DALLAS, Texas, April 3 -- Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, D-Texas, chairman of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee, issued the following news release: Chairwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) sent a letter to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director, Dr. Robert Redfield, requesting the Agency preserve the records that address CDC decision-making on diagnostic test protocols as coronavirus emerged in the United States in early 2020. In January, CDC decided not to d  more

DALLAS, Texas, April 3 -- Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, D-Texas, chairman of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee, issued the following statement on April 2: Earlier today, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) informed the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee that the Agency intends to extend the comment period on the Strengthening Transparency in Regulatory Science supplemental notice to the proposed rulemaking from April 17, 2020, to May 18, 2020. Chairwoman Eddie B  more

DALLAS, Texas, April 2 -- Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, D-Texas, chairman of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee, issued the following statement: Despite pushback from major automakers, the Trump Administration announced the final rule to roll back Obama-era fuel efficiency standards for tailpipe emissions from vehicles. This new rule will loosen fuel efficiency standards for automakers that would lead to an increase of nearly a billion more tons of carbon dioxide emissions over t  more

WASHINGTON, April 4 -- The Congressional Hispanic Caucus issued the following news release: * * * - Island's Physician Shortage, Lack of Federal Assistance Limit its Ability to Manage Health and Economic Crisis * * * United States Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Representatives Raul M. Grijalva (D-Ariz.), House Natural Resources Committee Chair; Nydia M. Velazquez (D-N.Y.), House Small Business Committee Chair; and Joaquin Castro (D-Texas), Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair; wrote to V  more

WASHINGTON, April 4 -- The Government Accountability Office has issued a decision denying a bid protest filed by InGenesis of Antonio, Texas. According to the GAO, InGenesis Inc., "protests the award of a contract by the Department of Health and Human Services, Federal Occupational Health (FOH) agency, under personal services request for proposals (RFP) No. 18-233-SOL-00075 to STG International, Inc. (STGi), of Alexandria, Virginia, for medical and occupational health professionals. InGenesis c  more

WASHINGTON, April 3 -- The Government Accountability Office has issued a report (GAO-20-104) is entitled "DOD Utilities Privatization: Improved Data Collection and Lessons Learned Archive Could Help Reduce Time to Award Contracts". The report was sent to Sen. James M. Inhofe, R-Oklahoma, chairman, Sen. Jack Reed, D-Rhode Island, ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Rep. Adam Smith, D-Washington, chairman, and Rep. Mac Thornberry, R-Texas, ranking member of the House Armed Serv  more

WASHINGTON, March 28 -- Rep. Colin Allred, D-Texas, issued the following statement in support of the bipartisan Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act: "Our nation must come together to fight this virus, and now Congress has acted with a historic investment in our nation to help us weather this crisis. "This will provide much-needed relief to North Texas families, those who have lost their jobs, small businesses and our workers in impacted industries like our airlines and airports.  more

WASHINGTON, April 4 -- Rep. Colin Allred, D-Texas, issued the following statement: Washington, D.C. - Congressman Colin Allred (TX-32) announced that an agreement has been reached for Baylor, Scott & White to donate an existing, vacant hospital to the North Texas VA Health System, clearing the way to open a VA health care facility in Garland. Within weeks, the hospital will initially be used by the VA to treat COVID-19 patients, and will have 100 beds. Allred led the effort to move the projec  more

WASHINGTON, March 28 -- Rep. Brian Babin, R-Texas, issued the following statement after the Phase III coronavirus relief package, the CARES Act (H.R. 748), was passed by voice vote in the U.S. House of Representatives earlier and signed into law by President Trump hours later: "The Phase III coronavirus relief package was far from perfect, but the American people and the economy need immediate help to address this unprecedented crisis," said Babin. "This package contained many components that w  more

WOODLANDS, Texas, April 2 -- Rep. Kevin Brady, R-Texas, ranking Republican member of the House Ways and Means Committee, issued the following statement on the Trump administration's decision to provide automatic coronavirus relief payments for Social Security beneficiaries: "Seniors need relief, and quickly, so I applaud the Trump Administration's decision to provide automatic coronavirus relief payments to Social Security beneficiaries. This will make it easier for seniors to receive their che  more

