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City of Edinburg’s Inaugural South Texas Arts Fair, June 13th-14th

The City of Edinburg is proud to introduce the first-ever South Texas Arts Fair, scheduled for Friday, June 13 through Saturday, June 14, 2025, at the Edinburg Arts, Culture & Events Center, located at 315 W. McIntyre Street, Edinburg, TX 78541. Courtesy image
The City of Edinburg is proud to introduce the first-ever South Texas Arts Fair, scheduled for Friday, June 13 through Saturday, June 14, 2025, at the Edinburg Arts, Culture & Events Center, located at 315 W. McIntyre Street, Edinburg, TX 78541. Courtesy image

EDINBURG, Texas – The City of Edinburg is proud to introduce the first-ever South Texas Arts Fair, scheduled for Friday, June 13 through Saturday, June 14, 2025, at the Edinburg Arts, Culture & Events Center, located at 315 W. McIntyre Street, Edinburg, TX 78541.

Presented by the City of Edinburg Cultural Arts Division in collaboration with the Edinburg Arts Foundation, this juried fine arts fair will showcase the work of over 20 visual artists from South Texas and beyond. Attendees will have the opportunity to view and purchase original artwork directly from the artists, who will retain 100% of their sales. The fair will feature a variety of media, including painting, ceramics, sculpture, photography, and mixed media.

Courtesy image

The mission of the South Texas Arts Fair is to highlight the diverse creative talent of the Rio Grande Valley and greater region, fostering cultural appreciation, encouraging economic development, and promoting community engagement and tourism through the arts.

A distinguished panel of jurors has selected the participating artists and will adjudicate awards during the event. This year’s jurors include:

Ed Pogue – Director, School of Art and Design, UTRGV, Edinburg, TX
Marcelo A. Ramirez Garcia-Rojas – Chief Curator, International Museum of Art and Science, McAllen, TX
Rebecca Bridges – Executive Director, Center for Contemporary Arts, Abilene, TX
Tiffany Jehorek – Executive Director and Curator of Exhibits, Longview Museum of Fine Arts, Longview, TX
Caitlin Clay – Curator of Exhibitions, Museum of Southeast Texas, Beaumont, TX
Luis Purón – Executive Director, Rockport Center for the Arts, Rockport, TX

Awards and cash prizes will be presented in several categories, including Best of Show, individual Best in Medium awards, and Honorable Mentions.

The fair will launch with an exclusive, ticketed VIP Opening Reception on Friday, June 13, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Guests will enjoy early access to the artists, live jazz by The Jazz Collective, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and beverages in an elegant setting. Tickets are $60 and can be purchased at www.edinburgarts.com/southtexasartsfair or in person at the Edinburg Arts, Culture & Events Center.

On Saturday, June 14, the fair will be open to the public free of charge from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., welcoming visitors of all ages to enjoy a day of art, creativity, and cultural exploration.The South Texas Arts Fair is one of many impactful programs presented by the City of Edinburg Cultural Arts Division. For more information, visit the Edinburg Arts, Culture & Events Center at 315 W. McIntyre Street, call (956) 388-8224, or 

Trio of Edinburg PD Employees Honored at State Law Enforcement Achievement Awards

Friday, June 13, 2025, marked a proud moment for the Edinburg Police Department, as three of its members were formally recognized at the 2025 State of Texas Law Enforcement Achievement Awards Ceremony. Image courtesy of The City of Edinburg
Friday, June 13, 2025, marked a proud moment for the Edinburg Police Department, as three of its members were formally recognized at the 2025 State of Texas Law Enforcement Achievement Awards Ceremony. Image courtesy of The City of Edinburg

Edinburg, TX— Friday, June 13, 2025, marked a proud moment for the Edinburg Police Department, as three of its members were formally recognized at the 2025 State of Texas Law Enforcement Achievement Awards Ceremony. Hosted by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE), the ceremony took place at the historic Chamber of the Texas House of Representatives in the State Capitol in Austin. This prestigious event honors outstanding law enforcement professionals from across the state who have demonstrated exceptional service and dedication to their communities.

