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Texas Republicans Navigate Border Wall Controversy in Big Bend Region

Texas Republicans Navigate Border Wall Controversy in Big Bend Region

Texas Republicans are carefully addressing the Trump administration's plans for border infrastructure in the Big Bend region, which include an access road and vehicle barriers in Big Bend National Park, and 30-foot barriers on private land. This initiative has sparked bipartisan outrage among constituents, who are concerned about the environmental impact on the beloved natural treasure and the use of eminent domain for private land. Attorney General Ken Paxton, a Republican U.S. Senate nominee and typically a strong ally of President Trump, has called the plan "not smart border security," marking a rare public disagreement with the White House. Other Republican leaders, including U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, have acknowledged local concerns and welcomed a temporary construction pause announced by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Rodney Scott, without explicitly condemning the project. The Big Bend sector, despite being the largest, is the quietest along the U.S.-Mexico border, accounting for on...

U.S. Representative Jake Ellzey Voted Against Amendment to Block Big Bend Border Barrier Funding

U.S. Representative Jake Ellzey Voted Against Amendment to Block Big Bend Border Barrier Funding

U.S. Representative Jake Ellzey, a Republican from Waxahachie, Texas, voted against an amendment proposed by Democratic U.S. Representative Henry Cuellar of Laredo. This amendment aimed to prevent federal funding from being used for the construction of border barriers within Big Bend National Park. The vote occurred in the House Appropriations Committee as part of the fiscal year 2027 Homeland Security funding bill. The amendment ultimately failed with a vote of 26-34. All Republicans present on the committee, including Ellzey, John Carter of Round Rock, and Michael Cloud of Victoria, voted against the amendment, while all Democrats present, such as Veronica Escobar of El Paso, supported it. The controversy surrounding border barrier construction in the Big Bend region escalated when heavy machinery arrived in the national park, leading to public outcry. U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott subsequently ordered a pause in all construction activity inside the park for an on-the-groun...

'Seismic': Texas, Iowa shift to toss-up in tight Senate midterm races

'Seismic': Texas, Iowa shift to toss-up in tight Senate midterm races

A nonpartisan election forecast for control of the U.S. Senate moves away from Republicans in two states President Donald Trump won decisively in 2024

Sean Duffy’s National Vacation Is Peak MAGA Cringe

Sean Duffy’s National Vacation Is Peak MAGA Cringe

A Catholic reality TV couple taking a cross-country trip with their nine kids would be great TV if it didn't feature the Transportation Secretary selling out his office

Rocket launches are increasing in US. Here's what it means for Texas

Rocket launches are increasing in US. Here's what it means for Texas

The southwest, where SpaceX and Blue Origin have homes in Texas and Virgin Galactic is active in New Mexico, has become central in a rocket launch surge.

House Expected to Pass Russia Sanctions and Tariffs Bill, Says Lawmaker

House Expected to Pass Russia Sanctions and Tariffs Bill, Says Lawmaker

Representative Riley Moore, R-W.Va., stated on August 20 that the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, which includes significant sanctions and tariffs against Russia, is likely to pass in the House. The Senate previously approved this bill on August 7 with an 86-11 vote. A bipartisan group of 18 House members, co-led by Reps. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, and Steny Hoyer, D-Md., introduced identical legislation in the House on August 10. The White House has endorsed the bill, though House leaders have not yet publicly announced a vote schedule. The House is currently in recess until August 31. Rep. Moore expressed concern over India's continued role as a major importer of Russian oil despite strengthening relations between Washington and New Delhi, highlighting the bill's provision to impose tariffs on top buyers of Russian oil and gas.

Trump Administration Faces Scrutiny as National Debt Reaches $40 Trillion

Trump Administration Faces Scrutiny as National Debt Reaches $40 Trillion

The Trump administration is currently facing mixed messages and scrutiny as the national debt has escalated to an all-time high of $40 trillion. This significant increase in national debt comes despite President Trump's previous vows to reduce it. Concurrently, the White House is undergoing a makeover, a detail that has been noted amidst the rising financial concerns. The situation is being discussed by a panel of journalists including Vivian Salama, Zolan Kanno-Youngs of The New York Times, Mary Louise Kelly of NPR, Michelle Price of The Associated Press, and Matt Viser of The Atlantic, who are examining the implications of these developments.

