U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R) voiced strong support for new federal legislation aimed at protecting children online, while also highlighting the work of Texas State Senator Angela Paxton (R), coming as a surprise given the ongoing political dynamics between Sen. Cornyn and Texas AG Ken Paxton (R) in the Texas 2026 Senate Race.
Speaking during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in recognition of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, Cornyn emphasized the urgency of addressing emerging digital threats, particularly those tied to artificial intelligence.
"Unregulated AI companions have harmed children all across the country, including Texas," said Cornyn.
He expressed support for the Guidelines for User Age-verification and Responsible Dialogue (GUARD) Act, led by Josh Hawley, which aims to establish safeguards for minors interacting with online platforms.
Cornyn also backed the Terminating Restrictive Enforcement of Youth Settlements (TREY's Law), introduced by Sen. Ted Cruz (R), which seeks to prohibit the use of non-disclosure agreements to conceal child sexual abuse cases.
"The GUARD Act builds on the good work of states like Texas that have been on the front lines of combating abuse of children," said Cornyn. "I look forward to supporting this legislation... to help bring some comfort to impacted families and prevent future harm."
During his remarks, Cornyn singled out State Sen. Angela Paxton for her leadership on child protection policies, noting her role in advancing similar efforts at the state level.
"She is a tireless advocate for children," he said, adding that he entered into the congressional record two letters she led urging stronger AI guardrails for child safety.
Angela Paxton notably co-authored Texas's version of TREY's Law, further aligning her work with the federal push now gaining traction in Washington.
The praise, however, comes at a politically sensitive moment.
Angela Paxton is the former spouse of Texas AG Ken Paxton, who is currently challenging Cornyn in the 2026 Republican Senate Primary. With runoff elections approaching in May, Cornyn's public recognition of Angela Paxton introduces an additional layer of complexity to an already competitive race.
Despite that, Cornyn maintained focus on policy, reiterating his commitment to advancing both bills.
"I am glad to be a cosponsor of this legislation, and I look forward to the swift passage of both," he concluded.
