Press releases
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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468 rows where chamber = "Senate", state = "TX" and year = 2020 sorted by date descending
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| http://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=5539 | Sen. Cruz: This Year Highlighted the Resilience of Texas and the Vigor of the American Spirit | 2020-12-31 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | HOUSTON, Texas - In a year marked by unique challenges, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) proudly fought for more economic opportunity for millions of Texans, security for America and her allies, and freedom for all Americans to live, work, and worship as they choose. WATCH: Sen. Cruz: This Year Highlighted the Resilience of Texas and the Vigor of the American Spirit Reflecting on the past year, Sen. Cruz said: "Texans are strong and resilient and the American spirit has always been marked by courage and generosity. That spirit was on full display throughout this year as we dealt with the massive economic and public health crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic. We dealt with enflamed racial division and a polarized political environment. "Despite all of these difficulties, Texans and Americans alike rose to the challenge to help our neighbors and those in need by supporting our brave health care workers, first responders, grocery store clerks, and other critical workers on the front lines of this crisis, truly making a difference in our communities. People across this great nation exercised their fundamental rights to further the promises this nation was founded upon - freedom and equality. I am confident that we will come out of these troubled times stronger, more united, and renewed in pursuit of freedom and opportunity for every American. "As we look ahead to 2021, I am deeply honored to continue representing the great state of Texas, and I will continue fighting to reopen our economy and to get millions of Americans safely back to work, back to school, to strengthen America's national security, and to protect the religious liberty and the constitutional rights of each and every American." Sen. Cruz's 2020 Highlights: Combatting the Coronavirus Pandemic SIGNED INTO LAW: Helped secure passage of three coronavirus emergency response packages to address the public health crisis and deliver real relief for the American people. Launched the #CombatCOVID19Challenge, a social media challenge to encourage Americans t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=video&id=5538 | Sen. Cruz: This Year Highlighted the Resilience of Texas and the Vigor of the American Spirit | 2020-12-31 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | Central TX (512) 916-5834 300 E 8th Suite 961 Austin, TX 78701 Email North TX (214) 599-8749 Lee Park Tower II 3626 N. Hall St. Suite 410 Dallas, TX 75219 Email Southeast TX (713) 718-3057 The Mickey Leland Federal Building 1919 Smith Street Suite 9047 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 127A Russell Washington, DC 20510 Contact | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=5537 | Sen. Cruz Condemns Jailing of Chinese Journalist Who Documented Wuhan Coronavirus Outbreak, Vows to Reintroduce Sanctions Bill Against Chinese Medical Censorship | 2020-12-30 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | HOUSTON, Texas - U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today issued the following statement in response to reports that China will jail journalist Zhang Zhan for four years, in retaliation for Zhan's efforts in early 2020 to document the emergence and spread of COVID-19, and announced his intention to reintroduce the "Ending Chinese Medical Censorship and Cover Ups Act," legislation to sanction Chinese officials involved in the ongoing suppression of medical experts, journalists, and political dissidents trying to disseminate medical information: "In the early days of the pandemic, the Chinese Communist Party did everything it could to cover up the severity of the outbreak, from lying about the origin of the virus and how it was being transmitted, to destroying evidence, to silencing the brave whistleblower doctors, scientists, journalists, and activists who tried to warn the world and prevent a global public health crisis. Had the CCP acted responsibly, there's a very real possibility the coronavirus could have been contained as a regional outbreak. Almost a year later, the CCP is continuing and deepening its repression of those whistleblowers. "The consequences of this censorship continuing are deadly - not just for those in China but for Americans and people around the world. That's why at the start of the next Congress I will reintroduce a version of my bill from the 116th Congress, the Ending Chinese Medical Censorship and Cover Ups Act, legislation to impose visa bans and asset blocks on those who punish or censor Chinese citizens for reporting accurate information about a disease. COVID-19 went global because of this sort of malign behavior, and it is imperative that those who conduct it are held accountable." Sen. Cruz has been leading the charge in the Senate to fundamentally reassess the U.S.-China relationship and counter Chinese censorship in the wake of the CCP coronavirus coverup. In May, Sen. Cruz first introduced the "Ending Chinese Medical Censorship and Cover Ups Act" after he delivered remarks on the Se… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://burgess.house.gov/blog/?postid=403002 | Burgess: Presidents should be in command of our troops | 2020-12-29 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Michael Burgess | B001248 | burgess.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), a member of the House Rules Committee and Republican Leader of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, released the following statement after voting against overturning President Trump's veto of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The President of the United States is the Commander in Chief and should have the ability to bring our troops home. President Trump committed to America that he would end the endless wars our country has been fighting. Over the last four years, he has kept his promise. The NDAA placed restrictions on the President's ability to bring troops home from commitment overseas. Rather than restrict the President's authority, Congress should do more to see how we can support our troops as they defend this great country while evaluating how to swiftly remove them from harm's way, said Burgess. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://burgess.house.gov/blog/?postid=403003 | Burgess: Vote puts Americans First | 2020-12-29 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Michael Burgess | B001248 | burgess.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), a member of the House Rules Committee and Republican Leader of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, released the following statement after voting in support of the CASH Act. Americans are hurting. This Coronavirus has affected more than our physical health. Americans have suffered from job and financial losses. When putting together the appropriations for this year and the next COVID-19 response legislation, the priority should have been to help the American people. Congress should have gone through each of the appropriation bills in a bipartisan way so that we were not left at the end of the year having to cram everything in one bill. When Speaker Pelosi decided to combine the two bills, there should have been cuts to other parts of our budget to ensure we could have included more money going directly to Americans first. Through this pandemic, Congress' focus should be America's needs, said Burgess. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://doggett.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/washington-dc-wric-americans-are-hopeful-covid-19-vaccines-will-make-2021 | ABC News8: Congressman calls for FDA to continue vaccine trials | 2020-12-29 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | TX | Lloyd Doggett | D000399 | doggett.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. (WRIC) Americans are hopeful that the COVID-19 vaccines will make 2021 a better year than 2020. However, there are concerns that Pfizer and Moderna will stop their clinical trials and immediately treat everyone in their placebo group. Some scientists, doctors and now a Congressman argues that can be dangerous because they said there is still so much unknown about the vaccines. Rep. Lloyd Doggett of Texas wrote a letter to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) urging for the clinical trials to continue. the continuation of clinical trials is critical to our understanding of the efficacy and length of immunity the vaccines offer, Doggett wrote. In the letter, Doggett said while the initial results received from Pfizer and Moderna are showing positive results, it's not definitive given the limited data. Clinical trials have suffered from a lack of diverse participant enrollment and evaluation of subpopulations, Doggett said. Including individuals with comorbidities, children, pregnant and breastfeeding patients, long-term care residents and individuals with diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. Diana Zuckerman, President of the National Center for Health Research, a non-partisan think tank in Washington D.C., agrees that the clinical trials should continue. She said healthcare workers who volunteered for the clinical trials should have immediate access to the vaccine if they want it. Like most public health experts, I've been very concerned that Pfizer and Moderna told the FDA that they want to stop their clinical trials of the COVID vaccine and instead immediately inoculate everyone in their placebo groups, Zuckerman said. While I understand the desire to reward the clinical trial volunteers for their service, it would be a huge loss of information from a public health point of view. Losing the placebo group means we'd have no way to scientifically determine which of the vaccines if any have 95% efficacy rates that last more than 2 or 3 months. Or how long the vaccine works on people over 75. … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=406003 | Rep. Cuellar Votes to Increase Economic Impact Payments to $2,000 | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | TX | Henry Cuellar | C001063 | cuellar.house.gov | legacy | Rep. Cuellar Votes to Increase Economic Impact Payments to $2,000 Washington, D.C.Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) voted for the Caring for Americans with Supplemental Help (CASH) Act of 2020 to increase the amount of money struggling Americans receive in a second round of direct payments to $2,000. Millions of Americansare struggling to put food on the table, to pay their rent or mortgage, or to keep up with medical bills that they have accumulated over this difficult year, said Congressman Cuellar. I voted to pass the CASH Act to put $2,000 into the pockets of Americans in need and help alleviate some of the economic hardship they are currently facing. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to bring this important legislation to the floor before the legislative session ends. As a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to fight for the additional support that Americans require as we continue to battle the COVID-19 crisis. After the President changed his mind last week and decided to support Democrats' call for increasing direct payments to $2,000, HouseDemocrats immediately went to the Floor to askfor Unanimous Consent to bring a stand-alone bill to increase the payments. On Christmas Eve, House Republicans blocked the request depriving the American people of the increased $2,000 check that the President supported. The CASH Act: Increases the value of the economic impact payments (EIPs) provided in the end-of-year COVID relief package so that each eligible family member receives $2,000, up from $600. Applies the same, broader eligibility established in the end-of-year package to mixed-status families where one spouse has a Social Security Number (SSN). As specified in the latest COVID relief legislation, these families are eligible for the EIP amount for each family member with an SSN, and can claim the corresponding amount for the first round of economic impact payments when they file their 2020 taxes. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://gohmert.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399897 | Rep. Gohmert Issues Statement on Pence Lawsuit | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Louie Gohmert | G000552 | gohmert.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Louie Gohmert (TX-01) released the following statement regarding the lawsuit filed against the Vice President: The 2020 presidential election was one we'd expect to see in a banana republic, not the United States of America. In fact, the rampant fraud and unconstitutional actions that took place were so egregious that seven contested states-- Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, New Mexico, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin all sent dueling slates of electors to Congress. This puts Vice President Mike Pence in a position where some argue he has to choose between morality and the law. That is not the case. It is also critical to note that as many formerly in the mainstream media, now the Alt-Left media, continue to say that every court has said there is no evidence of fraud. That is disingenuous, deceitful, and flat out dishonest. The truth is that no court so far has had the morality and courage to allow evidence of fraud to be introduced in front of it. We continue to hold out hope that there is a federal judge who understands that the fraud that stole this election will mean the end of our republic, and this suit would insure that the Vice-President will only accept electors legitimately and legally elected. There must be an opportunity for a day in court when fraud was this prevalent. It is for this reason that I and other plaintiffs have filed a complaint for expedited declaratory and emergency injunctive relief to seek judgement from the court on the Vice President's authority when presiding over the Senate during the Joint Session of Congress. We are asking the court to uphold the powers laid out in the United States Constitution which grant the Vice President the exclusive authority and sole discretion in determining which electoral votes to count. As outlined in the filing, the Electoral Count Act is unconstitutional because it directs Vice President Pence to legitimize electoral votes in violation of the Electors Clause and limits or eliminates his Twelfth Amendment authority to determine which… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=5536 | Sen. Cruz Applauds Trump Administration for Providing Emergency Learning Scholarships | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today issued the following statement applauding the administration's move to expand educational opportunity: "With far too many Democrat officials flexing their authoritarian instincts, millions of families across the country are hurting right now. Arbitrary shutdowns of public and private K-12 schools have left a generation of students behind. I'm grateful the administration has taken this step to provide emergency learning scholarships for students, empowering parents with the resources they need to support their children's education during these unprecedented times. I'll continue working with my colleagues to reopen the economy, and get Americans safely back to work and school." Read the executive order here. Sen. Cruz has fought to provide American families with the resources needed to provide for their children's public, private, or homeschool education during the COVID-19 pandemic. In July, Sen. Cruz introduced the School Choice Now Act with Sens. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), legislation that ensures all students will return to their pre-pandemic educational institutions. In September, three of Sen. Cruz's education proposals were included in the Senate Republicans' targeted COVID-19 relief bill. Throughout his career, Sen. Cruz has led the fight to expand school choice and educational opportunities for American students. Learn more about his efforts here and here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://algreen.house.gov/press-release/congressman-al-green-votes-yes-2000-stimulussurvival-checks-american-people | Congressman Al Green Votes Yes to $2,000 Stimulus/Survival Checks for the American People | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | TX | Al Green | G000553 | algreen.house.gov | legacy | (Washington, D.C.) On Monday, December 28, 2020, Congressman Al Green released the following statement after the passage of H.R. 9051: Tonight's vote will mark where we stood when the American people needed the government to act. After nine months of an economic and health crisis that has gripped the nation, leaving many jobless, threatening homelessness and exposure to this deadly coronavirus, House Democrats and Republicans voted to put money in the pockets of Americans at a time when they desperately need it, Congressman Al Green stated. By voting to increase direct stimulus payments to $2,000, we do more than stimulate the economy; we do the essential task of our government by helping those suffering from a pandemic-induced economic crisis survive. Congressman Green added, The President has indicated that he will sign H.R. 9051, Caring for Americans with Supplemental Help Act of 2020, into law. The only question left to be answered is will the Senate give hardworking Americans the same kind of help given to the very wealthy by way of tax breaks, or will the Senate conclude that the wealthy need more to do more and that workers in need can do more with less? | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://algreen.house.gov/press-release/congressman-al-green-votes-yes-override-president-trump%E2%80%99s-harmful-ndaa-veto | Congressman Al Green Votes Yes to Override President Trumps Harmful NDAA Veto | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | TX | Al Green | G000553 | algreen.house.gov | legacy | (Washington, D.C.) On Monday, December 28, 2020, Congressman Al Green released the following statement after voting YES' to overriding President Trump's veto of the FY2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA): By overriding the President's veto of the NDAA, we have done more than send a message to the President that bipartisanship can prevail. We have in fact sent a message to our troops that we will protect them not only while they are on the battlefield; we will protect them when they return to the home front, Congressman Al Green stated. It is our duty to assure them that we will do all that we can to provide them with more than the weaponry needed to win wars; we must provide them with good housing, good health care, and good pay when they are serving on active duty as well as good housing, good health care, educational opportunities, and good jobs when they leave active duty. This is the least a grateful nation can do for those who are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice because, in truth, either we will protect our protectors, or we won't have protectors to protect us. Congressman Green who in a Christmas Eve press conference indicated his readiness to return to Washington, D.C., and cast his vote to override President Trump's veto added, A successful veto of this bill would have meant: risking family leave for our civilian VA employees; foregoing a 3% increase in pay for our troops; losing suicide prevention and resilience resources; upholding the memorialization on military bases of the legacies of men who fought to defend our nation's original sin slavery. Allowing this veto to prevail would only harm our nation's veterans and active duty personnel and would contradict the ideals our nation fights abroad to uphold. Our veterans and active duty personnel deserve more, and it is our government's duty to deliver." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://doggett.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/doggett-trump-delayed-approval-disgraceful-relief-bill | Doggett on Trump Delayed Approval of Disgraceful Relief Bill | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | TX | Lloyd Doggett | D000399 | doggett.house.gov | legacy | ***For Immediate Release*** FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 28, 2020 Contact:Kate Stotesbery 202-494-4620 Doggett on Trump Delayed Approval of Disgraceful Relief Bill Washington, D.C. One week ago today, President Trump's designated representative approved the COVID relief bill including $600 in direct payments to eligible Americans. The next day, Trump condemned that bill as a "disgrace." Yesterday, he finally signed the same "disgraceful" bill. After voting this afternoon to increase relief payments to $2,000, U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-TX) released this statement: All that Trump's chaotic delay has accomplished is the denial of one week of unemployment compensation to millions of desperate Americans, unemployed through no fault of their own.Other than a few tweets and harsh words, Trump has done nothing to increase direct relief payments, which the House is approving today over Republican objections and which the Republican Senate Leader will block. ### Follow Congressman Doggett Facebook:https://www.Facebook.com/RepLloydDoggett | Twitter: @RepLloydDoggett| Instagram: @RepLloydDoggett | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://gonzalez.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-gonzalez-helps-secure-critical-funds-coronavirus-relief-bill | Congressman Gonzalez Helps Secure Critical Funds in Coronavirus Relief Bill | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | TX | Vicente Gonzalez | G000581 | gonzalez.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON On Sunday evening, President Trump signed the bipartisan coronavirus compromise relief bill into law. Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) fought for fundsto supportvaccine distribution,maintainunemployment insurance,expandbroadband access, andassist education institutionsinCentral andSouth Texas. Our most important job as members of Congress is to make sure that we take care of the American people.