Friday - March 29, 2024
U.S. Congressional Tipoffs Involving Texas Newsletter for Sunday December 22, 2019 ( 137 items )  

CBP Hiring New Humanitarian Positions Created by Rep. Cuellar
WASHINGTON, Dec. 9 -- Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, issued the following news release: Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) announced that the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is now hiring Border Patrol Processing Coordinators in McAllen, El Paso and Yuma, AZ to perform administrative tasks related to the intake and processing of individuals apprehended by Border Patrol agents. The position will also assume responsibilities for transporting individuals and property in Border Patrol custody  more

Congressman Gonzalez Delivers Speech on House Floor on USMCA and Rising Violence in Mexico
WASHINGTON, Dec. 20 -- Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, D-Texas, issued the following news release: Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) delivered a speech on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives on the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and the rising violence and insecurity in Mexico. In his speech, Congressman Gonzalez emphasized that violence in Mexico will undoubtedly pose a threat to America's economic interests in the long-term. "All while we act as if nothing is happening i  more

Congressman Gonzalez Encourages Central and South Texans to Apply for Additional $550 Million in Funding For USDA ReConnect Pilot Program
WASHINGTON, Dec. 20 -- Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, D-Texas, issued the following news release: Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) is encouraging eligible Central and South Texans to apply for the additional $550 million in federal grants and loans announced by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for the ReConnect Pilot Program. The ReConnect Pilot Program's mission is to help close the digital divide by providing grants and loans for the costs of construction, improvement, or acquis  more

Congressman Gonzalez Gives House Floor Speech on Impeachment
WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 -- Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, D-Texas, issued the following news release: Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) took to the House Floor to urge his colleagues to support the impeachment of President Donald Trump. This speech comes during the six hours of debate before the full House of Representatives on H.Res. 755, Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors. "I did not come to Congress to impeach a sitting President, but we've  more

Congressman Gonzalez to Vote in Favor of Impeachment
WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 -- Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, D-Texas, issued the following news release: Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) published an editorial regarding his vote in favor of the impeachment of President Donald J. Trump. In the editorial, Congressman Gonzalez outlines clearly how President Trump's misconduct rises to level of impeachment and his obligation as a member of Congress to uphold his oath to the Constitution. "Our Founding Fathers feared that one day the power of the presidenc  more

Congressman Gonzalez Votes for Passage of the USMCA
WASHINGTON, Dec. 20 -- Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, D-Texas, issued the following news release: Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) voted in favor of H.R. 5430, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) Implementation Act. The USMCA will set the highest standard for enforcement in any U.S. trade agreement and provide much-needed certainty for farmers, ranchers, and businesses in the 15th District of Texas. The agreement also includes a legislative victory for Congressman Gonzalez in the re  more

Congressman Gonzalez Votes to Restore Tax Fairness for Texans
WASHINGTON, Dec. 20 -- Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, D-Texas, issued the following news release: Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) voted in favor of H.R. 5377, Restoring Tax Fairness for States and Localities Act of 2019, a bill he also cosponsored. This bill will mitigate the damage done by one of the most devasting provisions in the Republican tax bill, the $10,000 cap on the State and Local Tax (SALT), and reverse the massive giveaway to the wealthiest tax bracket. "The restoration of the SALT   more

Cornyn Highlights Year of Accomplishments for Texans
WASHINGTON, Dec. 21 -- Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, issued the following news release: SENATOR JOHN CORNYN (R-TX): "While I know the news is dominated by the impeachment controversy, Congress has been able to, under the radar screen, tick some important legislation off our to-do list this year on behalf of Texans." This year, Senator Cornyn had four bills signed into law or currently awaiting the President's signature: the Debbie Smith Act, the HAVEN Act, the Military Voting Protection Act, and   more

Cornyn Shepherds Debbie Smith Act to Test Untested Rape Kits Through Senate
WASHINGTON, Dec. 17 -- Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, issued the following news release: * * * - Bill Heads to President's Desk to Become Law * * * On the floor, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) called up and passed the Debbie Smith Act of 2019. Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn's floor remarks are below, and video can be found here: https://youtu.be/GCitDQ8gK3M "Since 2004, the Debbie Smith Act has been the guiding force behind our nation's effort to eliminate the rape kit backlog." "Since 2011, the Deb  more

Majority Leader Hoyer Issues Statement on 5th Circuit Ruling in Texas Vs. U.S. Case on Affordable Care Act
WASHINGTON, Dec. 18 -- House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Maryland, issued the following statement on the 5th Circuit Court ruling in the Texas vs. U.S. case on the Affordable Care Act: "I am disappointed by today's decision by a federal appeals court to invalidate a key component of the Affordable Care Act and send the case back to a lower court. This will only cause further uncertainty for patients, consumers, and providers. This case was brought by Republicans and supported by the Trump A  more

On Anniversary of the Sino-British Joint Declaration, Young Joins Bipartisan Letter Urging U.N. to Raise Issue of China's Human Rights Violations
WASHINGTON, Dec. 20 -- Sen. Todd Young, R-Indiana, issued the following news release: On the 35th anniversary of the signing of the Sino-British Joint Declaration, U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) joined Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) in a letter with their colleagues to United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, urging him to raise the issue of China's violations of human rights and its destruction of its documentary record in both his discussions with member states and at the U.N. Human   more

On Sino-British Joint Declaration Anniversary, Hawley Leads Bipartisan Letter Urging U.N. to Raise Issue of China's Human Rights Violations
WASHINGTON, Dec. 20 -- Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Missouri, issued the following news release: On the 35th anniversary of the signing of the Sino-British Joint Declaration, Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) sent a letter with his colleagues to United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, urging him to raise the issue of China's violations of human rights and its destruction of its documentary record in both his discussions with member states and at the U.N. Human Rights Council and the U.N. Security C  more

On Sino-British Joint Declaration Anniversary, Markey Joins Hawley on Letter Urging U.N. to Raise Issue of China's Human Rights Violations
WASHINGTON, Dec. 20 -- Sen. Edward J. Markey, D-Massachusetts, issued the following news release: On the 35th anniversary of the signing of the Sino-British Joint Declaration, Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) joined Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) to send a letter to United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, urging him to raise the issue of China's violations of human rights and its destruction of its documentary record in both his discussions with member states and at the U.N. Human Rig  more

On Sino-British Joint Declaration Anniversary, Sens. Cruz, Hawley, Colleagues Send Bipartisan Letter Urging U.N. to Raise Issue of China's Human Rights Violations
WASHINGTON, Dec. 20 -- Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, issued the following news release: On the 35th anniversary of the signing of the Sino-British Joint Declaration, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) sent a letter to United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. In the letter, the members urge him to raise the issue of China's violations of human rights and its destruction of its documentary record in his discussions with  more

President Trump Signs Rep. Conaway VA Renaming Bill Into Law
WASHINGTON, Dec. 16 -- Rep. K. Michael Conaway, R-Texas, issued the following news release: President Trump signed into law H.R. 2334, to rename the Odessa VA Clinic to the "Wilson and Young Medal of Honor VA Clinic." This bill, authored by Congressman Mike Conaway (TX-11), honors two of Odessa's finest heroes: United States Marine Corps Private First Class Alfred "Mac" Wilson and United States Army Staff Sergeant Marvin Rex Young. These young men sacrificed their own lives during the Vietnam W  more

Rep. Allred Issues Statement After Voting in Support of Appropriations Bills
WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 -- Rep. Colin Allred, D-Texas, issued the following statement after voting in support of the bipartisan appropriations bills that will fund the government through Sept. 30, 2020: "I am encouraged that leaders in both parties were able to come together and forge a bipartisan compromise to keep our government open and working for the American people. "I'm proud that we made much-needed investments in election security, Head Start and child care programs, as well as record-l  more

Rep. Allred Issues Statement on Articles of Impeachment
WASHINGTON, Dec. 16 -- Rep. Colin Allred, D-Texas, issued the following statement after the House Judiciary Committee voted to move forward on the articles of impeachment: "I swore an oath to protect and defend the Constitution and I thought it was important that the American people see and hear the testimony in a public setting at the hearings by the House Intelligence and Judiciary Committees. "After reviewing the evidence and testimony delivered to Congress, I have determined that the arti  more

