Friday - March 29, 2024
U.S. Congressional Tipoffs Involving Texas Newsletter for Sunday July 28, 2019 ( 135 items )  

After Visit to Inspect Southern Border Facilities, Sen. Cardin Demands Administration Immediately Address Issues
WASHINGTON, July 26 -- Sen. Benjamin Cardin, D-Maryland, issued the following news release: * * * - In New Letter to Heads of DHS And CBP, Senate Democrats Demand Answers and Briefing, No Later Than August 10th, on Trump Administration's Plans For Improving Treatment of Children And Families - Letter Follows Trip To McAllen, Texas To Investigate, Inspect, And Evaluate Conditions At Several Southern Border Facilities * * * U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), along with Senate Democratic Leader  more

Allred, Peters Lead Effort to Democratic Leadership Urging Action on U.S., Mexico, Canada Trade Agreement
WASHINGTON, July 26 -- Rep. Colin Allred, D-Texas, issued the following news release: Congressman Colin Allred (TX-32) and Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52) led an effort urging U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to act on the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). "Texas is the number one trade state in the country, and trade with Mexico and Canada is critical to helping businesses big and small succeed," said Congressman Allred. "Texas businesses depend on trade for their supply chains.  more

Castro Introduces Resolution to Address Exploitation of Child Labor in Democratic Republic of Congo
WASHINGTON, July 26 -- Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-Texas, issued the following news release: * * * - The resolution addresses the prevalence of hazardous working conditions for children, especially the worst forms of child labor in the mining of cobalt and other minerals in the Democratic Republic of the Congo * * * Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Vice Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and a member of the House Intelligence and Edu  more

Castro Questions Mueller During Highly Anticipated Testimony
WASHINGTON, July 24 -- Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-Texas, issued the following news release: Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Vice Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and a member of the House Intelligence and Education and Labor Committees, today had the following exchange with Robert Mueller during the highly anticipated Intelligence Committee hearing, where members and the American people heard testimony to the former Special Counsel:  more

Chair Fletcher Issues Statement at Hearing on Weathering Storm
HOUSTON, Texas, July 22 -- The House Science, Space and Technology subcommittee on Environment issued the following statement by Chair Lizzie Fletcher, D-Texas, at a field hearing entitled "Weathering the Storm: Improving Hurricane Resiliency through Research": "Good afternoon, and welcome to the Subcommittee on Environment's field hearing on hurricane and coastal resilience research. "I am glad we are able to hold this hearing in Houston today, and I am pleased to welcome our witnesses, inclu  more

Conaway, Johnson Praise Trump Administration's Proposed Rule to Curb Abuse of SNAP Eligibility
WASHINGTON, July 23 -- Rep. K. Michael Conaway, R-Texas, ranking Republican member of the House Agriculture Committee, issued the following news release: Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture released a proposed rule to rein in an egregiously abused process that confers eligibility for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to households who receive nominal services or support from other social safety net programs, a pathway often referred to as Broad-Based Categorical El  more

Congressman Lance Gooden (R-TX) Introduces Legislation to End Child Trafficking at the Border
WASHINGTON, July 22 -- Rep. Lance Gooden, R-Texas, issued the following news release: On the southern border of our country, thousands of children are being used by criminals to claim asylum under a special classification for families. The Department of Homeland Security uncovered more than 5,500 fraudulent claims since May 2018. Its officials have further exposed child recycling rings in which the same child is used to gain entry and sent back across the border to be used repeatedly. To count  more

Cornyn Bill to Broaden GI Benefits for Veterans in STEM Fields Passes Senate
WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, issued the following news release: U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement after his Veteran STEM Scholarship Improvement Act, a bill to help veterans take full advantage of the scholarship provided to veterans studying science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM fields), passed the Senate today. "Even with a unique set of skills and unparalleled work ethic, veterans' transition from the military to civilian life c  more

Cotton, Colleagues Introduce Legislation Posthumously Promoting Doolittle Raider Lt. Col. Dick Cole to Colonel
WASHINGTON, July 24 -- Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Arkansas, issued the following news release: U.S. Senators Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), John Cornyn (R-Texas), and Ted Cruz (R-Texas) introduced legislation that calls for the posthumous promotion of Dayton, Ohio native Lieutenant Colonel (Lt. Col.) Richard E. Cole. This bipartisan legislation also recognizes the accomplishments, sacrifices, and legacy of Lt. Col. Cole, the last of the living Doolittle Raiders u  more

Doggett, Reed, Blumenthal Renew Push to End Special Tax Exemptions for Huge Executive Bonuses
WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas, issued the following news release: * * * - Bill would close a major loophole in current corporate tax law by preventing unlimited tax write-offs for jumbo bonuses * * * Today, U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), along with U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), is reintroducing the Stop Subsidizing Multimillion Dollar Corporate Bonuses Act. This legislation would close a major loophole in current corporate tax l  more

Durbin Visits Southwest Border to View Migrant Detention Facilities
MCALLEN, Texas, July 19 -- Sen. Richard J. Durbin, D-Illinois, issued the following news release: U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, was in McAllen, Texas, today with a group of Senate Democrats to get a firsthand look at the humanitarian crisis on the southwest border. Durbin toured McAllen Border Patrol Stations Donna and Ursula to evaluate the conditions at U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) detention facilit  more

Feinstein, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Reinforce Transparency in Wake of Supreme Court FOIA Decision, Regulations
WASHINGTON, July 24 -- Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-California, issued the following news release: Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) today, along with Senators Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) introduced the Open and Responsive Government Act (S. 2220), to reverse recent developments that undermine the public's right to access information and hold government accountable. The legislation would restore a longstanding legal interpretation of the Freedom of   more

Feinstein, Grassley, Leahy, Cornyn Introduce Bill to Reinforce Transparency in Wake of Supreme Court FOIA Decision and Recent Regulations
WASHINGTON, July 24 -- Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-California, ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following news release: Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) today, along with Senators Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) introduced the Open and Responsive Government Act (S. 2220), to reverse recent developments that undermine the public's right to access information and hold government accountable. The legislation would restore a lo  more

Following Visit to Southern Border, Ernst Calls on Congress to Fix Broken Immigration System
WASHINGTON, July 24 -- Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, issued the following news release: Following her visit to the Texas-Mexico border, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, called on her Democratic colleagues to step up and work across the aisle to find solutions to the humanitarian crisis at the border. Ernst reiterated the need to secure our border and close the asylum loopholes in our existing immigration laws. Click here (https://youtu.be/DM0TaXRdKOI) ab  more

Former NFL Players and Freshman Congressmen Colin Allred and Anthony Gonzalez Announce Joint District Visits
WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Rep. Colin Allred, D-Texas, issued the following news release: U.S. Congressmen Colin Allred (D-TX) and Anthony Gonzalez (R-OH) today announced joint district visits to Northeast Ohio and North Texas for the congressmen to learn about problems facing each district and how best they can work together and with other members on both sides of the aisle to find meaningful bipartisan solutions. The district exchange will kick off on Thursday, August 1 with Allred's visit to O  more

Fort Report: The Border
WASHINGTON, July 26 -- Rep. Jeff Fortenberry, R-Nebraska, issued the following column: There's a sign on the eastern border of Texas: El Paso, 857 miles. Makes you want to turn around. I'm going there in a few days for several reasons. My first stop will be New Mexico to visit the Los Alamos National Laboratory, where nuclear weapons are researched, designed, and tested. Nebraska's first district is home to the U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM), a cornerstone of our nation's nuclear defense.   more

GAO Denies Protest by VBC Commercial Services of Killeen, Texas
WASHINGTON, July 23 -- The Government Accountability Office has issued a decision denying a bid protest filed by VBC Commercial Services of Killeen, Texas. According to the GAO, VBC Commercial Services "protests the award of a contract to Aquarius Contractors, Inc., of Shreveport, Louisiana, also a small business, under request for proposals (RFP) No. W91151-19-R-0020, issued by the Department of the Army for commercial grounds maintenance services at Fort Hood, Texas. VBC argues that the Army   more

