Press releases
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3,938 rows where chamber = "House", state = "TX" and year = 2014 sorted by date descending
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party 2
- Republican 3,221
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year 1
- 2014 · 3,938 ✖
state 1
- TX · 3,938 ✖
chamber 1
- House · 3,938 ✖
| url | title | date ▲ | year | month | party | chamber | state | member_name | bioguide_id | domain | scraper | source | date_source | text | has_text | collected_at | updated_at |
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| https://medium.com/@RepBetoORourke/end-of-year-update-808ba317f354 | End of year update | 2014-12-31 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | TX | Beto O'Rourke | O000170 | medium.com | legacy | End of yearupdate December 29, 2014 I like to keep these updates as brief and to the point as I can. I know you get a lot of email, and you dont need more to read from me. However, since I conclude my first term in Congress this week and begin a new one in January, Id ask your indulgence as I provide a quick recap of our efforts in the 113th Congress and conclude with the last significant vote I took this year, a no vote on the spending bill. *** Weve done a lot during the 113th session of Congress: helped thousands of constituents in our El Paso office, voted on hundreds of important bills in the Capitol and held dozens of town hall meetings throughout the community. Theres no easy way to summarize and account for it all in this email, so I thought Id take you through three significant issues that are important both for El Paso and the country. The first is our obligation to our service members and their families. Soon after I took office we were forced to confront the consequences of the across-the-board budget cuts known as the sequester. While the sequester hit every federal agency, one group that stood out to me was our service members. In particular, we learned that service members were to lose access to the Tuition Assistance program, which affords them up to $4,500 per year to attend UTEP, El Paso Community College or other schools of higher-learning. After hearing from family members of those stationed at Fort Bliss, we introduced a bill to restore 100 percent of the funding. We partnered with key Republicans on the House Armed Services Committee and ultimately were able to restore funding for the remainder of 2013. By listening to the families of our service members, working across the aisle and not accepting the status quo we helped solve the problem and kept faith with our service members across the country and especially the nearly 33,000 incredibly brave men and women at Fort Bliss. At the same time that we were addressing the impacts of the sequester, we realized that problems at the VA were worse … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://medium.com/@RepBetoORourke/end-of-year-update-808ba317f354?source=rss-964ef69221bc------2 | End of year update | 2014-12-31 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | TX | Beto O'Rourke | O000170 | medium.com | legacy | End of yearupdate December 29, 2014 I like to keep these updates as brief and to the point as I can. I know you get a lot of email, and you dont need more to read from me. However, since I conclude my first term in Congress this week and begin a new one in January, Id ask your indulgence as I provide a quick recap of our efforts in the 113th Congress and conclude with the last significant vote I took this year, a no vote on the spending bill. *** Weve done a lot during the 113th session of Congress: helped thousands of constituents in our El Paso office, voted on hundreds of important bills in the Capitol and held dozens of town hall meetings throughout the community. Theres no easy way to summarize and account for it all in this email, so I thought Id take you through three significant issues that are important both for El Paso and the country. The first is our obligation to our service members and their families. Soon after I took office we were forced to confront the consequences of the across-the-board budget cuts known as the sequester. While the sequester hit every federal agency, one group that stood out to me was our service members. In particular, we learned that service members were to lose access to the Tuition Assistance program, which affords them up to $4,500 per year to attend UTEP, El Paso Community College or other schools of higher-learning. After hearing from family members of those stationed at Fort Bliss, we introduced a bill to restore 100 percent of the funding. We partnered with key Republicans on the House Armed Services Committee and ultimately were able to restore funding for the remainder of 2013. By listening to the families of our service members, working across the aisle and not accepting the status quo we helped solve the problem and kept faith with our service members across the country and especially the nearly 33,000 incredibly brave men and women at Fort Bliss. At the same time that we were addressing the impacts of the sequester, we realized that problems at the VA were worse … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://gohmert.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398170 | Rep. Gohmert: Obama Admitted Democrats Were 'Party of No' | 2014-12-30 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | TX | Louie Gohmert | G000552 | gohmert.house.gov | legacy | President Barack Obama admitted it was Democrats, not Republicans, that had been the "party of no," Rep. Louie Gohmert told Fox News' "America's Newsroom." Gohmert said Obama made the admission during an NPR interview that aired Monday when he said he rarely had to veto bills, because legislation he objected to was "typically blocked in the Senate" with Nevada Democrat Sen. Harry Reid as majority leader. "Now the president has finally admitted they've been lying — Harry Reid, all those folks that have been saying Republicans were the party of no. He's basically admitted in this statement, 'yeah, we've been the party of no, but I've been able to rely on Harry Reid to say no so I didn't have to,' " the Texas Republican said Tuesday. "That's what I'm hearing in that statement." Gohmert, who sits on the Senate Judiciary Committee, explained Republicans often tried to discuss ideas with Obama, but said even though the president communicated he wanted to work with GOP lawmakers, he would follow up by "going to the golf course and not talking to anybody." "He said, 'I have an open door, if you've got any ideas.' A bunch of us tried. They never had any indication that they would let us in. We kept asking, 'Hey, we've got some good ideas.' Never would hear from us. So, that was all for the camera, all for television, but not so much for reality," he said. With a majority in both houses of Congress, Republicans would now be able to move legislation to the president's desk, such as changes to healthcare, approving the Keystone XL pipeline, and defunding amnesty, Gohmert said, adding voters expected lawmakers to "follow through and do what we said we would do" when running for office. "This lets voters see who it is that's representing them," he said. "The best thing to do for an open government is get votes on bills." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://culberson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398202 | Culberson Stands With Texas in Fight Against Amnesty | 2014-12-27 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | TX | John Culberson | C001048 | culberson.house.gov | legacy | Culberson Stands With Texas in Fight Against Amnesty f t # e Houston, TX, December 27, 2014 Culberson Stands With Texas in Fight Against Amnesty Houston, TX—Congressman John Culberson (TX-07) joined an amicus brief supporting the State of Texas’s lawsuit against President Obama’s illegal executive actions on amnesty. Twenty-three other states have already joined the lawsuit, and more than sixty Members of Congress have signed onto the amicus brief filed by the American Center for Law and Justice. "President Obama's overreach is unprecedented. From Obamacare to the IRS scandals to his executive amnesty, no president has shown less regard for the rule of law. This week, I signed onto an amicus brief led by the State of Texas challenging President Obama's unconstitutional amnesty. I'm proud to stand with Texas as we work to restore our Constitution and the rule of law. “The structure and stability of our constitutional system depends on the President enforcing the laws Congress enacts—not ignoring or rewriting them. I applaud Governor-elect Abbott and the twenty-three other states for their efforts in holding the Obama administration accountable. Elected officials have a duty to defend the Constitution and represent their constituents, and this legal challenge does both. I'm proud that Texas is taking the lead, and I will support Governor-elect Abbott's efforts in every way possible.” f t # e | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://jacksonlee.house.gov//media-center/editorials/congresswoman-sheila-jackson-lees-2014-year-end-report | Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee's 2014 Year End Report | 2014-12-23 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | TX | Sheila Jackson Lee | J000032 | jacksonlee.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friends: As the year 2014 comes to an end, I thought it might be helpful to provide you a brief summary of some of the many activities that I have been engaged in this year on behalf of the constituents of the 18th Congressional District of Texas. I am pleased to report that, working together, we have achieved a number of successes that have made, and are making, a positive difference in the lives of all persons residing in the congressional district in the following areas: Protecting Medicare and Social Security. Despite significant budgetary challenges and determined opposition, we were able to protect Social Security recipients from any cuts in their benefits. I also helped lead the effort in the Congress, working with the Administration, to provide needed funding to ensure that doctors are available to treat Medicare recipients. In addition, the Affordable Care Act, which I supported and fought to pass, closed the Medicare prescription drug “donut hole,” and is saving seniors in the district on average $866 per person. Expanding Educational Opportunity. Higher education is a key that opens doors to opportunity. Congress has a duty to help make it accessible and affordable for more Americans. That is why I strongly supported and advocated successfully for the legislation signed into law by the President that lowers interest rates for nearly 11 million borrowers this year and saves them $25 billion in the next five years. I am also a co-sponsor of the “Bank on Students Emergency Refinancing Act,” which would allow borrowers to refinance federal and private student loans to the lower rates that are currently available to new borrowers. Protecting the Right to Vote. The right to vote, free from discrimination, is the most precious of all our rights. That is the reason why, as a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee, I helped lead the successful fight in 2006 to reauthorize the Voting Rights Act of 1965 for an additional 25 years. But a year ago, the Supreme Court dealt a severe blow to the Voting R… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://jacksonlee.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-sheila-jackson-lee-applauds-presidents-executive-order-0 | CONGRESSWOMAN SHEILA JACKSON LEE APPLAUDS PRESIDENT'S EXECUTIVE ORDER CREATING WHITE HOUSE TASK FORCE ON 21ST CENTURY POLICING | 2014-12-23 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | TX | Sheila Jackson Lee | J000032 | jacksonlee.house.gov | legacy | December 18, 2014 Washington, DC – Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a senior Member of the House Committees on the Judiciary and on Homeland Security released the following statement today applauding the establishment of a White House Task Force on 21st Century Policing: “I applaud the President for the executive order he issued today establishing a White House Task Force on 21st Century Policing. The recent tragedies in Ferguson, New York, and other cities has made clear the pressing need for innovative and thoughtful steps to enhance police training and strengthen trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve. “The 11-member Task Force, co-chaired by Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey and George Mason University Professor and two-time former Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs Laurie Robinson includes law enforcement representatives, community leaders, academics, and youth leaders. The mandate of the Task Force is to examine, among other issues, how to strengthen public trust and foster strong relationships between local law enforcement and the communities that they protect. “This lack of public confidence in the system, particularly by residents of minority communities, has the potential for exacerbating already tense relations between law enforcement and community residents that could result in more public confrontations like those occurring recently in Ferguson, Missouri. One area which the Task Force should examine is the efficacy of the growing trend of local units of government to use traffic fines and traffic court fees and costs as revenue generators. This practice is problematic because it breeds public cynicism and distrust of local law enforcement agencies, and lessens public confidence that the laws are being enforced impartially and the criminal justice system is administered equally. “That is why I have introduced and invite the Task Force to consider H.R. 5858, the “Building Bridges and Transforming Resentment and Unfairness to Support an… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://jacksonlee.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/shiloh-treatment-center-in-manvel-should-be-closed-by-hhs-for | SHILOH TREATMENT CENTER IN MANVEL SHOULD BE CLOSED BY HHS FOR UNACCOMPANIED CHILDREN | 2014-12-23 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | TX | Sheila Jackson Lee | J000032 | jacksonlee.house.gov | legacy | December 22, 2014 Washington, DC – Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a Senior Member of the House Homeland Security and Judiciary Committees and Founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Children’s Caucus released the following statement today: “I am appalled by record of abuse and mistreatment of children at the Shiloh Treatment Center in Manvel documented by the Houston Chronicle in an expose published December 19, 2014. The abuses documented in that report – ranging from physical violence, unreasonable and excessive use of physical restraints, administering emergency medications without notice to governmental authorities, and several deaths of minor children while in custody – is not reflective of the quality of care and support that should be provided to the at-risk children, including the dozens of unaccompanied immigrant children, committed to its care. “Because of these deficiencies I believe the time has come for the State of Texas to order the closure of the Shiloh Treatment Center. At a minimum, the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services should terminate immediately the contract awarded to Shiloh Treatment Center to provide shelter and treatment to unaccompanied children apprehended by the Border Patrol. “Over many months, local government officials, non-profit organizations, and local charities that have a track record of serving vulnerable children have met and offered to make available to HHS facilities where unaccompanied children would be care for in a safe and supportive housing environment. I urge the State of Texas and HHS to explore this option as a viable alternative to continued reliance upon the Shiloh Treatment Center. “All vulnerable and at-risk children deserve housing and shelter that is safe and supportive. I thank my colleague Congressman Pete Olson for his oversight and commitment to the well-being of the children entrusted to Shiloh Treatment Center and look forward to working with him and others to ensure that the Office of Refugee… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://jacksonlee.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/statement-of-congresswoman-sheila-jackson-lee-on-the-threats-of-violence | Statement of Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee on the threats of violence and the killing of the two NYPD Officers | 2014-12-23 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | TX | Sheila Jackson Lee | J000032 | jacksonlee.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC – The threats against America’s police forces should be taken seriously. We should be condemn any threats of violence and bring law enforcement, government officials and community leaders together to chart of a path forward. It is understandable that people are outraged with sadness over the execution of two NYPD officers by a crazed Ismaaiyl Brinsley. “We should all stand up against this violence and then further our discussions about the concerns of the protesters and establish a way to move forward. My sympathy goes out to the families of these officers and as a senior member of the House Committee on Judiciary, I look forward to working with law enforcement, government officials, and community leaders to make our communities safe for everyone.” I applaud Suzan Johnson Cooke the former United States Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom who appropriately indicated that these discussions should include religion and race. The Civil Rights Movement spoke about equal access and the right to vote. Now we must establish a movement that reaffirms our unity as Americans and the importance of a justice system based on truth and order and that ultimately puts an end to racial profiling and establish procedures that will enhance and affirm the important status of America’s law enforcement.” # # # Congresswoman Jackson Lee is a Democrat from Texas’s 18th Congressional District. She is a senior member of the House Committees on Judiciary and Homeland Security and is Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=2063 | The Christmas Spirit is Alive in Texas | 2014-12-23 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, released the following statement in advance of Christmas Day: “As Christmas approaches, we celebrate the most precious gift, that in the humblest of circumstances, Christ came to save the world. We pause to remember that night in Bethlehem, and to give thanks for the blessings the Lord continues to bestow upon each of us. “Across the Lone Star State, Texans are sharing the hope of the season. “From Waco’s Christmas Toy Store filling more than 2,700 kids’ trees with presents, to the Harlingen’s Salvation Army clothing 1,000 children; From Eveline Rivers Christmas Project delivering 12,000 books to families in the Panhandle, to Santa’s Workshop bringing gifts to 3,200 children at Fort Hood, these are just a few examples of the communities in our great state that have come together to care for those in need. “Their generosity, and that of millions of other Texans across the state, is a powerful example of Christ's faithfulness in times of need. It is also an important reminder, as Mark 10:45 says, that ‘even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.’ “I hope and pray your Christmas season is filled with joy and restful time with family and loved ones. May God bless you, may He continue to bless our great state of Texas and the United States of America.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://jacksonlee.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-sheila-jackson-lee-applauds-pakistan-government-s-new-zero | CONGRESSWOMAN SHEILA JACKSON LEE APPLAUDS PAKISTAN GOVERNMENTS NEW ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY TOWARDS TALIBAN AND JIHADISTS | 2014-12-22 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | TX | Sheila Jackson Lee | J000032 | jacksonlee.house.gov | legacy | December 19, 2014 Washington, DC – Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a Senior Member of the House Homeland Security Committee, Co-Chair of the Congressional Pakistan Caucus, and Founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Children’s Caucus released the following statement today: “I stand in solidarity with thousands of Pakistani citizens engaged in peaceful demonstrations demanding their government to take more aggressive action to end the cycle of violence and terror wrought by the Taliban. The horrific attack and murder of 148 persons, including 132 precious schoolchildren, by the Taliban at the Army Public School in Peshawar, Pakistan appears to be a turning point marking the end of the Pakistan Government’s policy of ambivalence toward jihadists groups. “I am also encouraged by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s declaration that there would be no more ‘good Taliban, and that henceforth militants ‘would be dealt equally with an iron hand.’ Pakistanis want peace and safety, and demand justice for those victims who lost their lives in the attack at the Army Public School. “I urge the leaders of America’s Pakistani communities to gather in Washington, D.C. at the earliest feasible time to discuss ideas and collectives measures to be taken in support the people of Pakistan in the effort to defeat the Taliban and end the violence in their land.” ### Congresswoman Jackson Lee is a Democrat from Texas’s 18th Congressional District. She is a senior member of the House Committees on Judiciary and Homeland Security and is Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://jacksonlee.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-sheila-jackson-lee-applauds-presidents-executive-order | CONGRESSWOMAN SHEILA JACKSON LEE APPLAUDS PRESIDENT'S EXECUTIVE ORDER CREATING WHITE HOUSE TASK FORCE ON 21ST CENTURY POLICING | 2014-12-22 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | TX | Sheila Jackson Lee | J000032 | jacksonlee.house.gov | legacy | December 18, 2014 Washington, DC – Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a senior Member of the House Committees on the Judiciary and on Homeland Security released the following statement today applauding the establishment of a White House Task Force on 21st Century Policing: “I applaud the President for the executive order he issued today establishing a White House Task Force on 21st Century Policing. The recent tragedies in Ferguson, New York, and other cities has made clear the pressing need for innovative and thoughtful steps to enhance police training and strengthen trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve. “The 11-member Task Force, co-chaired by Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey and George Mason University Professor and two-time former Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs Laurie Robinson includes law enforcement representatives, community leaders, academics, and youth leaders. The mandate of the Task Force is to examine, among other issues, how to strengthen public trust and foster strong relationships between local law enforcement and the communities that they protect. “This lack of public confidence in the system, particularly by residents of minority communities, has the potential for exacerbating already tense relations between law enforcement and community residents that could result in more public confrontations like those occurring recently in Ferguson, Missouri. One area which the Task Force should examine is the efficacy of the growing trend of local units of government to use traffic fines and traffic court fees and costs as revenue generators. This practice is problematic because it breeds public cynicism and distrust of local law enforcement agencies, and lessens public confidence that the laws are being enforced impartially and the criminal justice system is administered equally. “That is why I have introduced and invite the Task Force to consider H.R. 5858, the “Building Bridges and Transforming Resentment and Unfairness to Support… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://jacksonlee.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-sheila-jackson-lee-calls-for-urgent-response-to | CONGRESSWOMAN SHEILA JACKSON LEE CALLS FOR URGENT RESPONSE TO CYBERCRIMES COMMITTED BY INTERNATIONAL ACTORS | 2014-12-22 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | TX | Sheila Jackson Lee | J000032 | jacksonlee.house.gov | legacy | December 18, 2014 Washington, DC – Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a Senior Member of the House Homeland Security and Judiciary Committees, released the following statement in response to President Obama’s announcement regarding North Korea’s involvement in the recent cyberattack against Sony Pictures: “Cybercrimes committed by international actors constitute a serious threat to our national, economic, and homeland security. Disrupting, degrading, and defeating an attackers ability to engage in cyberattacks against the United States must be a national priority. I fully support President Obama’s efforts to increase the security of the nation’s public and private cybernetworks since the earliest days of his administration. It should be noted that it is estimated that 85 percent of cybercrime targets are commercial or non-governmental entities. “Cybersecurity requires vigilance and proactive work on the part of the government, private sector, and individuals to guard against vulnerabilities and intentional acts that could cripple or seriously undermine the ability of critical infrastructure to deliver vital services to communities around the nation. “When the 114th Congress convenes I will introduce two bills to fight the growing threat of cyberattacks. The first, “Terrorism Prevention and Critical Infrastructure Protection Act,” directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to work with critical infrastructure owners and operators as well as state, local, tribal and territorial entities to take proactive steps to manage risk and strengthen the security and resilience of the Nation’s critical infrastructure against terrorist attacks. “The second bill is the “Cybersecurity Workforce and Defense Education Act,” which focuses resources on closing the gap in the demand for cybersecurity experts and the thousands of positions in the federal government and private sector that are going unfilled. Cyber conflicts are fights that we can w… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://kaygranger.house.gov/good-news-about-your-taxes | Good news about your taxes | 2014-12-22 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | TX | Kay Granger | G000377 | kaygranger.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friend, In January, I first wrote to you about an important tax deduction that would expire at the end of this year if Congress didn’t act. In Texas, since we don’t have a state income tax, we are able to deduct state and local sales taxes when filing federal income tax returns. This provides some parity with other states who can deduct their state and local income taxes when filing their returns. Over the past two weeks, the House and Senate both passed an extension of this deduction, and President Obama signed it into law on Friday. While this is not a permanent solution, it does prevent a tax increase on Texans. I believe that when the new Congress convenes in January comprehensive tax reform needs to be part of the agenda, including making this deduction permanent. By doing so, it will erase future uncertainty about whether or not Texans will face a tax increase. In addition to extending this tax deduction, Congress passed the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act. This bill will help those with disabilities to save money for education, housing, and medical expenses to use at a future time. By allowing those with disabilities and their caretakers to set up a tax-free savings account, they will be able to better manage the cost of care. Sincerely, Kay Granger | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://kaygranger.house.gov/how-congress-could-stymie-obama%E2%80%99s-cuba-plan | How Congress Could Stymie Obamas Cuba Plan | 2014-12-22 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | TX | Kay Granger | G000377 | kaygranger.house.gov | legacy | President Barack Obama’s plans to seek a normalization of relations with Cuba split lawmakers, and those on the opposing side vowed to use whatever means available to stand in the way of the policy shift. Mr. Obama said he looked forward to engaging with lawmakers on ways to further his policy aims, but top Republicans signaled they would have little appetite for a rapprochement. “Relations with the Castro regime should not be revisited, let alone normalized, until the Cuban people enjoy freedom – and not one second sooner,” House Speaker John Boehner (R., Ohio). For those hoping to halt, or at least slow, the president’s efforts, there are a handful of legislative paths that are could present themselves once lawmakers return to Washington. They fall in three general areas: * * * SPENDING BILLS: The most powerful tool available to Congress is its power of the purse: the ability to fund–or more importantly, defund–government programs, initiatives and other policies that lawmakers don’t like. The $1.1 trillion spending bill enacted last week, for example, contains Cuba-related provisions in its roughly 1,600 pages, including a prohibition against funds for U.S. agriculture programs from being used to directly finance or provide assistance to Cuba and a handful of other countries. Critics of Mr. Obama’s normalization plans have already signaled they plan to use the appropriations process to try to slow the process. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R., S.C.) tweeted on Wednesday that “I will do all in my power to block the use of funds to open an embassy in Cuba.” That’s no idle threat; Mr. Graham is slated to become chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee’s subcommittee on state and foreign operations next year. That not only puts him in charge of a bill that included $49.3 billion in discretionary spending for fiscal 2015, but also oversight of the State Department’s budget. Rep. Kay Granger (R., Texas), who chairs the state and foreign operations subcommittee on the other side of the Capitol, criticized the adm… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://kaygranger.house.gov/press-release/granger-announces-new-staff-hire | Granger Announces New Staff Hire | 2014-12-22 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | TX | Kay Granger | G000377 | kaygranger.house.gov | legacy | Granger Announces New Staff Hire Dec 22, 2014 WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Kay Granger (TX-12) today announced the hiring of Randi Mitchell to serve as District Director. Randi will be based in Fort Worth and will oversee the daily operations of the district office of the 12th Congressional district. “I am proud to have Randi join my office as district director,” said Granger. “Her strong background and connection to our community will be a great addition to our already great team. I place a high value on the constituent services we provide from our district office and Randi will build on our record of success.” “It’s great to be a part of such a dedicated team,” said Mitchell. “I have a passion for giving back to my community and I look forward to working alongside Congresswoman Granger to support the constituent services that are provided by our district office.” Randi brings with her over 15 years of experience with a specialty in marketing management. A lifelong resident of the Fort Worth area, Randi is active in the community and has been recognized for her achievements. In 2009, she was honored as a 40 Under 40 recipient by the Fort Worth Business Press as a woman who has helped shape the future of Tarrant County. Randi is a graduate of Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas and a 2012 Leadership Fort Worth graduate. She is an incoming board member of Camp Fire First Texas and serves as a Marketing Task Force member. Additionally, she is a member of The Ladder Alliance Marketing Committee and is a Breakfast Club member with Lena Pope. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sessions.house.gov/index.cfm/weekly-newsletters?ContentRecord_id=F56CDD2C-4230-4160-816B-360F22A4B660 | The Hill Report: Week of December 15 - 19, 2014 | 2014-12-22 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | TX | Pete Sessions | S000250 | sessions.house.gov | legacy | Yesterday Chairman Kevin Brady of the Ways and Means Committee introduced HR 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which represented the first public unveiling of legislation that could lead to tax reform this Congress. According to the Wall Street Journal, this bill “is, on net, about a $1.5 trillion tax | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://doggett.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/san-antonio-express-news-missions-park-set-expand | San Antonio Express-News: Missions' Park Set to Expand | 2014-12-22 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | TX | Lloyd Doggett | D000399 | doggett.house.gov | legacy | Mission San Juan, located in south San Antonio in Missions National Historic Park on Dec. 21st, 2014. After years of wrangling, and the efforts of many elected officials, San Antonio Missions National Historical Park is expanding by 137 acres. The U.S. Senate passed the Missions National Historical Park Boundary Expansion Act, sponsored by Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Austin, as part of the 2015 National Defense Authorization Bill on Dec. 12. President Barack Obama signed the bill into law Friday. The bill, which will affect the city's four Spanish colonial missions maintained by the National Park Service, had languished after it was originally passed in the House last year. It's been a long, long, hard ride for a bill that should have been easy to pass but, unfortunately, it wasn't, said Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff, who was among a group of officials, including former Rep. Ciro Rodriguez and outgoing Rep. Pete Gallego, who had pushed for the park's expansion over the years. Doggett said it was uncertain until the very last minute if he could secure a consensus to get the bill passed. It's so challenging to get anything completed in Washington, Doggett said, and I believe we have done it here. Adding the acreage is important for preserving cultural and historical resources, Doggett said, adding that it's not just about the past, it's about the future. The newly annexed land, around Missions San Jos, San Juan and Espada, will include part of the San Juan Dam and the head gate to the San Juan Acequia, a Spanish colonial-era drainage structure. It also will mean the inclusion of land between the San Antonio River and Mission San Jos, helping to protect the view from the mission to the river, said Mardi Arce, park superintendent. Adding the land to the park will allow for much easier management of the resources by the park service, said Susan Chandoha, executive director of missions' friends group Los Compadres. The park service also plans to expand its de… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://medium.com/@RepBetoORourke/truth-about-the-border-no-evidence-of-isis-plot-on-u-s-mexico-border-662d1815ab15?source=rss-964ef69221bc------2 | Truth About the Border: No Evidence of ISIS Plot on U.S.Mexico Border | 2014-12-21 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | TX | Beto O'Rourke | O000170 | medium.com | legacy | Truth About the Border: No Evidence of ISIS Plot on U.S.MexicoBorder Quotes Recent media reporting including some quoting a Midland County, TX Sherriff has addressed the presence of ISIS/ISIL along the Southwest Border. These reports are citing, uncorroborated information and attempting to turn them into a breaking news story. There is no corroborated information regarding the presence of Islamic Extremists residing along or using the Southwest Border. Over the last eight to ten years this topic has resurfaced many times without corroboration. Analysts at all levels monitor the Border for just this reason and to ensure early warning of developing or potential threats. Multiple law enforcement and intelligence agencies have no corroborated, credible reports that support an ISIS/ISIL cell, or other Violent Extremist Organizations, operating south of the border or using the Border to enter the US. The items within the recent Press and News releases are old circular reporting and consist mostly of unconfirmed rumors. Department of Defense Intelligence Report, 9/16/2014 There is no credible intelligence to suggest that there is an active plot by ISIL [ISIS] to attempt to cross the southern border. Department of Homeland Securty, 9/16/2014 | http://bit.ly/1r4hAQD there is no truth to the warnings. FBI, 9/15/2014 | http://nyti.ms/ZnsZC0 We dont have any credible information, that we are aware of, of known or suspected terrorists coming across the border. Jennifer Lasley, Department of Homeland Security, 9/10/2014 | http://nydn.us/ZjlKek We have not seen any evidence of ISIS amassed at the border ready to come into the United States. Fred Burton, vice president of intelligence at Austin-based Stratfor, 9/2/2014 | http://bit.ly/1toYBCw Ive seen no indication that they are coming across the border with Mexico. We have no information that leads us to believe that. Rear Adm. John Kirby, Pentagon Spokesperson, 8/22/2014 | http://bit.ly/1pR9mMi Stoking Fears about the Border Is NothingNew El Paso Herald-Post: Mexico Is… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://medium.com/@RepBetoORourke/u-s-mexico-trade-2a51dfb87ef3 | U.S.Mexico Trade | 2014-12-21 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | TX | Beto O'Rourke | O000170 | medium.com | legacy | U.S.Mexico Trade: See the impact trade with Mexico has on each of the 50states Jul 8, 2013 The U.S.-Mexico border region is one of the most economically significant borders in the world and is directly responsible for thousands of jobs in all 50 states. My office has put together state-by-state maps, which can serve as a reference tool in helping you understand that a healthy border with Mexico means more jobs for Americans. Annually, delays at our land ports of entry cost 26,000 U.S. jobs and $6 billion in lost economic output. Much of these delays are a result of inadequate and outdated port infrastructure and significant staffing gaps within Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Additional CBP Officers placed at high-traffic ports will lessen delays and lead to a significant return on investment in terms of both cost savings and Gross Domestic Product. As the April 2013 National Center for Risk and Economic Analysis of Terrorism Events report concludes, adding one CBP Officer at an airport or land port of entry would inject $2 million into the economy and produce 33 new jobs. As the Senate in June passed its version of Comprehensive Immigration Reform (S. 744) and the House continues its debate, it is critical that we capitalize on the economic potential of the U.S.-Mexico border. Ensuring adequate resources and infrastructure at our ports of entry means more jobs and an America that is competitive in the global economic market. To see how trade with Mexico affects each of the 50 U.S. states, see below: Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://medium.com/@RepBetoORourke/u-s-mexico-trade-2a51dfb87ef3?source=rss-964ef69221bc------2 | U.S.Mexico Trade | 2014-12-21 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | TX | Beto O'Rourke | O000170 | medium.com | legacy | U.S.Mexico Trade: See the impact trade with Mexico has on each of the 50states Jul 8, 2013 The U.S.-Mexico border region is one of the most economically significant borders in the world and is directly responsible for thousands of jobs in all 50 states. My office has put together state-by-state maps, which can serve as a reference tool in helping you understand that a healthy border with Mexico means more jobs for Americans. Annually, delays at our land ports of entry cost 26,000 U.S. jobs and $6 billion in lost economic output. Much of these delays are a result of inadequate and outdated port infrastructure and significant staffing gaps within Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Additional CBP Officers placed at high-traffic ports will lessen delays and lead to a significant return on investment in terms of both cost savings and Gross Domestic Product. As the April 2013 National Center for Risk and Economic Analysis of Terrorism Events report concludes, adding one CBP Officer at an airport or land port of entry would inject $2 million into the economy and produce 33 new jobs. As the Senate in June passed its version of Comprehensive Immigration Reform (S. 744) and the House continues its debate, it is critical that we capitalize on the economic potential of the U.S.-Mexico border. Ensuring adequate resources and infrastructure at our ports of entry means more jobs and an America that is competitive in the global economic market. To see how trade with Mexico affects each of the 50 U.S. states, see below: Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398041 | Laredo Morning Times: Cuellar Speaks to Students | 2014-12-20 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | TX | Henry Cuellar | C001063 | cuellar.house.gov | legacy | Laredo Morning Times: Cuellar Speaks to Students f t # e LAREDO, Texas, December 20, 2014 f t # e | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398099 | El Manana de Nuevo Laredo: Determinar TxDot si es viable o no tren rpido | 2014-12-20 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | TX | Henry Cuellar | C001063 | cuellar.house.gov | legacy | Por: FRANCISCO DÍAZAntes de terminar diciembre el Departamento de Transporte de Texas (TxDot) determinará si es factible establecer una ruta de tren rápido desde San Antonio hasta Monterrey, cruzando por Colombia, Nuevo León. “Esperamos la decisión en este mes luego de concluir el estudio de factibilidad sobre el proyecto y de ello dependerá seguir adelante”, dijo el Congresista Federal Henry Cuellar. El legislador federal agregó que Nuevo León ya tiene listos los derechos de vía en el lado mexicano y prácticamente espera la aprobación del estado de Texas para seguir con el proceso de la construcción de vías. Se trata de un corredor de 480 kilómetros para recorrer el tramo de San Antonio a Laredo, cruzando por Colombia hacia Monterrey, Nuevo León en un lapso de dos horas en lugar de las casi cinco horas que se hacen ahora en automóvil. “La idea es que el corredor ferroviario sea para carga y para pasajeros lo cual lo hace muy atractivo”, indicó Cuellar. Resaltó que el proyecto fue presentado en Washington en enero de este año por parte de funcionarios del gobierno de Nuevo León y causó muy buena impresión al Secretario de Transporte de EU, Anthony Foxx. Si el Departamento de Transporte de Texas determina que el proyecto es factible, el plan es tenerlo listo para el año 2018 uniendo a San Antonio con Monterrey, sacándole la vuelta a Nuevo Laredo. El proyecto forma parte de un estudio para establecer un tren de alta velocidad desde San Antonio a Dallas para luego conectarse hacia Oklahoma en un recorrido de unas 805 millas por ferrocarril para carga y pasajeros. El estudio de factibilidad tiene un costo de unos 4.4 millones de dólares, fondos que fueron financiados por el Departamento de Transporte de Estados Unidos para explorar proyectos de tren rápido en el estado de la estrella solitaria y fue iniciado hace casi 18 meses. Cuellar destacó que si el estudio de factibilidad demuestra que el proyecto es viable, el siguiente paso será identificar las vías del financiamiento, que posiblemente incluya al sector priva… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398046 | Rep. Cuellar Announces $10 Million in Federal Funds to Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas | 2014-12-19 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | TX | Henry Cuellar | C001063 | cuellar.