Corpus Christi can #CountOnCornyn!

In addition to delivering millions COVID relief, Senator Cornyn has a long record of supporting Corpus Christi. Here’s a “one stop” snapshot of his record on important issues and efforts that support Texans in the Coastal Bend. 

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 Corpus Christi is with our U.S. military. He is a stalwart supporter of our military men and women, and advocated for funding to support the many specialized training, technology and medical programs housed at Texas bases. These programs 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.

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. 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 ensure 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 been a leader in fighting to secure water for rural Texans. In particular, he 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

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.  

ANTI-HUMAN TRAFFICKING

As a district judge, Texas Supreme Court justice, Attorney General, and now U.S. Senator, John Cornyn has played critical roles in delivering justice to victims and survivors. He sponsored and passed into law the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act, which cracks down on human trafficking and provides help for victims by creating new law enforcement tools to fight human traffickers; punishing pimps; and treating exploited children as the victims they are – not as criminals. He then pushed further for victims, sponsoring the Abolish Human Trafficking Act in order to toughen penalties on criminals and strengthen survivor support. 

Senator Cornyn also sponsored the PROTECT Our Children Act, reauthorizing the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program, a national network of 61 coordinated task forces representing 3,500 federal, state, and local law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies that combat online child exploitation across the country. 

Without question, Texans who call the Texas coast home know that they can #CountOnCornyn!