Fort Worth, TX – The Texas Liberty Journal
Kay Granger, a prominent figure in Texas politics, has found herself at the center of a political storm due to her recent vote for House Majority Leader Steve Scalise as Speaker of the House, rather than Tea Party supporter Jim Jordan. Granger, who represents Texas’ 12th Congressional District, is the Chair of the influential House Appropriations Committee. Her claim that her vote was an act of conscience, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to an “honorable man,” has raised eyebrows. But is there more to this story than meets the eye?
Born on January 18, 1943, Kay Granger will be 81 years old upon potential reelection in 2024, a fact that has raised questions about her long-standing political career and her capacity to adapt to the changing political landscape. Granger’s impressive political journey includes roles such as:
- 1965: Graduated from Texas Wesleyan University with a B.S.
- 1981-1989: Zoning Commission, Fort Worth, Texas
- 1989-1991: City Council, Fort Worth, Texas
- 1991-1995: Mayor of Fort Worth, Texas
- 1997-Present: U.S. Representative from Texas’ 12th Congressional District
Granger’s entry into the world of national politics occurred in 1996 when Congressman Pete Geren announced his retirement. Both the Democratic and Republican parties actively courted Granger to run for his seat. At the time, Republicans were optimistic about their chances in Texas’s 12th congressional district, which had once been represented by Democratic Speaker of the House Jim Wright. However, legislative redistricting after the 1990 census had added areas with more Republican residents, changing the district’s political landscape.
Granger ran as a Republican candidate and secured victory with 56% of the vote against Democratic nominee Hugh Parmer, another former Fort Worth mayor. She went on to win reelection in 1998 and faced significant opposition only in 2000. In 2008, Granger defeated Democratic nominee Tracey Smith with a resounding 67% of the vote.
Throughout her political career, Granger has held influential positions, published a book titled What’s Right About America, Celebrating Our Nation’s Values in 2006, and been reelected to her sixth term in Congress. She also achieved the position of Conference Vice Chair, the fourth-ranking position among House Republicans. Granger’s notable roles have included chairing the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State-Foreign Operations, serving on the United States House Committee on Appropriations’s Subcommittee on Defense (as the first woman to do so), and the Labor, Health, Human Services, and Education Subcommittee. Additionally, she has served as a House Deputy Whip.
In the realm of national politics, Granger endorsed former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney in the Republican presidential primary, showcasing her support for candidates who align with her political ideology.
Now, let’s revisit the recent controversy. Granger’s vote for Speaker of the House raised questions about whether her loyalty to donors in the military-industrial complex influenced her decision more than her “conscience.” Her top donors, eight out of the 15, are major players in the defense and aerospace industry, including L3Harris Technologies, Leidos Inc, Elbit Systems, Lockheed Martin, GE Aerospace, Textron Inc., Huntington Ingalls Industries, and Anduril Industries. These companies are no small players:
L3Harris Technologies:
With $17 billion in annual revenue, L3Harris Technologies is a significant player in the defense industry, positioning themselves as a “Trusted Disruptor in defense.”
Leidos Inc:
Based in Reston, Virginia, Leidos Inc specializes in defense, aviation, information technology, and biomedical research, contributing to various aspects of national defense.
Elbit Systems of America, LLC:
A wholly-owned subsidiary of Elbit Systems Ltd., they provide technology-based systems for diverse defense and commercial applications.
General Electric Aerospace:
GE Aerospace is a world-leading provider of jet engines, components, and integrated systems for both commercial and military aircraft.
Huntington Ingalls Industries:
HII is a global, all-domain defense provider, specializing in powerful ships and technologies that safeguard various domains.
Textron Inc:
A well-known multi-industry company, Textron Inc leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial, and finance businesses to provide innovative products and services.
Anduril Industries:
This California-based defense contractor, founded by Oculus VR founder Palmer Luckey and Founders Fund partner Trae Stephens, focuses on identifying problems and rapidly delivering solutions.
This controversy underscores the ongoing debate about the role of campaign contributions and the influence of interest groups in shaping the decisions of elected officials. As Granger’s age and extensive political history come under scrutiny in the lead-up to the 2024 elections, citizens of Texas’ 12th Congressional District and political observers across the nation will undoubtedly be watching closely to see how these factors will impact Granger’s future in American politics.
On the other hand …
Jim Jordan, the Ohio Republican Representative and Tea Party supporter, has been a vocal advocate for military spending cuts, leaving no stone unturned as he boldly states that “everything” is on the table, including what he terms as ‘woke’ policies. As the chairman of the House Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government, Jordan has announced a significant probe into nearly a dozen unauthorized record disclosures made by the U.S. Air Force. As a founding member of the hardline conservative Freedom Caucus, Jordan’s approach to military assistance and foreign policy is notably different from Granger’s. He has consistently voted against various bills offering assistance to Ukraine since the Russian invasion began in February 2022. However, he did support an early 2022 proposal to send certain equipment to Kyiv as part of a lend-lease deal. Jordan’s positions and actions present a contrasting perspective on critical matters related to defense and foreign policy.
On the other side of the political spectrum, Steve Scalise’s association with certain donors sheds light on his financial ties. His “F” rated Liberty Score from Conservative Review suggests a misalignment with the conservative base. Scalise’s top donors, including The GEO Group, Inc., which invests in private prisons and mental health facilities, healthcare companies like Ochsner Health System, law firms, banking companies, large construction companies, and energy giants such as Valero Energy, highlight the diversity of interests contributing to his campaign funds. These associations offer a glimpse into the financial influences that may have played a role in his political decisions and priorities.