WASHINGTON, May 13 -- Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, issued the following statement: * * * Rep. Chip Roy (TX-21) issued the following statement Wednesday in response to the April border numbers released by Customs and Border Protection this week: The official DHS border numbers have been confirmed, as reliable sources informed me last week, that border apprehension numbers are over 500,000 since the beginning of 2021. But even worse than the 178,622 apprehensions in April are the roughly 40,000 "go  more

WASHINGTON, May 6 -- Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, D-Texas, chairwoman of the House Science, Space and Technology Subcommittee on Research and Technology, issued the following opening statement as part of a video conference hearing entitled "National Science Foundation: Advancing Research for the Future of U.S. Innovation Part II": * * * U.S. universities continue to lead the world in cutting edge fundamental research. While universities rely on several sources of funding for research, the large  more

WASHINGTON, May 12 -- Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas, issued the following news release: U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), with Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), led a group of 20 lawmakers to introduce the Green Transportation Act. This legislation directs cities and states to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector. This sector represents the single largest source of carbon pollution in the United States, which makes tracking and reducing those emissions an urgent priorit  more

WASHINGTON, May 4 -- The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health issued the following testimony by Texas Rare Alliance Founding President Khrystal K. Davis as part of a virtual hearing entitled "Negotiating a Better Deal: Legislation to Lower the Cost of Prescription Drugs": * * * I am privileged to be here today as a rare disease parent, caregiver, and patient advocate to share my perspective, and represent the 1 in 10 Americans affected by more than 7,000 rare diseases. I am the Fou  more

WASHINGTON, May 13 -- Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-Texas, issued the following news release: The U.S. House of Representatives passed Congresswoman Veronica Escobar's (TX-16) bipartisan legislation to provide Native American communities a critical economic lifeline and opportunity to recover from the coronavirus health and economic crisis. H.R. 2208, the Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo and Alabama-Coushatta Tribes of Texas Equal and Fair Opportunity Act would ensure the Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo and Alabama-Co  more

WASHINGTON, May 15 -- Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, D-Texas, chairwoman of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee, issued the following news release on May 14, 2021: The federal scientific integrity task force convened for the first time. The 46-person task force, comprised of members from more than two dozen government agencies, was mandated by the Biden Administration in a January memorandum, Restoring Trust in Government through Scientific Integrity and Evidence-Based Policy Making.  more

WASHINGTON, May 13 -- The House Science, Space and Technology Subcommittee on Energy issued the following information for a virtual hearing entitled: "Accelerating Discovery: The Future of Scientific Computing at the Department of Energy" at 11 a.m. on May 19, 2021: Witnesses * Dr. J. Stephen Binkley, Acting Director, Office of Science, Department of Energy * Dr. Georgia Tourassi, Director, National Center for Computational Sciences at Oak Ridge National Laboratory * Dr. Karen Willcox, Direc  more

WASHINGTON, May 13 -- Rep. Kevin Brady, R-Texas, ranking Republican member of the House Ways and Means Committee, issued the following news release: Ahead of Ambassador Tai's appearance before the Ways and Means Committee on President Biden's 2021 trade agenda, Republican leader of the Subcommittee on Health Rep. Devin Nunes (R-CA) penned an op-ed for the Washington Examiner, where he outlined how President Biden's COVID-19 patent waiver benefits China at the expense of American innovation. Re  more

WASHINGTON, May 12 -- Rep. Colin Allred, D-Texas, issued the following news release on May 11, 2021: Congressman Colin Allred (TX-32), today highlighted a key provision of the American Rescue Plan which will dramatically increase the benefits of the Child Tax Credit to many families across North Texas. The American Rescue Plan also reworked the credit so that it is partially issued in monthly payments averaging $250 per month per child, and $300 per month for a child under six. The average tota  more

WASHINGTON, May 12 -- Rep. Jodey Arrington, R-Texas, issued the following news release on May 11, 2021: Congressman Jodey Arrington (TX-19)was named a Taxpayer Super Hero by the Council for Citizens Against Government Waste for his voting record to cut wasteful government spending and defend Texas taxpayers. "It is an honor to be named a Taxpayer Super Hero by the Council for Citizens Against Government Waste," said Rep. Arrington. "One of the greatest tragedies in U.S. history is how congress  more

