Texas belongs to Texans. Not the Chinese Communist Party.
The House Select Committee on Securing Texas from Hostile Foreign Organizations was formed to investigate and mitigate the threat of Texas land being bought, owned or controlled by individuals and organizations affiliated with hostile foreign nations such as China, Iran, and Russia. On Wednesday, July 24th, the committee convened for a meeting to hear arguments and testimony, headed by committee Chairman Cole Hefner.
This particular issue has been a concern for many Texans, and legislation to deal with the issue has been considered in the past, but died in the Texas House during the 88th Session. Inherent with the absorption of Texas land by hostile governments is not only national security and espionage threats, but also economic warfare against Texas citizens and their fiscal opportunities and prosperity in the State.
While this meeting is a promising step in the right direction, unfortunately, additional testimony was significantly limited to a select group of invitees, including the Texas Farm Bureau and paid lobbyists. This preordained selection excludes ordinary
Texans and taxpayers who wish to share their testimony and have their voices heard and taken into account on the issue.
Disappointed by the manner in which this meeting took place, TFR penned a letter directed towards Chairman Hefner voicing the disconcertment.
TFR called for increased transparency and the allowance of ordinary Texas citizens to share their stories and concerns with the committee in subsequent, additional hearings.
“Hostile foreign nationals and entities owning or controlling our natural resources, land, housing and other real property, at its core, threatens the American dream for millions of Texas families and small business owners. Texas land and properties should be for Texans, not for actors on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party or other oppressive regimes.”
The voices of millions of Texans cannot be overlooked and should be included in the policy discussion before the drafting of new legislation and the start of the next legislative session.
TFR urges the committee to reconvene and allow for the testimony of their constituents.
Additionally, we will continue to fight for enhanced governmental transparency in all forms, and to enable taxpayers to have their voice heard, and their fiscal opportunities optimized.
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