WASHINGTON, July 21 -- Rep. Brenda Lawrence, D-Michigan, issued the following joint statement with Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Florida, Lee Zeldin, R-New York, and Will Hurd, R-Texas, co-chairs of the Congressional Caucus on Black-Jewish Relations, on the death of Rep. John Lewis, D-Georgia: "The Congressional Caucus on Black-Jewish Relations, along with the rest of our nation mourn the passing of civil rights icon and founding member and Co-Chair of the caucus, Representative John Lewis.  more

DALLAS, Texas, July 23 -- Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, D-Texas, chairman of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee, issued the following news release: Included in the FY2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that passed the House floor yesterday was an amendment to create a National Artificial Intelligence Initiative to accelerate and coordinate Federal investments and facilitate new public-private partnerships in research, standards, and education in artificial intelligence i  more

DALLAS, Texas, July 25 -- Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, D-Texas, chairman of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee, issued the following news release: The final Environmental Impact Statement for the Pebble Mine, a massive proposed open-pit gold and copper mine at the heart of Bristol Bay, Alaska, was released by the Army Corps of Engineers. The Bristol Bay Watershed is home to the world's largest natural sockeye salmon run which is an integral part of the social and cultural heritag  more

WASHINGTON, July 21 -- Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, D-Texas, chairman of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee, issued the following news release: The House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology's Subcommittee on Environment held a teleconference with Mr. John Murphy, Chief Operating Officer of the National Weather Service (NWS); Dr. Mitch Goldberg, Chief Scientist of the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) at the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service   more

WASHINGTON, July 20 -- Rep. Colin Allred, D-Texas, issued the following statement on the death of Rep. John Lewis, D-Georgia: "Aly and I were heartbroken to learn of the passing of Congressman John Lewis. Congressman Lewis is the reason I became a civil rights lawyer, and I would not be a member of Congress if it wasn't for his love of his country and his commitment to fighting for the soul of our nation by causing some good trouble. "Heartbreak cannot describe the pain we feel after such a lo  more

CONROE, Texas, July 25 -- Rep. Kevin Brady, R-Texas, issued the following news release: Congressman Kevin Brady announced the winner of the2020 Congressional Art Competition. Darnise Young, a senior at Klein Oak High School, was selected for her piece,"Pensive & Brusque." Her work, as well as the other winning pieces from each congressional district, will be displayed in the halls of the United States Capitol Building for a year. "The Congressional Art Competition is a big highpoint of the yea  more

WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Rep. Kevin Brady, R-Texas, ranking Republican member of the House Ways and Means Committee, issued the following statement after President Trump issued an executive order aimed at lowering drug prices: "I applaud President Trump for fighting to lower drug prices, and I believe the one-month delay on international pricing is an opportunity for the President to work with medical innovators to lower drug prices without harming innovation. "In support of our shared goal of   more

WASHINGTON, July 21 -- Rep. Kevin Brady, R-Texas, ranking Republican member of the House Ways and Means Committee, issued the following news release: Republicans on the House Ways and Means Committee, led by Health Subcommittee GOP Leader Devin Nunes (R-CA), released a discussion draft today outlining a bold plan to further promote telehealth for patients. In response to the novel coronavirus, Congress and the Trump administration have enacted an unprecedented expansion of telehealth. These t  more

WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Rep. Kevin Brady, R-Texas, ranking Republican member of the House Ways and Means Committee, issued the following news release on July 23: Republicans on the House Ways and Means Committee unveiled a series of bills today that are part of Republicans' agenda for economic growth and increasing American innovation in U.S. medicines and cures as we continue to fight the novel coronavirus. "America can be the world leader in innovation if we focus on economic growth and makin  more

WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Rep. Kevin Brady, R-Texas, issued the following news release: Republicans on the House Ways and Means Committee unveiled a series of bills that are part of Republicans' agenda for economic growth and increasing American innovation in U.S. medicines and cures as we continue to fight the novel coronavirus. "America can be the world leader in innovation if we focus on economic growth and making the U.S. medically independent. We have an agenda for a healthy American economy  more

WASHINGTON, July 22 -- Rep. Michael Burgess, R-Texas, issued the following news release: Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), a member of the House Rules Committee and Republican Leader of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, released the following statement after the House voted to pass his amendment requiring a report on the Department of Defense's use of Energy Savings Performance Contracts (ESPCs) in the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act  more

WASHINGTON, July 22 -- Rep. Michael Burgess, R-Texas, issued the following statement on July 21 after the House passed the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act of 2021: "Providing for the common defense is one of Congress' constitutional duties," said Burgess. "Today, Congress came together with bipartisan support to do just that. "This bill is not perfect. There should be no funding restrictions on securing our southern border and supporting the front line officers w  more

WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Rep. John Carter, R-Texas, issued the following news release: Representative John Carter (TX-31) announced a federal grant worth $1,520,000 for the Robert Gray Army Airfield in Killeen, Texas. The grant was originally funded by Representative Carter's Appropriations Committee and is being awarded through the Airport Improvement Program. The grant money will go towards the construction of a 10,000 square foot hangar. "This investment in airport infrastructure will improve  more

WASHINGTON, July 24 -- Rep. John Carter, R-Texas, issued the following news release: Representative John Carter (TX-31) included language in H.R. 7608, the minibus appropriations bill, to instruct the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to create technologies to combat and prevent the spread of invasive zebra mussels. "Zebra mussels are an invasive species that are wreaking havoc on America's lakes. In Texas alone, nineteen lakes are classified as infested, including TX-31 lakes Belton, Georgetown,  more

WASHINGTON, July 22 -- Rep. John Carter, R-Texas, issued the following news release: Representative John Carter (TX-31) supported the FY21 Mac Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This year's NDAA includes $740.5 billion for national defense discretionary programs. "It is Congress' Constitutional duty to provide for the common defense and the NDAA fulfills that responsibility. While this year's NDAA isn't perfect, it does satisfy important needs for the Soldiers in my district  more

WASHINGTON, July 22 -- Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-Texas, issued the following statement on July 21: Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Vice Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, and member of the House Intelligence and Education and Labor Committees, released the following statement announcing his intention to run for Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Commi  more

WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Rep. K. Michael Conaway, R-Texas, issued the following news release: Congressman Mike Conaway (TX-11) introduced H. Con. Res. 104, expressing the sense of Congress that Hong Kong's loss of judicial and political autonomy would expose individuals residing in the United States to a judicial system subservient to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), and that the United States should suspend its extradition treaty with Hong Kong until it can be certified that Hong Kong's judici  more

WASHINGTON, July 23 -- Rep. K. Michael Conaway, R-Texas, issued the following statement on the William M. Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal 2021 passed the House: "Funding our military is the single most important annual function of Congress. The FY21 NDAA provides increased resources to support our service members and their families, adequately counter enemy aggression, and sustain the military tactical readiness that President Trump has spent the last three years rebuil  more

LA VERNIA, Texas, July 21 -- Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, issued the following news release: Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) announced $21,662 in federal funds to assist La Vernia in their efforts to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus. These funds, awarded through the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding (CESF) Program, will be used for overtime, protective equipment and supplies for our first responders. "We must all work together to protect our law enforcement and f  more

MISSION, Texas, July 21 -- Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, issued the following news release: Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) announced $210,752.37 in federal funds to assist La Joya, Palmview, Penitas, and Mission in their efforts to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus. These funds, awarded through the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding (CESF) Program, will be used for overtime, protective equipment and supplies for our first responders. "We must all work together to p  more

PLEASANTON, Texas, July 21 -- Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, issued the following news release: Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) announced $63,523.42 in federal funds to Poteet and Pleasanton in their efforts to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus. These funds, awarded through the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding (CESF) Program, will be used for overtime, protective equipment and supplies for our first responders. "We must all work together to protect our law enforcem  more

RIO GRANDE CITY, Texas, July 21 -- Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, issued the following news release: Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) announced $90,600 in federal funds to assist Rio Grande City in their efforts to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus. These funds, awarded through the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding (CESF) Program, will be used for overtime, protective equipment and supplies for our first responders. "We must all work together to protect our law enfor  more

SAN ANTONIO, Texas, July 21 -- Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, issued the following news release: Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) announced $2,688,293 in federal funds to assist San Antonio in their efforts to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus. These funds, awarded through the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding (CESF) Program, will be used for overtime, protective equipment and supplies for our first responders. "We must all work together to protect our law enforcemen  more

WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, issued the following news release: Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) secures significant victories for South Texas and other communities across America in H.R. 7608, the first "minibus" of fiscal year 2021 Appropriations bills, which passed the House. "During these unprecedented times, it is critical that we create a spending package that expands opportunities for every person in this country," said Congressman Cuellar. "That's why I worked h  more

WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas, issued the following statement regarding President Trump's announcement of four executive orders concerning prescription drug prices: "After 3 1/2 years of tweets and bluster, Trump once again delays action to appease his pals at Big Pharma. Instead of real relief from prescription price gouging, Trump lowers prices for nobody this year. "He offers only modest orders recycling dormant proposals and a previously rejected, Big Pharma-promoted r  more

WASHINGTON, July 24 -- Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas, issued the following statement: As pandemic unemployment assistance ends and the pandemic deepens, U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee, reacted to Senator McConnell's outline of legislation that Republicans have yet failed to introduce. * * * "Republicans have taken 10 weeks to move from do-nothing to do little. "At this late date, after the last supplemental unemployment check has b  more

WASHINGTON, July 22 -- Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-Texas, issued the following news release: The House of Representatives passed by a vote of 215 to 190 an amendment offered by Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16), member of the House Armed Services Committee, to H.R. 6395, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2021. The NDAA is a strong bipartisan bill that honors America's values, strengthens our security, advances America's leadership in the world, and delivers big win  more

