Amarillo can #CountOnCornyn!
In addition to delivering millions in COVID relief, Senator Cornyn has been a supporter of many issues important to the Panhandle. Below is a snapshot of his record on important issues and efforts to support Texans in Amarillo.
AGRICULTURE
Farming and ranching are sewn into the fabric of Texas history, and agriculture remains a driver of the Texas economy. One-in-seven jobs in Texas are related to the agriculture industry, and Senator Cornyn knows that “In Texas, cotton is still king.”
That’s why Senator Cornyn supported passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and strongly supports a repeal of the Death Tax, ensuring family farms continue to thrive and strengthening America’s food independence. During his time in office, he’s led several initiatives that:
- Reduce overreaching regulatory and tax burdens for Texas farmers and ranchers
- Secure assistance to mitigate, respond and recover when disasters strike
- Ensure farmers and ranchers can compete in a global market
- Increase access to water for rural Texas agriculture
Senator Cornyn has also been a leader in fighting to secure water for rural Texans. In particular, he has worked to ensure Mexico meets its obligations as set forth in the 1944 bi-national Water Management Treaty to release one-third of the water from its Rio Grande tributaries and reservoirs to the United States for agricultural and municipal use. And when crises occur, such as severe drought, Texas ag providers know they can count on Senator Cornyn to work to deliver disaster assistance.
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.
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.
Without question, Texans who call Amarillo home know that they can #CountOnCornyn!