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX28) announced on Wednesday the awarding of $10 million in federal funds to Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas Inc. from the Corporation for National Community Service. This is the very first Social Innovation Fund (SIF) grant for the state of Texas and the second largest SIF grant ever awarded.This federal investment of $10 million will be combined with another $16.2 million provided directly from Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas and will be used by its “Sí Texas Project” which will aim to reduce the rates of disease in South Texas by focusing on developing a more effective approach to caring for people with both behavioral and chronic healthcare needs. The program will connect organization working towards the same goal and increase the community impact by expanding and replicating community solutions that work. "Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas worked with my office to secure Texas’ first Social Innovation Fund Grant from the Corporation for National Community Service," said Congressman Cuellar. “This federal investment, combined with funds provided by Methodist Healthcare Ministries, will greatly improve the health of the people of South Texas, especially border communities that are at the forefront of the nation’s health challenges. The Texas border region has some of the highest uninsured rates in the country and is disproportionately affected by chronic and communicable diseases. This project will greatly help to improve the health of our citizens.” “There has traditionally been a minimal investment made in South Texas both by state and national foundations,” said Rebecca D. Brune, vice president of strategic planning and growth at Methodist Healthcare Ministries. “However, we know from our work with our funded partners that there are innovative models that can effectively address these chronic illnesses and behavioral health needs. This project will allow us to evaluate these models and showcase those that are effectively meeting those… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://samjohnson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397615 | Sam Johnsons No Social Security for Nazis Bill Signed into Law | 2014-12-19 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | TX | Sam Johnson | J000174 | samjohnson.house.gov | legacy | Yesterday, U.S. Congressman Sam Johnson’s (R-TX) legislation, the No Social Security for Nazis Act, was signed into law. In late October, an Associated Press investigative report uncovered the fact that Nazi persecutors are receiving Social Security benefits from American taxpayers due to a loophole in current law. Johnson’s bill, which passed the House by a vote for 420 and the Senate by unanimous consent earlier this month, will terminate Social Security benefits for Nazis. “Social Security was never intended for those who participated in the horrific acts of the Holocaust," said Johnson. "Unfortunately a loophole has allowed Nazis who came to America to get Social Security. But now with my bill being signed into law, this loophole has been rightly closed. I call on both the Department of Justice and the Social Security Administration to carry out this law without delay.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=news&id=2045 | USA Today: Ted Cruz: Obama should help Cuban dissidents | 2014-12-19 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | Sen. Ted Cruz says the Obama administration should do more to work with opposition leaders in Cuba as the U.S. tries to move toward restoring diplomatic relations with the Communist regime under President Raul Castro. In a column for TIME magazine, the Texas Republican and potential 2016 presidential candidate expanded on his criticism of President Obama’s plans announced earlier this week. Cruz cited Cuban dissidents Elizardo Sanchez and Guillermo Farinas as examples of “friends in Cuba” that the U.S. government should work with to end the Castro regime and help institute economic and legal changes that would improve life for Cubans. “The United States should demand that the political opposition to the Castros be included in any and all negotiations with Cuba, so their concerns will be fully heard and their priorities addressed,” Cruz wrote. “Otherwise there will be no incentive for the Castro regime to engage in necessary political reforms.” Read more | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=2037 | The News with Sen. Cruz - December 19, 2014 | 2014-12-19 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | As the 113th Congress concludes, it’s remarkable to think about the past two years, and all the incredible battles we have waged for liberty. It’s a privilege and an honor to represent each of you, and I am proud of all that we have accomplished. One recent victory I’m particularly proud of is Congress’ recent passage of a measure I introduced to ensure that the brave service members impacted by the 2009 Fort Hood terrorist attack are eligible to receive the Purple Heart. This recognition is long overdue and rightly honors those victimized. I hope you are able to enjoy time with loved ones this holiday season, and I wish you a merry Christmas, a happy Hanukkah, and a blessed New Year. Please keep reading for an update on the latest in the Senate. All the best, Ted Cruz Sen. Cruz’s Measure Granting Purple Heart Eligibility to Fort Hood Victims Heads to President’s Desk Last week, Sen. Cruz announced that the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for 2015 includes legislation he sponsored to allow the victims of the 2009 terrorist attack at Fort Hood to receive the Purple Heart. Click to view video The legislation, supported by Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, will expand eligibility for the Purple Heart to include members of the Armed Forces who have been killed or wounded in an attack inspired or motivated by a foreign terrorist organization. “It’s long past time to call the Fort Hood attack what it was: radical Islamic terrorism,” said Sen. Cruz. “And, this recognition for Fort Hood terrorist victims is overdue. The victims and their families deserve our prayers and support, and this legislation rightly honors them for defending our nation in the face of a heinous act of terror.” Read the full release here. Sen. Cruz Statement Opposing President Obama’s Changed Policy with Cuba On Wednesday, Sen. Cruz spoke with Wolf Blitzer on CNN and released the following statement about the President’s announcement to change U.S. policy with Cuba and lift economic embargos: Click to view video “We rejoice that Alan Gross’ wr… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=2039 | ICYMI: Sen. Cruz Op-Ed in TIME: Help the Cuban Opposition, Not the Castros | 2014-12-19 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, today released a video that highlights prominent Cuba dissidents' warnings against U.S. deal-making with the Castro regime. He also penned an op-ed for TIME.com sharing these dissidents' stories and his alternative to the President's recently announced plans to relax the United States' economic embargo on Cuba. Excerpts of the Senator's op-ed below. Full article may be viewed here. Help the Cuban Opposition, Not the Castros TIME.com By: Sen. Ted Cruz Dec. 18, 2014 Congress should reject President Obama's latest bad deal In July 2013, I had the opportunity to speak with two prominent Cuban dissidents, Elizardo Sanchez and Guillermo Farinas. Both men had been supporters of the Castros-Sanchez as an academic, Farinas as a soldier-but had come to realize the real brutal, authoritarian nature of their Communist regime. Farinas, for example, spoke of the moment of clarity he had the first time he read Animal Farm during the 1980s, in Russian because he was in the Soviet Union receiving specialized military training. Sanchez and Farinas painted a grim picture of life in Cuba, which they said had become "a big jail" since 1959. They described how the Castros have a comprehensive apparatus of oppression that exploits economic control, political repression, and propaganda to control each and every Cuban citizen. Growing up in Cuba, they said, meant choosing between becoming part of the repression, pretending to be mentally ill, abandoning your homeland, or confronting the regime, in which case you risked being killed, jailed, or beaten. My family knows this hard truth about Cuba all too well. My father was imprisoned and tortured by Batista, and my aunt was imprisoned and tortured by Castro. Both fled for America and for freedom. According to Sanchez and Farinas, Raul and Fidel Castro remain the implacable enemies of the United States. They are constantly thinking of ways to harm America-they are evil, and we cannot make a deal with an evil regime. The goal of the Castros,… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://poe.house.gov/press-releases?ID=794ABCF7-BB06-4C6D-AEC8-F73BF76EDE0E | CONGRESSMAN POE STATEMENT ON THE EUROPEAN UNION REVERSING DESIGNATION OF HAMAS AS TERRORIST ORGANIZATION | 2014-12-18 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | TX | Ted Poe | P000592 | poe.house.gov | legacy | "Today, the European Union did an about-face of the worst kind, reversing their designation of Hamas as a terrorist organization. The General Court of the EU found that the original decision to include Hamas as a terrorist organization was made in haste based on news and media reports and not a concrete examination of their acts. This could not be further from the truth. Hamas is a terrorist organization. Recognizing its political legitimacy would be rewarding terrorists for being terrorists. A legitimate political actor does not use terrorism for political gain. Hamas has not disavowed terrorism; it has embraced it. A legitimate political actor does not call for the wiping out of an entire people. Hamas not only refuses to recognize the state of Israel, it publicly calls for its annihilation and the annihilation of all Jews around the world. Although this unfortunate decision by the EU may breathe new life into Hamas, an appeal must be made as soon as possible to ensure that the Gaza-based group remains on the terror list. The world must stand with Israel and strongly oppose EU actions to legitimize a terrorist group that is masquerading as a legitimate political organization." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sessions.house.gov/index.cfm/resources?ContentRecord_id=2C2E4594-6B13-4BBB-A5F7-6BA455BE7D35 | Information on 2015 Omnibus | 2014-12-18 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | TX | Pete Sessions | S000250 | sessions.house.gov | legacy | This Saturday, June 27th, I was pleased to hold a Town Hall Meeting in Garland and discuss important issues facing our nation, including the positive impact of trade in Texas, Republicans work to balance the budget and cut unnecessary spending, and my efforts to fight against the Obama Administration's continued abuse of executive authority. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://veasey.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/rep-veasey-statement-on-the-2014-holiday-season | Rep. Veasey Statement on the 2014 Holiday Season | 2014-12-18 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | TX | Marc Veasey | V000131 | veasey.house.gov | legacy | Dallas, Fort Worth, TX – Today, Congressman Marc Veasey, TX-33, released the following statement in recognition of the holiday season: "Wishing my constituents in the 33rd Congressional District of Texas and across the nation a very Happy Holiday. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa, I wish you a wonderful holiday season filled with love and happiness surrounded by your family and friends. Be safe, stay warm, and have a blessed New Year." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=2035 | Appeasing Our Enemies Makes America Less Safe and the World More Dangerous | 2014-12-18 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, yesterday evening spoke with CNN’s Wolf Blitzer regarding the release of Alan Gross and the President’s announcement to change U.S. policy with Cuba, specifically plans to lift the United States’ economic embargo on the communist nation. Regarding the failure of the Obama-Clinton-Kerry foreign policy: “This action today continues a long pattern. It is the latest manifestation of the failures of the Obama-Clinton-Kerry foreign policy. What we’ve seen for six years is we’ve consistently been abandoning our friends and allies and at the same time appeasing and coddling our enemies. First it was Russia, then it was Iran, today its Cuba. That only makes America and the world more dangerous. This was a mistake. This is throwing an economic lifeline to the Castros at a moment when their regime was vulnerable and it was a serious mistake.” Regarding the danger of appeasing Cuba and the Castro regime: “The Castro regime is an avowed enemy of America. They are allies of North Korea, of Iran, of Venezuela. In fact they were just caught recently doing an arms deal with North Korea and the idea that we would strengthen a regime that is a state sponsor of terrorism that is exporting communism throughout Latin America, and is working to undermine America, that only undermines our national security interest.” “The relationship with Cuba, the Castros have demonstrated, manifest hostility and antagonism to America and it was striking watching President Obama's remarks today. He talked about the Bay of Pigs invasion and yet he utterly omitted the Cuban Missile Crisis, one of the greatest threats to our national security in modern times that almost resulted in nuclear weapons right on our shore and watching President Obama and John Kerry, it was yet again blaming America first. The condition of the relationship between Cuba and America is the direct result of the oppressive communist dictatorship that has demonstrated manifest hostility to the United States.” R… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://culberson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398199 | Accurate Information on the CRomnibus | 2014-12-17 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | TX | John Culberson | C001048 | culberson.house.gov | legacy | Accurate Information on the CRomnibus f t # e Washington, December 17, 2014 My office has received a tremendous number of phone calls and emails from constituents who believe I should have voted against the 2015 Omnibus Appropriations bill. However, there is a tremendous amount of misinformation about the bill, and I believe a yes vote was the right vote for both Texas and our nation. I am sending you accurate information in this email so you can decide for yourself. All Republican Members of Congress share the same goal – to totally defund and repeal President Obama’s illegal amnesty and to repeal and replace Obamacare. Our only difference is in the tactics we believe will work best. It is not true that the omnibus funds President Obama’s illegal amnesty. It is not true that the omnibus fully funds Obamacare. If the House had passed a short term Continuing Resolution, we would have almost certainly lost all of the good provisions that House conservatives won in this legislation. Plus a Continuing Resolution means the President can continue to do everything just as he has been. We need to stop President Obama as quickly as possible, and I do not want him to keep doing things the same way. Former Texas Senator Phil Gramm often said that liberals achieve so much because they’re satisfied with small incremental gains. He often told me that conservatives must advance our legislative agenda, even if it’s just two or three feet at a time. This bill does that. As a college football fan, I know it is always a bad idea to punt the ball and get nothing if you are in field goal range. Particularly since we will have a Republican Senate in less than three weeks and can immediately get… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://kaygranger.house.gov/press-release/granger-statement-us-cuban-policy-shift-release-alan-gross | Granger Statement on U.S.-Cuban Policy Shift, Release of Alan Gross | 2014-12-17 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | TX | Kay Granger | G000377 | kaygranger.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Kay Granger (TX-12), chairwoman of the State and Foreign Operations Appropriations subcommittee, issued the following statement regarding the Obama Administration’s announcement to shift U.S.-Cuban diplomatic relations and the release of a U.S. humanitarian aid worker from Cuba. “I am relieved that American aid worker Alan Gross is safely back in the U.S. after being unjustly imprisoned for years, but the policy changes announced today by the Obama Administration are deeply concerning. “The Cuban people remain under the iron grip of a regime that has for decades repressed their freedoms. The Cuban regime should not be rewarded until the Cuban people are given the freedoms they are seeking. The regime has had a sordid history of human rights abuses in addition to working with some of America’s worst enemies around the world. These actions cannot be erased overnight or forgotten as the Administration seeks to shift the U.S. relationship with the government of Cuba. “Changing the U.S. diplomatic relationship with Cuba should not be a unilateral decision made solely by this Administration. Congress has a vital role to play in our country’s foreign policy and how American taxpayer dollars are used.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://kaygranger.house.gov/ted-cruz-and-other-gop-texans-slam-obama%E2%80%99s-cuba-shift | Ted Cruz and other GOP Texans slam Obamas Cuba shift | 2014-12-17 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | TX | Kay Granger | G000377 | kaygranger.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON – Sen. Ted Cruz has joined the chorus of Republicans blasting the president’s shift in policy toward Cuba, a country from which the senator’s father fled as a teenager. “Fidel and Raul Castro have just received both international legitimacy and a badly-needed economic lifeline from President Obama,” Cruz said in a prepared statement issued 4 hours after the president’s announcement at the White House. “But they remain in control of a totalitarian police state modeled on their old state sponsor, the Soviet Union.” “This is one more very, very bad deal brokered by the Obama administration,” said Cruz. Like other critics weighing in this afternoon, the senator lauded the release of Alan Gross, the American aid worker imprisoned by Cuba for five years. But, he said, the deal Obama has struck won’t stop indefinite detention of others without legal process, “as the many political prisoners still languishing in the Castros’ prisons can attest.” Cruz echoed comments from Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, another Cuban American Republican eyeing a 2016 presidential bid. He called it a mistake to ease tensions with a nation that retains ties with Russia, Iran, North Korea and Venezuela, and which supports terrorists groups – he cited FARC, Hezbollah and Hamas. Making nice with Cuba, Russia and Iran, he said, leaves American “influence diminished and our enemies emboldened. Now they are revisiting this same disastrous policy with the Castros, blind to the fact that they are being played by brutal dictators whose only goal is maintaining power.” Rep. Kay Granger, R-Fort Worth, who chairs a subcommittee that controls billions in foreign aid, also criticized the moves, which include normalizing diplomatic relations, and easing restrictions on travel, banking and trade. These are “deeply concerning,” she said. “The Cuban people remain under the iron grip of a regime that has for decades repressed their freedoms. The Cuban regime should not be rewarded until the Cuban people are given the freedoms they are seeking. The… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://lamarsmith.