{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Republican\", state = \"TX\" and year = 2016 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://hurd.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/hurd-statement-administration-s-response-russian-hacking", "Hurd Statement on Administrations Response to Russian Hacking", "2016-12-29", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Will Hurd", "H001073", "hurd.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "San Antonio, TX \u2013 Texas Congressman Will Hurd issued the following statement regarding the new sanctions against Russia announced by the Obama administration:\n\u201cMonths ago I called for this administration to\u00a0respond to Russia's malicious cyber-attacks on American organizations by showing their\u00a0ambassador to the door. While these sanctions took too long to be put into place, they are an important step in showing Russia and other adversaries that we will not allow these kinds of attacks to go unanswered. There is more we can do to keep American organizations and agencies safe from these cyber-attacks and I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress and the new administration to ensure that our cyber domain is fortified.\"\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mccaul.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/mccaul-statement-on-obama-administration-russia-sanctions", "McCaul Statement on Obama Administration Russia Sanctions", "2016-12-29", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Michael McCaul", "M001157", "mccaul.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX) issued the following statement regarding the Obama Administration's response to Russia's cyber interference and harassment:\nChairman McCaul: I am pleased to see the Obama Administration is finally responding to Russian meddling, including by sanctioning key operatives and expelling Russian spies from the United States. But these actions are long overdue. For many months I have urged the Administration to respond to the election-related hacks, and for years I have pressed them to stand up to Russia and other cyber intruders. Instead, President Obama's look-the-other-way' foreign policy has emboldened Moscow time and again and opened us up to attack. I look forward to working with the incoming Trump Administration to make sure thatin the futureour response to such aggression is timely, decisive, and forceful enough to convince our adversaries not to do it again.\nSee Chairman McCaul's recent op-ed on the issue, here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://burgess.house.gov/blog/?postid=398229", "Burgess Releases 2016 Year-End Report", "2016-12-28", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Michael Burgess", "B001248", "burgess.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade, released his 2016 Year-End Annual Report, a comprehensive review of a year\u2019s work that showcases his legislative accomplishments, media presence, and constituent services and correspondence throughout 2016.\r\nDr. Burgess notes that the annual report is part of his commitment to transparency with his constituents and a means of reflecting on and quantifying every function of both his Washington, D.C. and Lake Dallas district offices.\r\n\u201cMy top priority is to serve my constituents to the utmost of my ability. The people of the 26th District have entrusted me with the responsibility of this office\u00a0 and I am honored to have that trust. An important part of this role is accountability. Six years of divided government have made it difficult, but still 2016 saw some successes and a significant number of priorities were achieved. This report acts as a vehicle to track my progress and identify areas of improvement as we look ahead to the 115th Congress.\u201d\r\nAdditionally, Dr. Burgess released an infographic that summarizes all his work during both sessions of the 114th Congress.Click here to view the 2016 report. Click here to view Dr. Burgess\u2019 114th Congress in review.\u00a0\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/content/114th-congress-promoting-energy-growth-and-securing-our-environment", "114th Congress: Promoting Energy Growth and Securing Our Environment", "2016-12-28", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "John Cornyn", "C001056", "www.cornyn.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "AUSTIN\u2014During the 114th Congress, major pieces of legislation were enacted to help speed up a plan to protect the Texas Gulf Coast, end the outdated ban on exporting crude oil, and reform the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).\nTexas Coastal Protection in the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) (Passed House 12/8/16, passed Senate 12/10/16, became law 12/16/16)\n Includes a major provision from Senator Cornyn\u2019s COAST Act to help streamline the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers\u2019 coastal surge protection study along Texas\u2019 upper Gulf Coast.\nRequires the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to take into consideration certain studies already developed by the Gulf Coast Community Protection and Recovery District (GCCPRD) while completing its Coastal Texas Protection & Restoration Study.\n Ending of the Crude Oil Export Ban (Passed the Senate as part of the 2015 Omnibus Appropriations Bill 12/16/15, passed the House 6/8/16, became law 6/22/16)\n Lifts the 40-year ban on the export of crude oil, put in place during the 1973 Arab oil embargo.\nWill reduce global reliance on countries like Russia and Iran for energy needs.\n Toxic Substances Control Act (Passed House 6/23/15, passed Senate 12/17/15, became law 6/22/16)\n Provides the EPA with direct tools to obtain testing information on chemical substances, improving the former lengthy process\nRestructures the way existing chemicals are evaluated and regulated by prioritizing scientific evaluations.\nEncourages transparency at the EPA regarding trade secrets and scientific decision making.\n Energy Improvement Act of 2015 (Passed Senate 3/27/15, passed House 4/21/15, became law 4/30/15)\n Establishes a voluntary, market-driven approach to aligning the interests of commercial building owners and their tenants to reduce energy consumption.\nExempts certain electrical resistance water heaters used for demand response from pending Department of Energy regulation.\nRequires federal agencies to coordinate with OMB, DOE, and EPA to develop and implantation strategy for the maintenance, purchase, and use of energy saving technologies.\n Protecting our Infrastructure of Pipelines and Enhancing Safety Act of 2016 (Passed Senate 3/3/16, passed House 6/8/16, became law 6/22/16)\n Reauthorizes the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) through 2019.\nRequests an assessment of Integrity Management programs for natural gas and liquid pipelines.\nEncourages PHMSA to investigate and report on advanced mapping technologies for pipeline networks.\nEnsure coordination and collaboration on research, development, and technology between PHMSA, industry and public sector stakeholders.\n National Park Service Centennial Act (Passed House 12/6/16, passed Senate 12/10/16, became law 12/16/16)\n Establishes a Centennial Challenge Fund to help maximize private donations to our National Parks, as well as a National Park Foundation Endowment.\nMakes needed changes to the National Park Foundation structure to ensure leadership continuity and establish annual appropriations for non-administrative purposes.\nEliminates barriers for Public Lands Corps participants to gain federal appointment and promotes Tribal participation on the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=2936", "Sen. Cruz: History Will Record Obama and Kerry As Relentless Enemies of Israel", "2016-12-28", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Ted Cruz", "C001098", "www.cruz.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) issued the following statement in response to Secretary of State John Kerry's speech concerning Israel today:\u00a0\n\"Like bitter clingers, President Obama and Secretary Kerry are spending every last minute of this administration wreaking havoc domestically and abroad. With their last breath in office, they have struck at Israel, through the United Nations and through today's disgraceful speech.\n\"These acts are shameful. They are designed to secure a legacy, and indeed they have: history will record and the world will fully understand Obama and Kerry as relentless enemies of Israel. Their actions were designed to weaken and marginalize Israel, and to embolden its enemies.\u00a0\n\"Today's speech -- like Kerry's 2014 remarks likening Israel to an apartheid state -- will enflame rising anti-Semitism in Europe. It will encourage the mullahs who hate Israel and hate America. And it will facilitate 'law-fare,' growing legal assaults on Israel through transnational legal fora.\u00a0\n\"Kerry's speech drew a stunning moral equivalence between our great ally Israel and the Palestinian Authority, currently formed in a 'unity' government with the vicious terrorists of Hamas. Secretary Kerry declared the Hamas regime in Gaza \u2018radical,\u2019 in the same way he declared the duly-elected government of Israel \u2018extreme.\u2019 He declared vicious terrorism sponsored by Hamas equal to Israeli settlements in West Bank. And he equated Israel's celebration of its birth with the Palestinian description of this event as the \u2018disaster.\u2019 His speech attempted to lay out an historic and seismic shift towards the delegitimization of our ally, Israel, and the further empowerment of the Palestinian Authority.\u00a0\n\"Kerry's central conclusion, that 'Israel can either be Jewish or democratic, it cannot be both' is an inanity that passes as profound only in Ivory Tower faculty lounges. There are roughly 50 majority-Muslim countries in the world. There is one -- only one -- Jewish state. And yet, for Kerry and Obama, that is too much. \u00a0The Israeli Knesset has 17 elected Arab members. It has Muslim members and Christian members. In contrast, one searches in vain for Muslim countries that have elected Jewish representatives. \u00a0\n\"It is a sign of their radicalism and refusal to defend American interests, that Obama and Kerry choose to attack the only inclusive democracy in the Middle East -- a strong, steadfast ally of America -- while turning a blind eye to the Islamic terrorism that grows daily.\u00a0\n\"America is an unshakable friend of Israel, and we are horrified at what has transpired this week. \u00a0\n\"I believe Obama's and Kerry's shameful conduct will backfire. That it will be short-lived, and will inspire a bipartisan repudiation of their radical anti-Israel agenda.\n\"All Americans who understand the value of the U.S.-Israel alliance must immediately and unequivocally reject their false and dangerous narrative, and reassert our fundamental commitment to Israel's security. Thankfully, Congress and the incoming administration can and I hope will take decisive action to intercept the administration\u2019s final and desperate Hail Mary, and that should begin with eliminating U.S. funding to the U.N., unless and until this disgraceful resolution is reversed.\u00a0\n\"I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle as well as the incoming administration to chart a new path forward based on America's national security interests and clear-eyed reality, not on the Obama administration's globalist agenda and wishful thinking.\"\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kaygranger.house.gov/press-release/granger-statement-administrations-refusal-veto-one-sided-un-resolution-against-israel", "Granger Statement on Administration's Refusal to Veto One-Sided U.N. Resolution Against Israel", "2016-12-24", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Kay Granger", "G000377", "kaygranger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Fort Worth, TX \u2013 Congresswoman Kay Granger (TX-12), Chairwoman of the House Appropriations State and Foreign Operations Subcommittee, issued the following statement after the Administration did not veto the one-sided United Nations anti-Israel resolution.\n\u201cI never thought I would see the day when the United States of America would not stand with our longtime ally Israel. President Obama could have and should have stopped this from happening. This hurts the efforts toward peace in the region. I agree with Donald Trump that we should seriously reexamine our financial support of the U.N. and the countries that supported this treacherous action.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://culberson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398617", "Culberson Statement on Texas Receiving $177 Million in Disaster Relief Funding", "2016-12-23", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "John Culberson", "C001048", "culberson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Culberson Statement on Texas Receiving $177 Million in Disaster Relief Funding  \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Houston,\r\n        December 23, 2016\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Congressman John Culberson (TX-07) released the following statement regarding the Department of Housing and Urban Development\u2019s announcement that Texas will receive an additional $177 million in disaster relief funding.\r\n\u201cTexas, specifically Houston, has experienced several extreme weather events resulting in millions of dollars of damage to homes and businesses. I am pleased that the State will receive $177 million of the funding allocated in the continuing resolution to assist in the rebuilding efforts.\r\n\u201cThe State will decide where to allocate this money, and I will continue to advocate that Harris County receive their fair share to help Houstonians repair after the Memorial Day and Tax Day floods.\u201d \r\n\u00a0\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://culberson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398618", "Culberson Statement on President Obama\u2019s Betrayal of Israel", "2016-12-23", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "John Culberson", "C001048", "culberson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Culberson Statement on President Obama\u2019s Betrayal of Israel \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington, DC,\r\n        December 23, 2016\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Congressman John Culberson (TX-07) released the following statement after the Obama Administration allowed the UN Security Council to adopt a resolution condemning Israeli settlement construction.\r\n\"President Barack Obama shamefully and brazenly betrayed Israel today in the United Nations. \u00a0Without any warning, and in a complete reversal of unwavering American support, President Obama has unilaterally and seriously damaged Israel's negotiating position in the ongoing peace talks. \u00a0\r\n\"Israel is a beacon of freedom and democracy in the Middle East and America has a profound moral, legal and spiritual obligation to be the sword and shield of Israel. \u00a0No other nation can say they have been a more loyal friend to America throughout their existence than the State of Israel. \u00a0\r\n\"I stand ready to help President Trump immediately begin to undo the immense damage that President Obama has done to American and Israeli strength and security.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://mccaul.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/mccaul-nominates-texas-students-for-acceptance-to-us-service-academies", "McCaul Nominates Texas Students for Acceptance to U.S. Service Academies", "2016-12-23", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Michael McCaul", "M001157", "mccaul.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "AUSTIN, TX \u2014 Congressman Michael McCaul (TX-10) announced today that he has nominated 25 Texas students for acceptance to the esteemed United States service academies.\u00a0 The students are recommended based on their academic performance, leadership skills, extracurricular involvement, and character.\n\u201cOne of the most rewarding parts of my job is to nominate such outstanding young Texans to our nation\u2019s service academies,\u201d McCaul said.\u00a0 \u201cCompeting with the best and brightest of America\u2019s youth, this nomination signifies years of hard work and dedication.\u00a0 Their decision to serve our country in uniform is admirable, and I am confident the future of our nation is in good hands.\u201d\nThe service academies include the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO.; the Military Academy at West Point, NY; the Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD.; and the Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, NY. \u00a0\u00a0Final selection for admission to the service academies will be selected by the officials at each respective academy this spring.\u00a0 Students who are interested in learning more about service academy nominations can visit McCaul\u2019s website: https://mccaul.house.gov/services/military-academy-nominations.\nNomination to a service academy by Congressman McCaul does not ensure a student will be accepted. \u00a0Students who were nominated to multiple academies will choose which to attend should they be admitted to more than one institution.\nThe nominees are as follows:\nHarris County\nTyler Fausset\n2017 graduate of Waller High School  \n\tU.S. Air Force Academy\nCameron Goulden\n2017 graduate of Klein Oak High School  \n\tU.S. Military Academy\nMontana Grosch\n\u00a02017 graduate of Cy-Fair High School  \n\tU.S. Naval Academy\nJonathan Hardegree\n2016 graduate of Cinco Ranch High School  \n\tU.S. Military Academy\nHannah Hirst\n2017 graduate of Faith West Academy\nU.S. Naval Academy\nBrynna Johnson\n2017 graduate of Cypress Ranch High School\nU.S. Military Academy\nKaty Klare\n2017 graduate of Waller High School\nU.S. Air Force Academy\nHalee Lewis\n2017 graduate of Cypress Ranch High School\nU.S. Merchant Marine Academy\nNicola Longo\n2017 graduate of Cypress Woods High School\nU.S. Military Academy\nAngelo Luna\n2017 graduate of Tomball Memorial High School\nU.S. Naval Academy\nRobert Martinolli\n2017 graduate of Cypress Ranch High School\nU.S. Military Academy\nBraden Page\n2017 graduate of Cypress Creek High School\nU.S. Naval Academy\nAndrew Pool\n2017 graduate of Tomball Memorial High School\nU.S. Naval Academy\nJack Ray\n2017 graduate of Cypress Ranch High School\nU.S. Naval Academy\nDustin Read\n2017 graduate of Klein Oak High School\nU.S. Air Force Academy\nMatthew Semrick\n2017 graduate of Cypress Ranch High School\nU.S. Air Force Academy\n\u00a0\nLee County\nReed Marshall\n2017 graduate of Ramstein High School\nU.S. Air Force Academy\n\u00a0\nTravis County\nAnthony Atwell\n2017 graduate of St. Stephen\u2019s Episcopal School\nU.S. Naval Academy\nJoseph Canterbury\n2017 graduate of St. Michael\u2019s Catholic Academy\nU.S. Military Academy\nJordan Felan\n2017 graduate of Hendrickson High School\n\u00a0U.S. Naval Academy\nNishanth Kalavakolanu\n2017 graduate of Liberal Arts and Science Academy\nU.S. Air Force Academy\nHyunki Lee\n2017 graduate of Westwood High School\nU.S. Air Force Academy\nMitchell McDonald\n2017 graduate of Pflugerville High School\nU.S. Naval Academy\nGrace McElroy\n2017 graduate of Anderson High School\nU.S. Military Academy\n\u00a0\nWaller County\nJoseph Woodring\n2016 graduate of Katy High School\nU.S. Air Force Academy\nCongressman Michael McCaul has represented the 10th District of Texas since 2005.\u00a0 Currently, he serves as Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security and senior member on the House Foreign Affairs Committee.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mccaul.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/mccaul-statement-following-the-us-abstaining-from-the-un-vote", "McCaul Statement following the  U.S. abstaining from the UN vote", "2016-12-23", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Michael McCaul", "M001157", "mccaul.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "AUSTIN, TX Chairman Michael McCaul (TX-10) issued the following statement regarding the Administration's refusal to veto the anti-Israel UN resolution.\nChairman McCaul:\"Today's vote at the UN is deplorable and undermines efforts at lasting peace. President Obama's refusal to stand firm with our great ally Israel doesn't respect the strong, deep relationship our two countries have shared for decades. I look forward to working with President-elect Trump next year to let Israel know that we have their back and we will not waver in our support.\"\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sessions.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/chairman-pete-sessions-leads-group-thank-troops-during-christmas-season", "Chairman Pete Sessions Leads Group to Thank Troops During the Christmas Season", "2016-12-23", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Pete Sessions", "S000250", "sessions.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. -\u00a0This week Congressman Pete Sessions, Chairman of the House Committee on Rules, led a bipartisan congressional delegation featuring Congressman Bill Keating (D-MA), Congressman Pat Meehan (R-PA), Congressman Paul Cook (R-CA), Congressman David Cicilline (R-RI), and Congressman Dan Newhouse (R-WA) to visit men and women who serve in our nation\u2019s armed forces during the Christmas season at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska, United States Forces Korea headquarters and Camp Humphreys in Seoul, Korea, Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan, \u00a0Yokota Airbase in Tokyo, Japan, and Pearl Harbor in Honolulu, Hawaii.\u201cFrom the 28,500 American soldiers in the Republic of Korea, to the thousands of men and women in uniform on the island of Okinawa, to the troops on the shores of Pearl Harbor, the brave servicemen and women who we have met over the last week have made a steadfast commitment to protecting our freedom both at home and abroad. It was an honor and a privilege to personally thank these men and women - especially at Christmastime - for putting their lives on the line day in and day out to defend our great nation. Our troops represent the very best of our country and I deeply appreciate their unwavering commitment to ensuring the United States of America remains the greatest country in the world,\u201d said Chairman Pete Sessions.  \n\t\u00a0\n  Chairman Pete Sessions, Congressman Bill Keating, Congressman Pat Meehan, Congressman Paul Cook, Congressman David Cicilline, and Congressman Dan Newhouse with service members at Camp Humphreys in KoreaCongressman Dan Newhouse, Congressman Paul Cook (USMC, Ret.), and Congressman Pat Meehan eating lunch with service members at Camp Humphreys in Korea  Congressman Pat Meehan thanking an airman in Okinawa after an aerial tour of the island  Chairman Pete Sessions thanking a soldier from Dallas, Texas in Okinawa  Chairman Pete Sessions, Congressman Bill Keating, Congressman Pat Meehan, and Congressman David Cicilline applauding service members at Yokota Airbase in Tokyo.  Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard from Hawaii joins Congressman David Cicilline, Congressman Bill Keating, Chairman Pete Sessions, Congressman Pat Meehan, and Congressman Dan Newhouse at the USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=2932", "Sen. Cruz: Happy Chanukah", "2016-12-23", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Ted Cruz", "C001098", "www.cruz.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "HOUSTON, Texas \u2013 U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) released the following statement on the eve of Chanukah:\n\u201cHeidi and I wish a very Happy Chanukah to the Jewish people. This holiday is a time to commemorate the heroic revolt that triumphed over repression, restoring religious freedom and leading to the rededication of the Second Temple of Jerusalem. During the Festival of Lights, we are particularly grateful for our close ally Israel, who protects the right to freely worship, stands as a beacon of liberty, and brings light to one of the darkest regions in the world. As the celebration begins tomorrow evening and the menorah is lit for eight nights, we join all those in observance, particularly the Jewish community in Texas whom I'm proud to represent, in remembering the great miracle that happened there.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=2933", "Sen. Cruz: At Christmas, We Celebrate the Birth of Our Savior", "2016-12-23", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Ted Cruz", "C001098", "www.cruz.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "HOUSTON, Texas \u2013 U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) issued the following statement in advance of Christmas Day: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\n\u201cAt Christmas, we celebrate the birth of our Savior. Two thousand years ago, in a manger on the outskirts of Bethlehem in the land of Judea, Christ came to save the world. \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\n\u201cThe season of hope that touches every corner of the world also extends to every corner of our great state. From Mission Arlington\u2019s annual Christmas Store helping thousands of families find toys and gifts for their children, to Lubbock\u2019s U Can Share food drive raising $187,000 and more than 351,000 pounds of food and counting; from the Houston Children\u2019s Charity\u2019s Adopt-A-Family blessing needy families with Christmas joy, to the Austin Police Department\u2019s Operation Blue Santa providing meals and toys delivered by Santa\u2019s Helpers, Texans are coming together to help those in need with Texas-sized hearts and Texas-sized generosity.\n\u201cThey serve in the spirit of the true grace of Jesus Christ that asks not for repayment or reward. Theirs is the gift of hope; their work the work of humble servants.\n\u201cI pray that each and every one you find joy and peace this Christmas, and enjoy a happy, healthy, and restful New Year with your family and friends. May God bless you, and may He continue to bless our nation and the great state of Texas.\u201d\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=2934", "Cruz News: The Season of Hope", "2016-12-23", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Ted Cruz", "C001098", "www.cruz.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 23, 2016\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\nGreetings,\nAt Christmas, we celebrate the birth of our Savior. Two thousand years ago, in a manger on the outskirts of Bethlehem in the land of Judea, Christ came to save the world. \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\nThe season of hope that touches every corner of the world also extends to every corner of our great state. From Mission Arlington\u2019s annual Christmas Store helping thousands of families find toys and gifts for their children, to Lubbock\u2019s U Can Share food drive raising $187,000 and more than 351,000 pounds of food and counting; from the Houston Children\u2019s Charity\u2019s Adopt-A-Family blessing needy families with Christmas joy, to the Austin Police Department\u2019s Operation Blue Santa providing meals and toys delivered by Santa\u2019s Helpers, Texans are coming together to help those in need with Texas-sized hearts and Texas-sized generosity.\nThey serve in the spirit of the true grace of Jesus Christ that asks not for repayment or reward. Theirs is the gift of hope; their work the work of humble servants.\nI pray that each and every one you find joy and peace this Christmas, and enjoy a happy, healthy, and restful New Year with your family and friends. May God bless you, and may He continue to bless our nation and the great state of Texas.\nKeep Texas Strong,\u00a0\nTed Cruz\nSen. Cruz: The UNSC Has No Authority Over Israel's Sovereignty\nSen. Cruz released the following statement rebuking the United Nations Security Council for its latest attempt to delegitimize the nation of Israel:\n\"With hundreds of thousands dead in Syria, jihadist refugees mowing down Christmas shoppers in Berlin and the People's Republic of China weaponizing its artificial islands in the South China Sea, it is ridiculous that the United Nations Security Council would even consider wasting its time condemning Israel for building on its own sovereign territory,\" Senator Cruz said. \"The UNSC, which over and over has pursued avenues to delegitimize the nation of Israel, has no authority on this matter. The Obama Administration should be ashamed for not immediately signaling our intent to veto this resolution and any others like it, which should be emphatically and unconditionally opposed by all member states who value our alliance with Israel.\"\nRead the full release here.\nSen. Cruz: We Must Redouble Our Resolve to Partner With Our Allies, Prevent a Broader Outbreak of Violence\nSen. Cruz released the following statement in the wake of radical Islamic terror attacks across the globe:\n\u201cHeidi\u2019s and my prayers are with the victims and families impacted by the recent, vicious rash of attacks in Jordan, Turkey, and Germany. They are a grim reminder that ISIS, al Qaeda, and other radical Islamic terrorist groups are not confined to the so-called caliphate in Syria and Iraq. Both by infiltrating the streams of refugees pouring into Europe and through an aggressive campaign of online radicalization, terrorists have been seeded throughout the west, waiting for the signal to strike. These are not lone wolves with mysterious personal motivations for their attacks--they are a coordinated pack attempting to undermine our civilization, which is by its nature anathema to their jihad. \u00a0We must redouble our resolve to partner closely with our allies to prevent a broader outbreak of violence that might very well hit us here at home.\u201d \u00a0\nRead the full release here.\nSen. Cruz: Happy Chanukah\nSen. Cruz released the following statement on the eve of Chanukah:\n\u201cHeidi and I wish a very Happy Chanukah to the Jewish people. This holiday is a time to commemorate the heroic revolt that triumphed over repression, restoring religious freedom and leading to the rededication of the Second Temple of Jerusalem. During the Festival of Lights, we are particularly grateful for our close ally Israel, who protects the right to freely worship, stands as a beacon of liberty, and brings light to one of the darkest regions in the world. As the celebration begins tomorrow evening and the menorah is lit for eight nights, we join all those in observance, particularly the Jewish community in Texas whom I'm proud to represent, in remembering the great miracle that happened there.\"\nSen. Cruz Calls On the Smithsonian to Include A Fair and Accurate Portrayal of the Incredible Life of Justice Clarence Thomas\nSen. Cruz sent a letter to leaders of the Smithsonian Institution urging them to include an accurate legacy and biography of Clarence Thomas in the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Justice Thomas rose through segregation and discrimination to become a leading voice for originalism on the Supreme Court of the United States, but the recently opened museum fails to recognize his extraordinary accomplishments in any exhibit.\u00a0\n\u201cAs much as I am grateful for the museum and its efforts to preserve and promote the indispensable, yet oft-neglected, contributions of African Americans to the collective history of our nation, I believe the museum has made a mistake by omitting the enormous legacy and impact of Justice Thomas, as well as his compelling background,\u201d Cruz wrote.\n\u201cIn summary, Justice Thomas climbed from Pin Point, Georgia, prejudice, and poverty to the pinnacle of the legal profession, to where he is now an intellectual leader on a Supreme Court that is more influential than ever in the most powerful nation on earth.\u201d\nFull coverage of Sen. Cruz\u2019s here and read the letter in its entirety here.\nDistinguished Organizations Spreading Christmas Cheer\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Mission Arlington\u2019s annual Christmas Store assists over 8,000 people with gifts, food and trees every Holiday season. Each family that enters the store are able to shop for the gifts their family needs for Christmas. Along with volunteers that can aid the shopper in picking out gifts, the non-profit also provides on-site child care for the parents while they shop. \u00a0\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Lubbock\u2019s U Can Share Food Drive has been raising food and funds for all those in need across the South Plains for 33 years. They have already gone above their goal and received $187,000 and 351 pounds to provide families with food this Christmas season.\u00a0\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Houston Children\u2019s Charity\u2019s Adopt-A-Family has made many Christmas wishes come true by providing less fortunate families with toys, housewares, clothing and/or other needed items. Last year the organization touched 578 families with 1,558 children. This year, with individuals and corporate sponsors, they are expected to bring Christmas joy to more families in the Houston area.\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Austin Police Department\u2019s Operation Blue Santa has been serving the Austin area since 1972. This year, with the help of Austin\u2019s citizens, businesses, and civic groups, the non-profit gave a full holiday meal and wrapped Christmas gifts to over 4,500 families.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=2935", "Sen. Cruz Statement on Obama Administration's Betrayal of Israel at the U.N. Security Council", "2016-12-23", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Ted Cruz", "C001098", "www.cruz.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) issued the following statement after the Obama administration today failed to exercise its veto to defeat a discriminatory anti-Israel resolution at the United Nations Security Council:\n\"For eight long years, the Obama administration has worked systematically to undermine the nation of Israel. \u00a0They actively worked to defeat Prime Minister Netanyahu, and illegally used U.S. taxpayer funds to do so. \u00a0Never has there been a more anti-Israel Administration, and today's United Nations vote is the culmination of their systemic agenda to weaken Israel and strengthen its enemies. \u00a0\n\"I agree with the senior Israeli government official who said today:\n'President Obama and Secretary Kerry are behind this shameful move against Israel at the UN....The U.S. administration secretly cooked up with the Palestinians an extreme anti-Israeli resolution behind Israel\u2019s back which would be a tailwind for terror and boycotts.'\n\"Every Obama foreign policy official should be ashamed of today's UN resolution, and any official who disagrees with or hopes to avoid the anti-Israel legacy of this Administration should resign on principle today.\n\"I also emphatically second the call of my colleague Sen. Lindsey Graham that the consequences of this disgraceful UN resolution should be severe. \u00a0I look forward to working with Sen. Graham, and with the incoming Administration of President-elect Trump, to significantly reduce or even eliminate U.S. funding of the United Nations, and also to seriously reconsider financial support for the nations that supported this resolution. \u00a0For those who have put your name to this despicable attack on Israel, you did so with full knowledge of the consequences of your actions.\n\"And for those who acquiesced or facilitated the UN resolution--especially President Obama, Secretary Kerry, and Ambassador Power--history will record your abiding and shameful legacy undermining our friend and ally Israel. \u00a0I am hopeful at least some Senate Democrats will choose to repudiate your anti-Israel actions, and I am grateful that the new Administration has committed to once again restoring our strong and unequivocal support for the Nation of Israel.\"\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kaygranger.house.gov/press-release/granger-calls-administration-veto-one-sided-un-resolution-against-israel", "Granger Calls on Administration to Veto One-Sided U.N. Resolution Against Israel", "2016-12-22", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Kay Granger", "G000377", "kaygranger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Fort Worth, TX \u2013 Congresswoman Kay Granger (TX-12), Chairwoman of the House Appropriations State and Foreign Operations Subcommittee, issued the following statement in advance of the vote on the one-sided United Nations anti-Israel resolution.\n\u201cThis resolution highlights the U.N.\u2019s warped priorities and hostility toward Israel.\u00a0 Passing this resolution will accomplish only one thing \u2013 undermining the prospect of direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians.\u00a0 The U.N. is not and will never be a legitimate venue for this matter.\u00a0 The Administration must stand with Israel and veto this resolution.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://marchant.house.gov/?p=24421", "Marchant Statement on UN Israel Resolution", "2016-12-22", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Kenny Marchant", "M001158", "marchant.