WASHINGTON, Oct. 10 -- Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, D-Texas, chairman of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee, issued the following news release: Today, Chairwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) sent a letter (https://science.house.gov/imo/media/doc/10.10.19%20Letter%20to%20Secretary%20Ross%20re%20Sept.%2011%20Letter%20.pdf) to Department of Commerce (Commerce) Secretary Wilbur Ross to follow up on the Department's involvement in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (  more

WASHINGTON, Oct. 11 -- Rep. Dan Crenshaw, R-Texas, issued the following news release: Congressman Dan Crenshaw joined Wyoming Congresswoman and House GOP Conference Chair Liz Cheney (WY-AL) and nearly thirty of their Republican colleagues in the House in introducing legislation to impose sanctions against Turkey in response to Ankara's military offensive against U.S.-allied Kurdish forces in Northern Syria. This move follows similar efforts led by Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Chris Van Holle  more

WASHINGTON, Oct. 12 -- The House Natural Resources subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands issued the following hearing information: Legislative hearing on the National Museum of the American Latino Act (H.R. 2420) at 1324 Longworth House Office Building at 2:26 p.m. on Oct. 17: Legislative hearing on the following bill: * H.R. 2420 (Rep. Serrano), To establish within the Smithsonian Institution the National Museum of the American Latino, and for other purposes. "National Muse  more

DAYTON, Texas, Oct. 11 -- Rep. Brian Babin, R-Texas, issued the following news release: U.S. Congressman Brian Babin (TX-36) applauds the decision by the United States Postal Service (USPS) to open a mobile unit in Devers, TX. The Devers Post Office is being repaired following damage incurred by Tropical Storm Imelda. USPS Houston District Officials have informed Rep. Babin that the mobile unit is being set up and will begin serving the residents of Devers today, Friday, October 11. They assure  more

WASHINGTON, Oct. 11 -- Rep. Kevin Brady, R-Texas, ranking Republican member of the House Ways and Means Committee, issued the following statement after the Congressional Budget Office published an analysis on drug pricing legislation (H.R. 3) by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-California: "CBO's report confirms House Democrats' 'dictate or destroy' price controls only serve to hurt the development of future cures and damage American innovation. "To protect the hope of medical breakthroughs, Repu  more

CONROE, Texas, Oct. 9 -- Rep. Kevin Brady, R-Texas, issued the following statement on the White House's letter to House Democrats in response to an impeachment process: "This is rigged. No president can allow themselves to be set up this way. "Democrats are arrogantly rushing through their partisan impeachment "process" in a desperate attempt to undue the 2016 election. "By shutting House Republicans out of the investigations and refusing to even hold a vote on the House floor, Democrats are  more

WASHINGTON, Oct. 10 -- Rep. Michael Burgess, R-Texas, ranking Republican member of the House Energy and Commerce subcommittee on Health, on the Health and Human Services Department proposed Stark Law and Anti-Kickback Statute Reforms to support value-based and coordinated care: "This announcement is great news for patients and doctors. The proposed rule allows for more patient centered care and is a step in the right direction to letting doctors be doctors." "This new proposed rule will help m  more

WASHINGTON, Oct. 10 -- Rep. Michael Burgess, R-Texas, issued the statement on President Trump's decision to withdraw U.S. Forces from Northern Syria: "This week, the President announced that he will be removing American Military Forces from Northern Syria. While I understand the anxiety and concern from my fellow members of Congress, but we must remember that Congress has an obligation here as well. "Congress has the responsibility to authorize military action. To date, through two administrat  more

DALLAS, Texas, Oct. 10 -- Rep. Michael Burgess, R-Texas, issued the following news release: U.S. Congressman Michael Burgess joined KLIF's Dave and Amy, WBAP's Hal Jay and Brian Estridge, and 660AM The Answer's The Mark Davis Show to discuss Speaker Pelosi's impeachment announcement. Highlights from KLIF's Dave and Amy: 2016 Election was not a mistake: The 2016 election, according to some people on the other side was an error, it was a mistake of the American people. It is their job to make s  more

