Governor Abbott on Border Security: ‘Texas Will Not Flinch’

“Texas will not flinch in our resolve to keep Texans safe,” Governor Greg Abbott told a joint session of the Texas Legislature during his State of the State Address.

During his biennial address to the state’s legislative body, Abbott acknowledged a new attitude about border security from President Donald Trump’s administration. He then called on the legislature to continue in the State’s effort to secure the border.

“Chairman Bonnen, the new administration in Washington has shown the potential to finally secure the border,” Abbott stated.

Quoting University of Texas’ legendary football coach, Darrell Royal, Abbott cautioned, “Potential just means you ain’t done it yet.”

Rep. Dennis Bonnen (R-Angleton) recently called for the federal government to reimburse the State of Texas for expenses related to its failure to secure the border. “For years, Texas has stood in the gap where the federal government has failed,” Bonnen told Breitbart Texas in January. “With a new administration coming into office, hope the tide will turn and Washington will do its duty, so that Texas can devote its limited resources to priorities reserved to the states under federalism.”

Abbott announced he is meeting on Wednesday with Department of Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly to discuss how state and federal officials can work together to finally secure the border with Mexico.

The governor said that while the federal government may be ramping up its efforts and commitment to securing the border, “Texas will not retreat.”

“My budget continues the investment made last session, including funding for DPS troopers and the National Guard,” Abbott concluded.

Texas leaders previously called for an additional $1 billion to be spent on border security during the next biennium. The legislature will spend the next few months debating the need for this spending while keeping a hopeful eye on the actions taken by Secretary Kelly and the Trump Administration.

Bob Price serves as associate editor and senior political news contributor for Breitbart Texas. He is a founding member of the Breitbart Texas team. Follow him on Twitter @BobPriceBBTX.