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Marchant Statement on UN Israel Resolution\n\nWASHINGTON, DC \u2013 December 22, 2016: U.S. Congressman Kenny Marchant (TX-24) issued the following statement on the United Nations Security Council vote on an anti-Israel resolution:\n\n\u201cThis posturing at the UN is nothing but an attempt to delegitimize the democratic State of Israel,\u201d said Marchant. \u201cThe Administration must veto this resolution \u2013 before it further strains the cooperation by both parties to engage in direct negotiations. President-Elect Trump correctly stated that long maintained peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians will only come through direct negotiations between the parties. The United Nations must not interfere through harmful resolutions in those negotiations.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=2931", "Sen. Cruz: The UNSC Has No Authority Over Israel's Sovereignty", "2016-12-22", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Ted Cruz", "C001098", "www.cruz.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today released the following statement rebuking the United Nations Security Council for its latest attempt to delegitimize the nation of Israel: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\n\"With hundreds of thousands dead in Syria, jihadist refugees mowing down Christmas shoppers in Berlin and the People's Republic of China weaponizing its artificial islands in the South China Sea, it is ridiculous that the United Nations Security Council would even consider wasting its time condemning Israel for building on its own sovereign territory,\" Senator Cruz said. \"The UNSC, which over and over has pursued avenues to delegitimize the nation of Israel, has no authority on this matter. The Obama Administration should be ashamed for not immediately signaling our intent to veto this resolution and any others like it, which should be emphatically and unconditionally opposed by all member states who value our alliance with Israel.\"\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://flores.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398897", "Flores Statement on Obamas Drilling Ban in Arctic and Atlantic", "2016-12-21", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Bill Flores", "F000461", "flores.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Representative Bill Flores (R-Texas) released the following statement regarding President Obama\u2019s ban on offshore drilling in parts of the Arctic and Atlantic:\u201cPresident Obama\u2019s continuing efforts to appease radical special interest groups in the waning days of his administration is beyond the pale. \u00a0His recent actions to restrict access to energy exploration in the Arctic and Atlantic will impede energy development, economic growth and job growth, while putting our national security at risk. \u00a0This overreaching midnight action will be reversed.\u00a0 As House Speaker Paul Ryan clearly stated yesterday, \u2018Presidents don\u2019t write laws. Congress does.\u2019 I will work with my fellow colleagues and President-elect Trump to overturn President Obama\u2019s \u2018energy-denier\u2019 agenda. \u00a0I remain committed to advancing a 21st century energy strategy to lower energy costs, improve economic opportunity, reduce geopolitical instability around the world and achieve American energy security.\"To learn more about Congressman Flores' ideas regarding energy, check out the plan he coauthored with former Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal entitled: \u201dOrganizing Around Abundance:\u00a0 Making America An Energy Superpower\u201d.\u00a0\r\nCongressman Bill Flores represents the 17th District of Texas and is an entrepreneur, former energy executive, Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chairman of the Republican Study Committee (RSC)\u00a0 and member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.\r\n  \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=2930", "ICYMI: News Coverage of Cruz Letter to Smithsonian Institution", "2016-12-21", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Ted Cruz", "C001098", "www.cruz.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 \u00a0Numerous news outlets have taken note of U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz's (R- Texas) letter to the Smithsonian Institution yesterday. In it, he urged museum leaders to include an accurate legacy and biography of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas in the National Museum of African American History and Culture.\n\u201cAs much as I am grateful for the museum and its efforts to preserve and promote the indispensable, yet oft-neglected, contributions of African Americans to the collective history of our nation, I believe the museum has made a mistake by omitting the enormous legacy and impact of Justice Thomas, as well as his compelling background,\u201d Cruz wrote.\nRead the letter in its entirety here.\nFollowing is a summary of news coverage:\nAP: GOP senator: Museum ignores Clarence Thomas\u2019 accomplishments  \u201cRepublican Sen. Ted Cruz says the Smithsonian has made a mistake by not including the \"extraordinary accomplishments\" of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas in the new National Museum of African American History and Culture\u2026 In the letter, Cruz says the first and only other African-American Supreme Court justice, Thurgood Marshall, is briefly praised in the museum. He suggests an exhibit on Marshall and Thomas and their different judicial approaches.\u201d\u00a0\nThe Blaze: Ted Cruz writes letter demanding that Clarence Thomas be added to African-American History Museum  \u201cTexas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz wrote a letter Monday urging the Smithsonian museum of African-American History and Culture add Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas to its museum\u2026Thomas has not been included in the museum, which opened earlier this year, despite being one of the most influential black lawyers in American history, and one of only two black judges to ever grace the Supreme Court.\u201d\u00a0\nBreitbart: Ted Cruz: African American Museum Should Include Clarence Thomas Exhibit  \u201cCruz, along with six other GOP senators, introduced a resolution that said Thomas should have a \u201cprominent place\u201d in the museum, the Hill reported\u2026 \u2018In a quarter century, Justice Thomas has carved out one of the more profound and unique legacies in the court\u2019s history,\u2019 Cruz added\u2026Cruz said Thomas\u2019s character and achievements deserve a permanent place in our nation\u2019s historical record.\u201d\u00a0\nConservative Review: Must-read Letter: Ted Cruz Calls on Smithsonian to Correct Clarence Thomas Snub  \u201cUnited States Senator Ted Cruz is calling on the leaders of the Smithsonian Institution to include a fair portrayal of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas\u2019s legacy in the museum\u2019s \u201cMaking a Way Out of No Way\u201d exhibit\u2026In a letter addressed to the African-American museum director, Sen. Cruz described Thomas\u2019 life as \u201cuniquely compelling in the annals of United States history, African-American or otherwise\u201d\u00a0\nCNN: Cruz: Give Clarence Thomas a place in the African-American museum  \u201cSen. Ted Cruz says the new African-American museum honoring black history has made \"a mistake\" by not featuring Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas\u2026 Cruz, a former Supreme Court law clerk, said he became \"deeply disturbed\" to discover Thomas' omission from the museum\u2026\u2018I am simply requesting that a fair and accurate portrayal of his powerful story be included, for the great benefit of millions of future museum-goers,\" Cruz wrote.\u201d\u00a0\nThe Hill: Cruz: African-American museum needs Clarence Thomas exhibit  \u201cSen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) says the Smithsonian's African-American history museum should feature Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas in its exhibits\u2026 Cruz was one of six GOP senators who introduced a resolution earlier this month arguing Thomas should have a \u2018prominent place\u2019 in the museum. In his letter, Cruz proposes an exhibit comparing Thomas and Marshall.\u201d\nRed State: Cruz Seeks To Have Justice Thomas\u2019 Legacy More Prominently Displayed In Smithsonian  \u201cTexas Senator Ted Cruz is going to bat for Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, the second African-American to hold a position on the nation\u2019s High Court\u2026 Cruz petitioned the Smithsonian Institute, asking that they correct the mistake that resulted in Thomas\u2019 legacy being reduced to a short mention of the Anita Hill scandal during his confirmation hearing.\u201d\u00a0\nWashington Free Beacon: Ted Cruz Demands Recognition of Clarence Thomas in New Black History Museum  \u201cIn a letter to the museum\u2019s curators, Sen. Ted Cruz (R., Texas) wrote he was \u2018deeply disturbed\u2019 by the omission, hailing Thomas as \u2018an African American who survived segregation, defeated discrimination, and ascended all the way to the Supreme Court\u2019\u2026 Cruz said Thomas\u2019 rise as \u2018an intellectual leader\u2019 on the high court given his difficult upbringing deserved full recognition.\u201d\nThe Washington Times: Ted Cruz \u2018deeply disturbed\u2019 by Clarence Thomas omission from African American history museum  \u201cSen. Ted Cruz has called on the Smithsonian Institution to recognize Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas\u2018 \u201cincredible contributions to the country,\u201d saying he was \u201cdeeply disturbed\u201d to learn that the black conservative does not have a prominent display at the National Museum of African American History and Culture\u2026Mr. Cruz wrote a letter to Smithsonian leaders on Monday, saying they \u201cmade a mistake by omitting the enormous legacy and impact\u201d of Justice Thomas from the recently opened museum in northwest Washington.\u201d\nThe Weekly Standard: Cruz Asks Smithsonian to Correct 'Mistake' of Obscuring Justice Thomas at Museum  \u201cTexas senator Ted Cruz petitioned the Smithsonian Institution Monday to correct what he called its \"mistake [of] omitting the enormous legacy and impact of Justice Thomas\" at the new National Museum of African American History and Culture\u2026The museum has received criticism for allegedly slighting the nation's second African American justice\u2026 The former Supreme Court clerk suggested that Thomas be featured more prominently alongside former Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, the first African American on the High Court.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://olson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/olson-statement-on-obama-offshore-drilling-action", "OLSON STATEMENT ON OBAMA OFFSHORE DRILLING ACTION", "2016-12-20", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Pete Olson", "O000168", "olson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Pete Olson (TX-22) this evening issued the following statement in response to President Obama's last ditch effort to halt offshore oil and gas drilling as he leaves office: \u00a0\n\u201cAfter working tirelessly to shut down the coal industry on his watch, Obama is now leaving the offshore drilling industry with a parting 'gift'. It's disappointing that the Obama Administration continues to say no to domestic energy development.\u00a0America needs a comprehensive energy plan for our Outer Continental Shelf exploration. This Administration\u2019s actions are counterproductive and do nothing to help our nation to realize its energy potential. I'm confident President-elect Trump will act swiftly to undo this short-sighted action and strengthen our nation\u2019s energy security and job creation.\"\n###\nMedia Contact: Melissa Kelly\n\t202-225-5951", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/content/114th-congress-encouraging-trade-benefit-texans", "The 114th Congress: Encouraging Trade to Benefit Texans", "2016-12-20", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "John Cornyn", "C001056", "www.cornyn.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "AUSTIN \u2013 During the 114th Congress, several pieces of legislation became law to help Texas farmers, ranchers and small businesses sell their goods to international customers and improve the flow of commerce across our borders:\nTrade Promotion Authority (Passed House 6/18/15, passed Senate 6/24/15, became law 6/29/15)\n Reduces barriers for American products to be sold to the 96 percent of the world\u2019s consumers that live outside the United States.\nEnables Texas farmers, ranchers and small businesses to sell their goods and services in new markets around the world and to compete in the global economy.\n Cross Border Trade Enhancement Act\u00a0(Passed Senate 11/29/16, passed House 12/6/16, passed Senate again 12/10/16, became law 12/16/16)\n Promotes public-private partnerships to boost staffing and make infrastructure improvements at U.S. ports of entry without adding to the national deficit.\nDeveloped with input from border community leaders and transportation industry stakeholders following successful pilot program agreements, including at the Paso Del Norte Bridge in El Paso.\n Starr-Camargo Bridge\u00a0Charter Extension (Passed Senate 3/17/16, passed House 5/16/16, became law 5/20/16)\n Grants the Starr-Camargo International Bridge in Rio Grande City, TX permanent operating authority, allowing the bridge to continue connecting communities across the Rio Grande.\n American Manufacturing Competitiveness Act (Passed House 4/27/16, passed Senate 5/10/16, became law 5/20/16)\n Reforms the process for local businesses to petition the federal government for tariff relief to temporarily reduce or eliminate tariffs on imported products that are not made in the United States but are vital for production and manufacturing in states like Texas.\n Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act (Passed House 2/12/15, passed Senate 5/14/15, passed House again 12/11/15, passed Senate again 2/11/16, became law 2/24/16)\n Reauthorizes the Customs and Border Patrol Agency, strengthens trade enforcement laws, and adds new protections for intellectual property rights.\n Trade Preferences Extension Act (Passed House 6/11/15, passed Senate 6/24/15, passed House again 6/25/15, became law 6/29/15)\n Continues trade programs that assist developing countries and provide important benefits for American workers and consumers.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/content/114th-congress-protecting-american-interests-home-and-abroad", "The 114th Congress: Protecting American Interests At Home and Abroad", "2016-12-20", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "John Cornyn", "C001056", "www.cornyn.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "AUSTIN \u2013 The 114th Congress passed several bills that are now law to protect American interests at home and abroad, including legislation to help boost our nation\u2019s defenses against cyberattacks, ensure the men and women in our military have access to the most up-to-date equipment, and to override a Presidential veto to ensure families of victims of terrorist attacks are able to pursue justice:\nCybersecurity Information Sharing Act (Passed Senate 10/27/15 and became law as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016 12/18/15)\n Provides for greater sharing of information to address the rampant and growing cyberattacks facing our country.\nImproves ability for federal government to deter future cyberattacks, and helps both public and private sectors act more nimbly to respond to attacks when detected.\n National Defense Authorization Act (Passed House 12/2/16, passed Senate 12/8/16, became law 12/14/16)\n Includes a pay raise for the men and women in our military, and ensures the armed forces will have access to the most up-to-date equipment.\nAuthorizes needed improvements at our Texas military facilities, including projects at Fort Hood, Joint Base San Antonio, Red River Army Depot, and Ellington Field.\n Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (Passed Senate 5/17/16, passed House 9/9/16, vetoed 9/23/16, passed Senate over veto 9/28/16, passed House over veto 9/28/16, became law 9/28/16)\n Allows families of victims of terror attacks on U.S. soil to sue the foreign states that fund terrorism and permit them to hold accountable those who aid and abet terrorism.\nPassed the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate unanimously, and became law after Congress overrode a Presidential veto.\n Iran Sanctions Extension Act (Passed House 11/15/16, passed Senate 12/1/16, became law 12/15/16)\n Provides Congress and future administrations the tools necessary to re-impose sanctions lifted as part of the President\u2019s Iran nuclear deal, and push back against Iranian hostile actions.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=2929", "Sen. Cruz: We Must Redouble Our Resolve to Partner With Our Allies, Prevent a Broader Outbreak of Violence", "2016-12-20", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Ted Cruz", "C001098", "www.cruz.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 \u00a0U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today released the following statement in the wake of radical Islamic terror attacks across the globe:\n\u201cHeidi\u2019s and my prayers are with the victims and families impacted by the recent, vicious rash of attacks in Jordan, Turkey, and Germany. They are a grim reminder that ISIS, al Qaeda, and other radical Islamic terrorist groups are not confined to the so-called caliphate in Syria and Iraq. Both by infiltrating the streams of refugees pouring into Europe and through an aggressive campaign of online radicalization, terrorists have been seeded throughout the west, waiting for the signal to strike. These are not lone wolves with mysterious personal motivations for their attacks--they are a coordinated pack attempting to undermine our civilization, which is by its nature anathema to their jihad. \u00a0We must redouble our resolve to partner closely with our allies to prevent a broader outbreak of violence that might very well hit us here at home.\u201d \u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hurd.house.gov/media-center/hurd-hill/hurd-hill-bringing-computer-science-middle-school-students", "Hurd on the Hill: Bringing Computer Science to Middle School Students", "2016-12-19", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Will Hurd", "H001073", "hurd.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Coding is the language of the 21st Century economy. If our students can\u2019t speak it, they will be left behind. We must do a better job preparing our students for the jobs that don\u2019t exist yet\u2014and we\u2019ve got to start at an earlier age.\u00a0\nOver 42,000 computer jobs go unfilled in Texas each year because we do not produce enough computer scientists\u2014and these jobs pay over twice the average salary in Texas. As a former computer science major at Texas A&M, this problem is close to my heart. There is no reason we should be missing the opportunity to prepare students for these high paying jobs.\nThe majority of students do not have access to computer science courses until high school. What is more interesting, is that according to a recent State law, most 8th graders must now select one of five \u201cendorsement\u201d tracks, which influences their course curriculum throughout high school.\u00a0 Students interested in computer science would theoretically choose the STEM endorsement track.\nBut how are they supposed to know that they are interested in computer science if they have never been exposed to it?\nTherein lies the problem: the vast majority of our middle schools do not offer computer science at all. Right now, the pipeline that produces Computer Science\u00a0professionals starts at the high school level.\nThat is why I have been working with several members of the public, private, and non-profit sectors, to develop a plan that provides earlier access to quality computer science education for our kids. In partnership with the University of Texas Center for STEM Education and non-profit organization Bootstrap, my curriculum initiative will train middle school teachers to integrate computer science into State-approved mathematics curriculums. Intel, Dell, Facebook, Brocade, and Toyota of Texas have agreed to generously fund the training, and the first training workshop will be held March 23 \u2013 25 in San Antonio.\nBecause the curriculum is taught through existing math classes, schools do not need additional teachers or classes. Forty middle school teachers from across the 23rd Congressional District of Texas may participate at little to no cost so that they can implement the program in the classroom in fall 2017. This could potentially expose at least 5,000 students in the 23rd Congressional District of Texas to Computer Science.\nIt\u2019s exciting that the public and private sectors are working together to produce real returns for the community, and it is my hope that we inspire many more students to pursue careers in computer science.\nIf you are a superintendent, principal, teacher or parent and would like more information, visit Hurd.House.Gov/CS or contact my office at 210-921-3130.\nHurd on the Hill: Trayendo Ciencias Inform\u00e1ticas a Estudiantes de Escuelas Secundaria\nPreparando a los estudiantes para la econom\u00eda del siglo XXI\nCodificaci\u00f3n es el idioma de la econom\u00eda del siglo XXI. Si nuestros estudiantes no saben hablarlo, ellos ser\u00e1n dejados atr\u00e1s. Necesitamos hacer un mejor trabajo de preparar a nuestros estudiantes para trabajos que a\u00fan no existen\u2014y tenemos que comenzar a una temprana edad.\nM\u00e1s de 42,000 trabajos de computaci\u00f3n no son llenados en Texas cada a\u00f1o porque no producimos suficiente especialistas de computaci\u00f3n\u2014y estos trabajos pagan doble del salario com\u00fan en Texas. Como un estudiante del estudio de ciencias de computaci\u00f3n en Texas A&M, este problema es de mucho inter\u00e9s para m\u00ed. No hay ninguna raz\u00f3n para que nosotros no aprovechemos la oportunidad de preparar a estudiantes para trabajos bien pagados.\nLa mayor\u00eda de estudiantes no tienen acceso a cursos de ciencias de computaci\u00f3n hasta la preparatoria. M\u00e1s interesante aun, seg\u00fan la reciente ley estatal, la mayor\u00eda de los estudiantes en el octavo grado deben seleccionar uno de cinco\u00a0 caminos de \u201caprobaci\u00f3n\u201d, lo cual influye sus cursos de curr\u00edculo para el resto de su tiempo en la preparatoria. Estudiantes interesados en las ciencias de computaci\u00f3n en teor\u00eda eligieran el camino de aprobaci\u00f3n de STEM.\nPero \u00bfc\u00f3mo van a saber si est\u00e1n interesados en las ciencias de computaci\u00f3n si jam\u00e1s han sido expuestos?\nAll\u00ed est\u00e1 el problema: la mayor\u00eda de nuestras escuelas secundarias no ofrecen cursos de ciencias de computaci\u00f3n. Actualmente, la ruta que produce a especialistas de ciencias de computaci\u00f3n empieza en la preparatoria.\nEs por eso que yo he estado trabajando con varios miembros del sector p\u00fablico, privado, y organizaciones sin fines de lucro para desarrollar un plan que ofrece acceso a educaci\u00f3n de calidad de ciencias inform\u00e1tica para nuestros hijos. En colaboraci\u00f3n con el Centro Para La Educaci\u00f3n de STEM de la Universidad de Texas y la organizaci\u00f3n sin fines de lucro, Bootstrap, mi iniciativa del curr\u00edculo entrenara a maestros de la secundaria como integrar ciencias de computaci\u00f3n en curr\u00edculos de matem\u00e1ticas, que sean aprobados por el estado. Intel, Dell, Facebook, Brocade, y Toyota de Texas generosamente se han puesto de acuerdo para financiar el entrenamiento, y el primer taller se llevara a cabo el 23-25 de marzo en San Antonio.\nComo el curr\u00edculo ser\u00e1 ense\u00f1ado por medio de clases de matem\u00e1ticas ya existentes, las escuelas no necesitaran maestros o clases adicionales. Cuarenta maestros de la secundaria a lo largo del Distrito Congressional 23 de Texas pueden participar a un costo m\u00ednimo o sin costo para implementar el programa en las clases el oto\u00f1o del 2017. Esto potencialmente puede exponer por lo menos a 5,000 estudiantes en el Distrito Congressional 23 a las ciencias de computaci\u00f3n.\nEs emocionante que los sectores p\u00fablicos y privados est\u00e9n trabajando juntos para producir beneficios reales para la comunidad y es\u00a0 mi deseo que podamos inspirar a muchos m\u00e1s estudiantes a seguir carreras en ciencias de computaci\u00f3n.\nSi es un superintendente, principal, maestro o padre y quisiera m\u00e1s informaci\u00f3n, visite a Hurd.House.Gov/CS o comun\u00edquese con mi oficina al 210-921-3130.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://marchant.house.gov/?p=24419", "Marchant Announces Priorities for 115th Congress", "2016-12-19", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Kenny Marchant", "M001158", "marchant.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Marchant Announces Priorities for 115th Congress\n\nWASHINGTON, DC \u2013 December 19, 2016: U.S. Congressman Kenny Marchant (TX-24) issued this statement outlining his top priorities for the 115th Congress:\n\nPresident Obama\u2019s disastrous healthcare law, \u201cObamacare,\u201d must be fully repealed. Every year since this law passed, Americans woke up to another broken promise by the Obama administration. The President\u2019s un-affordable and disastrous health care law has collapsed on itself, and hardworking North Texans have suffered the consequences. Families are stuck paying higher premiums, with fewer choices and less access to their doctors. Conservatives have consistently offered plans to repeal and replace Obamacare, with real, patient-centered solutions. The false promise that was Obamacare must be fully repealed at the start of the new year.\n\nOur country\u2019s broken immigration system fell victim to the current administration\u2019s unwillingness to enforce our nation\u2019s immigrations laws. Our focus in the new year should be to secure our border, enforce the immigration laws that are already on the books that are the law of the land.\n\nWe must get to work on simplifying our tax code. In the new year, Congress should work to provide Americans with a simpler, flatter, and fairer tax code. Both the tax code and the IRS are broken. It is Congress\u2019 responsibility to develop policies that deliver job growth, simplify the tax code, and restructure the broken IRS. We cannot continue to live with a tax code that is doomed to punish hard work, savings and entrepreneurship. Lowering rates and putting more hard-earned wages back into the pockets of workers will greatly benefit all of us in North Texas.\n\nOur debt exploded under President Obama. Meaningful action needs to be taken to get spending and our debt under control. That includes adopting a Balanced Budget Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. We must explore fiscally conservative approaches that build a healthier economy and reduce deficits in both the short and long-term.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://ratcliffe.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/ratcliffe-langevin-us-israel-cybersecurity-legislation-signed-law", "Ratcliffe, Langevin U.S.-Israel cybersecurity legislation signed into law", "2016-12-19", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "John Ratcliffe", "R000601", "ratcliffe.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Legislation introduced by Rep. John Ratcliffe (R-Texas) and Rep. Jim Langevin (D-R.I.) was signed into law Friday to strengthen collaborative cybersecurity research and development efforts between the United States and Israel. The pair of lawmakers introduced the United States-Israel Advanced Research Partnership Act of 2016 (H.R. 5877) in July after returning from a congressional delegation trip to Israel\u00a0that focused on addressing key cybersecurity issues facing both countries. \u00a0\n\u201cMy work as a cybersecurity subcommittee chairman over the past two years has focused on ensuring American citizens are protected from the growing national security threats posed by malicious cyber actors who intend to do our nation harm. I\u2019m glad I was able to work closely with Rep. Langevin to craft legislation to advance this important fight that is now the law of the land,\u201d Ratcliffe said.\n\u201cCybersecurity is the national and economic security challenge of our time, and we must use every resource at our disposal to support research, foster innovation, and fortify our cyber defenses. This must include a collaborative approach that allows us to work with our leading partners, like Israel, to develop new technologies for our cyber incident responders,\u201d Langevin said.\n\u201cPassage of this law will enhance cybersecurity for the United States and Israel, putting us on a shared path toward innovative solutions to the threats we face. I look forward to continuing to work with Chairman Ratcliffe to strengthen our relationship with Israel, including by passage of the United States-Israel Cybersecurity Cooperation Enhancement Act next Congress.\u201d\nThe lawmakers said their meetings with top Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Minister of Defense Moshe Ya\u2019alon, laid a critical foundation for their U.S.-Israel cybersecurity legislation.\n\u201cWhen Rep. Langevin and I traveled to Israel earlier this year, our discussions with Israeli national security and cybersecurity leaders revealed the immense wealth of untapped potential we can leverage together to collectively vamp up our efforts to combat growing cyber threats. We are extremely grateful for the opportunity to work more closely with a country that\u2019s a proven pioneer in cyber science and a top leader in cyber expertise,\u201d Ratcliffe said.\nThe United States-Israel Advanced Research Partnership Act expands a successful binational research and development program at the Homeland Security Advanced Research Projects Agency to include cybersecurity technologies. This collaboration between DHS and the Israeli Ministry of Public Security helps new products through the \u201cvalley of death\u201d between basic and early-phase applied research and successful commercialization, and will help both countries develop solutions to the unique security problems found in the cyber domain.\nRatcliffe chairs the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection and Security Technologies. Langevin is a senior member of the House Homeland Security Committee, and the co-founder and co-chair of the Congressional Cybersecurity Caucus.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/content/114th-congress-advancing-smart-healthcare-reforms", "The 114th Congress: Advancing Smart Healthcare Reforms", "2016-12-19", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "John Cornyn", "C001056", "www.cornyn.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "AUSTIN\u2014During the 114th Congress, several pieces of legislation were enacted into law that help will modernize and improve our health care system as Congress prepares to replace Obamacare with more affordable and effective access to medical care.\n21st Century Cures Act (Passed House 11/30/16, passed Senate 12/7/16, became law 12/13/16)\n Removes barriers to sharing and analyzing the growing amount of health data generated in research and clinical studies, increasing research collaboration.\nIncorporates the patient perspective into the drug development and regulatory review process by modernizing clinical trials and strengthening the FDA\u2019s ability to consider direct experiences.\nSupports young emerging scientists through the \u201cNext Generation of Researches Initiatives\u201d and loan repayment programs.\nRequires the Director of the NIH to develop a six-year coordinated strategy for biomedical research investments, collaboration and research, and biomedicine.\n Major Provisions of the Mental Health and Safe Communities Act (Passed as part of the 21st Century Cures Act and became law 12/13/16)\n Allows law enforcement to use existing funding to create pre-trial screening and assessment programs to identify mentally ill offenders, provide need-based treatment, and develop post-release supervision plans, including judicially-administered Assisted Outpatient Treatment programs.\nUses federal grant funding to expand the use of Crisis Intervention Teams, who are trained to respond to mental health crises and prevent acts of violence.\nEnables existing federal funding to be used to provide treatment, mentoring, and other transitional services to mentally-ill offenders leaving custody.\n Ensuring Proper Payments for Dedicated Cancer Centers (Passed as part of the 21st Century Cures Act and became law 12/13/16)\n Protects patient access to Dedicated Cancer Centers, like MD Anderson in Houston, by exempting qualifying cancer centers from Medicare payment reductions that are set to go into effect on January 1, 2017.\n Medicare Long-Term Care Hospital Moratorium Exception (Passed as part of 21st Century Cures Act and became law 12/13/16)\n Provides regulatory relief for Long-Term Care Hospitals (LTCHs) by qualifying for a \u201cmid-build\u201d exception to the current moratorium on bed expansion.\n Ensuring Removal of Terminated Providers from Medicaid and CHIP Act (Passed as part of 21st Century Cures Act and became law 12/13/16)\n Ensures federal funds are not paid to health care providers who have been terminated from the Medicaid, Medicare, or CHIP programs.\n Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (Passed the Senate 3/10/16, passed the House 5/13/16, became law 7/22/16)\n Expands substance abuse prevention and educational efforts, and establishes treatment and intervention programs throughout the country.\nIncreases resources to identify and treat individuals who have a substance use disorder and are incarcerated.\nReauthorizes task forces to combat heroin and methamphetamine abuse as well as treatment programs for pregnant and postpartum women.\nExpands the availability of opioid overdose reversal drugs to first responders and law enforcement agencies.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/content/114th-congress-empowering-crime-victims", "114th Congress: Empowering Crime Victims", "2016-12-19", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "John Cornyn", "C001056", "www.cornyn.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "AUSTIN\u2014During the 114th Congress several major pieces of legislation were enacted empowering victims of crime, including bills to help reduce the rape kit backlog and strengthen resources for law enforcement to arrest human traffickers.\nJustice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015 (Passed Senate 4/22/15, passed House 5/19/15, became law 5/29/15)\n Strengthens law enforcement tools to help authorities rescue victims and take down human traffickers and the organized criminal networks who support them.\nProvides victims of sexual exploitation, slavery, and human trafficking with resources to heal and restore their lives.\nTargets predators who purchase trafficked women and encourages partnerships at the federal, state and local level.\n Justice for All Reauthorization Act of 2016 (Passed Senate 6/16/16, passed House 11/29/16, became law 12/16/16)\n Gives our law enforcement the resources to arrest violent offenders and reauthorizes grant funding for local and state law enforcement to help reduce the nationwide rape kit backlog.\nProvides resources for forensic labs while protecting the innocent by improving access to post-conviction DNA testing.\nStrengthens crime victims\u2019 rights in the courtroom, increases access to restitution and restorative services like housing, and reauthorizes important law enforcement investigative programs.\n Survivors\u2019 Bill of Rights Act (Passed House 9/6/16, passed Senate 9/28/16, became law 10/7/16)\n Ensures sexual assault survivors in federal criminal cases are notified before an evidence collection kit is destroyed, can request preservation of the kit, and are informed of important results.\nRequires the Attorney General and the United States Department of Health and Human Services to convene a joint working group on best practices regarding the care and treatment of sexual assault survivors.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/content/114th-congress-funding-our-highways-and-boosting-infrastructure", "The 114th Congress: Funding Our Highways and Boosting Infrastructure", "2016-12-19", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "John Cornyn", "C001056", "www.cornyn.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "AUSTIN \u2013 During the 114th Congress, a number of measures to improve Texas and the nation\u2019s infrastructure became law, including a long-term highway funding bill, legislation to streamline legitimate commerce at our ports of entry, and a measure to help speed up the Army Corps of Engineers\u2019 effort to protect Texas\u2019 Gulf Coast region from a major natural disaster. Key transportation developments during the 114th Congress include:\nThe FAST Act (Passed Senate 7/30/15, passed House 12/3/15, passed Senate again 12/3/15, became law 12/4/15)\n A five-year highway and transit funding bill, the first of its kind in over\u00a0a decade.\nProvides certainty to implement much-needed, economy-boosting projects that strengthen our nation's infrastructure and make our transportation systems safer.\nIncludes language that gives Texas flexibility to invest in infrastructure along the border.\nDesignates new high priority interstate corridors in Texas.\n Cross Border Trade Enhancement Act\u00a0(Passed Senate 11/29/16, passed House 12/6/16, passed Senate again 12/10/16, became law 12/16/16)\n Promotes public-private partnerships to boost staffing and make infrastructure improvements at U.S. ports of entry without adding to the national deficit.