$600 is not enough and this new law lacks funding for state and local governments which will impact how we pay salaries for our law enforcement officers, teachers and frontline workers,said Congressman Gonzalez.While far from perfect,thisbipartisanagreementdoesgive working familiesand small businesses asmalllifeline.We oweit toour frontline workers and all of those impacted by the coronavirus to get this right. Ilook forward to working with the incoming Biden-Harris administration to deliver more relieftothe American people. The agreement includes: Acceleration of vaccine distribution andcombatingthe coronavirus:$69 billion in critically needed funding for COVID-19 testing, contact tracing, vaccines, mental health, and support for health care providers. Included in this funding is $22 billion for testing, contact tracing, surveillance and mitigation, $19 billion for vaccines and therapeutics, including the manufacture, production, and purchase of vaccines, therapeutics and ancillary supplies, and nearly $9 billion in additional funding to support distribution of lifesaving COVID-19 vaccines that will help bring an end to the pandemic. Education and childcare:The agreementprovides$82 billion in funding for colleges and schools, including support for HVAC repair and replacement to mitigate virus transmission and reopen classrooms, and $10 billion for child care assistance to help get parents back to work and keep child care providers open.Texas is estimated to receivea totalof$7,555,750infunds composed oftheGovernor'sEducation Emergency Fund,Elementary and SecondarySchool Emergency Fund and the Higher Educa… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://williams.house.gov/media-center/newsletters/a-season-of-hope | A Season of Hope | 2020-12-24 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Roger Williams | W000816 | williams.house.gov | legacy | Though we've faced tough years in American history and this one is certainly no different, we have always celebrated Christmas and the meaning of this season. It is a time to thank the Lord for His blessings during the year and a time to remind ourselves we're a nation of Judeo-Christian principles that our founders fought to secure deep in our foundation. Often during the usual hustle and bustle of the season, we forget the true meaning of Christmas that was brought to earth on a holy night over two thousand years ago:the gift of Hopewas given to mankind to save us for all eternity. One of my favorite verses in the Bible is Luke 6:38, which says, Give, and it shall be given unto you." The word "give" is active; Jesus is telling us that when we are generous toward those around us, we will in turn reap reward, similar to what is known as the 'Golden Rule.' We have an opportunity every day to do better than the one before, and it is our responsibility to strive to imitate the goodness and love of our Savior toward our neighbors. I can think of no better year in recent memory when we have the distinct opportunity to share the message of hope through our generosity or simply giving of our time, whether virtually or in person. We also look toward this next year filled with the hope of recovery and new growth. While the challenges we face may seem insurmountable,the bond that unites us as Americans will always prevail. To all of our military servicemen and women and their families, thank you for protecting our communities so we can sleep safe at night. Our prayers are with you as you celebrate this season away from home. To our front line workers who will spend these days healing and caring for patients, we thank you for your selflessness. My goal as your Congressman is to represent the 25th District of Texas to the very best of my ability and I look forward to serving you in this next year. I pray you all have a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! In God we trust, Roger Williams Member of Congress | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://burgess.house.gov/blog/?postid=403000 | Burgess: Trump granted the Slough familys Christmas wish | 2020-12-23 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Michael Burgess | B001248 | burgess.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), a member of the House Rules Committee and Republican Leader of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, put out the following statement after President Trump issued a pardon for TX-26 resident Paul Slough. This is a Christmas miracle for the Slough family, said Burgess. Paul, along with three other team members, were sentenced to a mandatory minimum of thirty years in prison after being found guilty of firearms offenses under 18 U.S.C. 924 (c), a statute enacted in the 1980s to reduce violence during the height of the war on drugs. It is unthinkable that civilian contractors, who are required to carry weapons by the U.S. government to protect U.S. personnel overseas, have faced unintended consequences of this statute.In 2007, Paul Slough and his team members, employed as State Department contractors during Operation Iraqi Freedom, were escorting a U.S. diplomatic convoy through Baghdad when an oncoming suspicious vehicle failed to stop. The team opened fire to defend the convoy, unfortunately resulting in 14 Iraqi deaths after engaging in a fire fight. These brave men were sentenced for discharging their firearms under a statute that was never meant to apply to U.S. federal government employees defending Americans overseas. To ensure this never happens again, I introduced legislation to exempt overseas federal contractors from mandatory minimum sentencing requirements under 18 U.S.C. 924(c).I appreciate President Trump for righting this wrong, and I hope that Congress will take up my legislation to ensure this doesn't happen to other Americans. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://burgess.house.gov/blog/?postid=403001 | Burgess introduces legislation to promote U.S. energy leadership | 2020-12-23 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Michael Burgess | B001248 | burgess.house.gov | legacy | Burgess introduces legislation to promote U.S. energy leadership Washington, D.C. Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), a member of the House Rules Committee and Republican Leader of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, introduced the American Nuclear Leadership Commission Act. Consumers are seeking energy sources with lower emissions, and nuclear power must be part of that mix. Right now, America's leadership in civilian nuclear power is being challenged by Russia and China who want to corner the market. Burgess said. This legislation will create a bipartisan commission to examine the future of the civilian nuclear power industry in the United States and investigate the challenges ahead. I believe this commission will shine a spotlight on those challenges and provide the answers necessary to ensure our nation's continued leadership in nuclear energy.Bill Summary: This legislation creates a bipartisan commission within the Department of Energy (DOE) to study the status of the civilian nuclear power industry today and in the future. The bill directs the commission to explore: How a nuclear reactor is brought from development to commercialization Potential market opportunities for advanced reactors The problems of the nuclear fuel cycle from beginning to end The industrial capacity of the US to design and build nuclear reactors The competitiveness of US nuclear reactors in export markets How advanced reactor designed may be able to reduce the cost of nuclear power The environmental benefits of civilian nuclear power What regulations and laws exist that limit the expansion of civilian nuclear power This commission will be chaired by the DOE Secretary, requires evenly split party membership, and would last up to 2 years. Once the commission completes its study, it will provide a report to Congress on its findings and provide policy recommendations to address obstacles to America's nuclear leadership in the 21st Century. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405995 | Rep. Cuellars Statement on Vote to Increase Economic Impact Payments | 2020-12-23 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | TX | Henry Cuellar | C001063 | cuellar.house.gov | legacy | Rep. Cuellar's Statement on Vote to Increase Economic Impact Payments Washington, D.C.Congressman Henry Cuellar released the following statement in support of a vote by Unanimous Consent to increase the economic impact payments to $2,000: House Democrats and I have been fighting for more direct payments to the American people since the beginning. In May, I voted for the Heroes Act, which provided up to $6,000 in direct payments per household, because we recognized these payments are a critical lifeline during this crisis. However, during negotiations, Republicans refused to say the highest number that the President would accept for checks and would never go above $600 and in some cases $500. Since the President has agreed with House Democrats to increase direct payments to $2000, we now are waiting for Republican leadership to support our Unanimous Consent request. Families across the country are still hurting and they deserve additional relief immediately. I am ready to increase direct payments to save the lives and livelihoods of the American people. I am calling on my colleagues across the aisle to join. Enough time has been wasted. It's time for action- let's vote. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://gohmert.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399894 | CJWC Members Celebrate President Trumps Pardons for the Biden Four | 2020-12-23 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Louie Gohmert | G000552 | gohmert.house.gov | legacy | **For Immediate Release** December 23, 2020 Contact: Lauren McLaughlin Lauren.McLaughlin@mail.house.gov CJWC Members Celebrate President Trump's Pardons for the Biden Four Members of the Congressional Justice for Warriors Caucus released the following statements in light of the wonderful news of President Trump's pardons for U.S. veterans and former government security contractors Dustin Heard, Evan Liberty, Nick Slatten and Paul Slough: President Donald J. Trump has delivered the most wonderful Christmas gift in the form of pardons for the members of the Biden Four. These decorated veterans served their country honorably and put themselves in harm's way to defend U.S. diplomats only to be repaid by our government with a corrupted judicial process and prison sentences. I am so thankful that President Trump exercised his superb judgment in granting relief for these menan action that I do not think any other president would have had the political or moral courage to do. To Dustin, Evan, Nick and Paul: I wish you the most blessed and merriest of Christmases as you are reunited with your loved ones. -Rep. Louie Gohmert (TX-01), Chairman The Obama Administration, in its zeal to attack America first, railroaded four of our Iraq warriors, Dustin Heard, Evan Liberty, Nick Slatten, and Paul Slough. Convicted by perjurious witnesses and corrupt prosecutors, they were each granted full pardons by President Donald J. Trump. These decorated veterans will now get to spend Christmas at home with their families. Welcome home boys. -Rep. Paul Gosar (AZ- 4) The Congressional Justice for Warriors Caucus advocates for unjustly convicted and confined servicemembers and military contractors who made split second decisions in combat situations and found themselves second guessed by unscrupulous and over-zealous prosecutors. The Biden Four are among the most egregiously maligned and abused of all. They are all military veterans and were serving as Blackwater security teams. Forty-two Blackwater security… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=5535 | Sen. Cruz: 'The Prince of Peace, Born in Bethlehem, Came So That We May Know Him and His Enduring Love, Joy, and Redemption' | 2020-12-23 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | HOUSTON, Texas - U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) issued the following statement in advance of Christmas Day: "This Christmas, as so many families grapple with the challenges posed by the coronavirus, it is more important than ever to find renewed hope in celebrating the birth of Jesus. The Prince of Peace, born in Bethlehem, came so that we may know Him and his enduring love, joy, and redemption. May this Christmas be a joyous and hopeful season where we reflect on the promise of salvation. "Heidi and I wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year. May God continue to bless the great state of Texas and the United States of America." ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://doggett.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/pelosi-dear-colleague-unanimous-consent-request-increase-economic-impact | PELOSI -- Dear Colleague on Unanimous Consent Request to Increase Economic Impact Payments | 2020-12-23 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | TX | Lloyd Doggett | D000399 | doggett.house.gov | legacy | Dear Democratic Colleague, Just when you think you have seen it all, last night, the President said that he would possibly veto the bicameral agreement negotiated between Republicans and Democrats. He said he would do so, unless the economic impact payments were increased to $2,000. In the bipartisan negotiations, Leader Schumer and I repeatedly asked Republicans what would be the highest number the President would accept for direct payments, and they responded with Sphinx-like silence. In the negotiations, they would never go above $600 and in some cases, proposed $500. Yesterday, I said that Democrats would go to the Floor and ask for Unanimous Consent to bring up a standalone bill to increase the payments. To do so requires the agreement of the Republican Leader. This agreement is necessary in the House and in the Senate. If the President truly wants to join us in $2,000 payments, he should call upon Leader McCarthy to agree to our Unanimous Consent request. We are scheduled to go in for a pro forma session tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. We are awaiting word from Leader Hoyer as to whether Leader McCarthy will agree to or reject our Unanimous Consent request. The entire country knows that it is urgent for the President to sign this bill, both to provide the coronavirus relief and to keep government open. Let us pray! Nancy | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://burgess.house.gov/blog/?postid=402999 | Burgess: Congress can do better | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Michael Burgess | B001248 | burgess.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), a member of the House Rules Committee and Republican Leader of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, released the following statement after Congress passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. The U.S. Constitution grants Congress the power of the purse. It is our responsibility to ensure the federal government is funded, but we must do so thoughtfully, said Burgess. Yesterday afternoon when I entered the Rules Committee for what was to be the only hearing on the combined appropriations and relief bills, I was shocked there was not a copy of the legislation available for the Majority or Minority Members. This was a 5,500 page bill that we were going to vote on in less than five hours. There were many parts of the bill - in fact some policies I have fought for, for decades - which were reasonable, and I could support. I am grateful for the diligent work by members and staff who put in long hours to get a reasonable result, but ultimately the process was so flawed that I could not support the final product. There were also several items that could have had a deleterious effect on our doctors and health professionals. The labors of our front-line medical personal should not be rewarded with reduction of reimbursement, but I was concerned this would be the inevitable result. In my 20 years in Congress, I have watched additions to legislation at the last minute that ultimately prove detrimental. The 26th District of Texas sent me here to represent them, and I need to ensure that what I am voting on does just that. My hope is that with the beginning of a new year and a new Congress, legislators will get back to the business of legislating through regular order. It is irresponsible to push off our work on behalf of the American people to the point that we are scrambling at the end of the year. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405984 | Rep. Cuellar Secures Passage of Reauthorization of Donations Acceptance Program | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | TX | Henry Cuellar | C001063 | cuellar.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) secured the passage of the Donations Acceptance Program Reauthorization Act of 2020 in both the House and Senate. The Donations Acceptance Program (DAP) enables U.S. Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) and the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) to explore, create and facilitate partnerships for improvements on port of entry infrastructures and technology, with the investment made by the local entities. Congressman Cuellar was able to pass this legislation as part of the emergency coronavirus relief and 2021 spending package. The Donations Acceptance Program is a critical method to invest and expedite improvements at ports of entry in the United States, said Congressman Cuellar. I established this program in 2013 and worked hard to expand it to create jobs, support trade industries and tourism, reduce border wait times, and increase border security. This reauthorization will only further expand our economic growth and security throughout our nation by making necessary improvements to our ports of entry. As the representative of the busiest land port of entry, I am committed to improving our infrastructure to improve the safe and efficient flow of legitimate trade and travel. The Border Trade Alliance offers tremendous thanks to Congressman Cuellar and Senator Cornyn for their successful bipartisan leadership to extend the DAP program that has proven to be an effective tool for the public and private sectors to work together to modernize border infrastructure, Border Trade Alliance President Ms. Britton Mullen said. We look forward to working with Congress and the administration over the next year to strengthen this already successful program. The reauthorization of DAP will extend to December 16, 2021. The goal of DAP is to work with communities along the border to help equip CBP's frontline officers and trade specialists with the tools and capabilities they need to operate more effectively. Accepted donations may be used in support of a wide array o… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://flores.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401353 | Congressman Bill Flores Statement Regarding Consolidated Appropriations Act | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Bill Flores | F000461 | flores.house.gov | legacy | U.S. Representative Bill Flores (R-Texas) issued the following statement regarding the passage of H.R. 133, the Consolidated Appropriations Act to fund the government through fiscal year 2021 and provide relief to hardworking American families and businesses who have been adversely affected by COVID-19:Despite delays and distractions by Democrats, H.R. 133 is a clear victory for Republicans and President Trump. It is also a stunning defeat for Nancy Pelosi, who held up aid to small businesses and workers, delayed funding for vaccine procurement and development, all in an effort to hurt President Trump. Her strategy backfired instead, Republicans were able to secure almost all of our priorities in this legislation, while denying Democrats their socialist defund, dismantle, and destroy wish list. Some of the major accomplishments in this legislation include: $900 billion in total COVID-19 relief for Americans. This includes an extension of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), the extremely successful program created by Congress which has saved an estimated 50 million jobs nationwide. Allows businesses that previously received a PPP loan to apply again, while making it easier for businesses to deduct the expenses paid with loan proceeds. Improves the distribution of vaccines approved as a result of Operation Warp Speed. It includes $20 billion for the purchase of vaccines to ensure that any American who wants a COVID-19 vaccination can get one for free. Includes $48 billion for vaccine development, and an additional $20 billion to assist states with COVID-19 testing. Continues increased unemployment benefits through March of next year and includes a stimulus payment of $600 each to Americans making below $75,000. Fully funds our military and domestic programs, including a 3 percent pay raise for our troops, and $1.375 billion in new funding for the border wall to keep our country safe and secure. Protects American families from surprise medical billing. Includes 21st-C… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=5531 | Sen. Cruz: Badly Needed COVID Relief Should Have Passed as Standalone Bill Months Ago, Not in Taxpayer Funded Spending Spree | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today issued the following statement after voting against the multi-trillion dollar end-of-year spending package: "Though the mainstream media and lobbyists will hail this legislative monstrosity as a tremendous victory, make no mistake: urgently-needed COVID-19 relief was tied to a $1.4 trillion wasteful end-of-year spending bill and countless pet projects that will escape close scrutiny because three times, congressional Democrats rejected good faith efforts to pass targeted relief. "With new shutdown orders targeting small businesses and disproportionately affecting minority and low-income workers, many Americans remain out of work and unable to make ends meet. According to one study, one in four small business owners will close their doors if economic conditions don't improve soon. Had this bill been solely focused on re-opening the economy, getting Americans back to work, and jump starting a recovery, it would have had my enthusiastic support. For example, the final COVID-19 package rejects Democrats' misguided attempts to bail out blue states' underfunded pension plans and replenishes the Paycheck Protection Program - which will go a long way in helping small businesses keep their doors open and employees on the payroll. "It also includes funding for vaccine procurement and distribution, and will support states in their efforts to expand testing. With two vaccines already distributed to Americans across the country, these are meaningful developments as we work to defeat this virus, re-open our country, and continue to grow our economy. But they should have been passed in a standalone bill months ago, instead of in a bloated package thrown together during the annual year-end taxpayer funded spending spree. "Unfortunately, this behemoth did not end there. "Generations of Americans are already stuck with a $27 trillion national debt, and Washington politicians are indiscriminately adding to the tab. This nearly 5,600-page spending package fails to make any meanin… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=5532 | Sen. Cruz Calls on Trump Administration to Submit Obama-Biden Iran Nuclear Deal & Paris Climate Agreement to Senate as Formal Treaties | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, this week called on the Trump administration to submit both the Iran Nuclear Deal and Paris Climate Agreement to the Senate as formal treaties. In a letter to President Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Sen. Cruz slammed the Obama-Biden administration for undermining the Senate's constitutional role in both the Iran Nuclear Deal and Paris Agreement negotiations, writing: "Multiple previous administrations [...] have undermined the Senate's constitutional role by negotiating significant international agreements and then refusing to submit them to the Senate for its advice and consent. Most recently-and most egregiously-President Obama refused to submit either the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (the Iran Deal'), or the United Nations Paris Climate Agreement (the Paris Agreement') to the Senate as a treaty." He continued: "These agreements could and should have been submitted as treaties given their sweeping scope and immense implications for American foreign and domestic policy. The Paris Agreement, for example, was lauded as the most ambitious climate change agreement in history.' The Iran Deal, meanwhile, was situated as the most consequential foreign policy debate that our country has had since the invasion of Iraq.'" He concluded, urging the Trump administration to submit both agreements to the Senate as formal treaties: "Your administration has rightly changed course as a matter of substantive policy by withdrawing from both the Iran Deal and the Paris Agreement. This was a great accomplishment for the American people. "I urge you now also to remedy the harm done to the balance of powers by submitting the Iran Deal and the Paris Agreement to the Senate as treaties. Only by submitting them to the Senate will the Senate be able to satisfy its constitutional role to provide advice and consent in the event any future administration attempts to revive these dangerous deals." Sen. Cruz has led the fight ag… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=video&id=5533 | Sen. Cruz: Hong Kong Dissidents' Powerful Stories Need to Be Heard | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | Central TX (512) 916-5834 300 E 8th Suite 961 Austin, TX 78701 Email North TX (214) 599-8749 Lee Park Tower II 3626 N. Hall St. Suite 410 Dallas, TX 75219 Email Southeast TX (713) 718-3057 The Mickey Leland Federal Building 1919 Smith Street Suite 9047 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 127A Russell Washington, DC 20510 Contact | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://doggett.