Rep. Allred Votes to Pass Historic US, Mexico and Canada Trade Agreement
WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 -- Rep. Colin Allred, D-Texas, issued the following news release: * * * - Allred Spoke on House Floor Earlier Today Urging Colleagues to Vote Yes and Support Jobs in North Texas * * * Congressman Colin Allred (TX-32), voted to pass the revised version of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The agreement passed the House with broad bipartisan support. "Trade is critically important to our great state, and after months of hard work, I am proud to have voted today to  more

Rep. Arrington Issues Statement on Trade Deal With China
WASHINGTON, Dec. 13 -- Rep. Jodey Arrington, R-Texas, issued the following statement on the Trump administration's announcement of a phase one trade deal with China: "For decades, policy makers have acquiesced to Communist China and allowed them to steal our intellectual property, manipulate their currency, and engage in unfair and unseemly practices that have shuttered American factories and devastated agriculture producers in our nation's heartland. "Thanks to the persistent and diligent wor  more

Rep. Axne Issues Statement on 5th Circuit Court of Appeals Ruling in Texas Vs. U.S.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 20 -- Rep. Cynthia Axne, D-Iowa, issued the following statement on the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling in Texas vs. U.S.: "Yesterday's ruling by the Fifth Circuit is disastrous for Iowa. By continuing down a path that could lead to completely undoing the Affordable Care Act, this decision not only risks raising premiums in the short term, but it could also eliminate protections for the 1.2 million Iowans living with pre-existing conditions, undo Medicaid expansion, and sen  more

Rep. Babin Hosts Lucas Lowe Memorial Post Office Dedication
DAYTON, Texas, Dec. 20 -- Rep. Brian Babin, R-Texas, issued the following news release: U.S. Congressman Brian Babin (TX-36) along with the United States Postal Service hosted countless community and family members, local dignitaries, and top military officials for a ceremony renaming the Post Office in Hardin, Texas after a local hero, Chief Warrant Officer II Lucas Maurice Lowe. Chief Lowe, a decorated veteran with tours of duty in both Iraq and Afghanistan, tragically passed away on December  more

Rep. Babin Issues Statement on Impeachment Articles Against President Trump
WASHINGTON, Dec. 18 -- Rep. Brian Babin, R-Texas, issued the following statement after voting against the articles of impeachment against President Trump: "Today was a dark day in American history. House Democrats have shamefully voted to remove President Donald Trump from office with zero concrete evidence of any wrongdoing. Speaker Pelosi's legacy will be forever stained by the only partisan impeachment vote in U.S. history - despite promising the American people that if the House was going t  more

Rep. Bishop: Republicans Concerned About More Taxpayer-Funded Human Rights Abuses
WASHINGTON, Dec. 16 -- Rep. Rob Bishop, R-Utah, ranking Republican member of the House Natural Resources Committee, issued the following news release: Ranking Republican Rob Bishop (R-Utah), U.S. Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-Texas), and U.S. Rep. Tom McClintock (R-Calif.) sent a letter (https://republicans-naturalresources.house.gov/UploadedFiles/2019-12-16_Bishop_Gohmert_McClintock_to_Samper_WCS_re_Conservation_grants.pdf) to Cristian Samper, President and CEO of the Wildlife Conservation Society (WC  more

Rep. Brady Issues Statement After Members of Senate Introduced Lower Costs, More Cures Act
WASHINGTON, Dec. 21 -- Rep. Kevin Brady, R-Texas, ranking Republican member of the House Ways and Means Committee, issued the following statement after members of the Senate introduced key elements of Lower Costs, More Cures Act (H.R. 19): "We offered the 'Lower Costs, More Cures' Act because we knew that it would have momentum in both chambers, support from both parties, and could be signed into law. "I commend my Senate colleagues for taking this important step towards a real, meaningful re  more

Rep. Brady Issues Statement at Markup of WTO Resolution, U.S-Canada-Mexico Agreement Implementing Legislation
WASHINGTON, Dec. 17 -- Rep. Kevin Brady, R-Texas, ranking Republican member of the House Ways and Means Committee, issued the following opening statement at the full committee markup of the World Trade Organization resolution and U.S.-Canada-Mexico agreement implementing legislation: "It goes without question, USMCA is a sorely needed modernization of NAFTA. It has been over 25 years since we updated our trading relationship with Mexico and Canada, and a lot has changed since then. "We didn't   more

Rep. Brady Issues Statement on Floor Debate on U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement Implementing Legislation
WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 -- Rep. Kevin Brady, R-Texas, ranking Republican member of the House Ways and Means Committee, issued the following opening statement on floor debate on the implementing legislation for the U.S.-Mexico-Canada agreement: "Yesterday with impeachment was a low mark in partisanship. "Today we have the opportunity to set a high mark in consensus and bipartisanship. Today is a momentous day. "We will finally consider the implementing bill that brings the trade relationship betwe  more

Rep. Brady Issues Statement Regarding Year-End Tax Package
WASHINGTON, Dec. 17 -- Rep. Kevin Brady, R-Texas, ranking Republican member of the House Ways and Means Committee, issued the following statement regarding the year-end tax package: "Regrettably, business as usual prevailed in our efforts to reform these supposedly temporary, annual tax policy changes. "he fight is not over - the focus turns to 2020. This annual temporary tax circus needs to end. "Taxpayers deserve certainty, not midnight brinksmanship and short-term patches. "I'm hopeful we  more

Rep. Burgess Issues Statement on Articles of Impeachment Against President Trump
WASHINGTON, Dec. 13 -- Rep. Michael Burgess, R-Texas, a member of the House Rules Committee, issued the following statement on the House Judiciary Committee's vote on the articles of impeachment against President Trump: "I agree with the words of Rep. Will Hurd, who said, 'An impeachable offense should be compelling, overwhelmingly clear, and unambiguous. "I believe House Democrats have failed on all three counts." "After over three years of investigations, the same House Democrats have produ  more

Rep. Burgess Issues Statement on Articles of Impeachment Against President Trump
WASHINGTON, Dec. 17 -- Rep. Michael Burgess, R-Texas, member of the House Rules Committee, issued the following statement on the House vote on articles of impeachment against President Trump: "Earlier this year, Speaker Pelosi said that impeachment would divide the country and should only take place as a bipartisan effort. "Since the announcement in September, this entire process has been partisan. "The evidence that has been brought forward is not transparent, explicit or impartial. "It sho  more

Rep. Burgess Issues Statement on House Passage of Impeachment Articles Against President Trump
WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 -- Rep. Michael Burgess, R-Texas, member of the House Rules Committee, issued the following statement after the House passed articles of impeachment against President Trump: "The rush to impeach first and solidify the case second threatens the credibility of the process and the body engaged, this House of Representatives," Burgess said. "Since voting to authorize an official impeachment investigation, the nation has seen how the process has not protected the minority as in   more

Rep. Burgess Issues Statement on U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement
WASHINGTON, Dec. 20 -- Rep. Michael Burgess, R-Texas, chairman of the House Energy and Commerce subcommittee on Health, issued the following statement after the House passed the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement: "After years of asking for a rewrite of NAFTA, the House of Representatives has finally delivered a vote of approval for a new trade agreement. "Thank you to President Trump for delivering on the promise to provide a better deal for farmers, manufacturers, and all Americans. "I appreciate  more

Rep. Carter Issues Statement on FY 2020 Appropriations Bills
WASHINGTON, Dec. 18 -- Rep. John Carter, R-Texas, issued the following statement: Congressman John Carter (TX-31) released the follow statement after the House passed both FY20 Consolidated Appropriations bills. These bills provide substantial investments for Ft. Hood, provide a pay raise for soldiers, prioritize national security, direct resources to school safety and support veterans. "The funding that the House passed ... makes critical investments for our country and in Central Texas, we w  more