WASHINGTON, March 28 -- Rep. Kevin Brady, R-Texas, ranking Republican member of the House Ways and Means Committee, issued the following floor remarks on March 27 in support of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, the third package aimed at staving off the novel coronavirus: "We gather this morning in an America battling the Coronavirus on two fronts: medically, and economically. "Today's vote is about saving lives and livelihoods, providing the urgent relief needed to keep   more

WASHINGTON, March 28 -- Rep. Kevin Brady, R-Texas, ranking Republican member of the House Ways and Means Committee, issued the following floor remarks in support of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act: "In times of challenge I recall this quote: "'Fear knocked. Faith answered. No one was there.' "Coronavirus has knocked at America's door, and with it fear. "Faith is answering. "We answer with faith in ourselves and our abilities, faith in our free enterprise system, our  more

WOODLANDS, Texas, April 3 -- Rep. Kevin Brady, R-Texas, ranking Republican member of the House Ways and Means Committee, issued the following statement in response to the Labor Department's report on weekly jobless claims: "The coronavirus is hitting America's economy hard, with 10 million workers jobless in the last two weeks alone. There is more harsh economic data coming our way. "That's why Congress's action on the CARES economic bill is so crucial - injecting trillions of dollars of cash  more

WASHINGTON, March 28 -- Rep. John Carter, R-Texas, issued the following statement after the House passed the CARES Act: "In a time when the Coronavirus is sweeping across the nation, putting lives and livelihoods in danger, my sole priority is protecting the safety, health, and stability of the American people. Just in my community, I've heard from hundreds of small business owners trying to keep their doors open. "Those businesses, their employees and countless others need immediate relief.   more

WASHINGTON, March 28 -- Rep. K. Michael Conaway, R-Texas, issued the following statement: * * * Friday, the House of Representatives unanimously passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to provide critical, targeted relief to Americans impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Congressman Mike Conaway (TX-11) released a statement following the vote: "Our country is facing an unprecedented public health crisis that is upending every aspect of our lives and threatening our  more

WASHINGTON, March 28 -- Rep. K. Michael Conaway, R-Texas, ranking Republican member of the House Agriculture Committee, issued the following statement in response to House passage of the coronavirus relief bill: "Today, the House passed legislation that will provide immediate economic relief to all Americans to help our country get through these extremely trying times. Included in this relief package is critical help for our farm and ranch families, who are officially recognized by the U.S. gov  more

WASHINGTON, March 28 -- Rep. Dan Crenshaw, R-Texas, issued the following floor speech: Representative Dan Crenshaw (R-TX) took to the House floor to speak in support of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. A full transcript of Crenshaw's remarks is included below: "Businesses, large and small, through no fault of their own, are failing. We told them to shut down, and workers are losing their jobs. And let me clear something up for everyone: a lost job is a lost job,   more

LAREDO, Texas, April 4 -- Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, issued the following news release: Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) announced $9,988,345 in federal funding for public transportation systems in Laredo. These funds awarded through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), will be used to cover costs necessary to operate, maintain, and manage a public transit system during the COVID-19 pandemic. "There are many Americans who depend on public transit as their primary means for transportati  more

SAN ANTONIO, Texas, April 4 -- Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, issued the following news release: Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) announced $93,287,276 in federal funding for the public transportation systems in San Antonio. These funds awarded through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), will be used to cover costs necessary to operate, maintain, and manage a public transit system during the COVID-19 pandemic. "There are many Americans who depend on public transit as their primary means f  more

LAREDO, Texas, April 3 -- Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, issued the following news release: * * * - Funding will provide housing support during the COVID-19 pandemic * * * Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) announced $14,011,858 in federal funds for housing initiatives in San Antonio and Bexar County. These funds, awarded through the Department of Housing and Urban Development's three grant programs, will support access to safe and affordable housing during the COVID-19 pandemic. "Many people   more

LAREDO, Texas, April 3 -- Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, issued the following news release: * * * - Funding will provide housing support during the COVID-19 pandemic ? * * * Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) announced $3,395,325 in federal funds for housing initiatives in Laredo. These funds, awarded through the Department of Housing and Urban Development's two grant programs, will support access to safe and affordable housing during the COVID-19 pandemic. "Many people in our community are st  more

LAREDO, Texas, April 3 -- Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, issued the following news release: * * * - Funding will provide housing support during the COVID-19 pandemic * * * Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) announced $7,361,923 in federal funds for housing initiatives in Mission and Hidalgo County. These funds, awarded through the Department of Housing and Urban Development's two grant programs, will support access to safe and affordable housing during the COVID-19 pandemic. "Many people in ou  more

