Opinion

No legislation does more to advance Texans’ First Amendment rights than the 2011 Texas Citizens Participation Act right now. The act quickly dismisses unmeritorious claims attacking speech, association and petition rights; stays discovery until appellate courts decide claims are sufficiently supported; and awards attorney’s fees and costs to successful movements. The act particularly addresses situations where resource-rich Goliath sues to silence David, armed with a slingshot and a pro bono attorney.

State legislators can take a simple but important step to improve access to mental health care by authorizing Texas to join the Interstate Counseling Compact — currently a group of 25 states who allow Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) the privilege to practice in-person and via telehealth across state lines.

As a lifelong Texan, I’m no stranger to the situation at our southern border. Before joining Congress — where I chaired the Homeland Security Committee for six years and currently chair the Foreign Affairs Committee — I served as a federal prosecutor, tasked with keeping the Texas border secure. I’ve also made many trips to see it for myself and speak with law enforcement on the frontlines.

With each passing year, access to affordable health care is a barrier to more and more Texas families and a greater strain on employers’ budgets. The Texas Legislature is taking steps to address this through innovative, bipartisan action to foster competition, create more transparency and encourage a healthy market for health care.