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/smith-statement-on-changes-to-cuba-policy | Smith Statement on Changes to Cuba Policy | 2014-12-17 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | TX | Lamar Smith | S000583 | lamarsmith.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Lamar Smith (R-Texas) released the following statement today in response to President Obama’s announced policy changes regarding the U.S. and Cuba. Congressman Smith: “Alan Gross should never have been held prisoner by Cuba. I’m disappointed by the president’s announcement today. This continues a troubling trend of misguided foreign policy that does not make Americans safer, and that undermines our core values as an open and free democracy. The president’s policy rewards a dictator who has deprived the people of Cuba of their freedoms.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://poe.house.gov/press-releases?ID=38BCDA15-A608-468D-876D-2A2EB531B4E8 | POE TO CONTINUE AS FOREIGN AFFAIRS SUBCOMMITTEE CHAIRMAN | 2014-12-17 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | TX | Ted Poe | P000592 | poe.house.gov | legacy | I am honored to continue serving as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation and Trade for the 114th Congress. Faced with determined and bold enemies like ISIS and Al Qaeda, our nationhas yet to developa clearly defined strategy to combat these threats. At the same time,Iran marches towards a nuclear bomb. Now is not the time to ease sanctions or give concessions for a faux diplomatic victory. The possibility of concluding two regional free trade agreements in both the Trans-Pacific Partnership and the Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership means that we have the opportunity to stop the spread of communist like economic principles and expand the free market system like never before, all while injecting billions of dollars into our economy. I look forward to the TNT Subcommittee continuing to lead on these issues and to provide oversight on the Administrations policies. I am grateful to Chairman Ed Royce for this opportunity and appreciate his leadership over the full committee. TNT Subcommittee Jurisdiction The subcommittee has oversight and legislative jurisdiction over U.S. efforts to manage and coordinate international programs to combat terrorism (as coordinated by the Department of State and other agencies), and efforts to bring international terrorists to justice. With the concurrence of the Chairman of the full Committee, it may conduct oversight of, and consider legislation pertaining to, nonproliferation matters involving nuclear, chemical, biological and other weapons of mass destruction, except for legislation involving the Foreign Assistance Act, the Arms Export Control Act, the Export Administration Act, and sanctions laws pertaining to individual countries and the provision of foreign assistance (which is reserved to the full Committee). The subcommittee may conduct oversight of matters relating to: international economic and trade policy; commerce with foreign countries; international investment policy; the Overseas Private Investment Corporation and the Trade and Deve… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://williams.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/rep-williams-reacts-to-potus-policy-shift-toward-cuba | Rep. Williams reacts to POTUS policy shift toward Cuba | 2014-12-17 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | TX | Roger Williams | W000816 | williams.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Roger Williams (TX-25) issued the following statement after President Obama announced his intentions to change U.S. policy toward Cuba upon the release of Alan Gross, an American hostage held in Cuba for the past five years: “President Obama’s negotiations with the communist regime in Cuba are inexcusable and unfathomable. I remember the Cuban Missile crisis, the decades of human rights abuses, the withholding and covering up of information. These atrocities directly threaten our national security, and Cuba’s leaders should continue to suffer consequences for their brutal actions. President Obama continues to weaken our nation’s standing among our adversaries, and I’m afraid that this policy shift regarding Cuba signals an acceptance of one of the most oppressive and violent regimes in the world.” # # # | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://conaway.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397894 | Congressman Conaway Statement on the Deal with Cuba | 2014-12-17 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | TX | K. Conaway | C001062 | conaway.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Conaway Statement on the Deal with Cuba f t # e Washington, December 17, 2014 Congressman K. Michael Conaway (R-Texas) issued the followed statement on the deal with Cuba: The agreement announced today is a poorly negotiated deal for America and for the Cuban people. We have given up significant leverage in exchange for few tangible benefits for our country or the average Cuban. As far as I can see, this deal makes no significant gains on either democratization or increasing respect for human rights in a country where the government controls every single aspect of life. I have long been a supporter of relaxing agricultural trade restrictions with Cuba and providing humanitarian support for the Cuban people. However, the policies currently in place created advantages that the President has simply given away with this deal and will serve largely to enrich the leaders of Cuba. The original embargo imposed by President Kennedy and the Cuban Democracy Act was of 1992 was explicitly intended to maintain sanctions on Cuba until the government moved toward democratization and greater respect for human rights.' Neither of these goals has been achieved with this deal. The President has yet again damaged America's ability to use negotiations to make positive changes around the world. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://kevinbrady.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398710 | Texans Breathe a Sigh of Relief | 2014-12-17 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | TX | Kevin Brady | B000755 | kevinbrady.house.gov | legacy | Texans Breathe a Sigh of Relief Senators Vote to Join House in Preserving Texas Sales Tax Deduction f t # e Washington, December 17, 2014 Texas Congressman Kevin Brady issued the following statement after the Senate passed important tax extenders. share: f t "Texas families have kept more than $10 billion in their family budgets since we successfully fought to restore Texas' sales tax deduction a decade ago. While I'm pleased that the Senate has voted with the House to keep this tax fairness in place so Texas families don't have to send more of their hard-earned paychecks to Washington, DC, I will continue to fight to make this important deduction permanent." f t # e | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://mccaul.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/mccaul-statement-on-presidents-unilateral-changes-to-cuba-policy | McCaul Statement on President's Unilateral Changes to Cuba Policy | 2014-12-17 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | TX | Michael McCaul | M001157 | mccaul.house.gov | legacy | McCaul Statement on President's Unilateral Changes to Cuba Policy AUSTIN, TX Today following President Obama's announcement of changes to U.S. policy toward Cuba, Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX), Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, made the following statement: McCaul: "For decades, U.S. policy toward Havana has been designed to reduce hostilities and to support political freedom and human rights in Cuba. Once again, with the stroke of the pen, President Obama has upended this longstanding bipartisan policy toward one of the most oppressive regimes on the planet with very little to show in return. Like all Americans, I am glad Alan Gross is home with his family, but his release does not justify the political legitimization of the Castro regime. If the administration wants to change U.S. policy toward Cuba, it should come to Congress to seek support rather than act unilaterally. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20150101034529/http://www.cruz.senate.gov:80/?p=video&id=2034 | Sen. Ted Cruz on The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer | 2014-12-17 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | web.archive.org | legacy | Central TX (512) 916-5834 300 E 8th Suite 961 Austin, TX 78701 Email North TX (214) 599-8749 Lee Park Tower II Suite 410 3626 N. Hall St. Dallas, TX 75219 Email Southeast TX (713) 718-3057 808 Travis Street Suite 1420 Houston, TX 77002 Email South/Cen. TX (210) 340-2885 9901 IH-10W Suite 950 San Antonio, TX 78230 Email East TX (903) 593-5130305 S. Broadway Suite 501 Tyler, TX 75702 Email South TX (956) 686-7339 200 S. 10th St Suite 1603 McAllen, TX 78501 Email Washington, D.C. (202) 224-5922 185 Dirksen Washington, DC 20510 Email | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://weber.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=146 | Weber Signs onto Uphold the OATH Resolution | 2014-12-17 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | TX | Randy Weber | W000814 | weber.house.gov | legacy | Weber Signs onto Uphold the OATH Resolution f t # e Washington, DC, December 17, 2014 Representative Randy Weber (R-TX) signed onto Representative Tom Rice's (R-SC) Uphold the Oath Americans Trust and Honor (OATH) Resolution last week. The bill would authorize legal action against the President's recent executive order allowing amnesty for illegal immigrants. The OATH Resolution will allow the House of Representatives to bring legal action against the Obama Administration for their egregious, unilateral overreach on our current immigration laws. The President and his Administration have once again circumvented Congress and our Constitution. This resolution will force the hand of the President to work within his actual authority, and respect the democratic process. Read the text of the resolution here. ### f t # e | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://weber.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=147 | Weber Issues Statement on Release of Alan Gross and U.S. - Cuba Relations | 2014-12-17 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | TX | Randy Weber | W000814 | weber.house.gov | legacy | Weber Issues Statement on Release of Alan Gross and U.S. - Cuba Relations f t # e Washington, DC, December 17, 2014 Representative Randy Weber (R-Friendswood), member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, made the following statement on the release of Alan Gross and policy changes toward Cuba: It is great to learn of the return of Alan Gross from Cuba, where he was wrongly held by the Castro Regime for five years. I am however, troubled with the lack of dialogue between Congress and the President's Administration. There was absolutely no communication regarding the prisoner swap and the numerous policy changes to current policy. A troubling trend is happening with the President in his willingness to negotiate with terrorist organizations and hostile government regimes without consulting Congress. The President needs to come to Congress moving forward with anymore policy changes that greatly affect this nation's economy and well-being. These policy changes will have a direct impact on Southeast Texas, including economic ones. I will stay active in the debate particularly through my role on the Foreign Affairs Committee to ensure that what's done is in the best interests of Texas District 14. f t # e | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=news&id=2040 | Houston Chronicle: Texas Republicans rip Obama initiative on Cuba | 2014-12-17 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | President Obama’s move on Wednesday to normalize relations with Cuba got mixed reactions in Congress, with Sen. Ted Cruz and a number of other Texas Republicans accusing the administration of lending legitimacy to the authoritarian Castro regime. “Fidel and Raul Castro have just received both international legitimacy and a badly-needed economic lifeline from President Obama,” said Cruz, the son of a Cuban refugee. “But they remain in control of a totalitarian police state modeled on their old state sponsor, the Soviet Union.” Cruz compared the move to Obama administration attempts at rapprochement with what he called “rogue regimes” like Russia and Iran. Democrats in the Texas delegation backed Obama’s contention that decades of sanctions have produced no positive changes in the communist island nation. Read more | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=news&id=2041 | Real Clear Politics: Cruz on Cuba: 'This Is Another Manifestation Of The Failures Of The Obama/Clinton/Kerry Foreign Policy' | 2014-12-17 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | SEN. TED CRUZ: This is another manifestation of the failures of the Obama/Clinton/Kerry foreign policy. For six years we’ve followed the pattern of alienating and abandoning our friends and allies and at the same time coddling up to and appeasing those who are enemies to the country and it’s a consistent pattern. First it was Russia, then it was Iran and now it’s Cuba. This announcement today will be remembered as a tragic mistake. Cuba was struggling, it was gasping for air , it has been relying on Venezuela with oil prices cratering, Venezuela is hurting economically and just like the admin did with Iran, right when the administration was feeling maximum pain it throws them an economic lifeline and continues the brutal repression in a dictatorship of the Castro brothers... Read more | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=news&id=2043 | Breitbart: Cruz on Cuba: Another Obama 'Very, Very Bad Deal' | 2014-12-17 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | While the release of U.S. aid worker Alan Gross is a welcome news, the Obama administration has made the underlying issues with the Castro regime in Cuba “worse,” according to Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX). “Fidel and Raul Castro have just received both international legitimacy and a badly-needed economic lifeline from President Obama,” Cruz — whose father immigrated to the United States from Cuba — said in a statement Wednesday afternoon. “But they remain in control of a totalitarian police state modeled on their old state sponsor, the Soviet Union. Their government can continue to detain individuals like Alan Gross indefinitely without process–as the many political prisoners still languishing in the Castros’ prisons can attest,” he continued, noting the regime has close ties with “hostile” nation including Russia, Iran, North Korea and Venezuela as well as support terrorist groups including FARC, Hezbollah and Hamas. Earlier in the day, in conjunction with Gross’ release, President Obama announced moves to begin normalizing relations with Cuba. According to Cruz, while Obama spoke of a “new era” for American and Cuban people the plan does “not bode well for either.” Read more | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=news&id=2047 | Daily Caller: Ted Cruz: Normalization Of U.S./Cuban Relations 'A Tragic Mistake' | 2014-12-17 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | Following the return of Alan Gross to the U.S., Sen. Ted Cruz slammed the “Obama, Clinton, Kerry foreign policy,” saying the Castro brothers are “state sponsors of terrorism” and that President Barack Obama “does not understand the difference between our friends and our enemies.” Cruz, one of three Cuban American members of the upper chamber in Congress, also called the normalization of relations between the two nations “a tragic mistake” made the comments to Fox News’ Neil Cavuto Wednesday afternoon. TED CRUZ: “This is yet another manifestation of the failures of the Obama, Clinton, Kerry foreign policy. For six years we followed the pattern of alienating and abandoning our friends and allies, and at the same time coddling up to and appeasing to those who are enemies of this country. It’s a consistent pattern. First Russia, then Iran, now Cuba.” Read more | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=news&id=2048 | Dallas Morning News: Ted Cruz and other GOP Texans fault Obama's Cuba shift | 2014-12-17 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | Sen. Ted Cruz has joined the chorus of Republicans blasting the president’s shift in policy toward Cuba, a country from which the senator’s father fled as a teenager. “Fidel and Raul Castro have just received both international legitimacy and a badly-needed economic lifeline from President Obama,” Cruz said in a prepared statement issued four hours after the president’s announcement at the White House. “But they remain in control of a totalitarian police state modeled on their old state sponsor, the Soviet Union.” “This is one more very, very bad deal brokered by the Obama administration,” said Cruz. Like other critics weighing in this afternoon, the senator lauded the release of Alan Gross, the American aid worker imprisoned by Cuba for five years. But, he said, the deal Obama has struck won’t stop indefinite detention of others without legal process, “as the many political prisoners still languishing in the Castros’ prisons can attest.” Read more | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=news&id=2049 | National Review Online: Ted Cruz: Cuba Relations Thaw 'a Tragic Mistake' | 2014-12-17 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | Texas Republican senator Ted Cruz panned the Obama administration’s decision to open up relations with the communist Caribbean nation of Cuba, saying the move will be regarded as “a tragic mistake” by future generations. A Cuban-American whose father left the nation in the 1950s, Cruz seemed disgusted by the thaw in relations between the United States and Cuba. “This is yet another manifestation of the failures of the Obama-Clinton-Kerry foreign policy,” the senator said on Fox News Wednesday. “This announcement today will be remembered as a tragic mistake.” Cruz said Cuba had been “struggling, it was gasping for air” economically, relying on a weak Venezuelan government to help prop them up. “Just like the administration did with Iran, right when the administration was feeling the maximum pain it throws them an economic lifeline and continues the brutal repression and dictatorship of the Castro brothers,” the senator said. Read more | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=news&id=2050 | Townhall: Cruz: Obama's Cuba Decision Will Be Remembered as a Tragic Mistake | 2014-12-17 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | Florida Senator Marco Rubio responded to President Obama's announcement earlier today to "normalize relations" with Cuba and now it's Texas Senator Ted Cruz' turn. "This announcement today will be remembered as a tragic mistake," Cruz, whose father Rafael Cruz escaped Castro's Cuba in 1957 after beatings and torture, said during an interview with Fox News Wednesday afternoon. "There is no doubt this is a unilateral president." During the interview, conducted by Neil Cavuto, Cruz reminded viewers that the Castro brothers are allies of North Korea, Russia and Venezuela. "Cuba is an avowed enemy of this country," Cruz said. "They are a leading state sponsor of terrorism." Read more | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=news&id=2051 | National Journal: Ted Cruz: Obama's New Cuba Policy 'Will Be Remembered as a Tragic Mistake' | 2014-12-17 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | Hours after his Senate colleague and fellow Cuban-American Marco Rubio criticized President Obama's change in U.S. policy on Cuba, Ted Cruz broke his silence on the news with a bang, calling the decision "a tragic mistake." The Republican senator from Texas told Fox News' Neil Cavuto on Wednesday afternoon that because of the American embargo and diplomatic freeze-out, Cuba had been "gasping for air." Now, though, Obama's policy shift would have devastating effects. "Just like the administration did with Iran, right when the [Iranian] administration was feeling the maximum pain, [Obama] throws them an economic lifeline and continues the brutal repression and dictatorship of the Castro brothers," said Cruz, whose father emigrated from Cuba in 1957, four years before the U.S. imposed a strict trade embargo on the country. When Cavuto pointed out that more than five decades of the same policy hadn't been very effective, Cruz demurred. "What it has wrought is limiting the impact and harm of Cuba," he said. Read more | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=news&id=2052 | The Hill: Cruz: Obama gave Castro 'economic lifeline' | 2014-12-17 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), a potential Republican presidential candidate in 2016, assailed President Obama Wednesday for announcing steps toward normalized relations with Cuba. “Fidel and Raul Castro have just received both international legitimacy and a badly-needed economic lifeline from President Obama. But they remain in control of a totalitarian police state modeled on their old state sponsor, the Soviet Union,” Cruz said in a statement. Cruz joined other 