\nDeveloped with input from border community leaders and transportation industry stakeholders following successful pilot program agreements, including at the Paso Del Norte Bridge in El Paso.\n Starr-Camargo Bridge\u00a0Charter Extension (Passed Senate 3/17/16, passed House 5/16/16, became law 5/20/16)\n Grants the Starr-Camargo International Bridge in Rio Grande City, TX permanent operating authority, allowing the bridge to continue connecting communities across the Rio Grande.\n Texas Coastal Protection (Included in the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act, which Passed House 12/8/16, Passed Senate 12/10/16, became law 12/16/16)\n Includes a major provision from Senator Cornyn\u2019s COAST Act to help streamline the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers\u2019 Coastal Texas Protection & Restoration Study along Texas\u2019 upper Gulf Coast.\nRequires the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to take into consideration certain studies already developed by the Gulf Coast Community Protection and Recovery District (GCCPRD) while completing its Storm Surge Suppression Study.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/content/114th-congress-reforming-education-future-generations", "The 114th Congress: Reforming Education for Future Generations", "2016-12-19", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "John Cornyn", "C001056", "www.cornyn.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "AUSTIN \u2013 During the 114th Congress, key laws were enacted to help return education decisions to parents and local communities, including the first major reforms to the education system in more than a decade, and reauthorizing and expanding a program to encourage innovative approaches to teaching students:\nEvery Student Succeeds Act (Passed Senate 12/2/15, passed House 12/10/15, became law 12/10/15)\n First major reforms to our education system in more than a decade.\nPrevents Washington from imposing Common Core standards and puts educational decision-making back where it belongs: in the hands of Texas school districts, teachers, and parents.\n Reauthorization of the Education Flexibility Partnership Act (Passed Senate 12/2/15, passed House 12/10/15, became law 12/10/15)\n Reauthorized and expanded as part of an amendment to the Every Student Succeeds Act authored by Senator Cornyn.\nAllows districts and schools flexibility in the implementation of federal education programs in exchange for enhanced accountability for students\u2019 performance.\nEnsures that states have the freedom to leverage federal funds to increase efficiency and encourage innovation.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/content/114th-congress-supporting-our-law-enforcement", "The 114th Congress: Supporting Our Law Enforcement", "2016-12-19", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "John Cornyn", "C001056", "www.cornyn.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "AUSTIN\u2014During the 114th Congress several important pieces of legislation were passed into law that will help support those who protect our communities, including bills to expand active shooter training, increase resources for mentally ill offenders, and help reduce the nationwide rape kit backlog.\nPOLICE Act of 2016 (Passed Senate 5/18/16, passed House 7/12/16, became law 7/22/16)\n Expands access to existing federal funding for law enforcement and first responders to receive active shooter response training.\nEndorsed by the National Fraternal Order of Police, the National District Attorneys Association, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the Major County Sheriffs Association, and the Sergeants Benevolent Association.\n Major Provisions of the Mental Health and Safe Communities Act (Passed as part of the 21st Century Cures Act and became law 12/13/16)\n Allows law enforcement to use existing funding to create pre-trial screening and assessment programs to identify mentally ill offenders, provide need-based treatment, and develop post-release supervision plans, including judicially-administered Assisted Outpatient Treatment programs.\nUses federal grant funding to expand the use of Crisis Intervention Teams, who are trained to respond to mental health crises and prevent acts of violence.\nEnables existing federal funding to be used to provide treatment, mentoring, and other transitional services to mentally-ill offenders leaving custody.\n Justice for All Reauthorization Act of 2016 (Passed Senate 6/16/16, passed House 11/29/16, became law 12/16/16)\n Gives our law enforcement the resources to arrest violent offenders and reauthorizes grant funding for local and state law enforcement to help reduce the nationwide rape kit backlog.\nProvides resources for forensic labs while protecting the innocent by improving access to post-conviction DNA testing.\nStrengthens crime victims\u2019 rights in the courtroom, increases access to restitution and restorative services like housing, and reauthorizes important law enforcement investigative programs.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/content/president-signs-cornyn-measure-help-speed-texas-coastal-protection-study", "President Signs Cornyn Measure to Help Speed Up Texas Coastal Protection Study", "2016-12-19", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "John Cornyn", "C001056", "www.cornyn.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Provision Included in Bipartisan Water Infrastructure Bill\nAUSTIN \u2013 U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement after the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act, bipartisan legislation that includes a major provision from his COAST Act to help streamline the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers\u2019 Coastal Texas Protection & Restoration Study along Texas\u2019 upper Gulf Coast, was signed into law by the President:\n\u201cThe folks who live along Texas\u2019 upper gulf coast are seeking certainty in the face of natural disasters, and this law takes a big step toward that,\u201d said Sen. Cornyn. \u00a0\u201cI\u2019m thankful the President has signed this bill into law so we can help streamline the Army Corps\u2019 study as we continue working to protect Texans living along our coast.\u201d\nThe provision authored by Sen. Cornyn requires the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to take into consideration certain studies already developed by the Gulf Coast Community Protection and Recovery District (GCCPRD) while completing its Storm Surge Suppression Study.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=2928", "Sen. Cruz Calls On the Smithsonian to Include A Fair and Accurate Portrayal of the Incredible Life of Justice Clarence Thomas", "2016-12-19", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Ted Cruz", "C001098", "www.cruz.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON D.C. \u2013 U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R- Texas) today sent a letter to leaders of the Smithsonian Institution urging them to include an accurate legacy and biography of Clarence Thomas in the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Justice Thomas rose through segregation and discrimination to become a leading voice for originalism on the Supreme Court of the United States, but the recently opened museum fails to recognize his extraordinary accomplishments in any exhibit.\u00a0\n\u201cAs much as I am grateful for the museum and its efforts to preserve and promote the indispensable, yet oft-neglected, contributions of African Americans to the collective history of our nation, I believe the museum has made a mistake by omitting the enormous legacy and impact of Justice Thomas, as well as his compelling background,\u201d Cruz wrote.\n\u201cIn summary, Justice Thomas climbed from Pin Point, Georgia, prejudice, and poverty to the pinnacle of the legal profession, to where he is now an intellectual leader on a Supreme Court that is more influential than ever in the most powerful nation on earth.\u201d\nRead the letter in its entirety here and below.\u00a0\nDecember 19, 2016\u00a0\nMr. David J. Skorton  Secretary of the Smithsonian  Smithsonian Institution  Post Office Box 37012  Washington, DC 20013-7012\nMr. Richard Kurin  Acting Provost / Under Secretary for Museums and Research  Smithsonian Institution  Post Office Box 37012  Washington, DC 20013-7012\nMr. Lonnie G. Bunch III  Founding Director  National Museum of African American History and Culture  Post Office Box 37012  Washington, DC 20013-7012\nDear Dr. Skorton, Mr. Kurin, and Mr. Bunch,\nMany congratulations are in order for the immensely successful opening of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. \u00a0The new museum has been rightly praised for its detailed, complex, and powerful portrayal of the African-American experience in the United States. \u00a0As the Wall Street Journal and New York Times have observed, the museum is simultaneously uplifting and upsetting\u2014and it should be, given that the tapestry of our nation\u2019s history includes both the disgraceful epoch of slavery and the inspiring endeavors of legendary African-American leaders like Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, and Martin Luther King, Jr.\u00a0\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 It is about one of these leaders that I write you today: Clarence Thomas, the second African-American justice to sit on the Supreme Court of the United States, as well as the longest serving African-American justice. \u00a0As much as I am grateful for the museum and its efforts to preserve and promote the indispensable, yet oft-neglected, contributions of African Americans to the collective history of our nation, I believe the museum has made a mistake by omitting the enormous legacy and impact of Justice Thomas, as well as his compelling background.\u00a0\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Even in the context of the countless African-American heroes from U.S. history, few \u201cagainst all odds\u201d tales are more inspirational than that of Justice Thomas. \u00a0To quote one Thomas expert, Mark Paoletta:\u00a0\n[Thomas] grew up in the segregated deep south of coastal Georgia. \u00a0Because of his Geechee heritage, he experienced discrimination from other African Americans as well as from whites. \u00a0Thomas was fortunate that he was sent at age seven to live with his grandparents, who were both strong role models. His grandfather, Myers Anderson, was uneducated but built a small business delivering fuel oil, coal, firewood and ice in the Savannah community. \u00a0He instilled the values of hard work, perseverance, and accountability. \u00a0He used to tell Thomas and his younger brother, \u201cOld Man Can\u2019t is dead. I helped bury him.\u201d\nEver his grandfather\u2019s son, Justice Thomas also helped bury \u2018Old Man Can\u2019t\u2019\u2014in spectacular fashion. \u00a0Justice Thomas\u2019s dramatic journey from enduring entrenched racial discrimination to serving on the highest court in a country of 320 million people is one that should be shouted from the rooftops to all Americans, regardless of race or ethnicity.\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 And Justice Thomas\u2019s historic rise is only half of the story. \u00a0This year, we commemorate the 25th anniversary of his appointment to the Supreme Court. \u00a0In a quarter century, Justice Thomas has carved out one of the more profound and unique legacies in the Court\u2019s history. \u00a0Never afraid to oppose the prevailing trends of the day, Justice Thomas has become the Court\u2019s foremost adherent to the idea that the Constitution should only be interpreted in accord with the document\u2019s historic and original meaning, as opposed to the \u201cliving Constitution\u201d doctrine that has pervaded both the Court and the legal academy for decades.\nAs is typical when challenging an entrenched orthodoxy, Justice Thomas\u2019s impassioned commitment to originalism has earned him sharp criticism over the years\u2014some of it measured, but much of it vitriolic and disingenuous. \u00a0It has also earned him effusive praise, however, and not just from like minds. \u00a0CNN legal analyst Jeffrey Toobin, often a harsh Thomas critic, admitted in The New Yorker in 2011 that Thomas had \u201cemerged as an intellectual leader of the Supreme Court\u201d whose influence has \u201cbeen recognized by those who generally disagree with his views.\u201d \u00a0No other Justice, Toobin observed, \u201cstudies the historical record with as much care, and enthusiasm, as Thomas.\u201d \u00a0Moreover, according to Toobin:\nThe implications of Thomas\u2019s leadership for the Court, and for the country, are profound. \u00a0Thomas is probably the most conservative Justice to serve on the Court since the [1930s]. \u00a0More than virtually any of his colleagues, he has a fully wrought judicial philosophy that, if realized, would transform much of American government and society.\nSimilarly, Tom Goldstein, a Supreme Court expert and the founder of the increasingly influential SCOTUSblog, wrote:\nNo other member of the Court is so independent in his thinking. \u2026 I disagree profoundly with Justice Thomas\u2019s views on many questions, but if you believe that Supreme Court decision-making should be a contest of ideas rather than power, so that the measure of a Justice\u2019s greatness is his contribution of new and thoughtful perspectives that enlarge the debate, then Justice Thomas is now our greatest Justice.\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 In summary, Justice Thomas climbed from Pin Point, Georgia, prejudice, and poverty to the pinnacle of the legal profession, to where he is now an intellectual leader on a Supreme Court that is more influential than ever in the most powerful nation on earth. \u00a0And on top of that, as I can attest from my personal experience as a law clerk at the Supreme Court, he is well known behind the scenes as one of the most jovial, down-to-earth, and gracious personalities to ever don the robe. \u00a0Stories of his kindness, generosity, and humility abound.\nAs such, I became deeply disturbed upon learning that Justice Thomas\u2019s moving story and incredible contributions to the country are not even mentioned, much less discussed in detail, in the new museum. \u00a0Making matters worse, the only reference to Justice Thomas is in regard to a single individual\u2019s controversial accusation against him at his Senate confirmation hearing twenty-five years ago\u2014an accusation that was contradicted by numerous witnesses and rejected by the Washington Post, the Democratic-controlled Senate, and the American public at the time. \u00a0I am concerned that millions of Americans, of all ages, races, religions, and walks of life, when passing through this museum, will be subjected to a singular and distorted view of Justice Thomas, an African-American who survived segregation, defeated discrimination, and ascended all the way to the Supreme Court.\u00a0\nI fully understand that a museum cannot include every bit of relevant information, nor can it tell every tale. \u00a0Many great people and their stories had to be omitted from the museum, I am certain. \u00a0But, with all due respect, Justice Thomas\u2019s story is not just any other story. \u00a0Rather, it is a story uniquely compelling in the annals of United States history, African-American or otherwise. \u00a0In my view\u2014and in the view of Senator Tim Scott, who sent a similar letter recently\u2014a Thomas exhibit would fit perfectly in the section of the museum entitled \u201cMaking a Way Out of No Way.\u201d \u00a0Indeed, if you were to travel back in time to Pin Point, Georgia, in 1948, and ask that community whether a newborn in Justice Thomas\u2019s circumstances could someday sit on the Supreme Court of the United States, I am confident the answer of most (if not all) would have been: No Way. \u00a0And yet, by the grace of God, 68 years later here he is. \u00a0 \u00a0\nTo be clear, I am not petitioning for a partisan hagiography of Justice Thomas, nor am I asking that everything critical of him be excluded. \u00a0I am simply requesting that a fair and accurate portrayal of his powerful story be included, for the great benefit of millions of future museum-goers. \u00a0This could perhaps best be done with a balanced display discussing Justice Thomas and the esteemed Thurgood Marshall, the Supreme Court\u2019s first African-American justice. Justice Marshall is briefly praised in the museum, but only in reference to his participation as a lawyer in the famous Brown v. Board of Education decision. \u00a0An exhibit showing the inspirational beginnings, journeys, and vastly different judicial approaches of Justice Marshall and Justice Thomas makes much sense. \u00a0After all, in 240 years, only three African Americans have served at the highest level of the executive or judicial branches of our great country\u2014Justice Marshall, Justice Thomas, and President Barack Obama. \u00a0President Obama has a large presence in the museum, so it would be appropriate to also examine Justices Marshall and Thomas.\nIn his closing, the museum reviewer for the New York Times writes: \u201cI also suspect\u2014hope, actually\u2014that the museum will never be finished, or consider itself so; that its take on African-American history, which is American history, stays fluid, critical and richly confused: real, in other words.\u201d \u00a0I hope for the same thing, and appreciate your consideration of this request.\nVery truly yours,\nTed Cruz   Chairman  Subcommittee on Oversight, Agency Action,  Federal Rights and Federal Courts\nCc: The Honorable Charles E. Grassley  Chairman  Senate Committee on the Judiciary\n  The Honorable Patrick J. Leahy  Ranking Member  Senate Committee on the Judiciary\n  The Honorable Christopher A. Coons  Ranking Member  Subcommittee on Oversight, Agency Action,  Federal Rights and Federal Courts\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://flores.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398898", "Daily Caller: EXCLUSIVE: GOP Lawmaker Confident Americans Will Quickly See Health Care Improvements In 2017", "2016-12-18", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Bill Flores", "F000461", "flores.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "By: Juliegrace BrufkeGOP lawmakers are gearing up to overturn a number of President Barack Obama\u2019s policies in 2017, and Republican Study Committee Chairman Bill Flores is confident Americans will quickly see improvements in their health care options after GOP leaders repeal Obamacare early next year.\r\nCongress is slated to move on repealing Obamacare within its\u00a0first week back, with the intention of getting a bill to President-elect Donald Trump\u2019s desk as soon as he takes office. While Republicans are still determining what its replacement should look like, Flores said he anticipates the repeal to have an almost immediate impact.\r\n\u201cI think the replacement will take a few more weeks to figure out what that looks like \u2014 the good news is the Republican Study Committee already has an Obamacare replacement that has more cosponsors than anybody else in the House,\u201d he told The Daily Caller News Foundation. \u201cSo, we can use our model, Tom Price has a great bill, also if you look at the \u2018A Better Way\u2019 agenda there\u2019s the outline of a replacement in there \u2014 so among those sort of three of the more noteworthy plans we\u2019ll find a solution in there.\u201d\r\nThe timing of the replacement remains up in the air, with a number of Senate Republicans calling for a three-year window while some\u00a0House conservatives would like to see it completed during the 115th Congress.\r\n\u201cWhat I would say is \u2018the end date for today\u2019s Obamacare needs to be about three years post repeal, so let\u2019s say we do the repeal vote early in January and the president signs in on Jan. 20,\u201d he told TheDCNF, noting that\u2019s what he would advise leadership to do. \u201cIt ought to end January of 2019. Now, over the next three-to-six months ought\u00a0to come up with a replacement, and the replacement ought to be fully implemented as of the end date of Obamacare, so Jan. 1 of 2020 would be the full implementation date.\u201d\r\nFlores said if Republicans are doing their jobs right, their plan will both increase access and bring down costs.\r\n\u201cIf we actually do those things, then\u00a0we will cover\u00a0more people, because people have better access to health care and they\u2019ll have more affordability, so they\u2019ll want to buy it,\u201d he said. \u201cI can see a situation where we come up with a plan where we have more people with health care and they really like the health care they\u2019re getting versus this coverage they don\u2019t like today that they can\u2019t afford.\u201d\r\nRepublicans have vowed to keep the popular provisions from the Affordable Care Act in place \u2014 such as allowing dependents to stay on their parents plan until the age of 26 and requiring insurers to cover preexisting condition \u2014 but will eliminate language including the individual and employer mandate. Flores said he is open to working across the aisle on the replacement plan if they bring ideas to the table that won\u2019t increase premiums.\r\n\u201cI think what\u2019s incumbent upon us is to give the Democrats a seat at the table, and if they do raise good ideas to incorporate those ideas. For the life of me, I don\u2019t know what they are yet, but if they do come up with some, let\u2019s look at it,\u201d he said. \u201cAnd if you can come up with bipartisan solution, I think it\u2019s always better than having a single-party solution, but again at the end of the day, the American people have an expectation of us and we can\u2019t let bipartisanship dilute that expectation.\u201d\r\nBoth Vice President-elect Mike Pence and Rep. Tom Price of Georgia, who was recently tapped to serve as the secretary if Health and Human Service next year, served as RSC chairmen in the past, so the group will likely have an open flow of communication with the administration.\r\nNorth Carolina Rep. Mark Walker is expected to soon take over the group, but Flores will sit on its steering committee, which is tasked with providing strategic guidance in the direction the RSC takes.\r\n\u201cThe good news is we\u2019ll have all these relationships with the administration, so we can talk candidly about how we can make things work really smoothly in Congress and where we might need help from the administration to encourage people to get on board,\u201d he said.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://carter.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=40&itemid=2181", "Congressman Carter, Bell County Officials, Salado Leaders Push Texas Sunset Commission about I-35", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "John Carter", "C001051", "carter.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(ROUND ROCK, TEXAS) \u2013 Last Friday, Rep. John R. Carter, secured time in front of the Texas Sunset Commission for leaders from the Village of Salado, to address the Commission regarding the need for productive solutions for the negative impact on the Village during major Texas Department of Transportation projects over the past few years. Congressman Carter requested time of the Commission in order to allow leaders from Salado, to address the detrimental impact the construction and its many delays had on the overall economic well being of the area. Representing the Village of Salado was Skip Blancett, Mayor of Salado; Melanie Kirchmeirer, Member of the Village of Salado Council; and Dave Swarthout, representative of the Village of Salado Chamber of Commerce.  \u00a0  \u201cOur Texas Department of Transportation, along with other State and Local leaders must be empowered to impose penalties on contractors who grossly violate their commitments, as we saw during the Interstate 35 project impacting Salado,\u201d said Rep. Carter. \u201cSalado is a small community that relies heavily on tourism. What happened to Salado must not be allowed to happen again in Texas. Our Central Texas economy cannot afford another construction disaster as Salado experienced and expect to survive. Central Texas is booming, and due in part to good mobility. Across the Federal, State and Local entities, we must stand strong together as we undergo more transportation improvement project, and not allow them to hinder our growth.\u201d  \u00a0  The Village of Salado relies heavily on tourism to survive. Over the past few years during the major I-35 improvement project, tourism dropped dramatically, forcing many businesses to close. This had a very negative impact on the economy of Salado, and the region. Newly elected State officials representing Bell County, Dawn Buckingham, Scott Cosper and Hugh Shine, are also calling on the State to address this issue.  \u00a0  \u00a0\"Infrastructure development is critical to Texas' future, but communities must be protected when contractor delays negatively impact local economies,\" Senator-elect Dawn Buckingham said. \"I am already working with Congressman Carter, our state delegation, local officials and businesses, the Texas Department of Transportation and state leadership on this issue. I am confident we can collectively develop a solution that provides safeguards to Texas communities facing these challenges.\"  \u00a0  Scott Cosper, State Representative-elect for District 54 which includes Salado, said, \u201cI, too, agree with Congressman Carter that the construction along IH-35 through Salado has been a travesty. We must ensure as we go forward that construction projects like this do not negatively impact local communities. I appreciate Congressman Carter\u2019s initiative in taking the lead in this effort and stand side-by-side with him as we move forward.\u201d  \u00a0  Newly elected State Representative of District 55 Hugh Shine said,\"Texas has the largest highway system in the United States with over 200,000 lane miles and over 50,000 bridges that we must maintain, expand and enhance for the purpose of supporting economic growth. Over 80 percent of NAFTA's trade activity passes over Texas' highway network. For these reasons it is necessary that we make sure new highway construction and improvements are done in a timely and efficient manner.\u201d\u00a0  \u00a0  \u00a0\"I greatly appreciate the relationship I have with Congressman Carter, Senator-Elect Buckingham and other community leaders as we work together to insure TXDOT and its Contractors are also mindful of the impact and affect their construction plans and decisions have on our local communities,\" Shine said.\u00a0  \u00a0  Rep. Carter represents Texas District 31, which includes Fort Hood, the largest active duty armored military installation in the free world. He serves as Chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Appropriations, co-chairman of the House Army Caucus, is on the Subcommittee for Commerce, Justice and Science and the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee.  \u00a0  \u00a0  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://carter.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1257", "Congressman Carter, Bell County Officials, Salado Leaders Push Texas Sunset Commission about I-35", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "John R. Carter", "C001051", "carter.house.gov", "carter", "https://carter.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "(ROUND ROCK, TEXAS) \u2013 Last Friday, Rep. John R. Carter, secured time in front of the Texas Sunset Commission for leaders from the Village of Salado, to address the Commission regarding the need for productive solutions for the negative impact on the Village during major Texas Department of Transportation projects over the past few years. Congressman Carter requested time of the Commission in order to allow leaders from Salado, to address the detrimental impact the construction and its many delays had on the overall economic well being of the area. Representing the Village of Salado was Skip Blancett, Mayor of Salado; Melanie Kirchmeirer, Member of the Village of Salado Council; and Dave Swarthout, representative of the Village of Salado Chamber of Commerce.\n\n\u201cOur Texas Department of Transportation, along with other State and Local leaders must be empowered to impose penalties on contractors who grossly violate their commitments, as we saw during the Interstate 35 project impacting Salado,\u201d said Rep. Carter. \u201cSalado is a small community that relies heavily on tourism. What happened to Salado must not be allowed to happen again in Texas. Our Central Texas economy cannot afford another construction disaster as Salado experienced and expect to survive. Central Texas is booming, and due in part to good mobility. Across the Federal, State and Local entities, we must stand strong together as we undergo more transportation improvement project, and not allow them to hinder our growth.\u201d\n\nThe Village of Salado relies heavily on tourism to survive. Over the past few years during the major I-35 improvement project, tourism dropped dramatically, forcing many businesses to close. This had a very negative impact on the economy of Salado, and the region. Newly elected State officials representing Bell County, Dawn Buckingham, Scott Cosper and Hugh Shine, are also calling on the State to address this issue.\n\n\"Infrastructure development is critical to Texas' future, but communities must be protected when contractor delays negatively impact local economies,\" Senator-elect Dawn Buckingham said. \"I am already working with Congressman Carter, our state delegation, local officials and businesses, the Texas Department of Transportation and state leadership on this issue. I am confident we can collectively develop a solution that provides safeguards to Texas communities facing these challenges.\"\n\nScott Cosper, State Representative-elect for District 54 which includes Salado, said, \u201cI, too, agree with Congressman Carter that the construction along IH-35 through Salado has been a travesty. We must ensure as we go forward that construction projects like this do not negatively impact local communities. I appreciate Congressman Carter\u2019s initiative in taking the lead in this effort and stand side-by-side with him as we move forward.\u201d\n\nNewly elected State Representative of District 55 Hugh Shine said,\"Texas has the largest highway system in the United States with over 200,000 lane miles and over 50,000 bridges that we must maintain, expand and enhance for the purpose of supporting economic growth. Over 80 percent of NAFTA's trade activity passes over Texas' highway network. For these reasons it is necessary that we make sure new highway construction and improvements are done in a timely and efficient manner.\u201d\n\n\"I greatly appreciate the relationship I have with Congressman Carter, Senator-Elect Buckingham and other community leaders as we work together to insure TXDOT and its Contractors are also mindful of the impact and affect their construction plans and decisions have on our local communities,\" Shine said.\n\nRep. Carter represents Texas District 31, which includes Fort Hood, the largest active duty armored military installation in the free world. He serves as Chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Appropriations, co-chairman of the House Army Caucus, is on the Subcommittee for Commerce, Justice and Science and the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T21:09:43Z"], ["https://hurd.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/lawmakers-push-include-digital-infrastructure-plans", "Lawmakers Push to Include Digital in Infrastructure Plans", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Will Hurd", "H001073", "hurd.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "As rebuilding the country\u2019s infrastructure looks to be an area President-elect Donald Trump and Democrats can agree on, lawmakers from both parties are trying to make sure the conversation includes digital infrastructure.\u00a0\nCalifornia Democratic Rep.\u00a0Ted Lieu\u00a0said digital infrastructure is as vital to the country as\u00a0roads and bridges.\n\u201cFrom hardening our electric grid to making sure we put broadband out in all communities in the U.S., we need to invest in digital capacity as much as in concrete,\u201d\u00a0Lieu said.\nTexas Republican Rep.\u00a0Will Hurd\u00a0said\u00a0increased access to broadband can help improve health care.\n\u201cWhen we want to talk about telemedicine, if you don\u2019t have cell phone service or broadband, you are going to have some problems,\u201d Hurd said.\nHurd, whose district encompasses nearly half of the U.S.-Mexico border, also said fiber optic cables could improve homeland security.\n\u201cThere\u2019s some real opportunities to use that on the border. Using that tech on fiber tech is more effective than building a physical wall,\u201d he said.\nLieu has a similar take:\u00a0\u201cTo secure America we don\u2019t need physical walls, we need firewalls.\u201d\nAccusations by the intelligence community that Russia was responsible for interfering in the U.S. elections highlight the need for hardening security systems.\nLieu pointed to the 2013 hacking of a dam in New York\u00a0by Iranians as an example of vulnerabilities.\nTrump has proposed an \u201cAmerica\u2019s Infrastructure First\u201d policy that would be funded by public money and private investment to rebuild and modernize the country\u2019s transportation, water, electricity, telecommunications and security systems, and Democrats have\u00a0signaled that they would be willing to work with him on a package.\nHurd said he has not yet spoken with Trump\u2019s incoming administration\u00a0about their plans, but the House Homeland Security Committee, on which he and Lieu serve, is working on legislation.\nModernizing the country\u2019s\u00a0infrastructure will\u00a0have a big price tag. Lieu points to the American Society of Civil Engineers\u2019\u00a0Report Card for America\u2019s Infrastructure\u00a0that\u00a0shows the U.S. would need to invest $3.6 trillion by 2020 just to get a passing grade.\nBut conservatives are already warning the incoming president that they won\u2019t allow whatever package he proposes to add to the deficit, which will mean cutting other funding to pay for it.\nLieu is hoping Trump can sell the investment to his own party.\n\u201cDonald Trump has said that he is a businessman,\u201d he\u00a0said. \u201cIf all companies had to cut something to invest, we\u2019d have no economic progress.\u201d\nLarry Downes, project director at the Georgetown Center for Business and Public Policy, said a digital infrastructure plan would\u00a0need a more viable source of funding than programs like the Lifeline program, which provides phones to low-income users\u00a0and is funded through a tax on the voice call part of phone bills.\n\u201cThe most direct way is a tax on broadband service,\u201d he said,\u00a0but that\u2019s a tough sell politically.\nHurd also suggested\u00a0the North American Development Bank, an institution capitalized by both the U.S. and Mexican governments, as a potential model for financing projects.\n\u201cThey do a mix of public and private funds to do many of the projects that they sponsor and work on,\u201d he said.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hurd.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/public-private-partnership", "Public-private partnership", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Will Hurd", "H001073", "hurd.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, Texan and second-highest ranking Republican in the Senate, toured the World Trade Bridge on Thursday \u2014 the latest official to make an example of Laredo as an important hub for international trade.\nHis visit served to highlight the Cross-Border Trade Enhancement Act, which he co-authored with U.S. Rep\u00a0Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo. The bill passed through Congress Dec. 6 and is now awaiting President Obama\u2019s signature. Cuellar said this was the fastest bill he has ever worked on.\nThe legislation will enable private companies and local governments to donate money or resources to\u00a0Customs and Border Protection\u2019s ports of entry. This generally means that CBP will be able to facilitate trade more quickly through infrastructure improvements and increased staffing.\nFor Laredo, the passage of this bill would allow a public-private partnership to fund fast lanes at the World Trade Bridge that would connect directly to Interstate 35. City Manager Jesus Olivares said in November that the city is applying for a federal grant with the\u00a0Department of Transportation\u00a0to fund this project. He also said it would cost $6-$8 million out of the city\u2019s pocket, \u201cright off the bat.\u201d The goal is simply to get more trucks crossing through Laredo.\n\u201cThe more traffic, the more tolls we collect,\u201d Olivares said.\nThe grand tour\nCornyn was joined Thursday by Cuellar, Olivares, U.S. Rep.\u00a0Will Hurd, R-Helotes, Mayor\u00a0Pete Saenz, Webb County Judge\u00a0Tano Tijerina\u00a0and other city and county officials for a tour of the World Trade Bridge. The officials met privately with local stakeholders such as customs brokers and forwarding agents before the tour.\nYvette Limon, acting bridge director for the city, led Cornyn and the representatives across the road lanes as she explained the daily process at the port. After she informed the group of toll prices, Cornyn quipped, \u201cThat\u2019s pretty cheap!