Yesterday, Speaker of the House Dustin Burrows issued interim charges to House Standing Committees and Subcommittees as well as newly created Select Committees.

After each Texas legislative session, it is the practice of the Speaker of the House to submit to each Committee a list of issues to study between legislative sessions. Typically, Committees will study their interim charges by holding hearings with invited experts to discuss the data, facts, and solutions regarding the topics of the hearing.

Prior to the next legislative session in January 2027, Committees will submit an interim report to the Speaker of the House that details their findings and solutions to the issues that they were asked to study.

State Representative Terry Canales (D-Edinburg), Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Transportation Funding, today issued the following statement after Speaker Burrows issued interim Committee charges for the 89th Legislature and appointed him to the newly created Select Committee on General Aviation.

“The interim charges issued by Speaker Dustin Burrows set the direction for the Legislature’s work before the start of the next Legislative Session. For the Rio Grande Valley, they represent a real opportunity to address the issues that matter most to our communities,” said Chairman Canales. “As Chairman of the Subcommittee on Transportation Funding, I will work to ensure transportation dollars are allocated fairly and efficiently, so fast-growing regions like the RGV receive their fair share while improving infrastructure, trade corridors, and project delivery across Texas,” Canales continued. “My appointment to the Select Committee on General Aviation highlights the importance of strengthening our regional airports, expanding air service, and supporting economic growth.”

Additionally, Chairman Canales pointed to several interim charges focused on water supply, groundwater management, and long-term planning as critical to the region’s future.

“In the Valley, water is fundamental to everything we do from supporting our farmers to sustaining our growing communities,” Canales said. “The Legislature’s continued focus on water policy is essential to protecting our region’s future.”

He also highlighted the Agriculture and Livestock Committee’s charge to study invasive species, including the New World screwworm, which poses a threat to livestock and agricultural production.

“Protecting our agricultural industry means staying ahead of threats like the New World screwworm,” said Canales. “Ensuring strong prevention and response efforts will help safeguard one of the Valley’s most important economic drivers.”

Furthermore, Chairman Canales noted that multiple interim charges focus on workforce development, economic competitiveness, and infrastructure investment—areas that directly impact the Rio Grande Valley.

“The Valley is one of the fastest-growing regions in Texas, and with that growth comes opportunity,” said Canales. “By investing in our workforce, supporting local industries, and improving infrastructure, we can continue to build a stronger economy for our families.”

Chairman Canales emphasized that the interim period is an important time to ensure the Rio Grande Valley’s voice is heard in Austin.

“I will continue working with local leaders, stakeholders, and my colleagues in the Legislature to make sure the needs of the Rio Grande Valley are front and center,” said Canales. “Our region deserves thoughtful policy, strong investment, and every opportunity to succeed.”

Rep. Terry Canales, D-Edinburg, is the Chair of the House Committee on Transportation and a member of the Sunset Advisory Commission. Rep. Canales represents House District 40 in Hidalgo County, which includes portions or all of Edinburg, Elsa, Faysville, La Blanca, Linn, Lópezville, McAllen, Pharr and San Juan. He may be reached at his House District Office in Edinburg at (956) 383-0860 or at the Capitol at (512) 463-0426.

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