Gonzalez, Brady, Bipartisan Group of Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Guarantee Public Servants Equal Treatment in Social Security Benefits
WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, D-Texas, issued the following news release: On Wednesday, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) and Kevin Brady (TX-08) introduced H.R. 3924, the Equal Treatment of Public Servants Act of 2019. The legislation seeks to ensure more fairness for Social Security benefit payments by eliminating the windfall elimination provision (WEP). "Our teachers, firefighters, police officers, and Postal workers have spoken," said Congressman Gonzalez. "We need to r  more

Granger Announces Dallas-Fort Worth Infrastructure Grants
WASHINGTON, July 23 -- Rep. Kay Granger, R-Texas, issued the following news release: Today, Congresswoman Kay Granger (R-TX), Top Republican on the House Appropriations Committee, announced that the Department of Transportation (DOT) has awarded $200 million to the Fort Worth Transportation Authority for TEXRail, and $8.775 million to the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) and Texas DOT for a series of projects involving seven bridges in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. "As the for  more

Grassley, Leahy, Cornyn, Feinstein Introduce Bill to Reinforce Transparency in Wake of Supreme Court FOIA Decision and Recent Regulations
WASHINGTON, July 23 -- Sen. Charles E. Grassley, R-Iowa, issued the following news release: Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) today, along with Senators Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), and Dianne Feinstein (D-California), introduced the Open and Responsive Government Act (S. 2220), to reverse recent developments that undermine the public's right to access information and hold government accountable. The legislation would restore a longstanding legal interpretation of the Freedom of   more

House Agriculture Subcommittee Chairs Issue Statement on Trump Administration's Trade War Payments to Farmers
WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Rep. Jim Costa, D-California, issued the following statement: The chairs of four House Agriculture Subcommittees issued a joint statement today in response to USDA's announcement of details on aid for farmers hurt by the Administration's trade war. Livestock and Foreign Agriculture Chairman Jim Costa of California; Nutrition, Oversight, and Department Operations Chair Marcia L. Fudge of Ohio; General Farm Commodities and Risk Management Chair Filemon Vela of Texas; and Bi  more

House Agriculture Subcommittee Chairs Issue Statement on Trump Administration's Trade War Payments to Farmers
WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Rep. Marcia L. Fudge, D-Ohio, issued the following statement: The chairs of four House Agriculture Subcommittees issued a joint statement today in response to USDA's announcement of details on aid for farmers hurt by the Administration's trade war. Nutrition, Oversight, and Department Operations Chair Marcia L. Fudge of Ohio; Livestock and Foreign Agriculture Chairman Jim Costa of California; General Farm Commodities and Risk Management Chair Filemon Vela of Texas; and Bi  more

House Science Subcommittee Issues Testimony From NOAA Director Uccellini
HOUSTON, Texas, July 22 -- The House Science, Space and Technology subcommittee on Environment issued the following testimony by Louis Uccellini, director of the National Weather Service at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, at a field hearing entitled "Weathering the Storm: Improving Hurricane Resiliency through Research": "I am Dr. Louis Uccellini, Director of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Weather Service (NWS). Within the NWS, NOAA's   more

House Science Subcommittee Issues Testimony From One Concern
HOUSTON, Texas, July 22 -- The House Science, Space and Technology subcommittee on Environment issued the following testimony by Emily Grover-Kopec, director of the insurance practice at One Concern, at a field hearing entitled "Weathering the Storm: Improving Hurricane Resiliency through Research": "Thank you for holding this important hearing today and for giving me the privilege of providing a private sector perspective. It is an honor to be here to address the importance of creating resilie  more

House Science Subcommittee Issues Testimony From Rice University
HOUSTON, Texas, July 22 -- The House Science, Space and Technology subcommittee on Environment issued the following testimony by Jim Blackburn, co-director of the Severe Storm Prediction, Education and Evacuation from Disaster Center at Rice University, at a field hearing entitled "Weathering the Storm: Improving Hurricane Resiliency through Research": "The Severe Storm Prediction, Education and Evacuation from Disaster (SSPEED) Center is an interdisciplinary research entity formed at Rice Univ  more

Leahy, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Reinforce Transparency in Wake of Supreme Court's FOIA Decision, Regulations
WASHINGTON, July 24 -- Sen. Patrick J. Leahy, D-Vermont, issued the following news release: Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), along with Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas), and Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), late Tuesday introduced the Open and Responsive Government Act (S. 2220), to reverse recent developments that undermine the public's right to access information and hold government accountable. The legislation would restore a longstanding legal interpretation of the F  more

Leahy, Grassley, Feinstein, Cornyn Raise Concerns About EPA's FOIA Rule
WASHINGTON, July 22 -- Sen. Charles E. Grassley, R-Iowa, issued the following news release: * * * - Senators Ask EPA To Reconsider FOIA Rule Or Provide Sufficient Opportunity For Public Comment And Transition Period * * * Senators Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), and John Cornyn (R-Texas) - all senior members of the Senate Judiciary Committee with exclusive jurisdiction over the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) - sent a bipartisan letter to Enviro  more

McCaul, Engel State Authorization Bill Coming to the Floor Tomorrow With Strong Republican Support
WASHINGTON, July 23 -- Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, ranking Republican member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following news release: * * * - Foreign Affairs Committee passed first State Authorization Act in six years, House to consider bill on the floor Wednesday * * * For the first time in six years, Lead Republican Michael McCaul (R-TX) and Chairman Eliot Engel (D-NY) successfully passed the State Department Authorization Act out of the House Foreign Affairs Committee,  more

Murphy to Republicans: Do You Support Texas Vs. U.S.?
WASHINGTON, July 23 -- Sen. Christopher Murphy, D-Connecticut, issued the following news release: * * * - If This Lawsuit Prevails, It Will Wipe Out the Entirety of The Affordable Care Act Overnight * * * U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, on Wednesday delivered remarks on the U.S. Senate floor to ask his Republican colleagues whether they support Texas v. United States, a partisan lawsuit to gut the entire Afford  more

Rep. Allred Issues Statement After Voting for Bipartisan Budget Act
WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Rep. Colin Allred, D-Texas, issued the following statement after voting for the Bipartisan Budget Act: "This bipartisan bill allows us to make investments on priorities important to the American people like bolstering our national security and critical health care research. "It helps ensure the government stays open and working for the American people while protecting the full faith and credit of the United States. "It's my hope that this bill can lay the groundwork fo  more

Rep. Arrington Denounces Taxpayer Bailout for Mismanaged Union Pensions
WASHINGTON, July 24 -- Rep. Jodey Arrington, R-Texas, issued the following news release: Today, Congressman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives in opposition to the "Rehabilitation for Multiemployer Pensions Act," which would effectively bail out billions of dollars in mismanaged, underfunded union pension plans using taxpayer dollars. "This is a bailout, this is one of the most reckless, fiscally irresponsible pieces of legislation I've ever seen. Y  more

Rep. Babin Issues Statement on House Passage of Alabama-Coushatta Fairness Bill
WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Rep. Brian Babin, R-Texas, issued the following statement after the House unanimously passed the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo and Alabama-Coushatta Tribes of Texas Equal and Fair Opportunity Settlement Act (H.R. 759): "We have worked tirelessly for more than a year to pass H.R. 759 in the House of Representatives. "I'm proud to have sponsored this piece of legislation that will put to rest years of uncertainty and turmoil experienced by the Alabama-Coushatta Indian Tribe of Te  more

Rep. Babin Recognizes Chambers County Courthouse Historical Marker Designation
WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Rep. Brian Babin, R-Texas, issued the following speech, which was published in the Congressional Record on July 23, recognizing the Chambers County Courthouse on its designation as a Texas State Historical Marker: I rise today to recognize the Chambers County Courthouse for its designation as an official Texas State Historical Marker. Named after Texas pioneer Major General Thomas Jefferson Chambers, Chambers County was established in 1858. Until the early 20th century,   more