\u201d\nThe senator also spent a few minutes inside a toll booth to get a lay of the land as trucks breezed by.\nIn a news conference, Cornyn alluded to President-elect Trump\u2019s promise to dismantle NAFTA and build a \u201cbig, beautiful\u201d border wall.\n\u201cI know of no one that thinks security is a bad idea \u2014 everyone understands that security is a prerequisite to everything else. But we also have to talk in the same terms about the importance of our ports of entry and trade,\u201d Cornyn said.\nThe\u00a0Texas Tribune\u00a0recently reported that these lawmakers were in a rush to get the Cross-Border Trade Enhancement Act in front of Obama before he leaves office. But when asked Thursday, they said that\u2019s just how the timing worked out after the bill passed through Congress.\nCornyn also said the federal government has not been able to invest properly in international ports of entry run by CBP.\n\u201cThis is really something most people cannot imagine: the flow of commerce and trade across the international border here in Laredo, Texas,\u201d Cornyn said. \u201cAs we all know, the federal government hasn\u2019t kept up with its investment in either the infrastructure or the staffing that\u2019s so important to keeping that flow of trade going ...\u201d\nIn his introduction, Saenz touted new numbers by the Texas Comptroller\u2019s Office: namely that Laredo\u2019s five border crossings accounted for $204 billion of international trade in Texas in 2015.\nHurd, whose district contains nine ports of entry from Eagle Pass to El Paso, said even though this bill seems like a no-brainer for those who work on the border, it almost didn\u2019t happen.\n\u201cIn steps\u00a0Senator Cornyn, in steps Henry Cuellar, and we were able to get this done,\u201d he said.\nThe\u00a0Congressional Budget Office\u00a0concluded that enacting this legislation would not affect federal revenues or deficits in the next 50 years.\nJulia Wallace\u00a0may be reached at jwallace@lmtonline.com\nEl senador de Estados Unidos por Texas, John Cornyn, segundo republicano de mayor rango en el Senado, visit\u00f3 el Puente Internacional del Comercio Mundial el jueves. Cornyn representa la visita m\u00e1s reciente de un funcionario para poner a Laredo como ejemplo de centro importante para el comercio internacional.\nSu visita sirvi\u00f3 para resaltar la Ley de Mejora del Comercio Transfronterizo, que recientemente escribi\u00f3 con el Congresista Henry Cuellar.\nEl proyecto de ley pas\u00f3 por el Congreso el 6 de diciembre y ahora est\u00e1 a la espera de la firma del Presidente Obama. Cuellar dijo que este ha sido el proyecto de ley m\u00e1s r\u00e1pido en el que ha trabajado.\nLa legislaci\u00f3n permitir\u00e1 a empresas privadas y gobiernos locales donar dinero o recursos a los puertos de entrada de Aduanas y Protecci\u00f3n Fronteriza. Esto significa que CBP ser\u00e1 capaz de agilizar el comercio a trav\u00e9s de mejoras en infraestructura y aumento de personal.\nLa aprobaci\u00f3n de este proyecto de ley permitir\u00eda una asociaci\u00f3n p\u00fablico-privada para financiar carriles r\u00e1pidos en el Puente del Comercio Mundial que se conectar\u00edan directamente a la carretera interestatal 35.\nEn noviembre, el administrador de la ciudad\u00a0Jes\u00fas Olivares, dijo que la Ciudad de Laredo est\u00e1 solicitando un subsidio federal del Departamento de Transporte para financiar este proyecto.\nOlivares tambi\u00e9n mencion\u00f3 que el proyecto costar\u00eda entre seis y ocho millones de d\u00f3lares del bolsillo de la ciudad. El objetivo es simplemente conseguir que m\u00e1s camiones cruzen la frontera a trav\u00e9s de Laredo.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/content/cornyn-leahy-bill-strengthen-victims%E2%80%99-rights-signed-law", "Cornyn, Leahy Bill to Strengthen Victims\u2019 Rights Signed Into Law", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "John Cornyn", "C001056", "www.cornyn.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Patrick Leahy (D-VT) released the following statement after President Obama signed the Justice for All Reauthorization Act into law:\n\u201cSigning the Justice for All Reauthorization Act into law is a tremendous step forward for victims across the country and those who protect them, and I\u2019m thankful for Senator Leahy\u2019s role in getting this to the President\u2019s desk,\u201d said Sen. Cornyn. \u201cBy providing law enforcement with the resources necessary to put criminals behind bars and reducing the backlog of untested rape kits, we can help restore the lives of victims across the nation. This is how Congress is supposed to work\u2014in a bipartisan way, on behalf of the most vulnerable in our society.\u201d\n\"Although there is more to be done, the Justice for All Reauthorization Act takes important steps to even the scales of our justice system. \u00a0This criminal justice reform law will improve our indigent defense system, ensure access to post-conviction DNA testing, and make sure that the rights of crime victims, including survivors of sexual assault, are protected,\u201d Sen. Leahy said.\u00a0 \u201cI will continue to fight alongside leaders like Kirk Bloodsworth, the first person exonerated by DNA evidence after being sentenced to die,\u00a0and Debbie Smith, who fought for years to have her rape kit tested, to ensure our criminal justice system has integrity and inspires confidence.\u00a0 I thank Senator Cornyn for working with me and bipartisan leaders in the House for supporting our legislation.\u00a0 As we consider legislation next Congress, we must remember that we have a continuing obligation to look out for all victims and to create fairness in our criminal justice system.\u201d\nThe Justice for all Reauthorization Act of 2016\u00a0passed the Senate unanimously last week. The legislation strengthens crime victims\u2019 rights in the courtroom, increases access to restitution and restorative services, and reauthorizes important law enforcement investigative programs. The bill would help reduce the nationwide rape kit backlog and provide resources for forensic labs while protecting the innocent by improving access to post-conviction DNA testing.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/content/president-signs-cornyn-cruz-bill-help-holocaust-victims-recover-nazi-confiscated-art", "President Signs Cornyn, Cruz Bill to Help Holocaust Victims Recover Nazi-Confiscated Art", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "John Cornyn", "C001056", "www.cornyn.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) issued the following statements after the Holocaust Expropriated Art Restoration Act (HEAR Act) was signed into law by the President:\nSenator Cornyn: \u201cThe systematic theft of property by the Nazis during the Holocaust robbed victims and their families of important parts of their heritage. Allowing them the opportunity to recover part of their history is a small but significant step that\u2019s long overdue. I want to thank Senator Cruz for his partnership on this bill, and I\u2019m glad the President has signed this into law so victims can seek the justice they deserve.\u201d\nSenator Cruz: \u201cToday, with the President\u2019s signature, we delivered a long-overdue victory for the families of Holocaust victims. This bipartisan legislation rights a terrible injustice and sends a clear signal that America will continue to root out every noxious vestige of the Nazi regime. I\u2019m proud to have worked closely with Senator Cornyn, who contributed mightily to this effort, and with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to empower the victims of the horrific atrocities that took place over 70 years ago. We will continue to fight to bring peace and justice to these families.\u201d\nBackground on the HEAR Act\nSenators Cruz and Cornyn, along with Sens. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), introduced the HEAR Act in April to facilitate the return of artwork stolen by the Nazis during the Holocaust and ensure that the artwork\u2019s rightful owners or heirs get their day in court . The HEAR Act ensures that American law encourages the resolution of claims on Nazi-confiscated art on the merits, in a fair and just manner, consistent with long-standing U.S. foreign policy.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/content/president-signs-cornyn-cuellar-bill-encourage-public-private-partnerships-ports-entry-law", "President Signs Cornyn, Cuellar Bill to Encourage Public-Private Partnerships at Ports of Entry into Law", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "John Cornyn", "C001056", "www.cornyn.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) and U.S. Representative Henry Cuellar (D-TX) issued the following statements after their Cross-Border Trade Enhancement Act, legislation promoting public-private partnerships to boost staffing and make infrastructure improvements at U.S. ports of entry without adding to the national deficit, was signed into law by President Obama:\nSenator Cornyn: \u201cPilot programs like these already underway in Texas have reduced wait times, increased efficiency and improved commerce at our ports of entry. I\u2019m pleased President Obama signed this bill into law so more ports of entry can benefit, and I thank Congressman Cuellar for shepherding it through the House of Representatives.\u201d\nRepresentative Cuellar: \u201cI thank Sen. Cornyn for his bipartisan approach in working with me to pass this legislation. Every day, billions of dollars\u2019 worth of goods cross the Texas-Mexico border, including $284 billion in trade at our nation\u2019s largest customs district in my hometown of Laredo and the Rio Grande Valley. South Texas is a powerhouse for world trade, and this law will help increase the amount and efficiency of trade at our border ports of entry.\u201d\nBackground on the Cross-Border Trade Enhancement Act\nDeveloped with input from border community leaders and transportation industry stakeholders, the Cross-Border Trade Enhancement Act gives U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) the authority to enter into innovative partnerships with local governments and private sector entities. As federal resources remain scarce, port communities have sought alternate avenues to ensure essential needs are met in the face of growing demand. This authority allows CBP to better leverage limited resources to speed up the flow of traffic at international ports of entry. Partnerships with local governments and the private sector will support improvements to border infrastructure and enhance staffing levels across port environments.\nThe legislation has been endorsed by: the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; the Border Trade Alliance; the Texas Border Coalition; the Rio Grande Valley Partnership; Cameron County; the City of Eagle Pass; the City of Mission; the City of McAllen; the City of Harlingen; the City of Pharr; the Anzalduas International Bridge; the McAllen-Hidalgo International Bridge; the Pharr International Bridge; the Starr-Camargo International Bridge Company.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=2927", "Cruz News: December 16, 2016", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Ted Cruz", "C001098", "www.cruz.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 16, 2016\nGreetings,\nLast week, we saw the 114th Congress come to a close, and I\u2019m glad to report, it was not without an important success that gives us strong footing for the next Congress to make even further advances that will strengthen jobs and opportunity in Texas. Late last Friday, our bipartisan NASA Transition Act passed the Senate with unanimous consent, which provides NASA with the stability it needs as the agency transitions to a new administration. It also lays an important marker as we continue working to enact this important legislation as soon as possible. I look forward to working with my colleagues again next year to ensure that our nation\u2019s new era of pioneers can innovate and explore with clarity and purpose.\u00a0\nThis week, I have been back in Texas, enjoying time with my family and fellow Texans, and anticipating the upcoming Christmas and New Year celebrations. As families navigate this busy season of shopping and preparing for the holidays, Texans across the state are still finding the time to give back to their communities and support those in need of holiday cheer. In recent days, I have had the privilege to see a few of our state\u2019s foremost non-profits and charities in action, working with members of their communities to serve those in need. The work of organizations like the Houston Food Bank, Meals on Wheels, the Fisher House, and the North Texas Food Bank are an embodiment of the Texas spirit of generosity and friendship. We are blessed to have their operations, and so many like them, working in our state and making our communities a better place.\nPlease keep reading for an update on the latest in the Senate.\nKeep Texas Strong,\u00a0\n  Ted Cruz\nSen. Cruz: Democrats and Republicans Stood Together to Reassert American Leadership in Space\nLast Friday, Sen. Ted Cruz released the following statement praising the Senate passage of the bipartisan National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Transition Authorization Act of 2016, which was first introduced in September by Sen. Cruz, along with Sens. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Tom Udall (D-N.M.): \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\n\u201cAmerica has long led the way in exploring the unchartered territory of deep space, which has also fostered extraordinary economic growth and job creation for the State of Texas and the entire nation. And today, Republicans and Democrats stood united to reassert the need for certainty in the U.S. space program moving forward. This broad, bipartisan legislative achievement provides NASA with the stability it needs as the agency transitions to a new administration. It also lays an important marker as we continue working to enact this important legislation as soon as possible. I look forward to working with colleagues in both chambers and on both sides of the aisle again next year to ensure that our nation\u2019s new era of pioneers can continue to innovate and explore with clarity and purpose.\u201d\nRead the full release here.\nSen. Cruz Serves Texans in Dallas\n\nThis week, Sen. Cruz volunteered at VNA Meals on Wheels and the North Texas Food Bank in Dallas, where he delivered hot food to Dallas County residents in need and helped package food for local families. Sen. Cruz also toured the facilities and learned more about the organizations\u2019 operations.\n\u201cOrganizations like the North Texas Food Bank and VNA Meals on Wheels represent the big hearts we have in Texas and our commitment to make it a better place,\u201d said Sen. Cruz. \"Particularly during this holiday season, I encourage Texans to make a difference volunteering in your community, helping someone who may be struggling, and demonstrating the can-do spirit of our state to give others a hand up.\u201d\nRead the full release here.\nSen. Cruz Serves Texans in Houston\nOn Tuesday, Sen. Cruz visited Interfaith Ministries\u2019 Meals on Wheels and the Fisher House in Houston, where he learned about the organizations\u2019 operations and local needs. He delivered meals to homebound seniors and visited with veterans and their families staying at the Fisher House.\nSen. Cruz volunteered at the Houston Food Bank, where he joined local third graders who were there on a field trip, to help fill backpacks with food for children in need. He also toured the warehouse and met with food bank leaders to discuss their operations.\n\u201cThere are few better ways for children to get into the holiday spirit than working to make a difference in the lives of fellow Houstonians,\u201d said Sen. Cruz. \u201cThis food bank is a tremendous operation, providing roughly 79 million meals a year and working with roughly 600 volunteer groups throughout Southeast Texas distributing the food. Meals on Wheels is one of the many organizations that works with the food bank and helps provide for people in a time of need. Their example is one we should replicate and look to all across our great state.\u201d\nRead the full release here.\nSen. Cruz Statement on Governor Rick Perry Being Named as President-Elect Trump\u2019s Choice for Secretary of Energy\nSen. Cruz issued the following statement regarding President-elect Donald Trump\u2019s selection of former Texas Governor Rick Perry as his nominee for U.S. Secretary of Energy.\u00a0\n\u201cGov. Perry will make a terrific Secretary of Energy. \u00a0For 14 years, he led the State of Texas, and with low taxes, restrained spending, and limited regulation, Texas became one of the greatest economic powerhouses in the world. His executive experience across diverse policy areas makes him qualified to run just about any federal agency. Gov. Perry is an exceptional pick to head the Department of Energy, and after presiding over the nation's number one producer of oil and natural gas, and one of the nation's leaders in wind, solar, and nuclear energy, he understands the importance of our country's energy resources not only to our economy, but also to our national security. \u00a0I am confident that Gov. Perry will be an aggressive champion for opening more lands to exploration and working to reduce our dependence on foreign energy sources. I enthusiastically support his nomination as Secretary of Energy.\u201d\nRead the full release here.\nSens.\u00a0Cruz, Cornyn Bipartisan HEAR Act Passes Senate\nLast weekend, the U.S. Senate passed the bipartisan Holocaust Expropriated Art Recovery (HEAR) Act, which facilitates the return of artwork stolen by the Nazis during the Holocaust by ensuring that the artwork\u2019s rightful owners or heirs get their day in court. Sens. Cruz and Cornyn, along with Sens. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), introduced the HEAR Act in April.\u00a0\nIn June, Sens. Cruz and Cornyn chaired a joint subcommittee hearing on the need for the HEAR Act. Cruz also penned an op-ed in June highlighting the importance of returning Nazi-looted art to the families of Holocaust victims and calling on Congress to pass the HEAR Act.\u00a0\nSens. Ted Cruz and John Cornyn (R-Texas) applauded the Senate\u2019s passage of the HEAR Act.\u00a0\n\u201cToday, we delivered a long-overdue victory for the families of Holocaust victims,\u201d Sen. Cruz said. \u201cThis bipartisan legislation rights a terrible injustice and sends a clear signal that America will continue to root out every noxious vestige of the Nazi regime. I\u2019m proud to have worked closely with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to empower the victims of the horrific atrocities that took place over 70 years ago and will continue to fight to bring peace and justice to these families.\u201d\u00a0\nRead the full release here.\nSen. Cruz: We Must Rein in Washington\u2019s Out-of-Control Spending and Restore the Trust of the American People\nSen. Cruz issued the following statement after voting against passage of the short-term continuing resolution (H.R. 2028) expiring in April 2017:\n\u201cI have long called on Congress to include in government funding legislation reforms that would reduce the burden of Washington on the economy and hardworking American taxpayers. Unfortunately, this bill fails to do so. I remain hopeful that, ahead of the April expiration of this new continuing resolution, my Republican and Democratic colleagues will join together with President Trump to rein in our out-of-control spending problem, provide for our troops, repeal Obamacare, and restore the American people\u2019s trust in their government.\u201d\nRead the full release here.\nDistinguished Texan\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nJudge orders 'Charlie Brown Christmas' display restored at Killeen school", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://farenthold.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399842", "Congressman Farentholds statement on Corpus Christi water issue", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Blake Farenthold", "F000460", "farenthold.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Corpus Christi, TX - Congressman Blake Farenthold (R-Texas) released the following statement today as he works with local, state and federal officials to find a resolution to the water issue in Corpus Christi.\r\n\u201cAs a result of the most recent water advisory, I've spoken with officials at TCEQ, Governor Abbott's office and the city of Corpus Christi,\u201d said Congressman Farenthold. \u201cTCEQ is working with the EPA to first solve the problem and then to make sure this doesn't happen again. I've offered the full assistance of my office. TCEQ assures me it is receiving the utmost assistance from the federal government, and the Governor's office has told me the National Guard is working with the city to provide water distribution. As we have more information, we'll release it to the public.\u201d  \r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://flores.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398899", "KBTX: Eight local veterans honored for dedication to their communities", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Bill Flores", "F000461", "flores.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "By\u00a0Noelle Bellow\r\n  \r\nEight local\u00a0veterans\u00a0were honored Thursday morning, after their friends and family nominated them for a special award.  \r\nThe District 17 Congressional Veteran Commendation ceremony was held at American Legion Post 159.\r\nThe honorees were a mix of veterans who served in the Army, Marines and Air Force, who fought during World War Two, the Vietnam and Iraq wars.\r\nBut they weren't just being honored for their service to our country. As Congressman Bill Flores noted, its their post military work in their local communities that continues to make a difference.\r\n\"They've already served our country in such a meaningful way, that community service is such a natural bolt on it if you will,\" said Flores.\r\n\"I unload the truck down at the church pantry on Thursday morning, I unload the food bank truck on Tuesday morning,\" explained honoree David P. Marion. \"As soon as we get through with our deliveries to the nursing home, I'm back up on the bell ringing for the Salvation Army.\"\r\nCongressman Flores has been giving out these awards since 2012.Here is a list of the award winners:  \r\n\r\nSergeant First Class Rudy G. Cortez of Bryan\u00a0  \r\nSergeant Franklin Joe Karasek, Jr. of Caldwell\u00a0  \r\nChief Master Sergeant Frank J. Kocman, Jr. of Bryan\u00a0  \r\nCaptain J.D. Langley of College Station  \r\nMaster Sergeant James D. McDonald of Bryan\u00a0  \r\nCaptain David P. Marion of College Station  \r\nCaptain Rodulphe L. Peltier of College Station\u00a0  \r\nSpecialist Jason Paul Rhodes\r\nTo read full article click here", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://flores.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398900", "KAGS: Bill Flores honors local veterans", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Bill Flores", "F000461", "flores.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "By: Kerrie Hall\u00a0Brazos Valley, Texas - Eight veterans were honored with the Congressional Veteran Commendation award.\r\nThe ceremony which started in 2012, honors veterans who have not only served our country admirably while in the military, but who have also served in the Brazos Valley community.\r\nRecipients are nominated by local constituents and represents various branches of the military.\r\nEach award was presented by District-17 US Congressman Bill Flores, who believes a true military hero knows that service does not end when you take off the uniform.\r\nThe recipients of this award have served in conflicts spanning over three generations. From World War II, to Vietnam, to Gulf War.\r\nThe recipients of this year\u2019s awards were:\r\nRudy G. Cortez of Bryan\r\nFranklin Joe Karasek, Jr. of Caldwell\r\nFrank J. Kocman, Jr. of Bryan\r\nJ.D. Langley of College Station\r\nJames D. McDonald of Bryan\r\nDavid P. Marion of College Station\r\nRodulphe L. Peltier of College Station\r\nJason Paul Rhodes of Milano\r\nTo read full article click here", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://flores.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398901", "The Daily Caller: RSC Chair Bill Flores Says Border Security Should Be A Top Priority In 2017", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Bill Flores", "F000461", "flores.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "By: Juliegrace BrufkeSecuring the border was one of President-elect Donald Trump\u2019s top campaign platforms, and outgoing Republican Study Committee Chairman Bill Flores is ready to make that goal a reality.\r\nWhile the Republican Party has an ambitious agenda laid out for 2017, Flores said there are four policy areas he hopes they can tackle early on \u2014 repealing and replacing Obamacare, tax reform, fixing the regulatory environment and restoring the country\u2019s national security. Flores said he\u2019s excited to get things moving in Washington, especially after hearing Vice President-elect Mike Pence lay out the administration\u2019s priorities in a speech last week, adding he\u2019s confident Trump\u2019s selection to head the Department of Homeland Security, former Marine Corps Gen. John Kelly, is more than qualified for the position.\r\n\u201cWhat I\u2019d like to see, first of all, is the commitment, and Donald Trump has been absolutely clear that we are going to have a renewed sense of border security,\u201d he told The Daily Caller News Foundation. \u201cAnd if you look at his cabinet appointees, we\u2019ve got a former general that\u2019s going to run Homeland Security, so that\u2019s good.\u201d\r\nTrump has been vocal about his\u00a0plans to construct\u00a0a wall along on the southern border, which has been met with some pushback from proponents of taking a more lax immigration approach. But Flores said once the commitment is made, Republicans envision a defense system along the border strong enough to keep bad actors, such as\u00a0drug cartels and terrorist, out.\r\n\u201cWe need a commitment, number one, and the other pieces will come together as we move forward \u2014 in some areas we are going to have a wall, in other areas where it\u2019s less feasible to have a wall, then you\u2019ll have a virtual wall that consists of airborne observation resources, censors, boots on the ground everywhere \u2014 whether there\u2019s a physical wall or a virtual wall \u2014 then you\u2019ll need to have intelligence assets to control the border,\u201d he said. \u201cSo, that\u2019s what I see, a holistic approach to border security.\u201d\r\nA number of top GOP lawmakers \u2014 including House Speaker Paul Ryan, House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy and Florida Rep.\u00a0Dennis Ross, who sits on Trump\u2019s transition team \u2014\u00a0have suggested\u00a0the wall would consist of a combination of both brick-and-mortar components and other\u00a0surveillance tactics\u00a0that work with area\u2019s terrain.\r\nTrump made it clear he plans to take a hard line on immigration, reiterating that his administration will not tolerate illegal immigrants crossing over the borders or rising in the country if they have a criminal history.\r\n\r\nThe U.S.-Mexican border spans roughly\u00a02,000 miles, including a large part of the Rio Grande River.\r\n\r\nTo read full article click here", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hurd.house.gov/media-center/editorials/nafta-20", "NAFTA 2.0", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Will Hurd", "H001073", "hurd.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "During these last twenty-three months of my first term in Congress, I crisscrossed 820 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border between El Paso and Eagle Pass, Texas, many times talking about international trade. Despite the campaign rhetoric, I believe that under a Trump Administration we have a real opportunity to improve North American Competitiveness in the rest of the world through an upgrade of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).\n\tThis belief was confirmed during several days of discussions on energy, commerce and rule of law in Mexico with business and political leaders.\n\tOur recently concluded election cycle has almost made NAFTA a new four-letter word. Supporters of NAFTA have probably inflated the economic gains of the accord and detractors have likely overestimated the resultant job losses. While the economies of the United States, Canada and Mexico have grown, there have been both winners and losers.\n\tIt is undeniable that U.S. trade with Mexico and Canada has more than tripled since the signing of the agreement and, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce, goods exported to Mexico and Canada last year supported almost 3 million U.S. jobs \u2014 that's over a quarter of the total jobs supported by U.S. exports.\n\tAccording to the International Trade Commission, Canada was the leading market for U.S. exports last year and Mexico ranked second. Canada and Mexico were second and third, respectively, as suppliers of U.S. imports. My home state of Texas exported more than any other state in the Union and Mexico is our number one trading partner, surpassing the next four largest \u2014\u00a0Canada, Brazil, China, and South Korea \u2014\u00a0combined.\n\tThe 29 counties I represent contain more U.S.-Mexico border than any other district in Congress. Being home to nine out of the top 50 busiest land ports of entry in our country, I have learned something very simple \u2014\u00a0the U.S., Mexico and Canada are not competitors, but partners who build things together. We do not just sell goods to each other, but we jointly produce them. In North America, a product moves across borders multiple times before being finally sold to a consumer.\n\tAn example in my hometown of San Antonio is the Toyota Motor Manufacturing plant that produces the Tundra and Tacoma pickups. This assembly plant employs 2,299 members of the San Antonio community and supports 356,000 jobs in the U.S.\n\tThe success of this plant depends upon a trade relationship with Mexico. Based on the geographic proximity to the border, Toyota \u2014 as well as all U.S. automakers with production plants in Texas \u2014 is\u00a0able to\u00a0enhance competitiveness by using auto suppliers' Mexico-based\u00a0parts operations. Toyota purchases up to $1 billion annually for their Mexico supply chain, supporting final truck assembly in San Antonio.\n\tChristopher E. Wilson from the Mexico Institute at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars described how the phrase \"Hecho en M\u00e9xico\" or \"Made in Mexico\" label can be misleading because, \"a large portion of the money U.S. consumers spend on Mexican imports actually goes to U.S. companies and workers \u2026 a full 40% of the content of U.S. imports from Mexico was originally made in the United States.\"\n\tAdditionally, U.S. content contained in Canadian imports is 25%.\n\tThe same, however, cannot be said for Chinese imports, which have only 4% U.S. content. Wilson further accurately explains that China and other Asian economies represent a larger threatening source of competition for the U.S. economy and that continued and improved economic cooperation with Mexico and Canada is one of the best ways for the United States to improve its global competitiveness and defend American industry.\n\tIn order to grow our economy, we cannot just buy American; we have to sell American throughout the world.\n\tBy enhancing the existing economic integration in North America fostered by NAFTA, the next Administration has an opportunity to design a more competitive North American marketplace. President-elect Trump has made it clear he is not interested in pulling completely out of NAFTA but rather strengthening it. My suggestion to President-elect Trump's new U.S. Trade Representative, Secretary of State and Secretary of Commerce would be to focus on the following areas as a means of achieving NAFTA 2.0.\n\tRegulatory cooperation especially in the energy sector: Combined, Mexico and Canada account for nearly 50% of crude oil imports to the U.S. and the U.S. exports of petroleum products have increased to Mexico by 152% over the last decade according to the Energy Information Agency. The energy relationship between the U.S., Mexico and Canada represents an area of additional growth that can be stifled by an uncertain regulatory environment. Overly burdensome government regulations can reduce market access for U.S. goods, services, and investments. Guidelines, rules, regulations, and laws for government procurement and other regulatory regimes should be transparent and based on sound science, cost-benefit analysis and risk assessments.\n\tIntellectual property rights, digital trade in goods and services and cross-border data flows:\u00a0Strong protection of intellectual property rights leads to innovation that creates new lifesaving drugs or disruptions in industries, leading to new opportunities. Any trade agreement should reflect a standard of protection similar to that found in the United States and Governments should never be involved in the violation of intellectual property rights, including cyber theft and piracy. Electronically delivered goods and services should receive no less favorable treatment under trade rules than physical products, and measures that impede digital trade in goods and services, restrict cross-border data flows, or require local storage or processing of data should be eliminated.\n\tLabor and environmental provisions: The American worker can compete with anyone if given a level playing field. All trade agreements should adopt and maintain fundamental internationally recognized core labor rights and effectively enforce labor laws. Likewise, common sense environmental laws that promote and protect clean water and clean air for generations to come should be hallmarks of any deal. The utilization of clean and renewable energy sources should have a common benchmark and the means to hold those who cheat accountable.\n\tElimination of trade distortions and unfair competition favoring state-owned and state-controlled enterprises: Ninety percent of the exporters in Texas are small or medium sized companies. Small businesses should have equal access to international markets, and barriers that disproportionately impact small businesses should be eliminated. Companies should not be regulated by a government entity that is also a competitor, and state-run entities that receive government subsidies should not be allowed in competitive industries. To allow fair completion, trade agreements should combat government corruption by strengthening anti-bribery and conflict-of-interest laws.\n\tLowering barriers to agricultural exports.\u00a0The United States continues to lead the world in agricultural production, but the majority of the world's consumers and the highest growth markets exist outside of our borders. Protectionist approaches that close off markets or impose arbitrary caps on specific products undercut opportunities for producers and raise prices for consumers.\n\tModern border:\u00a0When we talk about border security we must talk about international commerce at the same time. Improving the movement of legitimate goods, services, people and animals will allow us to better focus on illegal border traffic. To better facilitate commerce we need to continue to streamline our customs process to eliminate costs, invest in border infrastructure, and modernize the movement of goods and services.\n\tIt has been almost 25 years since President George H.W. Bush signed NAFTA in my hometown of San Antonio. A lot has changed in American politics and our economy since then.\n\tBefore the election, Mexico was one of our strongest trading partners and since the election that fact has not changed. Mexico will continue to be a strategic trade partner for North American Competitiveness. Just as we build things together, the United States and Mexico will modernize NAFTA together.\n\tOriginally published in Investor's Business Daily", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hurd.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/congressman-hispanic-chamber-team-defend-nafta", "Congressman, Hispanic Chamber team up to defend NAFTA", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Will Hurd", "H001073", "hurd.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Donald Trump's presidential campaign promise to either renegotiate or scrap the North American Free Trade Agreement caught the attention of San Antonio business leaders.\nAnd with Trump set to take office in January, political and business leaders are scrambling and organizing to save NAFTA, which they say has benefited San Antonio.\nDuring a Wednesday afternoon roundtable discussion at the\u00a0San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Congressman\u00a0Will Hurd, R-Helotes, met with local business leaders to discuss the trilateral trade deal between the United States, Canada and Mexico.\nHurd said South Texas business leaders are concerned about NAFTA's future but believe that Trump's plan to renegotiate the trade deal is an opportunity, particularly when it comes to the digital economy, cybersecurity, shale oil and gas, and renewables, which did not exist when it was originally signed in San Antonio back in 1992.