{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where state = \"TX\" and year = 2022 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-castro-releases-2022-end-of-year-report", "Congressman Castro Releases 2022 End-of-Year Report", "2022-12-31", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "TX", "Joaquin Castro", "C001091", "castro.house.gov", "castro", "https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "SAN ANTONIO \u2014 Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) released an end-of-year report detailing his 2022 accomplishments on behalf of the 20th Congressional District of Texas.\n\n\u201cThroughout the past year, San Antonians have worked hard to rebuild from the challenges of the pandemic and rise together toward a better future. It\u2019s an extraordinary privilege to represent our great city in Congress, and I\u2019m honored to share the progress my office delivered in 2022. As we approach 2023, I look forward to continuing my work to expand our Infrastructure of Opportunity \u2014 the great public schools and universities, sound health care system, and good-paying jobs that allow Americans to pursue their dreams.\u201d\n\nKey 2022 accomplishments include:\n\n$15.6 million in federal funding for Fiscal Year 2023 community projects in San Antonio, including local initiatives to preserve affordable housing, prevent domestic violence, support small businesses, expand access to affordable health care, and more.\n\n$10.5 million in federal funding for Fiscal Year 2022 community projects in San Antonio, including local initiatives to expand workforce development programs at Project QUEST, expand the local reach of Communities in Schools, improve Wi-Fi access in public housing, train mental health providers to meet community needs, and more.\n\nMore than $3.2 million in federal benefits recovered for the people of San Antonio, including more than $320,000 from the Department of Veterans Affairs.\n\nMore than $163 million in federal grants for programs and services in San Antonio.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://doggett.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-doggett-statement-release-trump-tax-returns", "Rep. Doggett Statement on Release of Trump Tax Returns", "2022-12-30", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "TX", "Lloyd Doggett", "D000399", "doggett.house.gov", "doggett", "https://doggett.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Contact: Afton Cissell\n\n202-595-4433\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee who led efforts for the release of Trump\u2019s tax returns since February 2017, released the following statement:\n\n\u201cDonald Trump had big deductions, big credits, and big losses\u2014but seldom a big tax bill. Almost six years since my first attempt to obtain Trump\u2019s tax returns, the public can finally see the self-proclaimed \u201cclever genius,\u201d he did not pay the taxes the most modest wage-earner would pay\u2014at one point nothing at all. While customarily released voluntarily by past presidents and President Biden, it took a lawsuit and nearly six years to obtain Trump\u2019s returns.\n\nMany questions about foreign entanglements and conflicts remain unanswered and unknown, since the Committee inquiry was a narrow window into a narrow period of time, looking at only eight of about 500 Trump business entities for a period of only six years. Year after year he is relying on losses to not pay much of anything. It is an outrage that Trump paid so little for so long and that the IRS failed to do its job to audit him like it has prior presidents.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://gonzalez.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-gonzalez-releases-statement-conclusion-117th-session-us-congress", "Congressman Gonzalez Releases Statement at Conclusion of 117th Session of the U.S. Congress, Transitions to New Congressional District", "2022-12-30", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "TX", "Vicente Gonzalez", "G000581", "gonzalez.house.gov", "gonzalez", "https://gonzalez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "McAllen, TX \u2013 Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) released the following statement after the conclusion of the 117th Congress and begins the transition to the 34th Congressional District of Texas:\n\n\"I thank the people of South Texas for their continued support and trust. We have a long road ahead of us to address some of the most pressing issues facing our community. The voters have given me a mandate to work for South Texas, not a political party, and ensure we create innovative solutions for our region. I promise to continue to reach across the aisle to find common-sense solutions for our nation and for the people of the 34th Congressional District of Texas.\n\n\"As we wrap up the 117th Congress, I am proud of the work we have accomplished and am confident that we will take this momentum into the 118th Congress as we continue to build on our successes. From legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Safer Communities Act, the CHIPS and Science Act to standing up to Putin's aggression and supporting our allies in Ukraine, Congress is working to bring tangible change for our country.\n\n\"As I transition into a the 34th Congressional District of Texas, I want to thank the people of the 15th Congressional District of Texas for allowing me to be their advocate in Washington over the last six years. From COVID-19 relief and infrastructure funding to billions of dollars for education, Veterans and our seniors, our community has stepped-up to the challenge and has created a region full of economic opportunity, first-rate education, and a place to call home.\"\n\nOn Tuesday, January 3rd, 2023, Congressman Gonzalez will announce new office locations and contact information for the 34th Congressional District of Texas after being sworn into the 118th Congress.\n\nPlease note that beginning January 3rd, 2023, new Congressional maps will take effect. Due to the Congressional redistricting, many South Texans will be assigned a new Congressional district. South Texans looking to know who represents them, may do so here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4284", "Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher Releases 2022 Annual Report for Texas\u2019 Seventh Congressional District", "2022-12-29", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "TX", "Lizzie Fletcher", "F000468", "fletcher.house.gov", "fletcher", "https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) released her 2022 Annual Report detailing her work representing Texas\u2019 Seventh Congressional District this year. The report highlights Congresswoman Fletcher\u2019s work on legislation and constituent matters.\n\n\u201cI am honored and proud to represent Texas\u2019 Seventh Congressional District, and to bring the voices of those who live and work here to the national conversation about the challenges and opportunities before us,\u201d said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher. \u201cI am glad to share some of the highlights of this work in my 2022 Annual Report, and I look forward to continuing my work for our community and our country in the 118th Congress.\u201d\n\nHighlights of the 2022 Annual Report include:\n\nConstituent Advocacy: This year, Congresswoman Fletcher reached the milestone of closing more than 9,500 constituent cases since she assumed office;\n\nCommunity Funded Projects: Congresswoman Fletcher secured nearly $45 million in federal funding for community projects, including\n\n$13.6 million in FY2022 appropriations for the City of Houston Health, Police, and Fire Departments, Harris County Flood Control, and the Cities of Bellaire and Jersey Village, and\n\n$31.1 million in FY2023 appropriations for Harris County Flood Control District; the Cities of Bellaire, Southside Place, and West University Place; the Houston Police Department and Harris County Sheriff\u2019s Department; Harris County Public Health Department; Harris County Public Library; Houston Public Library; and more, providing needed support for our community in direct and tangible ways.\n\nLegislation: Congresswoman Fletcher has introduced or passed several bills in the House of Representatives this year, including:\n\nEnsuring Women\u2019s Right to Reproductive Freedom Act, H.R. 8297, to protect the right to travel for abortion, which passed the House of Representatives in July;\n\nReproductive Health Travel Fund Act, H.R. 8452, to establish a grant program to help ease the financial burden of people being forced to travel to access abortion care;\n\nCarbon Limiting Emissions At Refineries (CLEAR) Act, H.R. 6562, to reduce carbon emissions from refineries;\n\nFirstNet Reauthorization Act, H.R. 6768, to promote public safety by ensuring first responders can communicate with each other in times of crisis;\n\nAmerican Gas for Allies Act, H.R. 6977, to expedite U.S. Liquefied Natural Gas exports to North Atlantic Treaty Organization member countries;\n\nHazard Eligibility and Local Projects (HELP) Act, H.R. 1917, to expedite certain disaster recovery projects, which passed the House of Representatives and Senate and is awaiting President Biden\u2019s signature;\n\nFederal PFAS Research Evaluation Act, H.R. 7289, to implement a federal study to reveal PFAS health and environmental hazards;\n\nTo amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Act to reauthorize the authority to grant certain exemptions, and for other purposes, H.R. 7679, to improve and develop pediatric medical devices, which passed the House of Representatives and Senate as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 and is awaiting President Biden\u2019s signature; and\n\nReinvesting in Shoreline Economies and Ecosystems (RISEE) Act, H.R. 9049, to create a new stream of funding for coastal infrastructure and flood resiliency projects and help incentivize new clean energy projects.\n\nTo view the 2022 Annual Report, click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://sylviagarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/houston-post-office-be-named-honor-benny-c-martinez-after-biden-signs-bill", "HOUSTON POST OFFICE TO BE NAMED IN HONOR OF BENNY C. MARTINEZ AFTER BIDEN SIGNS BILL GARCIA CHAMPIONED", "2022-12-29", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "TX", "Sylvia R. Garcia", "G000587", "sylviagarcia.house.gov", "sylviagarcia", "https://sylviagarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 This week a bill by Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (TX-29) to rename the post office on Broadway Street after Texas legend Benny C. Martinez was signed by President Biden. Martinez was a prominent community leader who worked as a Harris County nurse for 30 years and 5 years as Deputy Sheriff, served the Houston area through countless organizations and advocacy groups, and was a U.S. Army veteran. This will be the first postal service office named after a Latino in the Houston area.\n\n\"Benny was a well-loved figure across Texas and the Houston area who spent his life in service to the people,\" said Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia. \"He was extremely active within LULAC, and helped arrange a meeting between President John F. Kennedy and LULAC in 1963 \u2013 which was the first time a U.S. President gathered with a Latino organization. The naming of this post office will provide residents with a place to honor and remember Benny C. Martinez's legacy.\"\n\n\"Naming a U.S. Post Office after my father, Benny Martinez is a true testament to his legacy,\" said Benny C. Martinez's daughter, Loretta Martinez William. \"My father was a hard-working volunteer and served the community through many organizations. He often would be finishing up a volunteer project and would be thinking of the next one. He was also a veteran who proudly served his country. He had the honor to receive numerous awards for his volunteerism. His favorite organization was LULAC and his greatest honor was when he received LULAC Man of the Year for the Nation. He is quoted as saying a \u2018volunteer is a hero, and a hero is a volunteer.' My father is a role model that young people can emulate. I thank Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia, and her staff for their efforts, and all the support from the elected officials.\"\n\n\"Benny Martinez was and will always be remembered as a tireless champion for his community and dedicated to serving the underserved,\" said LULAC National President Domingo Garcia. He was committed to the power of education and called knowledge the most important tool for freedom and equality in America. He was a devoted civic leader who advocated for access to the vote as the greatest voice for Hispanics in Texas and across our country. Most importantly, his integrity, character, and passion for truth were lifelong, non-negotiable values that earned him respect from all who knew him. LULAC is richer and truer to its mission because of Benny Martinez.\"\n\nThe post office being named in honor of Benny C. Martinez is located at 4020 Broadway Street in Houston, Texas, 77087.\n\n###\n\nCongresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in November 2018, becoming the first Latina ever to represent the Texas 29th Congressional District. She serves on the House Judiciary, Financial Services, and Armed Services Committees.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://nehls.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-troy-e-nehls-military-sexual-trauma-legislation-signed-law", "Rep. Troy E. Nehls' Military Sexual Trauma Legislation Signed Into Law", "2022-12-28", "2022", "2022-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Troy E. Nehls", "N000026", "nehls.house.gov", "nehls", "https://nehls.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, legislation authored by Congressman Troy E. Nehls (R-TX-22) was signed into law after passing the U.S. Senate by Unanimous Consent last week. H.R. 6064 will improve the VA's Military Sexual Trauma (MST) disability exam process by requiring the V.A. to partner with the National Academies to complete a comprehensive review of the process. The bill would also require the VA to provide the House Veterans Affairs Committee and the Senate Veteran Affairs Committee with a report on any actions they plan to take as a result of findings and recommendations in the NASEM study.\n\n\"I am proud that my bill has received broad bipartisan support in both chambers of Congress and has been signed into law,\" said Congressman Nehls. \"It takes tremendous courage for survivors of military sexual trauma to come forward and submit a claim for compensation, so it is important that V.A. gets these claims right the first time.\"\n\nBackground:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4281", "Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher Returns More Than Half a Billion Dollars to Texas\u2019 Seventh Congressional District", "2022-12-27", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "TX", "Lizzie Fletcher", "F000468", "fletcher.house.gov", "fletcher", "https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) announced she has helped secure $502,938,988 in federal grant dollars for Texas\u2019 Seventh Congressional District.\n\n\u201cCongress has the power to allocate our resources to further our country\u2019s goals,\u201d said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher. \u201cFrom promoting public safety, to helping expand small businesses, to providing essential support for survivors of domestic violence, I am proud to have helped return more than half a billion taxpayer dollars to our community to respond directly to the needs of Houston families. I look forward to continuing to support many of our district\u2019s priorities in direct and tangible ways.\u201d\n\nThis year alone, Congresswoman Fletcher announced funding to promote public safety, bridge the digital divide, expand small businesses, and more.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://gonzalez.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-gonzalez-secures-over-237-million-community-projects-south-texas", "CONGRESSMAN GONZALEZ SECURES OVER $23.7 MILLION IN COMMUNITY PROJECTS FOR SOUTH TEXAS", "2022-12-27", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "TX", "Vicente Gonzalez", "G000581", "gonzalez.house.gov", "gonzalez", "https://gonzalez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) voted to pass the Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) Omnibus Appropriations package to fund the federal government and provide supplemental funding to Ukraine. This package includes $23,796,378 for local community projects located throughout the 15th Congressional District of Texas. Congressman Gonzalez also successfully included H.R. 6810, the Housing our Veterans Act, which takes steps to address veteran homelessness.\n\n\"This federal funding will allow the United States to deliver on its promise to invest in the American people ,\" stated Congressman Gonzalez. \"The FY23 omnibus appropriations bill will help American families by creating better-paying jobs, help small business owner s and entrepreneurs access capital, keep our communities safe by supporting local, state, and federal law enforcement, increase military pay by 4.6 percent and ensure our military is well equipped to overcome challenges both domestically and abroad. I am also proud to bring home over $23.7 million to support community centers, improve drainage and roads, and give our children a brighter future.\n\n\"Additionally, I am proud that my legislation, H.R. 6810, the Housing Our Veterans Act, was included in this critical legislation . This will allow us to gain a clearer picture of the housing challenges our veterans face so we can fully address housing affordability and homelessness among veterans.\n\n\"As we wrap up the 117th Congress, rest assured that I will continue to be South Texas' loudest advocate and work to ensure that our community is served and supported.\"\n\nH.R. 6810, the Housing our Veterans Act, requires the GAO to conduct a study on the availability of affordable housing for veterans participating in homelessness programs through the Department of Veterans Affairs and the impact this availability has on veterans seeking permanent shelter.\n\nFederal funding projects secured by Congressman Gonzalez:\n\n$325,000 for Project Safe, the Acquisition of Safety Mobile Application for Domestic Violence Victims\n\n$2,000,000 for the Boys & Girls Club of McAllen, TX Community Center\n\n$1,700,000 for the Boys & Girls Club of Weslaco, TX Expansion Project\n\n$1,753,812 for the Boys and Girls Club of Pharr, TX for equipment and supplies for youth development services\n\n$1,500,000 for the Brooks County School Based Health Center Falfurrias, TX\n\n$1,549,044 for the City of Mercedes, TX for an Expansion of Sanitary Sewer Collection System Project\n\n$3,452,972 for the City of San Juan, TX for a Lift Station Rehabilitation Project\n\n$1,265,550 for the Elsa Getting Connected Project in Elsa, TX\n\n$200,000 for the McAllen Independent School District Aviation Program in McAllen, TX for private pilot and remote drone license training\n\n$4,000,000 for the Mile 10 North Road Project in Weslaco, TX\n\n$750,000 for the New VFW Post 8788 in McAllen, TX\n\n$1,000,000 for healthcare workforce development at South Texas College in McAllen, TX\n\n$1,800,000 for Security Fencing at the South Texas International Airport at Edinburg (EBG)\n\n$1,500,000 for the South Texas Juvenile Diabetes Association (STJDA) Inclusive Camp Facility Project\n\n$1,000,000 for the University of Texas Health RGV Cancer and Surgical Center", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-al-green-secures-funds-nearly-50000000-local-houston-area-projects", "Congressman Al Green Secures Funds for Nearly $50,000,000 In Local Houston Area Projects as Part of Bipartisan, Bicameral Omnibus Bill", "2022-12-23", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "TX", "Al Green", "G000553", "algreen.house.gov", "algreen", "https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "(Washington, D.C.) \u2013 On Friday, December 23, 2022, Congressman Al Green released the following statement:\n\n\u201cI am proud to announce that the passage of today\u2019s Fiscal Year 2023 Omnibus Appropriations bill will benefit the American people by, among other things, fostering clean energy, creating good-paying jobs, and supporting our military. Additionally, this omnibus package includes nearly $50 million in funding for a number of community projects in our Ninth Congressional District of Texas.\u201d Congressman Al Green shared. \u201cAn investment in our local community is an investment in our future. These projects will make a difference for working families, improve the health of residents, and help make our communities safer. I thank President Biden, Speaker Pelosi, Majority Leader Schumer, and Senator McConnell, as well as all who voted for this legislation.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/chairman-castro-secures-funding-for-key-foreign-affairs-programs-in-2023-omnibus-appropriations", "Chairman Castro Secures Funding for Key Foreign Affairs Programs in 2023 Omnibus Appropriations", "2022-12-23", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "TX", "Joaquin Castro", "C001091", "castro.house.gov", "castro", "https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on International Development, International Organizations, and Global Corporate Social Impact, announced that the 2023 federal omnibus appropriations bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on December 23, 2022 includes significant investments he secured to advance American interests and promote sustainable development around the world.\n\n\u201cFor the past two years, the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on International Development, International Organizations, and Global Corporate Social Impact has worked to strengthen America\u2019s contributions to a healthier, safer, and more equitable world. As our work concludes for the 117th Congress, I\u2019m very proud that the 2023 omnibus includes funding for many of the critical programs our Subcommittee has championed. I thank my Subcommittee colleagues for their dedicated service and I look forward to seeing how our legislative efforts will continue to improve lives around the world,\u201d said Chairman Castro.\n\nProvisions secured by Chairman Castro in the 2023 omnibus include:\n\nCentroam\u00e9rica Local:\n\n$100 million for USAID to fund locally led development programs in Central America that seek to address causes of irregular migration by strengthening regional governance, promoting economic growth, and improving the rule of law. Chairman Castro secured additional language in the omnibus that allows USAID to use these funds in a flexible and locally responsive manner.\n\nInnovation at USAID\n\n$40 million for USAID\u2019s Development Innovation Ventures program, which promotes innovative approaches to development assistance. This funding represents a $10 million increase from 2022. Chairman Castro secured additional language in the omnibus that removes the limit to how many innovation incentive awards can be provided each year by USAID.\n\nSupporting Global Health Programs for Vulnerable Children:\n\n$30 million for global child health programs, a $2.5 million increase from 2022. This funding supports implementation of the Global Child Thrive Act, legislation authored by Chairman Castro that became law in 2021.\n\nAsia Foundation\n\n$22 million in U.S. contributions to the Asia Foundation, an increase of $500,000 from 2022. The Asia Foundation is a U.S.-based organization committed to improving lives across Asia with a focus on good governance, gender equality, inclusive growth, climate action, and regional and international relations.\n\nBuilding a Diverse Diplomatic Corps:\n\n$18 million for paid student internships at the State Department, a $10 million increase from 2022. This funding supports implementation of the Castro-authored Department of State Student Internships Program, which passed as part of the FY2023 NDAA. The State Department estimates that $18 million in funding will support up to 1,200 paid interns per year, doubling the size of the program.\n\nMekong-US Partnership:\n\n$7 million for rule of law and environment programs in the Greater Mekong region of Southeast Asia. This funding represents an increase of $2 million from 2022.\n\nChairman Castro also worked with his colleagues to secure funding to cover U.S. arrears at the United Nations, as well as an additional $500,000 to support grants, programs, and activities that promote the employment of U.S. citizens by international organizations.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-castro-highlights-progress-for-san-antonio-in-2023-ndaa", "Congressman Castro Highlights Progress for San Antonio in 2023 NDAA", "2022-12-23", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "TX", "Joaquin Castro", "C001091", "castro.house.gov", "castro", "https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, President Joseph R. Biden signed the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for the Fiscal Year 2023 (Fiscal Year 2023 NDAA) into law, authorizing several provisions secured or supported by Congressman Castro, including new limits to surprise medical billing at Brooke Army Medical Center and new funding for Joint Base San Antonio. The Fiscal Year 2023 NDAA also authorizes a 4.6% pay raise for servicemembers and the DOD civilian workforce, along with improvements to military and dental health care and on-base services.\n\n\u201cEvery year, Congress has important debates about the size of our national defense budget, but federal investments in our servicemembers will always be a sacred priority,\u201d said Congressman Castro. \u201cThis year\u2019s NDAA includes a well-deserved military pay raise and new investments in on-base services for military families to improve their lives and strengthen troop retention. I\u2019m extremely pleased that the NDAA will also enact legislation I wrote to limit surprise medical billing at Brooke Army Medical Center and protect civilians who receive trauma care at the Army\u2019s premier medical training center. As this bill becomes law, I wish all of America\u2019s military families a happy holiday season and a wonderful new year.\u201d\n\nFunding for Joint Base San Antonio in the Fiscal Year 2023 NDAA includes:\n\n$58.6 million for JBSA to construct an Ambulatory Care Dental Center replacement\n\n$29 million for JBSA-Randolph to construct a Child Development Center\n\n$5.4 million for JBSA-Lackland to construct BMT Recruit Dormitories\n\nProvisions secured by Congressman Castro in the Fiscal Year 2023 NDAA include:\n\nLimits to Surprise Medical Bills at Brooke Army Medical Center\n\nThe FY2023 NDAA includes a provision authored by Congressman Castro that requires the Director of the Defense Health Agency to implement a modified payment plan based on a sliding-scale discount program for civilians who are underinsured or at risk for financial harm who receive treatment at Military Treatment Facilities (MTFs) including Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) in San Antonio.\n\nThis provision follows an amendment that Congressman Castro secured in the FY2021 NDAA to provide MTFs with the flexibility to waive medical bills for civilians. BAMC is one of two Level 1 Trauma Centers in San Antonio and must treat civilians to maintain its accreditation for graduate medical education. In recent years, civilians have faced high medical bills after receiving trauma care at BAMC, even though their care helps prepare military medical professionals to meet the medical needs of American servicemembers.\n\nInvestments in America\u2019s Workforce and National Security Research\n\nThe FY2023 NDAA also includes provisions authored or co-authored by Congressman Castro in his capacity as chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on International Development, International Organizations, and Global Corporate Social Impact and as a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence that will:\n\nImprove student internship opportunities at the State Department by providing the Department with permanent authority to pay its interns and requiring it to transition its internships to a paid program in the coming years. The legislation also describes new parameters for the student internship program, including considerations for diversity and requirements for housing and travel costs to be covered for certain interns serving in D.C. or abroad.\n\nSupport the employment of U.S. citizens by international organizations by providing additional authorities and funding avenues to place qualified Americans at UN agencies, including through the Junior Professional Officer program.\n\nRestore U.S. leadership in international organizations by authorizing the State Department to provide housing allowances to nine additional members of the Foreign Service who are serving in New York City at the U.S. Mission to the United Nations. Under current law, the State Department is only able to provide a housing allowance to 32 members of the Foreign Service who are serving at the U.S. Mission to the United Nations, a restriction that has prevented the United States from properly staffing the Mission.\n\nExpand training and professional development opportunities for the civil and foreign service at the State Department by providing authorities to strengthen the Foreign Service Institute, including through additional training offerings, new fellowship programs for Foreign and Civil Service, and other provisions to improve the training of U.S. diplomats.\n\nProvide pay equity for government employees working abroad by requiring members of the Civil Service under a Department Employee Teleworking Overseas (DETO) agreement (most often provided to military/foreign service spouses or dependents) to be paid either at what they would have been paid in the United States or what a member of the Foreign Service at an equivalent level serving overseas is paid.\n\nExpedite the declassification of CIA historical records by requiring the CIA Historical Review Panel to report directly to the Director of the CIA and requiring that the Inspector General of the CIA submit a report to Congress that outlines the CIA\u2019s declassification efforts.\n\nImprove diversity within the Intelligence Community by requiring the Director of National Intelligence to submit a report to Congress that documents barriers or obstacles to promotion for women and minorities, proposals to overcome those barriers, and summarizes existing efforts to strengthen the promotion pipeline for underrepresented populations in the Intelligence Community.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-castro-touts-major-investments-for-san-antonio-in-2023-federal-appropriations-legislation", "Congressman Castro Touts Major Investments for San Antonio in 2023 Federal Appropriations Legislation", "2022-12-23", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "TX", "Joaquin Castro", "C001091", "castro.house.gov", "castro", "https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass fiscal year 2023 federal funding legislation with more than $15.6 million that Congressman Joaquin Castro secured for community projects in San Antonio. The bill also includes billions of dollars to fund health care, nutrition, workforce development, and other programs that benefit working people and seniors in San Antonio and across the nation. The legislation passed the U.S. Senate on December 23, 2022 and will likely be signed into law in the coming days.\n\n\u201cSince the beginning of the 2023 appropriations process, I\u2019ve fought to make sure the federal government\u2019s spending priorities reflect the needs of people in San Antonio. I\u2019m pleased that the final federal funding package includes more than $15 million I got for community projects in San Antonio, in addition to nationwide investments in health care, job creation, and other important areas of progress. This bill will improve lives in San Antonio and across the country, and I look forward to seeing President Biden sign it into law,\u201d said Congressman Castro.\n\nCongressman Castro secured funding for the following community projects in San Antonio:\n\nHousing\n\nOur Casas Resident Council, Inc.\n\nThe High Impact Housing Project (HIPP)\n\nThis funding will support efforts to repair the homes of low-income homeowners on the Westside of San Antonio. The rehabilitated homes will be renovated to meet building codes and address safety issues among other concerns to provide better living conditions for the homeowners.\n\nFunding: $1,057,257\n\nCity of San Antonio Westside Development Corporation / Prosper West\n\nCasa Bella Project\n\nThis funding will support a proposal to acquire Westside homes that are chronically vacant, abandoned, or otherwise in a dilapidated condition, and rehabilitate them to modern standards of construction quality and sustainability while also improving their aesthetic contribution to the neighborhood. After a home has been rehabilitated, Casa Bella will sell it to a household that earns 80% or less of the Area Median Income (AMI), thus presenting an opportunity for homeownership that would normally be out of reach for many on the Westside.\n\nFunding: $1,000,000\n\nHealth Care & Community Well-Being\n\nEl Centro del Barrio / CentroMed\n\nFQHC Renovation: CentroMed South Park Medical Clinic\n\nThis funding will support renovation costs for the CentroMed South Park Medical Clinic, part of ongoing efforts to increase and enhance access to comprehensive, culturally competent, quality primary care services and improve health-related outcomes for underserved, vulnerable populations.\n\nFunding: $1,000,000\n\nUniversity of Texas San Antonio\n\nEvaluation and Research Coordinating Center (ERCC) for the Multi-assistance Center (MAC) at Morgan\u2019s Wonderland\n\nThis funding will help seed the ERCC, an evaluation and research center led by the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), at the MAC at Morgan\u2019s Wonderland. The ERCC will collaboratively establish a comprehensive research program to provide timely data and improve patient outcomes for people living with disabilities and their caregivers in the San Antonio area.\n\nFunding: $492,370\n\nGuardian House\n\nGuardian House \u2013 Triple P Positive Parenting Program Expansion\n\nThis funding will support the Triple P Positive Parenting Program, an evidence-based, scalable, and adaptable parenting and family support system. Currently, this program is provided at no cost to the San Antonio community by the City of San Antonio Metro Health and its community partners as part of Metro Health\u2019s ongoing goal of preventing child abuse and breaking generational cycles of family violence.\n\nFunding: $483,963\n\nCHRISTUS Santa Rosa Health Care Corporation Center for Miracles\n\nSupport Center for Miracles capacity to care for victims of child abuse and neglect.\n\nThis funding will support the Children\u2019s Hospital of San Antonio\u2019s Center for Miracles in their work to provide training and education to members of the South Texas community on identifying and handling possible child abuse cases. This funding will help train future counselors, social workers, medical staff and first responders to identify, assess, diagnose, and treat child abuse and neglect.\n\nFunding: $472,699\n\nTexas A&M University San Antonio\n\nThe Autism Mobile Assessment Bus and Learning Environment (AMABLE)\n\nThis funding will support AMABLE, a mobile unit serving Edgewood ISD and other partner schools in South San Antonio. The mobile unit will assess and develop recommendations for school-based autism services and educational supports; provide training for teachers and parents; and raise awareness of autism-related issues. The AMABLE motorcoach will be a mobile assessment clinic that provides autism assessment services, parent training, community support services, and Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) training to the community.\n\nFunding: $300,000\n\nEducation and Research\n\nSt. Mary\u2019s University\n\nConstruction and Equipment for the Innovation Center at St. Mary's University.\n\nThis funding will support the construction of a new Innovation Center and help St. Mary\u2019s University equip seven laboratories related to advanced manufacturing including Robotics and Smart Manufacturing; Measurement and Instrumentation; Human Factors; Additive Manufacturing and Reverse Engineering; Data Science and Machine Learning; Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Supply Chain; and an Engineering Design Studio.\n\nFunding: $5,561,000\n\nUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at SA\n\nCenter for Innovative Drug Discovery in Hepatic Steatosis (CIDD-HS)\n\nThis funding will support a project to provide laboratory equipment and instrumentation for the CIDD-HS to discover novel treatments for hepatic steatosis. By focusing on new treatments for hepatic steatosis, the CIDD-HS will also help prevent liver failure and liver cancer that arise from hepatic steatosis.\n\nFunding: $1,000,000\n\nUniversity of Texas School of Public Health San Antonio\n\nRenovation of the UT Health San Antonio and UTSA shared school for the University of Texas School of Public Health at San Antonio\n\nThis funding will support the renovation of an existing building for a new shared school between UT Health San Antonio and University of Texas San Antonio that will focus on expanding educational outreach and public health access to communities most in need.\n\nFunding: $1,000,000\n\nGuadalupe Cultural Arts Center\n\nGuadalupe Latino Bookstore Education Outreach and Literacy Program\n\nThis funding will support the Guadalupe Latino Bookstore, a valuable new resource in the San Antonio community which provides space and new opportunities to offer expanded, expert-designed, culturally relevant, and locally situated bilingual programs to underscore literacy as a social practice and to support the educational advancement of local children and other Texas constituents.\n\nFunding: $102,250\n\nCentro Cultural Aztlan, Inc.\n\nChicano Arts Curriculum for K-12 Students\n\nThis funding will support Centro Cultural Aztlan\u2019s work with artists, educators, historians, and cultural experts to develop a series of lesson plans with audio-visual resources and age-appropriate arts activities to engage K-12 students in learning about Chicano art, culture, and history.