House Speaker Dade Phelan has announced the creation of the House Select Committee on Securing Texas from Hostile Foreign Organizations with the following purpose:
- Study the threat posed by hostile foreign organizations and related entities on the Texas economy, security, and values;
- Evaluate the ways in which hostile foreign organizations acquire property, including real property, in Texas as well as the attendant risks. Recommend policy changes to mitigate the risks posed by ownership of Texas assets by hostile foreign organizations; and
- Examine rates of intellectual property (IP) theft in the state and identify the industries most impacted. Make recommendations to better secure the IP of government and businesses operating in the state and ensure Texas remains competitive in the face of economic aggression by hostile foreign organizations.
The committee consists of the following seven members:
- Cole Hefner, Chair (R-Mt. Pleasant)
- Angie Chen Button (R-Richardson)
- Cody Harris (R-Palestine)
- Todd Hunter (R-Corpus Christi)
- Ray Lopez (D-San Antonio)
- Armando Martinez (D-Weslaco)
- Terry Wilson (R-Marble Falls)
Per the proclamation, the committee is tasked with submitting a final report to the 89th Legislature and is set to expire on the date the 89th Legislature convenes.
