Wichita Falls can #CountOnCornyn!
In addition to delivering millions in COVID relief, Senator Cornyn has been a supporter of many issues important to North Texas. Below is a snapshot of his record on important issues and efforts to support Texans in Wichita Falls.
U.S. MILITARY & VETERANS
Senator Cornyn learned the value of patriotism and service to our country from his father, who spent 31 years in the military — including time as a B-17 pilot in World War II. He grew up in an Air Force family, and knows how interwoven Wichita Falls is with our U.S. military. He is a stalwart supporter of the men and women serving at Sheppard AFB, and advocated for future missions at the base, such as the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter maintenance training and allied F-35 pilot training programs. These initiatives are not only good for Texas, but good for America — providing high-paying jobs while producing the tools our military needs to keep our nation safe.
Additionally, Senator Cornyn supported the largest pay increase for U.S. service members in a decade with the passage of the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act, which included an additional $400 million for military construction projects in Texas.
The senator believes in the honor-bound agreement between Americans and our service men and women, and has shepherded thoughtful, impactful programs for veterans into law. The passage of the VA Mission Act streamlined and strengthened VA community care programs and ensured veterans receive efficient, timely and quality care. Senator Cornyn also jointly authored the Veteran Urgent Access to Mental Healthcare Act to expand veterans’ access to mental health care services, and introduced and ushered into law the HAVEN Act — which protects the economic security and well-being of veterans and their families who rely on disability benefits and may be experiencing financial hardship.
ENERGY
Texas is the nation’s leading producer of oil and natural gas, and a trailblazer in the area of renewable energy. Our state is the lynchpin toward achieving America’s energy independence and bolsters our national security.
Hundreds of thousands of Texans are employed by the oil & gas industry, which contributes more than $3 billion annually to our education system, veterans programs and more. In the wake of an oil & gas battle between Russia and Saudi Arabia, compounded by the global Coronavirus pandemic, our Texas energy industry is hurting. That’s why Senator Cornyn co-sponsored the SAVE Jobs Act to protect the hundreds of thousands of Texans relying on paychecks from the energy industry so they can put food on the table. Beyond the immediate energy industry, this is also a lifeline for many rural communities whose economy — restaurants, salons, hotels and shops — rely on sales revenue to fund critical infrastructure and services, like schools.
Senator Cornyn also is proud of his record to support alternative and renewable energy initiatives, and believes we must be good stewards of the earth for future generations. He sponsored the LEADING Act, which incentivizes research and development of carbon capture technology. Reducing emissions is critical to stemming climate change, and innovation in environmental technologies like carbon-capture show tremendous promise for our environment.
INTERNATIONAL TRADE/USMCA
Transit and trade are core drivers of the Texas economy. Earlier this year, Senator Cornyn supported the passage of the new U.S.-Mexico-Canada-Agreement (USMCA) — an economic boon for Texas. The new agreement will provide greater access to global markets for Texas agriculture businesses and fortifies Texas’ ability to export oil & gas. In fact, in 2018, Texas exported more than $10.8 billion in oil & gas and $22.8 billion in petroleum and coal products to Canada and Mexico.
Without question, Texans who call Wichita Falls home know that they can #CountOnCornyn!
RECENT MEDIA COVERAGE:
Sen. Cornyn introduces health coverage bill for laid off, furloughed Texans
MSU Texas receives $262K federal grant for first-generation, low-income students
Wichita Co. to receive $132K in second round of COVID-19 public housing grants
Cornyn: Wichita Falls area to receive $132K in federal grants
Iron House Pub hopes to Save Our Stage through national movement
Nortex Regional Planning Commission in Wichita Falls receives $211K grant
Wichita Falls receives $4.6M to improve transit during coronavirus outbreak
Community Healthcare Center receives $567K to expand COVID-19 testing
Cornyn: Public housing to get CARES federal funds
MSU Texas receives first half of $4.4 million stimulus
Wichita Falls airports to receive over a $1 million in federal funding
Community Healthcare Center receives federal grant to fight coronavirus
Cornyn announces $1.2 million in relief funds for Community Health Care Center