WASHINGTON, July 22 -- Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-Texas, issued the following statement after the House voted on the National Defense Authorization Act (H.R.6395) for fiscal 2021: "As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I am proud to have worked to craft and support a strong bipartisan NDAA that reliably delivers for our national security needs at a pivotal time for our nation. This NDAA honors America's values, strengthens our security, advances our nation's leadership in the world,   more

WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-Texas, issued the following news release: Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) voted to pass H.R. 7608, the first "minibus" of fiscal year 2021 appropriations bills. H.R. 7608 consists of four appropriations bills: State-Foreign Operations, Agriculture-Rural Development-FDA, Interior-Environment, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs. This appropriations package makes a $259.5 billion investment in America's hardworking families, inclu  more

WASHINGTON, July 23 -- Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-Texas, issued the following news release: Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) and members of the Texas border delegation are calling on Congressional leadership to help protect communities along the U.S.-Mexico border from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic by including in the next relief package language mandating a binational strategy and the resources necessary to implement it. Led by Congresswoman Escobar, the letter was signed by Repres  more

HOUSTON, Texas, July 21 -- Rep. Lizzie Fletcher, D-Texas, issued the following statement on the death of Rep. John Lewis, D-Georgia: "Today, I join Americans across the country in mourning the death and celebrating the life of Congressman John Lewis, one of the most courageous and committed citizens our country has ever known. "Through his life, he gave us an incredible gift - a chance to see the world as it should be and a way to make it so. "With unparalleled courage, deep faith, and profou  more

WASHINGTON, July 22 -- Rep. Lizzie Fletcher, D-Texas, issued the following news release: Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) voted to pass the William M. Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2021 to authorize funding for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) operations, programs, and personnel. Congresswoman Fletcher's bill to expand job training for service members through the DoD's SkillBridge Program passed as an amendment to the NDAA. The NDAA passed the Hou  more

WASHINGTON, July 21 -- Rep. Lizzie Fletcher, D-Texas, issued the following news release on July 20: Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher's (TX-07) new bill to expand job training opportunities for service members was successfully incorporated as an amendment in the National Defense Authorization Act(NDAA), which is set to pass the House of Representatives tomorrow. Congresswoman Fletcher's legislation alters the eligibility requirements for the Department of Defense's (DoD) SkillBridge program, a job   more

WASHINGTON, July 24 -- Rep. Bill Flores, R-Texas, issued the following news release: On Monday, Representatives Bill Flores (R-TX), Bruce Westerman (R-AR), Mike Gallagher (R-WI), Vicky Hartzler (R-MO), Louie Gohmert (R-TX) and Gary Palmer (R-AL) introduced H.R. 7676, the "Health Care PRICE Transparency Act." This legislation will give patients and families a clearer picture of the costs of procedures at hospitals, allowing them to make better health care choices. "Health care is almost the onl  more

WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Rep. Louie Gohmert, R-Texas, issued the following statement: Rep. Louie Gohmert (TX-01) introduced a Privileged Resolution calling upon Congress to ban any political organization or party that has ever held a public position supportive of slavery or the Confederate States of America. It also calls for Speaker Nancy Pelosi to remove from the House wing of the U.S. Capitol or any House office building any item that names, symbolizes or mentions any political organization o  more

WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, D-Texas, issued the following statement on the events that occurred at the Hampton Inn regarding federal agents or contractors, migrant children and the Texas Civil Rights Project: "I am aware of the situation at the Hampton Inn in McAllen and am deeply concerned by the events that have taken place. "Rest assured, we will be taking the appropriate Congressional action to get to the bottom of this."  more

WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Rep. Lance Gooden, R-Texas, issued the following statement: President Trump signed an executive order Monday to defend American workers and provide our economy the jump-start it needs. The President's decision to suspend guest worker visas follows an ongoing effort from Congressman Lance Gooden (R-TX) scrutinizing these programs. Earlier this year, Congressman Gooden urged President Trump to suspend the guest worker programs addressed in his executive order. He issued th  more

WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Rep. Lance Gooden, R-Texas, issued the following news release: Congressmen Lance Gooden (R-TX) and Filemon Vela (D-TX) released the Small Business Comeback Act on Monday. The legislation has already received backing from over 150 businesses and organizations. This broad network of support represents 58 million American workers, or approximately 45% of our workforce. Congressman Lance Gooden (R-TX) - "This outpouring of business community support is indicative of the impa  more

WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Rep. Kay Granger, R-Texas, issued the following op-ed published in The Hill: As many of us were growing up, America became the wealthiest, most prosperous, and dominant country the world has ever seen. We led in manufacturing, scientific development, education, and so much more. However, as the world has become more connected, we have seen the rapid rise of China. While staggering growth has brought a higher quality of life to the Chinese people, it has also bolstered th  more

WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Rep. Kay Granger, R-Texas, ranking Republican member of the House Appropriations Committee, issued the following remarks on the four-bill appropriations package (H.R. 7608): I rise in opposition to H.R. 7608, the first package of fiscal year 2021 appropriations bills to be considered by the House. I wish the circumstances were different and I could support this very important piece of legislation that funds many key programs. This bill supports - * The veterans who ha  more

WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Rep. Kay Granger, R-Texas, ranking Republican member of the House Appropriations Committee, issued the following remarks on July 24 on a motion of recommit the omnibus appropriations bill for fiscal 2021 (H.R. 7608): Mister Speaker, I offer this motion today to restore funding levels for a bipartisan priority to counter China. The amendment adds $102 million to restore funding for the Countering Chinese Influence Fund to the current fiscal year level of $300 million.   more

WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Rep. Kay Granger, R-Texas, ranking Republican member of the House Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement on July 24 after opposing the omnibus appropriations package (H.R. 7608): "Democrats have chosen to play politics with the appropriations process instead of working to craft legislation that Members on both sides of the aisle can support. "The bipartisan budget agreement that was made last year has been completely ignored. Not only do these bills in  more

WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Rep. Kay Granger, R-Texas, issued the following news release on July 24: This week, Ranking Member Kay Granger (R-TX), the top Republican on the House Appropriations Committee, took steps to maintain America's global superiority and counter influence by the Chinese: joining a bipartisan group of lawmakers in cosponsoring H.R. 7178, the "Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) for America Act," and introducing a motion to restore funding for the Count  more

WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Rep. Kay Granger, R-Texas, issued the following e-newsletter: For 35 years, Sister Cities International has brought the world's attention to Fort Worth. Created by President Eisenhower after World War II, the Sister Cities International program aims to create peace and prosperity by forming friendships between people from different cities around the world. Our Fort Worth chapter of Sister Cities connects our community to nine "sister cities" in four continents, building c  more

WASHINGTON, July 23 -- Rep. Al Green, D-Texas, issued the following news release: Congressman Al Green held a press call to discuss the U.S. closure of the Chinese Consulate General in Houston and released the following statement: "In the wake of the abrupt closure of and recent events involving the Chinese Consulate General in Houston, I have received multiple press requests and constituent concerns," Congressman Al Green stated. "My constituents have expressed concern for their safety, emana  more

HOUSTON, Texas, July 20 -- Rep. Al Green, D-Texas, issued the following news release: On July 18 Congressman Al Green released the following statement. "Today, we lost a friend, brother, mentor, and unwavering champion for equality for all - the Honorable John Lewis," Congressman Al Green stated. "While it was a privilege to work with him in Congress, it was always my matchless honor to get into good trouble with him." Green recalls several instances of joining the late Georgia Congressman a  more

WASHINGTON, July 23 -- Rep. Will Hurd, R-Texas, issued the following news release: Rep. Will Hurd (R-Texas) voted to pass the bipartisan Great American Outdoors Act, landmark legislation to protect public lands. Hurd, a co-chair of the Congressional National Parks Caucus, represents eight national parks and historic sites. "We must ensure our parks remain beautiful and accessible for future generations to appreciate, just like we do today. Preserving our national parks and historical sites tod  more

WASHINGTON, July 22 -- Rep. Will Hurd, R-Texas, issued the following news release: Rep. Will Hurd (R-Texas) joined his colleagues in supporting the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2021, which determines funding levels and priorities for our nation's military and national defense programs. "Texas is home to more than 120,000 active duty military members and over 1.6 million proud veterans. The men and women who keep us safe are our country's most valuable assets, and w  more

WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, D-Texas, issued the following news release: Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson was joined by Senator CatherineCortez Masto (D-NV), Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ-12) and Congressman Luis Correa (D-CA-46) in introducing a resolution to designate the month of July as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color Mental Health Awareness Month. This bicameral resolution brings awareness to the disparities in the incidence of mental health-rela  more

WASHINGTON, July 24 -- Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, ranking Republican member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following news release on July 23: Today, the House passed an amendment offered by House Foreign Affairs Committee Republican Leader and China Task Force Chairman Michael McCaul to H.R.7608, the Fiscal Year 2021 State, Foreign Operations, Agriculture, Rural Development, Interior, Environment, Military Construction, and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act. This amend  more

WASHINGTON, July 22 -- Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, ranking Republican member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following news release on July 21: Today, the Justice Department charged two hackers from the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) intelligence agency for targeting COVID-19 research. According to the 11-count indictment by the Justice Department, these hackers "have conducted a hacking campaign lasting more than ten years to the present" in countries around the world, in  more

WASHINGTON, July 23 -- Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, ranking Republican member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following statement on the closure of the Chinese consulate in Houston: "As Assistant Secretary Stilwell said this morning, the Chinese consulate in Houston is the epicenter of the Chinese Communist Party's ongoing research theft in the US, particularly for stealing sensitive information to build up their military. "The CCP's recent targeting of U.S. coronavirus va  more