Elias Martinez, Communications Manager for the Edinburg Police Department. Image courtesy of The City of Edinburg

Elias Martinez, Communications Manager for the Edinburg Police Department, received the Public Service Award for his instrumental role in implementing the Intrado Multimedia-to-911 software service. This cutting-edge system enables the public to share live video during emergencies directly with dispatchers, transforming the way emergency services can assess, respond to, and manage crises in real-time. Martinez’s initiative has greatly enhanced community safety and emergency response capabilities, far exceeding the standard expectations of job performance.

Officer Jose Ramos III and Officer Robert Lee Garcia, were awarded the Valor Award for their extraordinary bravery during a life-threatening incident. Image courtesy of The City pf Edinburg

Two of Edinburg’s finest, Officer Jose Ramos III and Officer Robert Lee Garcia, were awarded the Valor Award for their extraordinary bravery during a life-threatening incident. On March 9, 2024, the officers responded to a house fire where a six-year-old child was reported trapped inside. Without hesitation, Officers Ramos and Garcia rushed into the burning home, which was fully engulfed in smoke and flames, and successfully rescued the child, bringing him to safety. Their selfless actions, risking their own lives, prevented what could have been a tragic loss. Both officers were previously honored with Lifesaving Awards from both the Edinburg Police and Fire Departments for their heroic efforts.

“These awards are not just recognition—they’re a reminder of the exceptional character, dedication, and courage that define our department,” said Edinburg Police Chief Jaime Ayala. “We are incredibly proud of Elias, Officer Ramos, and Officer Garcia for setting an example of service and bravery that inspires us all.”

TRB Engagement at BTA’s Washington Conference

Stakeholders, including Jesse Ozuna of Texas Regional Bank, participate in the Border Trade Alliance’s 2025 Washington, D.C. conference, engaging in trade, infrastructure, and cross-border economic development policy discussions. Courtesy image
Stakeholders, including Jesse Ozuna of Texas Regional Bank, participate in the Border Trade Alliance’s 2025 Washington, D.C. conference, engaging in trade, infrastructure, and cross-border economic development policy discussions. Courtesy image

Texas Border Business

This week, Jesse Ozuna, Vice President of Public Affairs at Texas Regional Bank (TRB), attended the Border Trade Alliance’s 11th Annual “Building a Competitive U.S.–Mexico Border” Conference in Washington, D.C., on June 11, 2025. The event focused on trade, travel, economic development, and security—all critical pillars for cross-border business.

At the conference, government officials, industry leaders, and policy experts gathered to discuss border infrastructure, regulatory alignment, supply chain resilience, and emerging technologies shaping North America’s competitiveness. Jesse Ozuna participated in sessions covering congressional policy updates and trade facilitation efforts, gaining firsthand insight into legislative developments that impact TRB clients in agriculture, transportation, and cross-border business.

This engagement is integral to TRB’s commitment to delivering informed, customized services through its International Private Banking division and other specialized units. TRB ensures its advisory services, risk assessments, and financial solutions remain timely and relevant by staying attuned to federal policy shifts, such as infrastructure funding, border security measures, and trade regulations.

TRB noted that insights obtained during the conference are now integrated into client outreach and portfolio strategies. The bank aims to leverage enhanced knowledge of policy trends to bolster trade financing, optimize foreign exchange management, and support treasury services for clients across the U.S.-Mexico border.

TRB reinforces its role as a proactive financial partner through its active involvement in gatherings like the BTA conference. Ozuna’s participation in Washington highlights the bank’s dedication to aligning its offerings with evolving cross-border dynamics, ultimately strengthening support for its clients navigating the complexities of bilateral commerce.