WASHINGTON, Oct. 11 -- Rep. John Carter, R-Texas, issued the following statement regarding the situation in Syria: "Our Kurdish allies have been instrumental in liberating ISIS controlled territory in Syria. "While the threat that ISIS poses to the region has declined, abandoning our allies sets a troubling precedent and risks further instability to an area already plagued with civil war. "The well-being of U.S. servicemembers is my top priority and ultimately, I hope that a diplomatic soluti  more

WASHINGTON, Oct. 9 -- Rep. K. Michael Conaway, R-Texas, issued the following statement on House Democrats' impeachment inquiry: "Other than authorizing an act of war, impeachment is the gravest item a Congress can consider. As such, it is paramount that any impeachment proceedings adhere directly to all Congressional rules and rely closely on historical precedence to ensure a fair and legal process for all those concerned. "An 'impeachment inquiry,' a phrase which Speaker Pelosi and Congressio  more

LAREDO, Texas, Oct. 4 -- Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, issued the following news release: * * * - Program will assist communities to combat alcohol abuse among youth * * * Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) announced $1.5 million in funding to the People with Ideas of Love, Liberty, Acceptance, and Respect (PILLAR) organization in Laredo, TX. Over the next five years, PILLAR will receive $300,000 annually from the Department of Health and Human Services towards their Communities in Motion proj  more

LAREDO, Texas, Oct. 10 -- Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, issued the following news release: Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) announced the opening of an Area Census Office for the upcoming 2020 Census in Laredo, TX. The Laredo Area Census Office is projected to hire up to 12,000 citizens to work temporary part-time and full-time jobs. In addition, the office will employ around 50 managers, clerks and office supervisors. The office will cover 30 counties with a locally hired Census staff.   more

LAREDO,Texas, Oct. 7 -- Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, issued the following news release: * * * - Program will prepare students for degrees in STEM and Social Science * * * Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) and TAMIU President Dr. Pablo Arenaz announced over $2.9 million for Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) to advance opportunities for Hispanic students seeking graduate degrees in Social Science or in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).These funds, allocated thro  more

AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 7 -- Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas, issued the following statement reacting to an order from a U.S. District Court in Manhattan that President Trump is not above the law when it comes to furnishing his tax returns: "Like Al Capone may have thought before heading to jail for tax evasion, the President claimed that law enforcement examination of his tax returns would cause him 'irreparable harm.' As a would-be autocrat, he also claimed immunity from any investigation as well as   more

AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 11 -- Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas, issued the following news release: Tomorrow, Saturday, October 12, U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett will join Austin ISD, The Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce, and College Forward to hold a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) event at Akins Early College High School. With FAFSA experts on hand, high school seniors and their families are invited to come and fill out the FAFSA to ensure that every student is applying for finan  more

HOUSTON, Texas, Oct. 10 -- Rep. Lizzie Fletcher, D-Texas, issued the following news release: Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) joined Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06) and more than 50 members of Congress in a letter to President Trump asking for more information on his decision to withdraw U.S. forces from the Syrian Turkish border. "We believe your decision to withdraw U.S. personnel from the area will have far-reaching diplomatic and national security implications: it will dramatically alt  more

WASHINGTON, Oct. 10 -- Rep. Sylvia Garcia, D-Texas, issued the following news release: The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded nearly $600,000 for disaster assistance in the Texas 29th Congressional District. The Harris County Department of Education has received the Office of Head Start - Administration for Children and Families grant for Harris County's Head Start Disaster Assistance Program. This program will provide funding to children and families in Harris County w  more

WASHINGTON, Oct. 9 -- Rep. Sylvia Garcia, D-Texas, issued the following statement: The Financial Services Committee has confirmed that Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook's CEO, will be testifying before the committee on October 23rd, 2019. He will be there to answer questions about Facebook's Libra Project. The Committee and many of its members have previously expressed concerns about the project and its proposed rollout. There are many unanswered questions regarding why Facebook is even developing a cr  more

WASHINGTON, Oct. 10 -- Rep. Kay Granger, R-Texas, issued the following statement in response to the White House letter to House Democrats: "No one should be fooled about what is going on in this impeachment move. "Impeachment is very serious business and the President should be allowed to defend himself, present his case fairly and publicly and with due process. "That is not what is happening. "The Democrats' press statements are not due process. Press statements are posturing."  more