DONNA, Texas, May 7 -- Rep. Nanette Barragan, D-California, issued the following statement: * * * U.S. House Homeland Border Security Subcommittee Chairwoman Nanette Diaz Barragan joined U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas in Texas to receive updates on unaccompanied children arriving at our Southern Border and view conditions at the Customs and Border Protection Donna Processing Facility. Congressmembers Lucille Roybal-Allard, Linda Sanchez, Sylvia Garcia and   more

WASHINGTON, May 15 -- Rep. Don Beyer, D-Virginia, issued the following joint statement with Reps. Eddie Bernice Johnson, D-Texas, Zoe Lofgren, D-California, Suzanne Bonamici, D-Oregon, Ami Bera, M.D., D- California, Haley Stevens, D-Michigan, Jamaal Bowman, D-New York, Brad Sherman, D- California, Ed Perlmutter, D-Colorado, Jerry McNerney, D-California, Paul Tonko, D- New York, Bill Foster, D-Illinois, Donald Norcross, D-New Jersey, Don Beyer, D-Virginia, Sean Casten, D-Illinois, Deborah K. Ross  more

WASHINGTON, May 11 -- Rep. Kevin Brady, R-Texas, ranking Republican member of the House Ways and Means Committee, issued the following news release on May 10, 2021: As Democrats sabotage our jobs recovery with bloated unemployment benefits, criminals and fraudsters are lining their pockets with billions in taxpayer funds from the expanded program, write Ways and Means Republican Leader Kevin Brady (R-TX) and Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Mike Crapo (R-ID) in a letter to U.S. Departmen  more

WASHINGTON, May 14 -- Rep. Kevin Brady, R-Texas, ranking Republican member of the House Ways and Means Committee, issued the following news release on May 13, 2021: Ways and Means Committee Republican Leader Rep. Kevin Brady (R-TX) kicked off today's hearing examining President Biden's 2021 trade agenda with Ambassador Tai. After outlining his concerns with the Democrats' tax and spend agenda that is sabotaging our jobs recovery, raising consumer prices, and making it harder for Main Street to  more

WASHINGTON, May 15 -- Rep. Kevin Brady, R-Texas, ranking Republican member of the House Ways and Means Committee, issued the following news release: With Democrats' expanded unemployment benefits crushing Main Street's hiring efforts and sabotaging the country's recovery, top Republican leaders have sent a letter to America's governors urging states to adopt policies that will reconnect unemployed workers with today's 8.1 million job openings, including back-to-work bonuses. The letter was led  more

WASHINGTON, May 14 -- Rep. Michael Burgess, R-Texas, issued the following news release: Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX) released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the BIG Act. "The world of American students has been turned upside down because of this pandemic," said Congressman Burgess. "It is important that as we are sending them back into the classroom, we are also taking precautions to ensure their safety on all fronts. The BIG Act is critical le  more

WASHINGTON, May 13 -- Rep. Michael Burgess, R-Texas, issued the following news release: On Friday, news broke that the Colonial Pipeline Company suffered a cybersecurity attack, causing a shutdown of their pipeline network. Seeking answers for the 26th District of Texas, Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX) wrote a letter to President Joe Biden and to Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone. In the letter to President Biden, Burgess sought answers on the Administration's re  more

ROUND ROCK, Texas, May 11 -- Rep. John Carter, R-Texas, issued the following news release: Representative John Carter (TX-31) announced the winners of the 2021 Congressional Art Competition at the annual awards ceremony held at Texas State University- Round Rock. "I am so proud of all of the students from TX-31 who submitted their artwork for the 2021 Congressional Art Competition," said Representative Carter. "With over 70 submissions, determining the winner was no easy task and it was clear   more

WASHINGTON, May 13 -- Rep. Dan Crenshaw, R-Texas, issued the following news release on May 12, 2021: Congressman Dan Crenshaw (R-TX) today pressed Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra for answers as to the Biden Administration's decision to rescind the 1115 waiver that would have extended Texas' health care safety net for uninsured residents for 10 years. During an Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee hearing, Crenshaw said the Biden Administration's "extreme" move put t  more

WASHINGTON, May 10 -- Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, issued the following news release: Congressman Henry Cuellar highlighted new tools from the White House to help Texas residents get vaccinated. Texans sixteen years or older can now input their ZIP code at www.vaccines.gov / www.vacunas.gov or text their ZIP code to GETVAX (438829) / VACUNA (822862) to get help making a vaccine appointment at a nearby location. In addition, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) launched a new  more