2016 White House hopefuls, including Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush (R), in criticizing the administration for moving toward loosening a 50-year trade embargo. He said the Communist regime in Cuba maintains close ties with America’s antagonists, Russia, Iran, North Korea and Venezuela and predicted it would give future support to terrorist organizations such as Hezbollah and Hamas. Read more | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=2030 | Sen. Cruz Stands with Texas Against President Obama's Executive Amnesty | 2014-12-17 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, this week joined an amicus brief in support of a lawsuit brought by the State of Texas and joined by over 20 other states against President Obama’s illegal amnesty. “President Obama is not only blatantly defying the Constitution by refusing to faithfully execute our nation’s immigration laws; his amnesty policy is harming millions of Texans and Americans,” Sen. Cruz said. “By unilaterally granting amnesty to nearly five million people, the President is inviting even more illegal immigration, which hurts working men and women who have entered the country legally and further strains state governments. “The President has no authority to ignore or rewrite the law. In so doing, the President violates his oath to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution. I am proud to stand with the State of Texas in upholding the rule of law against President Obama’s brazen power grab. This is a critical step to restoring the Law of the Land and celebrating legal immigration.” In its lawsuit challenging the President’s executive action, the State of Texas argues that President Obama’s executive amnesty violates federal immigration law and usurps Congress’ constitutional authority to set immigration policy. The amicus brief, filed by the American Center for Law and Justice, makes clear that the President’s executive action “changes the law and sets a new policy, exceeding [the President’s] constitutional authority and disrupting the delicate balance of powers.” Senators John Cornyn, R-TX, and Roy Blunt, R-MO, also joined the amicus brief, as did Representatives Bob Goodlatte, R-VA, Diane Black, R-TN, Dave Brat, R-VA, Jeff Duncan, R-SC, John Fleming, R-LA, Randy Forbes, R-VA, Virginia Foxx, R-NC, Trent Franks, R-AZ, Trey Gowdy, R-SC, H. Morgan Griffith, R-VA, Vicky Hartzler, R-MO, Tim Huelskamp, R-KS, Mike Kelly, R-PA, David McKinley, R-WV, Jeff Miller, R-FL, Alan Nunnelee, R-MS, Pete Olson, R-TX, Ted Poe, R-TX, Bill Posey, R-FL, Tom Price, R-GA, Phil Roe, R-TN, Ad… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=2031 | First Russia, then Iran, now Cuba: One More Very Bad Deal Brokered by the Obama Administration | 2014-12-17 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, today released the following statement regarding the President’s announcement to change U.S. policy with Cuba and lift economic embargos. “We rejoice that Alan Gross’ wrongful imprisonment by the brutal Castro regime has finally come to an end, and that he will be able to spend the holidays with his loved ones. But make no mistake, although we are glad Alan is now free, the agreement the Obama Administration has entered into with the Castro regime has done nothing to resolve the underlying problem. Indeed, it has made it worse. “Fidel and Raul Castro have just received both international legitimacy and a badly-needed economic lifeline from President Obama. But they remain in control of a totalitarian police state modeled on their old state sponsor, the Soviet Union. Their government can continue to detain individuals like Alan Gross indefinitely without process—as the many political prisoners still languishing in the Castros’ prisons can attest. They retain their close, long-standing ties with hostile nations, notably Russia, Iran, North Korea and Venezuela. They will continue their support for terrorist organizations from FARC to Hezbollah and Hamas. “The President spoke today about a new era for relations between American and the Cuban people, but these circumstances do not bode well for either. We have seen how previous Obama administration attempts at rapprochement with rogue regimes like Russia and Iran have worked out, with our influence diminished and our enemies emboldened. Now they are revisiting this same disastrous policy with the Castros, blind to the fact that they are being played by brutal dictators whose only goal is maintaining power. And if history be our guide, the Castros will exploit that power to undermine America and oppress the Cuban people. First Russia, then Iran, now Cuba – this is one more very, very bad deal brokered by the Obama Administration.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://gohmert.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398157 | Gohmert Pleased to Announce Winners of 2015 Congressional Art Competition | 2014-12-16 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | TX | Louie Gohmert | G000552 | gohmert.house.gov | legacy | Rep. Louie Gohmert (TX-01) hosted a reception to honor the participants and announced the winners of the 2015 Congressional Art Competition on Saturday, in Marshall, Texas. He released the following statement regarding the outstanding art pieces submitted this year: “Throughout history, art and its expression have always been vital to our culture. Personally, with one of my daughters being an artist, it has played a significant role in my family’s life. The Congressional Art Competition is a fun way for gifted artists in the district to showcase their talent. It also gives our high school artists another quality competition for their resume and portfolio. It is truly exciting to see numerous art pieces, from various artists across east Texas, displayed at The Michelson Museum in Marshall, Texas. Congratulations to the winners this year.” 2015 Congressional Art Winners: FIRST PLACE Madalyn Garrett Whitehouse H.S. Mixed Media, “WILD FLOWERS” SECOND PLACE Josh Davis Lufkin H.S. Acrylic, “SAM HOUSTON” THIRD PLACE Scierra Waldron Bishop T.K. Gorman H.S. Photography, “ARBOL DE LA MESA VERDE” HONORABLE MENTION Nathan (Drew) Bienhoff, Jr. Spring Hill H.S. Mixed medium, “PASTURE SUNRISE” HONORABLE MENTION Asyri Austin West Rusk H.S. Pencil, “MRS. VIOLA THOMPSON” HONORABLE MENTION Shelby Hall Bullard H.S. Clayboard, “UP IN THE SKY” HONORABLE MENTION Yamilex Robles Lufkin H.S. Acrylic, “UNDER THE SEA” The annual competition is open to high school students across the district. The first place winner was awarded a scholarship and has their artwork displayed in the United States Capitol Building for a year, alongside winning art from Congressional Districts across the United States. # # # | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://kaygranger.house.gov/star-telegram-granger-dna-can-stem-trafficking | Star-Telegram: Granger: DNA can stem trafficking | 2014-12-16 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | TX | Kay Granger | G000377 | kaygranger.house.gov | legacy | This past summer, tens of thousands of unaccompanied children from Central America were crossing the Texas-Mexico border. One of the challenges of this crisis is ensuring that when the children are sent back to Central America, that they are returned to an actual family member and not a human trafficker or other predator. I witnessed this challenge firsthand as I traveled to the border as the chairwoman of the House Working Group to address this crisis. One promising solution has emerged from a DNA expert in North Texas with decades of experience running a crime lab, identifying human remains and reuniting missing children with their parents. Arthur Eisenberg, who co-directs the Center for Human Identification at the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth, has a two-part plan: to set up a DNA database from samples obtained from migrant children who have reached the Texas border and to establish a second database of samples from parents or family members with missing or abducted children. When a match occurs, authorities can have a reasonable level of confidence that these children are being reunited with family members. This plan for unaccompanied migrant children is an extension of Eisenberg’s already successful DNA Prokids program, which returned 13 Haitian children to their families after they were kidnapped and taken to Bolivia in the wake of Haiti’s devastating earthquake in 2010. He already has agreements in place with like-minded colleagues and government officials in Honduras, El Salvador, Mexico and Guatemala to get DNA samples from relatives and to establish databases there. Innovative ideas such as these, which have law enforcement and humanitarian applications, are why I helped ensure that funding is available in the omnibus bill passed by Congress last week for DNA forensic technology programs. This can be used to reunite children with their family members in Central America and to continue the fight against human trafficking. In the new law, there is a provision to i… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://poe.house.gov/press-releases?ID=098C3D0F-C0C6-4535-A319-10812E79BA53 | CHAIRMAN POE STATEMENT ON TERRORIST ATTACK IN PAKISTAN | 2014-12-16 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | TX | Ted Poe | P000592 | poe.house.gov | legacy | Taliban gunmen stormed a military-run school in the Pakistani city of Peshawar on Tuesday, killing nearly 150 innocent civilians according to reports. The overwhelming majority of the victims were students at the schoolchildren and teenagers in grades 1-10. This cowardly act was carried out by the Pakistani Taliban or TTP. For years, the Pakistani military cut deals with the TTP to avoid long hard battles and messy political infighting. This is the reason why you cannot negotiate with terrorists. The TTP should have been wiped out years ago when it was in everyones interest to do so. The world should track down these child killers and eliminate them. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of the grieving families who experienced loss in this terrible tragedy. Poe is Chairman of the Subcommittee on Terrorism, Non-proliferation & Trade. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.cornyn.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=TexasTimesWeeklyColumn&ContentRecord_id=33e7b050-1f57-4983-8259-909dd158cbdf | Reflections on 2014 | 2014-12-16 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | TX | John Cornyn | C001056 | www.cornyn.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, DC Office 517 Hart Senate Office Bldg. Washington, DC 20510 Main: 202-224-2934 Get Directions Southeast Texas: 5300 Memorial Drive Suite 980 Houston, TX 77007 Main: 713-572-3337 Fax: 713-572-3777 Get Directions South Texas: 222 East Van Buren Suite 404 Harlingen, TX 78550 Main: 956-423-0162 Fax: 956-423-0193 Get Directions West Texas: Wells Fargo Center 1500 Broadway, Suite 1230 Lubbock, TX 79401 Main: 806-472-7533 Fax: 806-472-7536 Get Directions South Central Texas: 600 Navarro Suite 210 San Antonio, TX 78205 Main: 210-224-7485 Fax: 210-224-8569 Get Directions … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=2027 | Sen. Cruz: From Pakistan to Australia, Terrorism Knows No Borders | 2014-12-16 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, today issued the following statement in response to the brutal terrorist attacks in both Pakistan and Australia: “Within days, the world has witnessed the savage hand of radical Islamic terrorism against innocents—in Peshawar, Pakistan and in Sydney, Australia. In both places, terrorists sought to exterminate civilians, of all ethnicities, ages, and beliefs, alike. In Pakistan, more than 100 children were massacred at their desks by Taliban terrorists who wanted to inflict the maximum pain on the civilian population. Café workers and customers in Sydney were held hostage for hours. Some were forced to raise the black flag of jihad and death. A man and a woman died in their brave attempt to stop the terrorist gunman. These attacks may be distant on a map, but should be at the forefront of our minds. Terrorism knows no borders. And, strong American resolve is needed to help our friends and allies around the world to stop it.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=2029 | ICYMI: Sen. Cruz: I'm Not Trying to Play the Washington Rules, I'm Trying to Change the Rules | 2014-12-16 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, today spoke with Fox News’ Bret Baier to discuss his constitutional point of order to defund President Obama’s illegal executive amnesty. Regarding Sen. Cruz’s effort to secure a Senate vote to defund President Obama’s illegal executive amnesty: “What the president did is unconstitutional. We’re facing a constitutional crisis and in my view it was critical. This Saturday after the fight we had, we had the very first vote on President Obama’s unconstitutional amnesty. That’s what I was pressing for, that’s what others were pressing for. And I think it mattered to honor our commitment to the voters, to force that vote.” Regarding the $1.1 trillion spending bill just passed by Congress: “You look at this omnibus that just passed Congress. It’s 1.1 trillion dollars of every payoff for special interest, for lobbyists, for K street, all of them got taken care of, it was the perfect example of Washington corruption. But you know the people who were not taken care of is the working men and women, the millions of conservatives, grassroots activists, who showed up and gave Republicans the majority.” Regarding the divide between Washington and the American people, and Sen. Cruz’s efforts to fix it: “Let me be very clear, Washington doesn’t like change. So I wouldn’t necessarily disagree with you when you speak about people in Washington. Listen, I’ve said a long time the biggest divide we’ve got in this country politically, is not between Democrats and Republicans, it is between career politicians in Washington in both parties and the American people. So yes it is not a surprise that Washington fights hard against anyone trying to change the culture in Washington. But I can tell you outside of Washington, people are frustrated, they’re frustrated with the corruption, they’re frustrated with politicians that say one thing and do another.” “I am not trying to play the rules of Washington, because I think Washington's broken, I think it's profoundly b… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://carter.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=40&itemid=1957 | Mr. President, Use Your "Pen" to Help the Victims of the Fort Hood Terrorist Attack | 2014-12-15 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | TX | John Carter | C001051 | carter.house.gov | legacy | KILLEEN, T.X. – Congressman Carter (R-TX31) and Congressman Roger Williams (R-TX25), who represent Fort Hood, announced today the passage of a bill that would ensure victims of the 2009 terrorist attack on Fort Hood are eligible for being awarded the Purple Heart, along with its corresponding benefits. As of December 12, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passed both the House and Senate and is ready for the President to sign into law. The NDAA authorizes funding for the Department of Defense. Representatives Carter and Williams held a joint press conference on Monday morning to mark the Congressional passage of the landmark legislation. Reps. Carter and Williams were joined by victims’ family members and local supporters, who attended to urge the President to quickly sign the legislation and the Department of Defense to award the Purple Hearts as soon as possible. “This has been a long, tough battle. My heart has always been with the victims of this horrific terrorist attack. These brave men and women have struggled and suffered for years, all while political correctness took precedence. The President has the chance to make it right for those who have been struggling by signing the National Defense Authorization Act in to law. Keep your promise to support these victims, Mr. President,” said Congressman Carter. “The victims of the attack have suffered physically, mentally, and financially. Shortly after the attack, President Obama made promises to those injured and the families of those killed that he would take care of them. However, his negligence has caused many of them to suffer even more as they struggle to pay for treatment and make ends meet. The National Defense Authorization Act gives the Obama Administration yet another opportunity to honor his pledge to provide for these men and women who were victims of terror. I urge President Obama to take this incredible opportunity to restore the proper care and recognition for these individuals,” said Congressman Williams. Alvin How… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sessions.house.gov/index.cfm/weekly-newsletters?ContentRecord_id=F115DBF1-DB86-4D4F-AF59-CD1018DE70EF | The Hill Report: Week of December 8 - 12, 2014 | 2014-12-15 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | TX | Pete Sessions | S000250 | sessions.house.gov | legacy | Yesterday Chairman Kevin Brady of the Ways and Means Committee introduced HR 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which represented the first public unveiling of legislation that could lead to tax reform this Congress. According to the Wall Street Journal, this bill “is, on net, about a $1.5 trillion tax | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://carter.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1109 | Mr. President, Use Your "Pen" to Help the Victims of the Fort Hood Terrorist Attack | 2014-12-15 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | TX | John R. Carter | C001051 | carter.house.gov | carter | https://carter.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | KILLEEN, T.X. – Congressman Carter (R-TX31) and Congressman Roger Williams (R-TX25), who represent Fort Hood, announced today the passage of a bill that would ensure victims of the 2009 terrorist attack on Fort Hood are eligible for being awarded the Purple Heart, along with its corresponding benefits. As of December 12, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passed both the House and Senate and is ready for the President to sign into law. The NDAA authorizes funding for the Department of Defense. Representatives Carter and Williams held a joint press conference on Monday morning to mark the Congressional passage of the landmark legislation. Reps. Carter and Williams were joined by victims’ family members and local supporters, who attended to urge the President to quickly sign the legislation and the Department of Defense to award the Purple Hearts as soon as possible. “This has been a long, tough battle. My heart has always been with the victims of this horrific terrorist attack. These brave men and women have struggled and suffered for years, all while political correctness took precedence. The President has the chance to make it right for those who have been struggling by signing the National Defense Authorization Act in to law. Keep your promise to support these victims, Mr. President,” said Congressman Carter. “The victims of the attack have suffered physically, mentally, and financially. Shortly after the attack, President Obama made promises to those injured and the families of those killed that he would take care of them. However, his negligence has caused many of them to suffer even more as they struggle to pay for treatment and make ends meet. The National Defense Authorization Act gives the Obama Administration yet another opportunity to honor his pledge to provide for these men and women who were victims of terror. I urge President Obama to take this incredible opportunity to restore the proper care and recognition for these individuals,” said Congressman Williams. Alvin Howard, a victim of… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T22:44:12Z |