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/doggett-legislation-expanding-student-eligibility-pell-grants | Doggett Legislation Expanding Student Eligibility for Pell Grants & Simplifying FAFSA Approved by Congress | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | TX | Lloyd Doggett | D000399 | doggett.house.gov | legacy | ***For Immediate Release*** FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 22, 2020 Contact:Kate Stotesbery 202-494-4620 Doggett Legislation Expanding Student Eligibility for Pell Grants & Simplifying FAFSA Approved by Congress Washington, D.C. As this year's January 15 FAFSA deadline approaches, legislation authored by U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-TX) to expand access to federal financial and simplify the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) was included in the COVID relief package, just approved by Congress. He released this statement: Most every family helping a student prepare for college goes through the time-consuming and often confusing task of completing the FAFSA.This process is so burdensome that $2.6 billion in free student aid has gone unused because manyparticularly low-income or first-generation college studentsdecide not to apply. For more than a decade, I have been trying to simplify that task and open financial aid to more students. This relief package contains a number of provisions that, working with Austin nonprofit College Forward, I proposed in theEquitable Student Aid Access Act that I first filed in 2015. By simplifying the FAFSA and making more students eligible to receive the Pell Grant, we can remove financial obstacles so more students can secure all of the education for which they are willing to work. I salute retiring Senator Lamar Alexander for his bipartisan leadership on FAFSA and other higher education provisions in this bill. Austin Buchan, Chief Executive Officer of College Forward, shared: After arguably the most difficult academic year in the last century, we are thrilled to see FAFSA simplification included in the latest stimulus package. Students from economically disadvantaged and first generation families have endured historic challenges on their paths to and through college. This move to dramatically simplify access to federal financial aid will open doors to millions of students in our hardest hit communities. We are gra… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://hurd.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/serrano-hurd-bill-establish-national-museum-american-latino-included | Serrano, Hurd Bill to Establish National Museum of the American Latino Included in Omnibus Package | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Will Hurd | H001073 | hurd.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON With bipartisan support, Congress yesterday approved a year-end funding package, which included Reps. Jose Serrano (D-N.Y.) and Will Hurd's (R-Texas) legislation, the National Museum of the American Latino Act. The bill takes the first step in establishing the National Museum of the American Latino within the Smithsonian Institution. To fully understand American history, we have to understand all our history. That includes the contributions of the many Latinos, past and present, who have had a tremendous impact on our nation's history and culture, said Hurd. After more than 20 years of work, we were able to get this bill unanimously through the House, and today we reach another milestone with its approval through this year's funding bill. I am proud to be a leader in this effort, and I look forward to the day when the stories of my constituents are forever memorialized for millions of expected visitors from all over the world to see. As lead Republican cosponsor on the bill in the House, Hurd ushered its unanimous passage in July. Hurd has long been a strong proponent of establishing a museum of the American Latino to permanently honor the contributions Latinos have made to our nation. In November, Hurd wrote a letter with Serrano to the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration urging passage of the legislation. Earlier this year, Hurd testified before the Committee on House Administration on the need for a National Museum on the American Latino, and, in September of last year, Hurd penned a column during Hispanic Heritage Month urging passage of this legislation. Once the bill becomes law, it will mark Hurd's 18th piece of legislation signed into law. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://olson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/olson-secures-key-victories-for-texas-in-end-of-year-spending-bill | OLSON SECURES KEY VICTORIES FOR TEXAS IN END OF YEAR SPENDING BILL | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Pete Olson | O000168 | olson.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC - Rep. Pete Olson (R-TX) last night voted in support of the FY2021 Omnibus Appropriations Bill that includes many key Olson victories for Texas. Included in the bill was Olson's DSH Cuts and Delays Act, which provides a critical delay in scheduled cuts to Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) payments for three years and allows hospitals to stay open and continue caring for our most vulnerable citizens.The bill also includes two critical priorities Olson fought for on the energy and environment side. One allows the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to address a shortage of regulators to review pending energy infrastructure projects by paying more competitive wages. The bill also includes a hard-fought environmental win that includes a 15 year phase down of the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), coolants primarily used in air conditioning and refrigerators, in favor of more environmentally sound alternatives supported by the manufacturing industry. The package authorizes $1.4 trillion in government funding through September 2021 and provides an additional $900 billion in a second round of COVID stimulus aid for families and businesses struggling in this global pandemic. This package includes five of Olson's bills. I'm relieved that congressional Democrats have finally set their partisan agenda aside to fund the government and provide critical financial relief for struggling American families and businesses. Many of the provisions I was proud to secure in this package were the result of years of hard work and will truly help folks in TX-22 and across America, Rep. Pete Olson said. The healthcare provisions will help ensure quality care for low-income folks across Texas and America. The phase down of HFC's will also improve air quality in America and ensure our manufacturers stay competitive in the global economy. As I depart Congress, I'm proud of the work that my colleagues and I have accomplished in a small, but important way to ensure continued healthcare for some of our most vul… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405985 | Rep. Cuellar Secures Passage of Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill Promoting US-Mexico Economic Partnership | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | TX | Henry Cuellar | C001063 | cuellar.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C.-- Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) secured the passage of H.R. 133, the United States-Mexico Economic Partnership Act. This bill, which passed both the House and the Senate, served as vehicle for the emergency coronavirus relief and 2021 omnibus package. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation will bolster professional development and economic growth in both countries with a focus on the energy, health, entrepreneurship, and education sectors. The goal of the bill is to promote a bilingual workforce that can better serve both sides of the border and increase economic development in the region. In 2019, Mexico became the largest trading partner of the United States. Every day, $1.6 billion worth of trade crosses our southern border, directly supporting American and Mexican businesses, farmers and jobs, said Congressman Cuellar. I introduced the United States-Mexico Economic Partnership Act so we can continue to deepen our relationship with Mexico both through economic integration and educational programs. Increasing academic exchanges in the energy, business, education, and health sectors will increase economic prosperity in both nations and allow us to further capitalize on the strengths each country has to offer. As the Chair of the U.S.-Mexico Inter-Parliamentary Group, I am committed to expanding our economic partnership through increased cooperation, interconnection, and integration of ideas. I want to thank Senator Cornyn for his help in ushering support in the Senate. According to the Institute of International Education, in the 2015-2016 academic year, more than 56,000 U.S. students studied in other countries in the Western Hemisphere, while more than 84,000 non-U.S. students from the region studied in the U.S., but only 5,000 of those United States students studied in Mexico and only 16,000 of those non-U.S. students were from Mexico. Increasing Bilateral Economic Integration Both countries have benefited from bilateral, mutually beneficial partnerships focused on advancing ea… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://algreen.house.gov/press-release/congressman-al-green-votes-yes-hr-133 | Congressman Al Green Votes Yes on H.R. 133 | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | TX | Al Green | G000553 | algreen.house.gov | legacy | (Washington, D.C.) On Monday, December 21, 2020, Congressman Al Green released the following statement on the passage of H.R. 133: Similar to my legislation H.R. 6868, to establish a Community Capital Investment Program, H.R. 133 includes $9 billion to fund an Emergency Capital Investment Program (ECIP) administered by the Department of the Treasury. Funds may be used: (1) to provide direct and indirect capital investment in minority depository institutions (MDIs) as well as community development financial institutions (CDFIs); and (2) by eligible financial institutions to provide loans, grants, and forbearance to small businesses, minority-owned businesses, and consumers, particularly in low- and moderate-income (LMI) areas and underserved communities that may be disproportionately impacted by the pandemic's economic effects, stated Congressman Al Green after voting YES' to H.R. 133, the relief package and omnibus passed by Congress. Repayment will be deferred for at least five years, and participants must maintain or significantly expand lending or investment activity to LMI minority communities. Congressman Green, who has been a strong proponent of MDIs and CDFIs for their work in often underbanked LMI communities, added, I am enormously thankful for the inclusion of this language, and I wish to thank Financial Services Chairwoman Maxine Waters for her steadfast support of these vital institutions that serve so many communities that large banks would leave behind. It is because of Chair Waters' advocacy and the dedication of the Committee staff that this critical program has been incorporated into this final legislative package of 2020. H.R. 133 provides a second round of direct economic relief payments, expanded unemployment insurance, $325 billion in small business assistance, $25 billion in rental assistance, a federal eviction moratorium, $13 billion in nutrition assistance, as well as paid sick leave for workers infected with coronavirus or impacted by school closures due to coronavirus. Congressman Gre… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://doggett.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/so-much-virus-need-relief-package-too-little-too-late | With So Much Virus & Need, Relief Package is Too Little, Too Late | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | TX | Lloyd Doggett | D000399 | doggett.house.gov | legacy | ***For Immediate Release*** FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 21, 2020 Contact:Kate Stotesbery 202-494-4620 With So Much Virus & Need, Relief Package is Too Little, Too Late Washington, D.C. U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Chairman of the House Ways & Means Health Subcommittee, released this statement on the upcoming House vote today on the COVID relief package and government funding: With so much virus and so much need, this 5,593-page, complex bill really is too little, too late! Modest help for many who are struggling, important funding for vaccine distribution, but some sorry provisions and many omissions. This results not from a failure by Congress,' but specifically from a prolonged refusal by Republicans in Congress to negotiate and their rejection of the amount and types of assistance necessary to meet growing needs.Hopefully, we at least are providing the limited assistance required by those most in need to make it until we have a new, humane Administration. ### Follow Congressman Doggett Facebook:https://www.Facebook.com/RepLloydDoggett | Twitter: @RepLloydDoggett| Instagram: @RepLloydDoggett | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405981 | Rep. Cuellars Statement on Coronavirus Relief and Omnibus Agreement | 2020-12-20 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | TX | Henry Cuellar | C001063 | cuellar.house.gov | legacy | Rep. Cuellar's Statement on Coronavirus Relief and Omnibus Agreement Congressman will vote on Monday to save the lives and livelihoods of the American people Washington, D.C.Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) released the following statement after Congress reached an agreement on coronavirus relief and omnibus package: It is my top priority to ensure that American families and communities are safe, healthy and financially secure as we continue to battle this pandemic, said Congressman Cuellar. I will be voting for this package tomorrow so we can get working families, small businesses and front line workers the relief they desperately need. The cost of inaction is far too high. This bipartisan legislation takes bold, far-reaching steps that the coronavirus crisis demands and that the American people deserve. As a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to provide support and fund the necessary resources to working families in my district, my state, and across the nation as we address this public health and economic crisis. Accelerating vaccine distribution and crushing the coronavirus: The package provides billions in urgently need funds to accelerate the free and equitable distribution of safe vaccines to as many Americans as possible as soon as possible, to implement a strong national testing and tracing strategy with billions reserved specifically for combating the disparities facing certain communities, and to support our heroic health care workers and providers. Ends surprise billing: The package includes bipartisan, bicameral legislation that will end surprise billing for emergency and scheduled care. Strong support for small business: The agreement includes over $284 billion for first and second forgivable PPP loans, expanded PPP eligibility for nonprofits and local newspapers, TV and radio broadcasters, key modifications to PPP to serve the smallest businesses and struggling non-profits and better assist independe… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=5529 | Sen. Cruz: 'We Urgently Need To Have a Real, Substantive, Bipartisan Conversation About Countering the Chinese Communist Party' | 2020-12-19 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, this week took to the Senate Floor to object to Senate Democrats' shameless exploitation of the crisis in Hong Kong to undermine our immigration laws, which would recklessly enable Chinese espionage in the United States. Sen. Cruz instead offered Senate Democrats an opportunity to act against the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) propaganda by passing his SCRIPT Act. Senator Cruz also addressed China's human rights atrocities and spoke of the need to pass another one of his bills, the SHAME Act. During the debate, Democrats objected to the request to pass the SCRIPT Act. Watch Sen. Cruz's full remarks here. Excerpts are included below. WATCH: Cruz Calls Out Democrats for Exploiting Crisis in Hong Kong to Advance Political Agenda On Senate Democrats' efforts to exploit the crisis in Hong Kong to undermine existing U.S. immigration law, Sen. Cruz said: Today, we have good news and bad news. The good news is that our Democratic colleagues are finally discovering that the Chinese communists are not our friends. They are finally acknowledging that the Chinese communists are murdering, torturing, oppressive tyrants and our Democratic colleagues are likewise discovering that Hong Kong is a beacon for democracy, a beacon for liberty. That is indeed good news. The bad news is the bill that they have put forth is not designed to do anything about it. This is not a Hong Kong bill. It is instead a Democratic messaging bill, because House Democrats made, I think, a cynical decision to try to exploit the crisis in Hong Kong to advance their long standing goals [of] changing our immigration laws. On how Senate Democrats' partisan agenda threatens our national security, Sen. Cruz said: This bill [...] would dramatically lower the standards for both refugee and asylum status to the point where individuals would qualify even if they cannot establish an individualized and credible fear of persecution. [] There is particular risk when doi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=video&id=5530 | Cruz Calls Out Democrats for Exploiting Crisis in Hong Kong to Advance Political Agenda | 2020-12-19 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | Central TX (512) 916-5834 300 E 8th Suite 961 Austin, TX 78701 Email North TX (214) 599-8749 Lee Park Tower II 3626 N. Hall St. Suite 410 Dallas, TX 75219 Email Southeast TX (713) 718-3057 The Mickey Leland Federal Building 1919 Smith Street Suite 9047 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 127A Russell Washington, DC 20510 Contact | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://burgess.house.gov/blog/?postid=402994 | Burgess: Moderna vaccine adds dose of hope for the new year | 2020-12-18 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Michael Burgess | B001248 | burgess.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), a member of the House Rules Committee and Republican Leader of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health,released the following statement after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved an Emergency Use Authorization for Moderna's novel Coronavirus 2019 vaccine. There is something special about this time of year and having a second Coronavirus vaccine approved for emergency use adds to the joy of the season, said Burgess. In a span of one week, we have witnessed two vaccines receive Emergency Use Authorizations from the FDA. This is a shining example of American resourcefulness and the successful work done through Operation Warp Speed. I want to thank President Trump for putting American innovation first, our scientists and medical community, and the countless volunteers who have stepped up during this pandemic to serve on the front lines. This second vaccine is a signal that we are nearing the end of this pandemic, but we cannot stop taking the proper precautions especially now that cold and flu season is in full swing. Please continue to wash your hands thoroughly, wear a mask if you are unable to properly social distance, and stay home if you are sick. At the start of this pandemic, America declared that we are in this together and together we will reach the end. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://burgess.house.gov/blog/?postid=402995 | E&C Republican Leaders: Second EUA is a Testament to American Ingenuity | 2020-12-18 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Michael Burgess | B001248 | burgess.house.gov | legacy | E&C Republican Leaders: Second EUA is a Testament to American Ingenuity Washington, D.C. Energy and Commerce Committee Republican Leader for the 116thCongress Greg Walden (R-OR), Republican Leader for the 117thCongress Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Health Subcommittee Republican Leader Dr. Michael Burgess (R-TX), and Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Republican Leader Brett Guthrie (R-KY) released the following statement after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued its second emergency use authorization (EUA) for a COVID-19 vaccine, this time authorizing Moderna's vaccine for distribution. In just one week, we've gone from zero authorized vaccines to two that have both exceeded the strong safety and efficacy standards set by the FDA. This is a true testament to American ingenuity and the work of President Trump's Operation Warp Speed, the scientific and public health communities, and the patients who have volunteered their time to participate in clinical trials. This week, all Americans felt hope when we saw brave front line health workers receive the first vaccines. As we said last week, this is the beginning of the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, but we owe it to every essential worker to continue handwashing and wearing masks. The United States of America will lead the world out of this pandemic, but we must continue doing our part to keep each other safe, said Walden, Rodgers, Burgess, and Guthrie. The EUA follows a strong 20-0 vote by a panel of non-political scientific experts tasked with reviewing Moderna's clinical trial safety and efficacy data. Last Friday, the Republican Leaders commented on the authorization of the Pfizer-BioNtech COVID-19 vaccine. Read that statement here. To read more about FDA's EUA process for vaccines click here. Read more about Operation Warp Speed here | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405974 | Rep. Cuellars Statement on Decision to Restrict Public Attendance to Presidential Inaugural Ceremony | 2020-12-18 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | TX | Henry Cuellar | C001063 | cuellar.