REP. JARED PATTERSON ANNOUNCES LEGISLATION TO COMBAT HOSTILE FOREIGN INFLUENCE IN TEXAS

(Austin, TX) – Hostile foreign interests are finding new ways to exploit American laws, influence our elections, and establish a foothold in Texas. From campaign contributions linked to foreign terrorist organizations to concerns of divided national allegiance by political candidates and the exploitation of surrogacy arrangements, these threats raise serious concerns about Texas sovereignty, election integrity, and national security. State Representative Jared Patterson (R-Frisco) announced plans to introduce legislation during the upcoming 90th Texas Legislative Session addressing these major areas of concern.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), which Governor Greg Abbott has deemed to be a foreign terrorist organization and transnational criminal organization, has encouraged their employees and board members to make contributions to political campaigns. This activity raises concerns that organizations with potentially hostile foreign connections could influence Texas elections. Rep. Patterson is developing legislation to prohibit campaign contributions connected to designated terrorist organizations and their agents, while protecting lawful political participation.

Recent political campaigns involving candidates with dual citizenship or significant foreign ties to other countries have reignited questions about allegiance and accountability among elected officials. Texans deserve representatives whose loyalty is exclusively to the United States and the constituents in Texas they serve. Rep. Patterson intends to file legislation and a constitutional amendment prohibiting dual citizens from holding state or local elected office in Texas.

Foreign nationals are currently exploiting commercial surrogacy arrangements to obtain American citizenship for children born in the United States. Such arrangements raise concerns about immigration loopholes, exploitation, and human trafficking. To address this, Rep. Patterson is drafting legislation restricting Texas surrogacy contracts to United States citizens, preventing foreign nationals from using these arrangements to circumvent current immigration laws.

“Texas has already taken decisive action to stop hostile foreign adversaries from owning property, but protecting our state doesn’t end at the property line,” stated Rep. Patterson. “We cannot allow foreign interests to exploit our elections, compromise the loyalty of public officials, or manipulate our laws to gain a foothold in Texas. Our sovereignty is worth defending, and I intend to close every loophole that threatens it.”

State Representative Jared Patterson is serving his fourth term representing House District 106 in Denton County. Patterson is Chairman of the Local & Consent Calendars Committee and serves on the House Committees on Licensing & Administrative Procedures, Transportation, and the Subcommittee on Transportation Funding. He is the Chair of the ONE DFW Legislative Caucus and resides in Frisco with his wife, three children, and family dog.