Rep. Brady Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Ensure Equal Treatment of Public Servants in Social Security Benefits
WASHINGTON, July 24 -- Rep. Kevin Brady, R-Texas, ranking Republican member of the House Ways and Means Committee, issued the following news release: Today, the top Republican on the House Ways and Means Committee Kevin Brady (R-TX) introduced H.R. 3934, the "Equal Treatment of Public Servants Act of 2019." This legislation permanently repeals the windfall elimination provision (WEP) and transitions to a fair formula that treats our teachers, firefighters, and police officers just like everyone  more

Rep. Brady Issues Remarks at Hearing on Rehabilitation for Multiemployer Pensions Act
WASHINGTON, July 23 -- Rep. Kevin Brady, R-Texas, ranking Republican member of the House Ways and Means Committee, issued the following remarks at the House Rules Committee hearing on the Rehabilitation for Multiemployer Pensions Act (H.R.397): "I must say that I sit here today, once again, with regret. "I know Chairman Neal and Chairman Scott have sincere intentions. I don't doubt that at all. "But I feel like Democrats are rushing this partisan legislation to the House floor without Republi  more

Rep. Brady Issues Statement at Legislative Hearing on Social Security 2100 Act
WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Rep. Kevin Brady, R-Texas, ranking Republican member of the House Ways and Means Committee, issued the following opening statement at a legislative hearing on the Social Security 2100 Act: According to the chief actuary of the Social Security Administration, this plan is expected to cost nearly $19 trillion. And the nonpartisan Joint Committee on Taxation estimates that this plan will subject workers with poverty-level earnings to a tax hike of nearly 1,000% over the next  more

Rep. Brady Issues Statement on Conclusion of Executive Session Called by Rep. Neal
WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Rep. Kevin Brady, R-Texas, ranking Republican member of the House Ways and Means Committee, issued the following statement on the conclusion of an executive session called by Chairman Richard E. Neal, D-Massachusetts: "This is travesty. After withholding documents in advance and refusing to provide a Joint Committee on Taxation witness for questioning, Ways and Means Democrats made it clear they will stop at nothing to seize President Trump's tax returns and make them pub  more

Rep. Brady Issues Statement on Enhancement & Regional Security Act
WASHINGTON, July 23 -- Rep. Kevin P. Brady, R-Texas, issued the following statement after the House voted to pass U.S.-Israel Cooperation Enhancement and Regional Security Act (H.R. 1837) and opposing efforts to delegitimize Israel and the Global Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions Movement (H.Res. 246): "As a proud co-sponsor of both H.R. 1837 and H.Res 246, I'm pleased the House was able to come together in a bipartisan manner and pass these important pro-Israel bills. Israel has long been a f  more

Rep. Brady Issues Statement on USDA Proposed Rule to Enhance Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program
WASHINGTON, July 23 -- Rep. Kevin Brady, R-Texas, ranking Republican member of the House Ways and Means Committee, issued the following statement after the Department of Agriculture proposed a rule to repeal the eligibility policy within the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program that involves taking advantage of state flexibility in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program: "Republicans on the Ways and Means Committee have long led an agenda focused on growing jobs and increasi  more

Rep. Burgess to Host Ribbon Cutting & Open House at VA Denton Mental Health Annex
LAKE DALLAS, Texas, July 24 -- Rep. Michael Burgess, R-Texas, issued the following news release: Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (TX-26) will host a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house at the new VA Denton Mental Health Annex on Friday, August 2. Working alongside the Department of Veterans Affairs and United Way of Denton County, Dr. Burgess assisted with the opening of this new mental health clinic, which will help ensure that North Texas veterans can access quality care close to home  more

Rep. Carter to Undergo Knee Replacement Surgery
ROUND ROCK, Texas, July 26 -- Rep. John Carter, R-Texas, issued the following news release: Representative John Carter (TX-31) will have knee replacement surgery on Monday, July 29. "After decades of running around the great state of Texas, traversing thousands of miles across Bell and Williamson Counties as your representative, and coaching countless hours of little league practice as a father and grandfather, there is no choice but to upgrade to bionic knees that can keep up with me. With th  more

Rep. Chip Roy And 33 House Members Demand Pelosi Cancel August Recess To Fund ICE
WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, issued the following news release: Rep. Chip Roy, along with 33 Republican House members, sent the following letter to Speaker Pelosi Thursday afternoon: Dear Speaker Pelosi, We are united in our belief that the House of Representatives should not adjourn for August recess before providing adequate funding to our men and women of Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on the frontlines dealing with the ongoing humanitarian crisis on our sout  more

Rep. Conaway Issues Statement on Resolution to Increase Federal Minimum Wage
WASHINGTON, July 18 -- Rep. K. Michael Conaway, R-Texas, issued the following statement after voting against a resolution (H.Res. 582) by the Democrats to increase the federal minimum wage: "Any policy that costs the United States 3.7 million jobs is a bad policy as far as I'm concerned. If enacted, this bill would cripple small businesses and disproportionately affect those in lower socioeconomic groups and workers under the age of 25. "Our economy is currently growing at unprecedented rates  more

Rep. Conaway Issues Statement on Special Counsel Mueller's Testimony
WASHINGTON, July 24 -- Rep. K. Michael Conaway, R-Texas, issued the following statement on the conclusion of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's testimony before the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: "There were no surprises during today's hearing. Everything Mr. Mueller testified to today was in his publicly released report, which is available online for anyone to read. "Three investigations examining Russian interference in the 2016 election campaign were completed, all coming t  more

Rep. Conaway Issues Statement on USDA Aid to Help Farmers, Ranchers Against China Tariffs
WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Rep. K. Michael Conaway, R-Texas, ranking Republican member of the House Agriculture Committee, issued the following statement concerning the announcement made by the Department of Agriculture on aid to help farmers and ranchers against foreign tariffs imposed by China: "For too long, China has been a bully on the world stage, using predatory trade practices - including high and rising subsidies, tariffs and non-tariff trade barriers - all at the expense of American farme  more

Rep. Crenshaw Asks House To Consider Protecting Born Alive Abortion Survivors
WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Rep. Dan Crenshaw, R-Texas, issued the following news release: Congressman Crenshaw made a motion on the House floor in an attempt to bring H.R. 962, the Born Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, to a vote. After House Democrats rejected the motion for the 78th time, Rep. Crenshaw released the following statement: "There are certain moral issues that are not debatable, and this is one of them. Somehow, we as a Congress cannot agree that babies who survived attempted   more

Rep. Cuellar Announces $200 Million Infrastructure Project for Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland
WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, issued the following news release: * * * - New wastewater pipeline will serve San Antonio and military community * * * Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) announced a $200 million infrastructure project for the Joint Base San Antonio- Lackland. The Congressman worked with the Air Force, Joint Base San Antonio, and the San Antonio Water System on an agreement to construct a new wastewater pipeline underneath Joint Base San Antonio- Lackland th  more

Rep. Cuellar Fights to Expand, Protect Integrity of Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program
WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, issued the following news release: * * * - Congressman Helps to Address Hunger on College Campuses * * * Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) announced an award of nearly $337,000 to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to improve the state agency's Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) recipient fraud prevention, detection and investigation efforts. The funding comes through the Department of Agriculture's Food a  more

Rep. Cuellar Introduces Bipartisan Carbon Capture Legislation
WASHINGTON, July 18 -- Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, issued the following news release: Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28), joined by Representatives Crenshaw (TX-2), Flores (TX-17), Gonzalez (TX-15), Lamb (PA-17), Lucas (OK-3) and Walberg (MI-7), introduced the Launching Energy Advancement and Development through Innovations for Natural Gas (LEADING) Act of 2019. The legislation prioritizes research and development funding for technology that captures carbon emissions by instructing the Departme  more

