Mr. President, 4 years ago, Congress passed our legislative response to one of the deadliest school shootings in American history. It happened in Uvalde, TX, at Robb Elementary School. Nineteen innocent children and two adults--teachers--lost their lives that day. It was a devastating--a devastating--occurrence. Unfortunately, it was not an isolated event. Americans around the country, though, joined in the suffering of these families' experience as they mourned the loss of their loved ones. Flags at Federal buildings and military installations were lowered to halfstaff.
2026 MidtermsToss-Up SeatR+14$5.5M raised
John Cornyn
Senator · Texas · Republican
John Cornyn
Senate Floor
Recent comments in the Senate
Mr. President, Mr. Fetterman and I appreciate the work being done to advance the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, H.R.5334, in the Senate. This bill will honor Senator Graham's legacy, help dismantle Putin's war machine, and strengthen the U.S. national security. This legislation aims to shut down various revenue streams Russia uses to continue its unprovoked war against Ukraine, and we must consider how it can be most effectively implemented. Helium is a byproduct of natural gas and has largely been produced in the United States, Qatar, and Algeria.
Mr. President, there is an old Chinese saying attributed to Deng Xiaoping that goes: Hide your strength, [and] bide your time. Hide your strength, [and] bide your time. China has, of course, been hiding its strength and biding its time for many years now. For too long, the West has turned a blind eye to what has been happening in the People's Republic of China--controlled, of course, by the Chinese Communist Party.
Biography
John Cornyn began his career as a judge and Texas Attorney General, grounding his public service in the law. Elected as U.S. Senator for Texas in 2002, he has prioritized border security, judicial appointments, and disaster relief. Cornyn played a key role in passing the Fix NICS Act to improve background checks for firearms and has served as Senate Majority Whip, shaping the chamber’s legislative agenda. He is recognized for his pragmatic approach, focusing on stability and security for Texans across diverse communities.
Education
- LL.M., University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA1995
- J.D., St. Mary's School of Law, San Antonio, TX1977
- B.A. in Journalism, Trinity University, San Antonio, TX1973
Professional History
U.S. Senator
2002–PresentSenator from Texas. 5 terms.
Attorney General of Texas
1999–2002Elected statewide and served as the state's chief legal officer.
Associate Justice, Texas Supreme Court
1991–1997Elected to the state's highest civil court and served for seven years.
Judge, 37th District Court of Texas
1985–1991Served as a district judge in San Antonio for six years.
Policy Focus
Armed Forces and National Security10%
Crime and Law Enforcement9%
Health5%
International Affairs4%
Notable Legislation
Key legislative actions from John Cornyn's record in Congress.
Crime Victims' Rights
Co-authored the Justice for All Act, expanding rights and protections for crime victims nationwide.
Mental Health Reform
Led passage of the Mental Health and Safe Communities Act to improve mental health crisis response and treatment.
Hurricane Harvey Relief
Secured billions in federal disaster aid for Texas communities affected by Hurricane Harvey in 2017.
Fix NICS Act
Authored the Fix NICS Act to strengthen background checks for firearm purchases and improve reporting compliance.
Committee Assignments
View details →- United States Senate Caucus on International Narcotics ControlChairman
- Senate Committee on Finance
- Senate Committee on the Judiciary
- Joint Committee on Taxation
- Senate Select Committee on Intelligence
- Senate Committee on the Budget
- Senate Committee on Foreign Relations
Sen. John Cornyn FAQ
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