LAREDO, Texas, May 12 -- Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, issued the following news release: Congressman Cuellar (TX-28) is urging hardworking families in Texas's 28th Congressional District to file their taxes before the upcoming May 17th deadline to ensure they receive the accurate amount in new advance monthly Child Tax Credit payments they are entitled to as soon as possible. As part of the American Rescue Plan Cuellar helped pass, families could get monthly payments of up to $300 per child b  more

TAYLORVILLE, Illinois, May 11 -- Rep. Rodney Davis, R-Illinois, issued the following news release: Last month, U.S. Representative Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) joined U.S. House Republican Whip Steve Scalise and other members of Congress in a delegation to the U.S.-Mexico border near McAllen, Texas, and the surrounding area to see the immigration crisis first hand and hear directly from law enforcement about the situation on the ground. Rep. Davis wrote a guest column for the Herald & Review about wh  more

WASHINGTON, May 14 -- Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-Texas, issued the following news release on May 13, 2021: Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Vice Chair of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel, co-led the reintroduction of the I am Vanessa Guillen Act in honor of the late Spc. Vanessa Guillen and the many survivors of military sexual violence who have bravely come forward in the wake of her disappearance and brutal murder. This bipartisan legislation was introduced by  more

WASHINGTON, May 15 -- Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-Texas, issued the following news release on May 14, 2021: Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) introduced H.R. 3238, the Colonia Infrastructure Improvement Act. This legislation will address long-standing disparities faced by residents living in colonias by investing $1.5 billion in drinking water, wastewater, and surface infrastructure while creating good-paying jobs. "Many El Paso colonias have lacked critical infrastructure like paved roads,   more

WASHINGTON, May 15 -- Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-Texas, issued the following news release: Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) announced the benefits of the expanded and improved Child Tax Credit (CTC) secured in the American Rescue Plan and urged El Paso families to file their 2020 taxes before the upcoming June 15 deadline to ensure they receive the accurate amount in new advance monthly CTC payments they are entitled to as soon as possible. "By expanding the Child Tax Credit in the America  more

WASHINGTON, May 13 -- Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-Texas, issued the following news release: Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) announced that El Paso colleges, universities, and students will receive a combined total of $142,699,737 in coronavirus relief funding from the American Rescue Plan. The funding will help local institutions and students recover from the severe financial challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 health and economic crisis, and ensure learning continues during the pandemi  more

WASHINGTON, May 14 -- Rep. Lizzie Fletcher, D-Texas, issued the following statement: * * * Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) released the following statement on the escalating tensions in the Middle East: "Over the past few days, we have witnessed an escalation of violence and attacks directed at civilians that have resulted in the tragic loss of life. My thoughts are with those living in fear and grieving the tremendous loss this violence has brought. "The rocket attacks by Hamas agains  more

WASHINGTON, May 12 -- Rep. Lizzie Fletcher, D-Texas, issued the following news release: Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) led a bipartisan coalition of the Texas delegation calling on Congressional leadership to prioritize funding for coastal resiliency projects like the Texas Coastal Spine in the American Jobs Plan. In a letter sent to Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee Chairman Peter DeFazio, T&I Committee Ranking Member Sam Graves, and Congressional leadership, Representa  more

WASHINGTON, May 13 -- Rep. Sylvia Garcia, D-Texas, issued the following news release: On Friday, May 7, Congresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia (TX-29) introduced H.R. 3009, the Improving Language Access in Mortgage Servicing Act, a bill to improve language accessibility for mortgage borrowers regarding their loan servicing. The bill will establish language access requirements for mortgage loan officers and servicing companies so that they may better serve borrowers whose primary language is not Englis  more

WASHINGTON, May 15 -- Rep. Sylvia Garcia, D-Texas, issued the following news release on May 14, 2021: Congresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia (TX-29) refiled the "Stop Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit Seizure Act". The legislation would prohibit the federal government from "seizing," or garnishing, an individual's Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Tax Credit (CTC) for purposes of paying back student loan debt. Between January 1 and March 12 of 2020, the U.S. Treasury Department took  more

WASHINGTON, May 13 -- Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, issued the following news release: Congressman Tony Gonzales (TX-23) on Wednesday applauded the passage of the Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo and Alabama-Coushatta Tribes of Texas Equal and Fair Opportunity Act on the House floor. The bill,which was introduced by Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (D-TX-16) and Congressman Gonzales, will include electronic bingo in the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, allowing the Tiguas and Alabama-Coushatta Tribes of Texas t  more

