Urging the U.S. Department of Defense and national security leadership to recognize the essential role Texas plays in defense innovation and to maintain and expand investment in the state's defense research, development, and operational infrastructure.

89(R) HCR 125 - Introduced version - Bill Text

89R21198 TBO-D

By: Wilson

H.C.R. No. 125

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The State of Texas is a vital hub for national

security and defense innovation; and

WHEREAS, Texas is home to the U.S. Army Futures Command, the

"Third Coast" of the U.S. Department of Defense's Defense

Innovation Unit, and 17 additional military branches and

intelligence entities seeking advanced solutions to modern

security challenges; these units have demonstrated a thorough

understanding of the defense and intelligence needs of the United

States, and they have benefited from the valuable contributions of

Texas-based researchers, entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, small

business owners, and large defense companies; and

WHEREAS, Over the years, the State of Texas has made

significant investments in defense innovation, advanced

manufacturing, energy, commercial space technologies,

semiconductors, drones, and advanced air mobility; the state has

cultivated top-tier talent and businesses that have proven to be

crucial to our national security; in addition, a number of the

state's enterprises have collaborated with national agencies to

deliver economic advantages in cost and technology; and

WHEREAS, The recent reprioritization of the federal defense

budget could potentially lead to the erosion of Texas' role in

defense innovation, resulting in the loss of crucial units and

programs that have bolstered military and intelligence readiness,

technological advancement, solutions, and economic growth; the

departure of these critical defense entities would not only weaken

the nation's ability to rapidly develop and deploy cutting-edge

capabilities but also undermine the state's contributions to

national security and the economy; and

WHEREAS, Texas is poised to lead the next generation of

breakthroughs in military technology, force modernization, and

strategic capabilities, and the federal government should continue

to support the state in its efforts to sustain and strengthen

defense innovation; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the 89th Legislature of the State of Texas

hereby respectfully urge the U.S. Department of Defense and

national security leadership to recognize the essential role Texas

plays in defense innovation and to maintain and expand investment

in the state's defense research, development, and operational

infrastructure at the U.S. Army Futures Command, Defense Innovation

Unit, Federal Bureau of Investigation, AFWERX, National Security

Agency, Office of the Director of National Intelligence, NavalX,

U.S. State Department Emerging Technologies, Central Intelligence

Agency, Operational Test Command, Army Research Lab, U.S. Marine

Tech Bridge, National Geospatial Intelligence Agency, Sixteenth

Air Force (Air Forces Cyber), U.S. Space Force, U.S. Defense Health

Agency, and Brooke Army Medical Center; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the Texas secretary of state forward an

official copy of this resolution to the U.S. Secretary of Defense,

to the President of the United States, and to the Texas

congressional delegation.