Moran Minute: A Tragedy in the Hill Country, and a Call to Act

I sat down with CBS 19 Chief Meteorologist Brett Anthony on Tuesday to discuss the tragic flooding in the Hill Country, and how my legislation aims to help prevent similar tragedies in the future.

On Friday, I traveled to Kerr County with President Trump and members of the Texas delegation to assess the damage firsthand. We were joined by members of the President’s Cabinet, Governor Greg Abbott, and state and local officials who are leading the charge in recovery and response. The devastation was profound. Homes reduced to rubble, businesses destroyed, and entire neighborhoods forever changed. Seeing it in person was truly heartbreaking.

As a former Judge and practicing attorney, I remain deeply attuned to the legal reasoning and lasting consequences of Supreme Court rulings. This term, the U.S. Supreme Court issued several significant decisions that reaffirm foundational constitutional principles and protect the rights of parents, families, and states. I want to briefly highlight a few of those decisions that I believe matter most to our district and to the nation.

Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton

In this important case, the Supreme Court upheld a Texas law requiring websites that distribute sexually explicit material to verify the age of their users. The law’s intent is simple: to prevent minors from accessing obscene content online. As the Court rightly recognized, Texas has the constitutional authority to safeguard children by requiring age verification measures.

This is a commonsense, pro-family ruling that reaffirms the ability of states to act in defense of children without infringing upon the First Amendment rights of adults. I applaud the Court for striking the right balance between free speech and the protection of minors, and for standing with Texas on an issue of urgent concern to parents across our state.

Mahmoud v. Taylor

One of the most meaningful rulings this term involved a group of parents who challenged a public school policy that required young students to participate in curriculum involving LGBTQ+-themed storybooks, without any opportunity to opt out. These parents came from diverse faith backgrounds, and they simply wanted to preserve their right to guide their children’s moral and religious development.

The Court sided with the parents and affirmed that the government cannot override the religious convictions of families by compelling participation in ideological instruction. This ruling is a powerful reaffirmation of the Free Exercise Clause and of the right of parents—not government bureaucrats—to direct the upbringing of their children. 

Medina v. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic

In this case, the Court held that individuals cannot bring lawsuits under Section 1983 to force states to fund abortion providers like Planned Parenthood through Medicaid. This ruling restores constitutional limits and reaffirms that it is the responsibility of elected legislatures—not activist courts or interest groups—to decide how public funds are spent.

This is an important victory for pro-life advocates, for the principle of federalism, and for the many states, including Texas, that have taken lawful steps to direct taxpayer funds away from abortion providers.

Trump v. CASA, Inc.

The Court also ruled that lower federal courts overstepped their bounds in issuing sweeping nationwide injunctions against a recent Executive Order related to citizenship requirements. These types of “universal injunctions” have become increasingly common tools for activist judges to block national policy across the board, even in cases where the plaintiffs themselves have limited standing.

The Court clarified that relief should be limited in scope to the actual plaintiffs before the court—not the nation as a whole. This decision restores a proper judicial role and reins in efforts by lower courts to substitute their policy preferences for the lawful actions of a President.

Last week, I had the privilege of attending the Talco Independence Day Celebration, an event that reminds us all of what July 4th truly means. It is not just a date on the calendar. It marks the moment when our Founders declared that freedom, not force, would define this new nation. That spirit still lives on today because brave men and women have stood in the gap to defend it.

Among those patriots is Stephen D. Bragg, a Vietnam veteran from Mount Pleasant, who was honored during the celebration. I was grateful for the chance to visit with him and hear more about his service firsthand.

Mr. Bragg enlisted in the U.S. Army in July of 1969 and trained as a light weapons infantryman at Fort Ord, California. He began his tour in Vietnam that October, serving with the 1st Infantry Division and later the 1st Cavalry, 1st Armored Division. Assigned to a reconnaissance squad, he served as point man for his entire tour…one of the most dangerous roles in combat.

For his courage and sacrifice, Mr. Bragg was awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, and several other commendations. He earned the rank of Specialist 4 and returned home having answered the highest call: to serve and defend the cause of freedom.

It was an honor to spend Independence Day with Mr. Bragg. His story is a powerful reminder of what it means to serve and of the debt we owe to those who do.

Remembering Dr. David O. Dykes

Dr. Dykes spent a lifetime fulfilling his calling as a pastor and minister of the Gospel. He did so with strength, steadiness, grace, and a deep love for the people he served. East Texas has lost a faithful shepherd, but his impact, and his legacy of faith in Jesus Christ, will be felt for generations to come.

Green Acres has lost a compassionate and courageous leader, but the seeds he planted will continue to bear fruit. This community will shine even brighter because of the foundation he helped build.

His passion for sharing the Gospel was evident in every conversation. Please join me in praying for his family, the Green Acres congregation, and the many lives he touched through a life of humble service.