WASHINGTON, April 3 -- Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas, issued the following news release: Amid broadening economic hardship from the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Chairman of the House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, announces over $8 million in federal funding for housing support in Central Texas and over $110 million for public transportation in this crisis. This local funding comes through the CARES Act--the recently-passed coronavirus relief package--for Cen  more

WASHINGTON, April 4 -- Rep. Jeff Duncan, R-South Carolina, issued the following news release: House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) and HEAT leaders Rep. Jodey Arrington (R-Texas), Rep. Jeff Duncan (R-S.C.) and Rep. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) led a joint letter to President Trump signed by 41 members in support of policy strategies that would provide America's energy producers and workers with much-needed relief during this time of economic uncertainty. "Oil and gas producers, and the jo  more

WASHINGTON, April 4 -- Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-Texas, issued the following news release: Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Inspector General requesting information about the Department's handling of coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns and the health, safety and welfare of detainees and staff at Border Patrol Station One in El Paso, Texas and across the country. The letter followed alarming reports from legal service providers i  more

WASHINGTON, April 3 -- Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-Texas, issued the following news release: Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16), member of the House Armed Services Committee, along with Representatives Jackie Speier (CA-14), Ruben Gallego (AZ-07), Gilbert R. Cisneros, Jr. (CA-39), and Deb Haaland (NM-01), led a letter to Secretary of Defense Mark Esper urging the military to demonstrate appropriate restraint and halt non-essential projects, such as construction of the border wall, during the c  more

WASHINGTON, March 28 -- Rep. Lizzie Fletcher, D-Texas, issued the following statement on March 27 in support of the bipartisan Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act: "We are at an unprecedented moment--in our own lifetimes and in our country's history. Our communities are facing a public health emergency that impacts every aspect of our lives. The magnitude of this crisis calls for an unprecedented response. I was proud to vote in support of the first two bills Congress passed in r  more

HOUSTON, Texas, April 3 -- Rep. Lizzie Fletcher, D-Texas, issued the following news release: Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) called on Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to increase the number of COVID-19 testing kits available in the Houston region and to ensure labs have the resources they need to process tests in a timely manner. Congresswoman Fletcher was joined by Representatives Sylvia Garcia (TX-29) and Al Green (TX-09)  more

HOUSTON, Texas, April 4 -- Rep. Lizzie Fletcher, D-Texas, issued the following news release on April 3: Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) announced she will be hosting two webinars for small businesses in her district that have been impacted by COVID-19 and released a COVID-19 Small Business Resource Guide. "As we face the COVID-19 pandemic together, many of my constituents have contacted me about the challenges facing small businesses and non-profit organizations that are pillars of our c  more

WASHINGTON, April 3 -- Rep. Bill Flores, R-Texas, issued the following news release: Texas families are facing difficult times in the wake of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. This challenge represents an act of God that has affected almost every corner of our country and many sectors of our economy. Because this is an act of God, no one single effort will solve the challenges it brings. Our ability to win the ongoing war against COVID-19 will require all of us working together as individual  more

HOUSTON, Texas, April 3 -- Rep. Sylvia Garcia, D-Texas, issued the following news release: Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (TX-29) led an effort with the entire Texas Democratic delegation urging Governor Greg Abbott and Secretary of State Ruth Hughs to implement a no-excuse vote-by-mail program for all elections in the state of Texas until the end of this year. The letter also calls for preserving in-person voting opportunities for those who need them, as long as in-person voting sites are structu  more

MCALLEN, Texas, April 3 -- Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, D-Texas, issued the following statement: Following an Executive Order issued by Texas Governor Greg Abbott requiring travelers to self-quarantine for 14 days as a precautionary measure to stop the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus), Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) issued the following statement: "Travelers from COVID-19 hot zones may be threats to our communities if they have unknowingly contracted the virus. "States should institute any m  more

MCALLEN, Texas, April 3 -- Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, D-Texas, issued the following news release: Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) praised farmers, ranchers, farmworkers, packers, shippers, and all those across our food supply chain for their efforts to keep our nation fed during the COVID-19 pandemic. This group of people are considered essential in the country's workforce. If they want to work and are healthy to do so, then they can work and are allowed to travel to work during this difficult  more