| https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=2022 | Why the Purple Heart Matters for Fort Hood Terror Victims | 2014-12-15 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, today released a video in support of the 2009 Fort Hood terror victims, who will now be eligible to receive the Purple Heart and associated benefits thanks to legislation sponsored by Sen. Cruz in the 2015 National Defense Authorization Act heading to the President’s desk. “It was abundantly clear, this was an act of radical Islamic terrorism,” said Sen. Cruz. “And the only explanation for the Administration’s persistent denial of that is politics. “We owe it to the victims of Fort Hood to speak the truth, to recognize that they died protecting this nation and to honor and acknowledge them for their sacrifice.” More information about the work done to secure passage of this legislation can be found here: ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=2026 | ICYMI: Sen Cruz: Stand up for the Principles We Keep Promising the Voters We Believe | 2014-12-15 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, today called into the Sean Hannity Radio Show to discuss his Constitutional Point of Order to defund President Obama’s illegal executive amnesty, that happened in the Senate on Friday. Highlights are included below and you may listen to the full interview below: “It’s interesting the Washington lexicon that it’s somehow treated as being unpleasant or being a trouble maker to try to honor the commitments you have made to your constituents, and to urge your colleagues to do the same.” “What’s considered unpleasant in the Senate is not lack of civility – you can insult the heck out of each other although I don’t engage in that. What’s considered unpardonable is actually speaking the truth and doing what you said you would do and even worse making clear, shining the light on the fact that there are a whole lot of other people willing to do exactly the opposite of what they said they would do. That’s treated as the unpardonable sin, how dare you be so selfish – and it’s funny they use the term selfish – as to actually honor the commitments to your constituents. That’s not playing the rules of the game. Well, you know what the rules of the game have resulted in bankrupting our kids and grandkids and seeing our constitutional liberties eroded. Enough is enough." ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://medium.com/@RepBetoORourke/will-the-border-ever-be-secure-enough-for-immigration-hawks-c3bce196f500?source=rss-964ef69221bc------2 | Will the Border Ever Be Secure Enough for Immigration Hawks? | 2014-12-14 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | TX | Beto O'Rourke | O000170 | medium.com | legacy | Feb 22, 2013 | In The News Will the Border Ever Be Secure Enough for Immigration Hawks? El Paso is the safest city in the U.S., the Border Patrol is bigger than ever, and illegal crossings have reached a 40-year lowamong other surprising facts. By Molly Ball The Atlantic Reuters Border security could be the issue that kills immigration reform. And yet, by most measures, the U.S.-Mexico border has never been safer. The bipartisan group of U.S. senators seeking comprehensive immigration reform have proposed a trigger mechanism, whereby a path to citizenship would be contingent on increased border security. President Obama and liberals have not endorsed the idea, although the president is committed to increasing our border security further, according to White House Press Secretary Jay Carney. Disagreement over the trigger is the largest current discrepancy between the Senate and White House versions of immigration reform. It could cause the whole thing to fall apart. Yet the ideaexpressed by both sidesthat the border needs more security may be the biggest myth of the immigration debate, according to Rep. Beto ORourke. A newly elected Democrat, ORourke represents El Paso, Texas, the border city that shares a street gridand 11 border inspection stationswith the Mexican city of Juarez. El Paso also has the lowest crime rate of any large U.S. city. (The second-safest large city? Its on the border, too: San Diego.) The common assumption, ORourke told me recently, is that the border is not secure. In fact, by almost any measurecrime, unauthorized border crossings, resources devoted to border patrolthe U.S.-Mexico border has never been more secure than it is now. The problem for the immigration debate is that those who claim we need more border security are rarely called upon to prove it. No one has proposed a set of concrete standards; rather, some are calling for a subjective evaluation to be made by border-state governors, some of whom have political incentives to exaggerate the threatand track records of doing so. Mea… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://algreen.house.gov/press-release/congressman-al-green-speaks-national-action-network%E2%80%99s-justice-all-march-washington-dc | Congressman Al Green Speaks at National Action Networks Justice For All March in Washington, DC | 2014-12-13 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | TX | Al Green | G000553 | algreen.house.gov | legacy | (Washington, D.C.)—On Saturday, December 13, 2014, Congressman Al Green (TX-09) addressed the crowd at the Justice For All March on Freedom Plaza, where he joined fellow elected leaders, civil rights leaders, and the families of those affected by police brutality to call for justice. "It is critical that we rededicate ourselves to the cause of justice for all,” Congressman Al Green said. “We are at a critical turning point in the history of our nation where people of good will who believe in liberty and justice for all must actively be a part of the solution or passively be a part of the problem.” Congressman Al Green continued, “I support the efforts of peace officers to serve and protect our community. I also believe strongly in the rule of law. However, I, along with many other people of good will, believe that more can be done to make law enforcement more accountable and transparent such that police officers are better able to work in their communities. I also wholeheartedly believe lawmakers should act to better understand how we can increase transparency and accountability in all levels of law enforcement. I have introduced H.R. 5407, the Transparency in Policing Act (TIP) of 2014, which would require state and local law enforcement agencies that receive funds from the Department of Justice to acquire body cameras for use by their law enforcement officers. Although this bill is not a panacea, it is a significant step in the right direction. I believe that having our officers wear body cameras can bring much-needed additional transparency to communities in many future controversial police/civilian actions. Currently, numerous major police departments around the country have conducted studies, introduced pilot programs, or currently require officers to wear body cameras, including the Ferguson Police Department. While this is a positive development, the TIP Act would allow us to move forward together as a nation on the issue of transparency and accountability in law enforcement rather than one city, county, o… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=2013 | Sen. Cruz Measure Granting Purple Heart Eligibility to Fort Hood Victims Heads to President's Desk | 2014-12-13 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, today announced that the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for 2015 includes legislation he sponsored to allow the victims of the 2009 terrorist attack at Fort Hood to receive the Purple Heart. The legislation, supported by Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, will expand eligibility for the Purple Heart to include members of the Armed Forces who have been killed or wounded in an attack inspired or motivated by a foreign terrorist organization. “It’s long past time to call the Fort Hood attack what it was: radical Islamic terrorism,” said Sen. Cruz. “And, this recognition for Fort Hood terrorist victims is overdue. The victims and their families deserve our prayers and support, and this legislation rightly honors them for defending our nation in the face of a heinous act of terror.” On Friday the Wall Street Journal published an op-ed written by Dorothy Rabinowitz recognizing the importance of this legislation. Rabinowitz wrote: “There has finally been a significant upturn in the case of the 2009 Fort Hood terror attack in Texas that took the lives of 13 Americans—a saga drenched, since its inception, in official lies and evasions. Not to mention the Defense Department’s studious indifference to the fate of the more than two-dozen survivors, many suffering serious wounds, but who discovered themselves ineligible for the Purple Heart and medical benefits given to military personnel injured in combat. Thanks to strong bipartisan support, the House agreed last week to an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal 2015 that would provide such benefits for Fort Hood’s and other military victims of terror attacks on American soil.” This legislation was sponsored in the House by Reps. John Carter, R-Texas, and Roger Williams, R-Texas. The NDAA passed the House on December 4. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=2015 | Sen. Cruz Statement on Anticipated Vote to Defund Executive Amnesty | 2014-12-13 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, today released the following statement in anticipation of the Senate vote on his Constitutional Point of Order to defund President Obama’s illegal executive amnesty: “Forcing a vote on the constitutionality of Obama's amnesty is important for two reasons. First, since President Obama enacted his unilateral amnesty after the elections, Democrats have never been made to answer for it. Tonight, they will and they will show America whether they stand with a lawless President, who is defying the will of the voters or the millions of Americans who want a safe and legal immigration system. “Second, it allows Republicans to also show they are committed to ending Obama's amnesty once and for all in the next Congress. If we agree it is indeed unconstitutional, we have no business funding it when the GOP controls Congress next year. “The Constitution matters, and we must defend it. That is why we have fought so hard to ensure this vote.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://algreen.house.gov/press-release/congressman-al-green%E2%80%99s-haven-act-approved-part-national-defense-authorization-act-2015 | Congressman Al Greens HAVEN Act is Approved as Part of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2015 | 2014-12-12 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | TX | Al Green | G000553 | algreen.house.gov | legacy | (Washington, DC)--On Friday, December 12, 2014, the Senate approved modified language from Congressman Al Green’s bill H.R. 3743, the Housing Assistance for Veterans Act of 2014 (HAVEN Act), as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of 2015. The modified language in the NDAA will provide $20 million over five years in home modification for low-income, disabled veterans. “I do care passionately about veterans having all the resources a grateful nation can provide them to maintain their productiveness and role in society,” Congressman Al Green said. “Legislation to support our brave veterans transcends partisanship as well as ideology in Congress and should remain one of the top priorities for a government that asks so much of them.” The bill establishes grant awards for installing wheelchair ramps, widening exterior and interior doors, as well as accommodating the functional limitations that result from having a disability. The grants will greatly assist veterans as nonprofit housing organizations are able to leverage more than $3 for every $1 in federal funding received. The provision also requires participating nonprofits to detail their outreach plans and match a minimum of 50 percent of the grant award. “I’m proud to have played a role in the bipartisan passage of legislation that will help our veterans,” Congressman Al Green said. “I am especially proud of H.R. 3743, the HAVEN Act of 2014, which I introduced and was incorporated into the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of 2015. The modified language from the HAVEN Act offers valuable assistance in rehabilitating and modifying the homes of low-income, disabled veterans.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398018 | Rep. Cuellar Releases Statement on Appropriations Agreement | 2014-12-12 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | TX | Henry Cuellar | C001063 | cuellar.house.gov | legacy | Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX28) released the following statement on his vote in favor of the Fiscal Year 2015 omnibus appropriations bill. The measure passed the House by a vote of 219-206. “Yesterday’s agreement averts the risk of a government shutdown by providing funding for government operations in 2015. While I oppose the use of a continuing resolution to fund the Department of Homeland Security, we cannot risk the possibility of another government shutdown because of a disagreement over a policy item. “As an appropriator, I would rather see an appropriations bill or an omnibus with fresh funding for the Department of Homeland Security, rather than the continuing resolution we are passing today. We cannot focus on initiatives benefitting our security as a whole while running on directives and funds from the previous year. If Republicans object to the President’s action, they should put forward a legislative proposal, not put funding at risk for our men and women in blue and in green, the Secret Service, Coast Guard, veterans, and many others. “I voted for the omnibus bill because it was necessary to move funding forward for the eleven other agencies. I hope to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in the new Congress to ensure that all agencies receive full funding for the next year. Taxpayers send us to Washington to get the job done. If we are going to get something meaningful done here in Washington, both parties need to get together and focus on areas where we agree.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398065 | KGNS: Cuellar releases statement on appropriations agreement | 2014-12-12 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | TX | Henry Cuellar | C001063 | cuellar.house.gov | legacy | Cuellar releases statement on appropriations agreement Posted: Fri 12:06 PM, Dec 12, 2014 By: Matt McGovernWASHINGTON, DC (Office of Henry Cuellar) - Congressman Henry Cuellar released the following statement on his vote in favor of the Fiscal Year 2015 omnibus appropriations bill. The measure passed the House by a vote of 219-206. “Yesterday’s agreement averts the risk of a government shutdown by providing funding for government operations in 2015. While I oppose the use of a continuing resolution to fund the Department of Homeland Security, we cannot risk the possibility of another government shutdown because of a disagreement over a policy item. “As an appropriator, I would rather see an appropriations bill or an omnibus with fresh funding for the Department of Homeland Security, rather than the continuing resolution we are passing today. We cannot focus on initiatives benefitting our security as a whole while running on directives and funds from the previous year. If Republicans object to the President’s action, they should put forward a legislative proposal, not put funding at risk for our men and women in blue and in green, the Secret Service, Coast Guard, veterans, and many others. “I voted for the omnibus bill because it was necessary to move funding forward for the eleven other agencies. I hope to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in the new Congress to ensure that all agencies receive full funding for the next year. Taxpayers send us to Washington to get the job done. If we are going to get something meaningful done here in Washington, both parties need to get together and focus on areas where we agree.” http://www.kgns.tv/home/headlines/Cuellar-releases-statement-on-appropriations-agreement-285633951.html | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://culberson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398167 | Understanding the Omnibus | 2014-12-12 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | TX | John Culberson | C001048 | culberson.house.gov | legacy | There is a tremendous amount of confusion about what tonight's bill did and didn't do. I want to clear that up and tell you why I supported it:1. It does NOT fund Obama’s illegal amnesty. 2. Deportations are processed by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and that agency is 100 percent funded by the fees they collect from visa and other applications. The money is paid straight into the Treasury and back to USCIS, bypassing the Appropriations Committee. We will fix this in January when we have a Republican Senate that will join us in putting all the fees under the control of the Appropriations Committee where we can restrict and cut the money off so it can’t be used to implement Obama’s illegal amnesty. 3. Tonight’s bill funds the Department of Homeland Security with a short-term continuing resolution (CR) that expires February 27 so the new Republican Senate can help us defund and block Obama’s illegal amnesty and ensure our existing immigration laws are fully enforced. 4. Obamacare is primarily funded with money straight from the Treasury that bypasses the Appropriations Committee. Any Obamacare funding that we could target in this bill, we have. We cut $10 million in funding from the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB) death panels and stop the taxpayer bailout of insurance companies. In this bill, we flat-funded the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) which is the primary agency responsible for promulgating new Obamacare regulations. We slash funding for the IRS -- reducing their funding level to below where it was before Obamacare was signed into law. I supported this bill because I knew that the information being published about the bill was inaccurate. Nancy Pelosi and Sheila Jackson Lee and other liberal democrats opposed the bill because conservatives won so many concessions. We won concessions like: 1. Cutting the EPA back to 1989 staffing levels severely hindering their ability to enforce burdensome regulations. 2. Eliminating funding for the U.N. Arms Treaty.… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://olson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/olson-opposes-omnibus-spending-bill | OLSON OPPOSES OMNIBUS SPENDING BILL | 2014-12-12 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | TX | Pete Olson | O000168 | olson.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC Congressman Pete Olson (R-TX) tonight voted against the end-of-year appropriations bill that was passed on the House floor. The $1.1 trillion discretionary spending measure contains full spending bills for 11 of the 12 annual appropriations measures but only funds the Homeland Security Department via Continuing Resolution through late February. "President Obama blatantly disregarded our Constitution when he issued an Executive Order that ignores current federal law by providing a path to legal status for up to five million undocumented immigrants,"Rep. Pete Olson said. "This action showed dangerous disregard for the rule of law in America and must be stopped. While I appreciate the difficult situation the president has put Congress in, I cannot in good conscience support a bill that does not immediately stop this illegal amnesty effort." ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://thornberry.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397910 | House passes annual government spending bill | 2014-12-12 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | TX | William Thornberry | T000238 | thornberry.house.gov | legacy | The U.S. House of Representatives passed a spending bill yesterday that provides funding for nearly all of the government's operations through the end of the fiscal year, September 30, 2015. The exception is the Department of Homeland Security, which will receive funding for less than 90 days, expiring on February 27, 2015. Under the agreement, overall discretionary spending has been reduced by $165 billion since Fiscal Year 2010. The legislation passed with a bipartisan vote of 219 to 206. Congressman Mac Thornberry (R-Clarendon) voted in favor of the bill. This bill fulfills our constitutional responsibility to fund the government, while also reining in spending and executive and other federal overreach, said Rep. Thornberry. We have been able to reduce spending by $165 billion since 2010. We plan to build on this progress with additional meaningful cuts and changes when Congress returns in January with Republican majorities in the House and the Senate. The bill funds important Department of Defense programs and projects, offers a pay raise for troops, and provides resources to help prepare for current and future threats. The defense portion of the bill also includes funding for local national security facilities, including missions at Sheppard Air Force base in Wichita Falls. In addition, it contains nearly $2.8 billion for Bell Helicopter's V-22 and other aircraft programs, much of which is done in Amarillo. It also increases funding for nuclear weapons activitiesmuch of which is performed at Pantexto $8.2 billion. To help address the backlog of deferred maintenance on physical infrastructure in the nuclear weapons facilities, the agreement provides $37.4 million specifically for recapitalization projects at Pantex. The BLM Red River land dispute issue is addressed in the funding bill as well. It includes language to help ensure that the Bureau of Land Management defers any final decision-making regarding land use plans along the Red River in Texas until appropriate surveys have been con… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20141217200838/http://www.cornyn.