WASHINGTON, Oct. 10 -- Rep. Kay Granger, R-Texas, ranking Republican member of the House Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement after Rep. Nita M. Lowey, D-New York, announced that she is not seeking reelection in 2020: The two currently serve as the first female Republican Ranking Member and first female Committee Chair of the panel respectively. "The retirement of Nita Lowey is a huge loss for our country, the Congress, our committee, and me personally. Nita has served as   more

DALLAS, Texas, Oct. 7 -- Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, D-Texas, issued the following statement regarding the death of Joshua Brown: "I am deeply saddened to learn about one of our own, Joshua Brown, passing. We have to allow DPD to do their job and investigate. "It is critical that we find out what happened and find who is responsible for the death of Mr. Brown. "My heart again goes out to both Brown and Botham Jean families who have lost sons. "I want to assure my constituents I will keep   more

WASHINGTON, Oct. 7 -- Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, ranking Republican member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following statement about the U.S. policy on Syria: "The United States should not step aside and allow a Turkish military operation in Northeast Syria. This move will undermine our ongoing campaign to prevent an ISIS resurgence and will ultimately threaten our homeland. "Additionally, the United States needs to stay engaged to prevent further destructive involvement   more

WASHINGTON, Oct. 7 -- Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, ranking Republican member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following statement: Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX), Lead Republican of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, condemned China's retaliatory actions against the Houston Rockets and called on the American business community to resist Chinese Communist Party (CCP) coercion: "The CCP's threats and repression will not be tolerated in Texas, or anywhere in the United Sta  more

WASHINGTON, Oct. 8 -- Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, ranking Republican member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following statement about Democrats denying fairness in their impeachment probe: "Adam Schiff and Speaker Pelosi are intentionally skirting prior impeachment precedent in order to deny Republicans basic rights in their partisan investigation. In the Nixon and Clinton cases, votes were taken on the House Floor to establish a formal inquiry which set up the rules of the  more

WASHINGTON, Oct. 9 -- Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, ranking Republican member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following statement regarding developments in Syria: "The scene unfolding in Syria today is unacceptable. Turkey must immediately end its military operation, which has already resulted in civilian casualties. "This Turkish invasion is a direct threat to our partner, the Syrian Kurds, and will create conditions for ISIS to reassert themselves in the region, while at t  more

WASHINGTON, Oct. 10 -- 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 (HFAC), sent a letter (https://gop-foreignaffairs.house.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/MTM-letter-to-Engel-re-impeachment-inquiry-procedures-1.pdf) to Chairman Eliot Engel (D-NY) raising serious concerns about the ongoing impeachment process, and asked fo  more

WASHINGTON, Oct. 11 -- Rep. David McKinley, R-West Virginia, issued the following news release: * * * - Meets with CBP Officials, Visits HHS Facility for Unaccompanied Minors in Rio Grande Valley * * * Yesterday, U.S. Representative David B. McKinley (R-W.Va.) visited the southern border at McAllen, Texas to better understand the crisis at our border. "For years our Southern border has been used by drug cartels, sex traffickers and criminals to enter illegally, but recently it has also beco  more

WASHINGTON, Oct. 8 -- Rep. Pete Olson, R-Texas, issued the following statement on Trump administration's intent to withdraw U.S. troops from northern Syria: "As a former Navy pilot who flew missions in the Middle East and fully appreciates the sacrifices our troops have made to protect us from ISIS, I reject any early withdrawal from Syria. "This action threatens American security and weakens credibility among our allies. "Withdrawal of U.S. forces would reignite ISIS, embolden terrorists an  more

WASHINGTON, Oct. 9 -- Rep. John Ratcliffe, R-Texas, issued the following statement in support of the Trump administration's refusal to participate in the Democrats' impeachment inquiry: "The American people should be insulted by the Democrats' attempt to influence the outcome of the 2020 election through a sham 'impeachment inquiry' that was designed as a smear campaign against President Trump. "I support the administration's refusal to tolerate or participate in an investigation that follows  more