Rep. Carter Issues Statement on Impeachment Articles Against President Trump
WASHINGTON, Dec. 18 -- Rep. John Carter, R-Texas, issued the following statement after voting against House Democrats articles of impeachment against President Trump: "It is a fundamental ideal of our republic that every American receives justice under the law. As Members of Congress, we are required to uphold that ideal and as a former judge, I was tasked with the same responsibility. I find that this entire impeachment process has lacked impartiality, respect for the Constitution and justice.  more

Rep. Carter Issues Statement on U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement
WASHINGTON, Dec. 20 -- Rep. John Carter, R-Texas, issued the following statement after voting in favor of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement: "After more than a year of delay by Speaker Pelosi, the House of Representatives has finally passed the USMCA with overwhelming support. While this agreement will significantly benefit the United States, Texas is positioned to be one of the USMCA's biggest winners thanks to its annual export of $140 billion in goods to Mexico and Canada. "With nearly 60 pe  more

Rep. Castro Issues Floor Remarks Ahead of House Impeachment Vote
WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 -- Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-Texas, 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, issued the following floor remarks ahead of the House vote to impeach the President Trump: "As my colleagues have said, the evidence of the President's abuse of power and obstruction of Congress is uncontested. "But let's outline a few key events involving the nearly $  more

Rep. Cisneros Issues Statement on 5th Circuit Court Ruling on Affordable Care Act
WASHINGTON, Dec. 20 -- Rep. Gilbert Cisneros, D-California, issued the following statement on a ruling from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit, which struck down the individual mandate of the Affordable Care Act and asked the Texas district court to determine if the rest of the law could stand: "This disastrous ruling from the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals jeopardizes the healthcare of people in the 39th District and all across the country. "For the 319,500 constituents in my distri  more

Rep. Conaway Issues Statement on Impeachment Articles Against President Trump
WASHINGTON, Dec. 18 -- Rep. K. Michael Conaway, R-Texas, issued the following statement after voting against the two articles of impeachment against President Trump: "This is a historic and somber day in the House of Representatives. Unfortunately, many of my colleagues have diminished what should be a solemn and grave proceeding into an absolute political circus, simply because they don't like the man occupying the White House. "Many Democrats have been intent on impeaching this President sin  more

Rep. Conaway Issues Statement on Passage of U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement
WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 -- Rep. K. Michael Conaway, R-Texas, ranking Republican member of the House Agriculture Committee, issued the following statement: The House of Representatives voted to ratify the United States-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA) by an overwhelming vote of 385-41. "While today's vote was needlessly delayed by partisan politics, I am grateful that Speaker Pelosi finally brought USMCA up for a vote. Despite House Democrats' overtly-partisan obsession with impeachment, the P  more

Rep. Crenshaw Issues Statement on FY 2020 Appropriations Bills
WASHINGTON, Dec. 18 -- Rep. Dan Crenshaw, R-Texas, issued the following statement after voting on the Consolidated Appropriations Act for 2020 (H.R. 1158) and Further Consolidated Appropriations Act for 2020 (H.R. 1865): "Congress did something we've seen very little of lately: compromise. Although I strongly disagree with the top-line spending, negotiators did a good job. "Ultimately these bipartisan bills do a lot for our region by appropriating $22 million for maintenance of the Houston Shi  more

Rep. Crenshaw Issues Statement Regarding House Vote to Impeach President Trump
WASHINGTON, Dec. 18 -- Rep. Dan Crenshaw, R-Texas, issued the following statement regarding the House voting to impeach President Trump: "Tonight's vote cements Democrats' true intentions since day one of Trump's presidency: removing him from office. "Congress has wasted three months with biased, opaque impeachment proceedings that resulted in hearsay, assumptions and hollow allegations. During this time, Democrats allowed important legislative priorities - like national security, USMCA, an i  more

Rep. Cuellar Fights to Lower Prescription Drug Costs, Expand Medicare
WASHINGTON, Dec. 12 -- Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, issued the following news release: * * * - H.R. 3 will save the American people $500 billion over the next ten years * * * Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) fights to lower prescription drug costs and expand Medicare by voting for H.R. 3, the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act of 2019. This legislation will provide expansions of Medicare's benefits to include dental, vision and hearing for the first time in the history of the progr  more

Rep. Cuellar Issues Statement on Impeachment of President Trump
WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 -- Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, issued the following statement on the impeachment of President Trump in the House: "As an attorney, I have represented clients before judges and juries and found that if anyone had prejudged a case, it would be considered a disqualification. I made a commitment to my constituents from the very beginning of this process that I would only decide my vote after hearing the evidence and arguments on both sides. "Now that the arguments and facts ha  more

Rep. Cuellar Protects South Texas Landmarks From Border Fencing in Final Spending Bill
WASHINGTON, Dec. 16 -- Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, issued the following news release: Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28), Vice Chair of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, secured language in the final spending bill prohibiting the Department of Homeland Security from using funds to construct fencing within cultural and historical landmarks, including the Eli Jackson Cemetery in San Juan, Texas. "We cannot allow the Administration's border wall to destroy any cultural and histo  more

Rep. Cuellar Secures Additional Personnel, Advanced Technology to Facilitate Trade, Improve Security at Southern Border
WASHINGTON, Dec. 17 -- Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, issued the following news release: * * * - Final spending bill includes $104 million for 1,200 CBP Officers and 240 Agriculture Specialists * * * Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) secures additional personnel and technology to facilitate trade and improve security at the U.S.-Mexico border in the final spending bill for 2020. This bill includes $104 million for an increase of 1,200 Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) officers and 240 Agricultur  more

Rep. Cuellar Secures North American Development Bank in USMCA
WASHINGTON, Dec. 11 -- Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, issued the following news release: Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) secured the doubling of capital reauthorization for the North American Development Bank's (NADB) in the United States Mexico Canada Agreement's (USMCA) implementing language. This investment in NADB will enhance the bank's ability to fund environmental infrastructure projects on the U.S.-Mexico border. "Throughout its 25-year history, NADB has enhanced the quality of life fo  more

Rep. Cuellar Secures Over $500 Million in Signature USMCA Environmental Safeguards
WASHINGTON, Dec. 13 -- Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, issued the following news release: Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) secured key environmental provisions in the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), including $250 million for the North American Development Bank (NADB) over four years. This will double the capital reauthorization for the NADB, and be used to finance environmental infrastructure projects on the U.S.-Mexico border. A new authorization of $215 million to fund this capi  more

Rep. Cuellar Votes No on Border Wall Funding in 2020 Spending Bill
WASHINGTON, Dec. 17 -- Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, issued the following news release: * * * - Congressman Urges House Leadership to Renegotiate * * * Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) voted against the final spending bill that includes $1.375 billion for the construction of a southwest border wall and allows the Trump Administration to reallocate appropriated funds, such as military construction projects, for the border wall. "I am voting no on this spending bill not to shut down the gove  more

Rep. Cuellar Works to Improve Access to Healthcare Services in Rural Communities
WASHINGTON, Dec. 12 -- Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, issued the following news release: * * * - Congressman Co-Sponsors Amendment in the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act of 2019 * * * Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) is working to improve access to healthcare services in rural communities by co-sponsoring an amendment that will create a grant opportunity to establish Graduate Medical Education programs for rural hospitals in medically underserved areas, including Critical Access H  more

Rep. Doggett Issues Statement on 5th Circuit Court Decision in Texas vs. U.S.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 -- Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas, chair of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Health, issued the following statement regarding the 5th Circuit Court's decision in Texas vs. U.S.: "Hardly coincidental that, as the Nation's attention is focused on the impeachment of Donald Trump, Republican appellate appointees impede access to health care for millions of Americans. "The court is returning some issues for further consideration by a trial court that has already made obvio  more

Rep. Doggett Issues Statement on President Trump Drug Importation Plan
WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 -- Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas, chair of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Health, issued the following statement about President Trump's importation plan: "Three years late, with drug prices continuing to soar, Trump finally takes narrow action. Whether this will actually result in lower prices next year for any American is far from certain. "While I have long supported the safe importation of prescription drugs, to effectively restrain monopoly prices much more mu  more

