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.