WASHINGTON, May 15 -- Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, issued the following news release: Congressman Tony Gonzales (TX-23) joined House colleagues on Thursday in introducing the I am Vanessa Guillen Act. This bill honors the memory of Vanessa Guillen by improving the military's response to sexual harassment and sexual assault. "As a father, veteran, and Texan, the murder of Vanessa Guillen hit close to home," said Congressman Gonzales. "The handling of this sexual assault case is not unique to th  more

EAGLE PASS, Texas, May 11 -- Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, issued the following news release: Congressman Tony Gonzales (TX-23) donned a cap and gown for the first time this weekend when he delivered the keynote address at the Sul Ross State University commencement ceremony. Despite being a PhD candidate, Congressman Gonzales has never participated in a formal graduation ceremony. Watch Congressman Gonzales full speech here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDyHYS64ftc "For me, this is the very  more

WASHINGTON, May 14 -- Rep. Al Green, D-Texas, issued the following news release: Congressman Al Green released the following statement in support of H.R. 2547, the Comprehensive Debt Collection Improvement Act: "Chairwoman Waters' Comprehensive Debt Collection Improvement Act will improve debt collection, not end it. It will cause unscrupulous debt collectors to be held accountable for their predatory behaviors. The rights of consumers must be protected. This is why I support H.R. 2547," state  more

WASHINGTON, May 15 -- Rep. Al Green, D-Texas, issued the following news release: Congressman Al Green released the following statement in support of H.R. 1065, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act: "I proudly support the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act of 2021 as an original cosponsor.," stated Congressman Al Green, who also voted YES to this bill in the 116th Congress. "In October 2020, there were 2.2 million fewer women in our nation's labor force compared to October 2019. This alarming trend is   more

WASHINGTON, May 14 -- Rep. Jim Hagedorn, R-Minnesota, issued the following statement on May 13, 2021: * * * Congressman Jim Hagedorn (MN-01) today released a statement after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued new guidance on mask-wearing: "The CDC is just now catching up with what many folks have known for a long time - you do not need to wear a mask if you're vaccinated. Now it's time for Governor Walz to join states like Florida and Texas and immediately rescind Mi  more

WASHINGTON, May 12 -- Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, D-Texas, issued the following news release: Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX-30) announced more than $118 million in emergency funding for colleges, universities, and students in Texas's 30th Congressional District under the American Rescue Plan. The funding will help local institutions cope with the severe financial fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic and continue serving their students safely. At least half of the funding each institutio  more

WASHINGTON, May 12 -- Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, D-Texas, issued the following news release: Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX-30) announced that Dr. Michael Hinojosa, the Superintendent of Dallas ISD who has worked tirelessly for the students of Dallas during the COVID-19 pandemic, will be her Virtual Guest to President Biden's Joint Address to Congress 100 Days into Administration. The Joint Address, President Biden's first speech to a Joint Session of Congress, marks 100 days into th  more

DALLAS, Texas, May 11 -- Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, D-Texas, chairwoman of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee, issued the following statement on May 10, 2021: * * * On Friday, the Colonial Pipeline Company was the target of a cyber attack which subsequently caused the company to shut down 5,500 miles of pipeline that services the East Coast. Today, the FBI confirmed that a hacking group called DarkSide was responsible for the attack. "The Colonial Pipeline cyber attack remain  more

WASHINGTON, May 14 -- Rep. Michael T. McCaul, R-Texas, issued the following news release on May 13, 2021: Texas Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX) and Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) hosted a roundtable event with Chief Executive Officers (CEO) from companies who are leaders in the production of advanced semiconductor chips in the United States. Last year, key provisions of McCaul and Cornyn's CHIPS for America Act were signed into law. The group met to discuss how to increase manufacturing of these   more

WASHINGTON, May 14 -- Rep. August Pfluger, R-Texas, issued the following news release: Thursday, Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) introduced H.R. 3174, the Migrant Facility Transparency Act. The legislation requires the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate with federal, state, and local officials before establishing temporary influx facilities for migrants, and allows localities to be involved in the final decision-making process for site selection. "President Bid  more

WASHINGTON, May 14 -- Rep. August Pfluger, R-Texas, issued the following statement on May 13, 2021: * * * Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) released a statement after two Concho County Sheriff's deputies in the line of duty Monday night: "Camille and I are absolutely devastated by the news that two of our Concho County Sheriff's deputies were killed in the line of duty last night in Eden. These officers protected the community until the very end--defending our freedoms, values, and safety. T  more