See related story:

SBA Relief Available to Texas Small Businesses, Private Nonprofits and Residents

 In response to a Presidential disaster declaration issued May 21, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to Texas small businesses, private nonprofit (PNP) organizations and residents affected by severe storms and flooding occurring March 26-28. Courtesy image
 In response to a Presidential disaster declaration issued May 21, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to Texas small businesses, private nonprofit (PNP) organizations and residents affected by severe storms and flooding occurring March 26-28. Courtesy image

SACRAMENTO, Calif.– In response to a Presidential disaster declaration issued May 21, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to Texas small businesses, private nonprofit (PNP) organizations and residents affected by severe storms and flooding occurring March 26-28.

The disaster declaration covers the Texas counties of Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr and Willacy.

Businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.

Applicants may be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements include insulating pipes, walls and attics, weather stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows to help protect property and occupants from future disasters.

SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries and PNPs impacted by financial losses directly related to this disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises.

EIDLs are for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. They may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

“One distinct advantage of SBA’s disaster loan program is the opportunity to fund upgrades reducing the risk of future storm damage,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “I encourage businesses and homeowners to work with contractors and mitigation professionals to improve their storm readiness while taking advantage of SBA’s mitigation loans.”

Interest rates can be as low as 4% for small businesses, 3.62% for PNPs and 2.75% for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

As soon as Federal-State Disaster Recovery Centers open throughout the affected area, SBA will provide one-on-one assistance to disaster loan applicants. Additional information and details on the location of disaster recovery centers is available by calling the SBA Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955.

To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is July 21, 2025. The deadline to return economic injury applications is Feb. 23, 2026.

See the fact sheets below:

About the U.S. Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

NADBank Commits $400 Million to Combat Border Region Water Crisis

Board members from the United States and Mexico convene during NADBank’s semiannual meeting in Ciudad Juárez to discuss cross-border water infrastructure investments and drought response strategies. Courtesy image
Board members from the United States and Mexico convene during NADBank’s semiannual meeting in Ciudad Juárez to discuss cross-border water infrastructure investments and drought response strategies. Courtesy image

Texas Border Business

Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua – The North American Development Bank (NADBank) has announced plans to invest up to US$400 million in a major new effort to combat escalating water scarcity in the U.S.-Mexico border region. This decision was made during the Bank’s 2025 semiannual Board of Directors meeting, held this year in Ciudad Juárez, and reflects a growing urgency to address long-standing drought conditions affecting both countries.

John Beckham. Courtesy image

The funding will be channeled through the newly proposed Water Resilience Fund (WRF), which is designed to support water conservation, infrastructure upgrades, and diversification projects across the region. Of the total amount, US$100 million will be drawn from NADBank’s retained earnings over the next five years and made available as concessional financing. An additional US$300 million will be offered as low-interest loans from the Bank’s existing lending capacity. NADBank may also use market-rate instruments to expand the initiative’s reach.

“The Rio Grande River is facing severe water shortages from prolonged drought and outdated infrastructure. The two southernmost counties in Texas have declared emergencies due to dwindling supplies,” stated John Beckham, NADBank Managing Director. “With the new Water Resiliency Fund, NADBank will invest in conservation and diversification projects for local, regional, and binational stakeholders, offering critical relief.”

Public Meeting of the NADBank Board of Directors in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua – July 13, 2025. Hosted by the North American Development Bank to engage stakeholders on binational investment and environmental priorities. Courtesy image

Beckham emphasized that initial funding will target high-priority projects in the agriculture sector, where water stress has reached particularly critical levels. The Bank will also ensure equal distribution of financial resources between the U.S. and Mexico to support a coordinated, binational response to the crisis.

The proposal for the Water Resilience Fund will undergo a 30-day public comment period before final approval by the Board. This process will include feedback from local communities, environmental groups, project developers, and public and private stakeholders. Approximately 100 participants joined the meeting in person or virtually to voice their concerns and offer project proposals relevant to their communities.