WASHINGTON, March 31 -- Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, D-Texas, issued the following news release: Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) announced $10,383,884 in first allocation funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) and Emergency Shelter (ESG) for the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. "I will continue to keep the pressure on to ensure that our district receives the funds it needs during this time of crisis," said Congressman Gon  more

WASHINGTON, April 4 -- Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, D-Texas, issued the following news release: On Thursday, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) joined an effort with the entire Texas Democratic delegation urging Governor Greg Abbott and Secretary of State Ruth Hughs to implement a no-excuse vote-by-mail program for all elections in the state of Texas until the end of this year. The letter also calls for preserving in-person voting opportunities for those who need them, as long as in-person voting s  more

WASHINGTON, April 4 -- Rep. Lance Gooden, R-Texas, issued the following news release: Congressman Lance Gooden (R-TX) has introduced the Stop COVID Act, which would allow the US Department of Justice to investigate the origin of the Coronavirus pandemic by amending the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act (FSIA). The legislation would also grant jurisdiction over the matter to US Courts, allowing the Justice Department to file claims against the Chinese Communist Party here in America. Congressman  more

WASHINGTON, April 3 -- Rep. Kay Granger, R-Texas, issued the following news release: Congresswoman Kay Granger (R-TX), the top Republican on the House Appropriations Committee, was announced as a finalist for the Democracy Awards by the Congressional Management Foundation, which honors non-legislative performance in congressional offices. Granger was selected for outstanding achievement in the category of Innovation and Modernization - an accolade for originality and creativity in constituent s  more

WASHINGTON, March 28 -- Rep. Kay Granger, R-Texas, ranking Republican member of the House Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement on March 27 after the House passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act: "Our nation is facing an unprecedented pandemic, and I am proud that Congress has come together again to provide desperately needed resources and relief to the American people. "The 'Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act' is the third emerge  more

WASHINGTON, April 4 -- Rep. Kay Granger, R-Texas, issued the following news release: China may be continents away, but we feel its threats right here at home. After starting in China last year, the coronavirus has found its way to Texas, where Governor Abbott is keeping our state at the frontlines of federal efforts to fight the virus. Meanwhile, I'm working with my colleagues in Congress and President Trump's Administration to ensure that all American workers, families, and businesses get the   more

WASHINGTON, April 2 -- Rep. Kay Granger, R-Texas, issued the following e-newsletter: Statistics are current as of April 1, 2:00pm CT In Texas, 47,857 people have been tested, resulting in 3,997 cases and 58 deaths, as reported by the Texas Department of State Health Services. Tarrant County has at least 273 confirmed cases; Parker County has 4 confirmed cases; and Wise County has 3. In the United States, there are at least 186,101 cases and 3,603 deaths, as reported by the CDC. 74,427 cases  more

WASHINGTON, April 3 -- Rep. Kay Granger, R-Texas, issued the following e-newsletter: There are many resources provided by the Federal Government to provide relief to Small Businesses during this unprecedented crisis. I want to provide you a list of those resources so that you can determine what is best for you and your small business. SMALL BUSINESS PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM (PPP) WHAT THIS PROGRAM DOES: In the Paycheck Protection Program funds are provided in the form of loans that will b  more

HOUSTON, Texas, March 30 -- Rep. Al Green, D-Texas, issued the following news release: On Saturday, March 28, 2020, Congressman Al Green distributed gloves, wipes, and surgical masks provided by a local dental office to Fort Bend County officials, who have been combatting COVID-19 with an insufficient supply of personal protective equipment (PPE). Congressman Green released the following statement: "In the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, medical professionals have faced a shortage of the supplies  more

HOUSTON, Texas, April 2 -- Rep. Al Green, D-Texas, issued the following news release: Congressman Al Green - in cooperation with the Small Business Administration (SBA) - presents two webinars for small businesses, NGOs, and non-profits that have been economically impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Congressman Green released the following statement: "Each of the coronavirus relief measures that has been enacted includes provisions for small businesses, for which I have proudly advocated," C  more

HOUSTON, Texas, April 2 -- Rep. Al Green, D-Texas, issued the following news release: On Wednesday, April 1, 2020, Congressman Al Green and several of his congressional colleagues sent a letter to President Donald J. Trump condemning anti-Asian discrimination and violence linked to COVID-19. Congressman Green, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) Chairwoman Judy Chu (CA-27), and Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) released the following statement: "The use of pejoratives - inc  more

