WASHINGTON – Today on the floor, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) discussed his priorities for the 119^th Congress, including reversing the reckless border policies of the Biden-Harris administration, unleashing American energy, countering China by passing his outbound investment provisions, reducing crime, and addressing our skyrocketing national debt. Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn’s remarks are below, and video can be found here.

“Our first and most urgent task is to confirm President Trump’s nominees for his cabinet.”

“With his cabinet in place, we can get to work to implement the agenda that Texans and Americans across the country elected a trifecta of Republican leaders to accomplish.”

“The top of our list of priorities is of course to secure the southern border.”

“The crisis at the southern border is one that President Biden quite literally invited with his campaign rhetoric and with his administration’s policies.”

“There is zero deterrence—that is getting ready to change under President Trump.”

“Violent crime is another problem plaguing Texans and American cities across the country.”

“Republicans are prepared to take steps necessary to prevent and ensure that ramifications for these crimes exist.” 

“During President Trump’s first administration, I was proud to partner with him on legislation to lock up violent criminals and ensure justice for victims. One of my top priorities for the New Year is to do everything I can to build on the great work we accomplished under President Trump’s first term to make sure our communities, our cities, and our streets are once again safe.”

“While our safety and security starts at home and our communities and borders, it also extends around the world.”

“One of the ways that we can hold China accountable is to pass my legislation to address outbound investment in China.”

“For the past four years, the Biden administration has put the wishful dreams of climate activists ahead of the interests of ordinary Americans, particularly those in my home state of Texas.”

“Republicans will not be dissuaded from our task to reverse the damage of the Biden administration and unleash this huge asset, which is American energy.”

“We have an opportunity to pass huge wins for President Trump and more specifically, for the American people, and that comes first through the budget reconciliation process. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity.”

“We can’t let this go to waste by not taking this occasion to finally address our skyrocketing debt.”

“We have a lot of work to do, but this is an incredible opportunity that I trust we will not squander.”