WASHINGTON, Oct. 10 -- Rep. Adam Smith, D-Washington, chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement after touring a border wall construction site outside of El Paso, Texas, where he was joined by Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-Texas: "The President's border wall is a misuse of Department of Defense dollars - plain and simple. Before visiting the border construction site, we were briefed by leaders from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the United States Army North C  more

EL PASO, Texas, Oct. 9 -- Rep. Bryan Steil, R-Wisconsin, issued the following news release: Bryan Steil visited the United States-Mexico border on an official trip with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). "Seeing the border firsthand reinforced my belief that we need to fix gaps in border security. While progress has been made to decrease the influx in illegal immigration and illicit drug trafficking, we can do more. Upgrading technology, bui  more

WASHINGTON, Oct. 9 -- Rep. Mac Thornberry, R-Texas, ranking Republican member of the House Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement on the U.S. policy in Syria: "It would be a grave mistake for Turkey to send its military forces into Syria provoking hostilities with the Syrian Democratic Forces. "It would also be a grave mistake for the U.S. to unilaterally withdraw from Syria or to acquiesce in any way to a Turkish invasion. "The consequences of these decisions will be severe  more

ALLEN, Texas, Oct. 10 -- Rep. Van Taylor, R-Texas, issued the following news release: * * * - Legislation Aims to Expand Access to Dual Credit Programs * * * Today, with the support of local administrators, educators, and students at the Allen ISD STEAM Center, U.S. Congressman Van Taylor (TX-03) announced his legislative proposal aimed at expanding access to dual credit programs for high school students. Joined by representatives from The University of Texas at Dallas, Collin College, Alle  more

WASHINGTON, Oct. 10 -- Rep. Eliot L. Engel, D-New York, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following joint statement with Ranking Member Michael T. McCaul, R-Texas, on protests in Iraq: "We urge the government of Iraq to respect the fundamental right of the Iraqi people to freely assemble and peacefully protest. "Use of force against protestors is unacceptable, and there must be accountability for those who have engaged in violence. Additionally, access to the internet  more

WASHINGTON, Oct. 11 -- Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, ranking Republican member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following news release: House Foreign Affairs Committee Lead Republican Michael McCaul (R-TX) and Chairman Eliot Engel (D-NY) announced they will introduce legislation to sanction Turkish officials involved in the Syria operation and banks involved in the defense sector until Turkey ends its military operations in Syria. The bill also requires the Administration to s  more

WASHINGTON, Oct. 10 -- Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, ranking Republican member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following joint statement with Chairman Eliot L. Engel, D-New York, on protests in Iraq: "We urge the government of Iraq to respect the fundamental right of the Iraqi people to freely assemble and peacefully protest. "Use of force against protestors is unacceptable, and there must be accountability for those who have engaged in violence. Additionally, access to the  more

WASHINGTON, Oct. 10 -- Rep. Marc Veasey, D-Texas, issued the following news release: * * * - Congressmen's proposal would use savings from Medicare drug negotiations to lower their drug premiums and copays * * * Congressmen Marc Veasey (TX-33), Max Rose (NY-11) and Joe Morelle (NY-25), introduced legislation this week that would use savings from Medicare prescription drug negotiations to lower Medicare Part D costs for low-income seniors. H.R. 4620, the More Help for Seniors Act of 2019, wo  more

WASHINGTON, Oct. 7 -- Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, issued the following news release: Sen. Cornyn applauded the Trump Administration today for a taking a positive first step toward reaching a comprehensive bilateral trade agreement with Japan. The interim agreement that was signed at the White House provides increased market access for American businesses and producers, and levels the playing field by reducing tariffs for Texas cattle ranchers, feeders, and producers. "I'm grateful to the Trump   more

WASHINGTON, Oct. 11 -- Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, issued the following statement applauding Victoria Coates' promotion to deputy national security advisor: "It is no surprise to see Victoria rising in the ranks NSC leadership. "She's brilliant, deeply insightful, and a ferocious advocate for American national security concerns. "She is also a dear friend with impeccable judgment. "It may seem unusual to have an art historian in this position, but her knowledge of culture, history, and human m  more