Rep. Doggett Issues Statement on U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement
WASHINGTON, Dec. 20 -- Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas, a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee, issued the following statement on the upcoming House passage of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement: "A big win for Texas--more commerce, more North American Development Bank financing, reasonable protection for the environment and workers--all of which helps to broaden public support for future trade agreements. "The harmful language inserted by Big Pharma to empower more prescription  more

Rep. Doggett Issues Statement Voting No on Domestic Appropriations Bill
WASHINGTON, Dec. 17 -- Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas, member of the House Ways and Means Committee, issued the following statement voting no on domestic appropriations bill: "At the last minute, $427 billion in unpaid-for tax breaks were added to this bill, which was supposed to fund vital health needs. This measure not only weakens the financial underpinnings of the Affordable Care Act, but it includes provisions solely benefitting special interests such as insurance, coal, race horses, and race  more

Rep. Doggett Issues Statement Voting No on FY 2020 Homeland Security Minibus
WASHINGTON, Dec. 17 -- Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas, issued the following statement voting no on the fiscal 2020 Homeland Security minibus: "Not another dime for Trump's wretched wall, no blank check for his anti-immigrant agenda. "This bill hands over more taxpayer dollars for Trump's wall and lacks effective restraints on a lawless President who has trampled on the borders of our Constitution. "Call it a 'wall' or a 'fence,' build it with steel, not concrete, but it is still a colossal waste  more

Rep. Doggett Submits Op-ed After Voting to Impeach President Trump
WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 -- Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas, issued the following op-ed on why he was voting to impeach President Trump, which was provided to the San San Antonio Express News: Today, the U.S. House of Representatives will impeach President Donald Trump. Allegiance to our Constitution, not one party, not one person, mandates impeachment. No one, not even the president, is above the law. While most of our neighbors may already have made up their minds on this issue, I feel a personal dut  more

Rep. Doggett Submits Op-ed on Impeachment of President Trump
WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 -- Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas, issued the following op-ed on the impeachment of President Trump, which was provided to the San Marcos Daily Record: Some Hays County residents like Donald Trump. I respect their choice, though I respectfully and strongly disagree. But policies and personalities are not at issue in my vote this week to impeach the President. The sole consideration is the preservation of our democratic form of government and our national security under our Con  more

Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson Recognizes ISD Student's Heroic Act
DALLAS, Texas, Dec. 21 -- Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, D-Texas, issued the following news release: Rep. Johnson honored Bryan Adams High School Freshman, Kaveion Morris, during her annual district holiday party for his heroic act of saving a girl from drowning earlier this month. "This young man deserves recognition for his bravery and courage," said Congresswoman Johnson. "His immediate and decisive actions resulted in saving a life!"   more

Rep. Escobar Issues Statement on House Passage of U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement
WASHINGTON, Dec. 20 -- Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-Texas, issued the following statement after the House voted on the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement: "As a representative of one of the largest manufacturing regions in North America, a vote for an updated NAFTA is a vote for the more than 23,000 El Pasoans dependent on a prosperous border economy. "The improvements advanced by House Democrats promote new standards we can build upon to reflect the 21st century economy, including stronger enforc  more

Rep. Escobar Welcomes Gen. Murray to U.S. Army Futures Command
EL PASO, Texas, Dec. 18 -- Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-Texas, issued the following news release: Congresswoman Veronica Escobar welcomed General John M. Murray, Commanding General of U.S. Army Futures Command, to El Paso. The purpose of the visit was to explore potential partnerships between the U.S. Army Futures Command and the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). During the visit, UTEP President Heather Wilson led a tour of the College of Engineering where college leaders and faculty discusse  more

Rep. Fletcher Issues Statement on Articles of Impeachment Against President Trump
WASHINGTON, Dec. 20 -- Rep. Lizzie Fletcher, D-Texas, issued the following statement on the House vote on the articles of impeachment against President Trump: "I spent much of the day in the House chamber listening to my colleagues debate the Articles of Impeachment. The debate among my colleagues was not unlike the debate among our neighbors at home, many of whom I have heard from, urging me to vote both for and against the articles presented. "As your representative in Congress, it was impor  more

Rep. Flores Issues Statement on House Passage of U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement
WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 -- Rep. Bill Flores, R-Texas, issued the following statement after House passage of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement Implementation Act (H.R. 5430): "Today's vote to approve the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is a big win for America's farmers, ranchers, workers, manufacturers and businesses. "After more than a year of advocating for this important trade deal, we are finally one-step closer to modernizing and rebalancing trade relationships with our most impo  more

Rep. Flores Issues Statement on Impeachment Vote Against President Trump
WASHINGTON, Dec. 18 -- Rep. Bill Flores, R-Texas, issued the following statement regarding his decision to vote against articles of impeachment against President Trump: "For the third time in our country's history, the House voted on articles of impeachment of a sitting president. This process has been partisan and politically motivated from the start. "This afternoon, I delivered the following remarks on the floor of the House of Representatives regarding the pending articles of impeachment r  more

Rep. Flores Issues Statements on USMCA Implementation Act, Impeachment Articles, TRACED Act, NDAA, Government Funding, Lower Drug Costs Now Act
WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 -- Rep. Bill Flores, R-Texas, issued the following statements: U.S. Representative Bill Flores (R-Texas) issued the following statements regarding H.R. 5430, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) Implementation Act; Nancy Pelosi's articles of impeachment; S. 151, the Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence (TRACED) Act; S. 1790, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY 2020; federal government funding packages; and H.R. 3, the Low  more

Rep. Gonzalez Announces $488,324 Grant Award for McAllen Veterans Nursing Homes
WASHINGTON, Dec. 16 -- Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, D-Texas, issued the following news release: Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) announced a $488,324 award for the McAllen Veterans Nursing Homes to purchase new heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) units. The federal funding for McAllen Veterans Nursing Homes comes as part of a Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB) 2019 VA Grant Funding request, where the VLB has been awarded $1,193,215 for HVAC replacements in Amarillo, El Paso and McAlle  more

Rep. Gonzalez Announces $500,000 Disaster-Assistance Grant for Texas RioGrande Legal Aid
WASHINGTON, Dec. 16 -- Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, D-Texas, issued the following news release: Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) announced that Texas RioGrande Legal Aid has been selected to receive a $500,000 disaster-assistance grant. This federal grant was appropriated by Congress in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 Disaster Supplemental Relief Act. "We cannot control natural disasters, but we can put laws in place to help those affected by them," said Congressman Gonzalez. "With this grant, it is m  more

Rep. Gonzalez Issues Statement on House Impeachment Vote
WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 -- Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, D-Texas, issued the following statement on the House vote to impeach President Trump: "Today is a solemn day for our country and the 15th District of Texas. "I did not come to Congress to impeach a president, but the facts are clear and convincing. "I am obligated by my oath of office to defend our constitution and democracy. Today will go down in history but tomorrow is another day. Tomorrow, we will resume our work to lower prescription drug c  more

Rep. Granger Issues Statement in Tribute to Leslie Albright
WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 -- Rep. Kay Granger, R-Texas, issued the following statement, which was published in the Congressional Record on Dec. 18, entitled "Tribute to Leslie Albright": I rise today to honor Leslie Albright, a member of the professional staff of the House Appropriations Committee, who plans to retire after 17 years with the Committee. Leslie, who earned a bachelor's degree in journalism from the State University of New York in Plattsburg and a Master's degree in Public Affairs from  more

Rep. Granger Issues Statement on $1.1 Million Grant to Fort Worth's Community Learning Center
WASHINGTON, Dec. 16 -- Rep. Kay Granger, R-Texas, ranking member of the House Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement applauding the Department of Labor's announcement of a $1.1 million grant to Fort Worth's Community Learning Center dba CLC: This award is one of 67 grants totaling up to $85 million from the department to YouthBuild programs across the country. "This is an important day for the YouthBuild program and the people it serves. This established and impactful program  more