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) issued the following statement regarding the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC) decision to restrict broad public attendance at the upcoming Presidential Inauguration Ceremony: My office has received many ticket requests from constituents throughout the district for the upcoming Presidential Inaugural Ceremony. I deeply appreciate the patience that has been shown to us as my office awaited more information from the inaugural committee. However, it has been confirmed that the upcoming inauguration will not include a broad public audience due to the ongoing pandemic. On January 20th, our nation as well as the world will witness an innovative and reimagined historic event as President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris are sworn-in to office; all while ensuring the health and safety of Americans. This was a decision made by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies in close consultation with public health, medical experts, and the Presidential Inaugural Committee. I applaud the decision to put Americans' safety first, and while I always look forward to having guests for inaugurations, we must be proactive in protecting the health of our community. To all those who have reached out to my office, I apologize for this inconvenience. Thank you again for your patience and may God bless the United States of America. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=5526 | Sens. Cruz, Cornyn Applaud Senate's Passage of Bill Honoring Pearland Mayor Tom Reid | 2020-12-18 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) today issued the following statements after the Senate passed their bill to rename a post office in Pearland, Texas, after Mayor Tom Reid, the city's long-serving mayor: I am proud that my colleagues and I in the Senate passed this bill to honor such a dedicated public servant, exceptional Texan, and American patriot, Sen. Cruz said. He served his community and our country with such distinction and this honor will ensure he is never forgotten. I congratulate Mayor Reid on his much earned retirement this past month. Thank you for your four decades of work for the city of Pearland and your service to our country. Mayor Reid's record of service to his nation and to Pearland deserves to be celebrated, and I'm proud to honor him with this recognition, said Sen. Cornyn. BACKGROUND In October, Sens. Cruz and Cornyn sent a letter to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs in support of U.S. Rep. Pete Olson's (R-Texas) bill to rename a Pearland, Texas post office after Mayor Reid. In addition to their letter, the senators sponsored and introduced the Senate companion bill. Houston native Tom Reid is a World War II veteran of the United States Navy and a former manager and supervisor at the Johnson Space Center on projects including Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, and the Space Shuttle Program. He then served as a Pearland city counselor before first being elected Mayor in 1978. Mayor Reid's exemplary public service to the city of Pearland spans more than 40 years, and he officially retired in November. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=5527 | Sen. Cruz on Senate Floor: 'On the Question of America Leading the World in Space, the United States Senate Speaks With One Voice' | 2020-12-18 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Aviation and Space, today issued the following statement after the Senate unanimously passed the bipartisan NASA Authorization Act, legislation he authored with Sens. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), and Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.): "As chairman of the Aviation and Space Subcommittee, I'm proud to once again lead this bipartisan legislation that continues to ensure America remains on the cutting edge of innovation and the manned exploration of space. I am grateful America's leadership in space remains an issue of such broad bipartisan agreement. A few months ago we witnessed the launch of the SpaceX Crew Dragon, the first launch of American astronauts from U.S. soil in nearly a decade, on the first commercially-created spacecraft in American history. That successful mission was a bright moment in an otherwise difficult and tumultuous year, and has united and inspired Americans to further human potential. "These next 50 years in space have the potential to be even more consequential than the last 50 years, and the legislation we've passed today gives NASA the resources and direction it needs to face this new era, and the challenges that will come with it, with boldness. Not only will this legislation enhance our presence in low-Earth orbit, but will help Americans safely return to the moon, and put America's dreams of taking the first step on the surface of Mars directly on our horizon. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to strengthen America's leadership in the final frontier." WATCH: Cruz on Senate Floor Celebrates Unanimous Passage of Bipartisan NASA Authorization Act Moments before the Senate approved the bill, Sen. Cruz delivered remarks on the Senate Floor praising the bipartisan collaboration that went into the legislation, and thanking his colleagues for passing the NASA Authorization Act unanimously. Watch his remarks here. Read his remarks below. "Mr. President, in a few moments, I'… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=video&id=5528 | Cruz on Senate Floor Celebrates Unanimous Passage of Bipartisan NASA Authorization Act | 2020-12-18 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | Central TX (512) 916-5834 300 E 8th Suite 961 Austin, TX 78701 Email North TX (214) 599-8749 Lee Park Tower II 3626 N. Hall St. Suite 410 Dallas, TX 75219 Email Southeast TX (713) 718-3057 The Mickey Leland Federal Building 1919 Smith Street Suite 9047 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 127A Russell Washington, DC 20510 Contact | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405973 | Rep. Cuellar Announces Vaccine Distribution to Local Hospitals in Laredo | 2020-12-17 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | TX | Henry Cuellar | C001063 | cuellar.house.gov | legacy | Laredo, TXCongressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) released the following statement regarding the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines of Laredo Medical Center and STAT Specialty Hospital: It is great to see the first doses of the Pfizer vaccine arrive to Laredo Medical Center and STAT Specialty Hospital today. By the end of the year, Texas is expected to receive 1.4 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine. An effective COVID-19 vaccine was rapidly developed due to the tireless efforts of our researchers and scientists, as well as billions in federal funding. As a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, I worked hard to secure almost $10 billion in federal resources, which have been invested in these efforts, including funding from the CARES Act. However, it is critical that Congress pass a subsequent COVID-19 relief package to provide additional funding for vaccine distribution, before the close of the year.This will ensure that the treatment is safely and rapidly transported to all communities in the United States. This past year has been difficult for all Americans, but I promise you this: we will prevail. Today marks a turning point in our nation's battle against this virus. I want to thank all of our health care workers who have been working since day 1 to protect our communities and slow the spread of the virus. In the photo: COVID-19 vaccines at Laredo Medical Center. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=5522 | Sens. Cruz, Peters Applaud House Passage of Their Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Apollo Landing Sites | 2020-12-17 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. The U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a bipartisan bill introduced by U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Aviation and Space, and Gary Peters (D-Mich.) to permanently protect the Apollo landing sites on the moon. The One Small Step to Protect Human Heritage in Space Act would enact first-of-its-kind legal protections for the Apollo sites by making NASA's preservation recommendations a requirement for future activities on the Moon. The bill reflects an agreement with the authors of a companion bill in the U.S. House of Representatives: Committee on Science, Space & Technology Chairwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-Texas) and Ranking Member Frank Lucas (R-Okla.), as well as Subcommittee on Space Chairwoman Kendra Horn (D-Okla.) and Ranking Member Brian Babin (R-Texas). The final version of the bill now heads back to the Senate, which passed Sen. Cruz's original bipartisan bill in July 2019, for approval. Read Sens. Cruz and Peters' original bipartisan bill here. Upon House passage of the One Small Step to Protect Human Heritage in Space Act, Sen. Cruz said: As we look forward to new expeditions to the moon and placing American boots where they have never gone before on Mars, it is crucial to safeguard the history of American exceptionalism and ingenuity in space, from Apollo 11 to the upcoming Artemis program missions. As the chairman of the Aviation and Space subcommittee and as a Texan, I am honored to help preserve these historic human heritage sites, while continuing to maintain a dominant presence in low-Earth orbit and beyond. Sen. Peters said: As a child, I watched the achievements of the Apollo missions with excitement about what is possible when we come together with a common goal. I was proud to author this bipartisan legislation to preserve for all of humanity the incredible achievements of the Apollo astronauts on the Moonand also to honor the 400,000 people around the world who made it possibleincluding the now famous African American… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=5524 | Sen. Cruz Discusses Overwhelming Bipartisan Support for Stopping Putin's Pipeline, Predicts Rush to Withdraw Investments from Nord Stream 2 Project | 2020-12-17 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, this week participated in a panel discussion with the Atlantic Council about Russia's construction of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline and his efforts to halt the project in its tracks. Highlights from Sen. Cruz's discussion may be viewed below. WATCH: Sen. Cruz Speaks With the Atlantic Council on How To Stop Russia's Nord Stream 2 Pipeline On his work to secure bipartisan Nord Stream 2 sanctions: The first sanctions that we passed were designed to operate very much like a scalpel. They were narrowly structured to target any companies laying the deep sea pipeline necessary to complete Nord Stream 2. And there were only a handful of companies on planet Earth that had the technology to do so. [] Once it was clear it was going to pass, the next wave of disinformation was that, well, the sanctions would take time to go into effect. And so the pipeline could be completed before the sanctions would go into effect. That was categorically false. Yes, the first wave of statutes allowed a wind down period, but that did not allow additional construction. And the point that I made to the CEO, and I am sure to the general counsel of the company, is that if the company continued constructing the pipeline for even one minute after the president signed the legislation, the sanctions would be mandatory and crippling, and I do not think it was coincidental that roughly 15 minutes before the sanctions were signed, the company announced they were immediately halting. And the ship, the Pioneering Spirit, was lifting anchor and setting sail. Now, what did the Russians do? Nobody expected the Russians just immediately to surrender. The Russians now are trying to use their own ships to do it. They don't have the technology. They're trying to retrofit it. And so the second wave of sanctions is designed to cut off this second effort from the Russians to complete this pipeline. And the second wave of sanctions that has now passed both houses of Cong… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=5525 | Sen. Cruz, Colleagues Send Letter Urging Trump Administration to Waive Late Filing Penalties for Taxpayers | 2020-12-17 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), John Kennedy (R-La.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Benjamin Cardin (D-Md.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), and Tom Carper (D-Del.) sent a bipartisan letter this week to U.S. Department of the Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Commissioner Charles Rettig, urging the Trump administration to waive late filing penalties for taxpayers whose filing delay is caused by COVID-19. In the letter, the senators wrote: Many taxpayers are facing economic hardships and business closures due to COVID-19. Taxpayers expect fair treatment from their government, and the current unwillingness to provide an expedited process for taxpayers and their advisors to request pandemic-specific relief places an undue burden on them. We ask that you move to address these issues immediately so the American people can receive the relief they urgently need. Background: This letter urges the Trump administration to take a number of actions, including to: Create a special COVID-19 First Time Abatement option for taxpayers eligible for normal First Time Abatement where one can attest to filing difficulty directly caused by the pandemic; Provide written guidance directing IRS Customer Service Representatives to grant reasonable cause and COVID-related abatement requests liberally; Develop and advertise specific COVID-related examples that qualify for reasonable cause abatement; and Create a dedicated telephone number, or dedicated prompt, for taxpayers and their advisors to call to request COVID-related penalty relief. The full text of the letter can be viewed here and below: December 15, 2020 Dear Secretary Mnuchin and Commissioner Rettig: The pandemic has created unique challenges for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), tax practitioners, and taxpayers alike. It is clear that Americ… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=video&id=5523 | Sen. Cruz Speaks With the Atlantic Council on How To Stop Russia's Nord Stream 2 Pipeline | 2020-12-17 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | Central TX (512) 916-5834 300 E 8th Suite 961 Austin, TX 78701 Email North TX (214) 599-8749 Lee Park Tower II 3626 N. Hall St. Suite 410 Dallas, TX 75219 Email Southeast TX (713) 718-3057 The Mickey Leland Federal Building 1919 Smith Street Suite 9047 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 127A Russell Washington, DC 20510 Contact | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://algreen.house.gov/press-release/congressman-al-green-speaks-house-human-rights-commission-calls-endsars-resolution-be | Congressman Al Green Speaks Before House Human Rights Commission, Calls for #EndSARS Resolution to Be Brought to Floor for Vote | 2020-12-17 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | TX | Al Green | G000553 | algreen.house.gov | legacy | (Washington, D.C.) On Thursday, December 17, 2020, Congressman Al Green released the following statement calling for H.Res. 1216 to be brought to the House Floor for a vote: I must thank Congressman McGovern, Chairman of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, for inviting me to speak before the Commission regarding my resolution, H.Res. 1216. Introduced by myself and Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) five weeks ago, this resolution supports the #EndSARS peaceful protest movement in Nigeria and condemns the violent crackdown on peaceful protesters by Nigeria's security forces, expressed Congressman Al Green. Today, as I speak before the Human Rights Commission, I am reiterating that condemnation. Because H.Res 1216 concerns life and death issues, I will call for this resolution to be brought to the floor of the House of Representatives for a vote. Congressman Al Green continued, By passing H.Res. 1216, our nation will send a powerful message to the world, and especially to the people of Nigeria, that our voices will not be muted when such gross violations of human rights are taking place. According to Nigerian, African, and international law, Nigerians have a right to assemble and peacefully protest. Black lives matter wherever they may be in the world, and it is up to all of us to stand in solidarity with these peaceful protesters so they can safely exercise this right. Congressman Joaquin Castro, Vice Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, added, Congress should immediately pass this resolution and send a powerful message to the people of Nigeria that we stand in solidarity. Both here in the United States and around the world, we must work toward ending police brutality. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://gonzalez.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-gonzalez-announces-biden-presidential-inauguration-ceremony-be-held | Congressman Gonzalez Announces Biden Presidential Inauguration Ceremony to Be Held in Accordance with CDC Guidelines | 2020-12-17 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | TX | Vicente Gonzalez | G000581 | gonzalez.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) announced to constituentsthat in accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Protection (CDC) guidelines and the advice of medical experts, there will be no large gatherings or public ticketing for the 59thInaugurationof President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris. Congressman Gonzalez encourages constituents of the 15th District of Texas not to travel to Washington, D.C.,and instead commemorate this event virtually. Safety is the top priority, said Congressman Gonzalez. This year's ceremonies and events will be different, but it reflects President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris' commitment to address this pandemic and help our economy recover. I look forward to hearing President-elect Biden share his vision for America's future in what will a be a historicinaugurationand much-needed breathe of fresh air. This will be a historic event that brings Americans from all walks of life together and honors inaugural traditions Americans have always known -- an official outdoor swearing-in ceremony, iconic images of President-elect and Vice President-elect, virtual celebrations that bring the country together, a reimagined parade, and socially distanced community service events. The residents of the 15th District of Texas should plan to participate in new and innovative ways. It is expected to an exciting event that showcases the strength and diversity of our nation and that every American can enjoy from their home. There will be more details and information about how to participate in the coming weeks. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://gonzalez.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-gonzalez-statement-members-carrying-firearms-capitol-grounds | Congressman Gonzalez Statement on Members Carrying Firearms on Capitol Grounds | 2020-12-17 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | TX | Vicente Gonzalez | G000581 | gonzalez.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) issued a statement on Members of Congress carrying firearms on Capitol Grounds: "TheCapitol Police and House and Senate Sergeant-at-Arms do an outstanding job keeping allMembers, staff, and visitors from around the country and the world safe. I trust and respect their decisions allowing Members of Congress who choose to carry firearms on the Capitol Grounds. There is a clear history of Members of Congress being targeted with violence. And if we want to carry for an added layer of protection, we should be able to do so. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://burgess.house.gov/blog/?postid=402989 | Burgess calls for the removal of Rep. Swalwell from House Intelligence Committee | 2020-12-16 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Michael Burgess | B001248 | burgess.house.gov | legacy | Burgess calls for the removal of Rep. Swalwell from House Intelligence Committee Washington, D.C. Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), a member of the House Rules Committee and Republican Leader of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, sent a letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi to ask the removal of Eric Swalwell from his position on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI) for his relationship with a Chinese intelligence official. Members of HPSCI are entrusted with our nation's most sensitive information. There can be no question of loyalty to the United States. Congressman Swalwell's reported interactions with a Chinese intelligence official, and subsequent withholding of these interactions from HPSCI, poses a serious and immediate national security threat, Burgess wrote in the letter.Thus far, Congressman Swalwell has either refused to comment on this information or claimed he was a victim of a foreign intelligence operation. Members of Congress, and other officials with access to sensitive information, are constantly targeted by hostile foreign states, most notably China and Russia. I urge you to also consider providing counter elicitation training for Members of Congress to recognize and report these threats. At the very least, Congressman Swalwell should immediately be removed from his position on HPSCI and provide an explanation for his past interactions with a known Chinese intelligence official.Read the full letter here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://burgess.house.gov/blog/?postid=402990 | E&C Republican Leaders Applaud HHS Rule to Assess Regulations, Request Additional Information from Trump Administration | 2020-12-16 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Michael Burgess | B001248 | burgess.house.gov | legacy | E&C Republican Leaders Applaud HHS Rule to Assess Regulations, Request Additional Information from Trump Administration Washington, D.C. Energy and Commerce Committee Republican Leader for the 116thCongress Greg Walden (R-OR), Republican Leader for the 117thCongress Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Health Subcommittee Republican Leader Dr. Michael Burgess (R-TX), and Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Republican Leader Brett Guthrie (R-KY) sent a letter to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar expressing support for a proposed rule on regulatory review announced on November 4, 2020. We write to express strong support for the Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) November 4, 2020 notice of proposed rulemaking entitled Securing Updated and Necessary Statutory Evaluations,' and to seek further information about this effort, wrote Walden, Rodgers, Burgess, and Guthrie. Under the proposed rule, HHS would assess its regulations every ten years to determine whether they are subject to review under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA). Regulations found to be subject to the RFA would then be analyzed to determine whether the regulation is still needed, working as intended, or having the appropriate effects. Regulations not assessed appropriately every ten years would expire. In the letter, the E&C leaders also underscored the proposed rule's impact on jobs. HHS regulations have a real-world impact on jobs, the quality of life, and the cost of living of the American people. As a matter of good government, it is important that regulations are monitored to find out if they are actually achieving their projected benefits. The proposed rule would incentivize HHS to conduct retrospective regulatory reviews to ensure regulations are delivering the projected benefits rather than measuring the effectiveness of the implementation of the regulation, the members added. The leaders requested additional information about the proposed rule, including: when the plann… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405971 | Rep. Cuellar Expresses Concern on Mexicos Legislation Curtailing Joint Security Coordination | 2020-12-16 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | TX | Henry Cuellar | C001063 | cuellar.