WASHINGTON, May 15 -- Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, issued the following news release: Congressman Roy cosponsored three pieces of legislation to defend American law enforcement officers and uphold the rule of law introduced during National Police Week 2021. This week, Congressman Roy: * Cosponsored the "Back the Blue" resolution introduced by Rep. Ken Buck (CO-4) which offers sincere gratitude and appreciation to the Nation's law enforcement officers, recognizes the sacrifices they make every day   more

WASHINGTON, May 13 -- Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, issued the following news release: On Wednesday, Rep. Chip Roy (TX-21), along with 26 of his House colleagues, introduced legislation to prevent American taxpayer dollars from going to any school that promotes critical race theory (CRT). The Combatting Racist Teaching in Schools (CRT) Act prohibits federal funds from going to any elementary, secondary school, or institution of higher education that promotes race-based ideologies. "Critical Race Th  more

WASHINGTON, May 15 -- Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, issued the following statement: * * * Rep. Chip Roy (TX-21) issued the following statement Friday following the House Republican Conference's vote for Conference Chair: I extend my sincere congratulations to my friend and colleague, Elise Stefanik. As I said from the beginning, our goal was to provide an alternative with a proven record of standing up not for politicians -- but for freedom, the Constitution, and the conservative principles America  more

WASHINGTON, May 15 -- Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, issued the following news release on May 14, 2021: On Thursday afternoon, Congressman Chip Roy (TX-21), joined by Congressman Thomas Massie (KY-4), inquired about reports of politicized prosecutions of American citizens suspected of illegal activity at the capitol on January 6, 2021. "Those that damaged property and assaulted police officers on January 6th should rightfully face justice," the letter reads. "However, the public outcry and hyper-poli  more

WASHINGTON, May 13 -- Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, issued the following floor statement: * * * On Tuesday evening, Rep. Chip Roy (TX-21) delivered remarks on the House floor calling out the left's shameful and deliberate efforts to attack and "cancel" at law enforcement, while destroying anyone who dissents from their increasingly radical and dangerous agenda. Some key quotes from Congressman Roy are below and full footage of the appearance can be found at the link here: https://twitter.com/RepChi  more

WASHINGTON, May 11 -- Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, issued the following statement on May 10, 2021: * * * Rep. Chip Roy (TX-21) issued the following statement Monday following Hamas' attack on Monday, during which the terrorist organization launched over 100 rockets at civilian populations in Jerusalem forcing thousands of families into bomb shelters: Today, one of our greatest friends and allies came under attack. These rocket attacks are the unquestionable result of a Hamas that is emboldened by  more

WASHINGTON, May 13 -- Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, issued the following statement: * * * Rep. Chip Roy (TX-21) issued the following statement Wednesday in regards to the ongoing attacks on Israel: The United States must fully and unequivocally stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Israel and support Israel's right to defend itself. As Iranian-backed Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad deliberately launch more than 1,000 missiles and rockets into Israeli cities, the United States must also stand ready t  more

WASHINGTON, May 14 -- Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Texas, issued the following statement: * * * Congressman Sessions (TX-17) made the following statement in response to comments made on May 4, 2021, by the White House Asia Czar, Kurt Campbell, regarding the United States' policy toward defending Taiwan. "I was disappointed to see that the Biden administration will not clearly articulate the United States' position of our support for Taiwan, given the vigorous and unprofessional actions taken by Chin  more

WASHINGTON, May 13 -- Rep. Kevin Brady, R-Texas, ranking Republican member of the House Ways and Means Committee, issued the following news release: With the majority of American households struggling to keep up with Democrats' hidden tax hike, Republican Leader for the Ways and Means Select Revenue Subcommittee Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE) opened a Wednesday hearing pointing to a better alternative to higher spending: Republican tax reform has helped American working families and small businesses.  more

PLANO, Texas, May 13 -- Rep. Van Taylor, R-Texas, issued the following news release on May 12, 2021: U.S. Congressman Van Taylor (TX-03) was pleased to announce graduates of his 2020-2021 Congressional Youth Advisory Council (CYAC) program. While discussing his second class of CYAC students, Congressman Taylor said, "This year, thirty-nine high school students from across TX-03 successfully completed my Congressional Youth Advisory Council program. These young leaders give me so much hope for   more