\n\nFunding: $95,000\n\nSmall Business Support\n\nLiftFund Inc.\n\nSA West Small Business Support Program\n\nThis funding will provide LiftFund with capital and administrative support to make grants directly to small businesses to revitalize their business building infrastructure and for LiftFund to identify structures to be purchased for curating small business on the Westside of San Antonio.\n\nFunding: $1,000,000\n\nUniversity of Texas at San Antonio\n\nHUB Government Contracting Academy\n\nThis funding will support the HUB Government Contracting Academy, which offers business development, work history reviews and guidance, ongoing and consistent advising, and access to capital education and collaboration as solutions for HUBs to successfully win and complete government contracts.\n\nFunding: $576,000\n\nTransportation\n\nSan Antonio International Airport\n\nElectric Shuttle Bus (eBus) Program at the Airport\n\nThis funding will allow for the purchase of three electronic passenger buses (eBus), associated chargers, and design and installation of chargers at the San Antonio International Airport\u2019s Consolidated Rental Car Facility (CONRAC).\n\nFunding: $1,500,000\n\nThe FY2022 Federal Appropriations Bill also includes billions of dollars in funding for nationwide initiatives that benefit San Antonio. Key funding and programs are highlighted below and a full summary of the bill can be found here.\n\nFamilies and Communities\n\nProvides $6 billion in funding for the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) nutrition program to support needy families and maintain expanded access to fresh fruits and vegetables for post-partum mothers and young children.\n\nExtends Medicaid coverage for children who are most at risk of losing care.\n\nExpands workplace protections for lactating mothers to cover salaried employees and provide recourse against employers who break the law.\n\nPublic Safety and Violence Prevention\n\nProvides $20.5 million for the Domestic Violence Hotline, an increase of $5 million from 2022.\n\nProvides $109 million for the Drug-Free Communities Program, an increase of $3 million from 2022.\n\nProvides $95 million for grants to improve the national firearms background check system.\n\nProvides $45 million to prevent and combat hate crimes.\n\nProvides $115 million to prevent recidivism by re-integrating ex-offenders into the workforce. This funding represents an increase of $13 million from 2022.\n\nEducation and Workforce Development\n\nRaises the maximum Pell Grant by $500 to $7,395.\n\nProvides $228 million for Hispanic Serving Institutions, an increase of $45 million from 2022.\n\nProvides $285 million to fund registered apprenticeships, an increase of $50 million from 2022.\n\nProvides $65 million to continue and expand Strengthening Community College Training Grants to help meet local and regional labor market demand for a skilled workforce by training to workers in in-demand industries at community colleges and four-year partners. This funding represents an increase of $15 million from 2022.\n\nHousing\n\nExpands housing choice vouchers to nearly 12,000 low-income individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness nationwide, including survivors of domestic violence and veterans. This increase comes in addition to the 25,000 new vouchers provided in fiscal year 2022.\n\nMilitary families and veterans\n\nProvides a 4.6 percent pay increase for servicemembers in addition to an 11 percent increase in the Basic Allowance for Housing and an 11 percent increase in the Basic Allowance for Subsistence.\n\nProvides $210 million to reduce food prices at commissaries.\n\nProvides $687 million in funding for school construction on military bases \u2014 the highest level of funding ever.\n\nProvides additional funding to help military families cope with rising inflation, including $12.1 million for a basic needs allowance as a supplement to eligible servicemembers with dependents, a $23.5 million increase in the dislocation allowance to help offset personal expenses for change of station moves, and $164.2 million for temporary lodging expenses to expand coverage during change of station moves from 10 to 14 days.\n\nProvides $5 billion in new mandatory funds for the Cost of War Toxic Exposures Fund, which supports costs related to implementing the Honoring Our PACT Act.\n\nEliminates co-pays for the first three mental health appointments that a veteran attends each year.\n\nSmall Business\n\nProvides $1.2 billion for the Small Business Administration to support investments in programs to help underserved entrepreneurs access capital and contracting opportunities, including:\n\n$140 million for Small Business Development Centers\n\n$41 million for Microloan Technical Assistance\n\n$30 million for the Federal and State Technology Partnership Program, Growth Accelerators, and Regional Innovation Clusters\n\n$27 million for Women\u2019s Business Centers\n\nProvides $324 million for Community Development Financial Institutions for financial and technical assistance grants and awards to help struggling businesses in underserved communities, an increase of $29 million from 2022.\n\nProvides $70 million for the Minority Business Development Agency to support minority-owned businesses, an increase of $15 million from 2022.\n\nImmigration", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/president-biden-enacts-castro-authored-legislation-to-protect-fair-pay-for-military-and-foreign-service-spouses-", "President Biden Enacts Castro-Authored Legislation to Protect Fair Pay for Military and Foreign Service Spouses", "2022-12-23", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "TX", "Joaquin Castro", "C001091", "castro.house.gov", "castro", "https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, President Joseph R. Biden enacted the Civil Service Federal Employee Serving Overseas Pay Equity Act, legislation authored by Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) to ensure that military and foreign service spouses receive fair pay when teleworking for the federal government from overseas. The legislation is included in the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives on December 8, 2022, and the U.S. Senate on December 15, 2022.\n\n\u201cAmerica\u2019s military and foreign service families make extraordinary sacrifices for their country and Congress should do everything within our power to lessen their burden,\u201d said Congressman Castro. \u201cEvery year, we lose too many of our best and brightest public servants because of the financial strains of overseas assignments. With the enactment of the Civil Service Federal Employee Serving Overseas Pay Equity Act, military and foreign service spouses will no longer be financially penalized for serving their country from abroad.\u201d\n\nDomestic federal civil service employees currently earn a base salary with a locality pay adjustment based on the cost of living of the location they are serving in. The adjustment begins at 16.2% for civil servants living in the lowest cost-of-living areas in the United States and can reach up to 42.74% for those living in the most expensive areas of the country. However, under current law, civil servants working abroad under the Domestic Employee Teleworking Overseas (DETO) arrangements (often military or foreign service spouses who receive permission to telework abroad when their spouse is stationed overseas) cannot receive locality pay, regardless of the cost of living in their telework location. Under the current DETO system, an entry-level human resources assistant making $36,488 in San Antonio, Texas would see their salary fall to $31,083 if they followed their spouse on an overseas assignment.\n\nThe strength of the DETO program also has a significant impact on the ability of the civil and foreign service to retain mid-career workers, who are often tenured employees with institutional knowledge. The sizable pay cuts faced by civil servants who move abroad can push them to leave federal service for the private sector or leave the workforce altogether, especially if they have children or dependents at home who need full or part-time care.\n\nThe Civil Service Federal Employee Serving Overseas Pay Equity Act would require members of the civil service under a DETO agreement to be paid the lower of either what they would have been paid in the United States or what a member of the Foreign Service at an equivalent level serving overseas is paid.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://escobar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1112", "Congresswoman Escobar Votes to Pass Consolidated Appropriations Act", "2022-12-23", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "TX", "Veronica Escobar", "E000299", "escobar.house.gov", "escobar", "https://escobar.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Congresswoman Veronica Escobar voted to pass the $1.7 trillion Consolidated Appropriations Act to invest in hardworking families, critical infrastructure, and local quality of life. The legislation, which incorporates critical priorities for El Paso championed by Congresswoman Escobar, includes 14 Community Funding Projects submitted by the Congresswoman that will bring $25,097,706 in funding directly back to El Paso. The Consolidated Appropriations Act will now head to President Biden\u2019s desk to be signed into law.\n\n\u201cThroughout the 117th Congress, my Democratic colleagues and I have worked hard to deliver for the American people. From passing legislation that will create good-paying jobs to fighting to lower healthcare costs, investing in infrastructure and manufacturing and so much more, we\u2019ve achieved historic accomplishments and this year\u2019s Consolidated Appropriations Act is no different,\u201d said Congresswoman Escobar. \u201cThe wins for El Paso in our final funding bill are historic and reflect our community\u2019s most pressing needs and our aspirational priorities. I am excited to see these dollars come into our community and our hard work continue to improve El Pasoans\u2019 lives.\u201d\n\nIn addition to the Community Funding Projects attained for El Paso, the Congresswoman also secured significant investments and policy improvements for the borderland, that include:\n\n$800 million for a FEMA-administered Shelter and Services Program\n\nFunding for this program will be available to non-federal entities like the City of El Paso and the County to help process arriving migrants and prevent overcrowding in short-term U.S. Customs Border Protections (CBP) facilities. These funds will ensure that migrants receive necessary services, have access to food and shelter, and that El Pasoans do not shoulder an unfair share of this process.\n\nCongresswoman Escobar secured these funds after several conversations with House appropriators during which she was the sole advocate for El Paso, which has consistently offered food, shelter, and other services to migrant arrivals. This historic investment will go toward addressing the current migrant situation in El Paso and help with preparations for the eventual winddown of Title 42.\n\nDesignate the El Paso Community Healing Garden as a National Memorial\n\nCongresswoman Escobar\u2019s bill, H.R. 4380, the El Paso Community Healing Garden National Memorial Act, to designate the Community Healing Garden at Ascarate Park as a National Memorial was included in the final government funding legislation. The Community Healing Garden will now receive National Memorial status, recognizing the lives lost to domestic terrorism on August 3, 2019.\n\n$550 million for the new El Paso VA Health Care Center\n\nAfter bringing back $150 million to El Paso earlier this year for the concurrent design and early site development of the new El Paso VA Health Care Center, Congresswoman Escobar championed and included $550 million for the construction of the health care center.\n\n$15 million for Infrastructure at Fort Bliss\n\nThis funding will be used to construct a new fire station for the William Beaumont Army Medical Center area, which currently does not have one nearby. This appropriation was included after Congresswoman Escobar also secured the complimentary authorization in the FY23 National Defense Authorization Act.\n\n$2.5 million for the U.S. Mexico Border Health Commission\n\nThis increase of $500,000 above Fiscal Year 2022 will help the Commission execute and broaden its mission of promoting solutions unique to the Southern border over the next year.\n\nOver $110 million for the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC)\n\nThis funding, which is an increase of nearly $8 million from Fiscal Year 2022, will be critical for the IBWC as it aims to continue working on issues vital to our community, like combatting drought on the Rio Grande, constructing new levees, maintaining existing dams, and more.\n\nFunding for Additive Manufacturing in Future Vertical Lift and Low-Cost Missile Technology\n\nThese two requests, which provide $10 million for Additive Manufacturing in Future Vertical Lift and $10 million for Low-Cost Missile Technology, will allow America Makes to work closely with minority-serving institutions like University of Texas, El Paso (UTEP) to support our supply chain and create a diverse defense workforce.\n\n$20 million for the U.S. Space Force\u2019s University Partnership Program\n\nThis funding will help the Space Force continue to grow this program, which includes universities like UTEP, and allows them to continue to develop leadership, conduct research, and sponsor projects that supports the Department of Defense.\n\nThe Community Funding Projects awarded to TX-16 include:\n\n$595,000 for El Paso Children\u2019s Hospital Pediatric Mobile Clinic\n\nThis project would be used for the acquisition of a mobile medical vehicle and the ability to outfit it with technology and equipment necessary for a Mobile Pediatric Clinic. The Mobile Clinic will be able to provide both basic and specialty pediatric healthcare throughout El Paso County while targeting areas in the County that oftentimes lack access to pediatric care and medical resources. Additionally, the unit will provide clinical services, vaccinations, financial education and resources for parents, and education with school district nurses and teachers.\n\n$1,750,000 for the El Paso International Airport Solar Covered Parking Project\n\nThis project designs and constructs a solar-covered parking facility located directly in front of the terminal in short-term parking. The 2.5-acre system is expected to generate 1.5MW of solar which will offset the 2.1MW consumed by the Terminal annually.\n\n$2,000,000 for the El Paso ISD After-School Community Learning Centers: Broadening STEAM Learning Ecosystems\n\nThis funding will be used to bridge academic and equity gaps in the south side of El Paso by offering after-school enrichment centers focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM), literacy, social emotional development, and health and fitness. The goal of the program will be to positively impact the trajectories of at-risk students into STEAM careers through the establishment of after-school enrichment centers at south side campuses. The program will provide wraparound support that promotes academic excellence by focusing on character building, physical activity, and academic tutoring and enrichment. This program will engage students to increase attendance, improve academic performance, and reduce disciplinary referrals.\n\n$500,000 for the Heritage Tourism Business Connection\n\nThis project launches a business retention and expansion effort for businesses along El Paso County\u2019s historic Mission Trail, which stretches from the eastern edge of the City of El Paso, includes the City of Socorro, the San Elizario Historic District, and the Town of Tornillo. The program would provide training and counseling for entrepreneurs as well as skills development for employees to help bolster the tourism industry in El Paso County. Entrepreneurs targeted by the program would include small business owners situated along the Mission Trail corridor including heritage tourism and ecotourism operators.\n\n$1,000,000 for the SAC 1 Sediment Detention Basin\n\nThis project constructs a 34-acre-foot desilting basin strategically placed to detain peak flows and sediment affecting the RV Channel (located south of the project site). The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in conjunction with El Paso Water, would construct a desilting basin that will detain peak flows and sediment affecting the RV Channel, street crossings, residential, commercial, and agricultural land. This project will also prevent erosion and collapse of downstream structures some of which have already been reconstructed due to failure caused by the accumulation of sediment and will protect the existing structures from future damage.\n\n$3,000,000 for the TTUHCEP El Paso Border Health Center\n\nThis project would be used to target at-risk communities in the border region, leveraging community and clinical partners, to conduct early diagnosis and monitoring, as well as to provide telemedicine services and surveillance for obesity, diabetes, and cancer. With the equipment purchased for this project \u2013 including computers, equipment, and other health information technology devices for data storage and analysis \u2013the center would be able to provide generational care to families in the region, particularly in the colonias, establish an electronic health records system, and conduct evidence-based diabetes and cancer research. This request will support a unique collaboration in the region between local physicians, nurses, biomedical researchers, public health researchers, promatoras, and students.\n\n$1,925,000 for the town of Anthony, Texas Police Department, Municipal Court, and Emergency Shelter Facility\n\nThis project constructs a new police station, courthouse, and emergency community shelter facility. Currently, the police department and courthouse are housed in the same building as the town hall and other public services and do not have an emergency shelter. The current facility is too small to sustain all these essential services and building a new facility for the police department, courthouse, and an emergency community shelter complex will allow Anthony to keep up with the community\u2019s growth, safety, and tourism.\n\n$1,300,000 for the El Paso County Animal Welfare Pet Wellness Clinic\n\nThe funding renovates an existing property into an animal wellness clinic that will offer high-volume spay and neuter programs, as well as vaccinations and microchips to track responsible ownership. In El Paso County, there are few organizations that offer low to no-cost versions of these procedures and this project would directly address this issue.\n\n$4,000,000 for the El Paso County Senior Meal and Community Kitchen\n\nThis project, which was requested by El Paso County and will be constructed with El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank, builds a full-scale community kitchen using an existing kitchen concept at the main food bank with the capacity to prepare, serve and deliver 10,000+ meals daily to elderly, disabled homebound, and youth populations as well as meet any emergent meal needs of the community during natural disasters or public health emergencies such as a pandemic. Once completed, the community kitchen along with other food bank services will serve as a teaching facility providing training and workforce development in culinary skills, warehousing, forklift operation, CDL driving and other vocational trades in coordination with the County of El Paso's Reentry/Transitional Center.\n\n$1,735,000 for the Horizon City Transit-Oriented Development Phase 1\n\nThis project would be used for the initial design and environmental study of a Transit-Oriented Development in Horizon City. The Transit Oriented Development is intended to provide opportunities for Horizon City residents to live, work and play in a compact area. By creating this development, Horizon City intends to also strengthen its resiliency by diversifying its tax base and revenues. The transit plaza will serve as a hub for transit routes that will provide access to residents in the TOD area, as well as Horizon City as a whole, to educational facilities in east El Paso County and at the University of Texas at El Paso campus and the Rio Grande campus of El Paso Community College.\n\n$2,442,706 for La Casa de los Abuelitos\n\nThis project constructs a new Abuelitos facility as a permanent home for El Paso\u2019s elderly and frail homeless male population. The facility will be comprised of both transitional (shelter) and permanent beds and will specifically target homeless men who are harder to serve, those who are frail, in need of additional support services, and most at risk in a normal shelter setting. Utilizing a vacant lot at 150 Brown Street, this proposal involves the development of a new housing facility with 31 beds that will be designed to address the needs of a more elderly and frail population that will include ADA-compliant showers, restrooms, etc. The facility will also include a kitchen/dining area, office space, laundry room, and other essential components.\n\n$750,000 for a Planning Study conducted by Texas A&M Transportation Institute, El Paso to Improve Land Border Crossing Transit and Pedestrian Connectivity to Business Districts in the El Paso Region for Equity, Accessibility and Economic Development\n\nThis project is for a planning study to improve land border crossing transit and pedestrian connectivity to business districts in the El Paso region. Land border crossings are a critical economic activity link for U.S. retail businesses and residents in their immediate surroundings and in the lower income neighborhoods they often connect to, as well as for businesses located elsewhere in the community. This study will complement existing community efforts by identifying specific improvements needed to connect transit and pedestrian traffic between the land border crossings with the highest pedestrian traffic and the business, medical and residential districts in their surroundings as well as other major points of attraction throughout the El Paso region.\n\n$4,000,000 for Vinton Water and Wastewater Phase III\n\nThis project provides for the expansion of a looped water and sewer system with a wholesale supply of treated potable water and treatment of wastewater for the local business sector. The proposed system includes approximately 21,600 linear feet of 8-to-12-inch waterline, one master meter, 44 fire hydrants, and approximately 65 first-time commercial service connections. On the wastewater side, the system would include 13,980 linear feet of 8-inch sewer line and the decommissioning of 59 onsite sewage facilities. The implementation of adequate water and sewer infrastructure will address public safety and health concerns that include fire flow and environmental health.\n\n$100,000 to conduct an Appraisal Study for Future Projects on the Franklin Canal\n\nThis project would have the Bureau of Reclamation, in conjunction with El Paso County Water District No. 1, conduct an appraisal of a 1-mile section of the Franklin Canal in Central El Paso, Texas.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4278", "Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher\u2019s Bipartisan Bill To Improve and Develop Pediatric Medical Devices Passes Congress", "2022-12-23", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "TX", "Lizzie Fletcher", "F000468", "fletcher.house.gov", "fletcher", "https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher\u2019s (TX-07) and Congressman Gus Bilirakis\u2019 (FL-12) bipartisan bill to improve and develop pediatric medical devices by reauthorizing the Pediatric Device Consortia (PDC) grant program and allowing profits for certain Humanitarian Device Exemption (HDE) devices, passed the House of Representatives for a second time. The bill was included in a larger bill, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, which now heads to President Biden\u2019s desk for signature.\n\n\u201cOur children deserve the same commitment to the development of life-saving and life-changing devices that we make to adults,\u201d said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher. \u201cI am glad to have partnered with Congressman Bilirakis in this bipartisan effort to bring beneficial treatments and technologies to children across our country. I look forward to seeing President Biden sign this important legislation into law.\u201d\n\nIn May, Congresswoman Fletcher introduced this legislation as H.R. 7679. The bill passed the Energy and Commerce Committee later that month and passed the House in June.\n\nThe PDC program funds five consortia throughout the United States. The Southwest National Pediatric Device Innovation Consortium (SWPDC) is anchored by Texas Children\u2019s Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4279", "From Mental Health Care to Infrastructure, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher Delivers for Texas\u2019 Seventh Congressional District Priorities", "2022-12-23", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "TX", "Lizzie Fletcher", "F000468", "fletcher.house.gov", "fletcher", "https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) voted for the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, a bipartisan government funding bill that funds essential programs, addresses many of the challenges our country faces, and provides more than $31.1 million for fifteen local projects that Congresswoman Fletcher requested through the Community Funded Projects process. The legislation also includes Congresswoman Fletcher\u2019s bipartisan bill to improve and develop pediatric medical devices, H.R. 7679, as well as a modified version of her bipartisan mental health bill, the Collaborate in an Orderly and Cohesive Manner (COCM) Act, H.R. 5218. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, now heads to President Biden\u2019s desk to be signed into law.\n\n\u201cToday, Congress fulfilled its constitutional responsibility to appropriate funds for the benefit of the people, including funds to keep our communities safe, improve public health, and grow our economy,\u201d said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher. \u201cI am glad to announce that this bipartisan funding bill includes critical investments for our community and our country. In particular, the bill provides nearly $10 million for Harris County Flood Control\u2019s improvement of Poor Farm Ditch\u2019s water conveyance, support for Houston and Harris County public libraries, funding for a variety of programs\u2014including domestic violence prevention programs and civic engagement programs for college students\u2014and so much more. This legislation also includes a modified version of my bill to bring mental health care resources to primary care settings. I am proud of this legislation, which reflects many of the priorities TX-07 constituents have asked me to support and I look forward to seeing President Biden sign it into law.\u201d\n\nFor TX-07, Congresswoman Fletcher secured the following Community Funded Projects:\n\n$9.8 million for Harris County Flood Control District\u2019s Poor Farm Ditch water conveyance channel restoration and construction;\n\n$5 million for Houston Metro\u2019s Westheimer BOOST bus stop improvements;\n\n$3 million for Southwest Houston Redevelopment Authority\u2019s Harwin Drive and Hillcroft Avenue intersection improvement project;\n\n$2.5 million for the City of West University Place\u2019s Milton Street waterline replacement;\n\n$2.4 million for the City of Bellaire\u2019s water and wastewater line replacement;\n\n$2 million for the Houston Public Library\u2019s digital literacy project for children and adolescents;\n\n$1.4 million for Harris County Public Health\u2019s Black Maternal and Child Health Pilot Program;\n\n$1 million for Harris County Public Health\u2019s Accessing Coordinated Care and Empowering Self Sufficiency (ACCESS) integrated care-coordination model;\n\n$1 million for Houston Police Department\u2019s Mobile Community Storefront Program;\n\n$750,000 for St. George Place Redevelopment Authority\u2019s East and West Greenridge intersection safety project;\n\n$741,000 for the City of Southside Place\u2019s Auden Street drainage improvement project;\n\n$600,000 for the City of Bellaire\u2019s Evergreen Accessible and Inclusive Playground;\n\n$578,000 for Harris County Public Library\u2019s Project GRAD, for college and career guidance programs;\n\n$139,212 for Harris County Public Library\u2019s library lockers for Texas\u2019 Seventh Congressional District; and\n\n$100,000 for Harris County Sheriff\u2019s Office\u2019s virtual reality training equipment.\n\nIn July, six of these fifteen projects passed the House. More detail on all fifteen of these projects can be found here.\n\nThe Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 includes Congresswoman Fletcher\u2019s bipartisan bill to improve and develop pediatric medical devices by reauthorizing the Pediatric Device Consortia (PDC) grant program and allowing profits for certain Humanitarian Device Exemption (HDE) devices.\n\nIt also includes a version of the Congresswoman\u2019s COCM Act, which initially passed the House in June, and will allow states to partner with primary care practices through a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) grant program to implement integrated models of care, including the collaborative care model (CoCM). The bill will also ensure that SAMHSA allocates 10 percent of grant funds from this program to practices implementing the CoCM.\n\nMore broadly, this omnibus appropriations bill provides:\n\nEnergy and Water Infrastructure\n\n$10.6 billion for Army Corps of Engineers water infrastructure projects;\n\n$15.3 billion for the research, development, demonstration, and deployment of clean energy and secure, domestic energy supply chains;\n\nTransportation and Infrastructure\n\n$803 million for the Federal Highway Administration to reimburse states for damage from natural disasters to roads and bridges in the National Highway System;\n\n$213.9 million for the Federal Transit Administration to support public transit systems impacted by natural disasters;\n\n$3 billion for the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery program for the long-term housing, infrastructure, and economic recovery needs for areas impacted by a natural disaster;\n\n$800 million for the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity Grant Program, which directs the Department of Transportation to invest in a variety of transportation modes, like transit, passenger rail, bicycle and pedestrian, and multimodal projects;\n\nHealth Care\n\n$502 million for the 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline;\n\n$3.5 billion for the Food and Drug Administration to address medical supply chain issues;\n\nCommerce and Justice\n\n$4.4 billion in grants for state and local law enforcement;\n\n$700 million for Violence Against Women Act prevention and prosecution programs to prevent domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking while improving access to essential support services such as health care and safe housing for all survivors;\n\n$560 million for the Legal Services Corporation to help expand the availability of free legal aid for underserved communities;\n\n$45 million in grant funding to prevent and respond to hate crimes;\n\nVoting Rights\n\n$75 million for election security grants to augment state efforts to improve the security and integrity of federal elections; and\n\n$1 million for the Help America Vote College Program.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=494", "Rep. Jackson Rejects Democrats\u2019 $1.7 Trillion Spending Bill", "2022-12-23", "2022", "2022-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Ronny Jackson", "J000304", "jackson.house.gov", "jackson", "https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Today, Representative Ronny Jackson (TX-13) voted against Democrats\u2019 $1.7 trillion, 4,155-page omnibus spending bill.\n\nJackson said: \u201cThis bill is a slap in the face to my constituents who are sick of runaway spending and \u201cwoke\u201d politics in Washington. It is nothing more than a last-ditch effort for the lame duck Democrat majority, and unfortunately a few RINO Republicans, to get their taxpayer funded pork and destructive priorities across the finish line before Republicans take over the House in January. Any bill that expressly prohibits increased border security measures here at home while allocating nearly $500 million for foreign countries\u2019 border security is by definition America Last and anti-American. Democrats\u2019 latest spending spree will make inflation and the horrible economy worse, and it will exacerbate Biden\u2019s Border Crisis and all the crime and drug issues that come with it. This is something my constituents and I cannot and will not stand for.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://mccaul.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/mccaul-slams-democrats-lame-duck-spending-spree", "McCaul Slams Democrats\u2019 Lame-Duck Spending Spree", "2022-12-23", "2022", "2022-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Michael T. McCaul", "M001157", "mccaul.house.gov", "mccaul", "https://mccaul.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) released the following statement after voting \u2018no\u2019 on the Democrats\u2019 $1.7 trillion lame-duck spending spree.\n\n\u201cLast month, Americans voted for a Republican House majority to keep the Biden administration in check. Yet in the final hours of their one-party rule, Democrats rammed through 4,155 pages that will fund their failing agenda for another year.\n\n\u201cWhile families struggle to afford food and gifts this holiday season, Democrats are spending $1.7 trillion on their own Christmas wish list, which includes a ridiculous $410 million for border security in the Middle East \u2014 and zero additional dollars for border security in Texas.\n\n\u201cI look forward to working with House Republicans in the new year to stop President Biden\u2019s radical agenda, secure our border, and bring back the economy Americans deserve.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://nehls.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-troy-e-nehls-opposes-fy23-omnibus-spending-bill", "Rep. Troy E. Nehls Opposes FY23 Omnibus Spending Bill", "2022-12-23", "2022", "2022-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Troy E. Nehls", "N000026", "nehls.house.gov", "nehls", "https://nehls.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Troy E. Nehls (R-TX-22) released the following statement after voting against the FY23 Omnibus spending bill:\n\n\"This is a reckless 4,155-page, $1.7 trillion spending bill, on top of the $3 trillion that Democrats have already spent outside the normal appropriations process in the last two years. This bill does not address our nation's most pressing issues, like securing our southern border, and instead gives away $47 billion more to Ukraine,\" said Congressman Nehls. \"This Administration has always put the best interests of the American people last, and this behemoth of a bill is no different. Democrats have ignored the American voters, who gave Republicans back the House majority beginning January 3rd by cramming this bill through Congress at the last minute. Congressional support for this legislation reinforces everything that is wrong with Washington and furthers the divide between the American people and the DC swamp.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://roy.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-roys-remarks-how-congress-royally-screwed-country-17t-4100-page-omnibus", "Rep. Roy's remarks on how Congress 'royally screwed the country' with $1.7T, 4,100-page omnibus", "2022-12-23", "2022", "2022-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Chip Roy", "R000614", "roy.house.gov", "roy", "https://roy.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014Thursday evening, Rep. Chip Roy (TX-21) spoke on the House floor in fervent opposition of lame duck Democrats' last-ditch $1.7 trillion, 4,100-page omnibus bill. Excerpts of his full speech can be found below.\n\n\"Today, the United States Senate, the Senate supposedly the 'upper chamber,' the House of Lords in the United States, if you will, sent us, or is in the process of sending us after voting for it, a 4,155-page bill unveiled yesterday morning at 1:30am that will cost 1.7 trillion dollars. This bill will increase spending: 118 billion dollars.\"\n\n\"This bill has 45 billion dollars for the country of Ukraine. 21 percent over President Biden's request, by the way. 40 billion dollars for disaster relief. 15 billion dollars for 7,234 earmarks with the senior senator of Alabama, Richard Shelby walking out of the Senate with his legacy of 670 million dollars.\"\n\n\"I could go on and on and on for all of the things that are put in here divvying us up by race, divvying us up by gender ideology, all of those earmarks just flooding out with money we don't have. But that's not even the worst of it. That's not even the actual irresponsibility of this body. That's just pork, spending that this body is used to doing to the tune of 15, 16 billion dollars. The real problem is that we are funding a whole alphabet soup of federal agencies that are demonstrably not doing their job, but more importantly are demonstrably targeting the American people.\"\n\n\"What is more important than sitting down here on the floor and highlighting the fraud being perpetrated on the American people right before our eyes? A complete and utter disastrous fraud, endorsed by 18 Republican senators...I hope none of my Republican colleagues in this chamber, but we'll see. A bill that will fundamentally limit our ability to secure the border, it's actually in the dang bill. They don't even pretend anymore, ladies and gentlemen. They don't even try to hide it. They actually put the text in the bill that says this money cannot be used to secure the border of the United States, it can only be used to process people. That is in the text of this bill. Let me be clear to those 18 United States Senators: that alone, that alone should have been enough to have you vote no on this bill. And yet you voted for it.