(Austin, Texas) The Texas House Republican Caucus wanted to provide some clarifying guidance in regards to the Texas Ethics Commission, and appointments that are made by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Lieutenant Governor. Statutorily, the Speaker of the House and the Lieutenant Governor are each required to appoint a Republican and a Democrat to the Texas Ethics Commission.
Republicans in the Texas House have ensured the culture of life in Texas has never been stronger.
On the first day of June, the Texas House of Representatives closed out one of the most conservative legislative sessions in Texas history by delivering one victory after another for hard-working families across the state. Bosque and Johnson Counties' Representative, DeWayne Burns, proved himself to be an effective leader in advocating for ground breaking legislation both on the House floor and in the committee room.
In 2015, the Texas House prioritized border security and made a historic and unprecedented investment in keeping Texans safe.
Representative John Cyrier won the special election to fill the vacant seat for House District 17 in the Texas House of Representatives on February 17, 2015, and was sworn into office just nine days before the deadline to file legislation for the 84th Legislative Session. Without fail, he hit the ground running on his very first day in the House and it is evident that he came to the Texas Capitol with a goal of achieving what the voters of his district sent him there to do and it paid off. Although he was elected a month after the legislative session began, he was able to pass legislation that is important to his district, and was very effective in helping the House pass crucial legislation for the state of Texas.
Although Representative James White and his colleagues in the Texas House of Representatives concluded the 84th Legislative Session six months ago, their conservative accomplishments will not be forgotten. In order to greater strengthen Texas over the next two years, Representative James White and Texas House Republicans focused on three critical areas: a fiscally sound spending plan, the infrastructure necessary to secure economic activity, and an educated workforce ready to meet our employment needs. Each were areas requiring heavy vetting and close consideration.
For 140 days every two years, Members of the Texas House and Senate put their lives on hold and head to Austin to serve at the State Capitol for a regular legislative session. Representative Dade Phelan and his colleagues wrapped up the 84th Legislative Session nearly five months ago, but their accomplishments should not go unnoticed.
Representative Doug Miller and his Republican colleagues in the Texas House of Representatives delivered one conservative victory after another in the 84th Legislature by cutting taxes, improving education, funding transportation, making the border region safer, protecting life and defending Second Amendment rights.
"The Texas House Republican Caucus applauds Governor Greg Abbott for protecting the State of Texas by informing President Barack Obama that Texas will not accept any refugees from Syria in the wake of the deadly terrorist attack in Paris. Republican members of the House, along with Governor Abbott, firmly believe that opening our door to Syrian refugees irresponsibly puts Texans and our fellow Americans at risk. Speaker Straus has also asked the Committee on Homeland Security and Public Safety to debrief with law enforcement to ensure that all appropriate safety protocols are in place. We are in full support of the steps that Speaker Straus and Governor Abbott are taking to ensure the safety of Texans."