WASHINGTON, May 13 -- Rep. Van Taylor, R-Texas, issued the following news statement on May 12, 2021: * * * Following days of attacks against Israel, U.S. Congressman Van Taylor (TX-03) issued the statement below: "Since Monday, Israeli civilians and families have faced a barrage of rockets from terrorists indiscriminately aimed across the nation, and at times, systematically targeting civilians. "Not only does Israel have the undeniable right to defend themselves when attacked by Palestinian  more

WASHINGTON, May 14 -- Rep. Van Taylor, R-Texas, issued the following floor statement on May 13, 2021: * * * In recognition of National Police Week, on May 12, 2021, Congressman Van Taylor (TX-03) thanked Collin County police officers for their dedication and hard work while remembering those officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. While discussing the bravery and commitment of police officers throughout Collin County, Congressman Van Taylor said, "Let this National Police Week  more

WASHINGTON, May 14 -- Rep. David Valadao, R-California, issued the following news release on May 13, 2021: Congressman David G. Valadao joined the Congressional Valley Fever Task Force, a bipartisan group of members of Congress who are committed to raising awareness and advancing policies to combat Valley Fever. Valley Fever is a serious fungal illness caused from inhaling certain fungi species found in soil. Cases are predominantly found in Arizona, California, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, Texas,  more

WASHINGTON, May 13 -- Rep. Marc Veasey, D-Texas, issued the following news release: Rep. Veasey (TX-33) today applauded the launch of the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) Program and urged eligible constituents to enroll and receive a discount on their monthly internet bill. The creation of this program was made possible because of Rep. Veasey's work with the Energy and Commerce Committee to expand broadband connectivity to every corner of the country. In 2020, Rep. Veasey introduced legislati  more

WASHINGTON, May 13 -- Rep. Marc Veasey, D-Texas, issued the following news release on May 12, 2021: U.S. Reps. Val Demings (D-FL-10), Mike Gallagher (R-WI-08), Marc Veasey (D-TX-33), and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL-12) today led 70 bipartisan Members of Congress on a new letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra advocating strong support for the Medicare Advantage Program. Wrote the members, "For over two decades, Medicare Advantage (MA) has been integral to fulfilling the Medicare   more

WASHINGTON, May 14 -- Rep. Marc Veasey, D-Texas, issued the following statement: * * * Congressman Marc Veasey released the following statement on the situation in Israel and the Palestinian territories: "I am heartbroken by the escalating tensions and growing violence in Israel and the Palestinian territories. I believe we must pursue a permanent diplomatic solution to this decades-long conflict. It is important that all parties take steps that move them closer to a permanent two-state solut  more

WASHINGTON, May 15 -- Rep. Filemon Vela, D-Texas, issued the following news release: Congressman Filemon Vela (D-TX) announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has awarded the City of Brownsville $1,614,351 to enhance the Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport. Federal funds will be used to replace two existing passenger boarding bridges. A portion of these funds have been allocated from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) of 2020, whi  more

WASHINGTON, May 14 -- Rep. Filemon Vela, D-Texas, issued the following news release: Congressman Filemon Vela (D-TX) announced more than $184 million in emergency funding for colleges, universities, and students in Texas' 34th Congressional District under the American Rescue Plan. The funding will help local institutions continue to support and serve their students following the financial fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. At least half of the funding each institution receives will be distribu  more

WASHINGTON, May 15 -- Rep. Filemon Vela, D-Texas, issued the following news release: Congressman Filemon Vela is urging hardworking families to file their taxes as soon as possible to ensure they receive their advance monthly Child Tax Credit payments. As part of the American Rescue Plan Congressman Vela helped pass, families could get monthly payments of up to $300 per child beginning as soon as July. The best way to ensure eligible families receive their payments is to file a 2020 tax return  more

WASHINGTON, May 15 -- Rep. Jackie Walorski, R-Indiana, issued the following news release: U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) today joined House Republican leaders in sending a letter to governors across the country asking them to help get Americans back to work and our economy back on track. In the letter, Congresswoman Walorski, House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.), and Ways and Means Committee Republican Leader Kevin Brady (R-Texas) urged g  more