\"\n\n\"Mike Lee dared to try to do something about that. Oh, and you should have seen the wailing and gnashing of teeth. 'What are you going to do? We don't want to be here until Christmas.' Why don't you tell that to George Washington and the boys crossing the Delaware in 1776? Or the boys in Bastogne in 1944? What were they doing on Christmas? Were they trying to fly out of the nation's capitol in their jets back to their homes, run their warm fireplaces, so they can be with their families after they absolutely just royally screwed the country and their kids and grandkids? Because that's what they just did. That's what this body, this House chamber, the people's house is going to do.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://sessions.house.gov/2022/12/congressman-sessions-denounces-largest-spending-bill-in-history", "Congressman Sessions Denounces Largest Spending Bill in History", "2022-12-23", "2022", "2022-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Pete Sessions", "S000250", "sessions.house.gov", "sessions", "https://sessions.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014 Congressman Pete Sessions (TX-17) released the following statement after House passage of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, which will provide funding for the federal government for the remainder of fiscal year (FY) 2023.\n\n\u201cDemocrats have used the lame duck to jam through the largest spending bill in history which excessively supports anti-American interests. This $1.7 TRILLION package exasperates persistent inflation, the border crisis in Texas, and rapidly increasing fentanyl overdoses, among other crises American families are facing due to federal government inaction.\n\nSome of the most egregious portions of this bill include:\n\n\u00b7 $1.75 BILLION for the ATF\u2013 An increase of $215.9 MILLION from FY2022\n\n\u00b7 $200 MILLION for new Gender Equity & Equality Action Fund and gender programs in Pakistan\n\n\u00b7 $ 3 MILLION for an LGBTQ+ Museum in New York City\n\n\u00b7 $108 MILLION for new environmental justice programs nationwide\n\n\u00b7 $26 MILLION for the House Office of Diversity & Inclusion\n\n\u00b7 $2 MILLION for the new \u201cNancy Pelosi Fellowship\u201d\n\n\u00b7 $8.6 MILLION for the new gender advisory programs at the Pentagon\n\n\u00b7 $3.6 MILLION for the new \u201cMichelle Obama Trail\u201d\n\nWhile I could not support the outgoing Majority\u2019s underlying bill, this bill does include a number of measures that I would support independently, including many Texas 17th District growth, infrastructure, and water projects that I worked hard to include in this package. I am proud of these priorities and believe that they will support Central & East Texas\u2019 position as one of the nation\u2019s most sought-after places to live, work, learn, and raise a family.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://vanduyne.house.gov/2022/12/van-duyne-s-statement-on-omnibus-bill", "Van Duyne's Statement on Omnibus Bill", "2022-12-23", "2022", "2022-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Beth Van Duyne", "V000134", "vanduyne.house.gov", "vanduyne", "https://vanduyne.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congress voted on and passed a $1.7 trillion spending bill. Read Rep. Van Duyne's statement below:\n\n\"It's often been said you don't want to see sausage or legislation being made. Considering this new Omnibus spending package wasn't seen being made by nearly anyone in Congress, I can't attest to how ridiculous the backroom wrangling must have been. I can say this is a terrible and disgraceful way to run a nation.\n\nFor far too long, Congress has refused to do its work during the course of the year, responsibly debating and passing (or scrapping) budget items in the light of day for everyone to see. As a mayor and city councilwoman for the City of Irving, we openly debated, and made adjustments to numerous yearly budgets, all of which were balanced because we were legally bound to ensure we didn't spend money we didn't have. Perhaps I'm still 'too new' to Congress to believe we shouldn't pass gargantuan spending bills that few, if any, have read.\n\nWithout significant debate, bi-partisan agreement where possible, and time enough for the American people to provide their thoughts there's simply no sensible reason to vote for this giant new package of spending, policies, and Lord only knows what in terms of regulations or new big government powers.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://veasey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-veasey-secures-over-30-million-in-funding-for-north-texas-priorities", "Rep. Veasey Secures Over $30 Million in Funding for North Texas Priorities in Government Funding Bill", "2022-12-23", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "TX", "Marc A. Veasey", "V000131", "veasey.house.gov", "veasey", "https://veasey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON - Today, Representative Veasey voted to pass the historic Fiscal Year 2023 government funding legislation that delivers historic investments in American families and workers \u2013 while strengthening Democracy at home and abroad. The legislation includes $30,478,385 in Community Project Funding that Veasey secured to directly respond to the pressing needs of North Texas.\n\n\"I am proud to vote for a bipartisan government bill that delivers for our nation's families and includes $30 million in key funding that I secured to address long overdue community needs for North Texas,\" said Rep. Veasey. \"The investments will make a real difference in North Texas that will foster economic development, improve our infrastructure, bolster access to health care, and so much more. I am proud to have fought for funding that will make better communities across North Texas.\"\n\nRep. Veasey championed funding for 15 projects that will directly benefit North Texas residents. These include:\n\n$2,250,000 for the Center for Transforming Lives' Riverside Early Childhood Education Economic Mobility Center\n\n$2,400,000 for the City of Arlington \u2013 Neighborhood Wi-Fi\n\n$1,000,000 for the City of Dallas \u2013 Hensley Field Shoreline Modification\n\n$750,000 for the City of Irving - Southwest Park Renovation Project\n\n$500,000 for the Dallas College, Dallas, TX for a teaching residency apprenticeship program\n\n$2,000,000 for the DART Fuel System Modernization Project\n\n$1,000,000 for the Emergency Department Renovation and Expansion Request for Medical Equipment\n\n$4,000,000 for the Hughes House Public Infrastructure Improvements\n\n$7,750,000 for the Southern Gateway Park\n\n$1,439,695 for the Texas Wesleyan University, Fort Worth, TX for STEM education programs, including lab equipment\n\n$4,000,000 for the Transform 1012 N. Main Street professional services and expenses for the design phase, Fort Worth, Texas, Tarrant County\n\n$750,000 for the United Way of Tarrant County - Mission United\n\n$750,000 for the United Way of Tarrant County Workforce Development\n\n$400,000 for the United Way of Tarrant County-Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA).\n\n$1,488,690 for the William M. McDonald YMCA Covered Outdoor Gymnasium Space", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://weber.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1500", "Rep. Weber votes against Democrats' bloated spending spree", "2022-12-23", "2022", "2022-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Randy K. Weber, Sr.", "W000814", "weber.house.gov", "weber", "https://weber.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Randy Weber (TX-14) released the following statement after voting against the omnibus package that doubles down on the very failed Far Left agenda that the American people have already rejected, and rubber stamps the Democrats' agenda for years to come.\n\n\"In the dead of night, a small handful of members behind closed doors negotiated a massive 4,000-page spending bill that will hamstring the American taxpayers with another $1.7 trillion of debt,\u201d said Rep. Weber.\u201cLame Duck Democrats' bloated omnibus does NOT properly address our nation's historic border crisis, rein in wasteful government spending, unleash American energy dominance, or uphold government accountability. It does the complete opposite and puts more fuel to the fire of every single crisis under the Biden administration. Any Republican that voted for this omnibus voted for nine more months of the Biden agenda.\u201d\n\n\"Our nation is reeling from the effects of fiscal recklessness by Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer, and this is Washington's solution \u2013 more spending. Our grandchildren will be paying for the reckless liberal wish list. Clearly, a vote for this monstrosity was a slap in the face to every taxpayer. This is Washington at its worst.\"\n\nA few of the troubling spending provisions:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://arrington.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=901", "Arrington: Senate Republicans Helping Democrats Pass Big Spending Bill in Lame Duck is \u201cIndefensible and Inexcusable\u201d", "2022-12-22", "2022", "2022-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Jodey C. Arrington", "A000375", "arrington.house.gov", "arrington", "https://arrington.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Representative Jodey Arrington (TX-19) released the following statement regarding the $1.8 trillion spending bill being considered in the Senate:\n\n\u201cThis $1.8 trillion, 4,155-page bill is a fiscal abomination.\n\n\u201cWith $31 trillion in debt and a looming financial crisis, Democrat leadership is choosing to fund big labor unions, a running trail named after Michelle Obama, climate research, LGBTQ museums in New York City, welfare without work expansion, and more Green New Deal subsidies.\n\n\u201cThis bill fails to spend a dime on the unprecedented security crisis at our southern border while offering tens of billions of additional aid to Ukraine and millions of dollars in legal services to detained illegal immigrants.\n\n\u201cWe have the highest debt in our nation\u2019s history and are on track to add another $16 trillion over the next decade. Meanwhile, Republicans in the Senate are working to help Democrats pass another big spending bill in a lame duck session \u2013 indefensible and inexcusable.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://arrington.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=902", "Arrington on Presidential Tax Return Bill: \u201cThis Unprecedented Action Injects New Level of Toxicity into American Politics\u201d", "2022-12-22", "2022", "2022-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Jodey C. Arrington", "A000375", "arrington.house.gov", "arrington", "https://arrington.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Representative Jodey Arrington (TX-19) released the following statement upon the House\u2019s passage of legislation that would overturn decades of privacy protections for average Americans:\n\n\u201cThis bill is not to improve internal processes at the IRS, it is to paint the false perception that Democrats\u2019 efforts to weaponize the tax code and release the private information of the former First Family, and their chief political enemy, were legitimate. This unprecedented action injects a new level of toxicity into American politics and is an abuse of power for which every American, not just a former president or politician, should be alarmed,\u201d said Rep. Arrington.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4277", "Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher\u2019s Bill To Help Disabled Veterans Access Vehicles Passes Congress", "2022-12-22", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "TX", "Lizzie Fletcher", "F000468", "fletcher.house.gov", "fletcher", "https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher\u2019s (TX-07) and House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Mark Takano\u2019s (CA-41) Advancing Uniform Transportation Opportunities (AUTO) for Veterans Act, passed the House of Representatives for a second time, following minor modifications in the Senate. The AUTO for Veterans Act expands the eligibility for disabled veterans to obtain vehicles modified for their disabilities. The bill was included in a larger bill, H.R. 7939, which now heads to President Biden\u2019s desk for signature.\n\n\u201cIn Houston and in communities across the country, cars are essential transportation,\u201d said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher. \u201cI am glad to have led this bill with Chairman Takano to ensure veterans can access safe and comfortable vehicles that are adapted to their needs, and so that their ability to get places is not impeded. I look forward to seeing President Biden sign this important legislation into law.\u201d\n\nCurrently, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has a program that provides service-connected disabled veterans with a one-time payment to adapt their vehicle for their medical needs if their disability prevents them from driving. To adapt for the limited life cycles of vehicles, the AUTO for Veterans Act:\n\nAuthorizes the VA to provide, or assist in providing, an additional automobile to an eligible person if 25 years have elapsed since the date the eligible person received the previous automobile;\n\n10 years after enactment of the act, authorizes the VA to provide an eligible person with an additional vehicle if 10 years have elapsed since they received their previously covered vehicle and ten years have elapsed since the bill\u2019s enactment; and\n\nExpands the definition of \u201cmedical services\u201d to include certain vehicle modifications.\n\nCongresswoman Fletcher and Chairman Takano introduced the AUTO for Veterans Act in May 2021. In September, the bill passed the House as H.R. 3304. The Senate then amended the bill and returned it to the House as part of H.R. 7939 for final passage. It now heads to President Biden\u2019s desk to be signed into law.\n\nThe AUTO for Veterans Act is endorsed by Disabled American Veterans (DAV), the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://mccaul.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/mccaul-celebrates-passage-childhood-cancer-star-reauthorization-act", "McCaul Celebrates Passage of Childhood Cancer STAR Reauthorization Act", "2022-12-22", "2022", "2022-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Michael T. McCaul", "M001157", "mccaul.house.gov", "mccaul", "https://mccaul.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas), founder and co-chair of the Childhood Cancer Caucus, released the following statement after Congress passed the Childhood Cancer STAR (Survivorship, Treatment, Access, and Research) Reauthorization Act, legislation he introduced along with Representatives G. K. Butterfield (D-N.C.), Mike Kelly (R-Pa.), and Jackie Speier (D-Calif.).\n\n\u201cThirteen years ago, I founded the Childhood Cancer Caucus to increase bipartisan efforts to address pediatric cancer and ultimately eliminate this heartbreaking disease. Each day since its passage, the STAR Act has brought us closer to that goal,\u201d said Rep. McCaul. \u201cThe most comprehensive childhood cancer bill ever signed into law, the STAR Act works to improve the lives of cancer patients and cancer survivors through increased research. I\u2019m thankful my colleagues voted to reauthorize it today and will continue raising my voice on behalf of these beautiful children until cancer is no longer a threat to their futures.\u201d\n\n\u201cI am pleased to see the Childhood Cancer Survivorship, Treatment, Access, and Research (STAR) Act heading to President Biden\u2019s desk for another five-year reauthorization,\u201d said Rep. Butterfield. \u201cThe STAR Act is a critical piece of bipartisan legislation that has provided hope to families in North Carolina and across the country suffering from pediatric cancer. We must continue to fund childhood cancer research and pave the way towards lifesaving pediatric-focused cancer treatments. Reauthorizing the STAR Act will do exactly that, ensuring our young people can lead healthy and full lives.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe STAR Act has proven its immense value since it was first passed in 2018,\" said Rep. Kelly. \"Children are 25% of our population, but they are 100% of our future. It\u2019s our duty to fund the research that will protect them in their most vulnerable moments and to ultimately find a cure. I\u2019m grateful that Congress is prioritizing this research and will reauthorize the STAR Act.\"\n\n\u201cThe good news is more and more childhood cancer patients are beating the odds, with the population of survivors estimated to be over half a million people today. But that survival comes with immense care and quality of life challenges for children and their families. Even with cure rates increasing to 85 percent, many childhood cancer survivors must endure ongoing pain, disability, and medical needs,\u201d said Rep. Speier. \"The 2018 STAR Act was the most comprehensive bipartisan childhood cancer bill ever signed into law. I\u2019m proud and grateful that Congress will continue building on its life-saving initiatives with the STAR Act reauthorization, and to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure that our inspiring childhood cancer survivors not only live, but thrive.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nRep. McCaul first introduced the STAR Act in 2015, and it was signed into law in 2018. Since then, it has worked to expand opportunities for childhood cancer research, improve efforts to identify and track childhood cancer incidences, and enhance the quality of life for childhood cancer survivors. The Childhood Cancer STAR Reauthorization Act of 2022 will allow programs included in the successful STAR Act to continue for the next five years.\n\nClick here for more detailed information on the STAR Act.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://sylviagarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/houston-post-office-be-named-honor-benny-c-martinez-passes-senate-headed", "HOUSTON POST OFFICE TO BE NAMED IN HONOR OF BENNY C. MARTINEZ PASSES THE SENATE, HEADED TO PRESIDENT BIDEN\u2019S DESK FOR SIGNATURE", "2022-12-22", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "TX", "Sylvia R. Garcia", "G000587", "sylviagarcia.house.gov", "sylviagarcia", "https://sylviagarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 A bill Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (TX-29) championed to rename the post office on Broadway Street after Texas legend Benny C. Martinez passed the Senate, and now heading to President Biden's desk for signature. This is the first postal service office named after a Latino in the Houston area. Martinez was a prominent community leader who worked as a Harris County nurse for 30 years and 5 years as Deputy Sheriff, served the Houston area through countless organizations and advocacy groups, and was a U.S. Army veteran.\n\n\"Benny was a well-loved figure across Texas and the Houston area who spent his life in service to the people,\" said Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia. \"He was extremely active within LULAC and helped arrange a meeting between President John F. Kennedy and LULAC in 1963 \u2013 which was the first time a U.S. President gathered a Latino organization. The naming of this post office will provide residents with a place to honor and remember Benny C. Martinez's legacy.\"\n\n\"Naming a U.S. Post Office after my father, Benny Martinez is a true testament to his legacy,\" said Benny C. Martinez's daughter, Loretta Martinez William. \"My father was a hard-working volunteer and served the community through many organizations. He often would be finishing up a volunteer project and would be thinking of the next one. He was also a veteran who proudly served his country. He had the honor to receive numerous awards for his volunteerism. His favorite organization was LULAC, and his greatest honor was when he received LULAC Man of the Year for the Nation. He is quoted as saying a \u2018volunteer is a hero, and a hero is a volunteer.' My father is a role model that young people can emulate. I thank Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia, and her staff for their efforts, and all the support from the elected officials.\"\n\n\"Benny Martinez was and will always be remembered as a tireless champion for his community and dedicated to serving the underserved,\" said LULAC National President Domingo Garcia. He was committed to the power of education and called knowledge the most important tool for freedom and equality in America. He was a devoted civic leader who advocated for access to the vote as the greatest voice for Hispanics in Texas and across our country. Most importantly, his integrity, character, and passion for truth were lifelong, non-negotiable values that earned him respect from all who knew him. LULAC is richer and truer to its mission because of Benny Martinez.\"\n\nThe post office being named in honor of Benny C. Martinez is located at 4020 Broadway Street in Houston, Texas, 77087.\n\n###\n\nCongresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in November 2018, becoming the first Latina ever to represent the Texas 29th Congressional District. She serves on the House Judiciary, Financial Services, and Armed Services Committees.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://www.cruz.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sen-cruz-issues-statement-on-omnibus-vote", "Sen. Cruz Issues Statement On Omnibus Vote", "2022-12-22", "2022", "2022-12", "Republican", "Senate", "TX", "Ted Cruz", "C001098", "www.cruz.senate.gov", "cruz", "https://www.cruz.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today issued the following statement on the omnibus vote:\n\n\u201cToday we saw unaccountable politicians pass a 4,155-page, $1.7 trillion spending monstrosity. This is the kind of wasteful and irresponsible spending that has plagued Washington, D.C. for far too long.\n\n\u201cIt is the height of recklessness for Senate Republican leadership to cut a deal with House Democrats who were just voted out of power and give away the leverage that the incoming Republican majority in the House of Representatives could have used to force the Biden administration to change course on policies that are harming America. Without this leverage, the Biden administration will now be able to continue the reckless spending spree that has led to uncontrolled inflation. They will keep pushing anti-energy policies that have caused gas prices and home heating prices to rise. They will continue reckless immigration policies that have led to open borders and a massive influx of deadly drugs and illegal immigration. Their soft-on-crime policies will continue to endanger our communities. The main beneficiaries of this bill are those on the receiving end of left-wing pet projects and pork-barrel spending while the American people will get stuck paying the bill as they continue to suffer.\n\n\u201cDue to the disastrous polices of Joe Biden and Congressional Democrats, inflation is out of control, the border is wide open, and crime is soaring. This $1.7 trillion spending boondoggle will drive inflation and prices even higher. For the sake of Texan and American families I voted no.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-al-green-attends-ukrainian-president-zelenskyys-address-joint", "Congressman Al Green Attends Ukrainian President Zelenskyy\u2019s Address to Joint Session of Congress", "2022-12-21", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "TX", "Al Green", "G000553", "algreen.house.gov", "algreen", "https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "(Houston, TX) \u2014 On Wednesday, December 21, 2022 Congressman Al Green attended the joint session of Congress and released the following statement:\n\n\u201cFor nearly one year, the Ukrainian people have displayed courageous fortitude in the face of overwhelming adversity. During that time, realizing freedom is not free, America has extended the hand of friendship by providing humanitarian aid, economic assistance, and defense support. Hence, it is with great respect that I welcome President Zelenskyy\u2019s message of victory through unity. As Ukraine continues forging forward in the battle for freedom, it is imperative that the U.S. not cease its support now or lose faith in the resolve of the Ukrainian people who are fighting to maintain a world order wherein disputes are not escalated to war. Either we will stand together fearlessly against Russian aggression in Ukraine or live separately in fear of Russian aggression everywhere.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://arrington.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=899", "Arrington Urges Texas Officials to Take Steps Necessary to Support Rural Hospitals", "2022-12-21", "2022", "2022-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Jodey C. Arrington", "A000375", "arrington.house.gov", "arrington", "https://arrington.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Last week, Representative Jodey Arrington (TX-19) led his Texas colleagues in a letter urging Governor Greg Abbott to implement emergency rulemaking to permit Texas hospitals to become licensed and operate as Rural Emergency Hospitals (REHs). In December 2020, Rep. Arrington\u2019s \u201cSave Rural Communities Act\u201d was signed into law. The legislation repealed burdensome mandates and created the REH designation within Medicare, giving rural hospitals on the brink of closure the ability to scale down to an outpatient-only, 24-hour emergency care center. Upon passage of the Save Rural Communities Act, Rep. Arrington worked closely with Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the federal agency tasked with developing regulations for the new Medicare designation. While CMS finalized their rulemaking in November 2022, Texas has failed to complete the regulatory process that would allow hospitals to utilize the REH designation, creating unnecessary uncertainty for rural hospitals eager to convert to REHs and keep their doors open.\n\n\u201cTexas officials must prioritize rulemaking for the REH model as quickly as possible because our rural hospitals cannot afford to wait any longer,\u201d said Rep. Arrington. \u201cI appreciate my fellow Texans in Congress for focusing on the critical needs of rural patients and providers. We will continue to monitor the implementation of REH in Texas, and we stand ready to assist in any way we can.\u201d\n\n\u201cRepresentative Arrington championed a bill to give rural community hospitals a new option and path to survival with the Rural Emergency Hospital designation, and TORCH appreciates his continued support for accelerated implementation here in Texas,\u201d said John Henderson, CEO of the Texas Organization of Rural Community Hospitals (TORCH).\n\n\u201cCreating the REH designation is critical to maintaining availability of care in some rural communities. Texas hospitals in financial distress need to be able to pursue this model without unnecessary delays in order to avoid closure,\u201d said Texas Hospital Association (THA) President & CEO John Hawkins. \u201cWe commend Rep. Arrington for his leadership on legislation to create the REH model and for encouraging the state, alongside Reps. Jackson, Pfluger, and Sessions, to pursue expedited rulemaking so that access to care in rural areas of the state is protected.\u201d\n\nEffective on January 1, 2023, eligible hospitals may seek an REH designation. This is a last resort option for hospitals who would otherwise be faced with closure.\n\nCosigners of the letter include Representatives Ronny Jackson (TX-13), August Pfluger (TX-11), and Pete Sessions (TX-17). Click here to access the full letter.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://arrington.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=900", "Arrington Responds to President Zelensky\u2019s Congressional Address", "2022-12-21", "2022", "2022-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Jodey C. Arrington", "A000375", "arrington.house.gov", "arrington", "https://arrington.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Representative Jodey Arrington (TX-19) issued the following statement in response to an address given by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a Joint Session of Congress:\n\n\u201cI appreciate the gratitude President Zelensky expressed on behalf of his countrymen for the generosity of the American people. Most Americans want to help the Ukrainian people in their fight for their freedom and independence, but they are incensed \u2013 as am I \u2013 by the fact that Democrats are willing to spend billions of dollars on Ukraine\u2019s security while totally failing to spend a dime to protect our own citizens against an invasion at our southern border. I can\u2019t celebrate using billions of taxpayer dollars to help another country while politicians allow our own nation to burn to the ground.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4264", "Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher\u2019s Bipartisan Bill To Expedite Certain Disaster Recovery Projects Passes Congress", "2022-12-21", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "TX", "Lizzie Fletcher", "F000468", "fletcher.house.gov", "fletcher", "https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher\u2019s (TX-07) Hazard Eligibility and Local Projects (HELP) Act, H.R. 1917, which eliminates unnecessary bureaucratic delays to starting recovery projects by allowing certain eligible disaster mitigation projects to begin without the risk of losing potential federal funds, passed the House of Representatives for a second time, following minor modifications in the Senate. The HELP Act now heads to President Biden\u2019s desk for signature.\n\n\u201cThe HELP Act is the very first original bill I introduced in Congress, based on the hard lessons we learned in Houston after Hurricane Harvey,\u201d said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher. \u201cI am thrilled to see this bill head to the President\u2019s desk for signature after four years of advocating for these common-sense and important modifications to the disaster recovery process. I am so proud of this bill and all it represents\u2014bipartisan, common-sense, meaningful legislation that was born out of a partnership with Houstonians that will benefit all Americans. I am grateful to my partners in the House and Senate for their work to make this improvement to the disaster recovery process, and I look forward to seeing President Biden sign the bill into law.\u201d\n\nThe HELP Act is the first original bill Congresswoman Fletcher filed as a Member of Congress. It allows certain disaster mitigation and recovery projects to begin more quickly without jeopardizing potential federal funding. The House passed the bill in the 116th Congress, but the Senate did not move the bill forward. Congresswoman Fletcher re-introduced the legislation in the 117th Congress, and in November of last year, the House passed the bill. The Senate then amended the bill and returned it to the House for final passage. It now heads to President Biden\u2019s desk to be signed into law.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=493", "Rep. Jackson Calls for CDC, FDA Transparency on COVID-19 Vaccine Safety Data", "2022-12-21", "2022", "2022-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Ronny Jackson", "J000304", "jackson.house.gov", "jackson", "https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Last week, Representative Ronny Jackson, M.D. (TX-13) led his colleagues in sending a letter to Rochelle Walensky, M.D., MPH, Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and Robert Califf, M.D., Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), concerning their lack of transparency surrounding the safety of COVID-19 vaccines. Specifically, Jackson looks to determine if the CDC and FDA have conducted certain analyses on adverse reactions to COVID-19 vaccines, in accordance with the CDC\u2019s Standard Operating Procedures on its Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System. If so, Jackson\u2019s letter calls for those results to be shared with the American public.\n\nJackson said: \u201cGiven the unprecedented speed with which COVID-19 vaccines were rushed to market, it is unbelievable that the federal government is refusing to be transparent with the American people about potential safety risks. The Biden Administration has gone to great lengths to manipulate Americans into thinking that wanting to make an informed decision on whether to receive the COVID-19 vaccine is a bad thing. Frankly, it is among their greatest of many failures. The data mining analyses that the CDC and FDA have been directed to complete could help the public better understand the benefits or risks of getting vaccinated. Instead, this administration has chosen to hide behind the liberal mantra that we should shut up and do what the government says simply because they said so. The time for transparency is long overdue. Nonetheless, I will continue to press for the answers we deserve.\u201d\n\nThe full letter can be foundhere. Co-Chair of the GOP Doctors Caucus Brad Wenstrup (OH-02) signed on to Jackson\u2019s letter in addition to Representatives Barry Moore (AL-02), Debbie Lesko (AZ-08), Greg Steube (FL-17), Louie Gohmert (TX-01), Byron Donalds (FL-19), and Diana Harshbarger (TN-01).\n\nBackground:\n\nIn January 2021 and February 2022, the CDC\u2019s Immunization Safety Office tasked the CDC and FDA with performing two types of data mining analyses to establish patterns and determine the rate at which COVID-19 vaccines produce adverse reactions.\n\nIn response to a Freedom of Information Act request from The Epoch Times, the FDA refused to provide the results of these analyses or even confirm that the CDC\u2019s directive had been completed.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://roy.house.gov/media/press-releases/31-house-republicans-led-rep-roy-vow-oppose-any-legislative-priority-senators", "31 House Republicans, led by Rep. Roy, vow to oppose any legislative priority of senators who vote for omnibus", "2022-12-21", "2022", "2022-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Chip Roy", "R000614", "roy.house.gov", "roy", "https://roy.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014 On Wednesday, Rep. Chip Roy (TX-21) and 30 House Republicans warned that they would do everything in their power to \u201cthwart even the smallest legislative and policy efforts\u201d of senators who vote for this week\u2019s $1.7 trillion omnibus bill.\n\nThe Members urged Senate Republicans to \u201cuse every tool possible to kill this bill\u201d and warned that \u201cfailure to do so will result in not only legislative and political consequences, but irrevocable consequences for our nation.\u201d\n\nThe letter lists several of the omnibus\u2019 most egregious provisions that will \u201ccontinue the Washington status quo,\u201d including funding a Federal Bureau of Investigation suppressing free speech and labeling parents as domestic terrorists, a State Department promoting all manner of radical ideology abroad, and, perhaps most importantly, a Department of Homeland Security refusing to secure the border.\n\n\u201cWe must stop the assault on Texans and the American people,\u201d the Members concluded. \u201cKill this terrible bill or there is no point in pretending we are a united party, and we must prepare for a new political reality.\u201d\n\nFull text of the letter can be found here and below.\n\nDear Senate Republican Colleagues, As you know, yesterday at 1:30a.m., the text of the Democrat-led omnibus appropriations package was released, and it confirmed what we already knew to be true \u2013 this bill is a full-scale assault on the American people. This 4,155-page bill spends $1.7 trillion to further empower the Biden administration\u2019s tyrannical attack on the liberty and security of our constituents, and it must be opposed with any fiber of political fortitude Senate Republicans still have.\n\nOnce again, we urge Senate Republicans to use every tool possible to kill this bill. Failure to do so will result in not only legislative and political consequences, but irrevocable consequences for our nation.\n\nThis omnibus will undeniably continue the Washington status quo that Americans are fed up with. It will fuel the rampant inflation that is cutting into Americans\u2019 paychecks. It will add to our $31 trillion national debt, digging a deeper hole for our children and grandchildren to crawl out of. And because almost every Senate Republican has bloviated about inflation and the national debt at some point in the past two years, a vote for this bill should be viewed as a blatant display of hypocrisy.\n\nAs expected, the bill increases funding for President Biden\u2019s bureaucrats and wholly fails to impose meaningful checks on his radical agenda. It increases funding for an FBI that is colluding with big tech to suppress free speech, labeling parents as domestic terrorists, and targeting pro-life Americans. It gives more money to the NIH, CDC, FDA, and other agencies that are actively conspiring with big healthcare to our detriment. It increases funding for a State Department that failed in its basic function to get Americans out of Afghanistan while funding things like drag shows in foreign countries. It further empowers EPA and other agencies to wage war on reliable US energy. And it provides another $45 billion for Ukraine while failing to hold the Pentagon brass accountable for promoting the woke ideology that is gutting the culture of our Armed Forces.\n\nBut perhaps most offensively, for at least nine months, this omnibus will deny the incoming House GOP majority any leverage to enact crucial policy changes needed to secure our border through the power of the purse. And not only does this bill disregard actual border security, it also doubles down by providing DHS with an additional $3.2 billion to continue processing and releasing illegal migrants at a faster pace and larger scale, which will only make this crisis worse. With this bill, the American people will endure at least nine more months of record fentanyl overdoses, surging migrant crossings, rampant cartel activity, property destruction, and migrant deaths. A vote in favor of this bill is a vote for every bit of it, and it will solidify Senate Republicans\u2019 role in perpetuating this crisis.