State Representative Cole Hefner, R-Mount Pleasant, was appointed as chair of the House Select Committee on Securing Texas from Hostile Foreign Organizations Monday.

The committee will assess the threat posed to the state’s economy and security by hostile foreign organizations, with a focus on protecting the real and intellectual property rights of Texans. Representative Hefner issued the following statement: 

“I am deeply honored to be appointed to the Select Committee on Securing Texas from Hostile Foreign Organizations by Speaker Dade Phelan. As Texans, we cherish our property rights and our thriving economy. These fundamental components of our society are facing direct threats from hostile actors beyond our national borders. It is our duty to thoroughly assess these threats and to identify policy recommendations that will keep Texas secure. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the committee to achieve this important objective.” 

Hefner is serving his fourth term for House District 5, which consists of part of Smith County as well as Camp, Rains, Titus, Upshur and Wood counties.