\n\"This is an opportunity,\" Hurd said. \"San Antonio should be leading when we talk about taking advantage of this opportunity. NAFTA was signed here. San Antonio is an important cog between the three countries, and we should leading the way on how to make it stronger.\"\nMany of the business leaders in the room were working in San Antonio when NAFTA was originally negotiated, signed into law and went into effect. Hurd said parts of the discussion centered on what the trade deal was supposed to deliver to San Antonio and what has not been achieved.\n\"This was supposed to be a step in improving the competitiveness of North America, and we can do more there,\" Hurd said.\nCalling the meeting the first of many, San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce CEO\u00a0Ramiro Cavazos\u00a0said Hurd reached out to the Chamber to meet with local business leaders about NAFTA. Cavazos said the Chamber and several other local organizations are participating in the \"SA to DC\" lobbying trip in February, during which NAFTA will be a top priority.\n\"We'll have more than 100 people to fight for the thing we want,\" Cavazos said in Spanish. \"We'll have the congressman there to help direct us to the key people in the administration who we need to sit down with because when this trade deal opens again, we need to be very clear about what we need.\"\n\n\tIBC Bank\u00a0CEO\u00a0Dennis Nixon\u00a0was among the pro-NAFTA business leaders who participated in the roundtable discussion. With more than 40 years experience along the border, Nixon said he has seen the benefits of trade with Mexico firsthand.\n\t\"They're our primary trading partner and our next-door neighbor, so we're very interested in protecting those relationships,\" Nixon told the Business Journal. \"Anything we can do to bring clarity, reality and facts to the argument, we're prepared to do it.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hurd.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/new-partnership-enhances-computer-science-education-middle-schoolers", "New Partnership Enhances Computer Science Education for Middle Schoolers", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Will Hurd", "H001073", "hurd.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "What was once a niche area of interest for computer \u201cgeeks\u201d is now the\u00a0lingua franca\u00a0of the global economy.\nAt a press conference at\u00a0BiblioTech\u00a0South, U.S. Rep.\u00a0Will Hurd (R-23) announced a multi-faceted partnership between his office, Bexar County, the University of Texas, school districts within his congressional district, and private partners. The initiative will provide computer science certification and training to middle school educators.\n\u201cCoding is the language of the 21st century. If you can\u2019t speak it, you\u2019re going to be left behind,\u201d Hurd said.\u00a0\n\u00a0A pilot program at BiblioTech South will take place March 23-25, 2017. Teachers can apply through Hurd\u2019s website through Jan. 31.\u00a0\nPrivate partners\u00a0Dell, Brocade, Facebook, and Intel, are already committed\u00a0to the initiative. For them, homegrown talent is a vital resource. At the press conference,\u00a0Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas\u00a0indicated that it\u00a0too wanted to sign on to help scale the initiative throughout the 23rd Congressional district.\nHurd himself has a long background at the intersection of technology and security. From his seat as Chairman of the Information Technology Subcommittee on the Oversight and Government Reform Committee, he says he \u201csees the gaps\u201d in the tech sector\u2019s\u00a0human capital.\nLast year 42,000 tech jobs went unfilled in Texas. These jobs average $89,000 per year, according to Hurd. Only 2,100 students graduated with computer science degrees from Texas universities. Only 5,000 high school students took the computer science AP exam, and of those students 24% were female, less than 900 were Latino, and less than 200 were African-American.\nThose numbers are bad enough, Hurd said, and it\u2019s not enough just to focus on the jobs that exist. Technology is changing the world in such a way that kids will enter a radically different job market than their parents.\n\u201cWe\u2019ve got to do a better job preparing our kids for the jobs that don\u2019t exist yet,\u201d Hurd said.\nWith\u00a0HB 5, high school students are able to choose an \u201cendorsement,\u201d which is comparable to a\u00a0broad major. Not enough students choose the STEM endorsement. This is likely because computer science, coding, and software development\u00a0are new to them. With limited exposure they cannot make an informed choice.\nThat\u2019s why Hurd wants to focus on middle school.\nThere\u2019s another hurdle though. When UT Austin\u2019s Center for STEM Education Deputy Director Carol Fletcher counted the number of pre-service teachers graduating with computer science certifications, she found 14.\n\u201cThis is a problem we can solve,\u201d Fletcher said.\nThrough\u00a0WeTeach_CS,\u00a0Fletcher\u2019s department is multiplying the number of computer science credentialed teachers in Texas schools. The March pilot, which will also partner with web-development framework company\u00a0Bootstrap, will add 40 in Bexar County alone.\nDistricts won\u2019t have to hire new teachers, as the course will allow teachers to overlay computer science training with the necessary math and science curriculum needed to meet\u00a0state and federal standards.\nIncorporating technology into other areas of instruction will only add to\u00a0preparing students for what is ahead. Information technology has disrupted \u201cbusiness as usual\u201d in nearly every major sector, Brocade systems\u00a0engineer manager Dennis Dodd\u00a0said. Companies that have not adjusted have suffered.\nAround 60% of\u00a0the Fortune 500 companies from 1996 are no longer on the list, Dodd\u00a0said, because they have been replaced by those who have\u00a0learned to leverage technology effectively.\nIn the 2017-18 school year, Lopez Middle School in North East ISD, as well as other area middle schools, will have teachers in place who have been through the training. Superintendents from Somerset, Northside, and Southwest ISDs were all in attendance at the press conference.\n\u201cExpanding computer science opportunities down to middle school will help us build engaging and relevant technology experiences to prepare students for high school, college, and career,\u201d NEISD Superintendent Brian Gottardy said.\nLopez Middle School student Andrea Conner summed up\u00a0the perspective of many of her peers when she said, \u201cIt would be kind of hard to exist not knowing how to use a computer.\u201d\nBy that she did not mean that it would be hard to eat or breathe, but that it would be hard to navigate the world, communicate with those not in the same room, and access information. Students Conner\u2019s age\u00a0are not disturbed by the\u00a0growing dependence on computers and the ensuing vulnerabilities and security needs\u00a0\u2013 this is all they know.\nFor the students, it won\u2019t be an introduction to technology. Mobile and internet-based technology is their native environment. Knowing how to shape and lead that world is the basis for tomorrow\u2019s leaders. It is becoming a new and essential literacy.\n\u201cToday, if you\u2019re not literate in technology, along with the ability to read, you\u2019re going to have a hard time in life,\u201d Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff said.\nIf tech literacy is essential to the best jobs of the future, then it is incumbent upon educators to ensure that all kids\u00a0have the tools they need to succeed. Many kids will only be exposed to this technology in a public school. Even in relatively affluent areas, coding camps, programming clubs, and other STEM intensive activity is treated as elective or extracurricular. In less-resourced homes and schools, it can be absent entirely.\n\u201cAs educators we have the moral obligation to give kids the opportunities they are not getting,\u201d Fletcher said.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hurd.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/senator-john-cornyn-visits-laredo", "Senator John Cornyn Visits Laredo", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Will Hurd", "H001073", "hurd.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In a few days, President Obama will sign into law\u00a0a bill that will give the city of Laredo the power to fix problems at the ports of entry.\n\u00a0On Thursday afternoon, city and state officials met at the World Trade Bridge to celebrate the passing of the Cross Border Trade Enhancement Act.\nThe bill's main purpose is to help ease congestion for trucks coming in from Mexico and avoid traffic.\nThe bill's approval was announced at the World Trade Bridge with U.S. representatives Henry Cuellar\u00a0and Will Hurd, along with U.S. senator John Cornyn.\nUp until now, cities like Laredo had to turn to the federal government for help in fixing this issues at ports of entries.\nThe Cross Border Trade Enhancement Act will give Laredo the opportunity to search for alternate methods to improve commercial flow.\nCongressman Cuellar says the bill is good news for Laredoans, as the city's commerce is expected to grow by 40 percent in the next five years.\nCuellar also adds that bringing in more jobs and trade to the city can lead to more revenue to the city, giving the mayor more money to city issues.\nCongressman Cuellar says that the bill was passed in just five days, a record he says for bills at the nations capital.\nAdditional agricultural, border security and, inspection related immigration services will be available at ports for a fee.\nThe new bill will also make it easier for donations to be accepted for the construction and maintenance of facilities.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hurd.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/south-texans-are-worried-about-naftas-future", "South Texans Are Worried About NAFTA's Future", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Will Hurd", "H001073", "hurd.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "President-elect Donald Trump\u00a0knocked the North American Free Trade Agreement\u00a0(NAFTA) during his first U.S. presidential debate with Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton back in September.\n\u201cNAFTA is the worst trade deal maybe ever signed anywhere,\u201d he said.\n\u00a0\nNow that he's just over a month away from moving into the White House, many are wondering about not just the trade deal's future, but their own. In 1992, President George H. W. Bush and Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney signed the treaty in San Antonio. Now, Republican U.S. Rep. Will Hurd from Texas and his constituents are worried. His district spans San Antonio\u00a0and runs west along the majority of state's border with Mexico.\nHurd says he\u00a0met Wednesday with the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.\n\"They were telling me that there is some uncertainty that is impacting markets and their industries, but that there is a number of ways that we can improve upon NAFTA,\u201d he says. \u201cA lot of things have happened since this was signed almost 20 years ago. Energy revolutions in south Texas and in central Mexico. The Mexican government changing their constitution to deal with energy. The internet didn't exist when NAFTA was signed. So there really is an opportunity to improve upon or to upgrade. And the question we should be asking ourselves is what does NAFTA 2.0 look like?\u201d\nHurd says Trump\u2019s more recent remarks say he will not pull out of NAFTA, but instead restructure the trade deal.\n\"I think what we're going to see \u2013 once the new administration gets in \u2013 there's going to be a lot of talk around what is that framework on how you improve upon NAFTA,\" Hurd says. \"The U.S.,\u00a0Canada\u00a0and Mexico \u2013 we should be talking about being partners in energy. It's important to remember that when it comes to the U.S., Mexico and Canada, we build things together.\"\nBut his constituents still have a feeling of uncertainty around the agreement\u2019s future, Hurd says.\n\"People are concerned. They're taking comments out of context,\u201d he says. \u201cAnd that's why it's important for those of us that recognize the importance of NAFTA \u2013 and how that has helped our economies \u2013 to start talking about what a framework looks like.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hurd.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/texas-representative-introduces-cs-curriculum-initiative", "Texas Representative Introduces CS Curriculum Initiative", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Will Hurd", "H001073", "hurd.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In an effort to increase access to computer science (CS) education, Congressman Will Hurd (R-Texas) yesterday\u00a0announced\u00a0an initiative to train middle school math teachers on how to implement coding concepts into their math classes. The initiative aims to build a strong pipeline of qualified STEM workers for future generations by introducing students to CS prior to high school.\n\u201cEvery chance I get, I tell young people about the opportunities that a computer science education can provide,\u201d Hurd wrote in the announcement. \u201cMany are shocked to learn that although an estimated 42,000 computing jobs are waiting to be filled in Texas, only 2,100 computer scientists graduated from Texas schools last year. Students are even more interested to learn that the average salary of a computer science professional is more than $85,000 \u2026. Offering tech education early on not only serves as the foundation for continued education in high school and beyond, but it also exposes students to the jobs we will need to fill in the future.\u201d\nThe curriculum initiative was designed in partnership with\u00a0The University of Texas at Austin\u2019s\u00a0Center for STEM Education\u00a0and\u00a0Bootstrap, and sponsored by several tech companies, including\u00a0Dell,\u00a0Facebook\u00a0and\u00a0Brocade. The partners will instruct eighth grade math teachers to use \u201ceasily adoptable curriculum consistent with national and state math standards,\u201d according to the initiative\u00a0  web page. Using Bootstrap, teachers will receive training on the following:\n Word problems;\n\tPlanes and graphing;\n\tFunctions and variables;\n\tFunction composition;\n\tInequalities in the plane; and\n\tThe Pythagorean theorem.\n Middle school teachers located in the 23rd Congressional District of Texas, or schools that serve a considerable amount of students in the 23rd district, are eligible to apply for the next three-day training workshop taking place March 23-25 in San Antonio, TX. The event is limited to 40 participants and registration costs $75. The deadline to apply is Jan. 31.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hurd.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/trade-mexico-matters-here-s-why", "Trade with Mexico Matters. Heres Why", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Will Hurd", "H001073", "hurd.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Miguel Perez is feeling anxious. As the owner of a leasing company operating along the U.S.-Mexico border, Perez is keenly aware that trade and Mexico emerged among this year\u2019s boogeymen, with President-elect Donald Trump at times sounding highly critical of both. But now that the contentious election is over, Perez hopes the president-elect and those closest to him will understand what Americans living along the border have known for generations: trading with our neighbor to the south is a good thing.\nThe good news for Perez is that many in Congress agree.\nAmong those include a bipartisan group of senators and congressman that fought hard to send to the president\u2019s desk a bill that would significantly ease border trading by reducing commercial wait times. First term\u00a0Rep. Will Hurd\u00a0(R-Texas) was among those leading the fight, working alongside Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-Texas), to make permanent a series of successful public-private partnerships that have sprung up along the southern border for some time now.\nHad Congress fully funded the agencies with jurisdiction over border and trade in recent years, the public-private partnerships may never have happened. And as a result, the outcome of the legislation may prove a useful template for other public-private partnerships down the lines especially in transportation, infrastructure and trade.\nThe details of the bill are mundane and full of Washington-speak, but vital for the local communities it impacts most. When signed by President Obama, the bill would give the U.S. Custom and Border Protection (CBP) the ability to provide custom agricultural and inspection-related services for a fee while sharing construction and maintenance fees with another government agency. The bill would also allow the CBP to accept donations from individuals in the form of money, facility construction and maintenance, as well as infrastructure investments.\nThis form of innovative thinking makes a lot of sense to international trade attorney\u00a0Scott Lincicome, who considers custom and border disputes a type of trade barrier. \u201cTrade facilitation initiatives like this are important,\u201d Lincicome told\u00a0Opportunity Lives. \u201cI like that these initiatives appear to be privately financed through user fees or donations.\u201d\nFor Perez, whose livelihood depends on smooth border crossings to transport machinery and heavy equipment, paying user fees is all part of running a successful business. \u201cI will be able to move more equipment by making border crossings less burdensome,\u201d Perez said.\nAnd with an estimated $52 billion in annual trade and services crossing the border each way with Mexico, according to\u00a0Office of the United States Trade Representative\u00a0(USTR), making it easier for Miguel Perez to conduct business would seem to most as common sense. But of course in this year of upside down politics, nothing is a given.\nThe president-elect has made a number of eyebrow-raising comments, including at times calling for the United States to\u00a0withdraw from NAFTA, a landmark trade agreement with Mexico and Canada. Trump has also said he wants to \u201cpunish\u201d companies for shipping jobs overseas. And while this may not directly impact businesses like Perez\u2019s, this doesn\u2019t mean that Trump\u2019s tough talk won\u2019t leave a more searing impression on the minds of Americans that trading is a net drain on our economy.\nPerez understands why protectionism plays well in certain parts of the country. But as he sees it, \u201cglobalization is a force that the U.S. cannot stop.\u201d Better to embrace the market forces and avoid risking a trade war. \u201cChina can play hardball too,\u201d said Perez.\nAnd for now at least it seems that Perez will have a sympathetic ear in Congress. In addition to the efforts of Reps. Hurd and Cueller, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Tex.) also played an important role in ensuring that the bill was included in the last-minute deal making that took place in the waning days of the current Congress.\nIf trade protectionism emerges as an important priority in the Trump administration, don\u2019t expect the Republican Congress to roll over if the president wants to rip up NAFTA, start a trade war or get in the way of public-private partnerships along the U.S.-Mexico border that benefit the whole economy.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hurd.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/us-official-blames-russia-yahoo-hack-security-experts-blame-yahoo-s", "U.S. official blames Russia for Yahoo hack, security experts blame Yahoos negligence", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Will Hurd", "H001073", "hurd.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "An unnamed American official is\u00a0pointing to Russian responsibility for the recently revealed hack on Yahoo that exposed data from\u00a0more than 1 billion accounts. The official blamed\u00a0a \u201c\u2018state actor\u2019 believed to be tied to Russia,\u201d\u00a0CBS News\u00a0reported.\u00a0No evidence or further explanation was offered about how the attribution was made.\nThe massive three-year-old breach is being described as a disaster impacting the entire internet.\nThe latest U.S. government finger-pointing toward Moscow comes as the U.S. intelligence community and political establishment\u00a0debate the role Russia and\u00a0its President Vladimir Putin\u00a0played in influencing the 2016 American election with\u00a0cyberattacks. President Barack Obama recently ordered a full intelligence community review of foreign efforts to influence recent presidential elections, a process Director of National Intelligence James Clapper is currently leading.\nComing just months after a separate hack\u00a0exposed\u00a0500 million accounts, the latest news is bringing on a torrent criticism from security experts who are pointing to huge problems in how\u00a0sensitive data including passwords were stored and catastrophic organizational clashes\u00a0that had already has led to high profile departures of Yahoo security executives. Alex Stamos, Yahoo\u2019s former chief information security officer,\u00a0resigned\u00a0after reportedly being being ordered to build a backdoor for the U.S. government.\nLess than a day after the hack was announced, Yahoo is already a target of a class action lawsuit.\n\u201cYahoo failed, and continues to fail, to provide adequate protection of its users\u2019 personal and confidential information,\u2019\u2019 New York consumer Amy Vail said in the complaint filed on Thursday. \u201cYahoo users\u2019 personal and private information has been repeatedly compromised and remains vulnerable.\u2019\u2019\nSecurity experts agree.\n\u201cThey\u2019re not taking security seriously enough,\u201d former Yahoo information security officer Jeremiah Grossman told CyberScoop. \u201cWithout a mandate from executives, they\u2019re not going to make up much ground.\u201d\nBut the future of security at Yahoo is, like everything else at the company, in flux. News of the two big breaches are undercutting a potential sale to Verizon to the tune of a\u00a0potential billion-dollar discount\u00a0on the sale, originally slated for around $6.4 billion. Leadership at Yahoo will likely change but there\u2019s no telling what group will ultimately lead Yahoo.\nWith that kind of uncertainty, any mandate of support from executives could be out the window in a matter of months. Still, Grossman sees potential opportunity for anyone who joins Yahoo\u2019s security team right now.\n\u201cIf you\u2019re at Yahoo right now and you have to do incident response, there are very few things that can benefit you skill wise to that degree,\u201d Grossman said. \u201cHow often do you get the opportunity to investigate a huge breach at a major corporation? It will make recruiting difficult. Not everyone will want to go into a live fire zone but particular individuals can make a huge impact.\u201d\nBut even with the opportunity disaster affords them, security professionals would be stepping into a cratered landscape.\nBreaches happen to everyone, Grossman explained. But cookie forgery \u2014 and with it the ability to impersonate anyone so \u201cthey had the keys to the kingdom\u201d \u2014 went undetected for three years, a product of longterm\u00a0negligence, he said.\nIt\u2019s not clear whether we\u2019ll ever see on-the-record blame by Washington toward Russia for this attack. Even if we do, U.S. intelligence is currently debating how much evidence of recent breaches can be unclassified due to the\u00a0risk posed to human intelligence sources abroad.\n\u201cHaving some of this evidence declassified, I think we need to be really careful because we\u2019re talking about people\u2019s lives. Whatever we decide, whatever we declassify, Russian intelligence will be studying it very closely,\u201d Rep. Will Hurd, R-Texas, said this week.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sessions.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/sessions-statement-aleppo", "Sessions Statement on Aleppo", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Pete Sessions", "S000250", "sessions.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC\u00a0- U.S. Congressman Pete Sessions, Chairman of the House Committee on Rules, today released the following statement in regard to the ongoing conflict in Aleppo:\n\"Over the last five years, more than 400,000 people have died in a ruthless and complex civil war in Syria. While the President and his Cabinet have the authority and responsibility to conduct foreign policy on behalf of the United States, the policy approach taken by President Obama, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and current Secretary of State John Kerry over the last four years has been largely incoherent and unclear. Furthermore, this humanitarian crisis has cost far too many innocent lives and forced millions from their homes. Simply put, the only constant has been this Administration\u2019s failure to come up with a plan that has any chance of defeating our enemies, protecting the innocent, and ending this conflict. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the new Congress to combat terrorism in the region and bring an end to this conflict.\"\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=2924", "Sen. Cruz Serves Texans in Dallas", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Ted Cruz", "C001098", "www.cruz.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "DALLAS, Texas \u2013 U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today volunteered at VNA Meals on Wheels and the North Texas Food Bank in Dallas, where he delivered hot food to Dallas County residents in need and helped package food for local families. Sen. Cruz also toured the facilities and learned more about the organizations\u2019 operations.\n\u201cMany people are hurting both across our state and across our country,\u201d said Sen. Cruz. \u201cOrganizations like the North Texas Food Bank and VNA Meals on Wheels represent the big hearts we have in Texas and our commitment to make it a better place. Particularly during this holiday season, I encourage Texans to make a difference volunteering in your community, helping someone who may be struggling, and demonstrating the can-do spirit of our state to give others a hand up.\"\u00a0\n \nOrganizations like @NTFB & @VNATexas @_MealsonWheels represent the big hearts we have in #Texas. https://t.co/IbFspzUCbk pic.twitter.com/if9V7vt1vy\n\u2014 Senator Ted Cruz (@SenTedCruz) December 15, 2016 \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=2925", "ICYMI: Forbes.com: The Audacity of Silence On Possible Iran-North Korea Nuclear Ties", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Ted Cruz", "C001098", "www.cruz.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today released a statement in the wake of the Obama Administration\u2019s silence regarding potential collusion between Iran and North Korea on nuclear proliferation and China\u2019s apparent complicity in enabling such cooperation. He also reiterated his commitment to working with President-elect Trump and the incoming administration to dismantle the Iran deal and rebuild a strong, effective national security for the United States.\nIn October, Sen. Cruz wrote a letter to Secretary of State John Kerry, Secretary of Treasury Jack Lew, and Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, asking a series of questions to each to get more information about reports of cooperation between Iran and North Korea on building their nuclear programs and reports of China\u2019s actions that have enabled their cooperation:\nQuestions for Secretary Lew:\n1. Did the rocket engine that North Korea tested in September of this year obtain the same capability as the engine the Treasury Department referenced in January when it designated eleven Iranian persons for sanctions violations?\nQuestions for Director Clapper:\n2. Does the U.S. Intelligence Community possess the tools it needs to track Iranian and North Korean illicit activity? If not, what additional resources are needed?\n3. Has the U.S. intelligence community observed any possible nuclear collaboration between Iran and North Korea following Implementation Day of the JCPOA? Have any of these observations been verified?\n4. Does the intelligence community have an adequate understanding of these Chinese linked procurement networks? \u00a0If not, please explain any gaps in understanding and what can be done to close these gaps.\u00a0\n\u00a0\nQuestions for Secretary Kerry:\n5. What penalties do you plan to announce against Iran in light of its JCPOA violations? How do you intend to pursue enactment of such penalties?\n6. What is the United States doing to ensure that the $1.7 billion paid to Iran in cash earlier this year is not used to finance nuclear weapons research in North Korea?\n7. What is the United States doing to press China for additional cooperation on illicit procurement networks, to which they are often tied?\n8. Has North Korea submitted any proposals to the UNSC for the transfer of nuclear or dual-use goods, technology, or related services to Iran? If yes, who in the U.S. Government was consulted during the review period provided for the Procurement Working Group and the final decision issued by the UNSC?\n\u201cI am disappointed that the Obama administration has yet again inexplicably relied on China \u2013 the same nation that also initiated an unsubstantiated financial shakedown of the South Korean company working with the US to deploy THAAD missile defenses \u2013 to defend America\u2019s national security interests by means of another meager United Nations Security Council resolution on North Korea, and doubled down on the failed Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) with Iran,\u201d Sen. Cruz said.\nCruz continued, \u201cThe United States does not need further opinions of the \u2018international community.\u2019 We need to enforce the law and identify and target the entities directly responsible for enabling the financing of Kim Jong-un\u2019s nuclear ambitions \u2014 Chinese banks. The Obama administration has the legal mandate to do so, but lacks political will. This is the same President who refused to sign the extension of Iran sanctions into law and whose administration assured the regime that this extension, passed with the support of 99 senators and 419 representatives, would not affect them. I am looking forward to working with President-elect Trump next year to tear up the Iran nuclear deal and to ensure peace through strength in Northeast Asia.\u201d\nA column posted today by Claudia Rosett in Forbes.com outlines the same concerns highlighted by Sen. Cruz.\u00a0\nRosett writes, \u201cIf the silent officials of the Obama administration are confident that there has been no nuclear cooperation between Iran and North Korea, it\u2019s time to put that assessment in writing and send it to Cruz. If, on the other hand, Clapper, Kerry, Lew or Obama himself have any information that points to nuclear collaboration, it\u2019s past time to inform Cruz, the rest of Congress and the American public of the staggering extent of the radioactive debacle they are about to hand off to President-elect Donald Trump, under the heading of Obama\u2019s legacy Iran nuclear deal.\u201d\nRead the article in its entirety here and below. Sen. Cruz\u2019s letter may be viewed here.\nThe Audacity of Silence On Possible Iran-North Korea Nuclear TiesForbes.com  By Claudia Rosett  December 15, 2016\nIt\u2019s now more than eight weeks since Senator Ted Cruz sent a letter to three senior officials of the Obama administration, detailing his concerns that North Korea and Iran might be working together on developing nuclear missiles.\u00a0\nIn particular, Cruz had a question for Director of National Intelligence James Clapper. Referring to the period since the Iran nuclear deal took effect on Jan. 16, Cruz asked: \"Has the U.S. intelligence community observed any possible nuclear collaboration between Iran and North Korea...\u201d?\u00a0\nThat\u2019s one of the huge questions looming behind the Iran nuclear deal, officially titled the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, which President Obama has been urging President-elect Donald Trump to preserve.\u00a0\nIt's a question that deserves an immediate answer. If there has been any such nuclear teamwork between Tehran and rogue, nuclear-testing Pyongyang, that would be a violation by Iran that should immediately blow up the Iran deal \u2014 which the Obama White House currently touts on its web site as \u201cThe Historic Deal that Will Prevent Iran from Acquiring a Nuclear Weapon.\u201d\u00a0\nQuestions about possible Iran-North Korea teamwork on nuclear weapons are well-founded, as Cruz explained in his seven-page letter, referencing numerous open-source reports (including two of my own). North Korea and Iran have been strategic allies since just after Iran\u2019s 1979 Islamic revolution. They have a long history of weapons deals, in which the usual arrangement has been that North Korea works on the weapons, oil-rich Iran pays the bills, and technicians shuttle between both countries.\u00a0\nWhile there\u2019s been no official U.S. confirmation that this Iran-North Korea partnership extends to nuclear collaboration, there's plenty of official U.S. documentation that it includes cooperation on developing ballistic missiles. That has long raised questions about whether the two countries are also in nuclear cahoots, because ballistic missiles are basically cost-efficient only as vehicles for delivering nuclear warheads.\u00a0\nAnd though it could be mere coincidence, it is striking that during the past year, in which Iran \u2014 to multi-billion dollar emolument \u2014 has officially relinquished any interest in nuclear weapons, cash-hungry North Korea has never been busier. North Korea has carried out two nuclear tests this year alone, in January and September, bringing its total number of nuclear tests to five since 2006, four of them during Obama\u2019s presidency.\nOver many years, North Korea and Iran have both carried out numerous ballistic missile tests, including multiple tests by both countries since the Iran nuclear deal took effect this January. That raises the question of why Iran, having promised not to make nuclear weapons, continues to pour resources into testing ballistic missiles. If not for nuclear weapons, then for what? One obvious question is whether North Korea\u2019s nuclear program might be secretly doubling as a nuclear backshop for Iran.\u00a0\nCruz, in his letter, raised specific worries about North Korea\u2019s test this September of a powerful new rocket booster, which according to North Korean state media had a thrust of 80 tons \u2014 enough power to carry \u201ca heavier, or less-minaturized nuclear warhead to the United States.\u201d That happens to be exactly the same amount of thrust referenced in a Jan. 17 Treasury press release that mentioned the excursions of \u201cIranian missile technicians,\u201d who \u201cwithin the past several years\u201d have \u201ctraveled to North Korea to work on an 80-ton rocket booster being developed by the North Korean government.\u201d\nCruz asked Treasury Secretary Jack Lew to confirm that the capability of North Korea\u2019s new rocket engine, tested in September, was the same as that of the North Korean rocket on which Iranian technicians had been working in North Korea.\nCruz also had some questions for Secretary of State John Kerry, including \u201cWhat penalties do you plan to announce against Iran in light of its JCPOA violations?\u201d He also wanted to know, \u201cWhat is the United States doing to ensure that the $1.7 billion paid to Iran in cash earlier this year is not used to finance nuclear weapons research in North Korea?\u201d\nFrom all these Administration officials, Cruz requested answers no later than Nov. 1. To date, according to his staff, he has received no answers at all.\nState and Treasury have not even extended the courtesy of acknowledging the letter. From Clapper\u2019s office, at National Intelligence, came a message in October, saying they had received the letter, and would respond. They have not.\nThat\u2019s an alarming silence. For years, Obama administration officials have dodged questions about possible Iran-North Korea nuclear teamwork by reciting the talking point that any signs of such cooperation would be cause for serious concern. Now it seems Administration officials are skirting even that customary evasion. Why?\nMy own queries to State, Treasury and National Intelligence, asking why they had not answered Cruz, ran into the same blank walls. State and Treasury made no response. National Intelligence emailed back on Dec. 6 only to say that they had received Cruz\u2019s letter, and \u201care working to respond as soon as possible.\u201d\nObama\u2019s administration has racked up a record that suggests silence on Iran-related issues is not a good sign. Back in January, when Obama celebrated a $1.7 billion settlement of an old financial dispute with Iran, a number of lawmakers wrote to the Administration asking for details of this transaction, and whether it was a ransom for Iran\u2019s release of American prisoners.