\n\nOn Monday, the Senate Republican leader inexplicably called this bill \u201ca strong outcome for Republicans.\u201d We wholly disagree \u2013 this bill completely contradicts everything the Republican party claims it stands for. We have a duty to stand up for Americans and put an end to the border crisis. We have a duty to use the power of the purse to stop the Biden administration\u2019s radical agenda. And we have a duty to stand athwart the rampant government spending that has caused crushing inflation. Voting in favor of this bill is a dereliction of our duty on all counts.\n\nThe released legislative text confirmed this omnibus is an assault on the American people. As such, we reiterate that if any omnibus passes in the remaining days of this Congress, we will oppose and whip opposition to any legislative priority of those senators who vote for its passage \u2013 including the Republican leader. We will oppose any rule, any consent request, suspension voice vote, or roll call vote of any such Senate bill, and will otherwise do everything in our power to thwart even the smallest legislative and policy efforts of those senators.\n\nAgain, we must stop the assault on Texans and the American people. Kill this terrible bill or there is no point in pretending we are a united party, and we must prepare for a new political reality.\n\nSincerely,\n\nChip Roy\n\nMember of Congress\n\nScott Perry\n\nMember of Congress\n\nDan Bishop\n\nMember of Congress\n\nAndy Biggs\n\nMember of Congress\n\nMatthew Rosendale, Sr.\n\nMember of Congress\n\nMatt Gaetz\n\nMember of Congress\n\nRalph Norman\n\nMember of Congress\n\nBob Good\n\nMember of Congress\n\nByron Donalds\n\nMember of Congress\n\nAndrew S. Clyde\n\nMember of Congress\n\nDiana Harshbarger\n\nMember of Congress\n\nBarry Moore\n\nMember of Congress\n\nYvette Herrell\n\nMember of Congress\n\nLouie Gohmert\n\nMember of Congress\n\nRandy K. Weber\n\nMember of Congress\n\nLauren Boebert\n\nMember of Congress\n\nClaudia Tenney\n\nMember of Congress\n\nMary E. Miller\n\nMember of Congress\n\nMarjorie Taylor Greene\n\nMember of Congress\n\nRonny L. Jackson\n\nMember of Congress\n\nClay Higgins\n\nMember of Congress\n\nRuss Fulcher\n\nMember of Congress\n\nMayra Flores\n\nMember of Congress\n\nBill Posey\n\nMember of Congress\n\nW. Gregory Steube\n\nMember of Congress\n\nJody Hice\n\nMember of Congress\n\nAnna Paulina Luna\n\nMember of Congress-Elect\n\nAndy Ogles\n\nMember of Congress-Elect\n\nEli Crane\n\nMember of Congress-Elect\n\nKeith Self\n\nMember of Congress-Elect\n\nEric Burlison\n\nMember of Congress-Elect", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://sylviagarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/houston-post-office-be-named-honor-vanessa-guill-n-passes-house-it-s-now", "Bill to Name Houston Post Office to in Honor of Vanessa Guill\u00e9n Passes the House, Headed to President Biden\u2019s Desk for Signature", "2022-12-21", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "TX", "Sylvia R. Garcia", "G000587", "sylviagarcia.house.gov", "sylviagarcia", "https://sylviagarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington D.C. \u2013 Today, a bill championed by Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (TX-29) to rename the post office on Galveston Road in Houston after her constituent, US Army Specialist Vanessa Guill\u00e9n, passed the House and is now heading to President Biden's desk for signature. The brutal murder of Vanessa at the hands of another soldier sparked a national movement across the country \u2013 leading to historic military justice reform that moved sexual assault and harassment investigations outside of the military's chain of command.\n\n\"This local post office building will soon provide Houston area residents with another special way to remember our local hero SPC Vanessa Guill\u00e9n in our everyday lives,\" said Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia. \"Vanessa was a strong and ambitious young woman who was taken from her family and Houston much too soon. However, because of her, countless veterans and service members can live without fear. I hope this post office renaming brings some comfort to Vanessa's family and loved ones.\"\n\n\"It is an honor to have the post office named on behalf of our loved one, Vanessa Guill\u00e9n. It will remind the Houston community of her memory and legacy,\" said the Guill\u00e9n family. \"Thank you, Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia, for all the hard work and dedication to our family. We are very honored and joyful to see this second bill in her name as it shows how important Vanessa's life is as her only desire was to serve and protect our country, unfortunately, her life was taken but we know her legacy will live on forever. A big thank you to all Congress members that continue to support us. May God bless.\"\n\nThe bill renames the postal office, located at 5302 Galveston Road, in Houston, Texas, as the Vanessa Guill\u00e9n Post Office Building. This post office is only a few blocks away from C\u00e9sar Ch\u00e1vez High School \u2013 which is where she graduated from high school before enlisting in the United States Army.\n\n###\n\nCongresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in November 2018, becoming the first Latina ever to represent the Texas 29th Congressional District. She serves on the House Judiciary, Financial Services, and Armed Services Committees.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://arrington.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=898", "Arrington: \u201cDemocrats\u2019 Decision to Weaponize Tax Code Against Political Opponents Will Unleash Arsenal of Political Abuses\u201d", "2022-12-20", "2022", "2022-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Jodey C. Arrington", "A000375", "arrington.house.gov", "arrington", "https://arrington.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Representative Jodey Arrington (TX-19) issued the statement below following a House Ways and Means Committee hearing on Democrats\u2019 intention in releasing former President Donald Trump\u2019s tax returns:\n\n\u201cIt was clear from today\u2019s hearing that this was about political vengeance, not real process reform. There is absolutely no legitimate or defensible reason to release President Trump\u2019s private tax returns. Any credible effort to evaluate the Presidential Audit Program, which was the Democrats\u2019 pretext for this exercise, would have included information from other presidents, hearings and debate, and safeguards for private citizens\u2019 information. The Democrats\u2019 unprecedented decision to weaponize the tax code against political opponents will unleash an arsenal of political abuses \u2013 not only on politicians, but every taxpaying American citizen.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://doggett.house.gov/media/press-releases/five-years-later-statement-report-trump-taxes", "Five Years Later: Statement on Report on Trump Taxes", "2022-12-20", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "TX", "Lloyd Doggett", "D000399", "doggett.house.gov", "doggett", "https://doggett.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Contact: Kate Stotesbery\n\n202-494-4620\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 This evening, U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-Austin), a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee who has been pressing since February 2017 for Trump\u2019s taxes, released this statement:\n\n\u201cDonald Trump had big deductions, big credits, and big losses\u2014but seldom a big tax bill. Almost five years since my first motion to obtain Trump\u2019s tax returns, some of them will soon be public. The success of our inquiry underscores the failure of Trump\u2019s IRS to hold him accountable by failing to initiate timely, thorough Presidential audits\u2014none of which have yet been completed. Trump claimed tens of millions of dollars in losses and credits without the type of substantiation an ordinary taxpayer would likely provide.\n\nMany questions about foreign entanglements and conflicts remain unanswered and unknown, since the Committee inquiry was a narrow window into a narrow period of time, looking at only eight of about 500 Trump business entities for a period of only six years. Nor was the Committee able to speak with any IRS auditor. Many apparently unquestioned aspects of Trump\u2019s returns show the need both for new Presidential audit legislation and a fairer tax system.\n\nThough this is a very narrow glimpse at the ex-President\u2019s claimed finances for a few moments in time, this inquiry has unearthed many questions about how someone who claimed to be so rich can avoid so many taxes and about how the IRS could fail to initiate an audit for so long.\u201d\n\n###\n\nFollow Congressman Doggett", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://gonzalez.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-gonzalez-reacts-title-42-staying-place-calls-congress-and-president", "Congressman Gonzalez reacts to Title 42 staying in place, calls on Congress and President Biden to address immigration", "2022-12-20", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "TX", "Vicente Gonzalez", "G000581", "gonzalez.house.gov", "gonzalez", "https://gonzalez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "McAllen, Texas \u2013 Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) released the following statement after the Supreme Court of the United States issued a stay of Title 42:\n\n\"While I am relieved to see Title 42 stay in place, we are still facing a problem at our southern border unlike any in modern history. We need comprehensive, common sense and long-term solutions to solve these issues while ensuring the humane treatment of migrants, expelling criminals, and ensuring the health and safety of Americans.\n\n\"Republicans and Democrats need to stop pointing fingers and playing politics with people's lives and actually solve these problems. Real solutions to this crisis are adequately funding Border Patrol, hiring more immigration judges, funding our immigration courts, and effectively processing asylum claims. My bill, the Safe Zones Act, will allow migrants to apply for asylum closer to their country of origin. This will the relieve the pressure on our southern border and will also take the cartel element out of the equation.\n\n\"We need to address the root causes and meet the immediate needs of this crisis. I will continue working with the Biden Administration and my Congressional colleagues to get this done.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://vanduyne.house.gov/2022/12/van-duyne-introduces-bill-to-hold-higher-education-accountable", "Van Duyne Introduces Bill to Hold Higher Education Accountable", "2022-12-20", "2022", "2022-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Beth Van Duyne", "V000134", "vanduyne.house.gov", "vanduyne", "https://vanduyne.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Rep. Van Duyne introduced legislation that will allow prospective college students to make better informed school choices based on increased transparency of the school\u2019s cost.\n\nThe Higher Standards for Higher Education Act would require the Secretary of Education to track and report on eight additional student loan repayment categories. The data on these repayment categories will allow prospective college students to better consider and plan for the financial burden of taking out a student loan to attend a certain college or university. This bill would only affect institutions of higher education with an endowment size of $1 billion or more.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://doggett.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-january-6-panels-findings-referrals-charges-insurrectionist-former", "Statement on January 6 Panel\u2019s Findings, Referrals of Charges for Insurrectionist Former President", "2022-12-19", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "TX", "Lloyd Doggett", "D000399", "doggett.house.gov", "doggett", "https://doggett.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Contact: Kate Stotesbery\n\n202-494-4620\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 Today, after The United States House Select Committee on the January 6 Attack released the executive summary of its final report and referred criminal charges against Donald Trump to the Justice Department, U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-Austin) released the following statement:\n\n\u201cThis was so much more than a single day\u2019s deadly, destructive riot. Like other insurrectionists already convicted of seditious conspiracy, Trump attempted to overthrow the government\u2014to throw a dagger in the heart of our democracy.\n\nTo cling to power, he has been willing to abandon democracy and terminate our Constitution. Like any other criminal, he must be held accountable, despite the many Republicans who have remained so soft on such corrosive crime.\u201d\n\nHe added: \u201cThe Committee has done an outstanding job in fulfilling its responsibilities, despite the many ways that Trump and House Republican members have tried to subvert it.\u201d\n\n###\n\nFollow Congressman Doggett", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-al-green-proud-have-voted-ike-dike-authorization", "Congressman Al Green Proud to Have Voted for Ike Dike Authorization", "2022-12-16", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "TX", "Al Green", "G000553", "algreen.house.gov", "algreen", "https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "(Houston, TX) \u2013 On Friday, December 16, 2022, Congressman Al Green released the following statement:\n\n\u201cI am proud to have voted in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act which authorizes approximately $21 billion for the construction of the Ike Dike. This project once completed will consist of a series of flood walls and storm surge gates designed to protect Galveston and the Greater Houston area from deadly flooding,\u201d Congressman Al Green said.\n\n\u201cThe effects of climate change are making cities such as Houston and Galveston increasingly susceptible to the dangers associated with rising sea levels and heightened natural disasters. As such, it is imperative that we do all we can to mitigate these threats, which include substantial, innovative solutions such as the Ike Dike. I pledge to continue advocating for the Ike Dike until it receives full appropriations. I thank all my colleagues who supported this bill and look forward to continuing to address the threat of climate change through future mitigation efforts.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://arrington.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=896", "Arrington Leads Letter to Appropriators in Support of Cotton Farmers", "2022-12-16", "2022", "2022-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Jodey C. Arrington", "A000375", "arrington.house.gov", "arrington", "https://arrington.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 This week, Representative Jodey Arrington (TX-19), along with Representatives Ronny Jackson (TX-13) and August Pfluger (TX-11), led several Texas colleagues in a letter to both the House and Senate Appropriations Committees, urging leadership to support funding for the U.S. Department of Agriculture\u2019s (USDA) Emergency Relief Program (ERP) for the 2022 crop year. This crop season \u2013 particularly cotton \u2013 has faced historic production loss not only in West Texas, but across the entire nation.\n\n\u201cAgriculture is the lifeblood of rural economies like West Texas, and all Americans benefit from a safe, affordable, and abundant source of food. Unfortunately, producers across the nation have experienced unprecedented challenges this year \u2014 from historic drought conditions to record input costs, supply chain disruptions, and labor shortages. Congress must maintain a reliable and stable food supply to ensure food security for all Americans,\u201d said Rep. Arrington.\n\n\u201cTexas\u2019 cotton farmers help clothe the world, making their operations critical to the state and global economy. Texas is the largest cotton-producing state in the country with the High Plains region alone accounting for 65% of production. The devastating drought we experienced this year is a serious threat to everything our cotton farmers have built, and it is not something Congress can ignore. The cotton industry is critical to the success and vibrancy of the communities I represent in TX-13. I am proud to lead my colleagues in this effort to help ensure Texas\u2019 cotton farmers have the resources they need to be successful for future generations and that cotton gins can weather the devastating effects of this year\u2019s drought,\u201d said Rep. Jackson.\n\n\u201cTexas\u2019 agriculture producers, and the programs that allow them to continue to operate, are critical to National Security. Our farmers and ranchers have suffered through several tough years. Without an extension of the Emergency Relief Program (ERP), this year\u2019s losses will be devastating to our communities that support and depend on agriculture. Congress must provide this relief immediately,\u201d said Rep. Pfluger.\n\n\u201cPlains Cotton Growers Inc. fully supports the request for an extension of the Emergency Relief Program funding for the 2022 crop year. In addition, we support that adequate assistance be allocated to cotton infrastructure segments to help mitigate the economic challenges they continue to face. Texas has been plagued by one of the most catastrophic droughts on record in 2022, which has had a detrimental effect on our cotton producers and infrastructure segments, particularly cotton gins. PCG fully supports and appreciates the bipartisan effort led by Representatives Ronny Jackson, Jodey Arrington, and August Pfluger, along with additional House and Senate members, acknowledging the challenges faced by the cotton industry. We look forward to working with Congress to ensure these key initiatives are addressed in the upcoming omni legislative package,\u201d said Plains Cotton Growers Inc. CEO Kody Bessent.\n\n\u201cTexas Farm Bureau appreciates Congressmen Ronny Jackson, Jodey Arrington, and August Pfluger for leading a bipartisan letter to key appropriators requesting disaster funding be extended through the 2022 crop year. We are also glad the letter addresses the needs of cotton gins that have faced economic challenges due to staggering crop losses this year. We urge the inclusion of these provisions in the FY2023 appropriations package and look forward to continuing to work toward solutions that will keep farmers and ranchers in operation,\u201d said Texas Farm Bureau President Russell Boening.\n\nAdditional cosigners include Representatives Brian Babin (TX-36), Kevin Brady (TX-08), Michael Cloud (TX-27), Henry Cuellar (TX-28), Jake Ellzey (TX-06), Pat Fallon (TX-04), Louie Gohmert (TX-01), Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15), Lance Gooden (TX-05), Troy Nehls (TX-22), and Pete Sessions (TX-17).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4253", "Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher Announces Congressional App Challenge Winner for Texas\u2019 Seventh Congressional District", "2022-12-16", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "TX", "Lizzie Fletcher", "F000468", "fletcher.house.gov", "fletcher", "https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) announced Ifedolapo Shiloh Olotu as the winner of the 2022 Congressional App Challenge. Ifedolapo\u2019s app, ZoomRead, is designed to help improve reading speed and comprehension.\n\n\u201cI am so impressed with the creative talents of our young neighbors,\u201d said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher. \u201cIfedolapo\u2019s ZoomRead app is a creative and important contribution to improving the reading skills of our community members. His enthusiasm and resourcefulness are so inspiring. I congratulate him on this accomplishment and look forward to seeing what he does next!\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://gonzales.house.gov/2022/12/congressman-tony-gonzales-urges-dhs-secretary-mayorkas-extend-title-42-order", "Congressman Tony Gonzales Urges DHS Secretary Mayorkas to Extend Title 42 Order", "2022-12-16", "2022", "2022-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Tony Gonzales", "G000594", "gonzales.house.gov", "gonzales", "https://gonzales.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representative Tony Gonzales (TX-23) led 48 of his House Republican colleagues in writing a letter to U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas expressing concern over the December 21st, 2022 discontinuation of Title 42.\n\nThe Members said in part, \u201cUnder Title 42, migrants were expelled at rates 40 percent or higher for nearly every month in FY22, which considerably alleviated congestion along our borders. As this policy approaches its deadline next week, it is no surprise that illegal crossings are skyrocketing.\n\nThe Members continued, \u201cYour agency has systematically dismantled successful border security measures such as the Remain in Mexico policy, and severely restricted the ability of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to deport illegal immigrants. In the absence of these enforcement tools, Title 42 has served as the last effective deterrent against illegal border crossings. Without it, federal, state, and local law enforcement will be stretched beyond their limits, and threats to our national security will inevitably multiply.\u201d\n\nCo-signers of the letter include Representatives Dan Newhouse (WA-4), Scott Franklin (FL-15), Mike Kelly (PA-16), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Michelle Steel (CA-48), Burgess Owens (UT-04), Dan Crenshaw (TX-02), Vern Buchanan (FL-16), David Valadao (CA-21), Byron Donalds (FL-19), Mayra Flores (TX-34), Brian Babin (TX-36), Brad Wenstrup (OH-02), Andrew Garbarino (NY-02), Tracey Mann (KS-01), Blake Moore (UT-01), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02), Carlos A. Gim\u00e9nez (FL-26), Randy Weber (TX-14), Young Kim (CA-39), August Pfluger (TX-11), Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Glenn Grothman (WI-06), Matt Rosendale (MT), John Rutherford (FL-04), Stephanie Bice (OK-05), Randy Feenstra (IA-04), Victoria Spartz (IN-05), Diana Harshbarger (TN-01), Yvette Herrell (NM-02), Mary Miller (IL-15), Michael Burgess (TX-26), Ronny Jackson (TX-13), Michael Guest (MS-03), Claudia Tenney (NY-22), Ashley Hinson (IA-01), Dan Bishop (NC-09), Jerry Carl (AL-01), Mike Garcia (CA-25), Van Taylor (TX-03), Mike Waltz (FL-06), Dusty Johnson (SD-AL), Larry Bucshon (ID-08), Darrell Issa (CA-50), John Moolenaar (MI-04), and Brett Guthrie (KY-02).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://mccaul.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/mccaul-urges-dhs-secretary-mayorkas-extend-title-42-order", "McCaul Urges DHS Secretary Mayorkas to Extend Title 42 Order", "2022-12-16", "2022", "2022-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Michael T. McCaul", "M001157", "mccaul.house.gov", "mccaul", "https://mccaul.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul (Texas-10) joined Representative Tony Gonzales (Texas-23) and 47 of their House Republican colleagues in sending a letter to U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, expressing concern over the discontinuation of Title 42 on December 21st, 2022.\n\nThe members said in part, \u201cUnder Title 42, migrants were expelled at rates 40 percent or higher for nearly every month in FY22, which considerably alleviated congestion along our borders. As this policy approaches its deadline next week, it is no surprise that illegal crossings are skyrocketing.\u201d\n\nThe members continued, \u201cYour agency has systematically dismantled successful border security measures such as the Remain in Mexico policy, and severely restricted the ability of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to deport illegal immigrants. In the absence of these enforcement tools, Title 42 has served as the last effective deterrent against illegal border crossings. Without it, federal, state, and local law enforcement will be stretched beyond their limits, and threats to our national security will inevitably multiply.\u201d\n\nCo-signers of the letter include Representatives Dan Newhouse (Wash.-4), Scott Franklin (Fla.-15), Mike Kelly (Pa.-16), Brian Fitzpatrick (Pa.-01), Michelle Steel (Calif.-48), Burgess Owens (Utah-04), Dan Crenshaw (Texas-02), Vern Buchanan (Fla.-16), David Valadao (Calif.-21), Byron Donalds (Fla.-19), Mayra Flores (Texas-34), Brian Babin (Texas-36), Brad Wenstrup (Ohio-02), Andrew Garbarino (N.Y.-02), Tracey Mann (Kan.-01), Blake Moore (Utah-01), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (Iowa-02), Carlos A. Gim\u00e9nez (Fla.-26), Randy Weber (Texas-14), Young Kim (Calif.-39), August Pfluger (Texas-11), Gus Bilirakis (Fla.-12), Glenn Grothman (Wis.-06), Matt Rosendale (Mont.), John Rutherford (Fla.-04), Stephanie Bice (Okla.-05), Randy Feenstra (Iowa-04), Victoria Spartz (Ind.-05), Diana Harshbarger (Tenn.-01), Yvette Herrell (N.M.-02), Mary Miller (Ill.-15), Michael Burgess (Texas-26), Ronny Jackson (Texas-13), Michael Guest (Miss.-03), Claudia Tenney (N.Y.-22), Ashley Hinson (Iowa-01), Dan Bishop (N.C.-09), Jerry Carl (Ala.-01), Mike Garcia (Calif.-25), Van Taylor (Texas-03), Mike Waltz (Fla.-06), Dusty Johnson (S.D.-AL), Larry Bucshon (Idaho-08), Darrell Issa (Calif.-50), John Moolenaar (Mich.-04), and Brett Guthrie (Ky.-02).\n\nThe full letter is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://mccaul.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/mccauls-peace-through-music-diplomacy-act-clears-senate", "McCaul\u2019s PEACE Through Music Diplomacy Act Clears Senate", "2022-12-16", "2022", "2022-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Michael T. McCaul", "M001157", "mccaul.house.gov", "mccaul", "https://mccaul.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "\u201cThe passage of the PEACE Through Music Diplomacy Act is a reminder of the power of music and its capacity to increase understanding between diverse cultures and people around the world. The Recording Academy is grateful to Rep. McCaul, former Rep. Deutch, and Senators Leahy and Tillis for their support of this important legislation, and we look forward to championing future cross-sector partnerships that will allow music creators to promote peace across the globe,\u201d said Harvey Mason jr., CEO of the Recording Academy.\n\nSenators Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) introduced companion legislation in the Senate.\n\n\u201cAmerica\u2019s creative industries spread our values\u2014freedom, liberty, justice, and hope\u2014throughout the world,\u201d said Senator Tillis. \u201cI\u2019m proud this bipartisan legislation will become law so we can promote America\u2019s music industries and all the ideals we share and treasure.\u201d\n\n\u201cMusic transcends borders and plays an important role in connecting people, and musicians can be excellent peacebuilders around the globe. I am grateful to Chairman Reed and the other leaders of the Armed Services Committees for recognizing the value these exchange programs will bring to our country by advancing peace abroad. I am so glad we were able to pass it in these last few weeks of the year,\u201d said Senator Leahy.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe PEACE Through Music Diplomacy Act directs the Department of State (DOS) to leverage partnerships with the private sector when designing and implementing the music-related exchange programs run by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). It also specifically authorizes music-related exchange programs that advance peace abroad, and it encourages the DOS to integrate a focus on conflict resolution into all relevant exchange programs for young musicians.\n\nClick here for more information on the PEACE Through Music Diplomacy Act.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://escobar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1110", "Congresswoman Escobar Announces FEMA Reimbursements to the City and County of El Paso", "2022-12-15", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "TX", "Veronica Escobar", "E000299", "escobar.house.gov", "escobar", "https://escobar.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) shared with the community the level of unprecedented effort by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in collaboration with her office to reimburse the City of El Paso and El Paso County for costs related to migrant arrivals.\n\n\u201cWe should all be incredibly grateful to Biden Administration, FEMA and its coordinators for their extraordinary efforts to support our community,\u201d said Congresswoman Escobar.\u201cThe agency has been responding to this humanitarian crisis created by western hemispheric unrest and decades of congressional inaction on immigration reform. Not only have El Paso\u2019s requests been met with diligent consideration, but subsequent to my conversations this weekend with Secretary Mayorkas and FEMA leadership, they have also been further expedited on our behalf.\n\n\u201cI am proud to have facilitated the administration\u2019s prioritization of our community, which has resulted in an additional $6 million in advanced payment for the City for this quarter and look forward to my continued partnership with the Administration, FEMA, and community stakeholders.\n\n\u201cMy team and I are currently working with the House Appropriations Chairwoman Rosa DeLauro and her staff on other solutions and funding opportunities through the FY23 Omnibus being crafted now that will augment the work happening at the local level and provide the financial support needed as well. I remain committed to securing the resources our community needs and ask that all local stakeholders enhance their collaboration. FEMA has asked for a consolidated effort. I shared this request with stakeholders over the weekend and encourage this approach going forward. We need to ensure that we are efficient with these funds and are maximizing their use through closer collaboration.\n\n\u201cI am grateful to the County, City, Annunciation House, the Diocese of El Paso, our federal personnel on the ground, and every person in our community who is stepping up to help those in need. While this is an overwhelming time, and more challenges definitely lie ahead, it\u2019s important that we continue to focus on solutions and lead strategically, with the dignity and good will El Paso has always been known for.\u201d\n\nThanks to the leadership of Congresswoman Escobar and FEMA:\n\nCity of El Paso:\n\nFull reimbursements for Quarters 1 and 2 have been fully paid.\n\nOver $3,750,000 has been approved by FEMA for the City\u2019s reimbursement for Quarter 3, their largest expense of the year for migrant arrivals. The remaining balance is making its way through the approval process and is also being expedited.\n\nAn additional $6 million in upfront funding for the current quarter, expected in the coming days and weeks. With the prior $2 million advance, this is a total of $8 million dollars in upfront funding for the City of El Paso.\n\nCounty of El Paso:\n\n$6 million in up-front funding was secured for a migrant processing center.\n\nThe County requested assistance for an extension for Q4, which was granted for an additional quarter.\n\n$1.38 million secured for Q1 in 2023.\n\nCongresswoman Escobar has been tirelessly working to propose solutions to the challenges at out southern border. Below is a (non-comprehensive) list of the legislative reforms she has proposed and the work she has been doing for El Paso:\n\nStatement on Safe Migrant Releases (September 2022)\n\nHosting White House Homeland Security Advisor Dr. Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall in El Paso (May 2022)\n\nStatement on Biden Administration\u2019s Proposed Changes to Asylum Proceedings (March 2022)\n\nLegislation Proposed to Establish a 21st Century Asylum Process (October 2021)", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://gonzales.house.gov/2022/12/congressmen-gonzales-cuellar-introduce-bipartisan-bill-prevent-cbp-suicides", "Congressmen Gonzales, Cuellar Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Prevent CBP Suicides", "2022-12-15", "2022", "2022-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Tony Gonzales", "G000594", "gonzales.house.gov", "gonzales", "https://gonzales.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representatives Tony Gonzales (R-TX-23) and Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28) on Wednesday introduced the Taking Action to Prevent Suicide (TAPS) Act. The TAPS Actcreates a comprehensive, anti-suicide task force to assess the underlying factors leading to high suicide rates at U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This legislation is endorsed by the National Border Patrol Council (NBPC).\n\n\u201cThis year, 14 CBP agents and officers have taken their own life - that is 14 too many,\u201d said Congressman Tony Gonzales. \u201cWorking long hours and responding to high-stress situations, our men and women in green and blue are being pushed to their breaking point every single day. I am proud to lead this bipartisan legislation with the support of my colleagues to help prevent the loss of another life at CBP.\u201d\n\n\"The ongoing border crisis has highlighted the increased challenges CBP employees face every single day. Although the workforce has been dealing with suicides for many years, DHS has only recently tried to get a handle on it, and there is much to learn. We are happy to support this legislation in the hopes that we can encourage more employees to come forward for help,\u201d said the National Border Patrol Council.\n\n\u201cThree CBP agents committed suicide last month. That marks 14 total suicides this year alone, almost more than any other year since 2007, when suicides were first tracked by CBP. This is unacceptable,\u201d said Congressman Henry Cuellar. \u201cThe TAPs Act is a bipartisan measure designed to prevent further loss of life among CBP agents. I thank Rep. Tony Gonzales for his leadership and bipartisanship in working with me to deliver for the men and women in green and blue. As Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, I look forward to working with my colleagues to provide relief for the CBP agents that keep South Texas safe.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nThree Border Patrol agents committed suicide over the course of three weeks in November. This brings the 2022 suicide count at U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to a staggering 14.\n\nThis is part of a larger and historic trend. Between 2007 and November 2022, CBP has lost 149 people to suicide- among the highest rates compared to other law enforcement agencies.\n\nRecent appropriations have led to the hiring of additional mental health clinicians at CBP. However, there is still a shortage of mental health support, education, and destigmatization at the agency.\n\nThis bill will address CBP suicides by:\n\nIDENTIFICATION\u2013 the TAPS Act creates a comprehensive, anti-suicide task force to assess the underlying factors leading to high suicide rates at CBP.\n\nCOMPOSITION\u2013 the task force will be comprised of leadership from the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Health and Human Services, the labor unions representing Border Patrol agents, Customs officers, and experts in the field of suicide prevention policy. It will also incorporate the feedback of families related to affected CBP personnel.\n\nACTION\u2013 Not later than 12 months after the task force has been assembled, the group will be required to submit a report containing recommendations for a comprehensive policy designed to prevent suicide and improve mental health resiliency initiatives at CBP. Specifically, the task force will examine:\n\nCausal factors and trends related to suicides by CBP personnel\n\nMethods to establish or improve suicide education and prevention programs at CBP\n\nMethods to reduce stigma related to coming forward with a mental health issue at CBP\n\nMethods to protect confidentiality and limit repercussions for CBP employees that receive mental health assistance.\n\nACCOUNTABILITY- The Secretary of Homeland Security shall develop a plan based on task force recommendations and submit to the appropriate congressional committees not later than 180 days after enactment of this legislation.\n\nOriginal co-sponsors of this legislation include Representatives Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN-03), Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28), Jared Golden (D-ME-02), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI-08) and Mayra Flores (R-TX-34).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://gonzales.house.gov/2022/12/congressmen-gonzales-cuellar-introduce-bipartisan-bill-prevent-cbp-suicides-0", "Congressmen Gonzales, Cuellar Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Prevent CBP Suicides", "2022-12-15", "2022", "2022-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Tony Gonzales", "G000594", "gonzales.house.gov", "gonzales", "https://gonzales.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representatives Tony Gonzales (R-TX-23) and Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28) on Wednesday introduced the Taking Action to Prevent Suicide (TAPS) Act. The TAPS Act creates a comprehensive, anti-suicide task force to assess the underlying factors leading to high suicide rates at U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This legislation is endorsed by the National Border Patrol Council (NBPC).\n\n\u201cThis year, 14 CBP agents and officers have taken their own life - that is 14 too many,\u201d said Congressman Tony Gonzales. \u201cWorking long hours and responding to high-stress situations, our men and women in green and blue are being pushed to their breaking point every single day. I am proud to lead this bipartisan legislation with the support of my colleagues to help prevent the loss of another life at CBP.\u201d\n\n\"The ongoing border crisis has highlighted the increased challenges CBP employees face every single day. Although the workforce has been dealing with suicides for many years, DHS has only recently tried to get a handle on it, and there is much to learn. We are happy to support this legislation in the hopes that we can encourage more employees to come forward for help,\u201d said the National Border Patrol Council.