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Floor Speech

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Mr. CRUZ. Mr. President, tomorrow is Texas Independence Day. On that day 187 years ago, the Texians declared our independence from Mexico and fired a shot for liberty.

In the fight for independence from Mexico, many would go on to give their lives for liberty at the Alamo, including William Barret Travis, Jim Bowie, and Davy Crockett. But shortly afterwards, after losing battle after battle after battle, the Texians won a decisive victory at the Battle of San Jacinto and formed the Republic of Texas. The rest is history.

After 9 years as a republic, our own nation, Texas officially became part of the United States in February of 1846.

Sam Houston, the founding father of the Lone Star State, was also born 230 years ago tomorrow. Tomorrow is Sam Houston's birthday.

Happy birthday.

Sam Houston was an extraordinary American. He was born in Virginia, spent many years in Tennessee, where he served in the U.S. House of Representatives and then became Governor of Tennessee. In Texas, he served as commander in chief of the Texian Army. He led the Texas Army to victory in the war for Texas independence. When Texas became an independent nation, Sam Houston served in the Texas House of Representatives and then as President of the Republic of Texas. When Texas joined the United States, he served in the U.S. Senate and finally as Governor of Texas.

I have always been a bit jealous that my colleague Senator Cornyn happens to occupy the seat that once was held by Sam Houston.

Sam Houston was a tireless, talented leader and a great statesman who believed passionately in freedom. His words, ``Govern wisely and as little as possible,'' remain true today, and the Lone Star State still follows that principle.

These great heroes, these great Texians, risked everything for freedom to make freedom a reality for generations of Texans. And tomorrow, we celebrate and honor their sacrifices.

Many years in the past, I have stood on the floor of the Senate and read Travis's letter from the Alamo to honor Texas Independence Day. This year, my colleague Senator Cornyn will read it since I read it last year.

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