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=NewsReleases&ContentRecord_id=2a568841-6b8a-46a4-a35f-95b48c14cdb2 | Senate Approves Cornyn Measure Making 2009 Fort Hood Victims Eligible for Purple Hearts | 2014-12-12 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | TX | John Cornyn | C001056 | web.archive.org | legacy | U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) issued the following statement after the Senate passed the FY2015 Defense Authorization bill, including a provision based on legislation he authored making victims of the November 2009 terrorist attack at Fort Hood eligible to receive the Purple Heart: “Fort Hood has long been a source of pride for all Texans, and though long overdue this is welcome news for the wounded, the families of the fallen, and the entire community who all continue to heal from this unspeakable tragedy. “The men and women who put themselves in harm’s way on that fateful day deserve nothing less than this high honor for their sacrifices, and I urge the President to sign this bill into law as soon as possible so we can grant these heroes the recognition they’ve earned.” Existing criteria for the Purple Heart provide for the medal to be awarded to service members killed or wounded “as the result of an international terrorist attack against the United States.” The provision in the FY2015 Defense Authorization bill would update the definition of “international terrorist attack” to include a terrorist attack that was inspired or motivated by al Qaeda or another U.S. State Department-designated foreign terrorist organization, and one prior to which the attacker was in communication with the terrorist group. The provision would be retroactively effective as of September 11, 2001, and would require fresh reviews of the 2009 Ft. Hood attack and other attacks since 9/11. For the civilian equivalent of the Purple Heart—the Secretary of Defense Medal for the Defense of Freedom—the measure would require a determination of whether it should be awarded to any civilians who were killed or wounded in the 2009 terrorist attack at Fort Hood. Sen. Cornyn and Reps. Carter and Williams previously introduced similar legislation, the Fort Hood Victims and Families Benefits Protection Act, in both 2009 and 2011, and the Honoring the Fort Hood Heroes Act, in 2013. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/content/senate-approves-cornyn-measure-making-2009-fort-hood-victims-eligible-purple-hearts | Senate Approves Cornyn Measure Making 2009 Fort Hood Victims Eligible for Purple Hearts | 2014-12-12 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | TX | John Cornyn | C001056 | www.cornyn.senate.gov | legacy | U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) issued the following statement after the Senate passed the FY2015 Defense Authorization bill, including a provision based on legislation he authored making victims of the November 2009 terrorist attack at Fort Hood eligible to receive the Purple Heart:Fort Hood has long been a source of pride for all Texans, and though long overdue this is welcome news for the wounded, the families of the fallen, and the entire community who all continue to heal from this unspeakable tragedy.The men and women who put themselves in harm's way on that fateful day deserve nothing less than this high honor for their sacrifices, and I urge the President to sign this bill into law as soon as possible so we can grant these heroes the recognition they've earned.Existing criteria for the Purple Heart provide for the medal to be awarded to service members killed or wounded as the result of an international terrorist attack against the United States. The provision in the FY2015 Defense Authorization bill would update the definition of international terrorist attack to include a terrorist attack that was inspired or motivated by al Qaeda or another U.S. State Department-designated foreign terrorist organization, and one prior to which the attacker was in communication with the terrorist group. The provision would be retroactively effective as of September 11, 2001, and would require fresh reviews of the 2009 Ft. Hood attack and other attacks since 9/11. For the civilian equivalent of the Purple Heartthe Secretary of Defense Medal for the Defense of Freedomthe measure would require a determination of whether it should be awarded to any civilians who were killed or wounded in the 2009 terrorist attack at Fort Hood. Sen. Cornyn and Reps. Carter and Williams previously introduced similar legislation,the Fort Hood Victims and Families Benefits Protection Act, in both 2009 and 2011, andthe Honoring the Fort Hood Heroes Act, in 2013. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=2012 | Sen. Cruz: NDAA Does Not Protect Our Vital National Security Interest | 2014-12-12 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, today voted against the National Defense Authorization Act citing several concerns, including an extreme land grab provision and ongoing assistance to Syrian rebels. “The 2015 National Defense Authorization Act includes a number of problematic provisions, including an extension through 2016 of the program to arm Syrian rebels and an extreme land grab that restricts more than a half-million new acres of property from productive use,” said Sen. Cruz. “This is yet another example of Majority Leader Reid’s legacy of obstruction by not allowing any amendments to be called on this bill. “Although this legislation contains a number of individual provisions I support, it is fundamentally flawed in that it neither protects our most basic rights as American citizens, nor safeguards the vital national security interests of the United States. Congress should reject this attempt to exploit our Armed Forces by self-serving politicians. The NDAA should serve to strengthen our national security and it is imperative that Congress respects and upholds this vital function. The men and women of our military deserve no less.” Areas of concern in the bill include: No prohibition on indefinite detention of citizens and lawful permanent residents. No prohibition on funds used to transfer Guantanamo detainees to Yemen. Extended authorization through 2016 to train and equip Syrian rebels. Public land package which would increase the deficit by $82 million and restrict more than a half million new acres of land. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://algreen.house.gov/press-release/congressman-al-green-applauds-fhfa%E2%80%99s-rule-fannie-mae-and-freddie-mac-set-aside-and-0 | Congressman Al Green Applauds FHFAs Rule for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to Set Aside and Allocate Funds for the Housing Trust Fund and the Capital Magnet Fund | 2014-12-11 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | TX | Al Green | G000553 | algreen.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Al Green Applauds FHFA’s Rule for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to Set Aside and Allocate Funds for the Housing Trust Fund and the Capital Magnet Fund Dec 11, 2014 (Washington, DC)—On December 11, 2014, Congressman Al Green (TX-09) applauded the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s (FHFA) rule for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to set aside and allocate funds for the Housing Trust Fund and the Capital Magnet Fund. “Today, FHFA took an important step in expanding funding for low-income and affordable housing for millions of families. There is no dream more fundamentally American than the dream of owning a home, regardless of socioeconomic status. I look forward to continuing to work with FHFA and Director Mel Watt in expanding opportunities as well as funding for low-income and affordable housing.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://gohmert.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398154 | Gohmert Joins Texas Delegation in Support of Texas Lawsuit Against Executive Amnesty Action | 2014-12-11 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | TX | Louie Gohmert | G000552 | gohmert.house.gov | legacy | Gohmert Joins Texas Delegation in Support of Texas’ Lawsuit Against Executive Amnesty Action f t # e Washington, December 11, 2014 Rep. Louie Gohmert (TX-01), along with Republican Members of the Texas Delegation, sent a letter of support to Governor Rick Perry and Governor Elect Greg Abbott regarding Texas’ lawsuit against Obama’s executive action amnesty. “President Obama adamantly stated at least 22 times over the past six years that he could not create his own immigration law. However, the week before Thanksgiving, our Commander- in- Chief issued what amounts to a royal decree, which pretends to legalize approximately 5 million people who entered the United States unlawfully,” said Rep. Louie Gohmert. “Now is not the time to surrender. Texas has been and still is on the front lines in the battle of combating illegal immigration, and the federal government has done little to help the massive influx of unlawful crossings and chaos on the southern border. It is more than encouraging seeing the state of Texas take a stand against this unconstitutional monarchical order from President Obama.” # # # Click the links to view the letters sent to Governor Rick Perry and Governor Elect Greg Abbott. f t # e | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://lamarsmith.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/smith-statement-on-omnibus-appropriations-bill | Smith Statement on Omnibus Appropriations Bill | 2014-12-11 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | TX | Lamar Smith | S000583 | lamarsmith.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. – Congressman Lamar Smith (R-Texas) released the following statement today after voting against passage of a $1 trillion omnibus appropriations bill. Congressman Smith: “Like many of my colleagues, I would have preferred a bill that reduces spending, blocks the president’s unconstitutional executive orders granting amnesty, and increases border security. “Unfortunately, the bill before the House today did not meet these criteria and therefore I could not support it. “In the last election, the American people rejected the policies of this administration and the Democratic lock-down in the Senate. I look forward to the new Congress when we will be able to work on legislation that expands our economy, gets rid of the red tape that burdens American families, and secures our borders. I will continue working to put a stop to the president’s amnesty that punishes American workers and undermines our rule of law.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://poe.house.gov/press-releases?ID=95649CC6-781F-4729-BC50-F94C8F2B9E71 | POE VOTES AGAINST CROMNIBUS, OPPOSES FUNDING PRESIDENTS UNCONSTITUTIONAL IMMIGRATION ACTION | 2014-12-11 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | TX | Ted Poe | P000592 | poe.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C.Today, Congressman Ted Poe (TX-02) issued the following statement on the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 (the so-called CRomnibus).Today the House voted on a continuing resolution to fund the government through September. While there are many important provisions that were included in this appropriations package, such as cutting the IRSs budget and supporting our ally, Israel, I could not support a bill that included funding for the Presidents illegal and unconstitutional action: granting legal status to millions of people without the consent of Congress. This bill gave the President the rubber stamp he needed to fund his executive amnesty, and I could never support that. Before each vote Congress takes, there is always a procedural vote to establish the rules for debate for both sides. Today, I voted yes on the rule for this appropriations bill. Why? Because a vote against the rule would have been a vote to block debate on this legislation. I believe this bill needed to be debated out in the open for the American people to see and for the American people to know where their representatives stood. Hiding behind a procedural vote is an easy way for politicians to not let people know where they really stand. I have been opposed to this bill from the start and welcomed the chance to debate it and vote against it. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://samjohnson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397614 | Sam Johnson Opposes "Cromnibus" | 2014-12-11 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | TX | Sam Johnson | J000174 | samjohnson.house.gov | legacy | Sam Johnson Opposes "Cromnibus" Vows to Continue Fighting Executive Amnesty f t # e Washington, December 11, 2014 Washington, D.C. – On behalf of Collin County constituents and in keeping with his conservative voting record, U.S. Congressman Sam Johnson voted against H.R. 83, The Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act of 2015 – also known as the “Cromnibus.” The bill passed 219-206. “Today I voted against the so-called ‘Cromnibus’ because it spends too much and does nothing to stop the President’s executive action that grants amnesty to millions of illegal immigrants,” said Johnson. “The good folks of Collin County, as well as the majority of Americans, have spoken loud and clear – stop Obama’s amnesty for illegals.” “Despite the fact that this bill passed, my constituents can rest assured knowing that I will continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with them in fighting against the President’s lawless amnesty.” f t # e | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://sessions.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=4339BF76-7F72-4439-B571-3C1C127DCABF | Sessions: House Passes Government Funding Bill | 2014-12-11 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | TX | Pete Sessions | S000250 | sessions.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S Congressman Pete Sessions, Chairman of the House Committee on Rules, joined Co-Chairs of the Job Corps Caucus Congressman Lou Barletta and Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr., in addition to 118 Members of Congress in sending a letter to the Department of Labor requesting a reevaluation of their proposed cuts to the Job Corps Program. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://veasey.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/black-congressional-staffers-stage-hands-up-walk-out-on-capitol-hill | Black Congressional Staffers Stage Hands Up Walk Out On Capitol Hill | 2014-12-11 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | TX | Marc Veasey | V000131 | veasey.house.gov | legacy | In the wake of protests that erupted after police officers were not indicted in the cases of bothEric Garner in New York and the Michael Brown of Ferguson, congressional staff members staged a Capitol Hill walkout. A mass of black congressional staffers walked out of the Capitol building on Thursday (December 11) at 3:30 pm ET, raising there hands up in the “Hands Up, Don’t Shoot” position as they paused united on the building steps. The event was spearheaded by the Congressional Black Associates group, a few congress members joined the protest, including Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md., and Rep. Marc Veasey, D-Texas. “We’re not trying to cause any type of controversy,” one staffer told CNN. “We’re just trying to highlight this issue, to show solidarity with people who have been affected.” The walk-out drew other minority staff members, including the Congressional Asian Pacific American Staff Association and the Congressional Hispanic Staff Association. “I believe it’s important, because what affects one community really affects the entire country,” a staffer said. “It’s not just one group of minorities that’s affected. How one group is treated affects Asians, Hispanics, women. It’s important that we show our solidarity and come together and really speak out about the injustices that are being done.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://veasey.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/capitol-hill-staffers-stage-walkout-to-protest-garner-brown-grand-juries | Capitol Hill Staffers Stage Walkout to Protest Garner, Brown Grand Juries | 2014-12-11 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | TX | Marc Veasey | V000131 | veasey.house.gov | legacy | Unless it's a part of their job description, Capitol Hill staffers generally shy away from the press. But Thursday afternoon, nearly 150 of them walked out of their offices to participate in a walkout to protest theEric Garner and Michael Brown grand jury decisions and the deaths of other unarmed African-Americans. The walkout took place on a critical day as their bosses struggled to pass a budget in time to prevent a government shutdown. Rev. Barry Black, the Senate chaplain, who is African-American, led the group in a prayer for the grieving families and for peace on the steps of the Capitol. They also posed for a photo, during which everyone made the "Hands Up, Don't Shoot" gesture. "Today as people throughout the nation protest for justice in our lands, forgive us when we have failed to lift our voices for those who couldn't speak or breathe for themselves,” Black said. “May we not forget that in our national history injustice has often been maintained because good people failed to promptly act. Forgive, oh God, our culpability in contributing to our national pathology as you keep us aware of our own capacity to be instruments of injustice.” The heads of congressional staff associations in both the House and the Senate, including the Congressional Black Associates, Senate Black Legislative Staff Caucus, the Brooke-Revels Society and the Congressional African Staff Association organized the walkout. Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Staff Association and the Congressional Hispanic Staff Association also participated. Many of the staffers are struggling to figure out what their individual roles are in the burgeoning protest movement, but felt like they should take a collective stand, one of the organizers told BET.com. "We will have discussions about how to move the ball forward, how to get involved with what's happening at the local level and how as individuals who are uniquely positioned to understand how policy is created, we can lend our expertise to those efforts," said the staffer, who a… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://veasey.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/congressional-staffers-protest-grand-jury-decisions | Congressional staffers protest grand jury decisions | 2014-12-11 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | TX | Marc Veasey | V000131 | veasey.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON (AP) — A gathering of black congressional staffers and other Capitol employees stood silently on the House steps Thursday and raised their hands in the air to protest of the killing of unarmed black men by police. They bowed their heads as Senate Chaplain Barry C. Black prayed, "Forgive us when we have failed to lift our voices for those who couldn't speak or breathe for themselves" — emphasizing "breathe" in reference to Eric Garner, who died after a policeman grabbed him in a chokehold in New York. "May we not forget that in our history injustice has often been maintained because good people failed to promptly act," Black said, with well over 100 people standing behind him. The demonstration was organized by the Congressional Black Associates and other groups representing minority employees of Congress to show support for protests around the country following the deaths of Garner and 18-year-old Michael Brown, who was black, in Ferguson, Missouri. On the grounds nearby, Valerie Bell — the mother of Sean Bell, shot in New York on the morning of his wedding — watched with other mothers whose sons were killed by police. Nine mothers have been meeting with Congress members and Washington officials this week asking for an end to police brutality against black men. "We stand with them, and they stand with us," Bell said as the congressional employees gathered outside in the cold. After the brief event, Black said the workers were exercising their free speech rights "to say that there are some issues that are significantly critical, that there needs to be a greater conversation." The wordless demonstrators also included Reps. Joaquin Castro and Marc Veasey, both Democrats representing Texas, and Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Maryland. "There is no community that is immune to police abuse," Castro, a second generation Mexican-American, said afterward. "It is happening in every community. It is more concentrated in minority communities, particularly the African-American community, but this is something that all Ame… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://veasey.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/congressional-staffers-walk-out-to-protest-killings-by-police | Congressional staffers walk out to protest killings by police | 2014-12-11 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | TX | Marc Veasey | V000131 | veasey.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON -- Members of Congress, staffers and other Capitol employees stood silently on the House steps Thursday and raised their hands in the air to protest the killing of unarmed black men by police. They bowed their heads as Senate Chaplain Barry C. Black prayed, "Forgive us when we have failed to lift our voices for those who couldn't speak or breathe for themselves" -- emphasizing "breathe" in reference to Eric Garner, who died after a policeman grabbed him in a chokehold in New York. "May we not forget that in our history injustice has often been maintained because good people failed to promptly act," Black said, with well over 100 people standing behind him. The demonstration was organized by the Congressional Black Associates and other groups representing minority employees of Congress to show support for protests around the country following the killing of Garner and 18-year-old Michael Brown, whose death in Ferguson, Missouri, inspired the "hands up, don't shoot" gesture. On the grounds nearby, Valerie Bell -- the mother of Sean Bell, shot in New York on the morning of his wedding -- watched with other mothers whose sons were killed by police. Nine mothers have been meeting with Congress members and Washington officials this week asking for an end to police brutality against black men. "We stand with them, and they stand with us," Bell said as the congressional employees gathered outside in the cold. As staffers returned to work after the brief event, Black said they were exercising their free speech rights "to say that there are some issues that are significantly critical, that there needs to be a greater conversation." The wordless demonstrators also included Reps. Joaquin Castro and Marc Veasey, both Democrats representing Texas, and Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md. "There is no community that is immune to police abuse," Castro, a second generation Mexican-American, said afterward. "It is happening in every community. It is more concentrated in minority communities, particularly the African-American com… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://veasey.