WASHINGTON, April 3 -- Rep. Will Hurd, R-Texas, issued the following news release: The Congressional Management Foundation (CMF) announced U.S. Representative Will Hurd (TX-23) is a finalist for the Democracy Award for Transparency and Accountability. CMF recognizes offices that provide clear and relevant information on their work. "All congressmen and women are in Washington because their constituents sent them to serve. If we fail to be open, honest, and transparent, then we shouldn't repres  more

WASHINGTON, April 3 -- Rep. Will Hurd, R-Texas, issued the following news release: U.S. Representative Will Hurd (TX-23) announced that Kids Are First, Inc. in Carrizo Springs is receiving a grant of more than $3 million for Head Start and Early Head Start Programs. The Department of Health and Human Services awarded $3,286,457 to Kids are First, Inc. "I firmly believe that education must be a national priority because children in schools represent our nation's future. This grant will help kid  more

WASHINGTON, April 4 -- Rep. Will Hurd, R-Texas, issued the following news release: U.S Representative Will Hurd (TX-23) announced $612,900 in Indian Housing Block Grants for the cities of Eagle Pass and El Paso. These funds are a result of the COVID-19 pandemic legislation and will provide Native American tribes vital funds to prevent, prepare for and respond to the virus. "Every community in the U.S., no matter the size, is feeling the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, including everyone in t  more

SAN ANTONIO, Texas, March 31 -- Rep. Will Hurd, R-Texas, issued the following news release: U.S. Representative Will Hurd (TX-23) announced the distribution of more than $19 million for the Cities of San Antonio and El Paso and Bexar County to address the COVID-19 public health emergency through various programs administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). "This dangerous virus affects all Americans regardless of their background or socioeconomic status. The more  more

WASHINGTON, April 2 -- Rep. Dusty Johnson, R-South Dakota, issued the following news release: U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and U.S. Reps. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) and Henry Cuellar (D-Texas) led a bipartisan, bicameral letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue requesting that he provide immediate assistance to cattle producers by using the resources provided in the recently enacted Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Stabilizati  more

WASHINGTON, April 2 -- Rep. Frank Lucas, R-Oklahoma, issued the following news release: Congressman Frank Lucas (OK-03) joined a letter led by U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and U.S. Reps. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) and Henry Cuellar (D-Texas) to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue requesting that he provide immediate assistance to cattle producers by using the resources provided in the recently enacted Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Econom  more

AUSTIN, Texas, April 2 -- Rep. Michael T. McCaul, R-Texas, issued the following news release: As the United States braces for an increase of COVID-19 cases, Congressman Michael McCaul (TX-10), Lead Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, addressed our country's dire need for new treatments by asking Commissioner Stephan Hahn, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Secretary Alex Azar, Department of the Health and Human Services (HHS) for their plan to quickly approve, manufacture and  more

WASHINGTON, April 2 -- Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, ranking Republican member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following statement on reports that U.S. intelligence confirmed that the Chinese Communist Party concealed the extent of the coronavirus outbreak and under-reported the number of coronavirus cases and deaths in China: "Even before news of this report was released it was clear that the Chinese Communist Party is not a trustworthy partner in the fight against COVID-19.  more

WASHINGTON, March 28 -- Rep. Michael T. McCaul, R-Texas, issued the following statement regarding the House vote on the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act: Every hour counts in a crisis. Our nation is staring down an invisible enemy that has taken a toll on our economy, the American worker, our hospitals and first responders. As Members of Congress we have the chance to intervene and help people who sorely need financial or medical support. This is an unprecedented moment - the c  more

WASHINGTON, April 4 -- Rep. Markwayne Mullin, R-Oklahoma, issued the following news release: House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) and HEAT leaders Rep. Jodey Arrington (R-Texas), Rep. Jeff Duncan (R-S.C.) and Rep. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) led a joint letter to President Trump signed by 41 members in support of policy strategies that would provide America's energy producers and workers with much-needed relief during this time of economic uncertainty. "Oil and gas producers, and the job  more

