 13, a gunman, Thomas Matthew Crooks, managed to access a rooftop near a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, and opened fire. President-elect Trump was wounded in the attack, along with two attendees, one of whom later died. The incident highlighted glaring security lapses within the agency, prompting the resignation of former Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle.

Rowe, who was appointed as acting director following Cheatle’s departure, admitted to failures during the hearing. “July 13 was a failure of the Secret Service to adequately secure the Butler Farm Show site and protect President-elect Trump,” Rowe stated in his opening remarks. “We did not meet the expectations of the American public, Congress, or our protectees.”

Despite acknowledging these shortcomings, Rowe’s testimony did little to assure lawmakers, particularly Fallon, that the agency had learned from its mistakes. The congressman lambasted Rowe for what he described as a pattern of political maneuvering and lack of accountability.

A Texas Voice for Accountability

For Fallon, a representative known for his commitment to constitutional principles and government transparency, the stakes of the hearing went beyond partisan politics. The Texas congressman argued that the Secret Service’s apparent politicization poses a direct threat to national security.

“This isn’t about partisan loyalty—it’s about whether the American people can trust their government to safeguard their leaders,” Fallon stated after the hearing. “When those in power prioritize personal ambitions over their sworn duties, we all lose.”

Rowe’s future as acting director appears uncertain, with the task force’s findings expected to heavily influence Trump’s eventual nomination of a permanent Secret Service director. As the investigation continues, Fallon has vowed to hold the agency accountable, underscoring the need for reforms that prioritize safety over politics.

The clash between Fallon and Rowe encapsulates broader concerns about trust and integrity within federal agencies, a pressing issue for many Americans—and a rallying cry for constitutional conservatives demanding accountability in Washington.

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RINO Republicans: Irrelevant and Out of Touch with the GOP’s Future

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Lincoln Project Ship Going Down

In recent years, the term “RINO” (Republican in Name Only) has taken on new meaning, particularly as a label for individuals within the GOP who have steadfastly opposed the populist movement led by former President Donald Trump. As the 2024 election cycle approaches, a notable group of these “Never Trump” Republicans—figures like Dick and Liz Cheney, George Bush, Mike Pence, John Bolton, Mitt Romney, Adam Kinzinger, Lisa Murkowski, and the disbanded yet outspoken Lincoln Project—have taken their defection to new heights, publicly declaring their intent to support Kamala Harris, the Democratic frontrunner, for president. By doing so, they have effectively cemented their irrelevance within the modern GOP, ensuring that their influence will continue to dwindle in a party that has transformed far beyond the neoconservative days of the Bush administration.

The Irreversible Break

The decision to endorse Harris over Trump is nothing short of an existential crisis for these figures. While many of them have long been estranged from the Trump wing of the party, this outright endorsement of the opposition signals their final break from the GOP’s base. Figures such as Dick and Liz Cheney, who once represented the hawkish, interventionist wing of the Republican Party, are now seen as relics of a bygone era. Their support for Harris, a staunch progressive, reveals just how disconnected they’ve become from the conservative grassroots.

Liz Cheney’s anti-Trump crusade reached its zenith with her prominent role on the January 6th Committee, where she sought to portray Trump as a danger to democracy. While this earned her accolades from the left, it led to her resounding defeat in Wyoming’s Republican primary, where her loyalty to the party’s base was called into question. Her father’s legacy as Vice President under George W. Bush may have carried weight during the War on Terror, but in today’s GOP, a party increasingly focused on America First policies, the Cheney name is synonymous with the establishment—a faction that has lost its grip on power.

George Bush: A Distant Memory

The Bush dynasty, once a dominant force in Republican politics, now finds itself in the political wilderness. George W. Bush’s silence during the Trump presidency spoke volumes, but his recent endorsement of Kamala Harris underscores how far he has drifted from the conservative movement that once championed his leadership. Many conservative voters see the Bush years as a period of misguided wars and unchecked spending, and the former president’s support for a Democratic candidate further alienates him from a party that has moved in a dramatically different direction.