Rep. Cuellar Issues Statement on Homeland Security's Decision to Construct Tent Housing at Laredo
WASHINGTON, July 22 -- Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, issued the following statement on the Department of Homeland Security's decision to construct tent housing near the Laredo Port of Entry for the implementation of the Migrant Protection Protocols program: On July 18, Congressman Cuellar hosted a meeting with the city of Laredo and DHS officials that allowed the city to propose an alternative to erecting a tent for immigration hearings. Hours after the meeting with the Congressman and officials  more

Rep. Cuellar Provides Update on $30M for Humanitarian Reimbursements to Local Governments, Non-Governmental Organizations in Laredo
LAREDO, Texas, July 22 -- Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, issued the following news release: * * * - Funding will provide reimbursements for expenses related to humanitarian relief of unaccompanied children and family units at the southern border * * * Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) provided an update on the $30 million he helped secure in conjunction with U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) for humanitarian reimbursements to local governments and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Texas,   more

Rep. Cuellar Votes to Combat Robocalls and Abusive Telephone Scams
WASHINGTON, July 26 -- Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, issued the following news release: Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) voted to pass H.R. 3375, the bipartisan Stopping Bad Robocalls Act, to bring much needed relief to Americans threatened by abusive robocall practices. Last year, an estimated 47.8 billion robocalls were placed nationwide, an increase of 17 billion calls over the previous year, which represent a rising risk to the American people as robocallers intensify their scams to defraud  more

Rep. Delgado Issues Statement on Trip to Facilities at Southern Border
KINGSTON, New York, July 22 -- Rep. Antonio Delgado, D-New York, issued the following statement: Yesterday, Representative Antonio Delgado (NY-19) traveled to McAllen, Texas along with Members of Congress on a bipartisan Congressional Delegation trip to facilities at the Southern Border. During the trip, Rep. Delgado and Members of Congress visited Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facilities around McAllen, Texas, including a Border Patrol station, processing center, holding facility, and a   more

Rep. Doggett Issues Statement on Ex-Special Counsel Mueller's Testimony
WASHINGTON, July 24 -- Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas, issued the following statement regarding ex-Special Counsel Robert Mueller's testimony: "President Trump was not placed in handcuffs because Mueller's investigation was handcuffed. The only reason that he could not indict Trump, as Michael Cohen was indicted, was because the Department of Justice Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) prevented the indictment of a sitting President. "Election to the highest office means you should be held to the highe  more

Rep. Fletcher Coast Guard Benefits Bill Passes Out of the House
WASHINGTON, July 24 -- Rep. Lizzie Fletcher, D-Texas, issued the following news: * * * - H.R. 3409 Provides Parity for Critical Service Personnel * * * Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher's (TX-07) bill, the Coast Guard Personnel Parity Act, was included in the bipartisan H.R. 3409 Coast Guard Authorization Act and passed the House of Representatives today. Congresswoman Fletcher introduced H.R. 3066, the Coast Guard Personnel Parity Act on June 5, 2019 to address inequity of benefits between Coa  more

Rep. Fletcher Holds Congressional Field Hearing on Hurricane Science in Houston
WASHINGTON, July 23 -- Rep. Lizzie Fletcher, D-Texas, issued the following news: Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), Chair of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee's Subcommittee on Environment hosted members of Congress in Houston for a field hearing, "Weathering the Storm: Improving Resiliency through Research". The members in attendance included Chair of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX-30); Committee members Reps. Brian Babin  more

Rep. Fletcher Issues Statement at Subcommittee Hearing on Hurricane Resiliency in Houston
HOUSTON, Texas, July 22 -- Rep. Lizzie Fletcher, D-Texas, chair of the House Science, Space and Technology subcommittee on Environment, issued the following statement at a subcommittee hearing on the hurricane resiliency in Houston: "Good afternoon, and welcome to the Subcommittee on Environment's field hearing on hurricane and coastal resilience research. "I am glad we are able to hold this hearing in Houston today, and I am pleased to welcome our witnesses, including two Houstonians, Dr. Rif  more

Rep. Fletcher Supports Bill to Improve Conditions in Migrant Facilities on Border
WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Rep. Lizzie Fletcher, D-Texas, issued the following news: Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) supported the passage of H.R. 3239, the Humanitarian Standard for Individuals in CBP Custody Act. Fletcher is a co-sponsor of the legislation, introduced by Rep. Raul Ruiz (CA-36). H.R. 3239 improves conditions in Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) facilities where migrants are held after crossing the U.S.-Mexico border. It includes requirements for health screenings for migrants;  more

Rep. Fletcher Supports Passage of Bill Combating Sexual Harassment in STEM
WASHINGTON, July 24 -- Rep. Lizzie Fletcher, D-Texas, issued the following news: Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) applauds the passage of H.R. 36, the Combating Sexual Harassment in Science Act of 2019, which addresses sexual harassment in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields by supporting sexual harassment research and efforts to prevent and respond to sexual harassment. Fletcher is a co-sponsor of H.R. 36, which passed the House of Representatives on July 2  more

Rep. Fletcher Votes to Combat Robocalls and Abusive Telephone Scams
WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Rep. Lizzie Fletcher, D-Texas, issued the following news: Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) voted to pass H.R. 3375, the bipartisan Stopping Bad Robocalls Act, to bring much needed relief to Americans threatened by abusive robocall practices. Last year, an estimated 47.8 billion robocalls were placed nationwide, an increase of 17 billion calls over the previous year, which represent a rising risk to the American people as robocallers intensify their scams to defraud c  more

Rep. Fletcher Votes to Protect Pension Plan Investments for Hard Working Americans
WASHINGTON, July 24 -- Rep. Lizzie Fletcher, D-Texas, issued the following news: Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) voted for H.R. 397, the Rehabilitation for Multiemployer Pensions Act (also known as the Butch Lewis Act), which establishes the Pension Rehabilitation Administration (PRA) within the Treasury Department to allow pension plans to borrow the money they need to remain solvent, and continue providing retirement security for decades to come, by selling Treasury-issued bonds   more

Rep. Fletcher Votes to Protect Texas' Venezuelan Community
WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Rep. Lizzie Fletcher, D-Texas, issued the following news: Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) voted in favor of H.R. 549, the Venezuela TPS Act of 2019, which permits Venezuelans to qualify for temporary protected status (TPS). The bill passed the House of Representatives with bipartisan support 272 to 158. The TPS program was established in 1990 for nationals in the United States from countries affected by violence or natural disasters. Those granted TPS can remain in  more

Rep. Flores Discusses This Week in Washington
WASHINGTON, July 22 -- Rep. Bill Flores, R-Texas, issued the following news release: U.S. Representative Bill Flores (R-Texas) issued the following statements regarding bills coming out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee; H.R. 748, the Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act; H.R. 582, the Raise the Wage Act; the continued harassment of President Trump and his administration; and his first Summer Town Hall Series event: "The news coming out of Washington this week was mixed. While   more

Rep. Flores Discusses This Week in Washington
WASHINGTON, July 26 -- Rep. Bill Flores, R-Texas, issued the following news release: U.S. Representative Bill Flores (R-Texas) issued the following statements regarding H.R. 3375, the Stopping Bad Robocalls Act; H.R. 3877, the Bipartisan Budget Act; H.R. 397, the Rehabilitation for Multiemployer Pensions Act; former special counsel Robert Mueller's testimony before House committees; a Democrat bill related to the border; and rescheduling one of his Summer Town Hall Series Events: Stopping Bad   more

Rep. Garcia Issues Statement on Humanitarian Standards for Individuals in Customs & Border Protection Custody Act
WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Rep. Jesus Chuy Garcia, D-Illinois, issued the following statement after voting for the Humanitarian Standards for Individuals in Customs and Border Protection Custody Act (H.R. 3239): "Yesterday we learned details about the autopsy of Carlos Gregorio Hernandez Vasquez, a 16-year-old Guatemalan boy who died two months ago while in the custody of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in Weslaco, Texas. Carlos died of the flu, complicated by pneumonia and sepsis, next to  more