\n\n\u201cThree CBP agents committed suicide last month. That marks 14 total suicides this year alone, almost more than any other year since 2007, when suicides were first tracked by CBP. This is unacceptable,\u201d said Congressman Henry Cuellar. \u201cThe TAPs Act is a bipartisan measure designed to prevent further loss of life among CBP agents. I thank Rep. Tony Gonzales for his leadership and bipartisanship in working with me to deliver for the men and women in green and blue. As Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, I look forward to working with my colleagues to provide relief for the CBP agents that keep South Texas safe.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nThree Border Patrol agents committed suicide over the course of three weeks in November. This brings the 2022 suicide count at U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to a staggering 14.\n\nThis is part of a larger and historic trend. Between 2007 and November 2022, CBP has lost 149 people to suicide- among the highest rates compared to other law enforcement agencies.\n\nRecent appropriations have led to the hiring of additional mental health clinicians at CBP. However, there is still a shortage of mental health support, education, and destigmatization at the agency.\n\nThis bill will address CBP suicides by:\n\nIDENTIFICATION\u2013 the TAPS Act creates a comprehensive, anti-suicide task force to assess the underlying factors leading to high suicide rates at CBP.\n\nCOMPOSITION\u2013 the task force will be comprised of leadership from the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Health and Human Services, the labor unions representing Border Patrol agents, Customs officers, and experts in the field of suicide prevention policy. It will also incorporate the feedback of families related to affected CBP personnel.\n\nACTION\u2013 Not later than 12 months after the task force has been assembled, the group will be required to submit a report containing recommendations for a comprehensive policy designed to prevent suicide and improve mental health resiliency initiatives at CBP. Specifically, the task force will examine:\n\n1. Causal factors and trends related to suicides by CBP personnel\n\n2. Methods to establish or improve suicide education and prevention programs at CBP\n\n3. Methods to reduce stigma related to coming forward with a mental health issue at CBP\n\n4. Methods to protect confidentiality and limit repercussions for CBP employees that receive mental health assistance.\n\nACCOUNTABILITY- The Secretary of Homeland Security shall develop a plan based on task force recommendations and submit to the appropriate congressional committees not later than 180 days after enactment of this legislation.\n\nOriginal co-sponsors of this legislation include Representatives Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN-03), Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28), Jared Golden (D-ME-02), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI-08) and Mayra Flores (R-TX-34).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://nehls.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-troy-e-nehls-and-rep-houlahan-introduce-bipartisan-bill-allow-truckers", "Rep. Troy E. Nehls and Rep. Houlahan Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Allow Truckers Access to Bathroom Facilities", "2022-12-15", "2022", "2022-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Troy E. Nehls", "N000026", "nehls.house.gov", "nehls", "https://nehls.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Troy E. Nehls (R-TX-22) and Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-06) introduced the Trucker Bathroom Access Act. This bill would ensure truckers can access bathroom facilities when picking up or delivering cargo. It would not require businesses to construct new restrooms. It only requires that if a business has a bathroom available to their customers or employees, truckers have the same access.\n\n\"I am proud to introduce legislation to ensure our great American truckers have basic access to restroom facilities while working,\" saidCongressman Troy Nehls (R-TX-22). \"American truckers are this nation's backbone, and we owe them a debt of gratitude for the tremendous contributions they made during the pandemic. I thank Rep. Houlahan, OOIDA, and the Women In Trucking Association for partnering with me on this important legislation.\"\n\n\"Time and again, we've seen that when we include more women in our workforce, our economy prospers\u2014that's true for the trucking industry, too,\" said Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-06). \"But restricted access to bathrooms is putting that progress in jeopardy. In response, our new bipartisan legislation will give all truckers, and female drivers in particular, the confidence of having access to a restroom when they deliver goods to businesses and American families. Especially as the trucking industry continues to face employee retention challenges, we must ensure that we provide truckers a working environment that honors their vital role in growing our economy. Ultimately, keeping more drivers on the road means fewer supply chain delays and lower costs. I'm proud to partner with Rep. Nehls on this straightforward effort.\"\n\n\"The men and women of America's trucking industry keep our supply chain moving and it's only reasonable that their most basic of needs be accommodated while they are on the job,\" said Todd Spencer, President and CEO of OOIDA. \"We've heard from countless drivers who have been forced to 'hold it' because they were not allowed to access the bathroom when they were picking up or delivering freight. We thank Representatives Nehls for showing tremendous leadership on this issue and we look forward to continue working with him and our coalition partners to get this legislation signed into law.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://roy.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-roy-demands-epa-reverse-flawed-inaccurate-decision-denying-small", "Rep. Roy demands EPA reverse \u2018flawed, inaccurate\u2019 decision denying small refineries relief from crony mandate", "2022-12-15", "2022", "2022-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Chip Roy", "R000614", "roy.house.gov", "roy", "https://roy.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014 On Thursday, Rep. Chip Roy (TX-21) and ten of his House Republican colleagues demanded the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reverse its decision to deny small refineries relief from the crony Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) mandate.\n\nA recent Government Accountability Office report found EPA based its decision to deny small refineries relief from the RFS on flawed, inaccurate, and unverified information and administers the relief exemptions in a wholly arbitrary manner.\n\n\u201cThis decision imposes an enormous burden on US refineries and will lead to job losses, diminished gasoline and diesel production, and increased costs for refined products,\u201d the Members wrote to EPA. \u201cPut simply, EPA appears to be handing down decisions that have massive implications for the nation\u2019s energy supply in the midst of an unprecedented energy crisis based on the unfounded whims of unelected bureaucrats.\u201d\n\nThe Members urged EPA to immediately reverse its decision, improve its administration of the RFS, and reduce the program\u2019s burden on American refiners, workers, and families.\n\nRep. Roy previously criticized EPA\u2019s decision to deny small refineries relief in March 2022, writing that it could force a small independent refinery in San Antonio, Texas to close.\n\nFull text of the letter can be found here and below.\n\nDear Administrator Regan,\n\nWe write today to express serious concerns about the Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s (EPA) decision to deny small refinery hardship relief, or small refinery exemption (SRE) petitions, under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program. In a recent report, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that EPA based the decision to deny SRE petitions on a flawed, inaccurate, and unverified assumption and administers the SRE program in a wholly arbitrary manner. This information is especially concerning considering the decision\u2019s potential to further deteriorate US refining capacity, which is currently at an eight-year low, and increase the skyrocketing energy prices that are harming American families.\n\nAs you know, in June 2022, EPA issued a denial of 69 outstanding SRE petitions for the 2016- 2021 compliance years. This decision imposes an enormous burden on US refineries and will lead to job losses, diminished gasoline and diesel production, and increased costs for refined products. To put the situation into perspective, one independent refinery in San Antonio, Texas that, prior to EPA\u2019s wholesale denial of SRE petitions, had always merited and received an exemption, found that the newly imposed compliance costs stemming from the EPA decision are up to 10 times greater than its annual payroll. Such astronomical costs will ultimately force the small refinery into bankruptcy. And small refineries throughout the nation face a similar reality, which puts roughly 17 billion gallons of annual gasoline and diesel production at risk.\n\nMany noted that EPA\u2019s refusal to consider each SRE petition on its own merits was misguided and neglected statutory requirements, 5 but GAO\u2019s report raised even more alarming issues with EPA\u2019s decision-making. EPA based the decision to deny all outstanding SRE petitions on the finding that \u201call refineries face the same costs to acquire RINs,\u201d which EPA asserted meant \u201cthere is no disproportionate cost to any party, including small refineries, and no hardship given that the costs are recovered.\u201d6 GAO found that this was not only a \u201cpotentially flawed assumption\u201d but also, EPA\u2019s own data \u201csuggests the assumption is incorrect.\u201d EPA\u2019s data demonstrates that small refineries \u201cwere either paying more to buy [RFS compliance credits] or receiving less when they sell [RFS compliance credits], relative to larger companies from 2013 through 2021.\u201d This finding illustrates that small refineries experience the \u201cdisproportionate economic hardship\u201d necessary to receive an exemption from the RFS and contradicts EPA\u2019s incorrect justification of its denial of outstanding SRE petitions.\n\nEqually concerning is the fact that EPA and the Department of Energy (DOE) have administered the SRE program in an inconsistent and arbitrary manner. GAO found that EPA had not even analyzed whether the assumption that all refiners face the same RFS compliance costs was valid. Further, GAO found that \u201cneither EPA nor DOE has policies and procedures for administering the small refinery exemption program.\u201d These findings suggest that EPA is wielding its regulatory power in a completely arbitrary manner and calls into question not only EPA\u2019s administration of the RFS program, but its decision-making processes agency wide. Put simply, EPA appears to be handing down decisions that have massive implications for the nation\u2019s energy supply in the midst of an unprecedented energy crisis based on the unfounded whims of unelected bureaucrats.\n\nWith these serious concerns in mind, we request answers to the following questions by January 20, 2023:\n\n1. Does EPA intend to reverse its decision to deny all outstanding SRE petitions following GAO\u2019s finding that the decision was based on a flawed, inaccurate, and unverified assumption? If not, please explain.\n\n2. Does EPA plan to publicly retract its finding that all refineries \u2013 regardless of size \u2013 face the same costs when complying with the RFS? If not, please explain.\n\n3. If a small refinery is forced into bankruptcy because of RFS compliance costs, does EPA consider that to satisfy the statutory definition of \u201cdisproportionate economic hardship\u201d? If not, what would satisfy the definition?\n\n4. Have any small refineries that had their SRE petitions denied notified EPA that they were now at risk of closure, bankruptcy, or other financial harm? If so, how many have contacted EPA?\n\n5. Does EPA, in conjunction with DOE, intend to implement clear, publicly available policies and procedures that govern its administration of the SRE program? If so, when would small refineries have access to these policies and procedures?\n\nThe RFS imposes a massive burden on refineries and the US energy supply and EPA\u2019s recent actions have exacerbated this burden. In light of GAO\u2019s recent report, we urge you to reverse the decision to deny all outstanding SRE petitions, take further steps to improve EPA\u2019s administration of the RFS, and reduce the program\u2019s burden on American refiners, workers, and families.\n\nSincerely,\n\nChip Roy\n\nMember of Congress\n\nMatthew Rosendale, Sr.\n\nMember of Congress\n\nVan Taylor\n\nMember of Congress\n\nRandy K. Weber\n\nMember of Congress\n\nGary Palmer\n\nMember of Congress\n\nAndy Biggs\n\nMember of Congress\n\nW. Gregory Steube\n\nMember of Congress\n\nClay Higgins\n\nMember of Congress\n\nMichael Guest\n\nMember of Congress\n\nLouie Gohmert\n\nMember of Congress\n\nBrian Babin, D.D.S\n\nMember of Congress\n\nCC: The Honorable Jennifer Granholm, Secretary, US Department of Energy", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://veasey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-veasey-tx-33-statement-on-manslaughter-conviction-of-aaron", "Congressman Veasey (TX-33) Statement on Manslaughter Conviction of Aaron Dean in Atatiana Jefferson Murder Trial", "2022-12-15", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "TX", "Marc A. Veasey", "V000131", "veasey.house.gov", "veasey", "https://veasey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Congressman Veasey (TX-33) released the following statement after former Fort Worth police officer Aaron Dean was convicted of manslaughter in the trial of Atatiana Jefferson:\n\n\"Today's guilty verdict is one small step to delivering justice for Atatiana Jefferson and her family. While this verdict means the officer who killed Atatiana will finally be held accountable for his actions, it will never give Atatiana her life back or return her to her family.\"\n\n\"This verdict underscores the important work that needs to be done locally and nationally to ensure a tragedy like this one does not happen again. Going forward, the Tarrant County District Attorney must thoroughly and properly investigate cases like this and fight hard enough for fair jury representation. It's time for the city of Fort Worth to create a civilian police review board that boosts transparency and accountability.\"\n\n\"The Senate must also finally pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act that we in the U.S. House of Representatives have already passed multiple times. I proudly supported this critical legislation that addresses racial bias and increases accountability within police departments to build trust between law enforcement and the communities like the ones in Fort Worth.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://arrington.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=894", "Arrington Addresses Bipartisan Solutions to Tackle Windfall Elimination Provision, Providing Fairer Social Security for Public Servants", "2022-12-14", "2022", "2022-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Jodey C. Arrington", "A000375", "arrington.house.gov", "arrington", "https://arrington.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Representative Jodey Arrington (TX-19) joined Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard Neal (MA-02) and Ranking Member Kevin Brady (TX-08) to discuss bipartisan solutions to address the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) \u2013 an unfair Social Security provision that reduces millions of public employees\u2019 benefits.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m honored to stand with my colleagues to address this inequity, which is a sad situation that is more than unfortunate. For nearly 40 years, we have failed to live up to our social contract with American senior citizens and allow them to benefit from what they have invested and earned from this important safety net,\u201d said Rep. Arrington. \u201cBecause of the leadership of my colleagues \u2013 especially that of Ranking Member Brady and Chairman Neal \u2013 I am encouraged about the prospects of targeted, bipartisan solutions to address this problem and make good on what we\u2019ve done to shortchange our public servants like teachers, firefighters, and police officers.\u201d\n\nRep. Arrington is an original cosponsor to Rep. Kevin Brady\u2019s legislation \u2013 the Equal Treatment of Public Servants Act. This legislation permanently replaces the unfair Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) Social Security formula with a new, fair formula that treats our teachers, firefighters, and police officers just like the rest of America\u2019s workers.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/castro-torres-sires-lead-introduction-of-armas-act-to-stem-gun-trafficking-to-latin-america-and-caribbean", "Castro, Torres, Sires Lead Introduction of ARMAS Act to Stem Gun Trafficking to Latin America and Caribbean", "2022-12-14", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "TX", "Joaquin Castro", "C001091", "castro.house.gov", "castro", "https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Representatives Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Norma Torres (CA-35), Albio Sires (NJ-08), Ra\u00fal M. Grijalva (AZ-03), Nanette Barrag\u00e1n (CA-44) Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), and Ilhan Omar (MN-05) introduced the Americas Regional Monitoring of Arms Sales (ARMAS) Act, legislation that seeks to disrupt firearm trafficking from the United States to Latin America and the Caribbean by implementing stronger transparency, accountability, and oversight mechanisms for U.S. small arms exports.\n\n\u201cAs the United States works with our neighbors to tackle the root causes of migration, we need to address the ways that our own practices are contributing to instability and violence in the Western Hemisphere,\u201d said Congressman Castro, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on International Development, International Organizations, and Global Corporate Social Impact. \u201cThe ARMAS Act would marshal a comprehensive federal strategy to disrupt arms trafficking, restore Congressional oversight over small arms exports and prevent legitimate security assistance from being diverted to criminal groups. I thank Reps. Torres, Sires, Grijalva, Barrag\u00e1n, Espaillat, and Omar for partnering with me on this bill, and I look forward to building bipartisan support for this important step forward for regional security.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe must do everything we can to prevent guns from falling into the wrong hands, and the ARMAS Act will help keep people across the Western Hemisphere safe by implementing an all-of-government approach to stop the trafficking of deadly firearms. With this bill, we can bolster both America\u2019s national security and the security of all our neighbors in the Americas, and I am proud that oversight measures I have previously championed are included in this legislation to take on gun violence across the region,\u201d said Congresswoman Torres.\n\n\u201cViolence and insecurity continue to drive migration to the United States. If we fail to implement strict monitoring and take responsibility for the illicit use of American exported weapons, the result will be more of the same.\u201d said Congressman Sires, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, Civilian Security, Migration, and International Economic Policy. \u201cThis legislation will allow Congress, the Administration, and our regional partners to identify and shore up critical vulnerabilities to prevent arms from falling into the wrong hands, while protecting crucial security assistance programs from corruption and abuse. I\u2019m proud to join my colleagues in support of the rule of law and human rights in the Western Hemisphere.\u201d\n\n\"Gun violence is not only an American epidemic, but one that spans borders. Part of acknowledging the role that the United States plays in cross-border gun trafficking and subsequent violence, is building better systems for transparency, interagency collaboration, and regulation. I'm proud to join this effort led by Rep. Castro to help address this issue that has huge implications for my district, our nation and our global allies,\" said Congressman Grijalva.\n\n\u201cThe ARMAS Act is a necessary, comprehensive step in tackling firearms trafficking across the Western Hemisphere,\u201d said Congressman Espaillat. \u201cIn finding tangible solutions to gun violence, we must acknowledge that the movement of these deadly weapons spans the entire region, and as such must enact a holistic, federal approach that promotes collaboration and common-sense oversight to protect not only our communities here in the United States, but our friends across Latin America and the Caribbean. This is a matter of international cooperation, humanitarian values, and our own national security, and I am proud to stand with my colleagues in Congress in supporting this legislation.\u201d\n\n\u201cIllicit firearms smuggled into Mexico and Central America from the U.S. have contributed to the rise of violence and migration in the region.\u201d said Congresswoman Barrag\u00e1n. \u201cThis legislation creates a pathway to address this problem. By ensuring the U.S. can properly monitor exported firearms, we can combat the illegal transfer of our exported firearms to unauthorized users and help to prevent surges of violence in areas such as Mexico, the Northern Triangle, countries of Central America, and the Caribbean.\u201d\n\n\u201cIf we are serious about tackling the humanitarian crisis that migrants from Latin America face\u2014both in their home countries and at our own border\u2014we must address the root causes of the crisis. That\u2019s why I am proud to help lead this effort to tackle illegal arms trafficking to Latin America and the Caribbean and ensure that weapons from the United States do not end up in the hands of criminal groups. Arms originating from our country account for nearly three quarters of weapons recovered from Mexico and the Dominican Republic. I hope anyone who cares about human rights, immigration and public safety will join this effort,\u201d said Congresswoman Omar.\n\nIn recent years, insufficient end-use monitoring and accountability mechanisms have allowed a significant number of U.S.-origin weapons to be illegally diverted for illicit use across the Western Hemisphere. According to data from the Government Accountability Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, U.S.-sourced weapons accounted for 75 percent of traced firearms recovered from the Dominican Republic and 70 percent from Mexico.\n\nIn September 2022, Representatives Castro and Torres and Senators Elizabeth Warren and Chris Murphy sent a letter to Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, expressing serious concerns about the Commerce Department\u2019s process for approving export licenses for U.S.-made weapons and high-capacity magazines. The ARMAS Act seeks to address concerns expressed in the letter while increasing Congressional safeguards over arms exports.\n\nSpecifically, the ARMAS Act would:\n\nRequire the development of a comprehensive interagency strategy, led by the State and Commerce Departments, to disrupt trafficking and diversion of firearms exported from the United States.\n\nProvide Congressional notification and blocking of certain small arms exports regulated by the Department of Commerce, consistent with safeguards that were in place when the same items were regulated by the Department of State.\n\nRequire the submission of a report that will allow Congress to understand the challenges and successes of current efforts to address illegal arms trafficking and inform future strategies.\n\nFor \u201ccovered countries\u201d (initially Bahamas, Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Haiti, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago), the Commerce Department would report more detailed information on export licenses, granting Congress greater data to understand the effect of current regulations.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-castro-congressional-hispanic-caucuss-latino-film-nomination-included-in-national-film-registry", "Rep. Castro, Congressional Hispanic Caucus\u2019s Latino Film Nomination Included in National Film Registry", "2022-12-14", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "TX", "Joaquin Castro", "C001091", "castro.house.gov", "castro", "https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) and Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Chair Raul Ruiz (CA-36) celebrated the inclusion of Cyrano de Bergerac (1950) and The Ballad of Gregorio Cortez (1982) in the Library of Congress\u2019s National Film Registry. The Ballad of Gregorio Cortez was one of 25 films nominated for Registry inclusion by the CHC as part of the caucus\u2019s ongoing effort to highlight Latino contributions to American media and entertainment. Last year, under Congressman Castro\u2019s chairmanship, the CHC successfully nominated the 1997 biographical film \u201cSelena\u201d to the National Film Registry.\n\n\u201cDespite Latinos being underrepresented for generations in Hollywood, our community has left a mark on our national film culture,\u201d said Congressman Castro. \u201cBy including Cyrano de Bergerac and CHC-nominated The Ballad of Gregorio Cortez in the National Film Registry, the Library of Congress has taken a critical step to preserve the work of Latino actors and industry creatives. For years, I\u2019ve worked with my colleagues in the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and advocates like Brenda Castillo, Rafael Agust\u00edn, and Charles Ramirez Berg to enshrine Latino contributions in our nation\u2019s cultural heritage, and I look forward to our continued work to uplift diverse Latino stories.\u201d\n\nThe National Film Registry is the nation\u2019s preeminent archive of films. Established by the National Film Preservation Act, the Registry is intended to maintain and preserve works of films deemed culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant to life in the United States. On an annual basis, the National Film Preservation Board selects 25 films to add to the registry and preserve in the Library of Congress. The registry currently contains 850 works, of which just 25 (2.9%) are classified by the Library of Congress as connected to the Latino community.\n\nThe Ballad of Gregorio Cortez (1982)\n\nThe Ballad of Gregorio Cortez is a retelling of the true story of a Mexican farmer turned outlaw folk hero in turn-of-the-century South Texas. In 1988, lead actor Edward James Olmos became the first Mexican American to receive an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his performance in \u2018Stand and Deliver\u2019 (1988).\n\nCyrano de Bergerac (1950)", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://escobar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1109", "Congresswoman Escobar Statement on Governor Abbott\u2019s Calls to Investigate Non-Governmental Organizations in El Paso", "2022-12-14", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "TX", "Veronica Escobar", "E000299", "escobar.house.gov", "escobar", "https://escobar.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) released the following statement in response to Texas Governor Greg Abbott\u2019s calls to investigate non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in El Paso aiding with migrant arrivals a day after the Governor reinstated his economically disastrous DPS port inspections:\n\n\u201cThe significant number of migrants arriving at our southern border, which undoubtedly places great stress on communities like El Paso, should be an opportunity for leaders to engage with collaboration and humanity. Governor Abbott\u2019s decision to investigate NGOs that are providing humanitarian care for migrants is shameful and intended to intimidate and instill fear in non-profit and faith-based organizations that exemplify the values we should all aspire to.\n\n\u201cMost border NGOs that work tirelessly on the border help provide temporary shelter, food and hospitality to migrants, most of whom will be awaiting adjudication of their asylum claims with sponsors they have in different parts of the country. They have been doing this work for decades and deserve our praise, not persecution.\n\n\u201cMany of the migrants arriving at our border have been exploited or targeted by criminal organizations along their journey, and while the large numbers are presenting a challenge for all of us, we can and should rise to the occasion without sacrificing our values. It\u2019s important that all of us, especially during the holiday season, remember the values at the heart of our faith. My faith taught me that whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers, that you do unto me.\n\n\u201cIn Congress, I have been working to address the unprecedented financial strain felt by our community, and I\u2019m grateful for the financial support we\u2019ve received from FEMA and the Biden Administration. I\u2019ve spoken with House Appropriations Chairwoman Rosa DeLauro just this week and had conversations with Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas about additional support and creative solutions. And I continue to call on my colleagues in Congress to pass legislation that will help address a situation that has been decades in the making.\n\n\u201cFor some it\u2019s easier to simply be a critic \u2013 or worse yet, a malign force \u2013 and a lot harder to be a collaborator. Moments like this call on us to be problem solvers, and I\u2019d encourage the Governor to put his partisan stunts aside and provide meaningful support to the communities he represents.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://gonzalez.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-gonzalez-announces-nominees-us-service-academies", "CONGRESSMAN GONZALEZ ANNOUNCES NOMINEES TO U.S. SERVICE ACADEMIES", "2022-12-14", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "TX", "Vicente Gonzalez", "G000581", "gonzalez.house.gov", "gonzalez", "https://gonzalez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) announced the 8 students in the 15thDistrict of Texas who have received nominations to attend the U.S. Service Academies. These academies include U.S. Military Academy in West Point, N.Y. (West Point); U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo.; U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md.; and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y.\n\n\"It is with immense honor that I nominate this amazing group of young South Texans,\" stated Congressman Gonzalez. \"These exemplary students are taking the first step on the path to becoming leaders and I am honored to have a hand in their journey. These young leaders, in more ways than one, embody the values that our military instills in our service members as well as what makes South Texas a great place: humility, leadership, loyalty, and a strong work ethic.\"\n\nThe nominated students are as follows:\n\n\u00b7 Freddy Ceciliano of McAllen nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy\n\n\u00b7 Aditya Nair of Edinburg from South Texas ISD Science Academy nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy\n\n\u00b7 Madeline Seebeck of New Braunfels from St. John Paul Catholic High School nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy\n\n\u00b7 Gio Luigi Gianan of Cibolo from Byron P Steele II High School nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy\n\n\u00b7 Ximena Falcon Meza of Edinburg from Edinburg High School nominated to the U.S. Military Academy (West Point)\n\n\u00b7 Levi Ferrell of Cibolo from Byron P. Steel II High School nominated to the U.S. Military Academy (West Point)\n\n\u00b7 Jason Trang Nguyen of McAllen from McAllen Memorial High School nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy\n\n\u00b7 Jessica Sherman of Cibolo from Byron P. Steel II High School nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy\n\nApplicants need to be of appropriate age, have an aptitude for leadership, and possess the commitment to serve in the military for a minimum of five years upon graduation. Interested students can apply for a congressional nomination to one of these academies by visiting gonzalez.house.gov/services/military-academy-nominations.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=491", "Rep. Jackson Leads Colleagues in Support of Texas\u2019 Cotton Industry", "2022-12-14", "2022", "2022-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Ronny Jackson", "J000304", "jackson.house.gov", "jackson", "https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Today, Representative Ronny Jackson (TX-13) and two of his West Texas colleagues, Representatives Jodey Arrington (TX-19) and August Pfluger (TX-11), led a letter to House and Senate Appropriations Committee leadership in support of Texas\u2019 cotton industry. Specifically, the letter calls for funding for the U.S. Department of Agriculture\u2019s (USDA) Emergency Relief Program (ERP) for the 2022 crop year and adequate assistance for cotton infrastructure\u2013especially cotton gins\u2013to help mitigate the devastating production losses farmers and ranchers have experienced this past year.\n\nJackson said: \u201cTexas\u2019 cotton farmers help clothe the world, making their operations critical to the state and global economy. Texas is the largest cotton-producing state in the country with the High Plains region alone accounting for 65% of production. The devastating drought we experienced this year is a serious threat to everything our cotton farmers have built, and it is not something Congress can ignore. The cotton industry is critical to the success and vibrancy of the communities I represent in TX-13. I am proud to lead my colleagues in this effort to help ensure Texas\u2019 cotton farmers have the resources they need to be successful for future generations and that cotton gins can weather the devastating effects of this year\u2019s drought.\u201d\n\nArrington said: \u201cAgriculture is the lifeblood of rural economies like West Texas, and all Americans benefit from a safe, affordable, and abundant source of food. Unfortunately, producers across the nation have experienced unprecedented challenges this year \u2014 from historic drought conditions to record input costs, supply chain disruptions, and labor shortages. Congress must maintain a reliable and stable food supply to ensure food security for all Americans.\u201d\n\nPfluger said: \u201cTexas\u2019 agriculture producers, and the programs that allow them to continue to operate, are critical to National Security. Our farmers and ranchers have suffered through several tough years. Without an extension of the Emergency Relief Program (ERP), this year\u2019s losses will be devastating to our communities that support and depend on agriculture. Congress must provide this relief immediately.\u201d\n\nPlains Cotton Growers Inc. CEO Kody Bessent said: \u201cPlains Cotton Growers Inc. fully supports the request for an extension of the Emergency Relief Program funding for the 2022 crop year. In addition, we support that adequate assistance be allocated to cotton infrastructure segments to help mitigate the economic challenges they continue to face. Texas has been plagued by one of the most catastrophic droughts on record in 2022, which has had a detrimental effect on our cotton producers and infrastructure segments, particularly cotton gins. PCG fully supports and appreciates the bipartisan effort led by Representatives Ronny Jackson, Jodey Arrington and August Pfluger, along with additional House and Senate members, acknowledging the challenges faced by the cotton industry. We look forward to working with Congress to ensure these key initiatives are addressed in the upcoming omni legislative package.\u201d\n\nTexas Farm Bureau President Russell Boening said: \u201c Texas Farm Bureau appreciates Congressmen Ronny Jackson, Jodey Arrington and August Pfluger for leading a bipartisan letter to key appropriators requesting disaster funding be extended through the 2022 crop year. We are also glad the letter addresses the needs of cotton gins that have faced economic challenges due to staggering crop losses this year. We urge the inclusion of these provisions in the FY2023 appropriations package and look forward to continuing to work toward solutions that will keep farmers and ranchers in operation.\u201d\n\nThe full letter can be found here. Additional cosigners include Representatives Kevin Brady (TX-08), Pete Sessions (TX-17), Henry Cuellar (TX-28), Louie Gohmert (TX-01), Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15), Michael Cloud (TX-27), Lance Gooden (TX-05), Troy Nehls (TX-22), Pat Fallon (TX-04), Jake Ellzey (TX-06), and Brian Babin (TX-36).\n\nBackground:\n\nTX-13 is the top-rated agriculture district in Texas and is the second largest cotton district in the country.\n\nIn September 2021, Congress authorized emergency relief funding, which included language Jackson authored, for production losses endured during the 2020 and 2021 calendar years.\n\nIn January 2022, Jackson led his colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary Vilsack calling on the USDA to administer the disaster relief payments authorized by Congress without delay. In response, the USDA established two multi-phase programs, including ERP.\n\nJackson is now leading efforts for the successful ERP program to be reauthorized for the 2022 crop year.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://roy.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-roy-introduces-bill-stop-dc-funding-illegal-alien-voting", "Rep. Roy introduces bill to stop D.C. from funding illegal alien voting", "2022-12-14", "2022", "2022-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Chip Roy", "R000614", "roy.house.gov", "roy", "https://roy.