WASHINGTON, March 28 -- Rep. John Ratcliffe, R-Texas, issued the following statement on the passage of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act in the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill previously passed the U.S. Senate 96-0 and is on its way to President Trump's desk. "As the American people do their part to stop the spread coronavirus, they've made enormous personal sacrifices on behalf of the entire country's health and safety. Over the past few weeks, this deadly   more

WASHINGTON, April 2 -- Rep. John Ratcliffe, R-Texas, issued the following statement, which was published in the Congressional Record on April 1, entitled "Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act of 2019": As the American people do their part to stop the spread of coronavirus, they've made enormous personal sacrifices on behalf of the entire country's health and safety. Over the past few weeks, this deadly pandemic has taken over 1,000 lives in the United States and infected tens of thousand  more

WASHINGTON, April 4 -- Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, issued the following letter: To: Allen Fore, Vice President, Public Affairs, 1001 Louisiana St, Ste 1000, Houston, TX 77002 Cc: Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Mr. Fore: It has come to my attention that drilling activity near the Blanco River related to Kinder Morgan's Permian Highway Pipeline Project led to the contamination of at least two of my constituents' water supply. This is highly frustrating and concerning. Your team has bee  more

WASHINGTON, March 28 -- Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, issued the following statement: This bill provides needed relief for the many Central Texas small businesses - restaurants, hotels, music venues, bars, and others - suffering through the government-mandated "social distancing" period. I want to make sure workers in the 21st Congressional District of Texas have jobs to return to once we defeat coronavirus. And defeat it we will. Our respective governments -- federal, state, and local -- have asked  more

WASHINGTON, April 4 -- Rep. Steve Scalise, R-Louisiana, issued the following news release: House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) and HEAT leaders Rep. Jodey Arrington (R-Texas), Rep. Jeff Duncan (R-S.C.) and Rep. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) led a joint letter to President Trump signed by 41 members in support of policy strategies that would provide America's energy producers and workers with much-needed relief during this time of economic uncertainty. "Oil and gas producers, and the jobs   more

WASHINGTON, April 3 -- Rep. Van Taylor, R-Texas, issued the following news release: The nonpartisan Congressional Management Foundation (CMF) announced Congressman Van Taylor (TX-03) as a finalist for a Democracy Awards, CMF's award recognizing non-legislative achievement and performance in congressional offices. Congressman Taylor was selected for outstanding achievement for the category of Transparency and Accountability, which recognizes offices that provide clear and relevant information o  more

WASHINGTON, March 28 -- Rep. Van Taylor, R-Texas, issued the following statement: United States Congressman Van Taylor (TX-03) supported legislation to provide additional emergency funding to combat coronavirus. After previously voting in favor of H.R. 6074, the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Act and H.R. 6201, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, Congressman Van Taylor (TX-03) joined his colleagues in support of H.R. 748, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic S  more

WASHINGTON, March 28 -- Rep. Mac Thornberry, R-Texas, ranking Republican member of the House Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement on the Coronavirus Aid, Relie, and Economic Security Act (H.R. 748): "This stimulus package includes provisions important to our men and women in uniform and their families. "It provides resources vital to the Military's efforts to assist in pandemic response around the country, from deploying hospital ships to the search for a vaccine. "It als  more

WASHINGTON, March 27 -- Rep. Mac Thornberry, R-Texas, issued the following statement after the House passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (H.R. 748): "In many ways, this bill is too big, too expensive, and includes too many things not related to COVID-19, but we are in a crisis unlike anything most of us have seen. It is necessary for Congress to act and to act at a level proportionate to the crisis. Therefore, I support this bill which will help every American and this   more

WASHINGTON, April 3 -- Rep. Mac Thornberry, R-Texas, ranking Republican member of the House Armed Services Committee, issued the following news release: Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-TX), ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee, released his latest Department of Defense reform legislation. Consistent with his past efforts, Thornberry is releasing this discussion draft and soliciting feedback well ahead of the FY21 NDAA markup. This effort expands the scope of Thornberry's reform efforts  more

DALLAS, Texas, April 4 -- Rep. Marc Veasey, D-Texas, issued the following news release: Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33) joined the entire Texas Democratic delegation urging Governor Greg Abbott and Secretary of State Ruth Hughs to implement a no-excuse vote-by-mail program for all elections in the state of Texas until the end of this year. The letter also calls for preserving in-person voting opportunities for those who need them, as long as in-person voting sites are structured in a way that w  more