Rep. Gonzalez Announces Almost $375,000 in National Science Foundation Grant for University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
WASHINGTON, July 24 -- Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, D-Texas, issued the following news release: Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) announced that the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) was awarded $374,998 in federal grant funding by the National Science Foundation (NSF). The NSF grant will support Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave-Observatory (LIGO) instrumentation and data analysis. This grant will additionally provide funding for new gravitational wave detection techniqu  more

Rep. Gonzalez Announces Applications for Policing Improvement Grants to Open Soon
WASHINGTON, July 24 -- Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, D-Texas, issued the following news release: Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) announced that the U.S. Department of Justice's (DOJ) Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) will soon begin accepting applications for grants to improve state and local law enforcement agencies' ability to address community issues and combat drug abuse and distribution. Following the lifting of a nationwide injunction by the Ninth Circuit   more

Rep. Gonzalez Issues Statement on Detention, Release of U.S. Citizen at Border Detention Facility
WASHINGTON, July 24 -- Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, D-Texas, issued the following statement in response to the detention and release of Francisco Erwin Galicia, a Dallas-born U.S. citizen by the Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement: He also issued a call for any U.S. citizen who is detained by federal agents to contact their U.S. Congressman or U.S. Senators. "It is impermissible for an agent of CBP or ICE to detain a United States citizen who has a valid Texas drive  more

Rep. Granger Issues Statement on Budget Agreement to Fund Government
WASHINGTON, July 23 -- Rep. Kay Granger, R-Texas, ranking Republican member of the House Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement in response to a two-year budget agreement to fund the government: "The President drove a hard bargain in budget negotiations with Democrats, and he should be commended for the big win he secured for our nation's military. "This budget deal boosts spending for defense by more than $90 billion above the levels that would have gone into place next year  more

Rep. Granger: An Update on Homeland Security and Immigration
WASHINGTON, July 26 -- Rep. Kay Granger, R-Texas, issued the following e-newsletter: Dear Friends, Before heading home for the August work period, the House voted on two immigration bills to address humanitarian conditions at U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) facilities along our southern border and the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for refugees from Venezuela. I know that immigration is an important issue and I want to explain the bills and why I voted against them. H.R. 3239, the Huma  more

Rep. Green Issues Statement on Ex-Special Counsel Mueller's Congressional Testimony
WASHINGTON, July 24 -- Rep. Al Green, D-Texas, issued the following statement in response to ex-Special Counsel Robert Mueller's testimony before Congress: "Ninety-eight days ago, Special Counsel Robert Mueller released the Report on the Investigation into Russian Interference in the 2016 Presidential Election, which was the two-volume culminating result of a nearly two-year investigation. Each day that followed represented a day that President Donald John Trump was above the law without charge  more

Rep. Hurd: Bipartisan Effort to Fight for Texas Native Tribes Passes House Unanimously
WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Rep. Will Hurd, R-Texas, issued the following news release: Last night, the Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo and Alabama-Coushatta Tribes of Texas Equal and Fair Opportunity Settlement Act passed the House unanimously. The bill introduced by U.S. Representatives Will Hurd (TX-23) and Brian Babin (TX-36) allows the federally-recognized tribes Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo in El Paso and the Alabama-Couchatta in Livingston their overdue justice and fair treatment under law. Passing this bill  more

Rep. Jackson Lee Announces $167,767 Grant Awarded to University of Houston by Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development
WASHINGTON, July 26 -- Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas, issued the following news release: Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee announced today that the University of Houston has been awarded a $167,767 grant from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development for their systematic evaluations of a new smartphone-based wearable tele-rehabilitation system for use by people with Parkinson's disease. "I am delighted that the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institu  more

Rep. Jackson Lee Commemorates 50th Anniversary of Apollo 11 Moon Landing
WASHINGTON, July 24 -- Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas, issued the following speech, which was published in the Congressional Record on July 22, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing: On July 20 our nation commemorated the 50th Anniversary of the Moon Landing. I remember July 20, 1969, when astronauts Neil Armstrong and Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin became the first humans ever to land on the moon. With the words "the Eagle has Landed," their place in history was secured. I  more

Rep. Jackson Lee Issues Statement on Budget Agreement
WASHINGTON, July 24 -- Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas, member of the House Judiciary, Homeland Security and Budget Committees, issued the following statement on a bipartisan agreement on budget caps and debt limit announced by the top four congressional leaders and President Trump: "As a senior member of the Budget Committee, I am pleased to support the bipartisan budget deal reached by Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, our friends across the aisle in both chambers o  more

Rep. Jackson Lee Issues Statement on Commencement of Beat the Heat Program
WASHINGTON, July 22 -- Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas, member of the House Judiciary, Homeland Security and Budget Committees, issued the following statement on the commencement of the Beat the Heat program: "The beginning of the extreme heat deep in the heart of Texas signals the commencement of Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee's annual Beat the Heat program, an initiative whereby she leads neighbors and members of the community to bring relief to those seeking escape from scorching temperat  more

Rep. Jackson Lee Issues Statement on Designation as Member Online All-Star
WASHINGTON, July 24 -- Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas, member of the House Judiciary, Homeland Security and Budget Committees, issued the following statement regarding her designation as a Member Online All-Star: "I am pleased to once again be selected as a 2019 Member Online All-Star. Each year, House Democrats endeavor to expand our messaging on social media platforms, in order to highlight ways in which House Democrats are working for a better deal, for the people. This year, I am pleased   more

Rep. Jackson Lee Issues Statement on Emancipation National Historic Trail Act
WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas, member of the House Judiciary, Homeland Security and Budget Committees, issued the following statement after House passage of the Emancipation National Historic Trail Act (H.R. 434): "I applaud passage by the House of Representatives of H.R. 434, the "Emancipation National Historic Trail Act." When passed by the Senate and enacted into law, it will result in the second trail in the United States that chronicles the experience of African A  more

Rep. Jackson Lee Issues Statement on Her Designation as Member Online All-Star
WASHINGTON, July 26 -- Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas, member of the House Judiciary, Homeland Security and Budget Committees, issued the following statement on her designation by the House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Maryland, as a Member Online All-Star: "I am pleased that, once again, Steny Hoyer, the Majority Leader of the House of Representatives announced me as a 2019 Member Online All-Star. Social media is a new revolution of communication. And, surveys indicate that growing numbers  more

Rep. Jackson Lee Issues Statement on Her Trip to Ghana, U.S. Army Headquarters in Italy
WASHINGTON, July 26 -- Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas, member of the House Judiciary, Homeland Security and Budget Committees, issued the following statement on the occasion of a trip to Italy to visit the U.S. Army Africa Headquarters and to Ghana to mark the 400th anniversary of the first enslaved Africans landing in U.S.: "Earlier today, accompanied by Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, and on invitation by the government of Ghana, I traveled from the United States to attend a series of bi  more

Rep. Jackson Lee Issues Statement on Introduction of Gun Safety Legislation
WASHINGTON, July 26 -- Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas, member of the House Judiciary, Homeland Security and Budget Committees, issued the following statement regarding the introduction of the gun safety legislation: "Our nation is awash in guns. According to statistics compiled by the Small Arms Survey, a project of the Graduate Institute of International Development Studies in Geneva, Switzerland, there are more than 393 million civilian-owned firearms in the United States. Put another way,   more

Rep. Johnson Announces $2.7 Million Head Start Grant to ChildCareGroup
DALLAS, Texas, July 24 -- Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, D-Texas, issued the following news release: Today, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, Chair of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded a grant totaling $2,722,314 to ChildCareGroup, a local organization that focuses on early childhood education. "I am delighted to offer my congratulations to Head Start of Greater Dallas for receiving this grant, and  more

Rep. Johnson Issues Statement at Hearing on Commercial Space Landscape
WASHINGTON, July 25 -- The House Science, Space and Technology subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics issued the following statement by full committee Chairwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, D-Texas, at a hearing entitled "Commercial Space Landscape: Innovation, Market, and Policy": "Good afternoon, and thank you for holding this hearing on the "Commercial Space Landscape." I also want to welcome our witnesses. It's good to have you here and we appreciate your participation. "Since the 1980s, this Co  more

