By admin 
AUSTIN, Texas (KAUZ) – The Governor’s Office announced that Greg Abbott issued an executive order on Tuesday, November 19, to protect Texas from the People’s Republic of China and the Chinese Communist Party.
The executive order was issued to strengthen state systems and protect infrastructure and information from foreign espionage operations.
“Our first priority is protecting Texans, including from espionage threats from the Chinese Communist Party and its allies,” said Governor Abbott. “The Federal Bureau of Investigation reported that the Chinese government has actively targeted local and state officials as part of its strategy to undermine the national security of the United States. Hardening our state government is critical to protecting Texans from hostile foreign actors who could attempt to undermine the security of Texas and the nation. With this Executive Order, Texas will protect our critical infrastructure and information from threats from the Chinese Communist Party.”
Following Governor Abbott’s executive order, all state agencies and public institutions of higher education will begin to issue:
- Require any company submitting a bid or proposal to certify that none of its holding companies or subsidiaries are owned by a foreign hostile government.
- Introduce stronger background check procedures for state employees and contractors accessing critical infrastructure.
- Prohibit state employees from accepting gifts from or work-related travel to foreign hostile countries.
- Prohibit government agencies from contracting with companies owned or controlled by a foreign hostile government.
- Prohibit higher education faculty and staff from participating in a foreign recruitment program by a foreign adversary.
The full executive order can be read here.
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