Rep. Granger Issues Statement on Fort Worth Business Executive of the Year
WASHINGTON, Dec. 17 -- Rep. Kay Granger, R-Texas, issued the following statement, which was published in the Congressional Record on Dec. 16, entitled "2019 Fort Worth Business Executive of the Year". I rise today to honor longtime Fort Worth business leader Edward P. Bass, chairman of the Fine Line Group, as the 2019 Fort Worth Business Executive of the Year. Mr. Bass is a visionary business leader, conservationist, and philanthropist who has made and continues to make outstanding contribution  more

Rep. Granger Issues Statement on FY 2020 Appropriations Packages
WASHINGTON, Dec. 17 -- Rep. Kay Granger, R-Texas, ranking Republican member of the House Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement on the fiscal 2020 appropriations packages that fund the government through Sept. 30, 2020: "These appropriations bills will fully fund the government and secure vital conservative wins for the President and Republicans. "Specifically, the bills: * "Fund the border wall by including $1.375 billion of new funding and place no restrictions on the Pres  more

Rep. Granger Issues Statement on Impeachment Articles Against President Trump
WASHINGTON, Dec. 18 -- Rep. Kay Granger, R-Texas, ranking member of the House Appropriations Committee, issued the following floor statement after voting against the House Democrats articles of impeachment against President Trump: "I rise today in strong opposition to the politically-driven articles of impeachment that have been brought before the House of Representatives today. "For the last three years, Democrats have been unable to accept the voters' choice to elect President Trump. They ha  more

Rep. Granger: The 'Wright Choice' - H.R. 19
WASHINGTON, Dec. 17 -- Rep. Kay Granger, R-Texas, issued the following e-newsletter: Dear Friends, Our fellow Texan, Representative Ron Wright, did not expect a cancer diagnosis when he went to his doctor for a routine physical last summer; unfortunately, that is exactly what he got. The doctor identified a spot on his lung that was concerning. Further testing showed that the spot was, in fact, lung cancer and it had already spread to his liver and his lymph nodes in his neck and chest. On Aug  more

Rep. Granger: USMCA - A Texas-Sized Trade Deal
WASHINGTON, Dec. 20 -- Rep. Kay Granger, R-Texas, issued the following e-newsletter: Dear Friends, This week, the House passed the United States-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement, also known as the USMCA. After years of hard work, the Trump Administration was able to finalize this new trade deal that brings our trade policies into the modern age and is a huge win for our Texas workers, farmers, and manufacturers. My staff and I have had the opportunity to meet with many of you in Washington, D.C.  more

Rep. Harder Issues Statement on Affordable Care Act Lawsuit
WASHINGTON, Dec. 20 -- Rep. Joshua Harder, D-California, issued the following statement: * * * - Texas-Led Lawsuit Could End Coverage for Millions of Americans * * * Representative Josh Harder (CA-10) released the following statement in response to an appeals court ruling that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) individual mandate is unconstitutional. The case will return to a lower court, which will determine whether or not to throw out the entire law. If the law is repealed, millions of American  more

Rep. Hurd Applauds Historic U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement Passage
WASHINGTON, Dec. 20 -- Rep. Will Hurd, R-Texas, issued the following news release: U.S. Representative Will Hurd (TX-23) proudly supported the House passage of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Rep. Hurd served as a member of the Republican Whip Team to ensure support for this landmark trade deal and has been a tireless advocate for free trade with Mexico and Canada throughout his time in Congress. Rep. Hurd spoke on the House floor urging his colleagues to support USMCA and i  more

Rep. Hurd Scores Big Wins for Texas in Funding Package
WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 -- Rep. Will Hurd, R-Texas, issued the following news release: U.S. Representative Will Hurd (TX-23), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, joined his colleagues to support the bipartisan Appropriations package for FY 2020. These bills provide funding not just to keep the government running but to provide for many programs vital for our national security, our military and veterans, border security and more. "This funding package helps ensure the public health and   more

Rep. Hurd Speaks on House Floor on Impeachment
WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 -- Rep. Will Hurd, R-Texas, issued the following news release: U.S. Representative Will Hurd (TX-23), who spent nearly a decade as an undercover officer in the CIA and serves on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, spoke to his colleagues on the House Floor leading up to the vote on articles of impeachment against the President of the United States. Rep. Hurd participated in many depositions and hearings as a member of the Intelligence Committee and last mo  more

Rep. Lizzie Fletcher Passes First Original Bill: HELP Act to Expedite Recovery Process After Disasters
WASHINGTON, Dec. 17 -- Rep. Lizzie Fletcher, D-Texas, issued the following news release: Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) secured passage of H.R. 2548, the Hazard Eligibility and Local Projects (HELP) Act, through the House of Representatives, the first original bill she filed in Congress, with bipartisan support, 409 to 7. With bipartisan support from original co-sponsors Representatives Pete Olson (TX-22), G.K. Butterfield (NC-01), and Mark Meadows (NC-11), Congresswoman Fletcher drafte  more

Rep. Lizzie Fletcher Votes in Favor of U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement
WASHINGTON, Dec. 21 -- Rep. Lizzie Fletcher, D-Texas, issued the following news release: Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) voted to advance the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The USMCA makes critical improvements to the trade agreement between our countries, includes strong environmental standards, creates enforceable labor standards, and maintains Congress' authority to bring down the cost of pharmaceutical drugs. "In Houston and Texas, trade with Mexico and Canada account  more

Rep. Maloney: 'Trump Administration's Constant and Reckless Attacks on the Health Care of Millions of New Yorkers Will Not Stand'
WASHINGTON, Dec. 20 -- Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney, D-New York, issued the following news release: Last evening, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit ruled to strike down part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), landmark legislation providing access to health care for millions of Americans. The court's decision in Texas v. United States would end patient protections granted through the ACA, including provisions preventing insurance companies from discriminating against millions of seniors   more

Rep. McCaul Applauds House Passage of USMCA
WASHINGTON, Dec. 20 -- 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 of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, applauded the House passage of the United States Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA), a modernized trade agreement that will grow the American economy and create Texas jobs. "The USMCA is a major victory for the American people. I commend the Administratio  more

Rep. McCaul Bills to Counter China, Protect the Homeland Pass in Appropriations Package
WASHINGTON, Dec. 17 -- 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, applauded the inclusion of his Global Fragility Act and Championing American Business Through Diplomacy Act in the end of year spending package. These bipartisan bills will help prevent regional violence and conflict from evolving into greater threats to  more

Rep. McCaul Issues Statement Applauding Passage of Global Hope Act, 12 Bipartisan Measures
WASHINGTON, Dec. 18 -- Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, ranking Republican member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following statement applauding full committee passage of Global Hope Act and 12 bipartisan measures: The Global Hope Act will support efforts to help lower childhood cancer mortality rates in developing countries. "Today, the House Foreign Affairs Committee advanced 12 bipartisan measures, adding to the strong record our committee has built this year. I am especial  more

Rep. McCaul: Lawmakers Push for Release of Americans Detained in Iran
WASHINGTON, Dec. 20 -- 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 of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, led a bipartisan group of lawmakers in a letter commending the Administration for their work to bring American prisoners unjustly detained in Iran back home, and urging them to continue these efforts. The lawmakers wrote: "We appreciate your efforts to  more

Rep. McMorris Rodgers Issues Statement on Texas vs. Azar Decision
WASHINGTON, Dec. 20 -- Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Washington, ranking member of the House Energy and Commerce subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Commerce, issued the following statement in response to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decision on the case of Texas vs. Azar: "Yesterday the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals confirmed that Obamacare's individual mandate--which forced people to purchase coverage they couldn't afford and didn't like--was unconstitutional. "That's why we rep  more

Rep. Neal Issues Statement on Fifth Circuit Court's Decision in Texas Case
WASHINGTON, Dec. 18 -- Rep. Richard E. Neal, D-Massachusetts, chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, issued the following statement regarding the Fifth Circuit Court's decision in Texas vs. U.S.: "Today's ruling is the result of the Trump Administration and congressional Republicans attempting to make dangerous health policy using the courts since they failed to succeed in Congress. "This is a blow to our nation's health care system and the millions of Americans who have gained covera  more

