When it comes to measuring the country's national rate of inflation, the latest government gimmick will infuriate you – particularly when it comes to measuring the cost of your morning cup of coffee. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) uses a "basket of goods" to calculate the inflation rate – which is supposed to represent what regular Americans buy. The problem is, they keep taking things out of the basket. In fact, the April 2024 CPI inflation report last week was the first to NOT include coffee price inflation.
Weakness invites aggression – and we had better believe that our adversaries see it. It all began with the catastrophic fall of Afghanistan – when Joe Biden's White House failed to establish any form of deterrence to counter the threat of the CCP, the Chinese Communist Party. And as a result today, the United States is on the brink of total destabilization in the Middle East, Israel is fighting for its very existence from the terrorist threat of Hamas, Hezbollah & Iran, and its time we return to the Reagan Doctrine of "Peace Through Strength."
"Our country remains the greatest Force for Freedom the world has ever known, and that freedom has been preserved, protected & defended by the mightiest military in the history of the world," said Gov. Abbott, delivering the keynote address and reminding Texans to honor and remember those who've served in the U.S. Armed Forces to safeguard American Liberties – not just on Memorial Day, but every day. The Governor also called for a renewed dedication to caring for military families and increasing veteran career resources in Texas.
Harmony Charter Schools is expanding, and plans to open two additional campuses for the 2025-2026 school year by beginning to serve students in Grades PK-6. The district will add a new grade level each year, and plans to build a second building at each location to accept students in Grades PK-12. Harmony Science-Leander, and Harmony Science-Georgetown, will make the 8th and 9th grade campuses, and applications begin for the 2025-2026 school year on November 1st, 2024.
In the South Texas Congressional District I represent – which includes the largest stretch of U.S. Border covered by any member of Congress – Joe Biden’s pro-amnesty policies have turned our lives upside down. Dangerous, violent gangs like "Tren de Aragua" have infiltrated American Communities nationwide, and lethal narcotics are poisoning our children. Three years ago these small Border Cities were low-profile, and now they dominate the headlines. They want to feel safe again.
As then-Governor Ronald Reagan wisely said at his 1967 gubernatorial inaugural address, “Freedom is a fragile thing – and it’s never more than one generation away from extinction. It is not ours by way of inheritance; It must be fought for, and defended constantly by each generation, for it comes only once to a people.” First observed as "Decoration Day" in 1868 to pay tribute to the Union & Confederate soldiers who died during the Civil War, it's a day to honor the 1 million-plus Americans who've laid down their lives in combat since the founding of our nation.
“It's our tradition, and is always special to have an Active-Duty individual present to talk about the meaning of Memorial Day, especially someone with General Rainey’s extensive experience and present service as the Commanding General of the Army’s Futures Command,” said Gen. Mike Hagee, USMC (Ret.), President & CEO of the Admiral Nimitz Foundation, announcing that Gen. James E. Rainey, Commanding General (CG,) Army Futures Command will provide the keynote address at the Nimitz Foundation's National Museum on May 27th from 10:30 to 11:35.
Texans are invited to drive through the following four Texas State Veterans Cemeteries that will be open 24 hours a day from Friday, May 24th through Memorial Day, Monday, May 27th. The “Avenue of Flags” will be lit throughout each night, as will as the headstones of those killed or Missing In Action who are interred at the cemetery. Help honor those who gave their lives, as we express our profound gratitude to the fallen men & women who bravely served in America’s Armed Forces and made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
“After serving for 20 years in the U.S. Navy, I now have the honor of serving our nation in the U.S. Congress. South and West Texas contain vital Military Installations & VA Facilities, and is home to many veterans and military families. So I’m proud to announce that this 2025 Military Construction & Veterans Funding Bill contains incredible wins for the communities I represent,” said Cong. Gonzales, after he successfully advanced a number of critical funding priorities for military installations, servicemembers, and veterans across the 23rd District and Texas.
After a recent summit between new partners China and Russia, General Secretary Xi Jinping and Russian Federation President Vladimir Putin issued an odd one-sentence communique: "There can be no winners in a nuclear war and it should never be fought." No one would disagree, even though several officials of both hypocritical governments have previously threatened their neighbors with nuclear attacks.
Ahead of next Tuesday's Run-Off Elections in Texas, many Texans are being told that various schools or ISD's are running large budget deficits – which means local Superintendents are being looked at for their district’s fiscal mismanagement practices. But looking behind the curtain, Private Vendor “Consultants” or “Lobbyists” in too many ISDs are pocketing millions of your school tax dollars – while Students & Teachers are being told “there’s not enough money.” Here's just a few examples.
On Friday, May 24th, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) will hold a press conference to highlight the FAA Reauthorization Act becoming law and how it will connect San Antonio International Airport (SAT) with a nonstop flight into Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg, along with aviation and community leaders, will join Sen. Cruz to discuss the benefits of this legislation for the residents of Military City, USA, and outline the next steps for bringing a direct flight from Washington, D.C. to San Antonio.
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) issued the following statement after the Senate voted in a bipartisan manner to pass a resolution he authored disapproving of a Department of Energy rule on gas furnace efficiency standards. The rule would effectively ban non-condensing gas furnace models, dramatically increasing costs for American families.
Governor Greg Abbott today announced that he has added Calhoun, Delta, Jones, and Lamar Counties to the state’s Disaster Declaration for counties impacted by severe storms and flooding that began on April 26th. Additional counties may be added as damage assessments are completed. Additionally, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved an additional portion of the Governor’s request for FEMA Individual Assistance programs.
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is now accepting applications for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) as a result of the severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding that began on April 26. Governor Greg Abbott requested a Presidential Disaster Declaration on May 15, 2024, which included a request for DUA benefits in seven counties. Under the May 17, 2024, Presidential Disaster Declaration, workers and self-employed individuals in Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, Polk, San Jacinto, Trinity, and Walker Counties who have been unable to work due to damage sustained from the severe weather may be eligible for DUA benefits.
How many unarmed black men did the police kill in 2019? Fifty percent of Americans thought police killed 1,000 or more, while 8% thought police killed 10,000 or more. What did those who self-describe themselves as "liberal" think? Thirty-nine percent thought the police killed 1,000 or more, and 5% thought the police killed 10,000 or more. The actual number, according to the Washington Post database, was 12 – and the police kill more unarmed whites than unarmed blacks.
Roughly 1.0 million to 2.7 million Non-Citizens will illegally vote in the 2024 Presidential & Congressional Elections this year – unless stronger integrity measures are implemented. That's the conclusion of a newly released report from the Just Facts Research Group, which says that since between 10%-27% of Non-Citizen Adults in the U.S. are illegally registered to vote, the following facts prove there are currently wide enough openings for the results of November's Election to be altered.
With "the Economy & Inflation" at the top of everyone's list of concerns this year, a recent study found that 79% of Americans now believe there's a "Retirement Crisis – up 12% from 2020. While nearly every American has paid into Social Security – with the understanding we'll eventually reap those benefits – many Americans are growing increasingly concerned about their retirement savings. The reality may be daunting, but the private sector offers solutions to the government’s uncertainty.