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/heres-what-happened-when-100-black-staffers-lawmakers-staged-capitol-hill | Here's What Happened When 100 Black Staffers, Lawmakers Staged Capitol Hill Walkout | 2014-12-11 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | TX | Marc Veasey | V000131 | veasey.house.gov | legacy | (WASHINGTON) — Over 100 black congressional staffers and several black lawmakers staged a walkout at the Capitol Thursday afternoon, leading a silent protest on the steps of the Capitol over the deaths of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo., and Eric Garner on Staten Island, New York, both black men, at the hands of white police officers. Reps. Elijah Cummings, D-Md., and Marc Veasey, D-Texas, were among the lawmakers participating in the walkout. Senate Chaplain Barry Black led the group in prayer, saying they were working as a “voice for the voiceless.” “Today as people throughout the nation protest for justice in our lands, forgive us when we have failed to lift our voices for those who couldn’t speak or breathe for themselves,” Black said. “May we not forget that in our national history, injustice has often been maintained because good people failed to promptly act. Forgive oh God, our culpability in contributing to our national pathology as you keep us aware of our own capacity to be instruments of injustice.” After the prayer, the group stood on the steps of the Capitol, raising their hands in a gesture that has become symbolic of the Ferguson refrain –- hands up, don’t shoot. 100+ black congressional staffers, several lawmakers stage walkout at US Capitol to protest Garner, Brown cases. pic.twitter.com/WKghW7dveR — ABC News (@ABC) December 11, 2014 Dozens of staffers gather on Capitol steps to protest police brutality #BlackLivesMatter #AllLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/R6OaNT3ZDe — THE CBC (@OfficialCBC) December 11, 2014 | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://veasey.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/staffers-walk-out-of-congress-in-protest-over-brown-and-garner-cases | Staffers Walk Out Of Congress In Protest Over Brown And Garner Cases | 2014-12-11 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | TX | Marc Veasey | V000131 | veasey.house.gov | legacy | ' Black congressional staffers hold their hands up as they pose for a group photo during a walkout on the steps of the U.S. Capitol Thursday, in protest over the Eric Garner and Michael Brown cases Dozens of congressional staff members walked out of the Capitol at 3:30 p.m. ET Thursday, in a show of support for protesters angered by recent grand jury decisions not to indict police officers in the deaths of Michael Brown and Eric Garner. Wearing suits, ties and overcoats, the staffers stood several rows deep on the steps of Capitol Hill before making the hands-up gesture that has come to symbolize frustration with the deaths of the two unarmed black men at the hands of police. They stood silently with their arms raised for a moment before disbanding and walking down the steps. While the event was spearheaded by the Congressional Black Associates, it also drew other staff members, including the Congressional Asian Pacific American Staff Association and the Congressional Hispanic Staff Association, according to CNN. A few members of Congress came out to the steps, including Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md., and Rep. Marc Veasey, D-Texas. The short event included a prayer from U.S. Senate Chaplain Barry Black. The protest comes a week after Rep. Marcia L. Fudge, chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, said she was "deeply disappointed" by a Staten Island grand jury's decision not to level charges in the Garner case. Noting that the decision was similar to another jury's findings in Ferguson, Mo., Fudge wrote: "In the span of two weeks, this nation seems to have heard one message loud and clear: there will be no accountability for taking Black lives. As an American, it is growing increasingly difficult to believe that there is justice for all." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://veasey.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/us-capitol-staffers-raise-hands-to-protest-grand-jury-decisions | US Capitol staffers raise hands to protest grand jury decisions | 2014-12-11 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | TX | Marc Veasey | V000131 | veasey.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON — A gathering of black congressional staffers and other Capitol employees stood silently on the House steps Thursday and raised their hands in the air to protest of the killing of unarmed black men by police. They bowed their heads as Senate Chaplain Barry C. Black prayed, ‘‘Forgive us when we have failed to lift our voices for those who couldn’t speak or breathe for themselves’’ — emphasizing ‘‘breathe’’ in reference to Eric Garner, who died after a policeman grabbed him in a chokehold in New York. ‘‘May we not forget that in our history injustice has often been maintained because good people failed to promptly act,’’ Black said, with well over 100 people standing behind him. The demonstration was organized by the Congressional Black Associates and other groups representing minority employees of Congress to show support for protests around the country following the deaths of Garner and 18-year-old Michael Brown, who was black, in Ferguson, Missouri. On the grounds nearby, Valerie Bell — the mother of Sean Bell, shot in New York on the morning of his wedding — watched with other mothers whose sons were killed by police. Nine mothers have been meeting with Congress members and Washington officials this week asking for an end to police brutality against black men. ‘‘We stand with them, and they stand with us,’’ Bell said as the congressional employees gathered outside in the cold. After the brief event, Black said the workers were exercising their free speech rights ‘‘to say that there are some issues that are significantly critical, that there needs to be a greater conversation.’’ The wordless demonstrators also included Reps. Joaquin Castro and Marc Veasey, both Democrats representing Texas, and Rep. Elijah Cummings, a Maryland Democrat. ‘‘There is no community that is immune to police abuse,’’ Castro, a second generation Mexican-American, said afterward. ‘‘It is happening in every community. It is more concentrated in minority communities, particularly the African-American community, but this is somet… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://veasey.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/us-capitol-staffers-raise-their-hands-for-ferguson | US Capitol staffers raise their hands for Ferguson | 2014-12-11 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | TX | Marc Veasey | V000131 | veasey.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON — A gathering of black congressional staffers and other Capitol employees stood silently on the House steps Thursday and raised their hands in the air to protest the killing of unarmed black men by police. They bowed their heads as Senate Chaplain Barry C. Black prayed, “Forgive us when we have failed to lift our voices for those who couldn’t speak or breathe for themselves” - emphasizing “breathe” in reference to Eric Garner, who died after a policeman grabbed him in a chokehold in New York. “May we not forget that in our history injustice has often been maintained because good people failed to promptly act,” Black said, with well over 100 people standing behind him. The demonstration was organized by the Congressional Black Associates and other groups representing minority employees of Congress to show support for protests around the country following the killing of Garner and 18-year-old Michael Brown, whose death in Ferguson, Missouri, inspired the “hands up, don’t shoot” gesture. On the grounds nearby, Valerie Bell — the mother of Sean Bell, shot in New York on the morning of his wedding — watched with other mothers whose sons were killed by police. Nine mothers have been meeting with Congress members and Washington officials this week asking for an end to police brutality against black men. “We stand with them, and they stand with us,” Bell said as the congressional employees gathered outside in the cold. As staffers returned to work after the brief event, Black said they were exercising their free speech rights “to say that there are some issues that are significantly critical, that there needs to be a greater conversation.” The wordless demonstrators also included Reps. Joaquin Castro and Marc Veasey, both Democrats representing Texas, and Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md. “There is no community that is immune to police abuse,” Castro, a second generation Mexican-American, said afterward. “It is happening in every community. It is more concentrated in minority communities, particularly the African-… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://veasey.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/rep-veasey-s-statement-on-the-2015-omnibus-spending-bill | Rep. Veaseys Statement on the 2015 Omnibus Spending Bill | 2014-12-11 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | TX | Marc Veasey | V000131 | veasey.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. — Congressman Marc Veasey, TX-33, released the following statement in response to the House Republican’s inability to pass the FY 2015 omnibus spending package: “Today after several hours of delay, it is clear that the Republican led House of Representatives has not been able to garner the necessary votes to pass the fiscal year 2015 Omnibus Continuing Resolution Appropriations package that has come to be called ‘Cromnibus.’ This $1.014 trillion spending package represents a failure of House leadership to work towards genuinely bipartisan legislation that will keep our government running. The 1,600 page Cromnibus bill contains very important programs that I strongly support but I would urge House leadership to bring a bipartisan bill to the floor that does not slash the retirement accounts of millions of Americans or short change the Department of Homeland Security by dramatically shortening their funding time period. This is vital to our national security and will affect the implementation of the President's executive order for our country's immigrant community. Democrats have shown that we will work in a bipartisan manner but the Republican conference is in such disarray that they cannot gather the votes to pass the bill within their own caucus.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://veasey.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/rep-veasey-s-statement-on-the-passage-of-2015-omnibus-spending-bill | Rep. Veaseys Statement on the Passage of 2015 Omnibus Spending Bill | 2014-12-11 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | TX | Marc Veasey | V000131 | veasey.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Veasey works hard to ensure that Texans are kept informed of the debates and decisions that are made in our nation's Capitol, as well as the work he does for the 33rd District every day. This section offers a variety of resources to stay up to date with Representative Veasey’s work in CD33 and Washington, D.C. You will find press releases, upcoming events, op-eds, pictures, videos and notable articles from the state and national media. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://williams.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/williams-votes-to-prevent-funding-presidents-amnesty-orders | Williams votes to prevent funding President's amnesty orders | 2014-12-11 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | TX | Roger Williams | W000816 | williams.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Roger Williams (TX-25) issued the following statement after the House voted to pass the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act of 2015. “Two weeks ago, I pledged to do everything in my power to prevent President Obama’s unlawful actions that would grant amnesty to millions of illegal immigrants in the United States. Today’s bill not only does nothing to thwart the President’s unilateral actions, it provides full funding for them. My constituents are outraged by the Administration’s neglect of our border and disregard for enforcing our current laws. While there are many good provisions in this bill, I cannot allow President Obama to receive funding to usurp Congress and implement his amnesty-driven agenda. Fully securing our border needs to be a top priority, and we can’t afford to take this huge step backwards.” # # # | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://conaway.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397893 | Congressman Conaways Statement on His Vote Against the Fiscal Year 2015 Spending Bill | 2014-12-11 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | TX | K. Conaway | C001062 | conaway.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Conaway's Statement on His Vote Against the Fiscal Year 2015 Spending Bill f t # e Washington, December 11, 2014 Congressman K. Michael Conaway (R-Texas) issued the following statement regarding his vote against the Fiscal Year 2015 Spending Bill: This was a flawed bill which I opposed for a multitude of reasons including the fact that it did not include restrictive language that would have hindered the President's amnesty plan. I look forward to continuing the House's fight against the plan. I have a commitment from our Republican leadership that this process will begin in mid-January. By that time, we will have a Republican controlled Senate. It will still be a challenge to reverse the President's executive order, but my Republican colleagues and I will not give up this fight. There were a lot of good things in the bill such as cutting millions of dollars from the EPA and IRS budgets and cutting EPA staffing back to 1989 levels, but unfortunately the problems with the bill outweighed the good. These fiscally conservative provisions are indicative of the work we will do in the 114th Congress. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://doggett.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/austin-chronicle-quote-week | Austin Chronicle: Quote of the Week | 2014-12-11 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | TX | Lloyd Doggett | D000399 | doggett.house.gov | legacy | The Austin Chronicle featured Rep. Lloyd Doggett's comments regarding the Senate's report on the CIA interrogation program as the Quote of the Week. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://kevinbrady.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398683 | House Slashes IRS & EPA Funding, Fully Funds Troops During Wartime | 2014-12-11 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | TX | Kevin Brady | B000755 | kevinbrady.house.gov | legacy | This is all about a unified Republican Congress challenging the President s immigration amnesty early next year on our turf, under our rules. This gives us a much better shot at ending it, share: f t Washington, DC In an effort to stop the Presidents executive actions granting amnesty to millions of illegal immigrants, House Republicans today passed legislation which provides only three months of funding for the Department of Homeland Security, setting up a fight with President Obama over his controversial immigration amnesty for early next year. This is all about a unified Republican Congress challenging the President s immigration amnesty early next year on our turf, under our rules. This gives us a much better shot at ending it, said Texas Republican Kevin Brady. The House has already passed two laws stopping the President from offering executive amnesty but the Democratic-led Senate refuses to take them up. Separating Homeland Security funding sidesteps the Presidents government shutdown trap next year. The bill strongly opposed by liberal lawmakers like Nancy Pelosi and Elizabeth Warren - shrinks the operating budget of the federal government to 2009 levels and maintains most of the sequester cuts while restoring necessary funding to Americas military men and women in the ongoing war on terror. Nine stable months of funding for our military during wartime is essential, while a short-term funding bill would be harmful to our troops and make it more difficult to stop the Presidents executive amnesty, continued Brady. Were slashing the EPA staffing levels to the smallest in 25 years and cutting the IRS budget to protect Americans from their political agendas and economic damage. The bill blocks funding for the Presidents Affordable Care Act, as well as ObamaCare taxpayer bailout for the insurance companies. Were giving our hardworking troops a much-needed pay raise and making sure they have the resources to face the ever-growing terrorist threat of I… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://marchant.house.gov/2014/12/11/marchant-opposes-1-1t-cromnibus-spending-bill/ | Marchant Opposes $1.1T Cromnibus Spending Bill | 2014-12-11 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | TX | Kenny Marchant | M001158 | marchant.house.gov | legacy | Marchant Opposes $1.1T “Cromnibus” Spending Bill U.S. Congressman Kenny Marchant (TX-24) issued the following statement after voting in opposition to the $1.1 trillion “cromnibus” spending package: “I voted against the $1.1 trillion ‘cromnibus’ spending bill because it is a continuation of the same business as usual in Washington that Americans have so clearly rejected. The bill fails to strip the president of the funding needed to move forward with his unilateral amnesty. It also lets the same Senate the American people just voted out cement their misguided spending priorities into the budget for another year. “Like the people of my district, I believe the House should have passed a short-term continuing resolution that defunded the president’s amnesty and allowed the new, Republican-led Congress to start with a clean slate in January. Unfortunately, this is not what we got. I will continue fighting for Congress to stop the budget gimmicks and start using its power of the purse to restore fiscal accountability and rein in the president’s overreach. Such a powerful tool must be used far more responsibly.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20141228101125/http://www.cornyn.senate.gov:80/public/index.cfm?p=NewsReleases&ContentRecord_id=2239d335-3f4e-453c-be5e-1b911afb4e09 | Cornyn: One Step Closer to Justice for Fort Hood Victims | 2014-12-11 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | TX | John Cornyn | C001056 | web.archive.org | legacy | WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) spoke on the Senate floor today on a provision in the FY2015 Defense Authorization bill making victims of the November 2009 terrorist attack at Fort Hood eligible to receive the Purple Heart. Sen. Cornyn’s full speech can be seen here, and excerpts are below. “Shortly after the attack, it became clear that Hasan was motivated by the same poisonous ideology that spurred the attacks on September the 11, 2001. In other words, this was an act of domestic terrorism. Yet, due to the narrow and outdated definition of quote ‘international terrorism,’ the Fort Hood victims have not been awarded the same medals and recognition as other military victims of terrorism. “When our men and women in uniform come under hostile fire from a terrorist, they and their families should receive the full honors and the full recognition and the benefits that accompany such courageous service. That's why I've authored legislation here in the Senate making these victims of the November 2009 attack at Fort Hood eligible to receive the Purple Heart or the civilian equivalent. “Let me just say the close-knit community at Fort Hood has endured great loss in recent years and I'm pleased we're now just one step closer to delivering this important piece of justice to the victims and their families, and it's my hope that once the Defense Authorization bill clears this chamber that the President will act quickly in signing this legislation into law because any further delay is a continuing injustice to all of the victims from that day and indeed all of the good people at Fort Hood.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |
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