Rep. Olson Applauds Passage of HELP Act to Expedite Recovery Process After Disasters
WASHINGTON, Dec. 17 -- Rep. Pete Olson, R-Texas, issued the following news release: The U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 2548, the Hazard Eligibility and Local Projects (HELP) Act, legislation Congressman Olson (TX-22) introduced in May together with Rep. Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07). The bill passed with bipartisan support in a vote of 409 to 7. "In the aftermath of natural disasters like Hurricane Harvey, government should not be an obstruction to recovery," Congressman Olson said. "No o  more

Rep. Olson Issues Statement on Impeachment Articles Against President Trump
WASHINGTON, Dec. 18 -- Rep. Pete Olson, R-Texas, issued the following statement after voting against the House Democrats articles of impeachment against President Trump: "Today House Democrats made history -- for all the wrong reasons. Speaker Nancy Pelosi promised three things regarding any impeachment action against President Trump: she stated the House Democrats' case would be 'compelling, overwhelming and bipartisan.' "The Speaker was one for three -- the evidence in the impeachment procee  more

Rep. Olson Issues Statement on U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement
WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 -- Rep. Pete Olson, R-Texas, issued the following statement after the House passed the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement Implementation Act (H.R. 5430) by a 385-41 vote: "Make no mistake: the top priority for businesses, manufacturers, employers, importers, exporters and the more than 40% of TX-22 jobs that depend on trade with Mexico and Canada wasn't impeachment; it was passage of USMCA. "This new trade agreement replaces NAFTA and will continue to be a critical driver of our   more

Rep. Olson Urges December Release of Citgo 6
WASHINGTON, Dec. 21 -- Rep. Pete Olson, R-Texas, issued the following news release: Rep. Pete Olson (TX-22) urged the Venezuelan government to release the "Citgo 6." These six Americans were called to Venezuela and arrested in 2017. They have been imprisoned and detained without needed healthcare for two years without trial. Since then 18 hearings have been scheduled and cancelled while they remain separated from their families. Four of the men are residents of TX-22. "Venezuelan President Nic  more

Rep. Pallone Issues Statement on Fifth Circuit Court's Decision in Texas Case
WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 -- Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-New Jersey, chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, issued the following statement on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals decision in Texas vs. U.S. striking down the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate and throwing the rest of law into jeopardy: "Republicans took another step forward in their grand scheme to strike down the ACA, eliminate protections for pre-existing conditions and take health insurance away from tens of million  more

Rep. Ratcliffe Issues Statement on Impeachment Vote Against President Trump
WASHINGTON, Dec. 18 -- Rep. John Ratcliffe, R-Texas, issued the following statement after voting against the impeachment of President Trump: "In a betrayal of the Constitution, Democrats finally got what they've been gunning for since the very day President Trump was duly elected to serve in the Oval Office. Despite failing miserably in their prolonged, desperate campaign to frame him for crimes he didn't commit, they moved forward with a vote to remove a sitting president from office based on   more

Rep. Ratcliffe Issues Statement on U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement
WASHINGTON, Dec. 20 -- Rep. John Ratcliffe, R-Texas, issued the following statement after House passage of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement Implementation Act (H.R. 5430): The bill will initiate implementation of the USMCA, which was negotiated between the Trump administration, Canada and Mexico to open new, fair trade opportunities that will grow the U.S. economy and boost job creation. According to the International Trade Commission, the USMCA will create more than $68 billion in new economic  more

Rep. Roy Issues Statement on FY 2020 Appropriations Bills
WASHINGTON, Dec. 18 -- Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, issued the following statement regarding the Consolidated Appropriations Act for 2020 (H.R. 1158) and Further Consolidated Appropriations Act for 2020 (H.R. 1865): "I voted against the two spending bills brought before the House of Representatives. "What you heard from many of my colleagues today is "what these bills provide" for the American people. Let me be clear: these bills do not provide anything. The American People provide. They work hard   more

Rep. Roy Issues Statement on Impeachment Articles Against President Trump
WASHINGTON, Dec. 18 -- Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, issued the following statement regarding his vote on the articles of impeachment against President Trump: "Today, I voted against the articles of impeachment against President Trump. "House Democrats have failed to provide compelling evidence of high crimes and misdemeanors meriting impeachment. What they have succeeded in doing is upending the legislative session and tearing our nation apart in their long-standing effort to remove the president,   more

Rep. Roy Issues Statement on Obamacare's Individual Mandate
WASHINGTON, Dec. 18 -- Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, issued the following statement regarding the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling on Obamacare's individual mandate: "Today, Judge Reed O'Connor's correct analysis - that a zeroed-out fake Obamacare "tax" renders it a mandate - was upheld by the 5th Circuit. It was remanded for further analysis on sever-ability - but suffice it to say, the plaintiffs can only be made whole if the regulations driving up the cost of their care and impacting them direc  more

Rep. Roy Issues Statement on U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement
WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 -- Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, issued the following statement after voting on passage of the text to ratify the U.S.-Mexico-Canada free trade agreement: "Today I voted to support passage of H.R. 5430, the bill implementing USMCA. "While I would have preferred to keep NAFTA intact and negotiate some additional provisions to modernize it, I voted to support the deal to give our companies trade certainty and our country market stability. "I would not have written the legislative   more

Rep. Scott Issues Statement on Fifth Circuit Court's Ruling in Texas Case
WASHINGTON, Dec. 18 -- Rep. Robert C. Scott, D-Virginia, chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee, issued the following statement regarding the Fifth Circuit Court's decision in Texas vs. U.S.: "Today, Republican attorneys general and the Trump administration took another step toward stripping access to affordable health care from millions of Americans. The latest challenge to the Affordable Care Act is legally frivolous. "The argument that the absence of a monetary penalty for fail  more

Rep. Taylor Issues Statement on Legislation Impeaching President Trump
WASHINGTON, Dec. 18 -- Rep. Van Taylor, R-Texas, issued the following statement after voting against the legislation (H.Res. 755) impeaching President Trump for high crimes and misdemeanors: "Since taking the majority in January, some House Democrats have set their sights on impeaching the President resulting in an incredibly partisan impeachment process with a predetermined outcome despite an ever-changing set of accusations. "This process ignored historical precedent, disregarded due process  more

Rep. Taylor Votes to Support Collin County Workers and Families
WASHINGTON, Dec. 20 -- Rep. Van Taylor, R-Texas, issued the following news release: * * * - House Passes USMCA * * * After more than a year of waiting for the agreement to be brought to the House Floor for consideration, Congressman Van Taylor (TX-03) voted in favor of the United States-Mexico-Canada trade agreement. Congressman Van Taylor said, "Collin County is home to retailers, high-tech companies, manufacturing companies, and corporate headquarters - all of whom depend on trade with Me  more

Rep. Thornberry Issues Statement on Impeachment of President Trump
WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 -- Rep. Mac Thornberry, R-Texas, issued the following statement regarding the legislation (H.Res. 755) impeaching President Trump for high crimes and misdemeanors: In 1998, I voted for three of the four counts of impeachment brought against President Clinton. Those votes were some of the most difficult I have cast during my 25 years in Congress. Impeachment is an extreme remedy, which, in effect, alters a decision made by the American people through an election. It was clear  more

Rep. Thornberry Issues Statement on Passage of DOD Appropriations for FY 2020
WASHINGTON, Dec. 17 -- Rep. Mac Thornberry, R-Texas, ranking Republican member of the House Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement on the passage of the U.S. Department of Defense appropriations for fiscal 2020: "The House will appropriate essential funding for our troops and the Department of Defense. This action comes nearly three months into the fiscal year, but it is not substantially different from the version passed by the House months ago. "National security funding wa  more

Rep. Thornberry Votes in Favor of U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement
WASHINGTON, Dec. 20 -- Rep. Mac Thornberry, R-Texas, issued the following news release: Congressman Mac Thornberry (R-Clarendon) voted for the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under the current trade agreement, NAFTA, all agricultural tariffs were phased out to zero except for certain products, which include U.S. imports from Canada of dairy products, peanuts, peanut butter, cotton, and sugar, and Canadian imports from the United States of dairy products, poultry, eggs, and marga  more