\nThe Administration took weeks to provide even partial replies, denied paying ransom and omitted entirely the manner in which the $1.7 billion had been dispatched to Iran. It took more than six months for Congress and the press to eke out of the Administration the information that the entire $1.7 billion, converted into European hard currency, had been paid to Iran in stacks of cash \u2014 hard to trace and convenient chiefly for illicit purposes \u2014 with the first installment of $400 million conveyed, ransom-style, on the same day as the prisoner release, and held in Geneva until the airplane carrying the released American prisoners was on its way out of Iran.\u00a0\nFor the Obama administration, invested in the Iran nuclear deal as one of Obama\u2019s signature legacies, there is tremendous temptation to ignore or bury any evidence that Iran is cheating. There is also enormous incentive to downplay another of Obama\u2019s legacies: the dramatic enhancement, since he took office in 2009, of the nuclear arsenal and proficiency of North Korea, now honing its increasingly powerful missiles, beefing up its stockpile of nuclear fuel, and preparing for its sixth nuclear test.\u00a0\nIf the silent officials of the Obama administration are confident that there has been no nuclear cooperation between Iran and North Korea, it\u2019s time to put that assessment in writing and send it to Cruz. If, on the other hand, Clapper, Kerry, Lew or Obama himself have any information that points to nuclear collaboration, it\u2019s past time to inform Cruz, the rest of Congress and the American public of the staggering extent of the radioactive debacle they are about to hand off to President-elect Donald Trump, under the heading of Obama\u2019s legacy Iran nuclear deal.\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=2926", "Sen. Cruz Statement on President-Elect Trump's Choice of Scott Pruitt for EPA Administrator", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Ted Cruz", "C001098", "www.cruz.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today issued the following statement regarding President-elect Donald Trump\u2019s selection of Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt as his nominee for Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):\n\u201cUnder Obama, the EPA has run amok. Attorney General Pruitt has helped lead the fight against many of the Obama administration\u2019s most egregious cases of lawless federal overreach on behalf of his home state of Oklahoma. I believe he will bring back common sense and a healthy respect for rule of law to the EPA. \u00a0And I am confident he will work to restore the focus on EPA\u2019s core mission of ensuring clean air and water -- being good stewards of our environment for the next generations -- rather than empowering bureaucratic zealots simply to kill jobs and hurt American workers.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://lamarsmith.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/smith-statement-on-appointment-of-rick-perry-to-secretary-of-energy", "Smith Statement on Appointment of Rick Perry to Secretary of Energy", "2016-12-14", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Lamar Smith", "S000583", "lamarsmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas) released the following statement today after President-elect Donald J. Trump announced former Texas Governor Rick Perry will lead the Department of Energy.\nChairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas): \u201cRick Perry is an excellent choice to lead our nation\u2019s Energy Department. He is a champion of energy development. As a former governor of Texas, Rick Perry has in-depth experience running a state with an economy that ranks 11th in the world.\u00a0 Texas is an \u2018all of the above\u2019 energy state and is the largest producer of oil and gas in the country as well as the largest producer of wind energy.\u00a0 The Science Committee that I chair has jurisdiction over the Energy Department\u2019s research and development budget of $10 billion. I look forward to working with the former governor and the Trump administration to develop less costly energy for the American people and to advance the Department\u2019s core scientific missions.\u201d\n###\nStatement is also viewable on the House Science, Space and Technology Committee website here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hurd.house.gov/media-center/editorials/educating-next-generation-computer-scientists", "Educating the Next Generation of Computer Scientists", "2016-12-14", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Will Hurd", "H001073", "hurd.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "One of the best parts of my job is visiting schools and talking with students. Every chance I get, I tell young people about the opportunities that a computer science education can provide. Many are shocked to learn that although an estimated 42,000 computing jobs are waiting to be filled in Texas, only 2,100 computer scientists graduated from Texas schools last year. Students are even more interested to learn that the average salary of a computer science professional is more than $85,000 \u2013 almost twice the average salary in Texas.\nOutside of the Washington, D.C. area, San Antonio has the highest concentration of cybersecurity professionals, placing the city at the forefront of tech development. Unfortunately, we are far behind when it comes to producing enough computer science professionals to meet demand. Currently, the pipeline that educates future computer science professionals begins for some at the high school level, but the drive to teach these skills must begin earlier, ideally in our middle schools.\nOur world is transforming into a place where coding and technological literacy is comparable to typing proficiency in the 1990s. The incredible medical advancements we see today are products of early exposure to science courses that inspire young people to pursue further education in the field. We need to follow suit with computer science. Offering tech education early on not only serves as the foundation for continued education in high school and beyond, but also exposes students to the jobs we will need to fill in the future. It could have a dramatic impact on closing the employment gap in the tech industry.\n read the full article at THE\u00a0RIVARD REPORT", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hurd.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/congressman-hurd-announces-middle-school-computer-science-initiative", "Congressman Hurd announces middle school computer science initiative", "2016-12-14", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Will Hurd", "H001073", "hurd.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "There are more computer science jobs in Texas waiting to be filled than there are graduates to fill them each year.\nThe statistics, according to U.S. Rep. Will Hurd, helped launch a new middle school computer science initiative announced Wednesday.\n\"It's a great program partnering with the STEM education center at University of Texas Austin and a number of corporate sponsors like Facebook, Brocade, Dell and Intel to train 40 middle school math teachers on how to introduce coding into their curriculum,\" Hurd said. \"We're going to have 5,000 kids in the fall exposed to computer science and coding.\"\nThe congressman for District 23 said over 40,000 computing vacancies exist in Texas, but state colleges only graduate 2,000 computer scientists each year. Hurd studied computer science at Texas A&M University.\n\"UT's working with a group called Bootstrap, which is a nonprofit that does this training, and then you have these corporate sponsors that are willing to fund the program and you have a number of amazing superintendents that are interested in introducing this to their curriculum,\" Hurd said.\nThe learning materials reinforce core concepts from algebra, making the curriculum compatible with the state standards set by the Texas Education Agency, according to a news release. Since the curriculum is taught through existing math classes schools do not need additional teachers or classes.\nNortheast Independent School District superintendent Brian Gottardy accompanied seventh grade students at a press conference who are expected to benefit from the program next fall.\n\"I'm just excited about the coding and like actually being able to learn how to do it and then like being able to get a job using the coding, something I love,\" Andrea Conner, 12, said.\nToday's kids are growing up with technology much different than past generations. However, some seem to understand they'll need computer science training and skills for a variety of professions.\n\"We have to prepare our kids for jobs that don't exist and coding is the language of the 21st century,\" Hurd said.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hurd.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/hurd-lawmakers-russian-hacking-intel-we-need-be-really-careful", "Hurd to lawmakers on Russian hacking intel: We need to be really careful", "2016-12-14", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Will Hurd", "H001073", "hurd.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The only sitting member in the House of Representatives to have served in the CIA is advising fellow lawmakers to tread carefully with the information they collect during ongoing investigations focused on Russian hacking related to the recent presidential campaign.\nRep. Will Hurd, R-Texas, worked in the CIA for 9 years, spending time as an undercover intelligence officer in both Afghanistan and Pakistan. He recently told CyberScoop that human intelligence \u2014 agents on the ground \u2014 would likely be necessary to make an accurate assessment concerning the motivation and intention of those individuals who ordered a digital break in at the Democratic National Committee.\n\u201cHaving some of this evidence declassified, I think we need to be really careful because we\u2019re talking about people\u2019s lives. Whatever we decide, whatever we declassify, Russian intelligence will be studying it very closely,\u201d Hurd said.\nEvidence uncovered by the New York Times backs Hurd\u2019s assumption, noting that \u201chuman and technical\u201d sources in Russia aided the intelligence community\u2019s conclusion that Russian intelligence forces were involved in the DNC data breach.\nHurd\u2019s outreach comes as Congress is pressuring the White House to declassify additional material related to data breaches at multiple U.S. political organizations. The intelligence community\u2019s analysis will be laden with information concerning the tactics, sources, tools and procedures used by U.S. spies to attribute cyberattacks, Hurd says. And that material must be handled with extreme caution.\nOn Friday, The White House revealed that President Barack Obama had recently commissioned U.S. intelligence agencies to compile a comprehensive report containing information about malicious cyber activity aimed at past presidential elections. Deputy press secretary Eric Schultz told journalists that that this report would be completed before inauguration day and shared with congress and potentially, in a redacted form, with the public.\nIn the scope of uncovering new evidence and having a more open discussion about the influence of Russian hacking \u2014 especially as it pertains to the presidential election \u2014 politicians will need to walk a tightrope between responsible disclosure and protecting valuable intelligence assets, former intelligence officials say.\nThere is also some doubt as to whether a high profile exposure of the alleged Russian hackers \u2014 known to cybersecurity experts as APT28 \u2014 will ultimately impact the group\u2019s ability to conduct missions, according to FireEye Intelligence Analysis Manager Christopher Porter.\n\u201cThere exists a common perception that exposure is always good or useful in degrading a cyber threat group\u2019s operations \u2026 [but] Russia-based groups have shown notable resilience in continuing their operations in the face of exposure. APT28, for example, had its operations exposed more than 20 times between Oct. 2014 and Oct. 2015, and not only sustained operations but became increasingly bold,\u201d explained Porter, a former CIA intelligence officer. \u201cIn many cases, operations were entirely uninterrupted because APT28 was able to tap into a seemingly endless armory of zero-days or to retool and shift its infrastructure within 24 hour.\u201d\nATP28\u2019s \u201cresilience,\u201d Porter told CyberScoop, is driven in part by the group\u2019s ability to quickly adapt whenever new information about their targets becomes available. In one case, FireEye noticed APT28\u2019s behavior began to change \u2014 making them more difficult to track \u2014 after the group was able to hack into a private cybersecurity firm\u2019s content management system, where they gained access to an unpublished threat intelligence report.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hurd.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/new-program-teach-middle-school-teachers-computer-coding", "New Program To Teach Middle School Teachers Computer Coding", "2016-12-14", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Will Hurd", "H001073", "hurd.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Since research shows that young people make up their minds on what career field they want to enter when they are in Middle School, U.S. Rep. Will Hurd and several local school districts are starting an innovative program to make sure 11 and 12 year olds are turned on to tech, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.\u00a0 \"Coding is the language of the 21st Century economy,\" said Hurd, who is a computer science graduate of Texas A&M and one of the leaders in Congress on tech issues.\u00a0 \"If our kids can't speak it, they're going to be left behind.\"\u00a0 The problem, Hurd says, is that few middle school teachers know enough about coding to be able to get their kids fired up about it, and school districts can't afford to hire specialty instructors on that one field.\u00a0 So his solution--a special course, specifically for middle school teachers, to give them the basics of coding so they can get their kids excited about computers as a career.\u00a0 Hurd says kids won't get excited to become a part of a field they have never had any expereince in.\u00a0 \"There are 42,000 computing jobs in Texas alone that went unfilled,\" Hurd said.\u00a0 \"Texas only produced 2100 computer scientists.\"\u00a0 And the numbers are bleaker for Hispanic and African American kids getting into technology.\u00a0 He says this doesn't necessarily mean jobs in tech firms.\u00a0 He says companies from Target to Walmart are actively hiring tech professionals, at salaries significantly higher than the statewide average, to deal with everything from 'on time inventory' to fighting hacking.\u00a0 The program is being underwritten by Toyota, as well as tech giants Dell and Facebook.\u00a0 \"We've got to do a better job preparing our students for the jobs that don't exist yet,\" Hurd said.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hurd.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/partnership-announced-train-teachers-computer-science", "Partnership announced to train teachers in computer science", "2016-12-14", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Will Hurd", "H001073", "hurd.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep.\u00a0Will Hurd, R-Helotes, announced Wednesday that 40 middle school math teachers in his vast congressional district will receive low-cost training in March to integrate computer science into their curriculum.\n\u201cCoding is the language of the 21st century economy,\u201d Hurd said at a press conference at the BiblioTech South branch on Pleasanton Road. \u201cIf our students can\u2019t speak it, they\u2019re going to be left behind.\u201d\n\u00a0\nThe training will be provided by the nonprofit Bootstrap, through the\u00a0University of Texas Center for STEM Education. Four tech companies \u2014 Dell, Intel, Facebook and Brocade \u2014 donated a total of $35,000 to fund the training, said\u00a0Carol Fletcher, deputy director of the Center for STEM Education. The\u00a0Texas Education Agency\u00a0will provide a smaller amount of matching funds, Fletcher added.\nThe teachers can apply on\u00a0Hurd\u2019s website\u00a0by the end of January to receive the three-day training at the end of March. Breakfast, lunch and transportation will be included, as will lodging for teachers coming from more than 60 miles away.\nHurd was re-elected last month to the 23rd Congressional District, which stretches west from San Antonio\u2019s suburbs to the Mexican border.\nThe superintendents of\u00a0North East and Southwest Independent School Districts\u00a0\u2014 both in Hurd\u2019s district, which curls around inner-city San Antonio \u2014 praised his effort Wednesday. North East will pilot the program at\u00a0Lopez Middle School, said Superintendent\u00a0Brian Gottardy.\nAndrea Connor, a seventh-grader at Lopez, remembered using computers in kindergarten to learn her vowels and consonants.\n\u201cI\u2019m not really sure what I want to become when I\u2019m older, but I do know I want it to be technology-based, because our future lies in computer science,\u201d she said.\nTraining 40 teachers will expose an additional 5,000 middle school students to computer science in the fall, Hurd said.\nHurd was inspired to focus on computer science in high school, while interning at the\u00a0Southwest Research Institute. He became a\u00a0Central Intelligence Agency\u00a0operative and joined a cybersecurity company after leaving the agency. He said San Antonio has the second-highest number of cybersecurity jobs in the nation, behind the Washington, D.C. area.\nTexas also has about 42,000 unfilled computing jobs statewide, even though those jobs come with an average salary of $89,000, Hurd said.\n\u201cWe need to change that, and that means getting to these kids sooner,\u201d he said.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hurd.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/hurd-announces-middle-school-computer-science-initiative", "Hurd Announces Middle School Computer Science Initiative", "2016-12-14", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Will Hurd", "H001073", "hurd.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Click here to learn more about the TX23 Computer Science Curriculum Initiative and how to sign up.\nSan Antonio, TX \u2013Surrounded by school district superintendents and city leaders at BiblioTech South, U.S. Representative Will Hurd announced a new STEM initiative for schools in the 23rd Congressional District of Texas. In partnership with the University of Texas Center for STEM Education and non-profit organization Bootstrap, this curriculum initiative will train middle school teachers to integrate computer science into State-approved mathematics curriculums.\u00a0 Currently, only a handful of Texas middle schools offer coding classes.\n\u201cIn Texas, over 40,000 computing jobs are waiting to be filled, but we only graduate 2,000 computer scientists each year,\u201d said Hurd, who studied Computer Science at Texas A&M University. \u201cRight now the pipeline that produces Computer Science\u00a0professionals starts at the high school level. We\u2019ve got to do a better job preparing our students for the jobs that don\u2019t exist yet\u2014and we\u2019ve got to start at an earlier age.\u00a0Coding is the language of the 21st Century economy. If our students can\u2019t speak it, they will be left behind.\u201d\nThe University of Texas Center for STEM Education partners with Bootstrap to host the training, which will train teachers how to teach computer science using math. The learning materials reinforce core concepts from algebra, making the curriculum compatible with the state standards set by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). Because the curriculum is taught through existing math classes, schools do not need additional teachers or classes. Forty middle school teachers may participate in the March 23 \u2013 25 training at BiblioTech South in San Antonio, in order to implement the program in the classroom in Fall 2017. This training has been generously sponsored by Intel, Dell, Facebook, and Brocade.\nBexar County Judge Nelson Wolff: \u201cSince the doors of the first branch opened on September 14, 2013, BiblioTech has actively worked to bridge literacy and technology gaps in San Antonio and surrounding areas.\u00a0 Congressman Hurd\u2019s announcement of opportunity and availability for this training is a testament to his support in these areas.\u00a0 BiblioTech and the Bexar County are proud to assist in this new and exciting approach to enrich our community and youth.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\nDr. Brian G. Gottardy, Superintendent of Schools for North East ISD: \u201cNorth East ISD recognizes the need for a skilled technology workforce and understands our role in preparing students for jobs that don\u2019t even exist yet. Expanding computer science opportunities down to middle school will help us build engaging and relevant technology experiences to prepare students for high school, college and career.\u201d\nEmmanuel Schanzer, Bootstrap Program Director: \u201cAlgebra is the key to future success in STEM fields, and jobs that require Computer Science knowledge are among the fastest-growing segment\u00a0of the economy. Bootstrap is proud to work with teachers across Texas\u2019\u00a023rd district, bringing our unique blend of Algebraic Programming to teachers across San Antonio and beyond.\nManuel Justiz, Dean of the College of Education at The University of Texas:\u00a0 \"We are excited to partner with Congressman Hurd\u2019s office and companies like Facebook, Intel, Dell and Brocade to bring cutting-edge computer science teacher training to Texas. The WeTeachCS project in the Center for STEM Education is committed to providing teachers with high-quality, accessible computer science education, and we are proud of the project\u2019s state and national leadership to improve such education for all students, enabling them to become leaders in the innovation economy.\u201d\nAlex Stamos, Facebook Chief Security Officer: \u201cCreating ways to engage young people early with computer science is one of the best investments we can make toward their future and our society. We are glad to support the Hurd Computer Science Initiative for its forward-looking approach.\u201d\nJeff Rangel, Senior Director, Corporate Affairs, Brocade: \u201cBrocade believes the network is a platform of innovation with almost limitless potential. We also believe that today\u2019s youth need the STEM skills necessary to leverage that innovation to co-create futures we\u2019ve yet to imagine. We\u2019re proud to support this computer science initiative because it has the capacity to empower youth with those skills.\u201d\nSteve Harris, Federal Vice President and General Manager, Dell EMC: \u201cAs part of Dell\u2019s 2020 Legacy of Good Plan, Dell is committed to putting technology and expertise to work where it can drive human progress. Dell recognizes the importance in providing underserved children access to technology and equip educators with the resources needed to build the computer science, STEM and computational thinking skills crucial for children\u2019s success in a technology-driven future. We are excited to collaborate with Congressman Hurd and top technology companies on this new STEM initiative.\u201d\nPeter Cleveland, Vice President of Intel\u2019s Government and Policy Group: \u201cStudies show that the quality of a teacher is the single largest influence on student achievement. We are proud to support Congressman Hurd\u2019s Computer Science Initiative to train teachers to integrate computer science into curriculum and help prepare students for the jobs of the future.\u201d\nAl Arreola, President and CEO, South San Antonio Chamber of Commerce: \u201cThe South San Antonio Chamber supports Congressman Hurd\u2019s creative approach to filling the computer science talent gap while championing our homegrown tech sector. This initiative is a great example of how the public and private sectors can work together to generate real returns for our community.\u201d\nRamiro Cavazos, President and CEO, San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce: \u201cThe San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is proud to support proposed policies that encourage more students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The Hispanic Chamber hosts the largest STEM initiative in San Antonio, the CORE4 STEM Program each year, created to build the future STEM workforce of San Antonio, and we look forward to partnering with Rep. Hurd on furthering efforts such as these.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sessions.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/sessions-statement-nomination-rick-perry-secretary-energy", "Sessions Statement on the Nomination of Rick Perry for Secretary of Energy", "2016-12-14", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Pete Sessions", "S000250", "sessions.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Congressman Pete Sessions released the following statement in response to President-elect Donald J. Trump's nomination of Governor Rick Perry for Secretary of Energy:\n\u201cTexas is known for our thriving economy, robust job market, and booming energy resources. As Governor, Rick Perry welcomed\u00a0 dozens of companies to the Lone Star State, which created thousands of jobs for Texans and made our state the most prosperous in the nation. He was also at the helm of a multi-billion dollar infrastructure program that created clean, renewable energy that was accessible to Texans ranging from the ranches in West Texas to the bustling Dallas metroplex. I am confident that as Secretary of Energy he will use his leadership skills and expertise to successfully unleash our nation\u2019s energy capabilities, create American jobs, and put us on the path towards energy independence.\u201d\u00a0 \n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://williams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-williams-statement-on-fed-rate-hike", "Rep. Williams Statement on Fed Rate Hike", "2016-12-14", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Roger Williams", "W000816", "williams.house.gov", "williams", "https://williams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "FORT HOOD \u2013 Congressman Roger Williams (R-Austin), a member of the House Financial Services Committee, today released the following statement after the Federal Reserve announced it would raise the interest rate, making it the second rate hike since 2006.\n\n\"While rate hikes have historically been an important tool to offset inflation, today's decision by the Fed to raise the interest rate is entirely premature and will be burdensome to a nation already struggling to pull itself out of this slow-growth Obama economy,\" said Williams. \"Even at the current rates, we are paying an exorbitant amount of money to pay down interest on the national debt when that money could be spent paying down our actual debt or on our veterans and military. Young adults are struggling to pay back loans and homeownership is still out of reach for many. By making rates even higher, the Fed is effectively making our hardships even harder.\"\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T21:09:43Z"], ["https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/content/cornyn-statement-announcement-governor-perry-be-energy-secretary", "Cornyn Statement on Announcement of Governor Perry to be Energy Secretary", "2016-12-14", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "John Cornyn", "C001056", "www.cornyn.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "DALLAS \u2013 U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) issued the following statement on President-elect Donald Trump\u2019s announcement that former Texas Governor Rick Perry will be nominated to be the next Secretary of Energy:\n\u201cI\u2019m thrilled with the President-elect\u2019s decision to bring a proven Texas leader like Governor Perry into his Administration. For eight years the Obama Administration has kept a boot on the necks of our energy providers, stifling their ability to grow and innovate. Under Governor Perry\u2019s leadership, Texas showed the country how lower taxes and sensible regulations can boost energy production and create jobs. As a Texan, Governor Perry understands the importance of empowering an all-of-the-above energy strategy that encourages innovation and spurs growth from the ground up.\n\u201cA good friend, proud veteran, and dedicated public servant, I look forward to supporting Governor Perry\u2019s nomination.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/content/senator-cornyn-114th-congress-review", "Senator Cornyn: 114th Congress in Review", "2016-12-14", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "John Cornyn", "C001056", "www.cornyn.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "DALLAS \u2013 Five bills introduced by U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) have become law during the 114th Congress, with three more currently waiting on the President\u2019s signature. These include landmark anti-human trafficking legislation, a bill reforming the Freedom of Information Act, a bill to allow local first responders to use grant funding for active shooter response training, and legislation to help reduce the rape kit backlog, among others.\nAwaiting the President\u2019s Signature\nCross Border Trade Enhancement Act (Passed Senate 11/29/16, passed House 12/6/16, passed Senate again 12/10/16, awaiting President\u2019s signature)\n Promotes public-private partnerships (P3) to boost staffing and make infrastructure improvements at U.S. ports of entry without adding to the national deficit.\nDeveloped with input from border community leaders and transportation industry stakeholders following successful pilot program agreements, including at the Paso Del Norte Bridge in El Paso.\n Justice for All Reauthorization Act of 2016 (Passed Senate 6/16/16, passed House 11/29/16, passed Senate again 12/1/16, awaiting President\u2019s signature)\n Strengthens crime victims\u2019 rights in the courtroom, increases access to restitution and restorative services, and reauthorizes important law enforcement investigative programs.\nHelps reduce the nationwide rape kit backlog and provide resources for forensic labs while protecting the innocent by improving access to post-conviction DNA testing.\n HEAR Act (Passed House 12/7/16, passed Senate 12/10/16, awaiting President\u2019s signature)\n Helps facilitate the return of artwork lost to Nazis during the Holocaust to their rightful owners or heirs.\nEnsures that American law encourages the resolution of claims on Nazi-confiscated art on the merits, in a fair and just manner, consistent with long-standing U.S. foreign policy.\n Signed Into Law\nMajor Provisions of the Mental Health and Safe Communities Act (Passed as part of the 21st Century Cures Act and became law 12/13/16)\n Allows law enforcement to use existing funding to create pre-trial screening and assessment programs to identify mentally ill offenders, provide need-based treatment, and develop post-release supervision plans, including judicially-administered Assisted Outpatient Treatment programs.\nUses federal grant funding to expand the use of Crisis Intervention Teams, who are trained to respond to mental health crises and prevent acts of violence.\nEnables existing federal funding to be used to provide treatment, mentoring, and other transitional services to mentally-ill offenders leaving custody.\n Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015 (Passed Senate 4/22/15, passed House 5/19/15, became law 5/29/15)\n Strengthens law enforcement tools to help authorities rescue victims and take down human traffickers and the organized criminal networks who support them.\nProvides victims of sexual exploitation, slavery, and human trafficking with resources to heal and restore their lives.\n Starr-Camargo Bridge Charter Extension (Passed Senate 3/17/16, passed House 5/16/16, became law 5/20/16)\n Legislation grants the Starr-Camargo International Bridge in Rio Grande City, TX permanent operating authority, allowing the bridge to continue connecting communities across the Rio Grande.\n FOIA Improvement Act of 2016 (Passed Senate 3/15/16, passed House 6/13/16, became law 6/30/16)\n Requires federal agencies to operate under a \u201cpresumption of openness\u201d when considering the release of government information under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).\nReduces bureaucracy involved in the FOIA request process and requires agencies to proactively disclose documents that are likely to be of public interest.\n POLICE Act of 2016 (Passed Senate 5/18/16, passed House 7/12/16, became law 7/22/16)\n Expands access to existing federal funding for law enforcement and first responders to receive active shooter response training.\nEndorsed by the National Fraternal Order of Police, the National District Attorneys Association, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the Major County Sheriffs Association, and the Sergeants Benevolent Association.\n Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (Passed Senate 5/17/16, passed House 9/9/16, vetoed 9/23/16, passed Senate over veto 9/28/16, passed House over veto 9/28/16, became law 9/28/16)\n Allows families of victims of terror attacks on U.S. soil to sue the foreign states that fund terrorism and permit them to hold accountable those who aid and abet terrorism.\nPassed the House of Representatives and Senate unanimously, and became law after Congress overrode a Presidential veto.\n Medicare Long-Term Care Hospital Moratorium Exception (Passed as part of 21st Century Cures Act and became law 12/13/16)\n Provides regulatory relief for Long-Term Care Hospitals (LTCHs) by qualifying for a \u201cmid-build\u201d exception to the current moratorium on bed expansion.\n Ensuring Removal of Terminated Providers from Medicaid and CHIP Act (Passed as part of 21st Century Cures Act and became law 12/13/16)\n Ensures federal funds are not paid to health care providers who have been terminated from the Medicaid, Medicare, or CHIP programs.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=2922", "Sen. Cruz Statement on Governor Rick Perry Being Named as President-Elect Trump's Choice for Secretary of Energy", "2016-12-14", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Ted Cruz", "C001098", "www.cruz.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today issued the following statement regarding President-elect Donald Trump\u2019s selection of former Texas Governor Rick Perry as his nominee for U.S. Secretary of Energy.\n\u201cGov. Perry will make a terrific Secretary of Energy. \u00a0For 14 years, he led the State of Texas, and with low taxes, restrained spending, and limited regulation, Texas became one of the greatest economic powerhouses in the world. His executive experience across diverse policy areas makes him qualified to run just about any federal agency. Gov. Perry is an exceptional pick to head the Department of Energy, and after presiding over the nation's number one producer of oil and natural gas, and one of the nation's leaders in wind, solar, and nuclear energy, he understands the importance of our country's energy resources not only to our economy, but also to our national security. \u00a0I am confident that Gov. Perry will be an aggressive champion for opening more lands to exploration and working to reduce our dependence on foreign energy sources. I enthusiastically support his nomination as Secretary of Energy.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=2923", "Sen. Cruz Serves Texans in Houston", "2016-12-14", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Ted Cruz", "C001098", "www.cruz.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "HOUSTON, Texas \u2013 U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) yesterday and today participated in service projects in support of Houstonians during the holidays. \u00a0\u00a0\nOn Tuesday, Sen. Cruz visited Interfaith Ministries\u2019 Meals on Wheels and the Fisher House in Houston, where he learned about the organizations\u2019 operations and local needs. He delivered meals to homebound seniors and visited with veterans and their families staying at the Fisher House.\nToday, Sen. Cruz volunteered at the Houston Food Bank, where he joined local third graders who were there on a field trip, to help fill backpacks with food for children in need. He also toured the warehouse and met with food bank leaders to discuss their operations.\n\u201cThere are few better ways for children to get into the holiday spirit than working to make a difference in the lives of fellow Houstonians,\u201d said Sen. Cruz. \u201cThis food bank is a tremendous operation, providing roughly 79 million meals a year and working with roughly 600 volunteer groups throughout Southeast Texas distributing the food. Meals on Wheels is one of the many organizations that works with the food bank and helps provide for people in a time of need. Their example is one we should replicate and look to all across our great state.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://babin.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1035", "House Unanimously Passes Congressman Babin\u2019s TREAT Astronauts Act", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Brian Babin", "B001291", "babin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 The U.S. House of Representatives last week unanimously approved the To Research, Evaluate, Assess, and Treat Astronauts Act (H.R. 6076), or \u201cTREAT\u201d Astronauts Act. The bill, sponsored by Space Subcommittee Chairman Brian Babin (R-TX), establishes a spaceflight occupational healthcare program for former American astronauts. Chairman Babin\u2019s full statement on the TREAT Act can be viewed here. \u00a0A summary of the bill can be found here.