The NADBank Board of Directors includes representatives from the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the Department of State, and the Environmental Protection Agency, Mexico’s Ministry of Finance and Public Credit, the Ministry of Foreign Relations, and the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources. Border state and community representatives from both countries also serve on the Board, ensuring regional interests are well represented in decision-making.

The creation of the WRF marks a significant step in NADBank’s ongoing efforts to address urgent infrastructure and environmental challenges along the border. The initiative aims to deliver long-term solutions to one of the region’s most pressing issues by focusing on sustainable investment and leveraging cross-border cooperation.

McAllen Assistant City Manager Jeff Johnston Named TCMA Mentor of the Year

This distinguished honor, awarded in memory of Gary Gwyn, recognizes Johnston’s exceptional commitment to mentoring, leadership, and ethical governance in public service. Courtesy images
This distinguished honor, awarded in memory of Gary Gwyn, recognizes Johnston’s exceptional commitment to mentoring, leadership, and ethical governance in public service. Courtesy images

The City of McAllen announced that Assistant City Manager Jeff Johnston has been named the 2024 Mentor of the Year by the Texas City Management Association (TCMA). This distinguished honor, awarded in memory of Gary Gwyn, recognizes Johnston’s exceptional commitment to mentoring, leadership, and ethical governance in public service.

TCMA Region 10 proudly nominated Johnston for this accolade, citing his dedication to guiding, developing, and mentoring the next generation of municipal leaders. With a career marked by extensive experience in municipal leadership, emergency management, and community service, Johnston has played a crucial role in shaping future public servants and strengthening city operations.

McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos praised Johnston’s leadership, stating, “Jeff Johnston exemplifies what it means to be a mentor. His dedication to fostering ethical leadership and professional growth within the City of McAllen and beyond is truly commendable. His mentorship has positively impacted countless public servants, ensuring that our city continues to benefit from strong, capable leadership.”

City Manager Ike Tawil echoed these sentiments, highlighting Johnston’s impact on McAllen’s municipal operations. “Jeff’s leadership goes beyond day-to-day management; he actively invests in the success of our employees and the broader public service community. His ability to mentor and inspire others has had a lasting impact on our workforce, making McAllen a model for professional development in local government.”

Johnston expressed gratitude for the recognition, saying, “I am certainly honored to receive this award from TCMA.  I have been blessed with some great mentors along the way in my career and am grateful for the opportunity to step alongside a new generation of public servants as they navigate their calling – to serve others.”

Johnston currently serves as the Assistant City Manager and Emergency Management Coordinator for the City of McAllen, overseeing nine municipal departments with combined operating and capital budgets of over $215 million and leading more than 715 employees. His leadership extends beyond operational management; he is deeply committed to fostering a workplace culture where employees can grow and reach their full potential.

Throughout his career, Johnston has spearheaded several employee development initiatives, including the Employee Mentoring Program and the Employee Leadership Development Program. As a founding member of both programs, he has played a vital role in guiding city employees toward professional excellence. 

In the past 18 months, he has worked with staff to refine these programs, further emphasizing individualized employee growth. Additionally, he collaborated with the Human Resources Department to revamp the city’s New Employee Orientation Program, ensuring new hires are seamlessly integrated into the organization and connected with mentorship opportunities.

Beyond his work in McAllen, Johnston has been a guiding force in the Texas City Management Association, serving two terms on the State Board, another term as a Regional President and over seven years on the TCMA Ethics Committee. His contributions to ethical governance and professional development have had a profound impact across Texas municipalities. He has also presented ethics and leadership training at local, regional, and state conferences, mentoring hundreds of municipal employees statewide.

Johnston’s expertise in emergency management has also set him apart as a leader and mentor. His work in McAllen and Brownsville has included overseeing dozens of disaster response and recovery efforts, guiding emergency managers across Texas through crises, and helping communities improve their preparedness and response processes. His ability to lead under pressure and mentor others in high-stakes situations has earned him widespread respect in the field.  In fact, just last month, Johnston was awarded the 2025 Texas Emergency Management Leadership Award at the Texas Emergency Management Conference in Fort Worth in recognition of his efforts.