Mike Pence and John Bolton: From Allies to Pariahs

Mike Pence, once Trump’s loyal vice president, finds himself in a political no man’s land. His refusal to challenge the 2020 election results earned him the ire of many Trump supporters, and his subsequent political moves, including his Harris endorsement, have isolated him even further. Pence’s traditional conservative stance on issues like abortion may resonate with some in the GOP, but his unwillingness to embrace the populist tide means his future within the party is bleak.

John Bolton, Trump’s former national security advisor, has long been a polarizing figure. His neoconservative worldview, shaped by a belief in American interventionism abroad, is a stark contrast to the America First approach that now defines the GOP. Bolton’s endorsement of Harris is unsurprising, given his public spats with Trump, but it only serves to highlight how out of touch he is with a Republican base that no longer prioritizes endless wars and nation-building.

Mitt Romney, Adam Kinzinger, and Lisa Murkowski: The Party’s Outcasts

Mitt Romney, the senator from Utah and 2012 Republican presidential nominee, has spent much of the Trump era positioning himself as the GOP’s moral conscience. His votes to impeach Trump and his consistent criticism of the former president have made him a pariah within the party. Romney’s decision to back Harris all but guarantees that he will have no future influence in shaping the GOP’s policy or direction.

Adam Kinzinger, another vocal critic of Trump, has followed a similar trajectory. Once a rising star in the GOP, Kinzinger’s tenure on the January 6th Committee and his constant bashing of Trump’s influence on the party led to his political demise. His exit from Congress was more of a resignation than a defeat, but his endorsement of Harris signals that he, too, has no intention of aligning with the future of the Republican Party.

Lisa Murkowski, the senator from Alaska, has long walked a fine line between maintaining her seat and placating a Republican base that has increasingly viewed her as too moderate. Her vote to convict Trump in his second impeachment trial alienated her from the GOP electorate, and her support for Harris solidifies her position as an outsider within the party.

The Lincoln Project: A Failed Experiment

Perhaps the most glaring example of political irrelevance is The Lincoln Project, the group of disaffected Republicans that formed in opposition to Trump. While initially heralded by the media as a principled stand against the populist takeover of the GOP, the organization quickly descended into scandal and disarray. Its members—George Conway, Steve Schmidt, John Weaver, Rick Wilson, Jennifer Horn, Ron Steslow, Reed Galen, and Mike Madrid—have not only failed to sway Republican voters but have also been engulfed by internal turmoil, sexual harassment scandals, and allegations of financial mismanagement.

The Lincoln Project’s endorsement of Harris is more of a desperate attempt to stay relevant than a meaningful political statement. Their influence has waned to the point that they are now more popular with MSNBC viewers than with actual Republican voters. Their vocal support for a Democratic candidate only serves to remind the GOP base that they no longer belong within the party’s tent.

The GOP’s Future: Unwavering Loyalty to the Base

The transformation of the Republican Party over the past decade has been nothing short of revolutionary. What was once a party led by establishment figures like the Bushes, Romneys, and Cheneys has now become a movement driven by a populist, nationalist base. The issues that animate the GOP today—securing the southern border, protecting American jobs, limiting government overreach, and standing up to the radical left—are completely at odds with the worldview of the RINO Republicans who are now backing Kamala Harris.

By choosing to support Harris, these figures have all but guaranteed their permanent exclusion from any future Republican administration. Their influence has been reduced to the occasional appearance on cable news, where they are paraded as “reasonable” Republicans willing to buck their party’s leadership. But within the actual GOP, their voices carry no weight. The Republican Party is no longer a party of compromise with the left—it is a party of conviction, driven by a desire to restore American greatness and reject the globalist, interventionist policies of the past.

A New Era for the GOP

As the 2024 election looms, the irrelevance of the Never Trump Republicans becomes increasingly apparent. Their endorsement of Kamala Harris is not a principled stand but a final act of desperation from a faction that has lost its influence and power. The future of the Republican Party belongs to those who are willing to fight for the interests of the American people, not those who seek the approval of the media or the Washington elite. In the end, the RINO Republicans have chosen their path, and it is one that leads far away from the heart of the GOP.

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