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014 On Wednesday, Rep. Chip Roy (TX-21) introduced a bill (H.R. 9557) to stop the District of Columbia from using federal funds to allow non-citizens to vote in any election.\n\nRep. Roy\u2019s bill comes after the D.C. city government recently passed a measure that would allow illegal aliens to vote in local elections. The bill was first introduced in the Senate by Ted Cruz (R-TX).\n\nRep. Roy said:\n\nThe privilege and duty to vote this Republic\u2019s elections is, and should remain, reserved for citizens. The D.C. Council\u2019s recent effort to allow non-citizens to vote is just another example of the radical left\u2019s insane and reckless governance of our nation\u2019s capital, which has also precipitated riots, lawlessness, and a homelessness crisis in recent years. It is high time for Congress to reassert its constitutional control over DC; that\u2019s why I'm proud to work with my longtime friend Senator Cruz to restore common sense to its elections.\n\nSen. Cruz said:\n\n\u201cVoting is a distinct right and privilege that American citizens enjoy in the United States. It is a responsibility, not to be treated lightly, and it must be protected. Voters decide not only who will lead our country, our cities and communities, but also how our tax dollars should be spent and what policies we should adopt. Even the Washington Post agrees that non-citizen voting is a terrible idea. Allowing non-citizens and illegal immigrants to vote in our elections opens our country up to foreign influence, and allows those who are openly violating U.S. law or even working for hostile foreign governments to take advantage and direct our resources against our will.\u201d\n\nHouse co-sponsors of the bill include Reps. Dan Bishop, Ann Wagner, Matt Gaetz, Paul Gosar, Pete Sessions, Bob Good, Gary Palmer, Brian Babin, and Ted Budd.\n\nOrganizations in support include NumbersUSA, the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), and Heritage Action for America.\n\nNumbersUSA said:\n\n\"The D.C. Council's move to allow noncitizens to vote in D.C. elections defies both common sense and good governance. Beyond the absurdity of the leaders in Washington, D.C. begging for Federal assistance with their recent \"surge\" of 8,200 illegal aliens while simultaneously offering them the right to vote if they come, it is totally unconscionable that the district that serves as the seat of our Federal government would actively work to dilute the votes of American citizens with the votes of all resident foreign nationals, including the embassy staff who live and work in D.C. on behalf of governments like Russia and China. We applaud Congressman Roy for working to stop this absurd policy and protect the voting rights of all Americans in the District of Columbia.\u201d\n\nFAIR said:\n\n\"Two and a half centuries ago, our nation was founded on the principle that sovereign people should determine their own destinies. In October, the city council of our Nation\u2019s capital fundamentally violated that founding principle in an effort to empower noncitizens \u2013 including illegal aliens and employees at embassies of governments that are openly hostile to the United States \u2013 to determine the outcome of local elections. The right to vote is at the very core of the principle of self-determination and what it means to be a citizen. This action of the D.C. city council, and a mayor who refused to veto it, is the next and most damaging step in an ongoing effort to erase any distinction between American citizens and noncitizens. We applaud Congressman Roy for stepping up to the plate in an effort to address this radical measure.\u201d\n\nFull text of the bill can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://sylviagarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-sylvia-garcia-celebrates-confirmation-alamdar-hamdani-us-attorney", "CONGRESSWOMAN SYLVIA GARCIA CELEBRATES CONFIRMATION OF ALAMDAR HAMDANI AS U.S. ATTORNEY FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF TEXAS", "2022-12-14", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "TX", "Sylvia R. Garcia", "G000587", "sylviagarcia.house.gov", "sylviagarcia", "https://sylviagarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (TX-29) extended her congratulations to Alamdar Hamdani on being recently confirmed as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas by the U.S. Senate.\n\n\"With Alamdar Hamdani for the Southern District, the U.S. Senate has confirmed an honorable public servant who reflects America's diversity and history of excellence,\" said Congresswoman Garcia. \"A University of Houston Law graduate, his track record of transparency and accountability as a law enforcement professional with the Houston U.S. attorney's office is impeccable. I look forward to the remarkable impact Hamdani will now bring as the top federal law enforcement officer in southeast Texas.\"\n\n\"Having spent significant time getting to know Mr. Alamdar Hamdani during the nomination process, I've seen how committed he truly is to equal justice under the law for all,\" said Roland Garcia, Past President of the Houston Bar Association, Shareholder at Greenberg Traurig. \"\u00adHamdani will protect our principles of due process and serve the public well.\"\n\n\"With Alamdar Hamdani as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas, our region will be served by a standout professional who embodies Houston's diversity and commitment to the law,\" said Nishi Kothari, VP of Advocacy, South Asian Bar Association. \"He brings a wealth of experience alongside a record of success that will tremendously benefit Southeast Texas.\"\n\nHamdani was recently sworn in as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas.\n\n###\n\nCongresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in November 2018, becoming the first Latina ever to represent the Texas 29th Congressional District. She serves on the House Judiciary, Financial Services, and Armed Services Committees.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://sylviagarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-sylvia-garcia-s-statement-passing-houston-legend-lupe-champ-fraga", "Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia\u2019s Statement on the  Passing of Houston Legend Lupe \u201cChamp\u201d Fraga", "2022-12-14", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "TX", "Sylvia R. Garcia", "G000587", "sylviagarcia.house.gov", "sylviagarcia", "https://sylviagarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (TX-29) issued the following statement in honor of the late Lupe \"Champ\" Fraga:\n\n\"Lupe Fraga, known affectionately by the community as simply \"Champ\", was a Houston legend who grew up in the East End. Over the decades, Champ became known as a pioneer in the Latino business community, a neighborhood leader, a dedicated public servant, and an honorable veteran who served in the U.S. Army.\"\n\n\"Champ's company, Tejas Products, was regularly recognized as a top small business in the Houston region by going the extra mile for their customers. But alongside business efforts, he was also Chairman of both the Houston branch of the Federal Reserve Bank and Houston's Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. On top of this, Champ also served on dozens of boards and filled many leadership positions, including serving on the Board of Regents of Texas A&M University following an appointment by the Governor.\"\n\n\"Houston will miss Champ and his friendly smile. The positivity he brought to our community will be felt for years to come. I send my love and condolences to the entire Fraga family as we remember Champ and all the wonderful things he accomplished.\"\n\n###\n\nCongresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in November 2018, becoming the first Latina ever to represent the Texas 29th Congressional District. She serves on the House Judiciary, Financial Services, and Armed Services Committees.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/castro-kim-introduce-new-framework-to-promote-innovation-at-usaid", "Castro, Kim Introduce New Framework to Promote Innovation at USAID", "2022-12-13", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "TX", "Joaquin Castro", "C001091", "castro.house.gov", "castro", "https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Bipartisan Fostering Innovation in Global Development Act would direct USAID to shift toward evidence-driven foreign aid models that leverage the power of the private sector\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Reps. Joaquin Castro (TX-20) and Young Kim (CA-39) introduced the Fostering Innovation in Global Development Act, legislation to improve the effectiveness and impact of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) by authorizing $45 million annually for five years and establishing the appropriate authorities to expand and prioritize innovation-based approaches to international development within USAID.\n\n\u201cThe United States is the only nation with the power to mobilize the world around effective, sustainable development initiatives that save lives,\u201d said Congressman Castro. \u201cAs we rebuild from the pandemic and look ahead to the future, USAID should be a global champion of innovative, scalable, and evidence-based approaches to aid. The Fostering Innovation in Global Development Act will bring the private and public sectors together to make sure that every dollar spent on aid invests in a safer, healthier, and more sustainable future for people in the United States and across the world. I\u2019m pleased to partner with Rep. Kim to introduce this bill and I look forward to our continued bipartisan work to build a resilient and forward-thinking ecosystem for foreign assistance.\u201d\n\n\u201cBy incorporating innovative technologies and new ideas into USAID\u2019s operations, the Fostering Innovation and Global Development will bring foreign assistance into the 21st century, improve cost effectiveness and bring in more partners for the U.S. to work with,\u201d said Congresswoman Kim. \u201cI\u2019m proud to lead this important bill with Rep. Joaquin Castro and will continue working across the aisle to ensure the U.S. maintains its leadership on the world stage.\u201d\n\n\u201cAt USAID, I saw first-hand how innovation and evidence-driven approaches can maximize the impact of our foreign assistance,\u201d said Ann Mei Chang, the former Chief Innovation Officer and Executive Director of the U.S. Global Development Lab at the United States Agency for International Development. \u201cThe Fostering Innovation in Global Development Act will help bring USAID into the modern era and ensure that the United States continues to lead in international development.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe can make the United States the partner of first resort for countries and entrepreneurs that want to use innovation to accelerate economic and social progress,\u201d said Walter Kerr, Executive Director of Unlock Aid. \u201cThis bill takes the best of what\u2019s worked at other federal agencies to source and scale next-generation solutions and says we can do this at USAID, too.\u201d\n\n\u201cFIGDA strengthens America\u2019s ability to meet the hopes and aspirations of our friends and potential friends overseas,\u201d said Daniel F. Runde, The American Imperative: Reclaiming Global Leadership through Soft Power.\n\n\u201cI congratulate Reps. Castro and Kim for introducing this critical piece of legislation to enhance and expand USAID's investments in new innovations that can be game changers for advancing progress in global development and health. USAID is the world's leading development agency, and it must be at the forefront in driving new technologies and solutions to the biggest development challenges,\u201d said former Congressman Ed Royce, Consensus for Development Reform Co-Chairman and Former Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.\n\n\u201cThis bill promotes effective foreign assistance by providing USAID with the authorities and resources required to advance innovation and to enable USAID to work more closely with solution providers in the private sector. I applaud this bipartisan effort to strengthen our foreign assistance programming and to ensure that we are investing in the future of development,\u201d said former Congressman Ted Yoho, Consensus for Development Reform Co-Chairman and Former Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Asia-Pacific Subcommittee.\n\nThe Fostering Innovation in Global Development Act would:\n\nAuthorize $45 million annually for five years to expand innovation within USAID\u2019s programs and practices.\n\nDirect USAID to submit a five-year strategy on advancing innovation.\n\nAuthorize the United States to participate in the Global Innovative Fund, a partnership between the United States, the United Kingdom, other governments, and other donor organizations to pool resources through innovative foreign assistance programs.\n\nEstablish the position of Chief Innovation Officer at USAID, with a mission to increase the application of innovation at USAID, utilize innovation-driven competitions, maintain a collection of innovative solutions and best practices to be shared across USAID, and administer the innovation grants, contracts, and prize award authorities and Innovation Fellows established by the bill.\n\nRequire each USAID bureau to have a senior advisor responsible for advancing matters related to innovation within that bureau.\n\nAuthorize the USAID administrator to hire up to 30 individuals at a time as \u201cInnovation Fellows\u201d who would work with the Chief Innovation Officer and then be assigned on detail to other USAID offices to improve integration of innovation programs through the agency.\n\nEstablish the Development Innovation Ventures (DIV) program within USAID to include duties, applications, and administrative provisions.\n\nEstablish a \u201cProven Solutions\u201d program to scale up identified approaches to international development.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://escobar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1108", "Congresswoman Escobar Statement on Recent Migrant Arrivals", "2022-12-13", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "TX", "Veronica Escobar", "E000299", "escobar.house.gov", "escobar", "https://escobar.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) released the following statement on recent migrant arrivals in El Paso\u2019s border sector:\n\n\u201cThe extraordinarily high numbers of migrants arriving daily in El Paso has created an unprecedented strain on our community and requires significantly more federal resources as well as a broader, whole-of-government response. Our local governments have been strained as they are asked to perform functions outside their normal operations, NGOs are doing the best they can, and our CBP personnel have been stressed beyond anything they have ever experienced to date. While I am extremely grateful to the Biden Administration for the millions of dollars they have provided El Paso in financial support, in both up-front funding and reimbursements, as well as their ongoing work with neighboring countries to address root causes, that long-overdue work will not bear fruit immediately. In the short-term, I am asking the Administration for more resources for our local governments and direct engagement in the form of federally-operated short-term emergency shelters for those migrants who have been released but need respite for 48 hours or less and bringing in federal personnel from other agencies to support its operations.\n\n\u201cLast night, I spoke with House Appropriations Chairwoman Rosa DeLauro about this idea and requested its inclusion in the final FY23 omnibus funding package. Additionally, this morning I spoke with Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Mayorkas, who assured me that El Paso\u2019s funding requests are being favorably and expeditiously processed.\n\n\u201cI am also once again calling on Congress to act. Decades of addressing immigration solely as a border issue, actively shrinking legal pathways, and failing to get beyond paralyzing gridlock has created a humanitarian crisis that is being unfairly shouldered by only a handful of communities like my own. It is in our own self-interest as a nation that Congress do its job and legislate. While the Administration may look to utilizing policies that focus on deterrence, I am again warning that the last three decades should have taught us that deterrence isn\u2019t a solution.\n\n\u201cFinally, it is critically important that as a nation, we rise to the tremendous challenge that we are facing on immigration today and that we do it in a way that both preserves our security and upholds our values. We need not sacrifice our humanitarian values in order to address the overwhelming challenge we must confront. I remain committed to ensuring El Paso gets the resources we need, asking our local leaders to work collaboratively, advocating for relief for our agents, treating the vulnerable among us with the dignity we would want for ourselves, and working with my colleagues in Congress on legislative solutions.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://gonzales.house.gov/2022/12/gonzales-cuellar-cornyn-manchin-urge-biden-extend-title-42-order", "Gonzales, Cuellar, Cornyn, Manchin Urge Biden to Extend Title 42 Order", "2022-12-13", "2022", "2022-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Tony Gonzales", "G000594", "gonzales.house.gov", "gonzales", "https://gonzales.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representatives Tony Gonzales (TX-R) and Henry Cuellar (TX-D) and Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and John Cornyn (R-TX) on Tuesday urged President Joe Biden to extend the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC\u2019s) Title 42 order beyond the December 21st deadline.\n\nThe Members said in part, \u201cWe have a crisis at our southern border. Never before in our nation\u2019s history have we experienced this scope and scale of illegal border crossings, and we remain concerned that your administration has not provided sufficient support or resources to the men and women of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) who are tasked with maintaining border security.\n\nIn May 2022, DHS Secretary Mayorkas stated that the he was anticipating as many as 18,000 unlawful crossings per day once Title 42 was lifted. Based on recent court filings, DHS is almost completely reliant on Title 42 to control migration from Mexico and the Northern Triangle: the vast majority of Mexicans, Guatemalans, Hondurans, and Salvadorans encountered by U.S. Border Patrol along the border in October 2022 were expelled under Title 42 rather than processed under Title 8.\n\nThe Members continued, \u201cWe are committed to enacting bipartisan legislation that will allow DHS to effectively implement policies and programs that have been revealed as critical to maintaining operational control over the southern border, and do not involve paroling large numbers of migrants into the United States to undergo months- or years-long processes. These negotiations will take time. In the interim, we urge you to do everything within your power to extend the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC\u2019s) Title 42 order beyond the looming December 21st deadline until Congress can act.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://gooden.house.gov/press-releases?ID=E2006483-0C1A-4E44-A176-CB5716471972", "ICYMI: Gooden Joins America\u2019s Newsroom to Discuss Bankman-Fried Arrest", "2022-12-13", "2022", "2022-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Lance Gooden", "G000589", "gooden.house.gov", "gooden", "https://gooden.house.gov/press-releases", "page_html", "WASHINGTON \u2013 On Tuesday, Congressman Lance Gooden (R-Texas) joined America\u2019s Newsroom to discuss the arrest of FTX founder, Sam Bankman-Fried, as well as his desire to see politicians in Washington work with the bankruptcy court to return political donations to the victims of the FTX scam.\n\nClick here or on the image above to watch the full interview.\n\nInterview excerpts:\n\n\u201cWe are disappointed in the Justice Department for making this move when they did\u2026 I don\u2019t understand why the Justice Department would not want him on record today in a hearing. I really do not understand why the Justice Department would not want that testimony.\u201d\n\n\u201cHe stole money to fund a lavish lifestyle, to prop up his house of cards, and he used it to funnel quite a bit of donations to politicians here in Washington. This is not like taking a donation from a racist like Kanye West and saying I\u2019m going to donate it to charity. This is stolen money that needs to be paid back. And if you\u2019re a politician who took money, I think you should plan to work with the bankruptcy court. I think it\u2019s important that politicians in Washington send a message that we don\u2019t support this, and we are working to make people whole.\u201d\n\nCongressman Gooden is a member of the House Financial Services Committee and was scheduled to question Sam Bankman-Fried during a committee hearing today.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://nehls.house.gov/media/press-releases/congress-presses-biden-administration-over-grant-colombian-lgbt-group", "Congress Presses Biden Administration over grant to Colombian LGBT group supporting prostitution", "2022-12-13", "2022", "2022-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Troy E. Nehls", "N000026", "nehls.house.gov", "nehls", "https://nehls.house.gov/media", "scraper", "Washington Examiner\n\nBy Gabe Kaminsky\n\nDecember 13, 2022\n\nEXCLUSIVE \u2014 Republican members of Congress are pressing President Joe Biden's State Department for answers after the Washington Examiner revealed the agency handed taxpayer dollars to a Colombian LGBT nonprofit group that engages in prostitution advocacy.\n\nIn September, the State Department awarded a $16,000 grant to Fundacion Sentiido, which is funded by left-wing billionaire George Soros and calls on Colombia's government to expand \"sex worker\" rights in the crime-ridden country.\n\nNow, Rep. Troy Nehls (R-TX) and three GOP members are demanding Secretary of State Antony Blinken provide clarity on whether public funds were used to \"further prostitution\" and are concerned the grant \"will contribute to the spread of sexual exploitation\" in Colombia, according to a letter obtained by the Washington Examiner.\n\n\"Colombia has refused to outlaw prostitution, and its population suffers from high rates of sex trafficking and human rights abuses as a result,\" Nehls, as well as Reps. Chip Roy of Texas, Ralph Norman of South Carolina, and Andrew Clyde of Georgia, wrote in the Monday letter. \"By funding Sentiido, we can only conclude that the Biden Administration condones these activities in Colombia and Latin America.\"\n\nSentiido trains Colombians on \"gender, sexual diversity, and social change,\" its website says. The organization has advocated prostitution rights since at least 2014 in Colombia \u2014 where the practice is legal.\n\nSex trafficking and human rights abuses are rampant in Colombia, and the State Department concluded in a 2021 report that the country's government has failed to \"proactively investigate, prosecute, or convict cases of forced labor.\"\n\nIn addition, armed organizations often force women and young girls into sexual \"webcam modeling\" and lure them into sexual activities through drugging, the report said. Colombian children are at high risk of being forced into prostitution and sexually exploited, the U.S. government has found.\n\nOn Nov. 3, on the heels of the State Department's grant beginning its initial Oct. 15 disbursement, Sentiido hosted a webinar featuring three prostitute speakers that was called \"Stand in my corner: trans-feminism and sex worker rights activism.\" The organization also published a September 2020 article blasting the idea of further industry regulation and has claimed \"webcam sex work\" protects prostitutes from \"economic exploitation.\"\n\n\"It's unacceptable that U.S. tax dollars are funding nonprofits engaged in prostitution advocacy and radical gender indoctrination on children,\" Nehls told the Washington Examiner. \"It comes as no surprise that the Biden Administration approved this funding to be sent to an organization in a country that does not share our same American values.\"\n\nA spokesperson for the State Department previously told the Washington Examiner its Sentiido grant was \"in support of American values,\" noting that \"U.S. citizens benefit from a world that is safer and more prosperous for all.\"\n\nThroughout 2020, Sentiido promoted a variety of COVID-19 \"emergency funds\" that funneled resources to prostitutes and related prostitution union networks, records show. One such fund was by the Mexican Alliance of Sex Workers, which gives money to \"homeless trans sex workers,\" according to its Facebook account.\n\nNehls and the lawmakers are asking Blinken to \"elaborate\" on how the agency is furthering its mission by funding Sentiido. This mission includes representing \"America's foreign policy abroad\" and advancing \"the interests and security of the American people,\" said the Republicans.\n\nThe lawmakers also want to know what the State Department has done to ensure taxpayer funds have not been used to \"promote prostitution.\"\n\n\"Americans should not have to fear that their hard-earned tax dollars will be funneled to far-left, radical groups like Fundacion Sentiido that promote prostitution and further sex trafficking abroad,\" said the Republicans in their letter.\n\n\"We must rein in wasteful and harmful government spending, especially to countries who clearly do not share our American values, and we ask the Department of State to do the same,\" the letter continued.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://roy.house.gov/media/press-releases/permanent-amnesty-temporary-band-aids-rep-roy-warns-senate-republicans-against", "\u2018Permanent amnesty for temporary band aids\u2019: Rep. Roy warns Senate Republicans against \u2018undeniably foolish\u2019 amnesty framework", "2022-12-13", "2022", "2022-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Chip Roy", "R000614", "roy.house.gov", "roy", "https://roy.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014 On Monday, Rep. Chip Roy (TX-21), joined by five of his House colleagues, publicly called on Senate Republicans to reject the amnesty immigration deal currently being discussed by some members of the chamber.\n\n\u201cIt would be a grave mistake to allow years of the Left\u2019s vociferous calls for amnesty to distract us from our goal of securing the border,\u201d the Members wrote. \u201cWe must not confuse border security for immigration. We must stand firm and remain focused on fixing what the American people sent us to Washington to fix. Blank checks for false security measures and amnesty of any kind while our country endures this historical border crisis must be fiercely resisted.\u201d\n\nThey reminded Senate Republicans that sending the Biden Administration more money for processing migrants will do nothing to stop them from continuing to abuse our border security laws by releasing millions of illegal migrants into the interior United States.\n\nThe Members listed some of the policy changes \u2013 such as those in the Texas Delegation\u2019s new border security framework - that would actually secure the border. These include forcing the Biden Administration to fully detain or turn away illegal migrants, and requiring DHS to remove them from the interior.\n\n\u201cThere will never be a magic level of spending, a magic number of beds, a magic number of agents and officers, or a magic number of facilities to secure our border. Policy changes that force the administration to enforce the law at the border and in the interior is the only way to fully secure the border,\u201d the Members concluded. \u201cWe must demand these changes in the 118th congress.\u201d\n\nFull text of the letter can be found here and below.\n\nDear Senate Republican Colleagues,\n\nAll of us share a sense of urgency for action to secure our southern border and support engagement by Congress to do so given the malfeasance of the Biden administration. But we write to warn that any such conversation must begin and end with complete border security \u2013 ending the flow across the border by forcing the administration to \u201cdetain or turn away\u201d rather than \u201cencounter and release.\u201d\n\nFor nearly two years, the border crisis has caused both Americans and migrants alike to be hurt, killed, and abused while President Biden and his Secretary of Homeland Security deem it relatively \u201cunimportant\u201d and publicly lie about border agents. In January 2021, the Biden administration had every tool, resource, and policy needed to manage security at our southern border. But the administration has since stripped our border security bare while purposefully abusing our laws and mass releasing illegal migrants, creating a dangerous - and lethal - situation for both migrants and Americans. This is exemplified by the over 72,000 dead Americans from fentanyl poisonings and the estimated 900 migrants who have died trying to cross the border in FY22.\n\nMore than 4 million illegal migrants have been encountered at our southern border since President Biden took office. The Biden administration has released between 1-2 million of these illegal migrants into the interior. They have done so by abusing laws such as asylum and parole \u2013 designed to help in narrow, specific situations \u2013 to invite a purposeful flood at the border, which keeps Customs and Border Protection (CBP) off the line and unable to stop the estimated 1 million known \u201cgot-aways\u201d and thousands of pounds of fentanyl. And now, as courts and the administration try to end the availability of Title 42, the floodgates stand to open further.\n\nOf course, we know precisely how to solve this problem. We can secure our border by forcing the administration to use its power to turn away and/or fully detain illegal migrants at our southern border. We can build infrastructure that cannot be disregarded by a transitioning administration. We can require DHS to remove illegal migrants from the interior. We can target and root out cartels if we stay focused on securing the border. And we can work with Mexico to do these things. In fact, the Texas delegation \u2013 which knows the border intimately \u2013 came together last week as a group and introduced exactly this plan, and many of our fellow border state colleagues have bills that will accomplish these goals as well.\n\nYet, news accounts \u2013 and statements by certain Senators \u2013 indicate there are Senate discussions about a \u201cframework\u201d that will not do these things, and will instead provide, effectively, more funding for processing and a pathway to citizenship for millions of people who broke our laws. Doing so will only attract more flow, not less \u2013 risking more deaths, more sex trafficking, more empowerment of cartels, more fentanyl poisonings, and more destruction of American life and property. It defies logic to pursue such a path if the goal is securing our border and preventing more illegal immigration.\n\nTo couple amnesty with policies disguised as border security that will only provide for processing more migrants is undeniably foolish. Worse, current discussions of providing a mere extension of Title 42 authority - a limited tool based on halting communicable disease, is in jeopardy in the courts, and which the Biden Administration chooses not to enforce fully anyway \u2013 along with funding for more processing centers, and more personnel will simply accelerate this crisis. To discuss a permanent amnesty for temporary band aids is a twin catastrophe. The worst thing we could do is attract more people for the cartels to prey upon.\n\nOur border patrol agents undoubtedly need assistance at our border, but without crucial policy changes, every dollar, every additional facility, every additional judge, and every additional officer and agent Congress provides Biden\u2019s DHS with will be used to process and release illegal migrants into our interior more efficiently and expeditiously. There will never be a magic level of spending, a magic number of beds, a magic number of agents and officers, or a magic number of facilities to secure our border. Policy changes that force the administration to enforce the law at the border and in the interior is the only way to fully secure the border. We must demand these changes in the 118th congress.\n\nIt would be a grave mistake to allow years of the Left\u2019s vociferous calls for amnesty to distract us from our goal of securing the border. We must not confuse border security for immigration. We must stand firm and remain focused on fixing what the American people sent us to Washington to fix. Blank checks for false security measures and amnesty of any kind while our country endures this historical border crisis must be fiercely resisted.\n\nSincerely,\n\nChip Roy\n\nMember of Congress\n\nJodey Arrington\n\nMember of Congress\n\nBrian Babin\n\nMember of Congress\n\nTom McClintock\n\nMember of Congress\n\nAndy Biggs\n\nMember of Congress\n\nYvette Herrell\n\nMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://arrington.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=892", "Arrington: \u201cThe States are Last Line of Defense Against a Lawless and Derelict President\u201d", "2022-12-12", "2022", "2022-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Jodey C. Arrington", "A000375", "arrington.house.gov", "arrington", "https://arrington.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Representative Jodey Arrington released the following statement in response to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reports that there have been over 16,000 apprehensions at the southern border in the last 48 hours:\n\n\u201cWe\u2019ve seen over 16,000 illegal crossings at the southern border in just the last 48 hours, on top of over 200,000 apprehensions a month for the last eight months. We have experienced record drugs, crime, and terrorist suspects pouring into our communities over the last two years while the Biden Administration has utterly failed to enforce the laws, defend our borders, and protect our citizens.\n\n\u201cAll state officials in border states should declare an invasion and immediately apprehend, deport, and secure the border! I have introduced a resolution \u2014 with nearly 70 co-sponsors representing more than 25 states \u2014 affirming states\u2019 constitutional right of self-defense when their citizens are in \u2018imminent danger.\u2019\n\n\u201cThis is the most clear and present threat to the safety and security of the American people, and the states are our last line of defense against a lawless and derelict President who has aided and abetted an invasion by narco-terrorist drug cartels.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4270", "Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher Hosts Year-End Town Hall", "2022-12-12", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "TX", "Lizzie Fletcher", "F000468", "fletcher.house.gov", "fletcher", "https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) held a year-end virtual town hall meeting, where she provided an update on her work for Texas\u2019 Seventh Congressional District and she answered Constituents\u2019 questions on issues of importance to the community.\n\n\u201cI was glad to share a summary of my work this year and this Congress with residents of Texas\u2019 Seventh Congressional District and to answer questions about issues affecting our community, and the work I\u2019ve done to address them,\u201d said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher. \u201cLooking back, I am proud of the work we have done this Congress\u2014including how we\u2019re helping our economy recover, how we\u2019re protecting our communities, and how we\u2019re rebuilding our infrastructure\u2014as well as provide a space to listen to our neighbors\u2019 concerns and ideas on a variety of issues, from women\u2019s reproductive rights to health care.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://gonzalez.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-gonzalez-announces-over-7-million-nuestra-clinica-del-valle", "CONGRESSMAN GONZALEZ ANNOUNCES OVER $7 MILLION FOR NUESTRA CLINICA DEL VALLE", "2022-12-12", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "TX", "Vicente Gonzalez", "G000581", "gonzalez.house.gov", "gonzalez", "https://gonzalez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "San Juan, Texas \u2013 Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) announced that the Nuestra Clinica del Valle will receive $7,008,351 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.\n\n\"Nuestra Clinica del Valle continues to provide essential healthcare services to our growing communities,\" stated Congressman Gonzalez. \"This funding ensures that our healthcare professionals at Nuestra Clinica del Valle can meet the needs of our most underserved South Texans who rely on them for primary healthcare services.\"\n\n\"Nuestra Clinica del Valle, Inc. is grateful to receive funding for our uninsured and underserved population\", stated Lucy Torres, CEO of Nuestra Clinica del Valle. \"These funds will allow NCDV to continue providing access to care which includes comprehensive primary health care, OB/GYN, dental, and behavioral services to residents of Hidalgo County.\"\n\nNuestra Clinica del Valle offers comprehensive primary health care to low income and underserved populations at 11 locations in Hidalgo and Starr Counties. Available services include primary care, OB/GYN, dental, and behavioral health.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=487", "Rep. Jackson Announces Water Infrastructure Wins for Wichita Falls, MSU", "2022-12-12", "2022", "2022-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Ronny Jackson", "J000304", "jackson.house.gov", "jackson", "https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Last week, Representative Ronny Jackson (TX-13) voted in favor of the Water Resources Development Act of 2022 (WRDA), which included two key wins for Wichita Falls and Midwestern State University (MSU).