The Texan Podcast - Daily Rundown - June 2, 2026

Starting point is 00:00:04 Well, howdy folks. Today is Tuesday, June 2nd, and you're listening to the Texans Daily Rundown. I'm the Texan senior editor Rob Lauchess, and here is the rundown of today's news in Texas politics. First up, since last fall, plans by the Trump administration to construct new border barriers in the Big Bend region of far southwest Texas have sparked bipartisan opposition from state and local officials, tourism advocates, conservation groups, and residents, many of who, say the administration's shifting proposals and lack of transparency have only deepened concerns about the project's potential impact on the region. Critics argue that decisions regarding border infrastructure are being made by officials in Washington with little understanding of the unique economic, environmental, and geographic realities of the Big Bend region, including but extending beyond the state and national parks. They contend that the area, which relies heavily on tourism and contains some of

Starting point is 00:01:04 the state's most iconic public lands and wildlife habitats, requires a different approach to border security than more heavily trafficked sectors elsewhere along the Texas-Mexico border. Local officials have long pointed to the region's vast and rugged terrain as a natural deterrent to unlawful crossings and argue that traditional enforcement strategies have historically kept illegal border activity in the sector at comparatively low levels. The issue began last fall under then Secretary of Homeland Security Christy Noam, who issued an order waiving all regulatory restrictions in order to push through the construction of border barriers in the Big Bend sector. Next, Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott revealed the new leader of the U.S.

Starting point is 00:01:48 Border Patrol on Monday, announcing that career agent Rosario Pete Vasquez was being appointed to the spot. Scott wrote on X, quote, Pete has dedicated more than 26 years to securing our nation's borders and serving the men and women of the border patrol. As we continue building on the most secure border in history, I can think of no one better prepared to lead this organization into its next chapter. Vasquez also issued a statement after being named to lead the agency, writing that his 26 years of experience has prepared him for the task. He wrote, quote, together will remain steadfast in our mission to secure the border, pursue operational excellence, and foster ingenuity, with unwavering commitment, professionalism, and integrity. The Border Patrol is a component agency within the larger

Starting point is 00:02:34 CbP, and its chief is appointed by Scott. Together, the agencies all fall under the Department of Homeland Security, which is currently led by Secretary Mark Wayne Mullen. In other news, the Texas House Committee on Homeland Security, Public Safety, and Veterans Affairs met last week for a hearing that covered the implementation of House Bill 33, related to active shooter incidents at schools, among other topics. The meeting on Thursday, May 28th was the first of the interim, and was led by Chair Cole Hefner. HB33, authored by State Representative Don McLaughlin during the 89th legislative session, details policy for responding to active shooter emergencies at both primary and secondary schools. The bill came about after 19 children and two teachers were murdered at the 2022 Robb Elementary School

Starting point is 00:03:24 shooting in Yuvalde, where McLaughlin served as mayor at the the time. Known as the Uvalde Strong Act, HB33 passed with 147 votes in favor to zero against in April 2025. Last but not least, a federal court in Austin has denied a temporary injunction sought by a bullion brand that wanted to stop the Texas Bullion Depository from offering coins with the image of Texas upon them. Texas precious metals, a Texas company based in Shiner, sued acting comptroller of public accounts Kelly Hancock for infringing on its intellectual property rights and exceeding his statutory authority in operating the Texas Bullion Depository by offering its own gold and silver coins. House Bill 483 by State Representative

Starting point is 00:04:09 Giovanni Capriglione was signed by Governor Greg Abbott in 2015 and created the Texas Bullion Depository. In December 2025, Hancock announced that the depository would begin offering quote, commemorative precious metal products to investors and collectors. Texas precious metals sought a preliminary injunction to stop the depository from designing and selling the coins. Thanks for listening. To support the Texan, please be sure to visit the texan. News to get full access to all of our articles, newsletters, and podcasts.

The Texan Podcast - Daily Rundown - June 2, 2026

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