The Texan Podcast - Daily Rundown - March 6, 2025

Episode Date: March 6, 2025

Want to support The Texan and help us continue providing the Lone Star State with news you can trust? Subscribe today: https://thetexan.news/subscribe/Learn more about the Data Center Coalition at: https://www.centerofyourdigitalworld.org/texasThe Texan’s Daily Rundown brings you a quick recap of the latest stories in Texas politics so you can stay informed with news you can trust.Want more resources? Be sure to visit The Texan and subscribe for complete access to our in-depth articles, subscriber-exclusive newsletters, videos, podcasts, and more.Enjoy what you hear? Be sure to subscribe and leave a review!

Howdy folks, today is Thursday, March 6th and you're listening to the Texans Daily Rundown. I'm the Texans Assistant Editor Rob Lauschus and here is the rundown of today's news in Texas politics. First up, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to censure Representative Al Green Thursday in response to the Houston congressman's behavior during President Donald Trump's address to Congress earlier this week. Representative Dan Newhouse said during debate on Wednesday evening, quote, we cannot ignore

the willful disruption intended to stop a proceeding. Just minutes into Trump's speech on Tuesday, Green stood and began shouting, you have no mandate at the president. Despite warnings from speaker Mike Johnson to maintain decorum, Green refused to be seated and continued to shout until Johnson ordered the house sergeant at arms to remove him from the chamber. On Wednesday, both representatives Troy Nels and Newhouse filed censure resolutions against Green, citing violation of decorum and order.

New House's version constituted a privileged motion, which gave the House two days to take up the matter. The censure resolution passed 228 to 194, with two members voting present. There are currently 218 Republicans and 214 Democrats in the House with three vacancies, including that left by the death of Representative Sylvester Turner Tuesday night. Stay tuned for more news updates after this short message. Data centers fuel 364,000 Texas jobs, generate $3.5 billion in state and local taxes, and

power essential services like banking, healthcare, and video calls. With 21 connected devices per household and soaring data demands, these hubs drive Texas's booming economy, shape its technological future, and keep your data here in the U.S. To learn more, visit centerofyourdigitalworld.org. Now returning to your daily Texas news. Next, new reports are finding that border crossings have dropped significantly since President Donald Trump entered office, which comes as Texas lawmakers push a new bill requiring local law enforcement to assist with deportations, while state officials and federal cabinet members visit the border amid ongoing tensions over immigration policy. Internal figures reviewed by Axios have

found that crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border nosedived in February, which is indicative of an overall trend of falling apprehensions along the southwest border in recent months. Additionally, in February, roughly 8,300 people were apprehended after crossing the border illegally between ports of entry, according to U.S. Border Patrol records examined by Axios. Vice President J.D. Vance's visit made him the highest-ranking official from the administration to inspect conditions at the southern border. He was also joined by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard as they toured a federal immigration processing facility in Eagle Pass, Texas, a site previously known as a major crossing point for those entering illegally. In other news, drag shows were

canceled across the Texas A&M University System's 11 campuses after the Board of Regents passed a resolution banning them last week. Now the system is being sued by a free speech organization. The Board of Regents at Texas A&M passed the resolution before a campus LGBT organization's planned Draggyland event. The resolution stated that it would cancel any upcoming drag show events and that drag shows are inconsistent with the system's mission and core values. Following that resolution, the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression filed

a federal lawsuit arguing that it, quote, violates two fundamental principles of the First Amendment. The complaint was filed in the Southern District of Texas court on behalf of the Texas A&M Queer Empowerment Council. Also, a bill introduced by a Texas lawmaker outlines reporting requirements for in vitro fertilization or IVF providers, including the number of embryos created, how many are discarded and the reasons for their destruction, whether due to undesired gender, a handicap or other preferential factors. House Bill 3132, introduced by Representative Daniel Alders, is among the first IVF-related

legislation filed by a Republican during the 89th legislative session, while a plethora of such bills have been filed by Democratic members. HB 3132 would require each assisted reproductive technology provider to submit an annual report to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission that includes various forms of information specifically regarding the handling of embryos over the preceding calendar year. Last but not least, a hearing in the Texas House Higher Education Committee convened this week where the topic of diversity, equity, and inclusion offices on college campuses was discussed and debated among lawmakers and university presidents.

Chairman Terry Wilson had invited testimony from the Texas A&M University and University of Texas systems to present their progress and strategies for implementing the new state law. During the 88th legislative session in 2023, Senator Brandon Creighton introduced the bill that banned DEI offices at Texas public universities. President Donald Trump has also issued a number of executive orders regarding DEI programs in the federal government. Thanks for listening.

To support The Texan, please be sure to visit thetexan.news and subscribe to get full access to all of our articles, newsletters, and podcasts.