\r\n\r\n\u201cI am proud to say that I represent a great number of these astronauts who call the Houston area home,\u201d said Space Subcommittee Chairman Babin. \u201cAs a nation we have obligations to those we put in harm\u2019s way.\u00a0 As a Congress, we have a responsibility to provide for the treatment of conditions caused by federal service.\u00a0 As a health care professional and as their representative, you could say it is my duty to make sure these folks are taken care of properly. This is why I have sponsored H.R. 6076, the \u201cTREAT Astronauts Act,\u201d a common sense, fiscally responsible, bipartisan bill that makes sure our brave men and woman that venture into space receive support for medical issues associated with their service.\u201d\r\nThe TREAT Astronauts Act authorizes NASA to provide former astronauts medical monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment of psychological and medical conditions associated with their space flight. It builds upon existing NASA research authorities and NASA\u2019s Lifetime Surveillance of Astronaut Health program.\r\n\u201cIn an age when spaceflight has come to seem almost routine, it is easy to overlook how dangerous it is and how little we know about its long-term health effects. H.R. 6076, the \u201cTREAT Astronauts Act,\u201d ensures that our courageous men and women who venture into space receive support for medical issues associated with their service,\u201d said House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-TX). \u201cI thank Space Subcommittee Chairman Brian Babin for introducing this legislation and for his persistence in getting us to the point of passage.\u201d\r\nLeaders in Spaceflight Medicine Praise the TREAT Act:\r\n\u201cI am writing to express my sincere thanks to Chairman Babin for his leadership and instrumental support of the TREAT Astronaut Act. This important legislation will provide lifelong support for medical issues that arise as a result of astronauts' service. Additionally, it will help protect future generations of American space explorers who will continue to press the boundaries of exploration and human performance. Moreover, the lessons learned and the medical technologies developed will continue to have tremendous applications back here on earth, notably remote medical care, telemedicine and gerontology. As a veteran astronaut, physician, technology entrepreneur and advisor to various NASA and National Academies boards, I consider this bill critical to our nation's future in space.\u201d\r\nScott Parazynski, MD\r\nSTS-66, 86, 95, 100, 120  \r\nCEO, Fluidity Technologies\r\n\r\n\u201cThe TREAT Astronaut Act is an important bill aligned with our Nation\u2019s preeminence in human space exploration and value placed on the health and safety of United States former astronauts and payload specialists. The Act recognizes the responsibility to comprehensively care for our spacefaring men and women who have bravely served our country. It will also reap benefits in new knowledge and understanding of long-term biomedical risks associated with spaceflight, and inform strategies to mitigate those risks with potential applications to enhance healthcare on Earth.\u201d\r\nJeffrey P. Sutton, M.D., Ph.D.\r\nCEO, National Space Biomedical Research Institute\r\n\r\n\u201cMany thanks to Chairman Babin for his support of what I believe is an important issue for NASA and the nation, the safety and health of America\u2019s Astronauts.\u00a0Since my retirement from the Astronaut Office, I have been an advocate and supporter of the need to provide healthcare for this group of Americans who risk their lives to explore space. I have been involved in driving this initiative as a member of the NASA Medical Policies Board, National Academy of Medicine Health Board and others during my tenue as an Astronaut. As a physician, the TREAT Astronauts Act is critical.\u201d\r\nBernard A. Harris, Jr., MD, MBA\r\nCEO & Managing Director  \r\nVesalius Ventures", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://burgess.house.gov/blog/?postid=398218", "Burgess Statement on Nomination of Rex Tillerson as Secretary of State", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Michael Burgess", "B001248", "burgess.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade, issued the following statement in response to President-Elect Trump\u2019s nomination of Rex Tillerson as Secretary of State.\r\n\u201cI commend President-Elect Trump on his nomination of Rex Tillerson as Secretary of State. This prominent position in the Administration is tasked with the delicate balance of working to ease tensions around the globe while also ensuring U.S. national security and a strong foreign policy agenda.\u201cMr. Tillerson, a constituent of mine in the 26th district of Texas, has worked extensively with foreign leaders cultivating relationships that will only prove to benefit U.S. interests around the world. From the pipelines to the platforms, his experience leading the global efforts of one of America\u2019s most successful companies has equipped him with the understanding and insight to navigate the current world stage. Congratulations to Mr. Tillerson on this honorable nomination.\u201d\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://thornberry.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398215", "Lake Kemp provision passes U.S. Congress", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "William Thornberry", "T000238", "thornberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congress has passed the \u201cWater Resources Development Act of 2016,\u201d H.R. 5303, which includes an amendment introduced by U.S. Congressman Mac Thornberry (R-Clarendon) that will prevent the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) from forcing the City of Wichita Falls to destroy nearly 150 Lake Kemp cabins before 2025.\r\nThe issue stems from an agreement in the 1960s between the Corps, Wichita Falls, and other stakeholders when the Lake Kemp dam and spillway was reconstructed. That agreement required the city to demolish all of the privately owned cabins at Lake Kemp that were below 1,159-feet mean sea level (MSL) out of concern that they might flood. The agreement has been modified to prevent the demolition several times, most recently in 2007 when it was extended through January 1, 2020.\r\n\u201cThis five-year extension protects the rights of the cabin owners and the private property rights of the current owner of the Waggoner Estate, while allowing the city and those stakeholders more time to resolve this issue,\u201d Thornberry said.\r\nTo date, none of the cabins at the lake below the 1,159 MSL have flooded. The highest pool of record at Lake Kemp was 1,150-feet MSL in August of 1995. Lake Kemp functions as a recreational and flood control facility that also supplies municipal water. The land surrounding Lake Kemp is part of the historic privately owned Waggoner Estate Ranch that was recently purchased by Mr. Stan Kroenke of Kroenke Sports Enterprises.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://babin.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1035", "House Unanimously Passes Congressman Babin\u2019s TREAT Astronauts Act", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Brian Babin", "B001291", "babin.house.gov", "babin", "https://babin.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 The U.S. House of Representatives last week unanimously approved the To Research, Evaluate, Assess, and Treat Astronauts Act (H.R. 6076), or \u201cTREAT\u201d Astronauts Act. The bill, sponsored by Space Subcommittee Chairman Brian Babin (R-TX), establishes a spaceflight occupational healthcare program for former American astronauts. Chairman Babin\u2019s full statement on the TREAT Act can be viewed here. A summary of the bill can be found here.\n\n\u201cI am proud to say that I represent a great number of these astronauts who call the Houston area home,\u201d said Space Subcommittee Chairman Babin. \u201cAs a nation we have obligations to those we put in harm\u2019s way. As a Congress, we have a responsibility to provide for the treatment of conditions caused by federal service. As a health care professional and as their representative, you could say it is my duty to make sure these folks are taken care of properly. This is why I have sponsored H.R. 6076, the \u201cTREAT Astronauts Act,\u201d a common sense, fiscally responsible, bipartisan bill that makes sure our brave men and woman that venture into space receive support for medical issues associated with their service.\u201d\n\nThe TREAT Astronauts Act authorizes NASA to provide former astronauts medical monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment of psychological and medical conditions associated with their space flight. It builds upon existing NASA research authorities and NASA\u2019s Lifetime Surveillance of Astronaut Health program.\n\n\u201cIn an age when spaceflight has come to seem almost routine, it is easy to overlook how dangerous it is and how little we know about its long-term health effects. H.R. 6076, the \u201cTREAT Astronauts Act,\u201d ensures that our courageous men and women who venture into space receive support for medical issues associated with their service,\u201d said House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-TX). \u201cI thank Space Subcommittee Chairman Brian Babin for introducing this legislation and for his persistence in getting us to the point of passage.\u201d\n\nLeaders in Spaceflight Medicine Praise the TREAT Act:\n\n\u201cI am writing to express my sincere thanks to Chairman Babin for his leadership and instrumental support of the TREAT Astronaut Act. This important legislation will provide lifelong support for medical issues that arise as a result of astronauts' service. Additionally, it will help protect future generations of American space explorers who will continue to press the boundaries of exploration and human performance. Moreover, the lessons learned and the medical technologies developed will continue to have tremendous applications back here on earth, notably remote medical care, telemedicine and gerontology. As a veteran astronaut, physician, technology entrepreneur and advisor to various NASA and National Academies boards, I consider this bill critical to our nation's future in space.\u201d\n\nScott Parazynski, MD\n\nSTS-66, 86, 95, 100, 120\n\nCEO, Fluidity Technologies\n\n\u201cThe TREAT Astronaut Act is an important bill aligned with our Nation\u2019s preeminence in human space exploration and value placed on the health and safety of United States former astronauts and payload specialists. The Act recognizes the responsibility to comprehensively care for our spacefaring men and women who have bravely served our country. It will also reap benefits in new knowledge and understanding of long-term biomedical risks associated with spaceflight, and inform strategies to mitigate those risks with potential applications to enhance healthcare on Earth.\u201d\n\nJeffrey P. Sutton, M.D., Ph.D.\n\nCEO, National Space Biomedical Research Institute\n\n\u201cMany thanks to Chairman Babin for his support of what I believe is an important issue for NASA and the nation, the safety and health of America\u2019s Astronauts. Since my retirement from the Astronaut Office, I have been an advocate and supporter of the need to provide healthcare for this group of Americans who risk their lives to explore space. I have been involved in driving this initiative as a member of the NASA Medical Policies Board, National Academy of Medicine Health Board and others during my tenue as an Astronaut. As a physician, the TREAT Astronauts Act is critical.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T21:09:43Z"], ["https://mccaul.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/chairman-mccaul-releases-report-on-the-department-of-homeland-security-s", "Chairman McCaul Releases Report on the Department of Homeland Securitys Intelligence Enterprise", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Michael McCaul", "M001157", "mccaul.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  After nearly a year of intense work, House Homeland Security Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX) today released a comprehensive review of the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) use of intelligence to counter terrorist threats. The report, entitled Reviewing the Department of Homeland Security's Intelligence Enterprise: Fighting Terrorism by Addressing Key Gaps, is an in-depth analysis of the Department's intelligence structure and functions, and provides over 30 recommendations with regard to streamlining and enhancing DHS intelligence efforts.\nChairman McCaul: Although DHS has improved its ability to protect the homeland against terrorist threats over time, major gaps still remain. As the next Administration's transition efforts begin, I urge the Department to redouble its efforts to further integrate its intelligence organizations and systems. Best supporting state and local law enforcement efforts must also continue to be a top Departmental priority. Fifteen years after the attacks of 9/11, DHS has made significant strides in sharing terrorism-related intelligence, but more needs to be done. With the dangerous terror threat environment we face today, the acceptable margin of error is zero.\nKey Findings:\n \nDHS has made significant strides in improving the flow of terrorism information to all stakeholders since its creation.\n\t\nThe DHS Intelligence Enterprise (IE) is an evolving structure, and the authority of the Chief Intelligence Officer (CINT) is not completely accepted throughout the IE.\n\t\nSome DHS IE members do not have clear, or even explicitly identified, missions. This vagueness causes overlapping efforts and inhibits the effective sharing of terrorism-related intelligence due to the fact that information flows are sometimes unclear.\n\t\nThe DHS IE does not have a consolidated intelligence doctrine and the CINT does not have full awareness of all terrorism-related intelligence sharing agreements into which the various DHS Components have entered.\n\t\nThe DHS IE employs a vast array of Information Technology systems that require standardization and modernization. Implementing the DHS Data Framework initiative is a critical project which will help ameliorate this issue, while also allowing for more effective intelligence analysis of Departmental data.\n\t\nMembers of the DHS IE generate a vast array of finished intelligence products. These are often nothing more than a repackaging of products from statutory Intelligence Community members, rather than analyses of DHS-derived information.\n \nSummary of Recommendations:\n \nThe Secretary of Homeland Security should more clearly define the DHS IE, as well as its roles and responsibilities.\n\tDHS Components should examine the missions and structures of their Component Intelligence Programs, focusing and consolidating them as appropriate.\n\tThe CINT should work closely with the various DHS Components to share terrorism-related intelligence effectively within the Department as well as with other federal agencies.\n\tThe CINT should ensure that the IE serves State, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) law enforcement authorities effectively, while at the same time benefiting from the unique information they can provide to the Department.\n \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://olson.house.gov/media-center/latest-news/important-announcement-for-pearlandbrazoria-county-residents", "IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT FOR PEARLAND/BRAZORIA COUNTY RESIDENTS", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Pete Olson", "O000168", "olson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Pearland/Brazoria County residents, our current office on 6302 W. Broadway Street is moving to a new location. While we are in transition, if you need assistance with a federal agency, please call our Sugar Land office at 281-494-2690. I apologize in advance for any inconvenience this may cause you. We will provide updated office information as soon the details have been finalized.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://olson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/olson-applauds-21st-century-cures-act-becoming-law", "Olson Applauds 21st Century Cures Act Becoming Law", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Pete Olson", "O000168", "olson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Pete Olson (TX-22) today applauded the president for acting to help deliver more cures, treatments, and therapies to patients and to bring our health care system into the 21st century. President Obama signed into law the 21st Century Cures Act, an important bipartisan initiative that will make needed reforms, and spur medical innovation that will make real differences in people\u2019s lives. The bill was passed in the House by a bipartisan vote of\u00a0392-26 and the Senate by 94-5.\n  \u201cThis law will lay the groundwork for making needed medical breakthroughs to provide hope for patients in dire need of new and effective treatments,\u201d Rep. Pete Olson said. \u201cI\u2019m proud of the bipartisan effort to develop a bill that will spur innovation in our nation\u2019s medical research industry, helping and giving hope to loved ones with debilitating or deadly diseases. This will give us the opportunity to invest in the research that will result in the technological advances that improve quality of life and deliver cures to patients and peace of mind for their families. I thank the president for signing this innovative bill into law.\u201d\n###\nMedia Contact: Melissa Kelly\n\t202-225-5954", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://olson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/olson-former-gov-perry-great-choice-for-secretary-of-energy", "Olson: Former Gov Perry Great Choice for Secretary of Energy", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Pete Olson", "O000168", "olson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Rep. Pete Olson (TX-22) today issued the following statement in response to reports that former Texas Governor Rick Perry will be named Secretary of the US Department of Energy (DOE):\n\u201cRick Perry was an exceptional governor for the State of Texas. Representing an energy heavy state like Texas, including Houston, the global capital for energy production, gives him a unique level of expertise in dealing with issues that will come before the Department of Energy. Beyond traditional energy matters, I am confident of his ability to navigate nuclear and other national security matters that will come before DOE. It was a pleasure to work with him on Texas matters and it will be a pleasure to work with him at DOE.\u201d\nMedia Contact: Melissa Kelly\u00a0\n\t202-225-5951", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sessions.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/sessions-applauds-president-elect-trump-s-secretary-state-nomination", "Sessions Applauds President-elect Trumps Secretary of State Nomination", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Pete Sessions", "S000250", "sessions.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Congressman Pete Sessions released the following statement in response to President-elect Donald J. Trump's nomination of Rex Tillerson for Secretary of State:\n\u201cI wholeheartedly support President-elect Trump\u2019s announcement to nominate one of Dallas\u2019 favorite sons, Rex Tillerson, to serve as Secretary of State. I have known Rex for a number of years as a successful business professional, a dedicated Eagle Scout and proud supporter of the Boys Scouts of America, and a faithful patriot and friend. His extensive background in the world of energy development and geopolitical affairs makes him more than capable to excel in this post and to well and faithfully serve the people of the United States.\u00a0\u201cWe are facing a pivotal time where America needs to take a stand on the global stage and reassert our efforts to advance freedom, democracy, and stability. I look forward to discussing Rex\u2019s professional and personal capabilities with my colleagues in the House of Representatives and the Senate and extinguishing any doubts they may have about his intentions. His confirmation is paramount to the success and security of our great nation and I have no doubt that he will make America safe, strong, and great again.\u201d\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://williams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-williams-delivers-turkeys-to-burleson-and-cleburne-fire-departments", "Rep. Williams Delivers Turkeys to Burleson and Cleburne Fire Departments", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Roger Williams", "W000816", "williams.house.gov", "williams", "https://williams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "CLEBURNE, TEXAS \u2013 Congressman Roger Williams (R \u2013 Austin) this morning delivered turkeys to the Burleson and Cleburne Fire Departments to thank the first responders for their hard work and to wish them a safe and enjoyable holiday season.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T21:09:43Z"], ["https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/content/cornyn-statement-announcement-rex-tillerson-be-secretary-state", "Cornyn Statement on Announcement of Rex Tillerson to be Secretary of State", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "John Cornyn", "C001056", "www.cornyn.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement on President-elect Trump\u2019s announcement that he intends to nominate Rex Tillerson to be Secretary of State:\n\u201cRex Tillerson\u2019s successful tenure leading a large multinational corporation reflects a keen ability to navigate complex geopolitical issues across the globe,\u201d Sen. Cornyn said. \u201cHis experience will be critical as the next Secretary of State will face a broad array of diplomatic challenges that will define the security and success of our nation for generations. A lifelong Texan, I\u2019ve long valued Rex\u2019s insight and look forward to supporting his nomination.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/content/president-signs-cornyn-backed-mental-health-reforms-law", "President Signs Cornyn-Backed Mental Health Reforms into Law", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "John Cornyn", "C001056", "www.cornyn.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement after President Obama signed the 21st Century Cures Act, which includes reforms to the mental health and criminal justice system based on his Mental Health and Safe Communities Act:\n\u201cToday is a monumental step forward towards reforming our mental health and criminal justice system in this country. With this law, we will strengthen our response to mental illness by helping these individuals receive the treatment they need and ensuring that our criminal justice system is focused on recovery for the mentally ill. This law will also increase resources and training to enable our law enforcement and first responders to identify those with mental illness, respond with treatment-based alternatives, and avert a potential crisis before it happens.\u201d\n\u201cI want to thank the many outspoken advocates and families whose passion and energy were essential to getting these reforms passed, and I look forward to continuing to work with them as well as my colleagues on both sides of the aisle as we build on this progress.\u201d \u00a0\nBackground on Mental Health and Safe Communities Act language included in the 21st\u00a0Century Cures Act:\nIncreases the Use of Treatment-Based Responses for Mentally-Ill Offenders during Incarceration and Post-Release Custody\n Allows state and local government to use existing funding to create pre-trial screening and assessment programs to identify mentally ill offenders, provide need-based treatment, and develop post-release supervision plans.\nRequires the Attorney General to direct federal judges to operate mental health court pilot programs, allowing incarcerated mentally-ill offenders to be diverted from prison to residential treatment facilities or other forms of treatment-based supervised release.\nRequires state and local governments to use drug court and mental health court funding to develop specialized programs for offenders who have co-occurring mental health and substance abuse disorders.\nEnables existing federal funding to be used to provide treatment, mentoring, and other transitional services to mentally-ill offenders leaving custody.\n Facilitates Best Practices on Crisis Response and Prevention for Law Enforcement, Judicial Officials, and Communities\n Mandates specialized training and requires the use of new technology to ensure federal law enforcement, judicial officials, and uniformed services personnel are properly equipped to respond to individuals with mental illness and mental health crises.\nAllows state and local governments, including school officials, to use existing federal grant funding to expand the use of Crisis Intervention Teams, who are trained to respond to mental health crises and prevent acts of violence.\nEmpowers families to intervene and help prevent mental health crises by providing additional resources for judicially-administered Assisted Outpatient Treatment programs.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=2920", "Sen. Cruz Statement on Rex Tillerson Being Named as President-Elect Trump's Choice for Secretary of State", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Ted Cruz", "C001098", "www.cruz.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today issued the following statement regarding President-elect Donald Trump\u2019s selection of ExxonMobil CEO Rex Tillerson as his nominee for U.S. Secretary of State:\n\u201cRex Tillerson is a Texan who has had an incredible career building one of the world's largest businesses. With deep expertise in energy, he has negotiated business deals across the globe. I look forward to a full and fair confirmation hearing where Tillerson can describe his record in detail, and lay out his vision for supporting our allies, confronting our enemies, and advancing U.S. interests worldwide.\u201d\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=2921", "ICYMI:  News Coverage of Cruz and DeSantis Push For Congressional Term Limits To 'Drain the Swamp'", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Ted Cruz", "C001098", "www.cruz.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Last week, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Rep. Ron DeSantis (R-Fla.) penned an op-ed for The Washington Post announcing that in the 115th Congress they will introduce a constitutional amendment establishing congressional term limits in order to put an end to cronyism in Washington:\u00a0\n\u201cOn Election Day, the American people made a resounding call to \u2018drain the swamp\u2019 that is modern Washington,\u201d Cruz and DeSantis wrote. \u201cYet on Capitol Hill, we seem mired in the same cycle of complacency: The game hasn\u2019t changed, and the players remain the same. Thankfully, there\u2019s a solution available that, while stymied by the permanent political class, enjoys broad public support: congressional term limits.\nFollowing is a summary of news coverage:\nThe Hill: Cruz, DeSantis to introduce constitutional amendment on term limits  \u201cSen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Rep. Ron DeSantis (R-Fla.) say they want to help President-elect Donald Trump \u201cdrain the swamp\u201d by imposing congressional term limits. The two conservative lawmakers said in a Washington Post op-ed Friday they plan to introduce a constitutional amendment next month to limit members of Congress to three terms in the House and two in the Senate.\u201d\nThe Washington Examiner: Cruz to introduce constitutional amendment for term limits  \u201cSen. Ted Cruz announced Friday that he will introduce a constitutional amendment to limit the number of terms members of the Senate and the House of Representatives can serve\u2026Cruz and DeSantis argued that term limits would also \"change the calculus\" of those who serve in Congress, and said it would open more more roles in leadership and break up the \"permanent political class\" on Capitol Hill.\u201d\nTampa Bay Times: Ron DeSantis joins Ted Cruz in push for term limits  \u201cFlorida Rep. Ron DeSantis is partnering with Sen. Ted Cruz in an attempt to enact term limits, trying to seize Donald Trump\u2019s populist appeal to \u201cdrain the swamp\u2026\u201cAs soon as the 115th Congress convenes, both of us will move to restore accountability among the entrenched Washington establishment by introducing a constitutional amendment to limit the number of terms that a member of Congress can serve to three in the House and two in the Senate,\u201d the Republicans wrote in an op/ed for the Washington Post.\u201d\u00a0\nThe Blaze: Ted Cruz announces Trump-inspired amendment to the Constitution  \u201cTexas Sen. Ted Cruz has announced his plans to propose an amendment to the Constitution that would radically change the members of the legislative branch. He wants Congress to vote on imposing term limits on itself\u2026For Cruz, the current popularity of the idea and the Republican control of state legislatures is why this is the right time to get Congress to limit its own members.\u201d\u00a0\nBreitbart: Draining the Swamp: Ted Cruz and Ron DeSantis to Propose Constitutional Amendment on Term Limits  \u201cSen. Ted Cruz and Rep. Ron DeSantis have revealed their plans to introduce a constitutional amendment that will impose term limits for both congressmen and senators\u2026In a joint op-ed for The Washington Post, the two Republican firebrands said that term limits would be an effective way for the new Republican administration to \u201cdrain the swamp\u201d\u2026Both Cruz and DeSantis also point to the \u201cbroad support\u201d for congressional term limits, citing a Ramussen survey conducted in October that showed 74% of likely voters supported the idea.\u201d\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://hensarling.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/hensarling-reacts-to-boeing-sale-of-jets-to-iran", "Hensarling Reacts to Boeing Sale of Jets to Iran", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Jeb Hensarling", "H001036", "hensarling.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Congressman Jeb Hensarling (R-TX), Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee,\u00a0made the following comments upon news that Boeing has finalized an agreement to sell 80 commercial aircraft to Iran Air \u2013 the state owned national carrier of Iran.\n\u201cBoeing\u2019s actions to aid the world\u2019s foremost state sponsor of terrorism through the sale of these jets are disappointing to say the least. This announcement reminds us just how dangerous President Obama's nuclear agreement is. The President wants us to sell planes not just to this dangerous regime, but to an airline that his own Treasury Department sanctioned in 2011. President Obama even wants U.S. banks to draw on American citizens' deposits to finance Iran, a regime that Treasury calls \u2018a jurisdiction of primary money laundering concern.\u2019\n\u201cNo wonder voters have chosen a new direction. The House has already spoken, passing separate measures that prohibit both aircraft sales to the ayatollahs and U.S. financing for them.\n\u201cIf a U.S. financial institution attempts to bankroll Iran in the waning days of the Obama administration, it will have to answer to Congress.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kaygranger.house.gov/press-release/granger-statement-delivery-israels-first-f-35i-adir-fighters", "Granger Statement on the Delivery of Israel's First F-35I Adir Fighters", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Kay Granger", "G000377", "kaygranger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Fort Worth, TX \u2013 Congresswoman Kay Granger released the following statement after Israel took delivery of its first pair of F-35I Adir fighters.\n\u201cIsrael is a critical ally and it is fitting that Israel will be the first country in the Middle East to operate the F-35,\u201d Granger said. \u201cThis fifth-generation stealth fighter is what we need to keep our two countries safe in these dangerous times. I want to congratulate the Israeli Air Force and the talented workers of Lockheed Martin in Fort Worth, Texas, on this historic occasion. Today\u2019s delivery is an important step in maintaining Israel\u2019s qualitative military edge and air superiority in the Middle East and gives further proof of the strong, unbreakable bond our two countries share.\u201d\nA leading advocate for Israel and strengthening the U.S. \u2013 Israel relationship, Granger was recognized for her role in helping get the 10-year, $38 billion memorandum of understanding (MOU) that was signed on September 14th completed. This agreement enables Israel to purchase key U.S. systems, including the F-35.\nGranger was also recently presented the Henry M. Scoop Jackson Distinguished Service Award by the Jewish Institute of National Security Affairs, and was invited to join the Presidential Delegation to Jerusalem for the funeral service of former President of Israel, Shimon Peres.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hurd.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/3-takeaways-fitara-30-hearing", "3 Takeaways From The FITARA 3.0 Hearing", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Will Hurd", "H001073", "hurd.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "It\u2019s easy to focus on agency grades and lawmakers\u2019 praise and/or outrage during the twice-a-year hearing as part of overseeing the Federal IT Acquisition Reform Act (FITARA). The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee held its biannual session Dec. 6, where we heard mostly good news with 12 agencies improving their grades and 11 agencies earning the same grade as last time.\nBut what\u2019s really great about these FITARA hearings is finding out what\u2019s happening in agencies underneath the grades.\nThe State and Homeland Security departments\u2019 chief information officers offered a better understanding of their progress in reforming IT in their respective agencies.\nHere are my three takeaways from the FITARA 3.0 hearing:\nDHS congruence\nLawmakers spent a large portion of the\u00a0hearing\u00a0rightly concerned about the reporting structure of agency chief information officers. The reason both DHS and State CIOs and CFOs testified before the committee was because neither agency\u2019s most senior IT executive reports directly to the deputy secretary or secretary.\nOne of the reasons the Clinger-Cohen Act \u2014 the predecessor to FITARA \u2014 fell short was many agencies never met the spirit or intent of the bill\u2019s requirement to elevate the CIO position so it was a true partner at the decision-making table.\nLawmakers honed in on this issue at the hearing and added a new grading section to the latest FITARA scorecard measuring agency CIO reporting structure. The reason for this focus is clear. As the Government Accountability Office\u2019s\u00a0David Powner, the director of IT management issues, explained the importance in simple terms: CIOs who report to their secretary or deputy secretary scored better than those who didn\u2019t.\nDHS CIO\u00a0Luke McCormack\u00a0didn\u2019t disagree with the committee or GAO\u2019s opinion on the importance of reporting structure, but he offered an interesting alternative.\n\u201cThe number one thing in my opinion that makes us a success is what I call goal congruence and a governance structure. Every CXO in DHS has the authority to sort of \u2018throw the flag\u2019 in and say \u2018I have a problem with that project.\u2019 When I say CXOs, I\u2019m taking about chief procurement officer, the chief human capital officer and certainly myself. All of us are sort of together as a board of directors have that authority,\u201d he said. \u201cIn regards to agile development, and this is where goal congruence comes into play, it works. It\u2019s a private sector best practice. If your go out and look at any advanced private sector company that uses IT as a strategic weapon, as I\u2019ll call it, they are all developing it in this kind of process. But you cannot do that if you don\u2019t have the right skills, which means you need your CHCOs to help you hire those folks. You cannot do that unless you have the right procurements in place.\u201d\nMcCormack said if all of those efforts across the CXOs aren\u2019t aligned, then nothing works, even if the CIO reports to the secretary or deputy secretary.\nHe said to make progress against any policy or law, the CXOs have to be in the same page from the beginning and stay together throughout the entire lifecycle of a program or project.\nTo ensure this goal congruence happens, DHS follows several steps, including putting the requirement to participate in the governance board in the CXOs\u2019 performance plans.\nMcCormack said every project gate review must be approved by all CXOs before it can move forward.