Beyond his professional contributions, Johnston is an active community leader. He serves as a Deacon and Bible Study leader for young adults in his church and as the elected President of a Home School association in Hidalgo County, where he and his wife serve and mentor over 130 families. His commitment to mentorship extends beyond the workplace, reinforcing his dedication to service and leadership in all aspects of life.

The City of McAllen congratulates Jeff Johnston on this well-deserved recognition and celebrates his continued contributions to mentorship, ethical leadership, and professional development.

Information source: The City of McAllen

CBP Officers at Hidalgo International Bridge Apprehend Fugitive Wanted for Murder 

U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations officers apprehended a U.S. citizen wanted on an outstanding felony warrant for capital murder. Image for illustration purposes

HIDALGO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations officers apprehended a U.S. citizen wanted on an outstanding felony warrant for capital murder, June 11.

“CBP screens all travelers entering the United States. We are committed to bringing in those individuals to face their criminal charges,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Port of Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas.

CBP officers encountered 31-year-old Alan Alexis Ornelas, of Desoto, Texas, as he arrived from Mexico at the Hidalgo International Bridge. A CBP officer immediately secured him after discovering he was a possible match to an arrest warrant. CBP officers, utilizing biometric verification, confirmed his identity along with the active arrest warrant out of Dallas County Sheriff’s Office. Ornelas has been wanted since September of 2024 and is charged with capital murder by terror, a first-degree felony in the state of Texas.

A Hidalgo police officer arrived to take custody of Ornelas and transported him to the Hidalgo County Jail where he will await extradition to Dallas County.

Criminal charges are merely allegations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Stopping the Obstruction of Immigration Enforcement

The United States filed a complaint against the State of New York, challenging state policies that blocked immigration officials from arresting individuals at or near New York courthouses. Image for illustration purposes
The United States filed a complaint against the State of New York, challenging state policies that blocked immigration officials from arresting individuals at or near New York courthouses. Image for illustration purposes

US Department of Justice

WASHINGTON – The United States filed a complaint against the State of New York, challenging state policies that blocked immigration officials from arresting individuals at or near New York courthouses. Specifically, the complaint challenges a law, called the Protect Our Courts Act, that purposefully shields dangerous aliens from being lawfully detained at or on their way to or from a courthouse and imposes criminal liability for violations of the shield. This law and accompanying polices violate the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution because they obstruct the execution of federal immigration authorities.

“Lawless sanctuary city policies are the root cause of the violence that Americans have seen in California, and New York State is similarly employing sanctuary city policies to prevent illegal aliens from apprehension,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “This latest lawsuit in a series of sanctuary city litigation underscores the Department of Justice’s commitment to keeping Americans safe and aggressively enforcing the law.”

New York’s law comes after Executive Order 10866, Declaring a National Emergency at the Southern Border, which directs the Department of Homeland of Security to issue guidelines for the safe and effective enforcement of immigration laws around the country, specifically at or near courthouses. As is true in all types of law enforcement, conducting an arrest at or near a courthouse often reduced the risk of flight and potential safety risks to the public, law enforcement officers, and targets themselves due to the enhanced security screenings in place at courthouses. New York’s law runs counter to common sense and endangers communities by eliminating safe places for law enforcement officers to act.

As explained in the complaint, filed by newly confirmed Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate, “Through these enactments, New York obstructs federal law enforcement and facilitates the evasion of federal law by dangerous criminals, notwithstanding federal agents’ statutory mandate to detain and remove illegal aliens.”

This is the latest in several lawsuits the Department of Justice has filed challenging state interference with immigration enforcement. In May, the Department sued several New Jersey cities who had enacted sanctuary policies.

Read the full complaint HERE.