WASHINGTON, July 22 -- Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, ranking Republican member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following statement to assert his opposition to an amendment (No. 614) to the National Defense Authorization Act: Madame Speaker, I agree with Ranking Member Thornberry in opposing this irresponsibly unbalanced amendment. This text one-sidedly declares it to be the policy of the United States to complete the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan by April.It dir  more

WASHINGTON, July 21 -- Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, ranking Republican member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following news release: Today, Congressmen Michael McCaul (R-TX), Greg Walden (R-OR), and Patrick McHenry (R-NC), Republican Leaders on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, House Energy and Commerce Committee, and House Financial Services Committee sent a letter (https://gop-foreignaffairs.house.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/7.20.20-Letter-to-POTUS-re-CCP-cyber-acti  more

WASHINGTON, July 22 -- Rep. Pete Olson, R-Texas, issued the following news release: Rep. Pete Olson (TX-22) acted to support our troops by voting in support of H.R.6395, the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This bill ensures that the Department of Defense has the resources needed to equip and prepare the men and women in our Armed Forces for threats at home and abroad. It also gives our troops a needed pay raise. "Today we acted to help the men and women w  more

WASHINGTON, July 20 -- Rep. Pete Olson, R-Texas, issued the following statement in response to the death of Rep. John Lewis, D-Georgia: "America has lost a true champion of civil rights and racial equality, and the House of Representatives lost a giant. Those of us who were privileged to serve with John Lewis were blessed to learn by his example. He fought for the America we each strive to achieve, one where our fellow man is not judged by the color of his skin, but the content of his charact  more

WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, issued the following news release: Reps. Chip Roy (R-TX) and Ted Budd (R-NC) join Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) in introducing the Restitution for Economic Losses Caused by Leaders who Allow Insurrection and Mayhem (RECLAIM) Act. The RECLAIM Act would hold local officials responsible when their refusal to enforce the law leads to personal injury and property damage. It would allow citizens harmed to sue these officials and recover up to three times the   more

WASHINGTON, July 22 -- Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, issued the following statement regarding his votes on the National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 6395): The House voted on the passage of the FY21 National Defense Authorization Act, which authorizes $740.5 billion in spending for the Department of Defense and related agencies for the next year. Like last year, my Democratic colleagues chose to hijack what has historically been a bipartisan piece of legislation to further their progressive, Lefti  more

WASHINGTON, July 23 -- Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, issued the following news release: Rep. Roy on voting no on HR 7573 to remove certain statues from the Capitol. Though, I commend my colleagues for pursuing the removal of statues in a legal and orderly way, I could not vote for this bill. Our Nation is fighting a global pandemic and COVID-19 is spreading all along the border in Texas due to rampant illegal migration. Portland has been pillaged by anarchist attempting to harm federal agents and o  more

WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, issued the following news release: Rep. Roy on planning to introduce a bill to let parents choose the best education options for their children: As the Nation continues to battle the coronavirus pandemic, it is imperative we empower parents to make education decisions in the best interest of their own children based on the available information about health and safety. The data and science to date increasingly make clear that children are at dram  more

WASHINGTON, July 22 -- Rep. Steve Scalise, R-Louisiana, issued the following news release: House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) joined Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), Republican Conference Chair Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.), and House Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Kay Granger (R-Texas) at today's leadership press stakeout to discuss Speaker Pelosi's decision to bring partisan legislation to the House Floor that jeopardizes Americans' safety in the midst of a global pandemic ins  more

WASHINGTON, July 22 -- Rep. Kevin Brady, R-Texas, ranking Republican member of the House Ways and Means Committee, issued the following news release on July 21: Today, Rep. David Schweikert (R-AZ) introduced legislation to provide financial relief to millions of American families facing the burden of high health care costs. The proposal would reduce the current 7.5 percent income threshold for the medical expense deduction to 5 percent for years 2020 and 2021, and make the 7.5 percent income th  more

WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Rep. Sylvia Garcia, D-Texas, issued the following news release: Congresswoman Jackie Speier (CA-14), Chair of the House Armed Services Military Personnel Subcommittee, will convene the first U.S. House of Representatives Hearing focused on the sexual harassment SPC Vanessa Guillen suffered prior to her disappearance and murder at Fort Hood, and will review the lack of reporting of sexual harassment in the Department of Defense writ large due to a fear of retaliation and h  more

WASHINGTON, July 23 -- Rep. Van Taylor, R-Texas, issued the following news release: This afternoon, the United States House of Representatives passed H.R. 6395, the Mac Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act. Included in the legislation was an amendment introduced by Congressman Van Taylor (R-TX-03) to strengthen Congressional oversight of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). The amendment passed En Bloc by voice vote on Monday evening. Introduced earlier t  more

WASHINGTON, July 22 -- Rep. Mac Thornberry, R-Texas, issued the following statement after the House passed the William M. Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 6395) for fiscal 2021, by a vote of 295-125: "For sixty years, the House has voted to put America's national security and our military first. This is not a Republican or a Democrat bill, it is an American bill. This legislation invests in our military families and military readiness, ensuring that our servicemembers will be  more