HONOLULU, Hawaii, Oct. 8 -- Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, issued the following news release: * * * - Participates in roundtable discussion with military leaders and officials at U.S. Indo-Pacific Command * * * U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, on Monday kicked off his Indo-Pacific tour at Pearl Harbor. There, he participated in a roundtable discussion with military leaders and officials at the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, which plays a vital role in our   more

TAIPEI, Taiwan, Oct. 9 -- Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, issued the following news release: * * * - Discusses Indo-Pacific tour, N.B.A. and trade with Joe Kernen and Becky Quick * * * U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today called into CNBC's 'Squawk Box' to discuss his weeklong Indo-Pacific tour, Chinese censorship and oppression, and President Trump's efforts to strengthen U.S. trade. Watch the full interview here. When asked about Houston Rockets ge  more

NEW DELHI, India, Oct. 11 -- Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, issued the following news release: * * * - Travels to New Delhi, meets with Defense Minister Singh, U.S. Ambassador Juster, and business leaders * * * U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, on Thursday continued his weeklong Indo-Pacific tour with a visit to New Delhi. There, he met with Defense Minister Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, U.S. Ambassador Kenneth Juster, and leaders of both the Americ  more

TOKYO, Japan, Oct. 9 -- Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, issued the following news release: * * * - Meets with Prime Minister Abe and Defense Minister Kono on Indo-Pacific tour * * * U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, on Tuesday continued his Indo-Pacific tour with a visit to Tokyo where he met with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Defense Minister Taro Kono. Still photos of his visit are below. There, he praised the newly signed U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement a  more

TAPEI, Taiwan, Oct. 10 -- Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, issued the following news release: * * * - Meets with Taiwan President Tsai, attends National Day ceremony, and participates in press conference with Foreign Minister Wu * * * U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, on Wednesday continued his Indo-Pacific tour with a visit to Taiwan. There, he met with Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen and participated in Taiwan's National Day ceremony - the first United St  more

WASHINGTON, Oct. 11 -- Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-California, issued the following statement after former Environmental Protection Agency employees called for a congressional probe into the agency's attacks on California: "Today, 593 former EPA officials sent a letter calling for a congressional investigation into whether agency leaders inappropriately threatened California. "I couldn't agree with these individuals more: Enforcement actions must be fair and impartial and should never be used as   more

WASHINGTON, Oct. 4 -- Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-California, ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement on the Supreme Court's decision to hear a case involving Louisiana's abortion law: "The Supreme Court announced it will hear a case involving a Louisiana law restricting women's reproductive health care, particularly access to abortion services. "This is shocking as the Supreme Court just three years ago struck down an identical Texas law in Whole Woman's  more

WASHINGTON, Oct. 8 -- Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, and Rep. Kevin Brady, R-Texas, ranking Republican member of the House Ways and Means Committee, issued the following op-ed on U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, which was provided to USA Today: Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi's announcement of a formal impeachment inquiry into the president of the United States means that issue will likely dominate discussion in Washington for months. That's a shame, becau  more

WASHINGTON, Oct. 8 -- Sen. Charles E. Grassley, R-Iowa, issued the following news release: One year after the confirmation of Justice Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court, a group of senators are seeking updates from the Justice Department on the status of criminal referrals made by the committee in the course of and after the last year's confirmation process. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), and Sens. Mike Lee (R-Utah), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Jo  more

WASHINGTON, Oct. 11 -- Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Nebraska, issued the following statement on what he calls an unconstitutional attack by ex-Rep. Beto O'Rourke, D-Texas, on churches, synagogues and mosques that do not perform same-sex marriages. "Last night, Beto O'Rourke said that churches, hospitals, and charities -- folks who are serving their communities and loving their neighbors -- should lose their tax-exempt status if their religious convictions don't fall in line with his progressive politics.   more

WASHINGTON, Oct. 7 -- Rep. Filemon Vela, D-Texas, issued the following news release: Congressman Vela recently introduced HR 4482 - Protecting America's Food & Agricultural Act that would increase the number of agricultural inspectors and canine units at ports of entry. The bill authorizes Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to hire up to 240 Agriculture Specialists per year, above the current attrition level, until the agency meets its own workforce targets. By CBP's calculations, the agency i  more