\n\u201cWhile you can have the CIO report to the deputy secretary, which is important and could be powerful, but if they are not associated to the individual that you are reporting to, you are still in a negotiation. You are constantly negotiating,\u201d he said. \u201cIf that individual is on board and says, \u2018We are going to move,\u2019 then you will move.\u201d\nMcCormack said this process works. He said the board has paused more than one IT project that was struggling for a variety of reasons.\nThe federal community also has seen\u00a0evidence of this concept\u00a0of goal congruence working. McCormack and fellow CXOs\u00a0\u2014\u00a0Soraya Correa, the chief procurement officer,\u00a0Angie Bailey, the CHCO, and\u00a0Chip Fulghum, the CFO and deputy undersecretary for management \u2014 routinely are out on the federal speaking circuit together\u00a0presenting examples\u00a0of how working off of the same sheet of paper is paying off.\nThis is not to say DHS has solved the CIO authorities issue. But it seems to make sense for lawmakers to hold other CXOs accountable for working with their respective CIOs to implement FITARA too.\nState is digging out\nIf\u00a0Frontis Wiggins, State\u2019s CIO, can meet his stretch goal of raising the agency\u2019s score to a \u201cB\u201d from a \u201cD-\u201d over the next six months, then he will truly be a turnaround specialist.\nAs Wiggins described the state of IT disrepair the agency was in when he arrived as its CIO five months ago, it was shocking.\n\u201cWhen you look at incremental development, for example, we did not have a mandatory use of incremental development as part of our project management plan. Since I came into this office five months ago, I\u2019ve made that mandatory,\u201d he said. \u201cWe did not have an office that focused on workforce. We did not have an IT strategic plan. We did not have a cybersecurity strategy. We did not have a cybersecurity tracker. All of those things have been put in place since I\u2019ve assumed the role. We have a lot of work to do to catch up.\u201d\nListening to Wiggins go through the litany of missing basic IT governance documents, it was no surprise State actually dropped to a \u201cD-\u201d from a \u201cD.\u201d It was a bit surprising that\u00a0Rep. Robin Kelley(D-Ill.), the ranking member of the IT subcommittee, didn\u2019t follow up on her question about challenges State faces with FITARA by asking why the department, which at one time was a leader especially around cybersecurity, was in such bad shape.\nThe good news here is Wiggins seems to have a plan and is beginning to make progress. He said State is updating these documents and implementing new tools to address some of its shortcomings.\nFirst off, Wiggins said he\u2019s designating five employees to work only on FITARA implementation.\n\u201cTo support the full implementation of FITARA at the department, we are in the process of bringing on five employees who will focus on integrating each component of our IT Strategic Plan with our capital planning, budget and planning, and acquisitions initiatives and objectives \u2014 as part of the Department\u2019s Electronic Government governance framework. These new staff members will join the Enterprise Program Management Office that supports my office, members of the Department\u2019s governance boards (including the Bureau of Budget and Planning and the Office of Acquisitions Management), and other associated offices and groups,\u201d Wiggins said in an email to Federal News Radio after the hearing. \u201cThe five new staff members will work to ensure the department is focused on implementing FITARA by ensuring its legislation is a priority in both high-level discussions, and in daily operations. This scope of support includes working to eliminate duplicative IT projects and initiatives, and ensure that we are selecting and delivering best-in-class IT solutions to support the department\u2019s needs.\u201d\nAdditionally, Wiggins said the relationship with the department\u2019s CXO community he\u2019s developed over his career will help transform how State uses IT.\nOne path toward that transformation is a new Budget System Modernization (BSM) project, which will integrate State\u2019s internal budget allocation and execution functions into a more modern, cohesive system by supporting financial planning for IT projects.\n\u201cBSM will replace outdated legacy budget systems with greatly improved capabilities. Among these improvements will be greater transparency at a more granular level into planned and budgeted spending, including for IT. It will also consolidate information across systems so that staff can use a single budget system to report on various types of spending,\u201d said\u00a0Doug Pitkin, State\u2019s director of the Bureau of Budget and Planning, in an email to Federal News Radio after the hearing.\nPitkin said State expects to implement phase one of the tool for financial planning in fiscal 2017.\nThe fact that Pitkin and Wiggins are working closely on the IT budget aspect of FITARA is a sign of necessary change at State, where the CIO only really controls about 50 percent of all IT spending.\nDid CBO really kill the MGT Act?\nReps.\u00a0Will Hurd\u00a0(R-Texas) and\u00a0Gerry Connolly\u00a0(D-Va.) made clear their unhappiness with the Congressional Budget Office\u2019s scoring of the Modernizing Government Technology (MGT) Act at the FITARA hearing.\nThe CBO\u00a0said\u00a0the bill would cost $9 billion to implement \u2014 $3 billion for the Obama administration\u2019s IT Modernization Fund and $6 billion in agency funding that otherwise would\u2019ve been returned to the Treasury.\nHurd said the CBO double counted; its estimates were \u201cridiculous;\u201d and CBO made some assumptions on $6 billion that were incorrect.\nConnolly said, \u201cThe priesthood of the CBO \u2026 is one that mystifies all of us. The infallibility we invest the CBO with would make the Pope in Rome envious.\u201d\nHurd said the CBO score basically killed the bill for the 114th Congress.\n\u201cWe ran out of time,\u201d Hurd said in an interview with Federal News Radio after the hearing. \u201cWe will pick this back up back in 2017 to get this done. It\u2019s another tool that we can give our CIOs to have the flexibility to introduce new and cutting edge technology into their systems.\nBut really did the CBO score kill the MGT bill?\nIt seems unlikely that the Senate would\u2019ve had time to conduct a hearing or a markup of the House\u2019s version. The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee already had\u00a0concerns\u00a0about the current version of the bill, particularly around creating new working capital funds in each agency. This means the upper chamber wouldn\u2019t have attached it to the Defense Authorization bill \u2014 a common vehicle for major IT and acquisition reforms \u2014 or voted on the House\u2019s language.\nStill, Hurd said he believes the Senate is ready to pass the bill.\n\u201cBut when you get an outrageous CBO score based on incorrect information, that causes everyone to pause. The way the Senate works and only three days left in the business year, we [were unable] to get it in under that timeline,\u201d Hurd said.\nAdditionally, some say the CBO\u2019s $9 billion price tag is the Oversight and Government Reform Committee\u2019s own fault in the way it wrote the bill.\nIn CBO\u2019s estimate, the authors highlighted Section 3 of the bill where it would give agencies the ability to reprogram funds from existing accounts. This is where the extra $6 billion comes from. CBO says if agencies were able to extend the life of the funding in existing accounts instead of it reverting back to Treasury, that act would increase the direct spending instead of the money being counted as savings.\n\u201cExtending the period of availability for funds that are already appropriated would be a reappropriation and considered to be direct spending. Because agencies would probably want to keep some of those balances for unexpected expenses, CBO estimates that half of that amount would be transferred and used by federal agencies for IT investments over the next two years, increasing direct spending by $3 billion over the next three years,\u201d CBO wrote.\nSome say the committee could\u2019ve written the bill in a way that would have let agencies save only money from future accounts instead of current accounts. Add to that the committee\u2019s decision not to say in the bill that the initial $3 billion for the IT Modernization Fund is a one-time hit. Because they leave it open ended, some say it could open the door for future appropriations to the fund.\nSo while the CBO\u2019s estimate is not helpful for the MGT Act, and could make it more difficult in the 115th Congress, it doesn\u2019t seem likely that a neutral or even positive estimate would\u2019ve made a difference in the final weeks of 2016. Hurd and Connolly are hopeful that an early re-introduction of the bill in 2017 helps pave the way for a quick passage. But with federal CIO Tony Scott\u00a0expected not to stick around past Jan. 20, getting critical White House support may be difficult and could hamper the bill\u2019s acceptance in Congress.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hurd.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/gops-hurd-targets-russian-hack-democrats", "GOP's Hurd Targets Russian Hack of Democrats", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Will Hurd", "H001073", "hurd.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Will Hurd has more reason than most to resent the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. The group just spent a boatload of money in an unsuccessful attempt to end his congressional career.\nHowever, the San Antonio Republican said, it should alarm everybody that the Central Intelligence Agency concluded that Russian operatives hacked into DCCC computers this summer with an eye toward helping Donald Trump get elected.\n\u201cThe DCCC spent $6 million against me,\u201d Hurd said late Monday afternoon. \u201cBut an attack on them is an attack on all of us.\u201d\nHurd is particularly well qualified to speak about the firestorm over Russian involvement in the American presidential election. Before coming to Congress, he worked as an undercover agent in the CIA and he has a background in cybersecurity.\nOn Monday, he said that he hadn\u2019t read the latest CIA assessment of the motives behind alleged Russian meddling in the election. But he said that it\u2019s essential to conduct a thorough, evenhanded investigation.\n\u201cWe cannot politicize this,\u201d said Hurd, whose district stretches to El Paso County's Lower Valley.\nRepublican and Democratic leaders of the U.S. Senate on Monday said that chamber\u2019s Intelligence Committee would conduct an investigation. There also were calls for a joint House-Senate committee to perform its own probe and release its findings to the public.\nIt\u2019s unclear whether Hurd would play a role. He\u2019s chairman of Information and Technology Subcommittee of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee.\nAs the furor grows over possible Russian involvement in the election, Hurd said it\u2019s important to keep a couple of points in mind. First of all, he said, people need to keep an open mind.\n\u201cThere\u2019s a lot we don\u2019t know about it at this point,\u201d he said, explaining that he wants to know a lot more about why the CIA believes the Russians wanted to help Trump win.\nIt\u2019s also important to understand what the CIA didn\u2019t accuse the Russians of, Hurd said. U.S. intelligence has not said that Russia changed actual vote counts, he said.\n\u201cThis was an information operation by the Russian government,\u201d he said, explaining that it appears to have consisted of leaking hacked information that was embarrassing to Hillary Clinton. \u201cWe have to be clear because some people are conflating a lot of issues.\u201d\nHurd has had conflicts with the Republican nominee in the past.\nThroughout the campaign, Hurd declined to endorse Trump. When video footage was released in which Trump bragged of being able grab strange women in the most intimate places, Hurd called on him to drop out of the race.\nBut on Monday, Hurd declined to criticize Trump, who has dismissed the CIA analysis as \u201cridiculous.\u201d\nHurd said he believed Trump supported congressional investigations of claims that Russia meddled in the election.\nIn a tweet, Trump also dismissed the CIA, saying the agency incorrectly concluded that Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction in the run-up to the war there. Asked about the tweet, Hurd didn\u2019t criticize Trump, instead praising his former colleagues at the CIA.\n\u201cI think the CIA is filled with smart, thoughtful people who are working hard,\u201d Hurd said. \u201cThey\u2019re still working as if it\u2019s Sept. 12, 2001. Intelligence is an imperfect game and they\u2019re working hard to collect information to inform policymakers.\u201d\nRegardless of the outcome of any investigations into possible Russian hacks, there is an important message to Congress, Hurd said.\n\u201cWe have to make sure our country has the right digital defenses,\u201d he said.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mccaul.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/mccaul-on-russian-interference-in-the-presidential-election", "McCaul on Russian Interference in the Presidential Election", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Michael McCaul", "M001157", "mccaul.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX) issued the following statement regarding Russia's attempts to interfere in the U.S. presidential election. \nChairman McCaul: Russia's recent hacks should be taken very seriously, and the United States must make it a top priority to investigate any outside interference aimed at undermining our democratic process. These types of intrusions, whether from a nation-state or cyber criminals, must be met with a response that is forceful, public, and decisive. I will work hand-in-hand with the incoming Administration and Congressional Leaders to enhance our nation's cyber defenses and continue to assist state and local officials in doing the same, while ensuring there is timely sharing of cyber-threat information to stop intrusions before they happen.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mccaul.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/mccaul-statement-on-selection-of-general-john-kelly-to-lead-dhs", "McCaul Statement on Selection of General John Kelly to Lead DHS", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Michael McCaul", "M001157", "mccaul.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  President-elect Donald Trump today announced his intent to nominate General John Kelly as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX) issued the following statement on the heels of the announcement:\nChairman McCaul: General John Kelly is a strong leader with in-depth knowledge about the most crucial homeland security issues facing the United States. I am confident he will serve our country well as the next Secretary of Homeland Security. At a time when we face grave danger from terrorists to cyber criminals, it is imperative we have a steady, decisive Secretary at the helm. I look forward to working hand-in hand with General Kelly as we implement President-Elect Trump's robust agenda to defend against jihadist threats, secure our borders, enforce our immigration laws, and protect the American homeland.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://olson.house.gov/media-center/op-eds/olson-us-energy-needs-fair-sensible-rules-and-less-red-tape-0", "Olson: U.S. energy needs fair, sensible rules and less red tape", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Pete Olson", "O000168", "olson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "As all Texans and many Americans know, thanks to innovative technologies, we are the No. 1 producer of oil and gas in the world. It wasn't too long ago that the world view saw negative, powerless words like \"peak oil\" or an \"energy crisis.\" However, simply having vast resources does not immediately translate into benefits at home and abroad. To achieve that, policy changes must be made.\nOur focus, as always, is here at home. Our newly accessed reserves of oil and gas tend to be in the middle of the country. Texans are blessed to have little federal land, and we're graced with common-sense bureaucrats in Austin. So we have no problem getting oil to refineries or gas to local communities. However, parts of the country face unnecessarily high gas costs that threaten reliability and drain money from local economies.\nPermitting a pipeline, much like developing electricity power lines for some markets in the country, has become remarkably and illogically difficult. Federal regulators make the process lengthy and expensive. It is a system only a bureaucrat could love. The process also forces working families across America to pay more, as well as making it harder for engineers, welders and construction workers to find jobs.\nIn the House, we are developing solutions that put one federal agency in charge to streamline the permitting nightmare when projects cross federal lands or international boundaries, and generally try to make the process faster and fairer. We will never steamroll local communities. But no one is well-served when bickering and bureaucratic backlogs halt progress.\nIf we get this process right, all Americans can benefit from U.S. energy abundance. The market should dictate prices. But if the prices are artificially high simply because some Americans live where permitting problem areas exist, that is patently unfair. Thanks to our energy abundance, America is well-positioned to export some of this energy on the global scale. Late last year, my colleagues and I ended an outdated law; as a result, widespread exports of American crude oil are now allowed. Tankers full of our oil are reaching markets across the globe. This makes it harder for thugs like Vladimir Putin to hold American allies hostage by restricting access to Russian crude.\nWe must also expedite the process for exporting American natural gas. Having recently traveled to India, Japan and South Korea, I've heard first-hand how these American allies need our oil and natural gas to grow their economies. Much of Europe is also in desperate need of natural gas, thanks to politics that hurt their economies. This makes them weaker on the international stage and stuck relying on countries that may not share U.S. foreign policy goals. By slashing the federal red tape on selling natural gas abroad, we can help our allies while creating more jobs right here at home. In Texas and other energy-rich states, this means more energy and construction jobs.\nAmerica lacks a comprehensive energy policy. I have long felt that the moment a policy is set in stone, the sooner the reality on the ground begins to change. That is why our best bet is to respond to changing market conditions by developing sensible rules that allow the market to work and benefit American interests at the same time.\nOlson, a Republican representing Houston-area District 22 in the U.S. House of Representatives, is vice chairman of the House Energy and Power Subcommittee. He is leading the subcommittee following the resignation from Congress last month of Chairman Ed Whitfield, R-Ky.\nBy Rep. Pete Olson U.S. Congress, Texas 22nd District", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://olson.house.gov/media-center/op-eds/working-through-gridlock-to-find-a-path-to-cures", "Working Through Gridlock to Find a Path to Cures", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Pete Olson", "O000168", "olson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Every American knows someone suffering from a terrible disease such as cancer, Alzheimer's, or heart disease. There are currently 10,000 known diseases (7,000 of which are rare) with treatments for only 500 of them.\nAccording to some estimates, the current process for developing a new treatment and getting it from the research lab to patients can take 15 years and cost more than $1 billion \u2013 a frustrating concept for the one in three Americans who suffer from a deadly or debilitating disease. Scientific advancements and breakthroughs are happening faster than ever, but we can do better. We need to invest in medical research so that the U.S. continues to lead the world in health care innovation and a regulatory system that harnesses advancements in science understanding.\nAlmost three years ago, the House Energy and Commerce Committee launched the 21st\u00a0Century Cures Initiative, to examine what is needed to accelerate the pace of medical innovation and deliver cures to patients who desperately need them. In consultation with medical researchers and scientific experts, we developed a real plan to encourage scientific collaboration, personalize medicine to develop the best, individualized treatments for patients and ensure America continues to lead the world in medical innovation.\nIt was a worthy and ambitious goal, and the 21st\u00a0Century Cures Act is the result of this initiative. After countless hours devoted to roundtables, whitepapers, hearings and drafts, today Cures has bipartisan support and endorsements from over 700 organizations representing the full spectrum of stakeholders, and the strong support of the Administration. It dedicates $6.3 billion in new investments to support priorities like the Cancer Moonshot and Precision Medicine Initiative within the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and to combat prescription drug abuse.\nIt also provides money to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to advance the agency\u2019s mission and implement the policies in the underlying bill.\nThis influx of investment will be put towards solving today\u2019s complex scientific problems, fostering medical breakthroughs, and improving public health. From facilitating the development of new antibiotics to fight against superbugs to advancing the use of modern clinical trial designs to the fostering of the next generation of medical researchers, the 21st Century Cures Act will deliver hope and new treatments to Americans in need. While some of the provisions are technical in nature, the real-world impact they will have is not abstract. Patients and families deserve to have their elected officials to respond to their needs. This bill does that.\nThe legislative package also makes much needed improvements to our mental health care system and is a step forward towards ensuring that individuals with mental and behavioral health conditions get the care they need.\nThe success of this effort relied on patience and relentless effort by a large group of policy makers, patient advocates, public and private stakeholders, patients and their families. After years of hard work, our bipartisan efforts are paying off. Thanks to the collaboration of our committee leadership, House and Senate leadership, and the dedication of our scientific and medical community, we will make huge strides to help Americans find better cures so they can live longer, healthier lives.\nThe House passed this bill by an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 392-26 and the Senate is expected to vote on the bill next week. The president has assured us he will sign it into law so that we can expedite the discovery, development, and delivery of new treatments and cures and maintain America\u2019s global status as the leader in biomedical innovation.\nThanks to this bipartisan, creative approach, America can invest in innovation and in the well-being of Americans for generations to come. Now is the time for action, for innovation, and for 21\u00a0st\u00a0Century Cures.\nBy Rep. Pete Olson U.S. Congress, Texas 22nd District and Rep. Gene Green U.S. Congress, Texas 29th District", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sessions.house.gov/media-center/weekly-newsletters/hill-report-week-december-5-9-2016", "The Hill Report: Week of December 5 - 9, 2016", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Pete Sessions", "S000250", "sessions.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "As Members of Congress we are entrusted with the responsibility to effectively and responsibly fund our nation\u2019s government. This week we passed a measure to fund the government into the new year and increases spending to ensure our men and women in uniform have the resources they need to protect our freedom both at home and abroad. While I do not believe that short term funding measures are an effective tool, I believe that as a unified government in the coming 115th Congress we have an opportunity to implement thoughtful and deliberate legislative solutions that will be considered under a Republican Administration. I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress and our new friend in the White House to put forth common sense policies that get our country back on the right track and make our nation safer and stronger.\nIn addition to the short term funding measure, the House also passed legislation to protect our water resources and strengthen critical infrastructure. Water in Texas is a precious resource that must be valued, appreciated, and most importantly protected. The WIIN Act cuts through unnecessary red tape that has hindered essential Army Corps of Engineers projects including expediting the permitting process for the Lower Bois D\u2019arc Creek in Texas. I have fought long and hard alongside my North Texas colleagues and the North Texas Municipal Water District to cut through unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles and expedite construction on this necessary project. After a lot of hard work and persistence from everyone involved in this process, I am proud that we got this done to ensure North Texas families have access to a sustainable supply of drinking water.\nResolution to Honor Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas\u00a0  \n\tThis week I joined Congressman Buddy Carter (GA-01) along with twelve of their colleagues, introduced a resolution in the House recognizing the historical importance of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, and calling on the National Museum of African American History and Culture to appropriately honor his life and work.\nThe museums of the Smithsonian Institution should highlight the historical achievements made in all areas of our nation\u2019s rich history. The new National Museum of African American History and Culture should be no exception to this tradition of celebrating historical excellence and intellectual diversity,\u201d said Chairman Sessions. \u201cThe sole sentence in the Museum recognizing the accomplishments of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas is a disservice to history. Justice Thomas\u2019 story epitomizes the American Dream and is a reminder that in America, no matter where or how you grow up, your highest aspirations are achievable. His immense contributions to our great nation should be celebrated and revered. I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress and the Smithsonian Institution to ensure Clarence Thomas receives the recognition that he deserves.\nNational Physicians \u00a0Council Meeting\u00a0  \n\tLast Sunday, I had the pleasure of hosting more than 100 physicians and their colleagues from around the nation to discuss healthcare issues facing patients and physicians in the upcoming year. Specifically, we had the opportunity to speak on the futures of MACRA and ObamaCare. I am excited to work with them on these issues and many more as we move forward reforming healthcare in the near future. \u00a0If you are interested in learning more about the Council or joining, please contact my staff at Emily.Erb@mail.house.gov. \u00a0 \u00a0\nGlobal Down Syndrome Foundation\u00a0  \n\tThe Global Down Syndrome Foundation stopped by my office this week to update my on the research at the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome. They are making some truly remarkable breakthroughs for individuals with Down Syndrome as it relates to immunology. I am pleased that we were able to pass 21st Century Cures in the House last week to help support such important research efforts such as these and look forward to their research to come.\nTexas Physician Hospitals Advocacy Center\u00a0  \n\tThis week I had the opportunity to meet physicians from North Texas who are hospital stakeholders. I am delighted to work with them and other physician-owned hospitals around our country to ensure patients have access to the highest quality and most affordable care possible.\u00a0\n\u00a0  \u00a0Congressman Sessions with physicians from North Texas", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://williams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-williams-to-attend-hill-college-ribbon-cutting", "Rep. Williams to Attend Hill College Ribbon Cutting", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Roger Williams", "W000816", "williams.house.gov", "williams", "https://williams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "CLEBURNE, TEXAS \u2013 Congressman Roger Williams (R \u2013 Austin) today announced that on Tuesday he will attend the ribbon cutting at Hill College as it unites with Texas Tech University to offer new four year degree producing programs to constituents in the Johnson County and surrounding area.\n\nWhat: Congressman Williams to attend the ribbon cutting at Hill College as it unites with Texas Tech University\n\nDate: Tuesday, December 13, 2016\n\nTime: 10:00 a.m. CT\n\nLocation: 2112 Mayfield Pkwy, Cleburne, TX 76033\n\nOpen to Press: Yes\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T21:09:43Z"], ["https://williams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-williams-to-deliver-turkeys-to-cleburne-burleson-fire-departments", "Rep. Williams to Deliver Turkeys to Cleburne & Burleson Fire Departments", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Roger Williams", "W000816", "williams.house.gov", "williams", "https://williams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "AUSTIN, TEXAS \u2013 Congressman Roger Williams (R \u2013 Austin) today announced that on Tuesday he will deliver turkeys to the Cleburne & Burleson Fire Departments as a thank you for their hard work and to wish them a safe and enjoyable holiday season.\n\nWhat: Congressman Williams to deliver turkeys to the Cleburne & Burleson Fire Departments\n\nDate: Tuesday, December 13, 2016\n\nTime: 11:30am CT (Cleburne) and 1:00pm CT (Burleson)\n\nLocations:\n\nCleburne Fire Department: 801 East Henderson St., Cleburne, Texas 76031\n\nBurleson Fire Department: 828 SW Alsbury Blvd, Burleson, Texas 76028\n\nOpen to Press: Yes\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T21:09:43Z"], ["https://williams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-williams-to-deliver-turkeys-to-copperas-cove-fire-department", "Rep. Williams to Deliver Turkeys to Copperas Cove Fire Department", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Roger Williams", "W000816", "williams.house.gov", "williams", "https://williams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "AUSTIN, TEXAS \u2013 Congressman Roger Williams (R \u2013 Austin) today announced that on Wednesday he will deliver turkeys to the Copperas Cove Fire Department to thank the first responders for their hard work and to wish them a safe and enjoyable holiday season.\n\nWhat: Congressman Williams to deliver turkeys to Copperas Cove Fire Department\n\nDate: Wednesday, December 14, 2016\n\nTime: 11:15am CT\n\nLocations: 415 S Main St, Copperas Cove, TX 76522\n\nOpen to Press: Yes\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T21:09:43Z"], ["https://williams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-williams-to-deliver-turkeys-to-marble-falls-fire-department-friday", "Rep. Williams to Deliver Turkeys to Marble Falls Fire Department Friday", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Roger Williams", "W000816", "williams.house.gov", "williams", "https://williams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "AUSTIN, TEXAS \u2013 Congressman Roger Williams (R \u2013 Austin) today announced that on Friday he will deliver turkeys to the Marble Falls Fire Department to thank the first responders for their hard work and to wish them a safe and enjoyable holiday season.\n\nWhat: Congressman Williams to deliver turkeys to Marble Falls Fire Department\n\nDate: Friday, December 16, 2016\n\nTime: 10:30am CT\n\nLocations: 700 Avenue N, Marble Falls, TX 78654\n\nOpen to Press: Yes\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T21:09:43Z"], ["https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/content/cornyn-cuellar-bill-encourage-public-private-partnerships-ports-entry-passes-congress-heads", "Cornyn, Cuellar Bill to Encourage Public-Private Partnerships at Ports of Entry Passes Congress, Heads to the President\u2019s Desk", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "John Cornyn", "C001056", "www.cornyn.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON- U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) and U.S. Representative Henry Cuellar (TX-28) released the following statements after their Cross-Border Trade Enhancement Act, legislation promoting public-private partnerships (P3) to boost staffing and make infrastructure improvements at U.S. ports of entry without adding to the national deficit, passed both the House and the Senate:\n\u201cIn Texas, the overwhelming success of these pilot programs has proven that we can significantly reduce wait times and increase efficiency at our ports of entry,\u201d said Sen. Cornyn.\u00a0 \u201cIncreasing opportunities for air, land, and sea ports of entry in Texas and across the country to engage in these partnerships will improve commerce and foster a stronger economy locally and nationally. I thank Representative Cuellar for his work on behalf of this bill in the House, and I hope the President will sign it into law soon.\u201d\n\u201cI thank Sen. Cornyn for his bipartisan approach in working with me to pass this legislation,\u201d Congressman Cuellar said. \u201cMy district includes the largest inland port in the country. Every day, billions of dollars\u2019 worth of goods cross the Texas-Mexico border, including $284 billion in trade at the Laredo Customs District based in my home town of Laredo, Texas, and which extends to the Rio Grande Valley. South Texas is a world leader in trade, and with this bill we will be able to increase the efficiency and amount of trade passing through our ports of entry.\u201d\nDeveloped with input from border community leaders and transportation industry stakeholders, the Cross-Border Trade Enhancement Act will give U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) the authority to enter into innovative partnerships with local governments and private sector entities. As federal resources remain scarce, port communities have sought alternate avenues to ensure essential needs are met in the face of continued federal inaction. This authority allows CBP to better leverage limited resources to speed up the flow of traffic at international ports of entry. Partnerships with local governments and the private sector will support improvements to border infrastructure and enhance staffing levels across port environments.\nThe legislation has been endorsed by: the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; the Border Trade Alliance; the Texas Border Coalition; the Rio Grande Valley Partnership; Cameron County; the City of Eagle Pass; the City of Mission; the City of McAllen; the City of Harlingen; the City of Pharr; the Anzalduas International Bridge; the McAllen-Hidalgo International Bridge; the Pharr International Bridge; the Starr-Camargo International Bridge Company.\nAfter the Senate passed the Cross-Border Trade Enhancement Act last week, the House passed an amended version on Tuesday, and the Senate passed the most current House-amended version this morning.\u00a0 The legislation will now go to the President\u2019s desk to be signed into law.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 1953, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"party\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "Republican", "p1": "TX", "p2": "2016"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=TX&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 1953, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=TX&year=2016", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=TX&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 1953, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=TX&year=2016&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=TX&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "TX", "label": "TX", "count": 1953, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&year=2016", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=TX&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "2016", "label": "2016", "count": 1953, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=TX", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2016-12-12,https~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Ecornyn~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fcontent~2Fcornyn-cuellar-bill-encourage-public-private-partnerships-ports-entry-passes-congress-heads", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=TX&year=2016&_next=2016-12-12%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Ecornyn~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fcontent~2Fcornyn-cuellar-bill-encourage-public-private-partnerships-ports-entry-passes-congress-heads&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 623.2838141731918, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}