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C.Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) released the following statement regarding his concerns on legislation that was quickly passed in Mexican Congress, while the United States was in the middle of a transition, that would put tough restrictions on foreign agents operating in the country, including those fighting violent transnational organizations: I respect Mexico's sovereignty in passing their own legislation. However, after speaking with U.S. law enforcement and Mexican officials, I am concerned this legislation would threaten the security of our nations as well as put U.S. law enforcement officials at danger. The implementation and interpretation of the bill is vital. The United States and Mexico have developed an extraordinary level of collaboration and coordination when addressing criminal and terrorist threats. This bill jeopardizes this partnership and therefore, public safety, said Congressman Cuellar. As the Chairman of the U.S.-Mexico IPG and Vice Chair of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Appropriations, I have worked closely with our southern neighbor to create bilateral law enforcement policies that safeguard both our nations. This undermines our efforts.We should focus on our long-term partnership, instead of short-term tensions, and continue to work together to address our current security threats. The National Security Law includes the following limitations/ burdens on United States officials: Foreign agents may only carry out intelligence exchange liaison activities with Mexican authorities in terms of the provisions in the accreditation that would've been issued to such agent; Foreign agents may not engage in activities reserved for Mexican authorities; Foreign agents must refrain from carrying out direct operations before any authority other than the Secretariat of Foreign Affairs or relevant agencies in accordance with international cooperation conventions entered into by the Mexican State regarding security and contributing to the preservation of Nat… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=5520 | Sen. Cruz Warns Mexican Government is Undermining Security and Law Enforcement Relationship with United States | 2020-12-16 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), member of the Senate Judiciary and Foreign Relations Committees, today sent a letter to Attorney General Bill Barr and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo expressing concern over the recent efforts to undermine the security and law enforcement relationships between the United States and Mexico. This letter comes after recent actions by the Mexican government that undermine the critical counter narcotics work conducted by both American and Mexican agents. In the letter sent to the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. State Department, Sen. Cruz wrote: I write to applaud you on your sustained efforts to deny Mexican drug cartels access to the United States and more broadly, to deepen the security and law enforcement relationships between our country and Mexico. I also write to express concern about the Mexican government's recent efforts to undermine those relationships." [] This month, the United States designated Mexican national Lucio Rodriguez Serrano as a drug kingpin, expanding the ability of our nation's law enforcement and that of our partners to combat drug trafficking globally. Unfortunately, there are increasingly influential voices in the Mexican government who are at odds with that mission. [] United States' diplomats and officials should utilize their voices and the influence of the United States to make it clear to the Mexican government that attacking or undermining the DEA is unacceptable, and that such action calls into question the strength of the U.S.-Mexican relationship, which might have to be reevaluated. BACKGROUND Sen. Cruz is committed to ensuring deep and robust relations between the United States and our Mexican partners. Most recently, he has worked with the Trump administration to ensure that supply lines running between the two countries are maintained and that Mexico meets its obligations under the 1944 Water Treaty. Read Sen. Cruz's full letter here and below. December 16, 2020 Attorney General Barr and Secretary Pompeo, I write to appla… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=5534 | Sen. Cruz: Hong Kong Dissidents' Powerful Stories Need to Be Heard | 2020-12-16 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, participated in a subcommittee hearing examining how the United States' refugee policy supports Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement. Sen. Cruz, who also sits on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, reaffirmed his support for political dissidents and the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong: "I want to welcome each of the witnesses. Thank you for being here. Thank you for speaking out for liberty. Thank you for speaking out for democracy. Thank you for speaking out for Hong Kong and for the world. In October of last year, I traveled to Hong Kong and had the opportunity to meet with many pro-democracy activists, meet with brave dissidents, young men and women putting their lives on the line to stand up to the dark hand of oppression coming from the Chinese communist government. "At the time, I did a Sunday show interview by satellite from Hong Kong, dressed in all black to stand in solidarity with the democracy protesters, to show visually the reality that Americans and people all over the world were inspired by the courage that we saw in the streets of Hong Kong. I think the power of the stories of dissidents, the power of the stories of heroism and courage and persecution and strength - those stories need to be heard." Sen. Cruz then asked each of the witnesses to share their testimonies of fighting for freedom and liberty. Watch Sen. Cruz's remarks and full line of questioning here. Last year, Sen. Cruz introduced the Hong Kong Policy Reevaluation Act of 2019, which requires the State Department to report on whether China was eroding Hong Kong's autonomy, and to alter U.S. policy if it was. A version of the bill was signed into law in November 2019 as part of the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act. In October 2019, as part of his Indo-Pacific Friends and Allies' tour, Sen. Cruz met with pro-democracy activists, dissidents, and protest leaders in Hong Kong and expressed his support for those fighting to protect Hong … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://gonzalez.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-gonzalez-s-missing-persons-and-unidentified-remains-act-passes | Congressman Gonzalezs Missing Persons and Unidentified Remains Act Passes House | 2020-12-16 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | TX | Vicente Gonzalez | G000581 | gonzalez.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Today,S.2174, the Missing Persons and Unidentified Remains Actpassed the U.S. House of Representativesby voice vote.This bill was introduced in the House byCongressmen Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) and Will Hurd (TX-23) as a companion bill toSenator John Cornyn (R-TX) and Vice President-Elect Senator Kamala Harris (D-CA)'slegislation that passed the U.S. Senate.Themeasurewill now go to the President to be signed into law. This bipartisan and bicameral legislationwillenhancelocal jurisdictions'ability to record and reportmissingpersons and unidentified remains foundin South Texasand elsewhere along the U.S.-Mexico border. Border communities are currently shouldering the costs of identifying and recovering the remains of migrants who tragically perish while migrating to the United States,said Congressman Gonzalez.This legislation will provide much needed aid for South Texas municipalities, sheriffs, farmers and ranchers to address this critical issue. The Missing Persons andUnidentifiedRemains Act is a necessary step forward, but a band aid on a much largerCentral Americanmigration problem that we must tackle. I want to thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their effortsto passthis bill and a special thanks to all of thecounty judges,sheriffs, mayors, and advocates who pushed for this legislation. I will continue to work in a bipartisan way to see this bill signed by the President. Our communities along the border experience unfortunate consequences that reflect the perilous journey north from Central American countries,saidHurd, who represents more of the U.S.-Mexico border than any other Member of Congress.The Missing Persons and Unidentified Remains Actwill not only provide additional resources to Customs and Border Protection for rescue efforts, but also reduce the burdens placed on state and local governments to identify perished individuals. Rep. Gonzalez and Sen. Cornyn have been great partners in providing a solution for this very real challenge faced by many communities across my dis… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=5519 | Sen. Cruz Leads Bipartisan Letter Urging U.S. Air Force Secretary to Designate San Antonio as U.S. Space Command Headquarters | 2020-12-15 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Aviation and Space, along with 31 of his colleagues, this week urged U.S. Air Force Secretary Barbara M. Barrett to designate Port San Antonio and Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA) in San Antonio, Texas as the location for the U.S. Space Command Headquarters (USSPACECOM HQ). In a letter sent to Secretary Barrett yesterday, the Texas delegation members wrote: We write in support of Port San Antonio, a rapidly expanding technology and innovation complex, and Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA) as the future basing location for the U.S. Space Command headquarters. Better known as Military City USA, San Antonio has a long and distinguished record of support for our nation's armed forces as well as their family members and veterans. With San Antonio's outstanding defense and aerospace industry, low cost of living, and access to some of the best higher education in the country, it is easy to see why this is the nation's second fastest growing city in 2019. Similarly, the rapid growth over the last two decades at Port San Antonio has produced a robust industrial base with over 13,000 employees among more than 80 public and private companies specializing in aerospace, defense, robotics, cybersecurity, logistics, and other high-tech industries. [] Statewide, Texas legislators from all parties and chambers are unparalleled in their support and advocacy for the military. There is no state in the union that can compare with the tenacity of Texas legislators and our broad, bipartisan, and bicameral delegation as we fight to support the men and women of the military. We are excited to continue in that support and look forward to extending it to the service members and families of U.S. Space Command, right here in Military City USA. U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Reps. Henry Cuellar (D-Texas), Jodey Arrington (R-Texas), Chip Roy (R-Texas), Will Hurd (R-Texas), Dan Crenshaw (R-Texas), John Carter (R-Texas), Mike Conaway (R-Texas), Roger Williams (R… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=5521 | Sens. Cruz, Menendez Lead Bipartisan Call Demanding Ortega Regime Respect Nicaraguan Civil Society and Press Freedoms | 2020-12-15 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today led a bipartisan letter calling on U.S. Ambassador to Nicaragua Kevin K. Sullivan to leverage all diplomatic tools to ensure the safety of journalists, civil society, and political leaders in Nicaragua. In their letter to Ambassador Sullivan, the senators expressed concern about recent actions to codify press censorship and further restrict activities of civil society and political opponents ahead of November 2021 elections, including the recent passage of the so-called Foreign Agents Law and the Special Law on Cybercrimes: These efforts by the Ortega government represent a clear attempt to stifle political opponents and restrict citizen mobilization. We are deeply concerned that the recently enacted legislation constructed to silence voices critical of the Ortega government will lead to increased arrests and persecution of political opponents. The senators also raised concerns about the harassment of independent news media in Nicaragua, including the recent seizure of assets belonging to the owner of Nicavision Canal 12 one of only two independent channels still on open air in the country: Since April 2018, Nicaraguans have witnessed arbitrary detentions of journalists and censorship of outlets such as 100% Noticias and Nicavision Canal 12, while Ortega allies maintain control over the majority of domestic news media. Cosigners joining Sens. Cruz and Menendez on the letter include Sens. Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), and John Cornyn (R-Texas). BACKGROUND In December 2018, President Trump signed into law the NICA Act, authored by Sens. Cruz and Menendez and Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla.). The NICA Act imposes targeted sanctions and conditions U.S. approval of international loans to the Government of Nicaragua, ensuring the Ortega regime will be held accountable… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://burgess.house.gov/blog/?postid=402992 | The Ripon Advance: Burgess, Kinzinger unveil bill to spur advanced aviation technology manufacturing | 2020-12-14 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Michael Burgess | B001248 | burgess.house.gov | legacy | The Ripon Advance: Burgess, Kinzinger unveil bill to spur advanced aviation technology manufacturing by Ripon Advance News ServiceU.S. Reps. Michael Burgess (R-TX) and Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) on Dec. 10 proposed a bipartisan bill to modernize a federal incentive program for manufacturing clean, environmentally friendly aviation technology. This legislation will help foster electric vehicle startups, including electric airplanes, by providing them the resources they need to get off the ground, Sen. Burgess said. I hope others will join in supporting this bipartisan cause. Ultimately, it is the marketplace that will determine the value of new technologies. Rep. Burgess and Rep. Kinzinger are original cosponsors of the Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing (ATVM) Modernization Act, H.R. 8933, which they introduced with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Tony Crdenas (D-CA) to update the ATVM Incentive program by expanding eligibility under the U.S. Energy Department's ATVM loan program to include American-made, energy-efficient aircraft. While the program has shown success in the past by fueling the advanced automobile manufacturing sectors, it still has billions of dollars in loan authority, said Rep. Kinzinger. It's time to put that money to good use for the next wave of advanced transportation technologies, including those in aviation and that's what our bill aims to do. This same loan program can be attributed for the success of electric automobiles and will expand to other modes of transportation, added Rep. Burgess. Rep. Kinzinger noted that while the United States leads the world in research, development and innovation, the nation continues to be a net importer of advanced technology products. The Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing program is designed to steer American innovation and ingenuity into real-world manufacturing capabilities, thereby creating jobs and benefiting the environment, he said. H.R. 8933 has been endorsed by Joby Aviation, Beta Technologies, Kitty Hawk Corp., the Urban Air … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=5518 | Sen. Cruz Issues Statement on Resignation of Attorney General Bill Barr | 2020-12-14 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today issued the following statement on the resignation of Attorney General Bill Barr: "Bill Barr is a friend and patriot. Despite the vilification in the media, the political targeting, and attacks against his character, Bill stepped forward to lead the Department of Justice with integrity and fidelity to the rule of law. He has served his country with honor and distinction. He shed light on the weaponization of the Department of Justice under the Obama-Biden administration and sought to restore confidence in our justice system. Bill has not been a Republican Attorney General or a Democrat Attorney General; he's been an Attorney General dedicated to following the law and defending the Constitution. His retirement - though a loss for the country - is well deserved. I wish him and his family well in this next chapter." ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://burgess.house.gov/blog/?postid=402991 | Denton Record Chronicle: Denton Housing Authority awarded over $170k for voucher assistance for homeless vets | 2020-12-13 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Michael Burgess | B001248 | burgess.house.gov | legacy | by Paul Bryant The Denton Housing Authority has been awarded more than $170,000 to provide vouchers to veterans facing homelessness from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Veterans risked everything on our behalf, Mayor Pro Tem Jesse Davis said. So, if they fall into homelessness, it is only right for us to do everything we can to lift them out. These vouchers are a key component in our efforts to end homelessness in Denton. We've made significant progress toward this goal since Mayor [Chris] Watts announced it in 2014, and we're almost there. According to data provided by United Way of Denton County, of the 412 actively homeless in Denton County as of the end of November, 36 are veterans. In October, that number was 30 of 408 actively homeless. The federal voucher program assesses veterans experiencing homelessness before they are referred to local housing agencies in this case, the Denton Housing Authority. It includes rental assistance the vouchers provide and case management that Veterans Affairs medical centers offer, according to a news release. I'm thrilled to hear this, but it's not nearly enough to meet the current need, at-large Place 5 council member Deb Armintor said. But our local vets need everything they can get right now. I'm celebrating it while pushing for more. Armintor is an advocate for people experiencing homelessness in Denton. She's been critical of landlords or property managers who might frown upon using vouchers to house tenants. The award of these vouchers to our community shows that we have not only a need but a proven track record of meeting the need, Davis said. I am so thankful to our city staff, the [Denton] Housing Authority and Congressman [Michael] Burgess' office for working so hard to secure this support for our veterans. Denton Housing Authority CEO Sherri McDade did not return a message seeking comment. Veterans in the federal voucher program rent privately owned houses and apartments, generally contributing no more than 30% of their income to re… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=5515 | Sen. Cruz Delivers Virtual Commencement Address for Texas Southmost College | 2020-12-13 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | HOUSTON, Texas - U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) yesterday delivered the virtual commencement address for the fall 2020 graduates of Texas Southmost College, located in Brownsville, Texas. Watch Sen. Cruz's commencement address for Texas Southmost College here and read his full remarks below. "Welcome to Fall 2020 Commencement. It is a privilege and honor to speak to the graduating class of Texas Southmost College today. I'd like to thank President Dr. Roberto Rodriguez for having me, and for his leadership during these unprecedented times. I'd also like to thank Mayor Trey Mendez, Chair of the Board Adela Garza, the board of trustees, and the faculty here at Texas Southmost College. "Thank you all for your generous contributions to this community. The city of Brownsville and the lower Rio Grande Valley has a long history of showcasing the exceptionalism of Texas, and I have no doubt that today's graduates will continue that legacy. "The trials of this year have changed all of our lives, especially the lives of the students graduating today. Y'all have persevered and overcome these unique challenges, and for that, I congratulate you. And I think I can speak for every professor who helped you adapt to a new learning environment and every family member who supported you along the way, in saying that y'all are graduating with skills that will benefit you for the rest of your lives as each of you works to achieve the American dream. "We are blessed to live in a nation that is unique in the history of the world. There has been no nation that has allowed so many people to come here with nothing and to achieve anything. What is so extraordinary in the United States is that your success doesn't depend on who your parents are and it doesn't depend on the color of your skin, your race, your ethnicity, or your religion. "Your success instead depends on your talent, your passion, your perseverance, and critically, on the content of your character. That is an extraordinary legacy and it's one I know firsthand in my family. As … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=video&id=5516 | Sen. Cruz Delivers Virtual Commencement Address at Texas Southmost College | 2020-12-13 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | Central TX (512) 916-5834 300 E 8th Suite 961 Austin, TX 78701 Email North TX (214) 599-8749 Lee Park Tower II 3626 N. Hall St. Suite 410 Dallas, TX 75219 Email Southeast TX (713) 718-3057 The Mickey Leland Federal Building 1919 Smith Street Suite 9047 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 127A Russell Washington, DC 20510 Contact | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405970 | Rep. Cuellars Statement on FDAs Emergency Use Authorization of First Coronavirus Vaccine | 2020-12-12 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | TX | Henry Cuellar | C001063 | cuellar.house.gov | legacy | Rep. Cuellar's Statement on FDA's Emergency Use Authorization of First Coronavirus Vaccine Washington, D.C. Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) released the following statement regarding the FDA's first emergency use authorization for a coronavirus vaccine in the United States: This incredible and hopeful news is due to our nation's scientists, researchers, and doctors who produced an effective vaccine in record time. Now, it is critical that we ensure distribution of vaccines is rapid, fair and equitable. I am committed to fighting for our vulnerable communities, including Hispanic populations, that have been hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. As a nation, we must continue to practice health guidelines- wearing a mask, social distancing, & staying home- so we can save thousands of lives while we wait for distribution. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://gohmert.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399882 | Rep. Gohmert Announces 2021 Congressional Art Competition Winners | 2020-12-12 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Louie Gohmert | G000552 | gohmert.house.gov | legacy | Rep. Gohmert Announces 2021 Congressional Art Competition Winners Congressman Louie Gohmert (TX-01) has released a video announcing the winners of the 2021 Congressional Art Competition for Texas' First District.Please click HERE to watch the announcement. Thank you to all the students who participated and to the teachers who trained and prepared them. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://burgess.house.gov/blog/?postid=402985 | Burgess: Pfizer EUA is the essence of American Innovation | 2020-12-11 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Michael Burgess | B001248 | burgess.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), a member of the House Rules Committee and Republican Leader of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, released the following statement when the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an Emergency Use Authorization for the Pfizer/BioNTech novel Coronavirus 2019 vaccine. It is a great day to be an American, said Burgess. To have a safe and effective vaccine not even one year from learning about the existence of this virus is an outstanding accomplishment. This is a true testament to the dedication, hard work, and brain power of American scientists. I said from the beginning of this pandemic that it would be because of American innovation we would defeat this virus, and this Emergency Use Authorization proves it. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405962 | Rep. Cuellar Secures Over $51.9 million in Authorization Funding for the Chacon Creek Restoration Project | 2020-12-11 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | TX | Henry Cuellar | C001063 | cuellar.house.gov | legacy | Laredo, TXCongressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) secured $51,973,000 in authorization funding for the Chacon Creek Restoration Project in the Water Resources Development Act of 2020. The Chacon Creek Restoration Project will focus on flood management, ecosystem restoration and recreational amenities, from Lake Casa Blanca, through Laredo, to the Rio Grande. This legislation passed the House and Senate and will now head to the President's desk for his signature. Green spaces are an integral part of a happy, healthy city, said Congressman Cuellar. That's why for the last 16 years, I have been working hard to secure full authorized funding of Chacon Creek Restoration Project. This project will help our community better withstand flooding as well as create new recreational and educational parklands, including biking and hiking trails, that our community will enjoy for future generations. As a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to ensure we receive the necessary funds to complete this important project so we can build a space that will create jobs, stimulate the economy and improve the quality of life for our community. I want to thank the City of Laredo, including Mayor Pete Saenz, City Manager Robert Eads, Assistant Manager Riazul Mia, Director of Environmental Services John Porter and City Council, for their efforts in highlighting the project's importance for our community The Chacon Creek Restoration Project The Chacon Creek Restoration Project consists of two components: flood risk management and ecosystem restoration. The flood risk management component will consist of the permanent evacuation of 73 residential structures along Chacon Creek.Upon completion of the proposed improvements, 250 homes will be elevated from the flood plain. The additional vacated flood risk management lands will be used for recreational amenities. The ecosystem restoration component will include 16.75 acres of wetland restoration and 401 acres of riparian restoration; this will accentuate green spaces and p… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=5512 | Sen. Cruz: Big Tech Believes There Is No Power That Can Constrain Them | 2020-12-11 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, in a hearing this week slammed Big Tech's brazen abuses of power and discussed the need for legislation to address Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which provides companies such as Twitter, Facebook, Google, and YouTube with special protections from liability, after YouTube announced it will remove content that alleges widespread election fraud. Watch Sen. Cruz's full remarks here. Excerpts below. WATCH: Sen. Cruz: Big Tech Believes There Is No Power That Can Constrain Them ON YOUTUBE'S REMOVAL OF ANY CONTENT ALLEGING VOTER FRAUD "Silicon Valley believes there is no power on Earth that can constrain them. We saw the latest illustration of this just yesterday, where YouTube announced that it is going to remove any content online that alleges widespread election fraud. [...] YouTube said that it's going to pull down, it's going to block, content, that misleads people by alleging widespread fraud or errors change the outcome of the presidential election.' They're not even pretending anymore." ON THE AMERICAN PEOPLE'S VIEWS ON THE ELECTION RESULTS "Reuters polling shows that 39 percent of the American people believe this election was rigged. That should make all of our hearts ache. That is not good for democracy when nearly half of Americans believe an election is rigged. Now, the members of this committee may have meaningful, substantive dispute about the extent of voter fraud, how widespread it is, what forms it comes in. When Jimmy Carter and James Baker formed a bipartisan commission to study voter fraud, they concluded it was a significant and serious problem that needed to be confronted, and last I checked, Democratic President Jimmy Carter is not some crazed right-wing nut job. And yet [...] apparently, if you sat online and read the Carter Baker commission out loud, YouTube just might well block you." ON BIG TECH'S LACK OF ACCOUNTABILITY "Even if you happen to temporarily like the politics of Big Tech toda… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=5514 | Sen. Cruz: Democrats Played Politics With This NDAA At The Expense of Our Armed Forces | 2020-12-11 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today issued the following statement after voting against the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (NDAA): The annual NDAA is one of the most important bills that Congress takes up. The version passed by the Senate this year was no different, and contained a number of important provisions I fought hard to have included, such as my bipartisan bill with Sen. Shaheen (D-N.H.) to clarify once and for all that those involved in Russia's Nord Stream 2 pipeline will be subject to crippling and immediate American sanctions, and my legislation with Sen. Coons (D-Del.) to expand medical partnerships with our friend and ally Israel as we work together to develop coronavirus treatments and medications. When the Senate passed the NDAA this summer, it was a strong bipartisan measure that fulfilled our Constitutional responsibility to provide for the national defense, it provided our troops with a well-deserved pay raise, and it invested in the next generation of innovative technology, equipment, and weaponry. But Speaker Pelosi and House Democrats have cynically taken advantage of this must-pass legislation to secure a host of partisan projects unrelated to national security and in conflict with the Constitution, including requiring the Department of Defense to rename our military bases in a political effort to erase our nation's history and restricting the ability of law enforcement to protect our communities during violent riots, which over the last several months have taken the lives of far too many Americans. Additionally, the bill interferes with the President's Article II authority related to overseas deployments, significantly diminishing our ability to execute military strategies that protect our national interests and to wind down endless wars. Furthermore, this NDAA imposes onerous new business reporting requirements that I strongly opposed. These requirements would especially hurt small business owner… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=5517 | Sen. Cruz Commends Department of Energy's Extension of Seven LNG Export Authorizations | 2020-12-11 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today issued the following statement commending the Department of Energy's decision to extend seven liquefied natural gas (LNG) export authorizations through 2050. Following the announcement of the extension, Sen. Cruz said: The Department of Energy's extension of these seven LNG export authorizations is good news for the thousands of blue-collar energy workers who rely on a vibrant energy industry. This extension will ensure Texans in Southeast Texas and Brownsville have good paying jobs, and will keep energy costs low as we continue working to strengthen America's energy independence. Sen. Cruz has long called for the expansion of LNG exports, a key component to the American Energy Renaissance Act that he introduced in 2015. In 2017, Sen. Cruz introduced the Natural Gas Export Expansion Act, eliminating the arduous process that discourages LNG trade and increase LNG exports by facilitating permits to non-Free Trade Agreement (FTA) counties. In 2018, Sen. Cruz applauded the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for issuing environment schedules for 12 LNG export projects, six of which were in Texas. Last year, Sen. Cruz applauded the FERC's final approval of four LNG export projects in the state of Texas, three of which were in Brownsville, and one in Corpus Christi. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=video&id=5513 | Sen. Cruz: Big Tech Believes There Is No Power That Can Constrain Them | 2020-12-11 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | Central TX (512) 916-5834 300 E 8th Suite 961 Austin, TX 78701 Email North TX (214) 599-8749 Lee Park Tower II 3626 N. Hall St. Suite 410 Dallas, TX 75219 Email Southeast TX (713) 718-3057 The Mickey Leland Federal Building 1919 Smith Street Suite 9047 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 127A Russell Washington, DC 20510 Contact | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://gonzalez.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-gonzalez-calls-congressional-leadership-include-stimulus-payments | Congressman Gonzalez Calls on Congressional Leadership to Include Stimulus Payments in COVID-19 Relief Package | 2020-12-11 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | TX | Vicente Gonzalez | G000581 | gonzalez.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) sent a letter to House and Senate leadership urging them to include stimulus payments in the next COVID-19 aid package. As it stands, Senator Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has signaled that he is not in favor of this proposal. The Congressman in the letter writes: As you continue to negotiate a coronavirus relief package, I write to you today on behalf of the constituents in the 15th District of Texas and urge you to include a direct stimulus payment for those suffering from the adverse effects of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Millions of Americans are without a job, others are struggling to pay their bills, put food on the table or buy prescription drugs. We owe it to them to come together and pass another round of Economic Impact Payments. In his letter, the Congressman cites startling statistics that Hidalgo County represents only 3% of the state of Texas, but accounts for approximately 10% of COVID-related deaths. Additionally, the entire Rio Grande Valley, comprised of Hidalgo, Cameron, Starr and Willacy counties, represents 4.75% of the state population and approximately 17% of COVID-related deaths in Texas. The Washington Post recently reported that nearly 12 million renters will owe an average of $5,850 in back rent and utilitiesby January. Last month, 9 million renters said they were behind on rent, according to a Census Bureausurvey. The letter is available here and below: December11, 2020 The Honorable Mitch McConnell Majority Leader United States Senate U.S. Capitol Building, Room S-230 Washington, DC 20510 The Honorable Chuck Schumer Minority Leader United States Senate U.S. Capitol Building, Room S-224 Washington, DC 20510 The Honorable Nancy Pelosi Speaker of the House United States House of Representatives U.S. Capitol Building Washington, DC 20515 The Honorable Kevin McCarthy Minority Leader United States House of… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://williams.house.gov/media-center/columns/operation-warp-speed | Operation Warp Speed | 2020-12-11 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Roger Williams | W000816 | williams.house.gov | legacy | A vaccine to protect Americans from COVID-19 has taken another monumental step under the leadership of President Trump, Vice President Pence and Operation Warp Speed. After more than nine months of maximizing efficiency and removing unnecessary barriers and delayswithout sacrificing safetythis Administration harnessed the full power and strength of public-private partnerships across the nation. American researchers, scientists and manufacturers have dedicated the better part of this past year to delivering a viable defense against this invisible enemy. As of this writing, Pfizer and BioNTech's coronavirus vaccine has just been recommended by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for emergency use, marking the last step before the FDA gives final authorization to distribute the first doses. I am working with my colleagues in Congress to ensure that Texans who wish to take the vaccine can have access to it as quickly and easily as possible. While health care workers and first responders will rightly be among the first in line to receive an initial dose, we must ensure that it extends equally to our rural areas. It is critical for our collective recovery that people in rural communities receive the same access to the vaccine as that of their urban counterparts. I've spearheaded efforts in Congress throughout the pandemic to ensure Texas' rural health care facilities receive relief funding during a time when they are facing historic losses and I have worked across the aisle to fight on their behalf. I remain committed to partnering closely with our 25th District health care providers moving into this next phase to deliver the resources they need to best serve Texans. While COVID-19 has affected us all in different ways, we must always keep in our prayers the more than 290,000 Americans who lost their lives, and the loved ones they leave behind. We must see this fight through to the end and remain vigilant. Betterdays are ahead. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://burgess.house.gov/blog/?postid=402981 | Crdenas, Eshoo, Burgess, Kinzinger Introduce Legislation to Encourage Investment in Clean Aviation Technology | 2020-12-10 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Michael Burgess | B001248 | burgess.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC Today, Representatives Tony Crdenas (D-CA-29), Anna Eshoo (D-CA-18), Michael Burgess, M.D. (R-TX-26), and Adam Kinzinger (R-IL-16) introduced the ATVM Modernization Act. This legislation would incentivize clean, environmentally friendly aviation technology development by expanding eligibility under the Department of Energy's Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing (ATVM) loan program to include American-made, energy-efficient aircraft. Climate change is a very real existential threat to our national security and economy, said Congressman Crdenas. We must curb our dependence on dirty fossil fuels and invest in cleaner, efficient technology so that we reduce our carbon footprint. As more and more people rely on air travel, the contribution of aircrafts to global gas emissions will increase at a commensurate rate which is why we must incentivize companies to invest in energy efficient technology. My commonsense bipartisan bill will encourage development of cleaner, fuel-efficient aircrafts. The federal government played a critical role in bringing electric vehicle manufacturing to the U.S., and the ATVM Modernization Act will build on this record of success by fostering innovation in clean aviation technology, Rep. Eshoo said. This legislation creates a win for our economy and our environment by supporting advanced manufacturing jobs, reducing carbon emissions, and continuing American leadership in clean energy innovation and the aviation sector. Americans are gravitating towards clean energy technologies. It is important that Congress provides sensible and thoughtful solutions to ensure continued innovation. This legislation will help foster electric vehicle startups, including electric airplanes, by providing them the resources they need to get off the ground. This same loan program can be attributed for the success of electric automobiles and will expand to other modes of transportation. I hope others will join in supporting this bipartisan cause. Ultimately it is the marketplace that will de… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://burgess.house.gov/blog/?postid=402982 | Burgess: FDA advisory panel recommendation puts us one step closer to a vaccine | 2020-12-10 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Michael Burgess | B001248 | burgess.house.gov | legacy | Burgess: FDA advisory panel recommendation puts us one step closer to a vaccine Washington, D.C. Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), a member of the House Rules Committee and Republican Leader of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, released the following statement after the Food and Drug Administration Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee recommended that the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine be granted an Emergency Use Authorization.We are one step closer to the light at the end of the tunnel America has been waiting for, said Burgess. We are less than one year into this pandemic, and the speed at which we have achieved a highly effective vaccine is remarkable and highlights the power of American innovation. Thank you to the scientists whose tireless effort helped to get us to this point. I look forward to hearing the FDA's decision about the EUA in the coming days. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://burgess.house.gov/blog/?postid=402983 | Burgess responds to HHS rule modification to HIPAA | 2020-12-10 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Michael Burgess | B001248 | burgess.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), a member of the House Rules Committee and Republican Leader of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, released the following statement after the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) proposed changes to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule.The Trump Administration continues its dedication to strengthening patient and physician access to health data in its proposed changes to the HIPAA Privacy Rule, said Burgess. My experience as a physician and a patient provides me a unique understanding of the complexities of accessing data when it is critical to ensuring timely care coordination for a patient. In the midst of an emergency or following a difficult diagnosis, patients, their physicians, and their families should have access to certain tools and data to inform their medical decision making. Today's proposal brings us one step closer to better care coordination, especially during emergencies. It builds on the work Congress has done to address the opioid epidemic in aligning 42 CFR Part 2 with HIPAA and in 21st Century Cures to stop information blocking, increase interoperability of electronic health records, and clarify that a patient's medical data belongs to them. I appreciate the Trump Administration's efforts to enhance care coordination and reduce burden on physicians. Technology and data will continue to play a growing role in health care, and I look forward to building upon the work Congress has already done on these issues. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://burgess.house.gov/blog/?postid=402984 | Burgess: FDA advisory panel recommendation puts us one step closer to a vaccine | 2020-12-10 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Michael Burgess | B001248 | burgess.house.gov | legacy | Burgess: FDA advisory panel recommendation puts us one step closer to a vaccine Washington, D.C. Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), a member of the House Rules Committee and Republican Leader of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, released the following statement after the Food and Drug Administration Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee recommended that the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine be granted an Emergency Use Authorization.We are one step closer to the light at the end of the tunnel America has been waiting for, said Burgess. We are less than one year into this pandemic, and the speed at which we have achieved a highly effective vaccine is remarkable and highlights the power of American innovation. Thank you to the scientists whose tireless effort helped to get us to this point. I look forward to hearing the FDA's decision about the EUA in the coming days. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=5502 | As Businesses Flock To Texas, Sen. Cruz Remains Focused on Economic Opportunity | 2020-12-10 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. - This week, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) welcomed Elon Musk to Texas, following his announcement that he has moved to Texas. Musk's move comes on the heels of Tesla's July announcement that it would build their new Semi and the Models Y and 3 at a plant in Austin, joining SpaceX's already robust Texas presence. Earlier this month, Silicon Valley giant Hewlett Packard Enterprise also announced its plan relocate their global headquarters from San Jose, California, to Spring, Texas. Announcements like these have become commonplace as businesses flee the crushing regulations and sky-high taxes of Big Government all too commonplace in states like California. Companies like Toyota, McKesson, Charles Schwab, the PGA of America, and countless others from a host of industries have moved their headquarters to Texas in the last few years - creating thousands of jobs for hardworking Texans. This fall, the Texas Governor's Office of Economic Development and Tourism stated that they were working on 196 active relocation or expansion projects. In Austin alone, 28 companies that have announced nearly 10,000 new Texas jobs just in 2020. Sam Houston's guidance to "govern wisely and as little as possible" has inspired Texas leaders for generations, making Texas the economic powerhouse it is today. Texas has consistently been ranked the number one best state for business, and its low taxes and regulations help keep Texas' cost of living affordable. This makes Texas an ideal location for employees, allowing hard working men and women to keep more of their well-earned paychecks. In addition, Texas offers more than just a business-friendly climate. A recent WalletHub study named Texas the second most diverse state in the United States and one of the top states for racial and ethnic diversity, linguistic diversity, and industry diversity. BOTTOM LINE: Sen. Cruz believes America can and should look a lot more like Texas. That's why his number one priority in the Senate has been fighting for more jobs and greater economi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=5503 | Sen. Cruz Congratulates First Space Force Trainees on Historic Graduation | 2020-12-10 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today issued the following statement congratulating the first Space Force trainees on their completion of Basic Military Training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas: "Today, Texas is once again playing a leading role in space history as the very first Space Force trainees graduate basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio. As chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Aviation and Space, I commend these pioneering men and women for taking up the mantle to renew American leadership and exceptionalism in space. I am also proud to see that the Lone Star State is continuing its work as a hub for air and space innovation, as well as its long history of military service to this great nation. "The next 50 years in space have the potential to be even more consequential than the last 50 years. As we face this new era and the challenges that come with it, a new generation of patriots have answered the call to defend the nation, protect space commerce, and further our space exploration. Their commitment to service and to defending the liberties that Americans hold dear is inspirational for all of us as they complete their groundbreaking training. I am excited for the many opportunities ahead of them as they begin their careers with the U.S. Space Command." In November, the Air Force announced that San Antonio, Texas has been selected as one of the of six finalist locations to host the U.S. Space Command (USSPACECOM) headquarters following the evaluation phase of the selection process. Sen. Cruz has long been a leading advocate for creating a Space Force. In 2019, Sen. Cruz chaired a hearing that examined current approaches to civil-military coordination, cooperation, de-confliction activities, and related issues, and discussed future architectures for managing the space domain. In addition, a version of the legislation Sen. Cruz introduced that created the position of Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy was included in the final version of… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=5505 | Sen. Cruz: The Anti-Money Laundering Act Helps Wall Street, Hurts Small Businesses | 2020-12-10 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), and Mike Braun (R-Ind.) today called for the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA), a provision that significantly favors Wall Street, and hurts small businesses, to be excluded from the final National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2021. In a letter to Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), the senators wrote: Under the AMLA, an estimated 11 million small business owners will be required to provide the Department of Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) with the personal information of all the beneficial owners of the business. Few small business owners are familiar with FinCEN and may be reluctant to provide their personal information to the federal law enforcement agency. Willful failure to provide completed and updated information to FinCEN, however, would be subject to significant civil and criminal penalties. These burdens and penalties would be imposed on America's small business community in an effort to fight money laundering and other financial crimes. We doubt actual criminals will voluntarily provide incriminating information to FinCEN or that the agency could effectively manage a database the Congressional Budget Office estimates would receive 25 to 30 million initial reports. On the other hand, millions of law-abiding business owners will be subject to new reporting requirements and penalties if they fail to keep their information current and accurate. The senators continued: The provision lessens privacy protections and threatens due process rights. Currently, the personal information of small business owners collected by the federal government is protected by a warrant or subpoena. This provision removes that protection, raising significant Fourth Amendment concerns. Read Sen. Cruz's full letter here and below. December 10, 2020 Leaders McConnell and Schumer, The undersigned Senators have serious reservations… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=5506 | Sen. Cruz Introduces Legislation to Facilitate the Repatriation of Medals of Honor | 2020-12-10 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today introduced the Limiting and Enabling Gathering Awards Commemorating Yesteryear (LEGACY) Act, legislation to facilitate the repatriation of medals, including the Congressional Medal of Honor (MoH), into the United States for display in museums and for educational purposes. Upon introducing this bill, Sen. Cruz said: "Foreign sales of Medals of Honor harm the dignity and honor of all recipients. I'm proud to introduce this important legislation to ensure these medals return to U.S. territory. By creating a process for these medals to be donated to the military, museums, or educational institutions, future generations of Americans will be able to learn more about Medal of Honor recipients' heroic service and countless contributions to our country." James Connors, CEO of the Medal of Honor Museum Foundation, said: "The National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation has been at the forefront of defending the integrity of the Medal of Honor and the legacies of those who received it. When we learned of a Medal of Honor being sold in Germany earlier this year, we moved quickly to stop these American treasures from being auctioned off like common household goods. Senator Cruz immediately stepped forward as a champion. We are proud to stand with him in this noble cause." David Bellavia, a Medal of Honor recipient, added: "The Medal of Honor is part of the American fabric and the warrior ethos. It isn't just an object and those of us who wear it do so on behalf of all those who have fought for and defended our country. We are custodians of these priceless American treasures and I'm grateful to Senator Ted Cruz for protecting American valor by defending these Medals and keeping them from the black market." Background: In May, Sen. Cruz sent a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urging him to use the voice and influence of the United States to prevent a Munich firm from auctioning off a U.S. Medal of Honor. The Medal of Honor Museum Foundation is currently constructing a… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=5507 | Sen. Cruz: Heidi and I Wish the Jewish People a Very Happy Hanukkah | 2020-12-10 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | HOUSTON, Texas - U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today issued the following statement marking the start of Hanukkah: As the sun sets this evening, the Jewish people across the world will light their menorah, beginning an eight day celebration of the historic triumph of the Maccabees, the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, and the ultimate liberation of Judea. In a year often filled with darkness, the Festival of Lights illuminates the need to protect the right of all Americans to worship freely according to our faith and the importance of our crucial partnership with Israel, an alliance that led to reinstating Jerusalem to its rightful place as the once and eternal capital of Israel just three years ago. Heidi and I wish the Jewish people a very Happy Hanukkah. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=5508 | Sen. Cruz Calls on DOJ, FBI to Provide Transparency to James Comey & Andrew McCabe's Contradictory Testimony | 2020-12-10 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. - Following former Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director James Comey and former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe's contradictory testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), member of the committee, today sent a letter calling on the Department of Justice (DOJ) and FBI to provide "any and all emails, records, communications, and any other documents relevant to determining whether Mr. Comey knew of and approved of the FBI's leak of information pertaining to the Clinton investigation to the Wall Street Journal." WATCH: Sen. Cruz To James Comey: You Were Either Deliberately Corrupt or Woefully Incompetent In the letter, Sen. Cruz wrote: "We now know that this leak was authorized by then-Deputy Director of the FBI, Andrew McCabe. Mr. McCabe initially told FBI agents under oath that he did not authorize the leak and did not know who did. But when confronted later with contrary evidence, he confessed both to knowing about and authorizing the leak. "We do not know, however, whether and to what extent then-FBI Director Comey was aware of and authorized this leak after the fact." He continued: "Mr. McCabe says that he told Mr. Comey of the leak and that Mr. Comey approved-effectively authorizing the leak after the fact. Mr. Comey, on the other hand, has said that he neither authorized the leak nor knew of Mr. McCabe's involvement. "One of them is lying under oath-a federal crime. [...] The American people deserve to know who. "So that the American people may know the truth, please provide to the fullest extent possible any and all emails, records, communications, and any other documents relevant to determining whether Mr. Comey knew of and approved of the FBI's leak of information pertaining to the Clinton investigation to the Wall Street Journal." WATCH: Sen. Cruz to Andrew McCabe: Crossfire Hurricane Investigation Was Bogus Political Persecution Read the full letter here and below. December 10, 2020 The Honorable William P. Barr Attorney General of the Unit… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=5510 | Sen. Cruz Applauds Trump Administration Plan to Expand The Naval Fleet | 2020-12-10 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) issued the following statement on the Trump administration's announcement of a plan to increase the Navy's fleet of battle-ready ships to 355 ships in 10 years and to over 400 ships by 2045, in addition to unmanned vessels. Following the announcement, Sen. Cruz said: I have long called for increasing our number of battle-ready vessels and making sure our men and women in the Navy will be standing on the decks of the mightiest ships the world has ever known. Increasing the number of Navy ships will begin a process of filling a training and readiness gap that acutely endangers our national security and risks the lives of those who volunteer to serve this great nation. At a time when China seeks to lay claim over vast maritime areas and intimidate America and our allies out of the Pacific, we need to ensure our naval superiority now more than ever. I'm glad the Trump administration took this step and I will continue to advocate for a strong Navy as we look to advance America's leadership at sea. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=5511 | Sen. Cruz Applauds Morocco's Decision to Normalize Relations with Israel | 2020-12-10 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today issued the following statement applauding Morocco's decision to normalize relations with Israel: "Today is a wonderful day for Morocco and Israel. In just a few short months since the initial signing of the Abraham Accords, we've seen a growing number of our Arab allies willing to advance the cause of peace. I've long advocated that if the United States is unequivocal and clear that we stand with our Israeli allies and against our mutual enemies, our regional allies will come together to the benefit of our own national security and the safety of the American people. I applaud the Trump administration and our Israeli and Moroccan allies on this historic accomplishment. I look forward to working with my colleagues, the administration, and our allies to build upon this agreement, to strengthen our alliances, and to develop deeper diplomatic ties in the region." In September, Sen. Cruz joined President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, Emirati Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and Bahraini Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani at a White House signing ceremony for the Abraham Accords, historic agreements to normalize relations between Israel and Arab allies. In the past eight years, Sen. Cruz has resolved to be Israel's strongest defender in the Senate. Learn more about his leadership here. Sen. Cruz has also led the fight in the Senate to shred the Obama-Iran nuclear deal and has called for the collapse of the Iranian regime. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://olson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/olson-applauds-house-passage-of-pearland-mayor-postal-bill | Olson Applauds House Passage of Pearland Mayor Postal Bill | 2020-12-10 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Pete Olson | O000168 | olson.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC Rep. Pete Olson (TX-22) today applauded his House colleagues for joining him to honor Pearland Mayor Tom Reid and great Texan by naming a Post Office in his honor. Mayor Reid first served in the Pacific Theater in WWII, then worked on the Space Shuttle Programs and various other projects at the Johnson Space Center.Reid has served as Pearland's mayor for 37 years and, to date, is one of the oldest serving mayors in the U.S. Among his many achievements over the decades include improving the community's infrastructure, promoting access to clean air and water for our expanding city and helping to establish Pearland's first public library. His leadership has resulted in Pearland being one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States. The Tom Reid Post Office will serve as a small token of appreciation for a lifetime of hard work and distinguished public service, Rep. Pete Olson said. Every time a resident visits the Post Office, they will be reminded of his public service and contributions. Mayor Reid dedicated his life to the city of Pearland, and his efforts have made our community, the great State of Texas and America a better place. I thank my House colleagues for joining me in celebrating this true Texan's contribution to our great state, especially Senator Cruz and Senator Cornyn for their public support of this bill. The Olson bill, H.R. 7810, would designate the U.S. Post Office located at 3519 East Walnut Street in Pearland, Texas as the Tom Reid Post Office Building. All 35 members of the Texas congressional delegation have cosponsored this bill and the next step is Senate passage of the bill. You can view Senator Cornyn and Senator Cruz's letter of support here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://olson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/olson-applauds-passage-of-his-bill-to-address-ferc-backlog-to-improve | Olson Applauds Passage of His Bill to Address FERC Backlog to Improve Federal Review of LNG Export Terminals | 2020-12-10 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Pete Olson | O000168 | olson.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC Rep. Pete Olson (TX-22) today announced that the House passed his bill H.R. 1426, the Timely Review of Infrastructure Act. This bill allows the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to address a shortage of regulators to review pending energy infrastructure projects like the LNG export terminals in Texas and Louisiana. Salary is a critical component in deciding where to work and the private sector can pay significantly higher salaries, leaving a shortage of regulators to review the viability of projects creating a backlog. This bill allows FERC to pay competitive salaries to ensure the oversight and review process can continue in a timely manner. America's dominance as an energy supplier continues to thrive, reducing allies reliance on hostile regimes around the world, Olson said. However, we struggle to meet the growing international demand for American energy due to barriers in the approval process by the federal government. FERC faces a serious backlog of projects awaiting approval, grinding the process almost to a halt. Our bill will allow FERC to remain competitive and attract high quality talent for specialized energy jobs to address this backlog and get energy to those who need it. Our Texas and American-made energy should be processed and shipped to markets that demand it. I thank my House colleagues for passing this bill and hope the Senate acts in a swift manner to pass this critical legislation. If the United States wants to continue to be a leader in energy production, it must ensure that new domestic projects are quickly approved with strong safety and environmental protections, Rep. Mike Doyle said. Unfortunately, the engineers that FERC needs to review the applications for new energy projects are in such great demand that normal federal government pay scales can't compete with the salaries offered in the private sector. If we want FERC to ensure that these facilities and projects include the necessary safeguards to protect nearby communities and the environment, then we have t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://burgess.house.gov/blog/?postid=402974 | Burgess: Providing for the Common Defense is essential | 2020-12-09 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Michael Burgess | B001248 | burgess.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), a member of the House Rules Committee and Republican Leader of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, released the following after the House passed the Conference Report for the National Defense Authorization Act. This year, we have seen all Americans step up, including the men and women serving in our Armed Services. It is the Constitutional responsibility of Congress to provide for the common defense. My vote was based on my strong sense of duty to protect our national security and ensure that our troops have the resources required to carry out their missions around the world and here at home, said Burgess. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://burgess.house.gov/blog/?postid=402976 | Burgess: Today is a monumental day for American kidney transplant patients | 2020-12-09 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Michael Burgess | B001248 | burgess.house.gov | legacy | Burgess: Today is a monumental day for American kidney transplant patients Washington, D.C. Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), a member of the House Rules Committee and Republican Leader of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, released the following statement after the House passed H.R. 5534, the Comprehensive Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage for Kidney Transplant Patients Act of 2019 part of the H.R. 2477, the BENES Act of 2020. Today is a monumental day for American kidney transplant patients, said Burgess. A new kidney gives hope of a better quality of life to patients, and by requiring Medicare to cover the critically needed immunosuppressive drugs past 36 months for certain kidney transplant patients, we will help protect that kidney and prevent a return to dialysis. This simple policy change is something I have championed for nearly a decade and one kidney patients and their loved ones have been advocating for nearly twenty years. A kidney transplant is an investment that the government makes into the patient's future, and this policy allows us to keep that investment. Not only is this good policy for the patient, it's good for the taxpayer. Both the CMS Office of the Actuary and the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation at HHS have published reports on the benefits of extending Medicare coverage of immunosuppressive drugs, which include financial savings for the Medicare program. The passage of this legislation today provides hope. I urge the Senate to quickly take this up and send it to the President's desk. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://burgess.house.gov/blog/?postid=402977 | E&C Republican Leaders' Statement on House Passage of Health Bills | 2020-12-09 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Michael Burgess | B001248 | burgess.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Energy and Commerce Committee Republican Leader for the 116thCongress Greg Walden (R-OR), Republican Leader for the 117thCongress Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Health Subcommittee Republican Leader Dr. Michael Burgess (R-TX) released the following statement on House passage of four health bills. We are proud that the House today has taken action to ensure patients have control over and access to their personal health information, make certain any federally-sanctioned marijuana research is done with the most stringent controls and protections, and protect Medicare beneficiaries from surprise medical bills after colorectal screenings. As we unite to protect some patients from surprise medical bills, we are reminded again of the work that remains to end this practice so all patients can rest assured knowing they will not receive unexpected outrageous bills after seeking care. We urge our colleagues in the House to come to the table to end surprise billing for once and for all, and we thank them for their bipartisan work on the important bills that passed today, said Walden, Burgess, and Rodgers. Today the House unanimously agreed to the following health bills: H.R. 3797, the Medical Marijuana Research Act; H.R. 1570, Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act; H.R. 7898, to amend the Public Health Services Act to provide the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Service certain authorities with respect to investigations of information blocking, and for other purposes, as amended; and, H.R. 1966, the Henrietta Lacks Enhancing Cancer Research Act of 2019. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://burgess.house.gov/blog/?postid=402978 | Burgess delivers remarks in support of Health IT legislation | 2020-12-09 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Michael Burgess | B001248 | burgess.