Texas House Establishes Committee to Counter Threats from Hostile Foreign Organizations

Texas Speaker of the House Dade Phelan has announced the establishment of a special committee aimed at investigating the threats posed by hostile foreign organizations to the Texas economy and overall security. The seven-member House Select Committee on Securing Texas From Hostile Foreign Organizations will focus on various aspects including acquisition of real property and intellectual property theft, with the goal of safeguarding governmental bodies and businesses across the state.

“Texas holds a world-renowned reputation as America’s leader in economic opportunity, innovation and personal freedoms, but this proud legacy also makes us a target for foreign economic aggression and subversive influences,” said Speaker Phelan. “Organizations like the Chinese Communist Party routinely engage in IP theft to inflict damage on competitors as well as unfair trade practices like excessively subsidizing certain industries for economic supremacy. Repressive foreign entities are also working to sow discord and disinformation among our citizens and attack our principles of freedom, faith and patriotism. It is the Texas Legislature’s duty to examine the ways in which our economy and society are vulnerable to hostile foreign organizations and their sinister attempts to undermine our security. I look forward to this committee’s findings and policy recommendations that will help keep the Texas miracle alive for our next generation.”

The appointed committee members are Representative Cole Hefner as Chair, along with Representatives Angie Chen Button, Cody Harris, Todd Hunter, Ray Lopez, Armando Martinez, and Terry Wilson.

Speaker Phelan has tasked the committee with delivering a final report, akin to an interim study committee, detailing their findings and policy recommendations.