Rep. Johnson Issues Statement at Hearing on Innovations in Sustainable Chemistry
WASHINGTON, July 25 -- The House Science, Space and Technology subcommittee on Research and Technology issued the following statement by full committee Chairwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, D-Texas, at a hearing entitled "Benign by Design: Innovations in Sustainable Chemistry": "Thank you for holding this hearing. I would also like to welcome the expert witnesses and thank you for participating this morning. "The purpose of this hearing is to explore the challenges and opportunities to expanding t  more

Rep. Johnson Issues Statement at Hearing on Weathering Storm
HOUSTON, Texas, July 22 -- The House Science, Space and Technology subcommittee on Environment issued the following statement by full committee Chairwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, D-Texas, at a field hearing entitled "Weathering the Storm: Improving Hurricane Resiliency through Research": "Good afternoon and thank you for convening this important hearing on how we can improve hurricane resilience research. I am excited to hear how we can help coastal communities like Houston become more resilient  more

Rep. Johnson Issues Statement on 29th Anniversary of Americans With Disabilities Act
WASHINGTON, July 26 -- Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, D-Texas, issued the following statement recognizing the 29th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act signed into law by President George H.W. Bush on July 26, 1990: The Americans with Disabilities Act was enacted with bipartisan support to prohibit discrimination and ensure equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in employment, state and local government services, public accommodations, commercial facilities, and transpor  more

Rep. Johnson Issues Statement on 50th Anniversary of Apollo 11 Moon Landing
WASHINGTON, July 20 -- Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, D-Texas, chairman of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee, issued the following statement marking the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing: "In the morning of July 16, 1969, Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins, and Buzz Aldrin lifted off from NASA's Cape Kennedy. That day, millions watched in awe as NASA launched Apollo 11's Saturn V rocket and began the long journey to accomplish the goal set by President Kennedy less than 1  more

Rep. Lee Visits Southern Border With Bipartisan Group of Lawmakers
MCALLEN, Texas, July 20 -- Rep. Susie Lee, D-Nevada, issued the following news release: Rep. Susie Lee (NV-03) visited the United States-Mexico border in McAllen, Texas with the Problem Solvers Caucus, a bipartisan group of members of Congress. The trip's purpose was to see first hand the challenges America is facing at the southern border, and find smart, effective solutions to solve those problems. Rep. Lee released the following statement: "I came away from this trip acutely aware of how b  more

Rep. McCaul Issues Statement After Voting in Favor of Venezuela TPS Act
WASHINGTON, July 26 -- Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, ranking Republican member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following statement after voting in favor of the Venezuela TPS Act (H.R. 549) designating Venezuelan nationals as eligible for temporary protected status in the U.S.: "We are witnessing an unprecedented humanitarian and refugee crisis that threatens to destabilize South and Central America. Nicolas Maduro's socialist policies and systemic corruption have plummeted th  more

Rep. McCaul to Democrats: Anti-BDS Resolution is No Substitute for a Real Legislative Solution
WASHINGTON, July 23 -- Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, ranking Republican member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following news release: Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX), Lead Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, submitted a statement to the Congressional Record condemning the anti-Israel Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions - or BDS - movement. McCaul called on House Democrat Leadership to stop capitulating to the radical, anti-Israel members of their party and al  more

Rep. Mitchell Issues Statement on Visit at Southern Border
MCALLEN, Texas, July 19 -- Rep. Paul Mitchell, R-Michigan, issued the following statement after his visit at the southern border with other members of the Problem Solvers Caucus: The facilities the Caucus members visited included points of entry, a border patrol station, a family unit detention facility, an unaccompanied minor care facility, and a centralized processing center. Caucus members also visited the physical U.S.-Mexican border and participated in briefings and discussions with expert  more

Rep. Olson Issues Statement on Intention Not to Seek Re-Election in 2020
WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Rep. Pete Olson, R-Texas, issued the following statement announcing his intention not to seek re-election in 2020: "It has been a privilege and an honor to represent the people of the 22nd District of Texas for the past decade in Congress. Following graduation from the University of Texas School of Law, my adult life has been spent honorably serving our nation: first as an officer and pilot in the United States Navy, then to the halls of the United States Senate working w  more

Rep. Price: Trump's Policies Exacerbated the Border Crisis - I Know Because I Saw It
WASHINGTON, July 23 -- Rep. David Price, D-North Carolina, issued the following information: After recent reports of utterly deplorable conditions at migrant detention facilities on our southern border, I decided to see the conditions for myself. On Saturday, July 13, eighteen colleagues and I spent the day at the border in Brownsville and McAllen, Texas conducting oversight. We visited processing centers and detention facilities, respite centers, a port of entry, and traveled into Mexico to me  more

Rep. Roy Issues Statement on Apollo 11
WASHINGTON, July 22 -- Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, issued the following statement on Apollo 11: "It was at Rice Stadium in Houston, Texas, in 1962 when John F. Kennedy stood before the American people and boldly declared, "We choose to go to the moon." "American leadership captivated the world as Apollo 11 expelled beyond our atmosphere some seven years later in 1969. At a time when the Time's "Person of the Year" was the "Middle Americans", outdoor concerts were shaping the future of music, a loa  more

Rep. Taylor Introduces Gold Star Children Act
WASHINGTON, July 24 -- Rep. Van Taylor, R-Texas, issued the following news release: United States Congressman Van Taylor (TX-03) today introduced legislation to create a federal hiring preference for the children of fallen service members. In an effort to honor and recognize the tremendous sacrifices made for our country by our fallen service members as well as those and permanently and totally disabled, Congressman Van Taylor introduced H.R. 3938, the Gold Star Children Act. Congressman Van  more

Rep. Thornberry Issues Statement on Budget Deal Between Congressional Leadership, White House
WASHINGTON, July 22 -- Rep. Mac Thornberry, R-Texas, ranking Republican member of the House Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement on the budget deal between congressional leadership and the White House: "Three years ago, America's military was hobbled by a readiness crisis that left all of us less safe. Too few planes could fly, too few ships could sail, and too few troops were ready to deploy. "Asking our men and women in uniform to do too much with too little has had tragi  more

Rep. Veasey Issues Statement on Federal Judges Decision to Deny Requests of Voters of Color
WASHINGTON, July 24 -- Rep. Marc Veasey, D-Texas, issued the following statement after a panel of federal judges ruled to deny the requests of voters of color, civil rights groups and Democratic lawmakers to put Texas back under federal supervision of its redistricting: "Today's decision by a federal court further reinforces that Texas Republican leaders intentionally discriminate to undermine the voting rights and voting strength of Texans of color. "The Court's ruling details how Republican   more

Rep. Veasey Votes to Combat Robocalls and Abusive Telephone Scams
WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Rep. Marc Veasey, D-Texas, issued the following news release: Rep. Veasey voted yesterday to pass H.R. 3375, the bipartisan Stopping Bad Robocalls Act, to bring much needed relief to Americans threatened by abusive robocall practices. Last year, an estimated 47.8 billion robocalls were placed nationwide, an increase of 17 billion calls over the previous year, which represent a rising risk to the American people as robocallers intensify their scams to defraud consumers, di  more

Rep. Walden Issues Statement on Retirement of Rep. Olson
WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Rep. Greg Walden, R-Oregon, ranking Republican member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, issued the following statement on the retirement of Rep. Pete Olson, R-Texas: Rep. Olson serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee and is a member of the Communications and Technology and the Energy subcommittees. "Pete Olson has always been dedicated to service. As a Navy Aviator - where he was deployed overseas - to his years serving Texans in Congress. "I had th  more

Rep. Weber Opposes Dem's Big-Budget Agenda
WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Rep. Randy Weber, R-Texas, issued the following news release: On Thursday, July 25, 2019, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 3877, the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2019, with a vote of 284 to 149. After voting against the legislation, Congressman Randy Weber (R - Friendswood) released the following statement: "While there are certainly some good measures within the Budget Act, not the least of which is a strong commitment to our military, I could not support lifti  more