Rep. Thornberry: House Passes Government Funding
WASHINGTON, Dec. 17 -- Rep. Mac Thornberry, R-Texas, issued the following news release: The House passed appropriations bills to fully fund the government for the rest of the fiscal year. "We should have done this in September, but to minimize further damage to our military, I supported and voted for these bills now," said Congressman Mac Thornberry (R-Clarendon). "There is a lot included here that should not be, the main thing is to fully fund the men and women who serve our country." Defens  more

Rep. Veasey Issues Statement After Voting to Impeach President Trump
WASHINGTON, Dec. 18 -- Rep. Marc Veasey, D-Texas, issued the following statement after voting for the articles of impeachment against President Trump: "I came to Congress in 2013 to serve the people of North Texas and ensure that our government best serves the people of our great nation. While I have served in the people's house I have had the privilege of joining my colleagues to vote to lower prescription drug costs, create jobs for North Texans, and restore voting rights--real progress for t  more

Rep. Veasey Issues Statement on Bipartisan Spending Package
WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 -- Rep. Marc Veasey, D-Texas, a member of the House Energy and Commerce, issued the following statement on bipartisan spending package: "I am proud to join a group of my colleagues across both sides of the aisle to pass two critical funding bills that will lay the groundwork to avert another shameful government shutdown that would leave millions of government employees without work or a paycheck during the holidays like last year's shutdown. These spending bills will help u  more

Rep. Veasey Issues Statement on Passage of U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement
WASHINGTON, Dec. 20 -- Rep. Marc Veasey, D-Texas, issued the following statement after the House passed the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement: "I had the opportunity to pass a newly renegotiated trade deal, better known as the United States Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA), that has the strongest enforcement mechanisms of any U.S. trade agreement, as well as critical victories for workers, lower prescription drug costs and environmental protections. "The end result of this bipartisan trade agreement  more

Rep. Weber Introduces U.S. Leadership in Space Act of 2019
WASHINGTON, Dec. 20 -- Rep. Randy Weber, R-Texas, issued the following news release: Congressman Randy Weber (R-TX-14), introduced H.R. 5470, the U.S. Leadership in Space Act of 2019. H.R. 5470 extends International Space Station (ISS) operations from 2024 to 2030 and puts forward policies to promote the development and growth of a commercial market in low-Earth orbit (LEO). "American leadership in low-Earth orbit is not only beneficial for science, but critical for our national security. As   more

Rep. Williams Issues Statement on House Passage of FY 2020 Appropriations Bills
WASHINGTON, Dec. 18 -- Rep. Roger Williams, R-Texas, issued the following statement after the House approved the Consolidated Appropriations Act for 2020 (H.R. 1158) and Further Consolidated Appropriations Act for 2020 (H.R. 1865): "Passage of the Fiscal Year 2020 Appropriations packages was a disappointing display of what has become business as usual in Washington, D.C. Two pieces of legislation, appropriating nearly $1.4 trillion, were introduced and voted on in less than twenty-four hours.   more

Rep. Williams Issues Statement on Impeachment of President Trump
WASHINGTON, Dec. 18 -- Rep. Roger Williams, R-Texas, issued the following statement condemning the impeachment of President Trump: "Today will be remembered as the day that House Democrats, claiming a false moral supremacy over the desire of the American people, executed a deliberate and orchestrated plan to overturn a Presidential election. "It will be the first time in history that a party paraded out their ivy league academics to explain to 31 states and almost 63 million people, that their  more

Rep. Williams Issues Statement on U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement
WASHINGTON, Dec. 20 -- Rep. Roger Williams, R-Texas, issued the following statement after the House passed the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement: "I have long-championed the USMCA as a victory for Texas and our nation - and while it's disappointing that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle chose to play politics instead of finalizing this deal when called upon, I am grateful we finally put the best interests of our nation first. "It is a victory for Texas workers, businesses and communities  more

Reps. Brady, Walden, Foxx Issue Statement on Affordable Care Act Court Ruling
WASHINGTON, Dec. 20 -- Rep. Kevin Brady, R-Texas, ranking Republican member of the House Ways and Means Committee, issued the following joint statement with Reps. Greg Walden, R-Oregon, ranking Republican member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Virginia Foxx, R-North Carolina, ranking Republican member of the House Education and Labor Committee, after the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate is unconstitutional: "This is no surprise.   more

Reps. Castro, Fitzpatrick Issue Statements on Global Child Thrive Act Markup
WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 -- Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-Texas, issued the following statement: Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Vice Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and member of the House Intelligence and Education and Labor Committees, and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Co-Chair of the International Basic Education Caucus, Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, and Commissioner of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in   more

Reps. Fitzpatrick, Castro Issue Statement on Global Child Thrive Act
WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 -- Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pennsylvania, and Joaquin Castro, D-Texas, issued the following statements at the markup of the Global Child Thrive Act: "As an FBI Agent, one of my greatest concerns has always been the welfare of children, not just children in the United States but children across the globe. I applaud my colleagues on the Foreign Affairs committee for marking up the Global Child Thrive Act today and passing it unanimously," said Congressman Fitzpatrick. "I enc  more

Sen. Alexander Issues Statement on Texas Vs. Azar Court Case
WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 -- Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tennessee, chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, issued the following statement on the Texas vs. Azar court case: "Congress eliminated the individual mandate penalty, and the court has finished the job by ruling the individual mandate itself is unconstitutional. "As for the rest of Obamacare, I am not aware of a single senator who said they were voting to repeal Obamacare when they voted to eliminate the individua  more

Sen. Carper Issues Statement on Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals Decision on Texas Case
WASHINGTON, Dec. 20 -- Sen. Thomas Carper, D-Delaware, issued the following statement: U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.) released the following statement regarding the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals' ruling on the Texas vs. Azar lawsuit brought by the 18 Republican Attorneys General and Governors and the Trump Administration in an effort to dismantle the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in its entirety. "From the start, the Texas v. Azar lawsuit, brought by the Trump Administration and 18 Attorneys G  more

Sen. Cornyn Issues Statement on Bill to Honor President George H.W. Bush
WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 -- Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, issued the following statement after the George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush Coin Act, his bill to authorize the immediate issuance of coins honoring President George H.W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush, passed the Senate: "President George H.W. Bush and his wife Barbara were shining examples of what it looks like to put your country first. "Memorializing their legacy with a coin will serve as a positive reminder of their love of service for g  more

Sen. Cornyn Issues Statement on NADBank Provision Included in U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement
WASHINGTON, Dec. 20 -- Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, issued the following statement applauding the inclusion of his provision to bolster the North American Development Bank in the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement: "Investing in modern, efficient infrastructure along our border streamlines trade and benefits not only Texas, but the entire nation. "The North American Development Bank has a proven record of improving the quality of life on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border, and I'm glad the USMCA sh  more

Sen. Cornyn Issues Statement on Passage of National Defense Authorization Act
WASHINGTON, Dec. 18 -- Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, issued the following statement after the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal 2020 passed the Senate: "The United States has the strongest military in the world because we consistently prioritize resources for our men and women in uniform. "This legislation sends a clear message to the nearly one in eleven U.S. servicemembers who call Texas home that we are devoted to them and their families, and we are committed to setting our milita  more

Sen. Cornyn Issues Statement on Senate Passage of NDAA
WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 -- Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, issued the following statement after the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal 2020 passed the Senate: "The United States has the strongest military in the world because we consistently prioritize resources for our men and women in uniform. "This legislation sends a clear message to the nearly one in eleven U.S. servicemembers who call Texas home that we are devoted to them and their families, and we are committed to setting our milita  more

Sen. Cruz at The Heritage Foundation: If This Becomes the Standard for Impeachment, Every President Going Forward Will Be Impeached Whenever the House Is in the Opposing Party
WASHINGTON, Dec. 21 -- Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, issued the following news release: U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), chairman of the Subcommittee on The Constitution, this week participated in a conversation with the Heritage Foundation's John Malcolm on the ramifications of House Democrats' biased and baseless impeachment of President Donald Trump. During their conversation, Sen. Cruz, who has litigated nine cases before the Supreme Court and served as a law clerk for the last Chief Justice to over  more

