[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 39 (Wednesday, March 1, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S544]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                         Texas Independence Day

  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.