Updated June 12, 2025

Cornyn, Schmitt Announce Whistleblower Hotline for Biden Mental Decline Cover-Up Tips

U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Eric Schmitt (R-MO) announced a whistleblower hotline for former White House staff and officials to come forward with any information regarding the cover-up of President Biden’s decline or insight into who was running the country while the President was sidelined. Image for illustration purposes
U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Eric Schmitt (R-MO) announced a whistleblower hotline for former White House staff and officials to come forward with any information regarding the cover-up of President Biden’s decline or insight into who was running the country while the President was sidelined. Image for illustration purposes

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Eric Schmitt (R-MO) announced a whistleblower hotline for former White House staff and officials to come forward with any information regarding the cover-up of President Biden’s decline or insight into who was running the country while the President was sidelined:

“I’m looking forward to next week’s hearing to discuss the important constitutional questions raised by the fact that we don’t know whose finger was on the nuclear button and who was responsible for war and peace given President Biden’s obvious cognitive decline,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This hotline provides an open line of communication for anyone who knows the facts about Biden’s mental acuity to come forward so we can once and for all get to the bottom of what may be one of the greatest political scandals in modern history.”

Background:

Sen. Cornyn is pushing to get answers on the alleged cover-up of former President Biden’s cognitive decline by the mainstream media, Biden family, and his inner circle, and he recently sent a letter to the Department of Justice calling for an investigation. Sen. Cornyn is co-leading an upcoming Senate Judiciary Committee hearing scheduled for June 18, 2025 alongside Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-MO) to investigate who was running the country during President Joe Biden’s cognitive decline while in office and the mainstream media’s subsequent cover-up.

If you had interactions with President Biden where mental decline was evident and you wish to confidentially share your story, please contact the whistleblower hotline. To submit a tip, email bidentips@schmitt.senate.gov.

Cornyn Texas Border Security Reimbursement Provision Included in Senate’s One Big Beautiful Bill

“No state did more to protect and defend the southern border during the disastrous Biden-Harris open border crisis than Texas, and I am proud that my provision to reimburse Texas taxpayers for the more than $11 billion spent on border security has been included in the Senate’s One Big Beautiful Bill,” said Sen. Cornyn. Image: Public Domain. Bgd USCBP Flikr image for illustration purposes
“No state did more to protect and defend the southern border during the disastrous Biden-Harris open border crisis than Texas, and I am proud that my provision to reimburse Texas taxpayers for the more than $11 billion spent on border security has been included in the Senate’s One Big Beautiful Bill,” said Sen. Cornyn. Image: Public Domain. Bgd USCBP Flikr image for illustration purposes

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement after the Senate Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs released their legislative text for the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which includes provisions he authored that would provide $13.5 billion in funding to reimburse states like Texas for stepping up and trying to secure the southern border during the Biden-Harris administration:

“No state did more to protect and defend the southern border during the disastrous Biden-Harris open border crisis than Texas, and I am proud that my provision to reimburse Texas taxpayers for the more than $11 billion spent on border security has been included in the Senate’s One Big Beautiful Bill,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This is a win for Governor Abbott and the Texas Republican congressional delegation, who I worked with closely to ensure this reimbursement was made a priority and did not leave the people of Texas on the hook for the costs of Biden’s failed border policies. I was proud to lead this push in the Senate, and I look forward to voting for the One Big Beautiful Bill with this border security reimbursement for Texas included in the coming weeks.”

Background:

Senator Cornyn has led the fight in Washington to secure federal reimbursement for Texas by:

  • Swiftly backing Governor Abbott’s request for the State to be reimbursed by the federal government for the Texas taxpayer dollars spent on Operation Lone Star;
  • Calling attention to the ongoing reimbursement effort on the Senate floor;
  • Meeting with Governor Abbott and members of the Texas congressional delegation to discuss the legislative strategy for the reimbursement push; 
  • Holding ongoing meetings and phone calls with Governor Abbott, Senate and House leadership, and congressional colleagues regarding the effort;
  • And leading legislation in the Senate to reimburse the State of Texas for the more than $11 billion dollars Texas taxpayers spent on Operation Lone Star.