WASHINGTON, May 13 -- Rep. Randy Weber, R-Texas, issued the following statement on May 12, 2021: * * * Wednesday, May 12, 2021, U.S. Rep. Randy Weber (R-TX-14) issued the following statement regarding the decision replace Congresswoman Liz Cheney as chair of the House Republican Conference: "Today, by voice vote, the Republican Conference chose overwhelmingly to remove U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney as chair of the House Republican Conference. Rep. Cheney was, unfortunately, out-of-step with a majority  more

WASHINGTON, May 10 -- Rep. Michael Burgess, R-Texas, issued the following news release: Congressmen Lou Correa (D-CA) and Michael Burgess (R-TX) introduced H.R. 3021 - the Coronavirus Provider Protection Act. This bipartisan legislation protects doctors and nurses on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Rep. Correa said, "For the past year, medical professionals have been in unchartered waters. Our frontline medical workers, including doctors and healthcare workers, are fighting for us the  more

WASHINGTON, May 15 -- Rep. Lizzie Fletcher, D-Texas, issued the following news release: Representatives Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) and Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18) discussed their work to move forward the Texas Coastal Spine. Earlier this week, a bipartisan group of Texas members sent a letter calling on Congressional leadership to include a funding mechanism for coastal resiliency projects in the American Jobs Plan. "Through the American Jobs Plan, we have the opportunity to reimagine and rebuild-  more

WASHINGTON, May 13 -- Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, D-Texas, issued the following news release: Representatives Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX-30) and David Joyce (OH-14) teamed up with Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Roger Wicker (R-MS) to introduce a bicameral resolution marking National Nurses Week, in recognition of the invaluable contributions made by nurses across America long before, and throughout, the COVID-19 crisis. The resolution comes amid reports of mounting burnout among health care w  more

WASHINGTON, May 12 -- Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, ranking Republican member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following joint statement on May 11, 2021, with Rep. Steve Chabot, R-Ohio: * * * House Foreign Affairs Committee Lead Republican Michael McCaul and Rep. Steve Chabot, ranking member on the Asia and Pacific Subcommittee released the following statement in response to recent concerning comments made by Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines and White House Asia  more

WASHINGTON, May 11 -- Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, ranking Republican member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following joint statement on May 10, 2021, with Rep. Gregory W. Meeks, D-New York: * * * * * * Following a bipartisan call in March from the lawmakers to "utilize all available tools, including Global Magnitsky authorities and other targeted sanctions, to hold parties accountable for their actions and bring an end to this crisis," House Foreign Affairs Committee Lea  more

WASHINGTON, May 12 -- Reps. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, and Gregory W. Meeks, D-New York, ranking member and chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following joint statement on May 11, 2021, with Reps. Ted Deutch, D-Florida, and Joe Wilson, R-South Carolina, chairman and ranking member of the Subcommittee on Middle East, North Africa and Global Counterterrorism, calling for the end to the Houthi siege of Marib: * * * "The ongoing Houthi assault on Marib is a catastrophe that   more

WASHINGTON, May 14 -- Rep. Michael T. McCaul, R-Texas, issued the following news release on May 13, 2021: Texas Congressmen Michael McCaul (TX-10) and Chip Roy (TX-21) reintroduced the successful One In, Two Out Act, which would require any federal agency issuing a new regulation to repeal two existing regulations before the new one takes effect. Small businesses make up 99.7 percent of U.S. employer firms. A 2016 study conducted by the Chamber of Commerce found that small businesses pay $11,7  more

WASHINGTON, May 11 -- Rep. Gregory Meeks, D-New York, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following joint statement on May 10, 2021, with Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas: * * * Following a bipartisan call in March from the lawmakers to "utilize all available tools, including Global Magnitsky authorities and other targeted sanctions, to hold parties accountable for their actions and bring an end to this crisis," Representatives Gregory W. Meeks and Michael McCaul, Chairman   more

WASHINGTON, May 12 -- Reps. Gregory Meeks, D-New York, and Michael McCaul, R-Texas, chairman and ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following joint statement on May 11, 2021, with Reps. Ted Deutch, D-Florida, Joe Wilson, R-South Carolina, chairman and ranking member of the Subcommittee on Middle East, North Africa and Global Counterterrorism, calling for the end to the Houthi siege of Marib: * * * "The ongoing Houthi assault on Marib is a catastrophe that threate  more

WASHINGTON, May 14 -- Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, issued the following news release on May 13, 2021: Texas Congressmen Chip Roy (TX-21) and Michael McCaul (TX-10) reintroduced the One In, Two Out Act, which would cut down unnecessary government regulations and help America's small businesses. The legislation would require any federal agency issuing a new regulation to repeal two existing regulations reducing the net cost by at least the same amount before the new one takes effect, thereby reinstat  more