Reps. Allred, Wright Lead Bipartisan Letter Urging Action on Garland VA Clinic
WASHINGTON, July 23 -- Rep. Colin Allred, D-Texas, issued the following news release: A bipartisan letter led by Congressman Colin Allred (TX-32) and Congressman Ron Wright (TX-06) was sent to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie urging quick action in regards to moving forward on a Veterans Affairs health clinic in Garland. "Ensuring our veterans have access to the quality care they need is my top priority as a member of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs," said   more

Reps. Burgess, Rush Introduce Legislation to Protect Patients and Providers in Online Contact Lens Sales
WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Rep. Michael Burgess, R-Texas, issued the following news release: Today, U.S. Representatives Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-Texas) and Bobby L. Rush (D-Ill.) introduced H.R. 3975, the Contact Lens Prescription Verification Modernization Act. This bill creates common sense regulations that would make purchasing contact lenses online easier, safer, and more private. Currently, online retailers are not required to have consumers upload their prescriptions in order to sell the  more

Reps. McCaul, Engel Applaud House Passage of State Department Authorization Act
WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, ranking Republican member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following news release: * * * - First State Department Authorization Bill to Clear the House since 2013 * * * Representative Michael McCaul (R-TX), Lead Republican of the House Committee of Foreign Affairs, and Representative Eliot L. Engel (D-NY), Chairman of the Committee, today welcomed unanimous House passage of their legislation authorizing the Department of  more

Reps. McCaul, Engel Call on China to End Retaliatory Detention of Canadian Citizens, Commend Canada for Following Rule of Law
WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, ranking Republican member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following news release: In a resolution introduced this week, Congressmen Michael McCaul (R-TX) and Eliot Engel (D-NY), Lead Republican and Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, commended Canada for upholding the rule of law regarding the extradition of Huawei Technology's Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Meng Wanzhou, and expressed their concern with China's  more

Reps. McCaul, Engel Introduce Legislation Reaffirming Commitment to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria
WASHINGTON, July 26 -- Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, ranking Republican member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following news release: Representatives Michael McCaul, Lead Republican of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Eliot Engel, Chairman of the Committee, this week introduced legislation supporting the Global Fund to fight AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. "I am proud to lead this resolution demonstrating the United States' longstanding commitment to the Global Fun  more

Reps. Olson & McEachin Applaud Passage of Bill to Prevent Robocalls
WASHINGTON, July 24 -- Rep. Pete Olson, R-Texas, issued the following news release: Today, a bipartisan group of House members, led by Reps. Pete Olson (R-TX) and A. Donald McEachin (D-VA) issued the following statements after their bipartisan bill--the "Locking Up Robocallers Act of 2019"--passed out of the House as part of H.R. 3375, the "Stopping Bad Robocalls Act." The Locking Up Robocallers Act was introduced by Rep. Pete Olson (R-TX) and Rep. Donald McEachin (D-VA), with original co-spons  more

Reps. Rush, Burgess Introduce Legislation to Protect Patients and Providers in Online Contact Lens Sales
WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Rep. Bobby Rush, D-Illinois, issued the following news release: Today, U.S. Representatives Bobby L. Rush (D-Ill.) and Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-Texas) introduced H.R. 3975, the Contact Lens Prescription Verification Modernization Act. This bill creates common sense regulations that would make purchasing contact lenses online easier, safer, and more private. Currently, online retailers are not required to have consumers upload their prescriptions in order to sell them   more

Reps. Walden, Burgess Issue Statement on House Passage of Public Health Programs Legislation
WASHINGTON, July 24 -- Reps. Greg Walden, R-Oregon, ranking Republican member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Michael Burgess, R-Texas, ranking Republican member of the Subcommittee on Health, issued the following joint statement after Energy and Commerce legislation to strengthen public health programs passed the House: "It is important that our bipartisan collaboration on important programs for America's public health has passed the House. "The bills will help those who serve as   more

Reps. Williams and Deutch Introduce Bill That Invests $2 Billion Toward Violence Prevention in Our Nation's Schools
WASHINGTON, July 23 -- Rep. Roger Williams, R-Texas, issued the following news release: Recently, Representative Roger Williams (TX-25) introduced H.R. 3665, the School Violence Prevention and Mitigation Act of 2019, with Representative Ted Deutch (FL-22) as the lead co-sponsor. The newly introduced bill establishes federal grant programs for public schools to first identify then mitigate vulnerabilities in their security related infrastructure. "In the greatest country on earth, no parent sho  more

Rose Tours Southern Border as Part of Bipartisan Homeland Security Committee Delegation
MCALLEN, Texas, July 20 -- Rep. Max Rose, D-New York, issued the following news release: Congressman Max Rose visited the Rio Grande Valley yesterday as part of a bipartisan Homeland Security Committee delegation to examine the migrant conditions at the southern border. The group visited Customs and Border Patrol facilities around McAllen, Texas, including a Border Patrol station, processing center, holding facility, and a port of entry. The delegation also visited a Department of Health and Hu  more

Scalise: Why Does Pelosi Refuse to Hold a Vote on Legislation to Combat the BDS Movement?
WASHINGTON, July 24 -- Rep. Steve Scalise, R-Louisiana, issued the following news release: House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) joined fellow Republican leaders to address the dangerous anti-Israel BDS movement, which has found a foothold in Congress through some Democrat members. Whip Scalise questioned why Speaker Pelosi refuses to bring House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Michael McCaul's (R-Texas) bill that would give the country real power to combat this movement to the f  more

Sen. Blackburn Joins Bipartisan Senators to Introduce JROTC Cyber Training Act
WASHINGTON, July 22 -- The office of Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tennessee, issued the following news release: Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) joined Senators Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Gary Peters (D-Mich.) to introduce S. 2154, the bipartisan JROTC Cyber Training Act, to enhance the preparation of students in the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) for careers in computer science and cybersecurity. "Part of rebuilding our nation's military is investing in ou  more

Sen. Brown: Bearing Witness at the Border
WASHINGTON, July 23 -- Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, issued the following newsletter: Last week, Connie and I traveled to El Paso, Texas, on our southern border, to bear witness to this humanitarian crisis. We met with children and families who are coming to our country to flee violence and persecution, seeking a better life. Talking with these families underscored the inhumanity and coldness of President Trump's family separation policy. But meeting with the volunteers gave us hope - these act  more

Sen. Cassidy Surveys Border Crisis in McAllen, Texas
WASHINGTON, July 24 -- Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-Louisiana, issued the following news release: U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) visited McAllen, Texas this weekend to see and hear first-hand what needs to be done to address the humanitarian crisis at our border. "I'm comparing this to a visit I took in about 2016. There, the systems worked; we see the same systems completely overwhelmed now," said Dr. Cassidy. "Congressional Democrats are more concerned about having an issue to campaign on th  more

Sen. Cornyn Issues Floor Remarks on Budget Deal
WASHINGTON, July 24 -- Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, issued the following floor remarks: Today on the floor, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) discussed the White House's spending and budget caps deal and the conservative priorities it would advance. Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn's floor remarks are below, and video can be found here (https://youtu.be/cvmwSR9NO7o). "It provides increased defense spending to recover from the depressed military readiness rates of the previous Administration, and provides  more

Sen. Cornyn Issues Statement on Border Security
WASHINGTON, July 24 -- Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, issued the following statement, which was published in the Congressional Record on July 22, on border security: Over a week ago, I traveled to the Texas-Mexico border with the Vice President, as well as the Presiding Officer and other Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee. We visited McAllen, which is located in the heart of the Rio Grande Valley, which is a beautiful region with a thriving economy, but folks in the region continue to st  more