WASHINGTON, July 22 -- Rep. Mac Thornberry, R-Texas, ranking Republican member of the House Armed Services Committee, issued the following news release: Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-TX), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, made the following statement after the House passed the FY21 NDAA by a vote of 295-125: "For sixty years Congress has laid partisan politics aside and come together to provide America's men and women in uniform, and their families, the resources they need to keep  more

WASHINGTON, July 21 -- Rep. Mac Thornberry, R-Texas, ranking Republican member of the House Armed Services Committee, issued the following news: Today, House Progressives will offer an amendment to cut $73 billion in an attempt to defund America's military. The amendment exempts military personnel accounts, the Defense Health Program, and civilian personnel accounts, forcing a 16% cut across-the-board in all other accounts. The amendment would cause a reduction twice size of sequestration. It a  more

WASHINGTON, July 20 -- Rep. Marc Veasey, D-Texas, issued the following statement on the death of Rep. John Lewis, D-Georgia: "Our nation has lost a civil rights hero and loyal public servant. John Lewis was a fearless fighter, whose life was committed to transforming our nation for the better. "Every day of John Lewis's life was dedicated to bringing freedom and justice to all--from the courage he displayed on Edmund Pettus Bridge, to the moral leadership that he brought to the Congress for mo  more

WASHINGTON, July 22 -- Rep. Marc Veasey, D-Texas, issued the following statement on July 21 after voting in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 6395) for fiscal 2021: "Today, I voted in support of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (H.R. 6395)--a sweeping bipartisan package that honors America's values, strengthens our security and advances America's leadership in the world. Today's package includes numerous provisions that I strongly support, such as  more

WASHINGTON, July 24 -- Rep. Marc Veasey, D-Texas, issued the following news release: Representatives Marc Veasey (TX-33), Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX-30), Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18), and Colin Allred (TX-32) held a call with regional reporters today demanding the Senate extend $600 weekly emergency unemployment payments that are due to expire at the end of this month. In May, the House passed legislation known as the Heroes Act to extend emergency unemployment payments and other critical lifelin  more

WASHINGTON, July 23 -- Rep. Filemon Vela, D-Texas, issued the following statement in support of the fiscal 2021 National Defense Authorization Act, which authorizes $740 billion for national defense and passed the House by a bipartisan vote of 295-125: "If there is one area where bipartisanship still prevails, it is support for our servicemen and women in uniform, our veterans, and their families. I am pleased that the House was able to pass this critical piece of legislation for the 60th conse  more

WASHINGTON, July 22 -- Rep. Roger Williams, R-Texas, issued the following statement after voting in favor of the William Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal 2021: "The House continued our bipartisan tradition of passing a NDAA that provides for our men and women in uniform. "This legislation offers our troops a well-deserved pay raise and supports their families, along with ensuring the Department of Defense has the resources to effectively respond to and combat the COVID  more

AUSTIN, Texas, July 23 -- Rep. Roger Williams, R-Texas, issued the following news release: Congressman Roger Williams (R-TX-25) applauded Tesla's announcement of the construction of their new Gigafactory in Travis County. The $1.1 billion assembly plant will employ 5,000 people and is expected to generate over $1 billion in capital investment. "Texas is the most pro-business state in our nation and I am very pleased Tesla has chosen to build its new Gigafactory in Austin. We have low taxes, fe  more

WASHINGTON, July 22 -- Rep. Ron Wright, R-Texas, issued the following statement: "I want to congratulate and applaud The Family & Veterans Advocacy Clinic of Texas at Texas A&M Law School for expanding their legal clinic to serve veterans and former Guard members separated from military duty who reside in Ellis, Navarro and Wise counties. A special "thank you" goes to Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) and Funds for Veterans Assistance (FVA) for providing the funds to allow this crucial legal wor  more

WASHINGTON, July 22 -- Rep. Ron Wright, R-Texas, issued the following statement on the National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 6935) for fiscal 2021: "I voted NO on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). 'Although I agree with parts of this package, I could not in good conscience, vote for a $740+ billion defense authorization after such a flawed process. "Members of Congress were given one vote to pass 175 amendments en bloc, and then when most members were far from the Capitol com  more

WASHINGTON, July 24 -- Rep. Colin Allred, D-Texas, issued the following news release: Congressman Colin Allred (TX-32) and Congressman Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA-14) introduced a bipartisan House resolution on the importance of the U.S.-Iraq strategic relationship. Both are members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. The bipartisan resolution calls on Congress and the Administration to continue to support cooperation between the two nations and highlights the importance of both the security   more

WASHINGTON, July 21 -- Rep. Lance Gooden, R-Texas, issued the following news release: Congressmen Lance Gooden (R-TX) and Filemon Vela (D-TX) have teamed up to provide much-needed relief to businesses and workers impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. The Small Business Comeback Act, which the lawmakers introduced Monday, is tailored to the needs of main street. The legislation will complement the CARES Act and Paycheck Protection Program by simplifying the application process and reducing rest  more