FORT WORTH, Texas, March 31 -- Rep. Marc Veasey, D-Texas, issued the following news release: Rep. Veasey (TX-33) led a group of his fellow Texans in admonishing Texas Governor Greg Abbott and other senior officials to reconsider a statewide ban on abortions during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak--a move that strips away safe, essential and time-sensitive reproductive health care for Texas women. "Our state's leadership must be laser focused on combatting the Coronavirus pandemic and saving  more

WASHINGTON, April 4 -- Rep. Filemon Vela, D-Texas, issued the following statement on April 3: Congressman Filemon Vela (D-TX) issued the following statement in response to the firing of the Commanding Officer of the USS Theodore Roosevelt by Acting Secretary of the Navy. "The rash and emotional decision by the Acting Secretary of the Navy to fire the Commanding Officer of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt is deeply troubling in this time of global crisis. The act is truly unprecedent  more

WASHINGTON, April 1 -- Rep. Filemon Vela, D-Texas, issued the following news release: Congressman Vela (TX-34) led a letter to Governor Greg Abbott urging him to implement a stay-at-home order for the state of Texas. At this time, several major Texas cities have implemented stay-at-home orders in order to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The United States now leads the world in the number of COVID-19 cases and some regions of the country have seen a surge in the number of ca  more

WASHINGTON, March 28 -- Rep. Randy Weber, R-Texas, issued the following statement on the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act: "What began as a public health crisis has now developed into an economic disaster. With confirmed cases of Coronavirus across America and in our communities still on the rise, stifling economic activity, countless American workers are being furloughed or laid off. Large and small businesses alike are in danger of closing their doors permanently. Americans   more

WASHINGTON, March 28 -- Rep. Roger Williams, R-Texas, issued the following statement after the House approved the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act: "The American people have always stepped up to the plate in times of need. Our job in Congress is to provide the reinforcements necessary to move forward - and I am proud that by passing the CARES Act, we have delivered. "My top priorities have been providing direct assistance to our Texan families desperately in need of relief an  more

WASHINGTON, March 28 -- Rep. Ron Wright, R-Texas, issued the following statement on March 27 on the House passage of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (H.R. 748): "I commend my colleagues in the House for passing the CARES Act this afternoon. The rapid spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) has created an unprecedented health crisis for Texas and our country. Over the past few weeks we have seen Americans come together and pick each other up in ways we have never seen before--ne  more

WASHINGTON, April 1 -- Rep. Eliot L. Engel, D-New York, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, issued the following joint statement on the death of a State Department employee from the coronavirus: "Our hearts go out to the family and loved ones of the State Department employee who has been lost to COVID-19. "They have our deepest condolences, as does the entire State Department family spread out around the world. "We know that diplomacy can be da  more

WASHINGTON, April 2 -- Reps. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, and Eliot Engel D-New York, ranking member and chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following joint statement on the death of a State Department employee from the coronavirus: "Our hearts go out to the family and loved ones of the State Department employee who has been lost to COVID-19. "They have our deepest condolences, as does the entire State Department family spread out around the world. We know that diplomacy c  more

WASHINGTON, April 3 -- Rep. Mac Thornberry, R-Texas, ranking Republican member of the House Armed Services Committee, issued the following news release: Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-TX), ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee, and Rep. Trent Kelly (R-MS), ranking member of the Subcommittee on Military Personnel, released a discussion draft of Military Family Readiness legislation they intend to offer for inclusion in the FY21 National Defense Authorization Act. A fact sheet summarizing  more

WASHINGTON, April 3 -- Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, issued the following news release: U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) was named the sole Senate finalist for the Congressional Management Foundation's (CMF) Constituent Service Award for his outstanding practices and achievements acting as ombudsmen with the federal government and responding to constituent requests and inquiries. "One of the most impactful things that we, as Members of Congress, can do for our constituents is act as a liaison betw  more

WASHINGTON, March 31 -- Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, issued the following op-ed on the three coronavirus relief packages, published in the Dallas Morning News: U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) authored the following op-ed in the Dallas Morning News on the three coronavirus relief packages he worked on in the Senate and how they will benefit Texans: The rapid spread of the novel coronavirus has taken a tremendous toll on the physical and financial health of the American people. As the number of ca  more