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), a member of the House Rules Committee and Republican Leader of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, delivered the following remarks in support of H.R. 7898 and wished Energy and Commerce Committee Republican Leader Greg Walden farewell. As Prepared for Delivery: "I rise today in support of H.R. 7898, a bill that clarifies enforcement and investigative authorities of the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services with respect to health record information blocking. In 2016, Congress passed the bipartisan 21st Century Cures Act, with the goal of closing the gap between innovation and our nation's regulatory process. Throughout the drafting of Cures, I made it a priority to address important health information technology issues, including interoperability and information blocking. As a physician and a patient, I am acutely aware of the frustrations surrounding the difficulty of accessing medical records. Patients should control their own records. Yet, if a patient and their doctor have difficulty accessing those electronic health records, the patient's care will suffer. In Cures, Congress provided the tools necessary for doctors and patients to better coordinate their care through the sharing of patient data. The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology promulgated a rule that outlines what is permissible activity. This rule, which was finalized in May, aims to allow patients to seamlessly access their electronic health information. H.R. 7898 is needed in order to ensure a smooth and effective implementation and to allow for the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services to enforce the rule. Especially in the context of this coronavirus pandemic, I think we have all seen the importance of allowing efficient flow of a patient's medical records so that patients and their doctors can have informed conversations about their care plans. Also, of great importance i… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405960 | Rep. Cuellar Leads Letter Calling for the End of National Emergency and Termination of Border Wall Contracts | 2020-12-09 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | TX | Henry Cuellar | C001063 | cuellar.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C.-- Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) led a congressional letter to President-Elect Joseph R. Biden Jr., calling his administration to rescind the national emergency declaration and reprogrammed funding; direct the Department of Justice to dismiss all condemnation suits; terminate for convenience all current and pending Army Corps of Engineer contracts; and rescind Homeland Security waiver authority relating to the construction of new border barriers. Working with the Biden administration, Congressman Cuellar will restore effective border security policies, which does not include any wasteful border barrier, as well as prioritize saving American lives and jobs during this pandemic. We must remedy the challenges border communities have faced over the last four years due to the Trump administration's insistence on constructing a wasteful border wall, said Congressman Cuellar. At a time when we continue to face major public health and economic crises, we are calling for the President-Elect to immediately halt all border wall construction, return unconstitutionally reprogrammed military funding, and restore private property rights. Our number one priority at this time should be preventing the spread of COVID-19, saving lives, and supporting working families. Federal funding must be invested in strong border security, Congressman Cuellar continued. We cannot give the impression that we have an open border, which would overwhelm our nation's capacity for humanitarian aid.We must focus on modernizing land ports of entry and improving our security infrastructure; hiring additional U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers and support staff; bolstering U.S. Border Patrol equipment and technology; and coordinating these efforts with our neighbors to the south.As the Vice Chair of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Appropriations, I am committed to working with the Biden Administration to fund programs that effectively secure the U.S.-Mexico border. The letter urges the incoming Administration to… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=5500 | Sen. Cruz Applauds Senate Confirmation of Sean Cooksey to Federal Election Commission | 2020-12-09 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today issued the following statement after the Senate voted to confirm Sean Cooksey to the Federal Election Commission (FEC): "I commend my colleagues in the Senate for swiftly confirming Sean Cooksey to the FEC. Sean is a friend, an exceptional lawyer, and a principled professional who will serve at the FEC with honor. Given his impeccable credentials and admirable career, including his public service clerking for Judge Jerry Smith on the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals and serving as Deputy Chief Counsel for me, and then as General Counsel for my colleague Senator Hawley, I have complete confidence in his abilities. I look forward to seeing Sean excel in this new role and continue his career as a dedicated public servant." Sen. Cruz delivered the opening remarks in the Rules Committee hearing for the nomination of Sean Cooksey. Read his full statement from November 18 here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=5501 | Sen. Cruz Votes Against Resolutions of Disapproval, Building on Progress in Middle East | 2020-12-09 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today issued the following statement after voting against resolutions of disapproval that would have blocked the sale of F-35 jets and other arms to the United Arab Emirates (UAE): "The U.S.-UAE alliance is crucial to maintaining our national security interests, countering Iran, and promoting peace in the region. That alliance was strengthened following the signing of the Abraham Accords - an historic agreement to normalize relations with Israel. "As an enthusiastic supporter of our friend and ally Israel and the regional alliance President Trump has built, and after engaging in lengthy conversations with multiple agencies within our government to ensure this sale would not endanger Israel or America, I voted in favor of the U.S. sale of F-35 jets to the United Arab Emirates. This sale will also bolster America's industrial base and boost good-paying jobs in Texas, which is home to facilities where the F-35s are constructed. Most importantly - the sale sends a clear message to the world that America stands unshakably with our friends and allies." In September, Sen. Cruz joined President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, Emirati Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and Bahraini Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani at a White House signing ceremony for the Abraham Accords, historic agreements to normalize relations between Israel and Arab allies. In the past eight years, Sen. Cruz has resolved to be Israel's strongest defender in the Senate. Learn more about his leadership here. Sen. Cruz has also led the fight in the Senate to shred the Obama-Iran nuclear deal and has called for the collapse of the Iranian regime. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=5504 | Sen. Cruz: The Arctic Circle Has Strategic Economic and Military Significance for the United States | 2020-12-09 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), member of the Senate Commerce Committee, this week participated in a subcommittee hearing examining the U.S. Coast Guard's (USCG) capabilities for safeguarding U.S. national interests and promoting economic security in the Arctic. There, Sen. Cruz questioned Admiral Charles Ray, Vice Commandant USCG, on the importance of the USCG's presence in the Arctic and the security threats posed by China and Russia's growing influent in the region. Watch Sen. Cruz's full line of questioning here. Excerpts below. WATCH: Sen. Cruz on Significance of Coast Guard's Presence in Arctic Region On combatting the geopolitical threat China poses to the United States and our allies by addressing its growing influence including the Arctic region, Sen. Cruz said: The Arctic Circle has strategic economic and military significance for the United States. And I want to thank the Coast Guard for your continued presence in the region, your leadership, working to protect America's interests. I've said for a long time that China is an adversary who would benefit from an American retreat all across the globe. President Xi and the Chinese Communist Party are investing heavily in the military as is Russia. On how the U.S. can address Chinese and Russian influence in the Arctic, Sen. Cruz asked: In your assessment today, who is the dominant power in the Arctic Circle? [...] In your assessment, what would be the effect to the United States if we were to cede control of the Arctic to the Russians and the Chinese? Admiral Charles Ray, responded: From the analysis that we've done, I mean, obviously, if you look at the planet from the north down, looking down at the North Pole, you can see the extensive shoreline that Russia has. You know that they are a force to be reckoned with just because of geography. They've got the geography and they've got the natural resources there. [] But we cannot ever take our eyes off the ball on China. I think that the behavior they're displaying in the Polar Regions, not ju… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://gonzalez.house.gov/media/press-releases/virtual-congressional-delegation-brings-together-us-and-mexican-businesses | Virtual Congressional Delegation Brings Together U.S. and Mexican Businesses | 2020-12-09 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | TX | Vicente Gonzalez | G000581 | gonzalez.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) joined a first of its kind virtual bipartisan delegation, hosted by the Council of the Americas, that brought some 40 representatives of American and Mexican companies together to discuss trade and investment between the two countries. Congressman Gonzalez was joined by Congressmen Jodey Arrington and Rick Crawford. There are many challenges that Mexico and the United States must face together. The virtual delegation put together by the Council of Americas was an important medium to discuss the issues critical to South Texas and the Rio Grande Valley,said Congressman Gonzalez.Businesses on both side of the border depend on trade and tourism and are struggling as a result of the pandemic. It is vital to South Texas' and Mexico's economic interests that we continue to promote a business environment that is both safe and fair for workers and investors. I look forward to future discussions and improving the economic and diplomatic relationship between our two countries with the help of the incoming Biden administration. Eric Farnsworth, Vice President of the Council highlighted the innovative nature of the effort. We were pleased to host this virtual delegation to highlight the opportunities for trade and investment between Mexico and the United States. We are grateful for the leadership of Congressmen Crawford, Arrington and Gonzalez in paving the way for this type of virtual engagement, and plan to build on this success. I appreciate the efforts of the Council of the Americas to bring together my colleagues in Congress and representatives of the U.S. and Mexican business communities to discuss business and trade opportunities, especially as we continue to cope with the impact of COVID-19. Our two countries have a strong economic relationship, as exemplified by recent trade figures and the implementation of USMCA. It is important that we continue to explore ways to expand market access and supply chains that are mutually beneficial to our communities on both si… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://olson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/olson-provides-rescue-support-for-local-responders-through-access-to | Olson Provides Rescue Support for Local Responders Through Access to Critical Military High Water Rescue Vehicles for Texas | 2020-12-09 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Pete Olson | O000168 | olson.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC Rep. Pete Olson (TX-22) recently acted to provide critical funding for our military and Texas first responders by voting in support of H.R. 6395, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2021. This legislation authorizes vital funding for the Department of Defense to provide our military the resources they need to successfully defend our nation. It also includes critical resources to help first responders perform high water rescues during high flood events in the Texas Gulf Coast and other flood ravaged areas. NDAA passed the House by a vote of 335-78. Notably, the bill includes text from Olson's bill, the Lifting Up Our First Responders Act (H.R. 5407) which would allow the military to prioritize distribution of surplus high water rescue vehicles to our vulnerable Texas communities. Specifically, it helps emergency responders rescue individuals trapped by floods by restructuring the 1033 Program to prioritize the distribution of repurposed military vehicles to high-risk flood areas, especially Texas' 22nd congressional district. Olson has received strong local support on this legislative action. When Hurricane Harvey hit, our local first responders lacked needed equipment to rescue folks trapped in rising flood waters, Olson said. I've been working closely with local officials and here in DC to give our first responders needed equipment to protect our communities during hurricanes and floods. The provision I worked to include allows vehicles not needed by our Armed Forces to be sent to local communities where they will save lives. I'm proud of the bipartisan support, not only for this critical provision, but also needed resources to keep our military men and women defending the homeland safe and prepared against the dangerous threats we face around the globe. As a Navy veteran, I'm proud to support this bill and look forward to the Senate acting swiftly to send it President Trump's desk to keep Texans and all Americans safe. The City of Alvin acquired several surplus militar… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://burgess.house.gov/blog/?postid=402971 | ICYMI: Op-ed: The path to nuking carbon emissions goes through Yucca Mountain | 2020-12-08 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Michael Burgess | B001248 | burgess.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), a member of the House Rules Committee and Republican Leader of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, understands wecannot have a zero carbon future without considering nuclear energy, and thebiggesthurdle is a solution forspent nuclear fuel.In a Dallas Morning News Op-ed, Dr. Burgess explains the importance of Congress following through and funding Yucca Mountain. The path to nuking carbon emissions goes through Yucca Mountain By Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. Dallas Morning News December8, 2020 Congress' responsibility is simple: write, pass and ensure the faithful enactment of laws. When it comes to providing America with a clean energy future, Congress has fallen short of its responsibility. In 1987, through the Nuclear Waste Policy Act, the Department of Energy was entrusted to build and operate a permanent repository for spent nuclear fuel. Fast forward through the years of studying a variety of locations, and Congress decided on Yucca Mountain in Nevada. Three decades later, Congress has yet to uphold its promise to fully fund operation of this site. America is demanding clean energy alternatives, and it is impossible to provide a zero-carbon future without including nuclear energy. Nuclear power accounts for 55% ofzero-emission,baseloadelectricity nationwide. The American nuclear industry is working to introduce new reactors that are safer, smaller and more affordable than ever. One issue yet remains: how to addressspent nuclear fuel. Uranium, the most common fuel, is used by nuclear reactors to achieve fission. This process produces heat to create steam. The steam is then used to turn turbines generating electricity. Eventually, this fuel is removed and stored in cooling pools and later put indry cask containers. While these containers are safe for decades, the only permanent way to dispose of this fuel is deep underground. Some countries have found success reprocessing spent fuels, which helps to reduc… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://burgess.house.gov/blog/?postid=402973 | Burgess Announces 2020 Congressional App Challenge Winners | 2020-12-08 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Michael Burgess | B001248 | burgess.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), a member of the House Rules Committee and Republican Leader of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health,announces University of North Texas TAMS students John Li, Jerry Liu, Nathaniel Brown and Zach Tang as the 2020 Congressional App Challenge Winners for the 26th District of Texas."The Congressional App Challenge provides students the opportunity to expand their imaginations and become the next generation of technology builders. This year's winners, University of North Texas TAMS students John Li, Jerry Liu, Nathaniel Brown, and Zach Tang, were inspired by the pandemic to create "TAMSHub" a centralized online platform to provide community to the student body. I appreciate their forward thinking and congratulate them on this success. Through this pandemic, we have seen American Innovation succeed and these students are just another example," said Burgess.Background: The "TAMSHub" app can be viewed here. The Congressional App Challenge (CAC) was created by the U.S. House of Representatives to encourage student participation in STEM, especially in computer science and coding. This nationwide effort afforded students the opportunity to compete alongside their peers by creating an app for desktop/PC, web, tablet, mobile, raspberry Pi, or other devices. Nationally, over 6500 students submitted applications for the 2020 challenge. The CAC is specifically designed to promote innovation and engagement in computer science and was open to all middle and high school students residing or attending school in the 26th Congressional District of Texas. Participating students were tasked with creating an app that would impress our panel of expert judges. Our judging panelists were Dr. Jennifer Moore, Associate Professor & School Librarian Certification Program Faculty Lead at Texas Woman's University School of Library & Information Sciences, Dr. Stephani Ludi, Professor, Associate Chair for Undergraduate Studies & Co-Director of Research in … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://burgess.house.gov/blog/?postid=402979 | Healio: ACR commends reimbursement boost for cognitive care in 2021 Medicare Fee Schedule | 2020-12-08 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Michael Burgess | B001248 | burgess.house.gov | legacy | The American College of Rheumatology has praised CMS for approving long awaited updates to cognitive care reimbursements for Medicare, increasing the amount for evaluation and management services. In a press release, the ACR stated that the update, part of CMS' 2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule final rule, clears the way for much needed increases in Medicare reimbursement for E/M services, including examinations, disease diagnosis, risk assessments and care coordination. For many years, Medicare reimbursement did not adequately reflect the time and skill required toprovide high-quality cognitive care, including rheumatology care,David Karp, MD, PhD,president of the ACR, said in a press release. These updates are critical to the future of the rheumatology specialty and the continued delivery of high-quality rheumatology care for millions of Medicare beneficiaries. According to the ACR, CMS in 2018 proposed a code collapse that would have resulted in significant cuts torheumatology care for Medicare beneficiaries. However, after hearing concerns and recommendations from more than 170 medical groups and specialty societies, including the ACR and the American Medical Association, CMS reversed course, and later drafted and finalized the current update. The reimbursement increases take effect Jan. 1. These E/M improvements are the result ofyears of advocacy by rheumatologistsand patients that educated policymakers about the importance of time spent with patients for chronic disease management,Blair Solow, MD,chair of the ACR's Government Affairs Committee, said in the release. We commend CMS for recognizing the value of the care provided by rheumatologists and rheumatology health professionals. However, not all issues related to the fee schedule have been settled. To ensure that the E/M rate increases do not result in cuts to other medical specialties, such as physical and occupational therapists, the ACR is calling on Congress to passlegislation in the House of Representatives that would waive budget neutrali… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://burgess.house.gov/blog/?postid=402980 | National Kidney Foundation Applauds House Passage of Landmark Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage Bill | 2020-12-08 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | TX | Michael Burgess | B001248 | burgess.house.gov | legacy | by the National Kidney Foundation"The National Kidney Foundation applauds the passage of theComprehensive Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage for Kidney Transplant Patients Actin the U.S House of Representatives earlier today. "With transplant patients suffering disproportionately from the adverse effects ofCOVID-19, this legislation is more critical now than ever. Patients must be reassured that they will have access to their live-savingimmunosuppressive drugsand that they will not need to worry about skipping doses because they can't afford the costs. "We sincerely thank RepresentativesRon Kind(D-WI) andMichael Burgess(R-TX) for working so closely with us to put patients first and for their efforts to extend the 36-month window of drug coverage provided by Medicare. We look forward to working with them to ensure the swift passage of the broader comprehensive bill. "We also are very appreciative of the support and assistance from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on the immunosuppressive extension and applaud SpeakerNancy Pelosi(D-CA) and Minority LeaderKevin McCarthy(R-CA) for prioritizing this important legislation. "We sincerely thank the NKF grass roots advocates from across the country who have written thousands of letters and attended hundreds of meetings with their Members of Congress urging that this life-saving legislation be enacted. These efforts helped generate 111 additional House cosponsors for the immunosuppressive legislation. "This critical legislation will not only save lives, but multiple estimates from the Congressional Budget Office expect it tosave taxpayers millions of dollars. We look forward to passage in the Senate and the prompt enactment of this lifesaving legislation." For a patient's perspective on how a lack of Medicare coverage for immunosuppressive drugs affects a family seeBobbie's story. About Kidney Disease Inthe United States, 37 million adults are estimated to havechronic kidney disease(CKD)and approximately 90 percent don't know they have it. 1 in 3 adult… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |
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