After 11 hours of testimony before the Texas House Homeland Security, Public Safety, and Defense & Veterans Affairs Committee, I want to thank the over 100 people who traveled from every corner of our state to make their voices heard on House Bill 17. Your dedication to engaging with this process is seen and valued. Your courage to stand up for your rights and the principles of fairness and justice is what makes our democracy strong. I entered this legislative session committed to ensuring Texas is protected from foreign adversaries. But legislation that sacrifices equity for political expediency does not make us safer—it undermines our integrity. The Committee Substitute for House Bill 17 goes far beyond security. It introduces criminal penalties without due process, arbitrarily expands executive power, and punishes law-abiding Texans who happen to live near airports or borders. We can protect Texas from legitimate threats without trampling on the rights of those who are simply striving for a better life. Many of the individuals who testified today are members of Asian communities across Texas who fear this bill will unfairly target them and their families. Their concerns are real, and their experiences matter. I cannot support legislation that undermines the principles of justice and equality. As this bill continues through the legislative process, I will work to ensure that we find the right balance—security without sacrificing equity. Thank you for your passion, your presence, and your powerful testimonies. Our fight for justice continues. #txlege #HB17 – at Austin, TX