Sen. Cruz Issues Statement on 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund Act
WASHINGTON, July 23 -- Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, issued the following statement on Senate passage of Never Forget the Heroes: James Zadroga, Ray Pfeifer, and Luis Alvarez Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act: Sen. Cruz cosponsored the bipartisan bill. "While the world briefly stopped turning, as planes crashed, buildings crumbled, and thousands of innocent lives were lost, brave men and women-firefighters, law enforcement officers, first responders, and Good  more

Sen. Cruz Issues Statement on Meeting in Vienna on Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action
WASHINGTON, July 24 -- Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement in response to reports of a planned meeting in Vienna aimed at providing Iran with concessions to preserve the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action: This meeting is set against the backdrop of comments from foreign dignitaries describing a European initiative that is the "opposite" of President's Trump's campaign of maximum pressure against the Iranian regime. "The ca  more

Sen. Cruz Issues Statement Opposing Budget Deal
WASHINGTON, July 23 -- Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, issued the following statement opposing the budget deal reached by the Trump administration and congressional leadership: "The budget deal reached by administration negotiators and congressional leadership is yet another missed opportunity to rein in excessive government spending. "This deal irresponsibly jacks up spending by $320 billion without real offsets, and suspends the debt limit into 2021. Instead of finally dealing with our nearly $1 tr  more

Sen. Cruz Meets With McKinney Leaders, Members of Farm Credit Bank of Texas
WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, issued the following news release: U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) this week met with local city leaders from McKinney, Texas before addressing members of the Farm Credit Bank of Texas. In the meetings, Sen. Cruz discussed his priorities for infrastructure modernization, and expressed his efforts to expand economic opportunity and reduce federal regulations. "Rolling back burdensome federal regulations and improving our nation's infrastructure are   more

Sen. Cruz: Antifa's Public Displays of Violence Strike Similar Tactics and Terror as the KKK
WASHINGTON, July 23 -- Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, issued the following news release: * * * - Urges FBI Director Wray to open RICO investigation into Antifa * * * U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), member of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, today participated in a full committee hearing focused on oversight of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). There, Sen. Cruz urged FBI Director Christopher Wray to open an investigation into Antifa under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizatio  more

Sen. Cruz: Open an Investigation Into Antifa, a Left-Wing Anarchist Terrorist Organization
WASHINGTON, July 23 -- Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, issued the following news release: * * * - Calls for investigation into Antifa and Portland Mayor Wheeler in letter to A.G. Barr, Deputy A.G. Rosen, and FBI Director Wray * * * U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), member of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, today penned a letter to Attorney General William Barr, Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen, and FBI Director Christopher Wray calling for an investigation into Antifa and Portland Mayor Ted   more

Sen. Ernst Honors 'Dedicated' and 'Good-Hearted' Men and Women of U.S. Customs and Border Protection
WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, issued the following news release: * * * - On the heels of her visit to the southern border, the Iowa Senator joins her Senate Judiciary Republican colleagues on a resolution commending CBP * * * On the heels of her visit to the Texas-Mexico border--where she met with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials and agents--U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) joins Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and the Republican m  more

Sen. Ernst Visits Texas-Mexico Border
WASHINGTON, July 23 -- Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, issued the following news release: * * * - The Iowa Senator saw firsthand the humanitarian crisis at the border and reiterated the need for border security and sweeping changes to the broken immigration system * * * U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), vice chairman of the Senate Republican Conference and a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, wrapped up a firsthand visit to the Southern Border in McAllen, Texas, including a number of Departmen  more

Sen. Feinstein: Senators Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Combat Addiction-Driven Human Trafficking
WASHINGTON, July 22 -- Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-California, issued the following news release: Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) today reintroduced bipartisan legislation to crack down on addiction-driven human trafficking. The Protecting Rights of Those Exploited by Coercive Trafficking (PROTECT) Act would specifically address the use of drugs   more

Sen. Feinstein: Senators Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Combat Addiction-Driven Human Trafficking
WASHINGTON, July 22 -- Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-California, ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following news release: Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) today reintroduced bipartisan legislation to crack down on addiction-driven human trafficking. The Protecting Rights of Those Exploited by Coercive Trafficking (PROTECT  more

Sen. Murray Issues Floor Remarks on Health Care
WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Sen. Patty Murray, D-Washington, issued the following floor remarks on health care: * * * - As Republicans push forward with their partisan lawsuit, Texas v. United States, Senator Murray stood up for the millions of families in Washington state and across the country whose health coverage is on the line - In a Senate floor speech, Senator Murray made clear that Republicans have no strategy to replace the vital health protections that would be taken away if their lawsu  more

Sen. Schatz Visits Southern Border to Evaluate Conditions
WASHINGTON, July 20 -- Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, issued the following news release: U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai'i) toured southern border facilities in McAllen, Texas yesterday with a 13-member Senate Democratic delegation. The delegation visited Border Patrol facilities, as well as a Catholic respite center that is providing aid to asylum seekers. The senators also met with local NGOs who have been providing assistance and legal aid to families fleeing violence. "What I saw was   more

Senate Commerce, Science & Transportation Committee Approves 11 Bills, Coast Guard Nomination
WASHINGTON, July 24 -- Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Mississippi, chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, issued the following news release: The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation today approved 11 bills and a Coast Guard nomination, all subject to approval by the full Senate. Bills and nomination considered are as follows (approved by voice vote unless otherwise noted): 1. S. 496, Young Fishermen's Development Act, Sponsors: Sens. Dan Sulliva  more

Senators Leahy, Grassley, Feinstein, Cornyn Raise Concerns About EPA's FOIA Rule
WASHINGTON, July 22 -- Sen. Patrick J. Leahy, D-Vermont, issued the following news release: Senators Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), and John Cornyn (R-Texas) - all senior members of the Senate Judiciary Committee with exclusive jurisdiction over the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) - sent a bipartisan letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler raising serious concerns with the EPA's recent "FOIA Regulations Update"  more

Sens. Cruz, Graham, Colleagues Introduce Resolution Honoring Men, Women of Customs & Border Protection
WASHINGTON, July 24 -- Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, issued the following news release: U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) along with fellow members of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary Chairman Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), and Sens. John Cornyn (R-Texas), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Ben Sasse (R-Neb.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), John Kennedy (R-La.), and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), today introduced a Senate resolution commending th  more

Sens. Cruz, Portman, Senate Colleagues Introduce Legislation Posthumously Promoting Doolittle Raider, Lt. Col. Dick Cole to Col.
WASHINGTON, July 23 -- Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, issued the following news release: U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), John Cornyn (R-Texas), and Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) today introduced legislation that calls for the posthumous promotion of native Lieutenant Colonel (Lt. Col.) Richard E. Cole. This bipartisan legislation also recognizes the accomplishments, sacrifices, and legacy of Lt. Col. Cole, the last of the living Doolittle Raiders until he passed away  more

Sens. Menendez, Rubio Introduce Resolution in Remembrance of 1994 Bombing of Jewish Community Center
WASHINGTON, July 18 -- Sen. Bob Menendez, D-New Jersey, ranking Democratic member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following news release: Senators Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Chairman of the of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, were joined by senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), and Todd Young (R-Ind.) in introducing a bipartisan   more

Subcommittee Chairs Costa, Fudge, Vela and Plaskett Joint Statement on Administration's Second Round of Trade War Payments to Farmers
WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Rep. Collin C. Peterson, D-Minnesota, chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, issued the following news release: The chairs of four House Agriculture Subcommittees issued a joint statement today in response to USDA's announcement of details on aid for farmers hurt by the Administration's trade war. Livestock and Foreign Agriculture Chairman Jim Costa of California; Nutrition, Oversight, and Department Operations Chair Marcia L. Fudge of Ohio; General Farm Commodities  more

Young Boy Tells Sen. Coons He Hasn't Been Able to Brush His Teeth
WASHINGTON, July 19 -- Sen. Christopher Coons, D-Delaware, issued the following news release: U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, is currently in McAllen, Texas, evaluating conditions at border facilities and assessing the humanitarian crisis. Through an interpreter, Senator Coons asked a young boy being held at American government facility if he has been able to brush his teeth. The boy shakes his head and replies "No." You can see the video here  more