HOUSTON, Texas, April 3 -- Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, issued the following news release: As COVID-19 continues to spread in communities across the country and a record 6.6 million Americans seek unemployment benefits, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) called in to Lubbock's Chad Hasty Show and Houston's Sam Malone Show to discuss the immediate emergency relief that is on its way to individuals and families. On the Chad Hasty Show, Sen. Cruz responded to the record breaking unemployment claims, saying:  more

WASHINGTON, April 4 -- Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, issued the following news release: U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) met with President Donald Trump, members of Congress, and business leaders to advocate for the millions of Texans and Americans whose jobs depend on a vibrant energy sector. At the meeting, Sen. Cruz said to President Trump: "The combination of the economic harm of the coronavirus crisis combined with the Saudis and Russians waging economic warfare on jobs in this country has been a   more

HOUSTON, Texas, April 1 -- Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, issued the following news release: As U.S. oil prices plunge to an 18-year low, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) on CNBC's Squawk Box called on Saudi Arabia - a diplomatic and military ally to the U.S.- to act like our ally, not our adversary, and stop flooding oil market and driving the price of oil down in the midst of a global pandemic. WATCH: Sen. Cruz Calls on Saudi Arabia to Stop Flooding Oil Market (https://www.dropbox.com/sh/5ckbvihd64r4w3  more

HOUSTON, Texas, March 31 -- Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, issued the following news release: Now that the third coronavirus emergency relief package, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, has been signed into law, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) this morning appeared on CNBC's Squawk Box to discuss the emergency relief that is on its way to individuals, families, and small businesses. WATCH: Sen. Cruz on CNBC Discusses How COVID-19 Emergency Relief Will Help People Hurting (ht  more

HOUSTON, Texas, April 3 -- Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, issued the following news release: U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) sent a letter to Jovita Carranza, Administrator for the Small Business Administration (SBA), expressing concerns about how the Payroll Protection Program of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act is being administered in a way that undermines existing protections for religious organizations. As Sen. Cruz wrote: "The Payroll Protection Act (PPA) section of   more

HOUSTON, Texas, April 2 -- Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, issued the following news release: As the coronavirus continues to spread across the country, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) this morning appeared on Fox Business' 'Mornings with Maria', The Hugh Hewitt Show, and The Mark Davis Show to discuss the $2 trillion in emergency relief that is on its way to the American people and continued steps the Trump Administration and Congress must take to defeat COVID-19 and save lives. While on Fox Business wi  more

WASHINGTON, April 1 -- Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, issued the following news release: COVID-19 is a new disease that causes respiratory illness in people and can spread from person to person. This virus was first identified in Wuhan, China. COVID-19 RESOURCES For the most up to date information and resources, visit the following: * Center for Disease Control and Prevention (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html) * CDC: Testing for COVID-19 (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nc  more

WASHINGTON, April 2 -- Sen. Mike Rounds, R-South Dakota, issued the following news release: U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) joined U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and U.S. Reps. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) and Henry Cuellar (D-Texas), as well as more than 140 other members of Congress, today to send a bipartisan, bicameral letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue requesting that he provide immediate assistance to cattle producers by usi  more

WASHINGTON, April 2 -- Sen. John Thune, R-South Dakota, issued the following news release: U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and U.S. Reps. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) and Henry Cuellar (D-Texas) led a bipartisan, bicameral letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue requesting that he provide immediate assistance to cattle producers by using the resources provided in the recently enacted Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Stabilization   more

WASHINGTON, April 4 -- Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Massachusetts, issued the following news release: * * * - Island's Physician Shortage, Lack of Federal Assistance Limit its Ability to Manage Health and Economic Crisis * * * United States Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), along with Representatives Raul M. Grijalva (D-Ariz.), House Natural Resources Committee Chair; Nydia M. Velazquez (D-N.Y.), House Small Business Committee Chair; and Joaquin Castro (D-Texas), Congressional Hispanic Caucus   more

WASHINGTON, April 2 -- Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chairman Joaquin Castro, D-Texas, issued the following statement on April 1 with Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus Chairwoman Judy Chu and Congressional Black Caucus Census 2020 Task Force Chairman Steven Horsford: Today is Census Day, the day used by the U.S. Census Bureau as a reference point for the 2020 Census to determine who is counted and where they are counted. Census Day is not a deadline, and households can continue to res  more