Rep. Riddle Expans Legislative Agenda To Include Texas Pledge, Sanctuary Cities

[Press Release From State Rep. Debbie Riddle (R-Houston)]

AUSTIN - State Representative Debbie Riddle (R- District 150) filed legislation yesterday that would put the phrase “under God” into the Texas pledge.

“The pledge to our nation’s flag has long since recognized that we are one nation, under God,” Riddle said. “It only seems fitting that the pledge to the flag of our great state, which once stood as a symbol of the Republic of Texas, would make the same recognition.”

Under the proposal, HB 1034, the pledge would read “I pledge allegiance to the thee, Texas, one state under God and indivisible.”

Representative Richard Raymond (D- Laredo) and Senator Dan Patrick (R- Houston) have already passed measures this session to mandate that both houses of the legislature post the motto “In God We Trust” in their respective chambers.

Riddle also filed HB 1012 Wednesday, which would require cities in Texas to fully comply with federal immigration laws.  The change in statute is inserted into a portion of the Local Government Code which already mandates that cities and counties may not pass policies that are contrary to existing drug laws.

Several cities across the nation, including Dallas and Houston, have been deemed “sanctuary cities” by opponents of illegal immigration because of ordinances they have passed which direct their local law enforcement not to arrest or detain persons based on their immigration status.

“Whenever we take a stand against drugs, against violence, against any violations of our other existing laws, we’re applauded,” Riddle said. “But when it comes to immigration policy, not only do we provide incentives for people to break those laws, we tell our police to stand down when it comes to their enforcement, and if you don’t fall in step with that mindset you’re called ‘coldhearted’ or even worse names.”

“All I’m saying is that we should honor and enforce the laws we’ve already made,” Riddle said.

Both bills are expected to be referred to committee next week when the legislature reconvenes on Monday.