Sen. Cruz Delivers Remarks on Senate Floor Urging Immediate Release of Americans Austin Tice, CITGO 6
WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 -- Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, issued the following news release: U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, delivered remarks on the Senate floor to renew his call for the immediate release of Americans Austin Tice, a veteran Marine Corps Captain and Texan, who has been kidnaped and detained in Syria, and the six CITGO executives, five of whom are Texans, who have been unjustly imprisoned in Venezuela. Sen. Cruz said: "Mr. President, I rise  more

Sen. Cruz Issues Statement on $1.4 Trillion End-of-Year Spending Package
WASHINGTON, Dec. 20 -- Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, issued the following statement after voting against the $1.4 trillion end-of-year spending package: "With a $23 trillion national debt, this 2,313-page spending package that Congressional leaders unveiled just days ago represents everything Americans hate about Washington. Though there are several good provisions included in the final bills that I was proud to fight for, including a well-deserved pay raise for our men and women in uniform and addit  more

Sen. Cruz on 'This Week': This Is the Beginning of the End for House Democrats' Show Trial
WASHINGTON, Dec. 15 -- Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, issued the following news release: * * * - Appears on ABC's This Week with George Stephanopoulos to discuss the 'collapse' of the House Democrats' impeachment narrative * * * U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on The Constitution, appeared on ABC's 'This Week' with George Stephanopoulos to discuss the House Democrats' Articles of Impeachment and the chilling Inspector General report, which highlighted grotesque abu  more

Sen. Cruz on Democrats' Collapsing Impeachment Narrative: Speaker Pelosi Knows the House Hasn't Proven Its Case
WASHINGTON, Dec. 20 -- Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, issued the following news release: * * * - Appears on Fox News' 'Fox & Friends' to discuss 'exceptionally weak' Articles of Impeachment * * * U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on The Constitution, this morning appeared on Fox News' 'Fox & Friends' following House Democrats' late-night partisan impeachment vote against President Trump. Sen. Cruz said: "The Democrats are in a panic because in the last month their   more

Sen. Cruz on Fox Business 'Mornings With Maria': Articles of Impeachment Are a Political Gesture of Anger
WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 -- Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, issued the following news release: U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), member of the Senate Judiciary and Foreign Relations Committees, appeared on Fox Business Network's 'Mornings with Maria' to discuss the House Democrats' Articles of Impeachment, which he called "a political gesture of anger," and his expectations for the trial in the Senate. Sen. Cruz also highlighted his bipartisan bill to stop construction of Putin's Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which w  more

Sen. Cruz: Final 2020 National Defense Authorization Act Reinforces America's Defense & National Security Interests
WASHINGTON, Dec. 17 -- Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, issued the following news release: * * * - Defense bill halts construction of Russia's Nord Stream 2, expands Texas-based F-35 fleet, and provides $343M for military construction in Texas * * * U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) this week voted in favor of final passage of the FY20 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which enhances America's national security and ensures that the men and women of our Armed Forces have the resources they need to  more

Sen. Cruz: Passing the Education Freedom Scholarships and Opportunity Act Would Be the Most Significant Education Legislation Since the G.I. Bill
WASHINGTON, Dec. 21 -- Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, issued the following news release: * * * - Participates in discussion with Education Secretary and president of Arizona State University * * * U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) this week participated in a discussion hosted by the Council on Competitiveness with Department of Education Secretary Betsy DeVos and Dr. Michael Crow, the president of Arizona State University, focused on Sen. Cruz's Education Freedom Scholarships and Opportunity Act. Durin  more

Sen. Grassley: Bipartisan Legislation Boosting Support for Foster Care System Passes Congress
WASHINGTON, Dec. 20 -- Sen. Charles E. Grassley, R-Iowa, issued the following news release: Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), along with House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard E. Neal (D-Mass.) and Ranking Member Kevin Brady (R-Texas), praised the inclusion of the Family First Transition Act in the end-of-year funding legislation that passed in the Senate and heads to the president's desk for signature. The legislation was   more

Sen. Kennedy Asks Trump Administration to Bring Home CITGO 6
WASHINGTON, Dec. 21 -- Sen. John Kennedy, R-Louisiana, issued the following news release: In a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, U.S. Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) asked the State Department to maintain maximum economic and diplomatic pressure until six CITGO employees detained in Venezuela are allowed to return home. The employees, two of whom have connections to Lake Charles, recently were released from prison but still aren't allowed to leave Venezuela. U.S. Sens. John Cornyn (R-Te  more

Sen. Murray Issues Statement on Fifth Circuit Court's Decision in Texas Case
WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 -- Sen. Patty Murray, D-Washington, ranking Democratic member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, issued the following statement: * * * - Decision leaves health care and protections for millions uncertain as case is returned to judge who previously ruled to strike down the entire Affordable Care Act * * * Senator Murray, ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, released the following statement in resp  more

Sen. Peters Issues Statement on Federal Appeals Court Ruling Regarding Health Care Law
WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 -- Sen. Gary Peters, D-Michigan, issued the following statement: * * * - Peters Opposes Trump Administration's Efforts to Undo Health Care Law, Raise Health Care Costs and Eliminate Protections for Millions of Michiganders with Preexisting Health Conditions * * * U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) released the following statement on the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling in Texas v. United States regarding the health care law, which sent the case back to the U.S. District Cou  more

Senate Energy Committee Issues Testimony From Power Systems Automation Lab Director
WASHINGTON, Dec. 20 -- The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee issued the following testimony by B. Don Russell, a distinguished professor and director of Power Systems Automation Laboratory at the Texas A&M University, at a hearing to examine the impacts of wildfire on electric grid reliability: Chairwoman Murkowski, Ranking Member Manchin, and distinguished members of the Committee, thank you for the opportunity to testify before you ... on this hearing to examine the impacts of wil  more

Senators Urge Response to National Security Threats Posed by Chinese Drones
WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 -- Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Arkansas, issued the following news release: Senators Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee), Marco Rubio (R-Florida), Rick Scott (R-Florida), and John Cornyn (R-Texas) wrote to Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao and Federal Aviation Administrator Stephen Dickson to express concerns regarding the national security threats posed by Chinese drones. "We...urge you to immediately restrict the use of this equipment and technology that   more

Sens. Cruz, Braun Introduce Legislation to Provide Greater Health Care Freedom
WASHINGTON, Dec. 21 -- Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, issued the following news release: * * * - Personalized Care Act Expands Health Savings Accounts * * * U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Mike Braun (R-Ind.) this week introduced the Personalized Care Act (PCA), legislation to make Americans' health care more portable, accessible, and tailored to meet their unique needs by dramatically expanding Heath Savings Accounts (HSA) - a pre-tax savings tool millions of Americans use to cover the costs of   more

Sens. Cruz, Cornyn Request Briefing From Defense Secretary on Housing at JSBA, Fort Hood
WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 -- Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, issued the following news release: U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper to request a briefing on current initiatives to improve military housing in light of recent complaints of mold, lead, and a failure to address maintenance requests at military installations such as Joint Base San Antonio and Fort Hood. They wrote: "Representing over a dozen military installations in Texa  more

Sens. Cruz, Cornyn Urge Trump Administration to Prioritize Bringing CITGO 6 Home
WASHINGTON, Dec. 20 -- Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, issued the following news release: U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) John Cornyn (Texas) sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to urge the State Department to do everything it can to ensure the safe homecoming of the six CITGO employees currently being detained in Venezuela. They wrote: "As the administration continues to successfully craft policy and solutions, we write to express our steadfast commitment to securing the release of Gu  more

Sens. Cruz, Johnson Put Company Installing Putin's Pipeline on Formal Legal Notice
WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 -- Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, issued the following news release: * * * - "The consequences of your company continuing to do the work?for even a single day after the President signs the sanctions legislation?would expose your company to crushing and potentially fatal legal and economic sanctions" * * * U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, sent a letter to the CEO of Allseas Group S.A. (Allseas), the company  more