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The Lone Star State, Texas, is the second-largest state in the U.S., with more than 29 million residents. Furthermore, the area is well-known due to its unique culture, diversity, and its low cost of living. As such, people wonder whether Texas can legally secede from the U.S. and what would happen to the US without Texas.
Texas can stand on its own because of its strong economy. However, many adverse effects would happen to the U.S. if the state secedes. It would significantly affect the country’s agriculture, advancement of healthcare, and economy.
What’s The US Like Without Texas?
Even before the state rejoined the Union on March 30, 1870, their secession wasn’t perceived as legal by the U.S. Supreme Court. Moreover, because they’ve joined the Union, they’ve entered an indissoluble relationship with other states. So, it’s illegal for Texas to secede. If they secede, it’ll affect the nation’s economy, politics, and agriculture.
1. Major Loss in the Total GDP Of the U.S
Gross Domestic Product is the measure of all goods and services in the country. It allows companies to expand their market and invest in their workers. As such, the economy and the GDP of the state are exemplary. Moreover, Texas is the second state with the largest GDP, and they make up 8.6% of the total U.S. GDP.
The nation’s economy will shrink if Texas doesn’t contribute to the total U.S. GDP. People relocate to Texas because of its business-friendly climate. With that said, there will be fewer job opportunities, and there’s a chance that a brain drain might occur.
- Texas makes up 8.4% of the total GDP of the U.S.
- It’ll result to lower job opportunities.
- The economy of the U.S. will shrink.
2. Absence of Big Companies
Texas houses many companies, such as ExxonMobil, AT&T, and Dell Technologies. These businesses contribute significantly to the country’s economy by generating billions of annual revenues. It would be a massive loss if they were to leave the U.S because they have a tremendous impact on the technology and oil industry.
Additionally, people residing in the U.S. can no longer use their services. When it comes to products, they have to import them from Texas before they can buy them.
- There are tons of big companies in Texas, and they significantly contribute to the country’s economy.
- People in the U.S. can no longer use their services.
3. Vacant Seats in the House of Representatives
The state has 38 congressional seats in the House of Representatives because of its vast population. As such, they contribute more to the legislation and the creation of federal laws than other states. So, it’s a massive loss because Texas is one of the states that has the most seats in the House.
There are hundreds of seats in the House of Representatives. However, these 38 seats dedicated to Texas mean that more people are pitching in ideas.
- Texas has 38 congressional seats.
- There’s a reduced number of people who’ll pitch ideas.
4. Setback in the Advancement of Health Care
The world’s largest medical center is in Houston, which is Texas Medical Center. They have over 100,000 employees, and these workers are at the forefront of advancing life sciences. Additionally, they do more research than any other medical facility. Losing this medical center will draw a huge setback in the development of healthcare.
Texas Medical Center is a big name in the medical field because this is where Dr. Debakey and Dr. Cooley pioneered heart surgery. With that said, this is where most doctors perform heart surgeries. It means they’re trusted when it comes to the study of life sciences.
- The world’s largest medical center is in Texas.
- The medical center does more research than any other medical facility.
5. Scarcity of Oil
Texas produces the largest amount of oil in the U.S. Furthermore, Permian, the country’s most productive oil basin is in the western part of the state. About 41.4% of the total U.S. crude oil production comes from Texas. They produce a total of 1.7 billion barrels of oil, and it’s still projected to increase throughout the years.
Because of that, the oil industry is essential for the U.S. because it provides 80% of the energy people use in said products and services.
- Texas produces the largest amount of oil in the U.S.
- Texas makes up 41.4% of the total U.S. crude oil production.
6. Losing An Aerospace Facility
The government owns an air force plant in Texas, Air Force Plant 4. With over 17,000 employees, it’s among the country’s largest employers. In addition, it’s where they produce the all-weather tactical fighter aircrafts Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II and F-22 Raptor.
If Texas secedes, the U.S. will lose an air force plant that produces two of the best aircraft in the military. Moreover, Air Force Plant 4’s the one who’s actively producing spare aircraft parts, missile components, and radar units.
- The government owns an air force plant in Texas.
- The U.S. will lose an air force plant that produces aircraft exclusive to the air force plant.
7. Losing One of the Main Sources of Agriculture
Texas is the leading exporter and producer of agricultural products. The state mainly produces vegetables, cotton, mohair, and rice. In fact, 86% of the land in Texas is for agricultural production, and families run 98.5% of the production. Moreover, the food and fiber industry of the state amounts to $100 billion, which positively impacts the economy.
There is a close relationship between agriculture and the economy. Agriculture impacts international trade due to its connection to other economic sectors. As a result, it allows the country to expand its market.
- Texas is the leading producer and exporter of cotton, mohair, vegetables, and rice.
- 86% of the land in Texas is for agricultural production.
8. Losing One of the Frontrunners in the Tech Industry
Even though there are states that are tech giants, Texas is still one of the frontrunners in the industry. Hewlett Packard Enterprise, HighRadius, and Texas Instruments, the company that invented the microchip, are just a few of the many tech companies in the state. It’s no doubt that Texas also has a fantastic tech industry.
- Texas is a frontrunner in the tech industry.
- Texas houses tech giants such as Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Texas Instruments.
References:
- March 30, 1870: tshaonline.org
- 8.6% of the total GDP: comptroller.texas.gov
- 86% of the land: agrifarming.in
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Christian Linden is a seasoned writer and contributor at Texas View, specializing in topics that resonate with the Texan community. With over a decade of experience in journalism, Christian brings a wealth of knowledge in local politics, culture, and lifestyle. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Communications from the University of Texas. When he's not writing, Christian enjoys spending weekends traveling across Texas with his family, exploring everything from bustling cities to serene landscapes.