Former CIA Officer Julia Curlee Alleges Political Interference and National Security Damage Under Trump Administration

Former CIA Officer Julia Curlee Alleges Political Interference and National Security Damage Under Trump Administration

Julia Curlee, a former CIA officer and the first to openly transition while serving the agency, was fired early in President Trump's second term. She has publicly stated that her dismissal and the broader targeting of intelligence community members are causing significant damage to national security. Curlee claims that experts with decades of experience are being driven out for who they are or for providing information that contradicts the President's preferences. She also asserts that institutions like the National Security Council were 'neutered,' leading to a breakdown in coordination among key departments such as State, Defense, and the CIA. Curlee's essay, 'The Wrong Kind of American,' highlights her belief that a 'tiny group of people' are being made the 'enemy within' to rally the country, particularly when the economy struggles or a war goes poorly. She argues that the administration prioritizes political loyalty over factual intelligence, leading to detrimental decision-making, especially concerni...

President Trump's Stance on Data Centers Becomes Contentious Issue in Midterm Elections

President Trump's Stance on Data Centers Becomes Contentious Issue in Midterm Elections

President Trump has publicly advocated for the construction of data centers, emphasizing their potential for job creation and tax revenue. Speaking alongside cryptocurrency leaders at the White House, he stated that he would 'absolutely want' an AI plant or data center if he were a mayor or governor, citing the 'enormous' jobs and taxes they provide. This position contrasts sharply with the sentiment in many competitive midterm races, where data centers have become a 'toxic' issue. Voters and even some Republican strategists are expressing concerns about the environmental impact, energy consumption, and local community changes associated with these large facilities. The Senate Republicans’ campaign arm has warned that public anger over data centers could jeopardize electoral outcomes, highlighting the political sensitivity of the issue.

Abbott cites DHS commitment to block border wall at Big Bend

Abbott cites DHS commitment to block border wall at Big Bend

Gov. Greg Abbott, during a campaign stop in El Paso, confirmed there will be no border wall built in Big Bend National Park.

Senate Works to Expand Sanctions on Nicaragua Citing Human Rights Abuses

Senate Works to Expand Sanctions on Nicaragua Citing Human Rights Abuses

The U.S. Senate is advancing new legislation aimed at reauthorizing and expanding sanctions against Nicaragua. This bipartisan measure, backed by Senators Ted Cruz (R., Texas) and Tim Kaine (D., Va.), targets the regime of Daniel Ortega, citing widespread human rights abuses, systematic corruption, and the suppression of democratic institutions. The proposed bill seeks to vastly expand economic sanctions on Ortega's regime, with the condition that these sanctions will not be lifted until Nicaragua commits to holding free and fair elections with credible international observation. The legislation directly builds on Cruz's 2018 Nicaragua Investment Conditionality Act (NICA), which previously restricted the country's access to international financial loans and most American funding. Recent actions by the Ortega regime, including the announcement to abolish elections and the systematic arrest of political opponents, along with crackdowns on faith-based organizations, have prompted this legislative push. The bi...

Texans Urge State Agency to Prevent Border Wall Construction in State Parks

Texans Urge State Agency to Prevent Border Wall Construction in State Parks

Hundreds of Texans gathered at the annual public hearing of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission (TPWC) in Austin to voice strong opposition to the potential construction of border barriers through state park properties, particularly in the Big Bend region. Despite border barriers not being on the official agenda, 99 individuals signed up to speak, with the vast majority expressing concerns about the environmental and recreational impact of such construction. Citizens displayed signs and chanted slogans like 'No wall, no wire, no way,' emphasizing their desire to protect natural landscapes. While Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has paused construction in Big Bend National Park, plans for Big Bend Ranch State Park and Black Gap Wildlife Management Area remain unclear, with CBP providing limited and changing information. Speakers included river guides, former park superintendents, and organizers from groups like 'No Big Bend Wall,' highlighting the bipartisan nature of the opposition.