\n\nEvery two years, Congress considers the WRDA, which makes key investments in water infrastructure projects and provides the authority needed to address water supply and infrastructure needs across the country. This year\u2019s WRDA contained a provision to allow the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to engage with MSU and the City of Wichita Falls on a proposal to restore and maintain Sikes Lake. It will also determine the feasibility of moving the lake\u2019s dredging under the control of the USACE, which is a priority for Wichita Falls and MSU. Additionally, this year\u2019s WRDA authorized expedited completion of a Red River Chloride Control Project to purify water in the Wichita Falls area to ensure the city, Sheppard Air Force Base, and surrounding communities have safe drinking water for years to come.\n\nJackson said: \u201cThe people and industries of Wichita Falls provide extraordinary value on the local, state, and national levels. By prioritizing these projects, Congress has recognized that effective water infrastructure systems are critical in economically vibrant communities such as Wichita Falls. The people of Wichita Falls have my support as we pursue solutions to the challenges faced at Sikes Lake and with water quality in the greater Wichita Falls area.\u201d\n\nJuliAnn Mazachek, Ph.D., President of Midwestern State University said: \u201cWe truly appreciate Congressman Jackson and his hard work to secure a feasibility study for Sikes Lake, in the recently passed Water Resource Development Act of 2022. This is an important first step for Midwestern State University as we work in collaboration with state, county, and city governments on innovative solutions to address the challenges of Sikes Lake so that our campus and the Wichita Falls community may continue to enjoy the area.\u201d\n\nRandy Whiteman, General Manager of the Red River Authority of Texas said: \u201cThe Red River Authority of Texas has been a partner with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the Red River Chloride Control Program (RRCCP) since its inception. As the nonfederal sponsor for the program, we have seen firsthand the benefits in reduced nitrates in the Red River Basin and the area lakes. Those benefiting include communities and industries serviced by the City of Wichita Falls such as Shepard Air Force Base, Dundee Fish Hatchery\u2013the largest in Texas, and Wichita County Water Improvement District #2 which provides irrigation to Wichita County farms and cooling water for the Oklaunion Power Plant. The RRCCP for years has operated with only one active dam and pump station. Additional funding to complete the project will allow the treatment of at least two additional tributaries and reduce the chloride level two to threefold from its current level, thus providing additional benefits for the entire basin and those downstream.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://mccaul.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-ndaa-mccaul-provisions", "House Passes NDAA With McCaul Provisions", "2022-12-09", "2022", "2022-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Michael T. McCaul", "M001157", "mccaul.house.gov", "mccaul", "https://mccaul.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) released the following statement on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for the 2023 fiscal year. The legislation passed the House with broad bipartisan support.\n\n\"Texas is home to 15 military bases and more than 150 thousand servicemen and women \u2014 the second most in the nation. This year\u2019s NDAA will increase their pay, eliminate the president\u2019s authoritarian COVID vaccine mandate, and address the flow of fentanyl into our nation. I was proud to vote for this bill, which exceeded the president\u2019s national defense budget request by $45 million \u2014 sending a clear message that America still supports our troops and will never back down in the face of global threats.\u201d\n\nRep. McCaul\u2019s provisions included in the NDAA:\n\nPEACE Through Music Diplomacy Act\n\n\u201cMusic transcends language and culture barriers like nothing else. My bill will leverage the power of music to bring people together and advance U.S. foreign policy goals across the globe.\u201d\n\nShark Fin Sales Elimination Act\n\n\"The gruesome practice of maiming sharks \u2014 often while they are still alive \u2014 and dumping them back in the ocean is not only inhumane; it\u2019s also devastating to the marine ecosystem and harmful to the economy. I\u2019m thankful my colleagues joined me in working to end this practice and keep sharks from extinction.\u201d\n\nClick here for a list of Rep. McCaul\u2019s foreign affairs-related provisions in the NDAA.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://weber.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1492", "Rep. Weber leads letter to DOE requesting a 6-month extension for HVAC installations", "2022-12-09", "2022", "2022-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Randy K. Weber, Sr.", "W000814", "weber.house.gov", "weber", "https://weber.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Randy Weber (TX-14), along with Reps. Van Taylor (TX-3), Ken Calvert (CA-42), Brett Guthrie (KY-2), David Kustoff (TN-8), David Valadao (CA-21), and Byron Donalds (FL-19), sent a letter to Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm requesting a six-month extension of the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) standards deadline.\n\nThe current deadline to install SEER-14 equipment is January 1, 2023. This extension would provide home builders with adequate time to install heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment that is currently in compliance with SEER requirements but has not yet been installed due to construction delays and supply chain issues. Otherwise, homebuilders would be forced to install SEER-15 equipment, while still holding a significant inventory of the soon-to-be-outdated SEER-14 stock.\n\n\u201cThe supply chain crisis and subsequent construction delays have had a dramatic impact on costs for builders, homebuyers,\u201d the letter states. \u201cThis comes at a time when the country is already experiencing a growing housing affordability crisis. Building material prices are up 47 percent since the spring of 2020, and Fannie Mae estimates that the monthly principal and interest payment to purchase a median-priced home has risen by $500 since the beginning of the year due to the rapid rise in mortgage rates.\u201d\n\n\u201cTherefore, we urge DOE to extend the energy efficiency standards installation deadline for HVAC equipment by six months as a reasonable safeguard to avoid unnecessary delays and cost increases for home construction. This extension will further provide home builders and home buyers with greater certainty regarding their construction plans at a time when many details and costs are outside of their control.\u201d\n\nRead the full letter here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-al-green-partners-houston-community-college-hcc-and-houston-mbda", "Congressman Al Green Partners with Houston Community College (HCC) and Houston MBDA to Host Informational Webinar for Small Business Community", "2022-12-08", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "TX", "Al Green", "G000553", "algreen.house.gov", "algreen", "https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "(Houston, TX) \u2013 On Friday, December 9, 2022, Congressman Al Green, in partnership with HCC and Houston MBDA, will host an informational webinar for entrepreneurs who are either established or planning to grow their business. He released the following statement:\n\n\u201cMinority-owned small businesses are an indispensable economic engine for our city and entire nation that create jobs, drive innovation, as well as make the U.S. a more competitive player on the global stage. However, for these small enterprises to thrive, minority business owners need to have access to resources and capital,\u201d Congressman Al Green said. \u201cThis is why I introduced the Minority Business Resiliency Act, which was codified into law through President Biden\u2019s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. My legislation establishes rural minority business centers, establishes a grant program for minority businesses, and makes the Minority Business Development Agency a permanent agency under the U.S. Department of Commerce.\u201d\n\nCongressman Al Green continued, \u201cI am proud to continue championing individual economic mobility for minorities and helping keep the American economy moving forward by hosting this webinar with HCC. Thank you, HCC, for your invaluable support and for expanding business opportunities for minority entrepreneurs across the Greater Houston area.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://arrington.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=885", "Arrington Leads Texas Republican Delegation in Unveiling Border Security Plan for 118th Congress", "2022-12-08", "2022", "2022-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Jodey C. Arrington", "A000375", "arrington.house.gov", "arrington", "https://arrington.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "\u201cTexas is under siege from this invasion every day and our delegation is tired of watching the Biden Administration have \u2018more important things to do than protect our fellow Texans and Americans from cartels, terrorists, fentanyl traffickers, human traffickers, human smugglers, and murderers,\u201d Rep. Roy said. \u201cWe are committing ourselves to secure our southern border; we will not accept anything less, and this framework outlines what it\u2019s going to take to get the job done.\u201d\n\n\u201cFrom day one, the Lone Star State has had to fill the void left by a president who abandoned our southern border,\u201d said Congressman Brian Babin, Border Security Caucus Co-Chair. \u201cWith the Texas Border Commitment as our framework, we will work with leaders in the state and across the country to ensure that our laws are enforced and the nation is once again protected. Joe Biden will learn what so many already have: Don\u2019t mess with Texas!\u201d\n\n\u201cI spent more than 20 years as a federal prosecutor and served as Chairman of Homeland Security, but I have never seen the border this broken \u2014 and we have President Biden\u2019s policies to blame for that,\u201d said Congressman McCaul. \u201cAs Republican Leader on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I\u2019m urging the State Department to negotiate solutions with our neighboring countries and will continue holding the Biden administration accountable for the crisis it has inflicted on all Americans \u2014 especially Texans.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs migrants and fentanyl continue to pour over our southern border, the Biden Administration sits idly by and refuses to even acknowledge this devastating crisis,\u201d Rep. Crenshaw said. \u201cTexas continues to bear the brunt of this mess, and Biden\u2019s inaction speaks volumes. Come January 3rd, House Republicans will do everything in our power to secure our border and put an end to this national security crisis.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://arrington.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=887", "Arrington Secures Key Funding for Dyess Air Force Base and National Defense", "2022-12-08", "2022", "2022-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Jodey C. Arrington", "A000375", "arrington.house.gov", "arrington", "https://arrington.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Representative Jodey Arrington issued the following statement after voting in support of the Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which cleared the House of Representatives with overwhelming bipartisan support.\n\n\u201cThe defense authorization bill, while not perfect, provides the necessary resources for our warfighters and weapon systems to defend our freedoms and counter our adversaries like China and Russia. I am pleased we were able to secure funding for Dyess Air Force Base, including investments for B-1 hypersonic integration and continued development of the B-21. Our national defense and military readiness is job one, and we responsibly advanced that mission in today\u2019s NDAA,\u201d said Rep. Arrington.\n\nDyess Air Force Base Wins:\n\n$10 million for B-1 hypersonic integration\n\n$4.9 billion for the B-21 Long Range Strike Bomber", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://arrington.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=888", "Arrington Addresses COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate Repeal in NDAA", "2022-12-08", "2022", "2022-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Jodey C. Arrington", "A000375", "arrington.house.gov", "arrington", "https://arrington.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Representative Arrington (TX-19) released the following statement regarding the repeal of the Biden Administration\u2019s military COVID-19 vaccine mandate in the House-passed National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2023.\n\n\u201cI am proud that this NDAA not only gave our troops the resources necessary to be safe and successful, but repealed Biden\u2019s disastrous vaccine mandate \u2014 an irresponsible and heavy-handed policy that ruined many careers and caused us to lose some of our best warriors,\u201d said Rep. Arrington.\n\nSince the vaccine mandate went into effect, Biden\u2019s Department of Defense has discharged over 8,000 active duty service members for refusing the vaccine, including:\n\n3,717 Marines (Of the 3,733 Marines who requested religious exemptions from the mandate, only 11 were granted.)\n\n1,841 soldiers\n\n2,064 sailors\n\n834 airmen\n\nPotentially an additional 9,000 National Guard guardsmen\n\nThis reckless COVID-19 vaccine mandate took place as the Army fell 15,000 soldiers short of their recruitment goal for Fiscal Year 2022, missing by 25 percent.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://arrington.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=889", "Arrington Statement on Respect for Marriage Act", "2022-12-08", "2022", "2022-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Jodey C. Arrington", "A000375", "arrington.house.gov", "arrington", "https://arrington.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Representative Jodey Arrington (TX-19) made the following statement after voting against legislation in the House of Representatives that would codify same sex marriage:\n\n\u201cThe Democrat-led Senate amendment to HR 8404 \u2014 which codifies same sex marriage \u2014 would fundamentally alter the definition of traditional marriage by terminating the bipartisan Defense of Marriage Act. Furthermore, this legislation fails to protect the religious liberty of all Americans and is also, unfortunately, being used as political fodder to weaponize interracial marriage \u2013 which is distinct from same-sex marriage and has long been supported in this country.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://carter.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1652", "Carter, Texas Delegation Unveil Border Security Plan Ahead of Republican Takeover of the House", "2022-12-08", "2022", "2022-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "John R. Carter", "C001051", "carter.house.gov", "carter", "https://carter.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Representative John Carter (TX-31) joined the Texas Delegation in unveiling a comprehensive border security strategy ahead of Republicans taking the majority in the House. The plan, a culmination of several pieces of legislation developed from members of the Texas delegation, will complete physical infrastructure, improve border enforcement, end asylum loopholes, and target cartels. Representative Carter's Updated Standards for Asylum (USA) Act, which would punish fraudulent asylum claims with a fine and up to 10 years of prison, is included in the plan.\n\nRepresentative John Carter (TX-31) joined the Texas Delegation in unveiling a comprehensive border security strategy ahead of Republicans taking the majority in the House. The plan, a culmination of several pieces of legislation developed from members of the Texas delegation, will complete physical infrastructure, improve border enforcement, end asylum loopholes, and target cartels. Representative Carter's Updated Standards for Asylum (USA) Act, which would punish fraudulent asylum claims with a fine and up to 10 years of prison, is included in the plan.\n\n###\n\nRelated News\n\nCarter, Malliotakis Introduce Legislation to Prohibit Migrant Shelters on U.S. Military Bases\n\nSeptember 19, 2023 | Posted in Press Releases\n\nCarter's Secure the Border Act Passes House\n\nMay 11, 2023 | Posted in Press Releases\n\nCarter's Protection of Children Act Included in Historic Border Security Legislation\n\nMay 10, 2023 | Posted in Press Releases\n\nRep. Carter Introduces the USA Act\n\nApril 8, 2022 | Posted in Press Releases", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-castro-votes-for-respect-for-marriage-act-to-protect-the-freedom-to-marry-for-lgbtqia-and-interracial-couples", "Congressman Castro Votes for Respect for Marriage Act to Protect the Freedom to Marry for LGBTQIA+ and Interracial Couples", "2022-12-08", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "TX", "Joaquin Castro", "C001091", "castro.house.gov", "castro", "https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) voted to pass the Respect for Marriage Act, legislation to protect marriage equality under federal law. The Respect for Marriage Act passed the Senate on November 29, 2022, and now advances to the White House for President Biden\u2019s signature.\n\n\u201cAll Americans should have the freedom to marry who they love,\u201d said Congressman Castro. \u201cIn the months since the Supreme Court signaled its willingness to overturn Lawrence v. Texas and Obergefell v. Hodges, many families have written to tell me how scared they are about losing their rights. The Respect for Marriage Act is a common-sense bill to protect the rights of LGBTQIA+ and interracial couples and families, and I was glad to cast my vote to send it to President Biden\u2019s desk. No matter who you love, Texas should be a place where y\u2019all means all.\u201d\n\nThe Respect for Marriage Act will:\n\nEnshrine marriage equality under federal law. The bill requires that an individual be considered married under federal law if the marriage was valid in the state where it was performed. This gives same-sex and interracial couples additional security that they will continue to enjoy equal treatment under federal law as all other married couples.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-castro-votes-to-pass-ndaa-with-major-progress-for-san-antonio-servicemembers-and-families", "Congressman Castro Votes to Pass NDAA with Major Progress for San Antonio Servicemembers and Families", "2022-12-08", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "TX", "Joaquin Castro", "C001091", "castro.house.gov", "castro", "https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) voted to pass the Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (FY2023 NDAA) with major wins for San Antonio, including limits to surprise medical bills at Brooke Army Medical Center, a 4.6% pay raise for servicemembers and the DOD civilian workforce, improvements to mental and dental health care for military families, and stronger access to justice for victims of military sexual assault.\n\nTo view a full fact sheet on the FY2023 NDAA, click here.\n\n\u201cToday, I supported passage of a bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that makes important progress for San Antonio\u2019s military families and all residents of Military City USA,\u201d said Congressman Castro. \u201cI\u2019m particularly pleased that the final language of the FY2023 NDAA includes legislation I wrote to limit the outrageous medical bills that San Antonians often face after emergency trauma care at Brooke Army Medical Center. While I remain concerned about the overall size of our defense budget, there is much to support in this year\u2019s NDAA.\u201d\n\nLimiting Surprise Medical Bills at Brooke Army Medical Center\n\nThe FY2023 NDAA includes a provision authored by Congressman Castro that requires the Director of the Defense Health Agency to implement a modified payment plan based on a sliding-scale discount program for civilians who are underinsured or at risk for financial harm who receive treatment at Military Treatment Facilities (MTFs) including Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) in San Antonio.\n\nThis provision follows an amendment that Congressman Castro secured in the FY2021 NDAA to provide MTFs with the flexibility to waive medical bills for civilians. BAMC is one of two Level 1 Trauma Centers in San Antonio and must treat civilians to maintain its accreditation for graduate medical education. In recent years, civilians have faced high medical bills after receiving trauma care at BAMC, even though their care helps to prepare military medical professionals to meet the medical needs of American servicemembers.\n\nInvesting in America\u2019s Workforce and Expediting National Security Research\n\nThe FY2023 NDAA also includes provisions authored or co-authored by Congressman Castro in his capacity as chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on International Development, International Organizations, and Global Corporate Social Impact and as a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence that would:\n\nImprove student internship opportunities at the State Department by providing the Department with permanent authority to pay its interns and requiring it to transition its internship program to be paid in the coming years. The legislation also describes other parameters of the student internship program, including considerations for diversity and requirements for housing and travel costs to be covered for certain interns serving in D.C. or abroad.\n\nSupport the employment of U.S. citizens by international organizations by providing additional authorities and funding avenues to place qualified Americans at UN agencies, including through the Junior Professional Officer program.\n\nRestore U.S. leadership in international organizations by authorizing the State Department to provide housing allowances to nine additional members of the Foreign Service who are serving in New York City at the U.S. Mission to the United Nations. Under current law, the State Department is only able to provide a housing allowance to 32 members of the Foreign Service who are serving at the U.S. Mission to the United Nations, a restriction that has prevented the United States from properly staffing the mission.\n\nExpand training and professional development opportunities for the civil and foreign service at the State Department by providing authorities to strengthen the Foreign Service Institute, including through additional training offerings, new fellowship programs for Foreign and Civil Service, and other provisions to improve the training of U.S. diplomats.\n\nProvide pay equity for government employees working abroad by requiring members of the Civil Service under a Department Employee Teleworking Overseas (DETO) agreement (most often provided to military/foreign service spouses or dependents) to be paid either at what they would have been paid in the United States or what a member of the Foreign Service at an equivalent level is paid.\n\nExpedite the declassification of CIA historical records by requiring the CIA Historical Review Panel to report directly to the Director of the CIA and requiring that the Inspector General of the CIA submit a report to Congress that outlines the CIA\u2019s declassification efforts.\n\nImprove diversity within the Intelligence Community by requiring the Director of National Intelligence to submit a report to Congress that documents barriers or obstacles to promotion for women and minorities, proposals to overcome those barriers, and summarizes existing efforts to strengthen the promotion pipeline for underrepresented populations in the Intelligence Community.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://escobar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1105", "Congresswoman Escobar Votes for Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act", "2022-12-08", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "TX", "Veronica Escobar", "E000299", "escobar.house.gov", "escobar", "https://escobar.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Vice-Chair of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel, voted for final passage of H.R. 7776, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2023, in the House of Representatives. The bill now goes to the Senate for a vote and will then be sent to the President\u2019s desk for his signature.\n\n\u201cI am so proud of this final package that strengthens our national security, prioritizes our servicemembers, and modernizes key facets of our Armed Forces,\u201d said Congresswoman Escobar. \u201cAs a member of the House Armed Services Committee and the sole representative for Fort Bliss in Congress, I\u2019m thrilled to see the investments coming home to our community. The FY23 NDAA will make monumental investments in our colonias, military assets, personnel, and so much more.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe are grateful to Congresswoman Escobar\u2019s efforts to help revive an important wastewater assistance program that allows communities to step forward for federal funding and bring more infrastructure to our most vulnerable residents,\u201d El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego said. \u201cEl Paso County has made robust investments in recent years to connect more of our residents to water and wastewater and so this program is a great vehicle to increase collaboration with the federal government and continue to improve the conditions for people living in our communities.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe appreciate the support of Congresswoman Escobar and the House Armed Services Committee to add legislative language that enables projects on land leased from the Department of Defense to be eligible for certain grant assistance,\u201d said Lisa Rosendorf, EPWater\u2019s Chief Communications and Government Affairs Officer. \u201cLocally, this means the Kay Bailey Hutchison Desalination Plant and other facilities on land leased from Fort Bliss will have new grant funding opportunities, but beyond that, it will benefit military communities across the country, supporting critical infrastructure projects while also benefitting our national defense.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis bill authorizes important funds UTEP requested for the Space University Partnership program that connects 14 universities, including UTEP, with the Space Force. We look forward to increasing research and developing talent for the Space Force and aerospace industry here in El Paso,\u201d said UTEP President Heather Wilson.\n\nThanks to the leadership of Congresswoman Escobar and her colleagues, the FY23 NDAA:\n\nImproves Quality of Life for our Servicemembers and Their Families\n\nEnsuring our servicemembers are cared for is a top priority for Congresswoman Escobar. Through the NDAA, a 4.6% pay raise was secured for servicemembers and civilians. Additionally, her bill, H.R. 7930, the Military Spouse Entrepreneur Reimbursement Act, which reimburses qualified relicensing and business costs for military spouse entrepreneurs when their servicemembers are required to move posts, was included in the package.\n\nInvests in Infrastructure\n\nCongresswoman Escobar successfully secured $15 million in construction funding for a new firehouse at Fort Bliss. The new station would serve the William Beaumont Army Medical Center area, which currently lacks a dedicated fire station. Additionally, Congresswoman Escobar ensured language was included in the FY23 NDAA that amended the Defense Community Infrastructure Program (DCIP), which authorizes the Department of Defense to award grants to local and state governments for community infrastructure supportive of military installations. Her amendment would allow critical infrastructure assets located on land leased from the Department of Defense, like Kay Bailey Hutchinson Desalination Plant, to be eligible for these funds.\n\nPromotes the U.S. Space Force\u2019s University Partnership Program\n\nCongresswoman Escobar successfully advocated for increased funding for the U.S. Space Force\u2019s University Partnership Program. Having begun in 2021, this program includes several universities, including the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), and encourages these institutions to connect with the Space Force for the purpose of recruiting students, leadership development, research, and sponsoring projects.\n\nGrows Ties Between the Services and UTEP\n\nCost and culture have often been barriers to entry into the Air Education and Training Command for women and minorities. To keep up with the high demand for qualified aviators, Congresswoman Escobar championed a provision in the NDAA to have the Secretary of the Air Force provide a briefing to the House Committee on Armed Services on how the Air Force can engage with Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) like UTEP on developing innovative programs aimed at recruiting and training future pilots. Additionally, the NDAA includes provisions to continue growing the defense research capacities at MSIs in order to expose students to opportunities at the Department of Defense and bolster the Department\u2019s workforce.\n\nIncreases Funding for the Military Munitions Response Program\n\nCongresswoman Escobar secured additional funding for the Military Munitions Response Program (MMRP) at Formerly Used Defense Sites (FUDS), which addresses the risks of the presence of military munitions. These sites, like Castner Range, have been left uncleaned for decades and this funding will ensure FUDS across the country are cleaned up and the surrounding communities are protected. The Congresswoman also included bill language requiring the Department of Defense to establish a cleanup target goal for the completion of all MMRP sites, such as Castner Range.\n\nModernizes Our Military to Tackle the Climate Crisis\n\nCongresswoman Escobar drafted language to establish a pilot program for the Department of Defense, in collaboration with the Department of Energy, to use infrastructure such as microgrids at military installations to electrify vehicle fleets and maintain grid resilience. Additionally, she authored language to require the DoD to conduct a study of military housing resilience and energy efficiency to assess compliance with the Unified Facilities Criteria for Housing and with the latest published editions of relevant codes, specifications, and standards that incorporate the latest hazard-resistant and energy-efficient designs and establish minimum acceptable criteria for the design, construction, and maintenance of residential structures.\n\nIncreases Funding for Additive Manufacturing in Future Vertical Lift and Low-Cost Missile Technology\n\nCongresswoman Escobar included language to authorize $10 million for the Additive Manufacturing in Future Vertical Lift program and $10 million Low-Cost Missile Technology program. This funding will allow America Makes and the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining to work closely with minority-serving institutions like UTEP to diversify the defense workforce and build up our supply chain.\n\nPrioritizes Civilian Support Personnel\n\nThose who work in service of our country should be paid a livable wage. The FY23 NDAA includes a provision providing inflation bonuses for civilians with incomes under $45k/year and codifies a $15 minimum wage for employees working on federal service and construction contracts.\n\nProvides $500m over 5 years for our Colonias\n\nThere has traditionally been little funding set aside solely for the needs of colonias and oftentimes localities have to tackle colonia-specific priorities on their own or compete for funding meant for other types of communities. The FY23 NDAA includes language authored by Congresswoman Escobar which reauthorizes the Wastewater Assistance to Colonias program and includes $500 million in funding over 5 years for the program while lowering the local cost-share for localities. This provision was drawn from Congresswoman Escobar\u2019s bill, H.R. 3238, the Colonia Infrastructure Improvement Act. Additionally, a project was secured to conduct a flood risk management study specific to El Paso County for economically-disadvantaged communities like our colonias.\n\nPromotes Transparency of the DoD\u2019s 1122 Program\n\nCongresswoman Escobar crafted language that would establish and maintain a publicly available website providing up-to-date and comprehensive information on the purchase of equipment through the 1122 DoD program. This program allows states and local governments access to federal sources to purchase equipment for counter-drug, homeland security, and emergency response activities.\n\nA comprehensive summary of the provisions in the FY23 NDAA is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://escobar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1106", "Congresswoman Escobar Votes to Authorize $500 Million for Colonias and Wastewater Infrastructure", "2022-12-08", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "TX", "Veronica Escobar", "E000299", "escobar.house.gov", "escobar", "https://escobar.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16), voted for the final passage of H.R. 7776, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2023, in the House of Representatives. The FY23 NDAA includes a provision authored by Congresswoman Escobar to authorize $500 million in funding for colonias over five years. The bill now goes to the Senate for a vote and will then be sent to the President\u2019s desk for his signature.\n\n\u201cIt is spectacular that we were able to secure this funding for the colonias,\u201d said Congresswoman Escobar. \u201cThis cause has been near and dear to my heart, going back to my work in local government as a Country Judge. Knowing this legislation will make a difference for families who have waited for generations to have water and wastewater services, while lowering the matched contribution costs from the county to help the community, is a wonderful feeling.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe are grateful to Congresswoman Escobar\u2019s efforts to help revive an important wastewater assistance program that allows communities to step forward for federal funding and bring more infrastructure to our most vulnerable residents,\u201d El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego said. \u201cEl Paso County has made robust investments in recent years to connect more of our residents to water and wastewater and so this program is a great vehicle to increase collaboration with the federal government and continue to improve the conditions for people living in our communities.\u201d\n\nThe NDAA serves as the legislative foundation for elected representatives of the American people to steer U.S. national security priorities and deliver meaningful policy reforms that benefit service members, their families, and communities across the United States. This year\u2019s NDAA includes language authored by Congresswoman Escobar which reauthorizes the Wastewater Assistance to Colonias program and includes $500 million in funding over 5 years for the program while lowering the local cost-share for localities. There has traditionally been little funding set aside solely for the needs of colonias and oftentimes localities have to tackle colonia-specific priorities on their own or compete for funding meant for other types of communities. This provision was drawn from Congresswoman Escobar\u2019s bill, H.R. 3238, the Colonia Infrastructure Improvement Act. Additionally, a project was secured to conduct a flood risk management study specific to El Paso County for economically-disadvantaged communities like our colonias.\n\nFor a comprehensive summary of the provisions in the FY23 NDAA, click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4242", "Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher Votes To Enshrine and Protect Marriage Equality for Same-Sex and Interracial Couples", "2022-12-08", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "TX", "Lizzie Fletcher", "F000468", "fletcher.house.gov", "fletcher", "https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) voted for the Respect for Marriage Act, H.R. 8404, to enshrine marriage equality for same-sex and interracial couples in federal law, repeal the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), and provide legal protections for marriage equality. Congresswoman Fletcher is a co-sponsor of the Respect for Marriage Act.\n\n\u201cToday, the House of Representatives voted to protect families in Houston and across the country by guaranteeing the right to marry for same-sex and interracial couples,\u201d said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher. \u201cIn Houston, we celebrate our diverse families and we also know that, in this moment, we must do all we can to protect them. I\u2019m proud to be a co-sponsor of this important legislation and vote again to enshrine and protect marriage equality\u2014and to protect the people I represent.\u201d\n\nThe effort to pass federal legislation comes after a concurring opinion by Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas in Dobbs v. Jackson Women\u2019s Health Organization explicitly called on the Supreme Court to reconsider its decisions protecting other fundamental rights, including the right to same-sex marriage recognized in Obergefell v. Hodges. If enacted, the Respect for Marriage Act would:\n\nEnshrine marriage equality for federal law purposes, giving same-sex and interracial couples additional security that they will continue to enjoy equal treatment under federal law as all other married couples;\n\nRepeal DOMA, which, despite the Supreme Court\u2019s previous decisions holding marriage equality as a constitutional right, still remains law; and\n\nProvide additional legal tools for individuals to protect their right to marriage equality, including providing the U.S. Attorney General with the authority to pursue enforcement actions and create a way for individuals to sue when their rights are violated.