House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) delivered remarks on the House floor recognizing Texas Tech University’s football team for its successful season. Arrington celebrated the Red Raiders’ achievements, including an 11-win regular season and their first outright Big 12 Championship, which led to a College Football Playoff berth.
“As we say in West Texas, ‘SUN’S UP, GUNS UP!'” Arrington stated during his speech. He praised the team’s performance: “Our Texas Tech Red Raiders have gone through this football season, guns a-blazing, and have taken the Big 12 by storm, posting a historic 11-win regular season with an average victory margin of more than 35 points and their best year since 2008.”
Arrington highlighted the significance of these accomplishments: “Now, after securing their first outright Big 12 championship, the Red Raiders are knocking on the door of their first-ever national championship.” He offered congratulations to Coach Joey McGuire, his staff, and the student-athletes for representing West Texas values.
“I want to congratulate Coach Joey McGuire, his tremendous staff, and the outstanding student-athletes there at Texas Tech, all of whom represent the spirit of West Texas—tenacious, relentless, and a hundred percent class and character,” he said.
He described Texas Tech as “America’s team,” emphasizing its Main Street roots and heartland culture. “It’s a Main Street university in middle America, made up of mostly kids from working families. It’s a heartland culture that reflects our nation’s traditional faith and family values.”
Arrington compared current students to pioneers who settled West Texas: “Like our pioneering fathers who braved the harsh elements to settle the Great Plains of West Texas, Red Raiders know how to work, how to fight, and never quit.” He also noted their resilience: “They don’t expect anybody to give them anything. They don’t waste time complaining about being underrated or underestimated.”
The congressman expressed pride in representing Texas Tech in Congress. “I’m proud to be a Red Raider. I’m honored to represent Texas Tech in Congress, and I’m fired up for the country to know more about West Texas—the Food, Fuel, Fiber, and Football Capital of the World!”
He concluded by sharing his plans for New Year’s Day: “Mr. Speaker, as for me and my house, we will be in Miami on New Year’s Day with a lot of proud and rowdy Red Raiders, cheering on America’s team to win it all. Guns up, go Red Raiders, let’s win that national championship!”
Jodey Arrington has consistently won re-election in his district since 2016 against various opponents such as Nathan Lewis in both 2022 and 2024 general elections with over 80% of votes each time; he also defeated Tom Watson in 2020 with nearly three-quarters of votes cast; previous victories include defeating Miguel Levario in 2018 with over three-quarters majority and Troy Bonar in 2016 with almost 87% support.
