Texas Politics & News
The Daily Signal highlights Texas as a leader in conservative policy and governance, covering Lone Star State legislation, elections, border enforcement, and energy dominance.
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- News
Rick Perry Responds to Indictment: ‘I Stood Up for the Rule of Law in Texas’
Gov. Rick Perry said today on âFox News Sundayâ that he would âmake exactly the same decisionâ that led to a grand jury indictment Friday. Speaking to the felony charges and potential 100 years in prison he could face, the Texas Republican said heâs âcertainly taking it very seriously,â but added, âI stood up for the…Kelsey Bolar -
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One Year After Texas Enacted Abortion Law, Half of State’s Clinics Have Closed
In Texas, the stage is set for a sequel to last summerâs political drama, a battle that engulfed the state and brought abortion into the national spotlight. As pro-life groups celebrate the one-year anniversary of the stateâs passage of abortion regulations, pro-choice groups are preparing to make up for lost ground in November. Since Gov….Philip Wegmann -
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Q&A: Texas Commissioner Explains How the Lone Star State Became âGround Zeroâ for Border Crisis
More than three years ago, Todd Staples, Texas commissioner of agriculture, officially put his stamp on an issue seemingly unrelated to agriculture: illegal immigration. After rural landowners reached out to him over the years, sharing stories of how illegal immigrants — specifically, drug cartels and other criminals — trespass farms and ranches, Staples spearheaded the…Josh Siegel -
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Border Crossings Stop After Texas Man Takes Security Into His Own Hands
City of Hidalgo, TexasâOthal E. Brand Jr. is a man in control, and as such, when drug cartels began exploiting the stretch of river at the water pump station he runs, he built a Border Patrol-friendly boat ramp, watchtower and helicopter pad to beef security there. In the Rio Grande Valley, Brand wields more power…Josh Siegel -
- Opinion
Texas Sending National Guard to Border Is Good First Step, But a Long-Term Solution Still Needed
Gov. Rick Perry, R-Tex., will send around 1,000 National Guard troops to the Texas border under his gubernatorial authorities to help the Texas Department of Public Safety deal with the illegal immigration crisis. Before anyone screams that this is unprecedented or the radical militarization of the border, be assured it is not. In 2006â2008, all four…Steven Bucci -
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Brooks County, Texas: Ranchers Help Secure Border-Crossers Who Skirt Checkpoint
FALFURRIAS, Texas —Â Far from the crisis along the border with Mexico in the Rio Grande Valley, the checkpoint here exists to deter those who made it this far but want to get away. To an American, the three-lane checkpoint some 70 miles from the border seems far from threatening. A Border Patrol agent asks if…Josh Siegel -
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This Is Exactly How Central Americans Illegally Cross the Mexico-Texas Border
“Welcome to America,” Border Patrol agent Albert Spratte says. As politicians in Washington debate how to best deal with the influx of illegal immigrants from Central America along the southwest border, smugglers continue to transport women, children, and entire families into the country. The Daily Signal went on a tour of the border near McAllen,…Josh Siegel -
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Gentleman from Texas: Obama Has âBlueâ Strategy at Border
A Texas congressman floated his own theory last night about the crisis of  illegal immigrants at his stateâs border with Mexico. Speaking on âThe OâReilly Factor,â Rep. Louie Gohmert said he believes President Obama is encouraging Central Americans to cross into Texas because he wants them to stay and vote Democrat. âThe president has said he…Josh Siegel -
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If I Had $1,000,000: Texas Congressmen Propose Reward for Lois Lerner’s Emails
Frustrated with the IRSâ inability to produce Lois Lernerâs emails, two Texas congressmen have opted for the âcarrot and stickâ approachâa $1 million reward for the recovery of those messages. Rep. Bill Flores and Louie Gohmert proposed the bill to track down Lernerâs emails, which were sent at the time of the IRSâ tea party…Philip Wegmann -
- Opinion
On the Texas-Mexico Border: The View From the Front Line
⢠Drug cartels are helping would-be immigrants cross the border. â˘Â Border officials: 3 of 4 people crossing the border are from countries other than Mexico. â˘Â State lawmaker: âTexas is not waiting for Washington to act.â Last weekend, I visited McAllen, Texas, a hotbed of activity in the recent immigration surge on the U.S. â Mexico…Genevieve Wood -
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Humanitarian Crisis on the Border: Genevieve Wood Discusses Her Trip to South Texas
Thousands of illegal immigrants, predominantly unaccompanied minors from Central America, have flooded across the Texas border, “creating a humanitarian and security crisis.” Genevieve Wood, senior contributor to The Daily Signal, discusses her recent trip to McAllen, Texas, where she witnessed the situation firsthand.Monica Sanchez -
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Ted Cruz Urges Obama Administration to Let Texas Handle Its Border Security Crisis
Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, has stepped up efforts in his campaign to #MakeDCListen. Cruz sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security yesterday asking the administration to allow Texas to secure its border during the present âhumanitarian crisis.â In the letter, Cruz referred Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson to Texas Attorney General Greg Abbottâs…Natalie Johnson -
- Opinion
Texas Won’t Wait on Washington to Secure the Border
Texas officials won’t wait on the federal government to secure their southern border with Mexico. Thousands of illegal immigrants, predominantly children from Central America crossing without their parents or other adult relatives, have flooded in to McAllen and other south Texas communities in recent weeks, creating a humanitarian and security crisis. In a letter to the…Genevieve Wood