WASHINGTON, July 24 -- Rep. Will Hurd, R-Texas, issued the following news release: Reps. Will Hurd (R-Texas) and Robin Kelly (D-Ill.) in consultation with the Bipartisan Policy Center today released the first of four white papers about a national artificial intelligence strategy. The congressmen have worked with BPC for almost a year to craft the pillars of a national AI strategy. The first white paper centers around artificial intelligence in the workplace. The findings call on the U.S. to tak  more

WASHINGTON, July 22 -- Rep. K. Michael Conaway, R-Texas, ranking Republican member of the House Agriculture Committee, issued the following news release: The House Agriculture Committee's Nutrition, Oversight and Department Operations Subcommittee held a hearing to review the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Farmers to Families Food Box program. After the hearing, Subcommittee Ranking Member Dusty Johnson (SD-AL) and Committee Ranking Member K. Michael Conaway (TX-11) released t  more

WASHINGTON, July 24 -- Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, ranking Republican member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following news release: Representatives Michael McCaul, Republican Leader of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, and Eliot Engel, the Committee's Ranking Member, applauded the passage of the Eliot L. Engel State Department Authorization Act as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). "The bipartisan State Department Authorization bill provides need  more

WASHINGTON, July 22 -- Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, issued the following news release: Representative Roy joined Representative Curtis (UT-3) in sending this letter to House leadership laying out his priorities for reauthorizing the Paycheck Protection Program. See letter here https://roy.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-roy-curtis-outline-priorities-reauthorization-ppp  more

WASHINGTON, July 24 -- Rep. K. Michael Conaway, R-Texas, ranking Republican member of the House Agriculture Committee, issued the following news release: The House Agriculture Committee's Commodity Exchanges, Energy and Credit Subcommittee held a hearing to examine the impacts of farm energy production on farm income and rural communities. After the hearing, Subcommittee Ranking Member Austin Scott (GA-8) and Committee Ranking Member K. Michael Conaway (TX-11) released the following remarks: "  more

WASHINGTON, July 21 -- Rep. Filemon Vela, D-Texas, issued the following news release: Congressmen Filemon Vela (D-TX) and Lance Gooden (R-TX) announced the introduction of the Small Business Comeback Act, bipartisan legislation that would create a recovery fund to provide businesses with the support they need to see it through the coronavirus national emergency. The Comeback Act would complement business assistance provided under the CARES Act, and provide streamlined and tailored federal sup  more

WASHINGTON, July 23 -- Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, issued the following news release: U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement after his bills to rename U.S. Post Offices in Fate, Texas and Greenville, Texas after former U.S. Congressman Ralph Hall and veteran and actor Audie Murphy, respectively, passed by voice vote out of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. "Mr. Murphy and Former Rep. Hall are two of Texas' favorite sons, paragons of publi  more

WASHINGTON, July 22 -- Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, issued the following news release: U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), a member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, announced his introduction of the Ensuring Increased Disaster Loans (EIDL) for Small Businesses Act (S.4227). This bipartisan legislation would assist Texas small businesses impacted by the coronavirus pandemic by providing an additional $180 billion for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Adv  more

AUSTIN, Texas, July 21 -- Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, issued the following statement after the death of Rep. John Lewis, D-Georgia: "John Lewis has left an indelible mark on the hearts of not only those in his home state of Georgia, but all over our nation and across the world. "He will be remembered for many things, but his tireless work as a civil rights leader and dedication to fighting for the oppressed changed the course of history. "Sandy and I will be praying for his family and all thos  more

WASHINGTON, July 24 -- Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, issued the following news release: The Senate passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2021. You can read the legislation here https://www.armed-services.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/S4049%20-%20FY%202021%20NDAA.pdf, and below is a summary of its impact on Texas: * Raises troops' pay by 3%. * Authorizes $285 million for military construction projects in Texas, including: * a barracks, flight simulation system, and F-  more

WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nevada, issued the following news release: U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Representatives Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-Texas-30), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-N.J.-12) and Luis Correa (D-Calif.-46) introduced a resolution to designate the month of July as BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month. This bicameral resolution brings awareness to the disparities in the incidence of mental health-related challenges faced by black, indigenous   more

WASHINGTON, July 23 -- Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, issued the following news release: U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) announced Maria Jeffrey has been promoted to Director of Speechwriting and Strategic Communications. Maria, who joined Sen. Cruz's team in 2018 as press secretary, will continue to serve in his Washington, D.C. office in her new role. "For two years, Maria has played an invaluable role on our leadership team, helping our office effectively communicate with the 29 million Texans we rep  more