WASHINGTON, May 14 -- Rep. Marc Veasey, D-Texas, issued the following news release: Reps. Veasey (TX-33) and Fitzpatrick (PA-01) introduced the Future of Local News Act--legislation aimed at rescuing the struggling local news industry. Local news organizations play a vital role in American democracy, reporting on stories that matter to communities and serving as a watchdog for municipal governments. However, an industry-wide transition to digital media and the pandemic-induced recession has led  more

WASHINGTON, May 14 -- Sen. Michael F. Bennet, D-Colorado, issued the following news release: U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawai'i), and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), and U.S. Representative Marc Veasey (D-Texas) introduced the Future of Local News Act, legislation aimed at rescuing the struggling local news industry. Local news organizations play a vital role in American democracy, but an industry-wide transition to digital media and the pandemic's impacts on the economy h  more

WASHINGTON, May 13 -- Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, issued the following floor statement on May 12, 2021: * * * Today on the floor, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) discussed Chiquita Brooks-LaSure's nomination to be Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Biden Administration's decision to rescind Texas' 1115 waiver and put the health of low-income and uninsured Texans in jeopardy in an effort to force the state to accept Medicaid expansion. Excerpts of Sen. Corny  more

WASHINGTON, May 13 -- Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, issued the following news release on May 12, 2021: During National Police Week, today U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) and Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02) introduced the Back the Blue Act, which would increase the penalties for criminals who intentionally target law enforcement officers and provide new tools for officers to protect themselves. "Our law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to protect and serve families across Texas. Viol  more

WASHINGTON, May 11 -- Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, issued the following news release on May 10, 2021: U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee, and U.S. Representative Kevin Brady (R-Texas), Ranking Member of the House Ways and Means Committee, today urged U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Marty Walsh to devote significantly more funds to the detection and prevention of unemployment insurance fraud, given the  more

WASHINGTON, May 15 -- Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, issued the following news release: U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), along with Senators Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) and John Boozman (R-Ark.), introduced the Estate Tax Reduction Act, legislation to reduce the estate tax to 20 percent--half of the current top rate of 40 percent. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation was also introduced by Representatives Jodey Arrington (R-Texas) and Henry Cuellar (D-Texas) in the House of Representatives. "Iowa's dedic  more

WASHINGTON, May 14 -- Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, issued the following news release on May 13, 2021: U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai'i), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), and U.S. Representative Marc Veasey (D-Texas) reintroduced the Future of Local News Act, legislation aimed at rescuing the struggling local news industry. Local news organizations play a vital role in American democracy, but an industry-wide transition to digital media and the pandemic's impacts on the  more

WASHINGTON, May 13 -- Sen. Rick Scott, R-Florida, issued the following news release on May 12, 2021: Senator Rick Scott led his colleagues in a press conference on the ongoing national security and humanitarian crisis at the U.S. southern border, created by President Joe Biden's failed policies of open borders and amnesty. Senator Scott was joined by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, City of Yuma Mayor Douglas Nicholls, National Border Patrol Council President Brandon Judd, former Acting Commi  more

WASHINGTON, May 15 -- Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Mississippi, issued the following news release on May 14, 2021: U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., teamed up with U.S. Representatives Eddie Bernice Johnson, D-Texas, and David Joyce, R-Ohio, to introduce a bicameral resolution marking National Nurses Week, in recognition of the invaluable contributions made by nurses across America. The resolution comes amid reports of mounting burnout among health care workers--a startlin  more

WASHINGTON, May 13 -- Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, issued the following news release on May 12, 2021: U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) today introduced the Summer Meals Alternative Relief and Transportation (SMART) Act, which would establish additional food delivery service options for low-income students who live in rural areas and receive meals through the USDA Summer Food Service Program. "The USDA's food programs are critical for low-income students, but many children   more

WASHINGTON, May 14 -- Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Arkansas, issued the following news release on May 13, 2021: Senators Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), John Boozman (R-Arkansas), and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) today introduced the Estate Tax Reduction Act, legislation to reduce the estate tax to 20 percent--half of the current top rate of 40 percent. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation was also introduced by Representatives Jodey Arrington (R-Texas) and Henry Cuellar (D-Texas) in the House of Representatives. "F  more