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4246", "Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher Votes for Annual Bipartisan Defense Bill Supporting Service Members and National Security", "2022-12-08", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "TX", "Lizzie Fletcher", "F000468", "fletcher.house.gov", "fletcher", "https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) voted for H.R. 7776, which includes both the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23), and the Water Resources Development Act of 2022, which protects our communities and our country in critical ways.\n\n\u201cI was glad to vote today for a bill that protects our communities and country by supporting our service members and their families, strengthening our national security, and authorizing critical infrastructure projects,\u201d said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher. \u201cThis bill authorizes a pay raise and vital benefits for service members, protects military supply chains, makes investments to improve military capability, and authorizes several of the water resources projects I advocated for that benefit our district and our region\u2014 including important modifications to the Houston Ship Channel Improvement Project, and the Coastal Texas Study, a transformative project to reduce storm surge at the coast, protecting our region and our country from catastrophic damage.\u201d\n\nH.R. 7776 addresses the following Houston priorities:\n\nDefense\n\nVital benefits for service members and their families, including a 4.6 percent pay raise for service members and civilian personnel.\n\nIncreased basic housing allowance, including a raised eligibility for servicemembers below certain income thresholds to qualify for a basic needs allowance;\n\nSupport for spousal employment, including financial reimbursement for moving expenses for spouses with home businesses.\n\nResources for mental health, including a program to equip civilian behavioral health providers to meet the unique challenges of service members and their families; and\n\nResources for child care, including a five-year pilot program to reimburse servicemembers for childcare costs incurred by a permanent change of station, and authorization of childcare fee reductions for children of military child development center employees.\n\nNew investments in science and technology competitiveness, including $138.9 billion for research and development interests across national security and future technologies, including funding for next-generation capabilities in hypersonics, electronic warfare, artificial intelligence, and 5G technology development.\n\nSupply chain security, including improved risk management of the Department of Defense\u2019s supply chains and expanded authority of the National Defense Stockpile Manager to address shortfalls, and more than $1 billion for acquisition of strategic and critical materials for the National Defense Stockpile Transaction Fund.\n\nMilitary justice for survivors of sexual assault, including mandatory independent investigators outside of immediate chain of command to investigate cases of sexual harassment and permission for the Secretary of Defense to expand restricted reporting of sexual assault for civilian employees;\n\nSupport for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and other minority serving institutions, including more than $131 million for HBCU funding and research partnerships, as well as the establishment of a pilot program to increase research capacity at minority serving institutions;\n\nResources for U.S. allies and partners, including more than $800 million for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, more than $11.5 billion in funding for the Pacific Deterrence Initiative, and more than $6 billion for the European Deterrence Initiative; and\n\nCivilian harm mitigation measures, including the establishment of a Civilian Harm Center for Excellence at the Department of Defense that will help efforts to track and publicly report on civilians hurt and killed by U.S. military operations abroad, as well as the authorization of $25 million for the implementation of a Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan.\n\nWater Infrastructure Projects\n\nTechnical assistance for local partners for the removal of sediment obstructing inflow channels to the Addicks and Barker Reservoirs;\n\nConstruction of important sections of the Houston Ship Channel Expansion Project to strengthen our nation\u2019s largest port for waterborne tonnage;\n\nA feasibility study to incorporate the construction of barge lanes to a depth of 12 feet as part of the Houston Ship Channel Expansion Project, making barge lanes safer for vessels; and\n\nThe Coastal Texas Study, a critical project to stop storm surges at the Gulf Coast and protect our national security.\n\nIn March, Congresswoman Fletcher advocated for the inclusion of the Coastal Texas Study in the Water Resources Development Act of 2022 when she testified before the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://gonzales.house.gov/2022/12/congressman-tony-gonzales-supports-passage-fy23-national-defense-authorization", "Congressman Tony Gonzales Supports Passage of FY23 National Defense Authorization Act", "2022-12-08", "2022", "2022-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Tony Gonzales", "G000594", "gonzales.house.gov", "gonzales", "https://gonzales.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Tony Gonzales (TX-23) on Wednesday released the following statement after the House passage of the FY2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):\n\n\u201cAs a 20-year Navy veteran, I am proud to support this year\u2019s NDAA. This funding package bolsters our ability to counter adversaries such as China and Russia, rescinds the COVID-19 vaccine mandate for servicemembers, grants a pay raise to our troops, and includes provisions to improve the quality of life and well-being of our military personnel and their families,\u201d said Congressman Gonzales. \u201cTo address the ongoing national security threat at our southern border, this package also provides our Border Patrol agents with much-needed technology and life-saving training to prevent secondary exposure to deadly fentanyl. I will always support the men and women bravely defending our nation.\u201d\n\nThe NDAA contains new funding authorizations for TX-23 totaling $108 million:\n\n$29 Million for Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA)-Randolph Child Development Center\n\n$5.4 Million for completing BMT Dormitory at JBSA-Lackland\n\n$58.6 Million for JBSA Ambulatory Care Center Replacement (Dental)\n\n$15 Million for Fort Bliss Fire Station\n\nFlood Risk management project for economically disadvantaged communities in El Paso County\n\nExtension of 2018 Project Authorizations\n\nJBSA BMT Classrooms/Dining Facility\n\nJBSA Camp Bullis Dining Facility\n\nIt includes the following provisions to combat the border crisis:\n\nRequires the President to submit a report on past and current bilateral security and law enforcement cooperation with Mexico; a summary of Mexico\u2019s efforts to strengthen judicial processes for cartel-related crimes; cartel control of Mexican territory and its impact on U.S. national security\n\nRequires the Director of National Intelligence to report to Congress on how mass migration at the southern border poses a threat to national security; the threat of Latin American and Caribbean regimes using mass migration as a way to collect greater remittances and impose instability at the U.S. southern border\n\nRequires training for Customs and Border Protection agents on the use of containment devices to prevent secondary exposure to fentanyl and other lethal substances\n\nAuthorizes $2 million for Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Homeland Security to develop and execute a plan to counter illicit cross-border tunnel operations\n\nEstablishes a program to measure how successful, the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Customs and Border Protection technologies and strategies are for detecting trafficked fentanyl and precursor chemicals at ports of entry\n\nEstablishes a centralized data-sharing capability between Customs and Border Protection technologies and the Coast Guard\n\nIt also includes the following provisions to strengthen our national defense and benefit our men and women in uniform:\n\nAuthorizes funding to support a 4.6% pay raise for military servicemembers and the Department of Defense civilian workforce\n\nIncreases maximum amounts for bonus and special pay authorities for servicemembers in certain critical-skill positions\n\nExpands the scope of financial reimbursement related to spouse relicensing and business costs arising from a permanent change of station\n\nInitiates a pilot program to reimburse military families for certain childcare costs related to a permanent change of station\n\nEnsures servicemembers have access to quality housing, including by: extending the authority to adjust the basic allowance for housing in high-cost areas\n\nRequires a briefing on the feasibility and advisability of implementing certain reforms related to suicide prevention among members of the Armed Forces\n\nRequires establishment of a comprehensive initiative for brain health, the Warfighter Brain Health Initiative, to improve cognitive performance and brain health of servicemembers\n\nMakes improvements relating to behavioral health care in the military health system", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://gonzalez.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-gonzalez-announces-winners-congressional-app-challenge-15th", "Congressman Gonzalez Announces Winners of Congressional App Challenge for the 15th Congressional District of Texas", "2022-12-08", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "TX", "Vicente Gonzalez", "G000581", "gonzalez.house.gov", "gonzalez", "https://gonzalez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) announced the winners of the 2022 Congressional App Challenge (CAC) from the 15th Congressional District of Texas. The CAC is a competition that is held to encourage engagement of middle and high school students in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM).\n\n\"The future of the American workforce is rooted in the advancements we make in the STEM fields and the Congressional App Challenge is a great way to get students engaged and curious about it,\" stated Congressman Gonzalez. \"I am proud to announce the winners of this year's challenge and encourage them, and all South Texas students and educators, to learn more about the many possibilities there are in the STEM fields.\"\n\nThe list of the winners is below:\n\n1st Place: Dienda Osric, Mission, TX, Science Academy of South Texas\n\nApp: Superscript+ - makes programming easier while producing similar results and teaching this form of coding to new programmers will benefit them as they start learning to code.\n\n2nd Place: Edward Reyna, Palmview, TX, Thelma Salinas ECHS\n\nApp: Simply Loan - calculates the monthly payment given the loan amount, annual rate, and the number of payments.\n\n3rd Place: Evie Martinez, Harlingen, TX, Science Academy of South Texas\n\nApp: Tritan Colors - tests your eye-hand coordination along with identifying if you have colorblindness. With certain levels focusing on eye-hand coordination part and others on colorblindness.\n\nSponsored by the Internet Education Foundation and initiated by the Congressional Internet Caucus, the Congressional App Challenge is an annual challenge that aims to encourage students to learn and engage in coding and inspiring them to pursue careers and studies in the field of computer science.\n\nMore information on the Congressional App Challenge can be found www.congressionalappchallenge.us", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://gonzalez.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-gonzalez-votes-national-defense-authorization-act-support-service", "CONGRESSMAN GONZALEZ VOTES FOR NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT TO SUPPORT SERVICE MEMBERS AND MILITARY FAMILIES, STRENGTHENING NATIONAL SECURITY", "2022-12-08", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "TX", "Vicente Gonzalez", "G000581", "gonzalez.house.gov", "gonzalez", "https://gonzalez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Congressman Gonzalez (TX-15) voted in favor of the House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 7776, the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (NDAA), that authorizes $847 billion in discretionary spending to support service members, invests in modern technology, bolsters defense, and maintains strong national security at home and abroad.\n\n\"Our service members deserve cutting-edge resources to continue to lead,\" stated Congressman Gonzalez. \"As the son of a Veteran, I am proud to vote for this vital piece of legislation that includes the necessary funding to keep our military ready to address threats against our nation and support research initiatives so that America continues to lead the way in technological advances. Rest assured, I will continue to be a strong advocate for our military and our veterans. We must take care of the brave men and women who continue to protect the freedoms we enjoy every single day.\"\n\nCongressman Gonzalez introduced and successfully passed an amendment that requires the Secretary of Defense to provide an annual report to Congress on the number of non-citizen members of the Armed Forces, their immigration status, and how many naturalized that year.\n\nThe NDAA includes a 4.6% pay raise for service members, adds funds to Basic Allowance for Housing, increases the maximum allowable income to receive the Basic Needs Allowance to 150% of the federal poverty line, and adds $210 million for commissary funding to offset higher costs.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=486", "Rep. Jackson Secures Victories for TX-13\u2019s Defense Interests, Servicemembers Impacted by COVID Vaccine Mandate", "2022-12-08", "2022", "2022-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Ronny Jackson", "J000304", "jackson.house.gov", "jackson", "https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Today, Representative Ronny Jackson (TX-13) voted in favor of the Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Through Jackson\u2019s work on the House Armed Services Committee (HASC), numerous provisions were included in the final version of the NDAA to support the Pantex Plant in Amarillo, the Bell facility in Amarillo, Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, the larger defense-focused workforce in Texas\u2019 13th Congressional District, and servicemembers who have been unjustly targeted by the Biden Administration\u2019s absurd COVID-19 vaccine mandate.\n\nJackson said: \u201cAs a retired Rear Admiral and member of the House Armed Services Committee, I am committed to ensuring our country has a strong military and that our district remains a critical part of our national security. With the passage of this year\u2019s NDAA, I am proud that the provisions I have championed, and the work I have been part of, help accomplish those goals. Advocating for Pantex, Bell, Sheppard Air Force Base, and the larger defense-focused workforce in our district has been one of the most special aspects of my first term in Congress. Next year, I will be eager to build on this work and to watch our servicemembers thrive now that I have been successful in ending Joe Biden\u2019s ridiculous vaccine mandate.\u201d\n\nHASC Ranking Member Mike Rogers (AL-03) said: \u201cRep. Ronny Jackson championed multiple critical provisions in the FY23 NDAA including pushing for nuclear modernization. Additionally, he played a crucial role in securing $23M above President Biden\u2019s request for the Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft. He has also continued to be a steadfast advocate for the men and women at Sheppard Air Force Base. I thank Rep. Jackson for his leadership on the House Armed Services Committee.\u201d\n\nFor additional background on Jackson\u2019s work on the FY23 NDAA, click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://mccaul.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-mccaul-texas-republicans-unveil-border-security-plan-118th-congress", "Rep. McCaul, Texas Republicans Unveil Border Security Plan for 118th Congress", "2022-12-08", "2022", "2022-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Michael T. McCaul", "M001157", "mccaul.house.gov", "mccaul", "https://mccaul.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul (Texas-10) joined the Texas Republican delegation in unveiling their border security plan \u2014 a Commitment to Secure the Border \u2014 for the 118th Congress.\n\nImage\n\nClick to watch Congressman McCaul's remarks\n\nOn the crisis at our southern border: \u201cI was the chief of counterterrorism and national security in the state of Texas, a U.S. attorney for many years after 9/11, and I saw the threats coming in. But I have never seen it this bad.\u201d\n\nOn the Biden administration\u2019s decision to rescind Remain in Mexico: \u201cOn day one, President Biden rescinded Remain in Mexico, a policy that I worked with the Trump administration [on] to stop this crisis at our border. And you know what? The Migrant Protection Protocols worked. It was working. And just because it had Trump\u2019s name on it, they rescinded it on day one. Cartels know that, and now they have operational control over the border. How sad is that?\n\nOn how he\u2019ll work to secure the border next Congress: \u201cI\u2019m going to do everything in my power. I chaired [the Homeland Security Committee] for three terms; we\u2019re hopeful we\u2019ll have another Texan chairing the Homeland Security Committee. And in my role on the Foreign Affairs Committee, I\u2019m going to go down to Mexico and central America and talk about political asylum agreements, \u2018remain in country.\u2019 \u2026\n\n\u201c[Republicans] finally got [the border] fixed, and it\u2019s so sad to see it broken again. But you know what? In a new majority, we\u2019re going to fix it \u2014 once and for all.\u201d\n\nClick here for the Commitment to Secure the Border.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://nehls.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-troy-e-nehls-statement-after-voting-against-ndaa", "Rep. Troy E. Nehls' Statement After Voting Against NDAA", "2022-12-08", "2022", "2022-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Troy E. Nehls", "N000026", "nehls.house.gov", "nehls", "https://nehls.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Troy E. Nehls (R-TX-22) issued the following statement after voting against the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):\n\n\"Today, I voted against the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for the Fiscal Year 2023\", said Congressman Nehls. \"This year's defense bill is a perfect reminder of why Washington is broken. For starters, the bill includes $800 million in additional Ukraine funding with no oversight. We requested an audit on the billions we've already given Ukraine, and the Democrats refused. Additionally, although the vaccine mandate for military members was stripped from the bill, it does not go far enough. We must rehire these heroes with mandatory backpay.\n\nI voted no because I believe our nation's troops and taxpayers deserve better.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://roy.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-roy-texas-republican-delegation-unveil-border-security-plan-texans-texas", "Rep. Roy, Texas Republican Delegation unveil border security plan \u2018by Texans for Texas\u2019", "2022-12-08", "2022", "2022-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Chip Roy", "R000614", "roy.house.gov", "roy", "https://roy.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014 On Thursday, Rep. Chip Roy (TX-21) stood alongside 22 Texas Republican House Members, and five Members-elect, to unveil the delegation\u2019s border security framework \u2014 a 13-page document outlining which policy changes are necessary to ensure a secure southern border.\n\n\u201cHouse Republicans have made a Commitment to America to secure the southern border as part of our priority to create a \u2018nation that is safe,\u2019 the plan reads. \u201cAs Members of Congress representing Texans and the southern border we commit to the same and offer these solutions to fulfill the goals of the Commitment to America.\u201d\n\nThe delegation\u2019s agenda is a framework by Texans for Texas, which includes four priority areas:\n\nComplete physical border infrastructure\n\nFix border enforcement policies\n\nEnforce our laws in the interior\n\nTarget cartels & criminal organizations\n\nRep. Roy said:\n\n\u201cTexas is under siege from this invasion every day and our delegation is tired of watching the Biden Administration have \u2018more important things to do\u2019 than protect our fellow Texans and Americans from cartels, terrorists, fentanyl traffickers, human traffickers, human smugglers, and murderers. We are committing ourselves to secure our southern border; we will not accept anything less, and this framework outlines what it\u2019s going to take to get the job done.\u201d\n\nRep. Jodey Arrington said:\n\n\u201cNo one understands or appreciates the widespread social and economic costs of Biden\u2019s unprecedented open border crisis like the people of Texas. It only makes sense for the Texas Delegation to lead the way in using every tool and authority to secure the border, defend our sovereignty, and protect our citizens \u2014 and all Americans \u2014 from this epic disaster.\u201d\n\nRep. Brian Babin said:\n\n\u201cFrom day one, the Lone Star State has had to fill the void left by a president who abandoned our southern border. With the Texas Border Commitment as our framework, we will work with leaders in the state and across the country to ensure that our laws are enforced and the nation is once again protected. Joe Biden will learn what so many already have: Don\u2019t mess with Texas!\u201d\n\nRep. Michael McCaul said:\n\n\u201cI spent more than 20 years as a federal prosecutor and served as Chairman of Homeland Security, but I have never seen the border this broken \u2014 and we have President Biden\u2019s policies to blame for that. As Republican Leader on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I\u2019m urging the State Department to negotiate solutions with our neighboring countries and will continue holding the Biden administration accountable for the crisis it has inflicted on all Americans \u2014 especially Texans.\u201d\n\nRep. Dan Crenshaw said:\n\n\u201cAs migrants and fentanyl continue to pour over our southern border, the Biden Administration sits idly by and refuses to even acknowledge this devastating crisis. Texas continues to bear the brunt of this mess, and Biden\u2019s inaction speaks volumes. Come January 3rd, House Republicans will do everything in our power to secure our border and put an end to this national security crisis.\u201d\n\nThe full plan can be found here. A supplementary document containing relevant, existing legislation introduced by the Texas delegation can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://roy.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-roys-statement-2023-national-defense-authorization-act", "Rep. Roy's statement on the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act", "2022-12-08", "2022", "2022-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Chip Roy", "R000614", "roy.house.gov", "roy", "https://roy.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014On Thursday, Rep. Chip Roy (TX-21) released the following statement after voting against the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act:\n\nThis National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) \u2014 a 4,408-page, $860 billion bill crafted behind closed doors, dropped on the House floor with less than 48 hours to read, and passed only by suspending the House\u2019s normal rules \u2014 is an insult to our military and the American people.\n\nOur military should be focused on defending our republic and defeating our enemies, full stop. It is ridiculous that this defense bill included things like the reauthorization of the Coral Reef Conservation Act and taxpayer funds to \u201ccombat vaccine hesitancy\u201d abroad, or a mandate to transition non-tactical military vehicles to electric vehicles. And while it drives us deeper in debt, the bill directs the DoD to support initiatives to provide \u201cdebt restructuring or relief to developing countries with unsustainable levels of debt.\u201d It also green lights the Pentagon to move forward with an abortion travel fund for service members and their families.\n\nThanks to the work of Republican leaders, this NDAA did not draft our daughters and took steps to protect unvaccinated service members. I am grateful for their hard work, but I could not support the final bill. I am indeed pleased that the bill rescinds the Biden Administration\u2019s disastrous military COVID-19 vaccine mandate, but it does not protect unvaccinated service members from retribution, reinstate those wrongfully fired over the mandate, or expunge the records of those who lost or face losing GI bill benefits as a result.\n\nI introduced legislation that would do all of these things; Republicans owe it to the heroes harmed by Biden\u2019s strategically foolish mandate to pass this or similar legislation next Congress. And we cannot stop there. Republicans should fight to eradicate every radical social experiment and climate project at the Pentagon and restore its focus to protecting our people and defending our interests.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://sessions.house.gov/2022/12/congressman-sessions-votes-on-fiscal-year-2022-ndaa", "Congressman Sessions Votes on Fiscal Year 2023 NDAA", "2022-12-08", "2022", "2022-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Pete Sessions", "S000250", "sessions.house.gov", "sessions", "https://sessions.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington D.C.\u2013 On December 8, 2022, Congress passed H.Res 1512 \u2013 FY23 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Congressman Pete Sessions (TX-17) voted yea for the bill. This year\u2019s NDAA includes a repudiation of the Biden administration's failed COVID-19 vaccine policies for military service members.\n\nCongressman Sessions was pleased with today\u2019s vote. He stated, \u201cIt is unfair to force troops to decide between getting the vaccine (even for religious exemptions) or the ability to serve their country in the U.S. military. Today\u2019s vote will give our federal government the resources to keep America safe and bolster opportunities for patriotic Americans selflessly serving in uniform.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://sylviagarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/garcia-announces-authorization-30-million-small-shipyard-grant-programs-and-30", "GARCIA ANNOUNCES AUTHORIZATION OF $30 MILLION FOR SMALL SHIPYARD GRANT PROGRAMS AND $30 MILLION IN GRANTS FOR MARITIME CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE", "2022-12-08", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "TX", "Sylvia R. Garcia", "G000587", "sylviagarcia.house.gov", "sylviagarcia", "https://sylviagarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Garcia announced $30 million for small shipyard grant programs and $30 million in grants for maritime centers of excellence were authorized by the House today. These funds could soon benefit the Houston region's maritime industry and training centers.\n\n\"I'm proud to announce $30 million for small shipyard grant programs and $30 million in grants for maritime centers of excellence were authorized,\" said Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia. \"The often-overlooked maritime industry is remarkably important for Houston as it is home to the Maritime Center of Excellence Campus and the Port of Houston. When appropriated, these funds will support the next generation of maritime workers by strengthening maritime education and training programs. This will deliver massive economic improvements for the Houston region, and benefit residents across my district.\"\n\n\"The San Jacinto College Maritime Technology and Training Center was named a 2021 Center of Excellence for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education (CoE), by the U.S. Maritime Administration. We are grateful to Congresswoman Garcia for her hard and persistent work to include authorization of both $30 million for the small shipyard grant programs and $30 million in grants for community college maritime centers of excellence,\" said Chancellor Dr. Brenda Hellyer, San Jacinto College. \"These funds, when appropriated, could benefit our region and the maritime industry! We are very grateful to Congresswoman Garcia who spent many hours working on this legislation.\"\n\nThese maritime amendments were included as part of the FY 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which passed out of the House of Representatives today in a bipartisan 350-80 vote. This is the annual defense funding bill, but often contains many local provisions such as this one. The $847 billion measure will now head to the Senate for consideration ahead of the year-end deadline.\n\n###\n\nCongresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in November 2018, becoming the first Latina ever to represent the Texas 29th Congressional District. She serves on the House Judiciary, Financial Services, and Armed Services Committees.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://veasey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-veasey-votes-to-honor-texas-servicemembers-strengthen-national", "Rep. Veasey Votes to Honor Texas Servicemembers, Strengthen National Security", "2022-12-08", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "TX", "Marc A. Veasey", "V000131", "veasey.house.gov", "veasey", "https://veasey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Rep. Veasey voted for the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2023. This legislation will strengthen America's national security, honor the heroism of Texas servicemembers and make critical investments in cutting-edge technology. Additionally, House Democrats successfully blocked Republicans' attempt to restrict servicemembers' access to healthcare \u2013 preserving a Department of Defense program that ensures servicemembers can travel to access reproductive care if they are stationed in a state that criminalizes abortion.\n\n\"Today, I was proud to join a bipartisan group of my colleagues to pass this year's NDAA that will provide Texas military families with the support they have earned while bolstering America's national security, strengthening our technological advantage, and promoting our leadership on the world stage. This legislation will also expand pathways to opportunity for our underserved communities, invest in clean energy, and deliver a historic investment in marine conservation,\" said Rep. Veasey.\n\nThanks to the leadership of Congressman Veasey and his colleagues, the FY23 NDAA includes:\n\nAdditional Lockheed Martin F-35 Fighter Jet Funding, made in Fort Worth and used by many of our allies around the world.\n\nAdditional Bell V-22 Osprey Funding, used by the Air Force, Marines, and Navy to perform many complex transportation and medevac operations.\n\nImproved oversight on weapons systems sustainment, aiming to increase accountability for how the Pentagon budgets its maintenance accounts.\n\nKey pay increases for service members and their families, including a 4.6% pay raise for service members and civilian personnel and inflation bonuses for service members earning less than $45,000/year\n\nSupport for HBCUs and other minority serving institutions, allocating over $131 million for research activities at HBCUs and establishing a pilot program to increase research capacity at minority-serving institutions.\n\nCivilian harm mitigation measures, reflecting the democratic values of the United States as a strategic and moral imperative by creating a DOD Center for Excellence in Civilian Harm Mitigation.\n\nNew investments in science and technology competitiveness, including additional funding for next-generation capabilities in hypersonics, electronic warfare, artificial intelligence, and software.\n\nSupply chain security, including an assessment of dual-use technology that the Chinese Communist Party might exploit and improving risk management in DoD supply chains involving pharmaceutical products.\n\nResources for U.S. allies and partners, including $800 million for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) and over $11 billion towards the Pacific Deterrence Initiative, as well as authorizing the Taiwan Enhanced Resilience Act of 2022.\n\nPassed annually by Congress since 1961, the NDAA authorizes funding levels for the Department of Defense. This legislation allows the Armed Forces to pay, train and equip U.S. servicemembers, support America's allies around the world, and carry out essential national security operations.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://weber.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1485", "Texas Republican Delegation Unveils Border Security Plan for 118th Congress", "2022-12-08", "2022", "2022-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Randy K. Weber, Sr.", "W000814", "weber.house.gov", "weber", "https://weber.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Weber (TX-14) and the Texas Republican delegation unveiled their border security plan\u2014A Commitment to Secure the Border\u2014for the 118th Congress.\n\n\u201cPresident Biden\u2019s open-border policies have put women, children, families, law enforcement, and our national security at risk,\u201d said Rep. Weber. \u201cTexans are fed up. Americans are fed up. This crisis is impacting their lives each and every day. I am proud to stand united with my fellow Texans in Washington to roll out framework to secure the border.\u201d\n\nHouse Republicans have made a Commitment to America to secure the southern border as part of the new majority\u2019s priority to create \u201ca nation that\u2019s safe.\u201d The delegation\u2019s agenda is a framework by Texans for Texas, and it includes four priority areas:\n\n\u00b7 Complete physical border infrastructure\n\n\u00b7 Fix border enforcement policies\n\n\u00b7 Enforce our laws in the interior\n\n\u00b7 Target cartels & criminal organizations\n\nA Commitment to Secure the Border can be accessed here, along with legislation included in the plan.\n\nRep. Weber\u2019s bill, H.R. 7528, The No Aid for Abetting Illegal Immigration Act, was included in the framework.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://weber.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1486", "Rep. Weber votes for the National Defense Authorization", "2022-12-08", "2022", "2022-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Randy K. Weber, Sr.", "W000814", "weber.house.gov", "weber", "https://weber.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Randy Weber (TX-14) released the following statement after voting for the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023.\n\n\"The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is necessary to ensure that our military stays at the pinnacle of readiness. It bolsters our national security by raising our service members' pay, and it ensures that we have the resources to take on China and Russia,\u201d said Rep. Weber. \"It also rescinds President Biden's unconstitutional COVID-19 vaccine mandate on our troops, which I have repeatedly called for abolishing. This is a huge win for our troops.\"\n\n\"I am also proud that the Water Resources Development Act of 2022 was included in this year's NDAA,\" Rep. Weber continued. \"This bill also includes the authorization for the Coastal Spine, the nation\u2019s most ambitious infrastructure project and one of my highest local priorities since arriving in Congress. The Texas Gulf Coast is home to millions of people, countless homes and jobs, and numerous refineries. This project will ensure our coastline has the necessary infrastructure to help protect against future storms.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 1466, "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 \"state\" = :p0 and \"year\" = :p1 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "TX", "p1": "2022"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=TX&year=2022", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 762, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=TX&year=2022&party=Republican", "selected": false}, {"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 704, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=TX&year=2022&party=Democrat", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=TX&year=2022", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 1299, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=TX&year=2022&chamber=House", "selected": false}, {"value": "Senate", "label": "Senate", "count": 167, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=TX&year=2022&chamber=Senate", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=TX&year=2022", "results": [{"value": "TX", "label": "TX", "count": 1466, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?year=2022", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=TX&year=2022", "results": [{"value": "2022", "label": "2022", "count": 1466, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=TX", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2022-12-08,https~3A~2F~2Fweber~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fnews~2Fdocumentsingle~2Easpx~3FDocumentID~3D1486", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=TX&year=2022&_next=2022-12-08%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fweber~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fnews~2Fdocumentsingle~2Easpx~3FDocumentID~3D1486&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 798.8350251689553, "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"}