WASHINGTON, July 24 -- Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, issued the following transcript: U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) this week appeared Fox News' Hannity and Fox News' Shannon Bream to discuss the Restitution for Economic losses Caused by Leaders who Allow Insurrection and Mayhem (RECLAIM) Act, new legislation he introduced this week to hold state and local officials liable when rioters establish lawless 'autonomous zones' and officials abdicate their duty to protect their citizens. WATCH: Cruz Strike  more

WASHINGTON, July 21 -- Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, issued the following statement applauding the Senate's confirmation of Russ Vought as Director of the Office of Management and Budget: "I am pleased that the Senate has voted to confirm Russ Vought for Director of the Office Management and Budget. "He has shown a commitment at the OMB to fight against wasteful spending and is a steadfast ally in restoring fiscal sanity to Washington, D.C. Throughout his time in public service, Russ has been a con  more

WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, issued the following news release: Following the Senate's passage of the FY21 NDAA, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) highlighted several victories in the bill that champion Texas military communities as a pillar in America's national security objectives and which will shore up America's defense capabilities against our adversaries - including China and Russia. In total, Sen. Cruz secured 21 wins to protect America's national security. As a member of t  more

WASHINGTON, July 23 -- Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, issued the following news release: U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) introduced the Restitution for Economic losses Caused by Leaders who Allow Insurrection and Mayhem (RECLAIM) Act, legislation that would hold state and local officials liable when rioters establish lawless 'autonomous zones' and officials abdicate their duty to protect their citizens. The RECLAIM Act would allow for treble damages, enabling plaintiffs in autonomous zones to recover tr  more

WASHINGTON, July 23 -- Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, issued the following op-ed, which was provided to the Wall Street Journal: In his latest op-ed for the Wall Street Journal, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) outlined a plan to take America's cities back from violent rioters. Sen. Cruz's RECLAIM Act would hold local officials accountable for failing to protect their constituents. In the op-ed, Sen. Cruz wrote: "These radicals hate the police, reject the rule of law, and are intent on terrorizing their  more

HOUSTON, Texas, July 20 -- Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, issued the following statement on the death of Rep. John Lewis, D-Georgia: "Heidi and I join men and women across the globe in grieving the loss of the great John Lewis. In my first year in the Senate, I had the privilege of traveling with John and much of the Congressional Black Caucus to Nelson Mandela's funeral in Johannesburg. "During the trip, John regaled us with stories of being alongside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. As one of the origin  more

WASHINGTON, July 24 -- Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, issued the following news release: More than 51 million unemployment claims have been filed since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. Families are hurting. Now, more than ever, Congress should be focused on getting our economy back on its feet and helping the American people safely return to work. Instead, Washington is wasting time negotiating a bloated "relief" bill with a starting cost of at least $1 trillion. That's $1 trillion dollars on   more

WASHINGTON, July 22 -- Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, issued the following news release: With growing unrest and violence continuing to plague our major cities, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) appeared on The Mark Levin Show, The Daily Signal Podcast, and on Fox News with Harris Faulkner where he slammed Democrats' support of the Leftist mob and the dangerous defund the police and discussed his new legislation that would allow suits against local officials who fail to keep Americans safe by pulling back   more

WASHINGTON, July 22 -- Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, issued the following news release: U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) this week gave opening remarks for the Foundation for Defense of Democracies virtual event on 'The Future of Iran.' During his remarks, Sen. Cruz called for collapsing the Iranian regime, following the example of U.S. policy toward the Soviet Union during the Cold War. He also recognized the progress Congressional Republicans and President Trump have made toward eliminating the threat  more

WASHINGTON, July 24 -- The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee issued the following information for a virtual hearing: "Oversight of COVID-19 Financial Relief Packages" at 10 a.m. on July 28: Witnesses: * Phil Gramm, Former Senator from the State of Texas, And Visiting Scholar, American Enterprise Institute * Danielle Brian, Executive Director, Project on Government Oversight * Maya MacGuineas, President, Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget * Veronique De Rugy  more

WASHINGTON, July 23 -- Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, issued the following news release: U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) introduced the Save Our Stages Act, which would provide Small Business Administration grants for independent live music venue operators affected by COVID-19 stay-at-home orders. These grants would provide six months of financial support to keep venues afloat, pay employees, and preserve a critical economic sector for communities across America. "Texas i  more

WASHINGTON, July 23 -- Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, issued the following news release: Exactly eight years after the celebrated Cuban dissident Oswaldo Paya's violent death by the Castro regime in Cuba, U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) reintroduced legislation to rename the street outside the Cuban Embassy in Washington D.C. as "Oswaldo Paya Way." "Oswaldo Paya dedicated his life to fighting for the Cuban people against the evils o  more

WASHINGTON, July 24 -- Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, issued the following news release: U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), David Perdue (R-Ga.), and Kelly Loeffler (R-Ga.) introduced the Addressing Missed-savings Opportunities for Retirement due to an Epidemic Act (AMORE Act), legislation that would allow individuals facing financial challenges and who are unable to make contributions to their tax-advantaged retirement accounts in 2020 to make "catch-up" contributions to these accou  more