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717 rows where party = "Democrat", state = "TX" and year = 2014 sorted by date descending

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  • 2014 · 717 ✖

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https://medium.com/@RepBetoORourke/end-of-year-update-808ba317f354 End of year update 2014-12-31 2014 2014-12 Democrat House TX Beto O'Rourke O000170 medium.com     legacy End of yearupdate December 29, 2014 I like to keep these updates as brief and to the point as I can. I know you get a lot of email, and you dont need more to read from me. However, since I conclude my first term in Congress this week and begin a new one in January, Id ask your indulgence as I provide a quick recap of our efforts in the 113th Congress and conclude with the last significant vote I took this year, a no vote on the spending bill. *** Weve done a lot during the 113th session of Congress: helped thousands of constituents in our El Paso office, voted on hundreds of important bills in the Capitol and held dozens of town hall meetings throughout the community. Theres no easy way to summarize and account for it all in this email, so I thought Id take you through three significant issues that are important both for El Paso and the country. The first is our obligation to our service members and their families. Soon after I took office we were forced to confront the consequences of the across-the-board budget cuts known as the sequester. While the sequester hit every federal agency, one group that stood out to me was our service members. In particular, we learned that service members were to lose access to the Tuition Assistance program, which affords them up to $4,500 per year to attend UTEP, El Paso Community College or other schools of higher-learning. After hearing from family members of those stationed at Fort Bliss, we introduced a bill to restore 100 percent of the funding. We partnered with key Republicans on the House Armed Services Committee and ultimately were able to restore funding for the remainder of 2013. By listening to the families of our service members, working across the aisle and not accepting the status quo we helped solve the problem and kept faith with our service members across the country and especially the nearly 33,000 incredibly brave men and women at Fort Bliss. At the same time that we were addressing the impacts of the sequester, we realized that problems at the VA were worse … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://medium.com/@RepBetoORourke/end-of-year-update-808ba317f354?source=rss-964ef69221bc------2 End of year update 2014-12-31 2014 2014-12 Democrat House TX Beto O'Rourke O000170 medium.com     legacy End of yearupdate December 29, 2014 I like to keep these updates as brief and to the point as I can. I know you get a lot of email, and you dont need more to read from me. However, since I conclude my first term in Congress this week and begin a new one in January, Id ask your indulgence as I provide a quick recap of our efforts in the 113th Congress and conclude with the last significant vote I took this year, a no vote on the spending bill. *** Weve done a lot during the 113th session of Congress: helped thousands of constituents in our El Paso office, voted on hundreds of important bills in the Capitol and held dozens of town hall meetings throughout the community. Theres no easy way to summarize and account for it all in this email, so I thought Id take you through three significant issues that are important both for El Paso and the country. The first is our obligation to our service members and their families. Soon after I took office we were forced to confront the consequences of the across-the-board budget cuts known as the sequester. While the sequester hit every federal agency, one group that stood out to me was our service members. In particular, we learned that service members were to lose access to the Tuition Assistance program, which affords them up to $4,500 per year to attend UTEP, El Paso Community College or other schools of higher-learning. After hearing from family members of those stationed at Fort Bliss, we introduced a bill to restore 100 percent of the funding. We partnered with key Republicans on the House Armed Services Committee and ultimately were able to restore funding for the remainder of 2013. By listening to the families of our service members, working across the aisle and not accepting the status quo we helped solve the problem and kept faith with our service members across the country and especially the nearly 33,000 incredibly brave men and women at Fort Bliss. At the same time that we were addressing the impacts of the sequester, we realized that problems at the VA were worse … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://jacksonlee.house.gov//media-center/editorials/congresswoman-sheila-jackson-lees-2014-year-end-report Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee's 2014 Year End Report 2014-12-23 2014 2014-12 Democrat House TX Sheila Jackson Lee J000032 jacksonlee.house.gov     legacy Dear Friends: As the year 2014 comes to an end, I thought it might be helpful to provide you a brief summary of some of the many activities that I have been engaged in this year on behalf of the constituents of the 18th Congressional District of Texas. I am pleased to report that, working together, we have achieved a number of successes that have made, and are making, a positive difference in the lives of  all persons residing in the congressional district in the following areas: Protecting Medicare and Social Security. Despite significant budgetary challenges and determined opposition, we were able to protect Social Security recipients from any cuts in their benefits. I also helped lead the effort in the Congress, working with the Administration, to provide needed funding to ensure that doctors are available to treat Medicare recipients. In addition, the Affordable Care Act, which I supported and fought to pass, closed the Medicare prescription drug “donut hole,” and is saving seniors in the district on average $866 per person. Expanding Educational Opportunity. Higher education is a key that opens doors to opportunity. Congress has a duty to help make it accessible and affordable for more Americans. That is why I strongly supported and advocated successfully for the legislation signed into law by the President that lowers interest rates for nearly 11 million borrowers this year and saves them $25 billion in the next five years. I am also a co-sponsor of the “Bank on Students Emergency Refinancing Act,” which would allow borrowers to refinance federal and private student loans to the lower rates that are currently available to new borrowers. Protecting the Right to Vote. The right to vote, free from discrimination, is the most precious of all our rights. That is the reason why, as a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee, I helped lead the successful fight in 2006 to reauthorize the Voting Rights Act of 1965 for an additional 25 years. But a year ago, the Supreme Court dealt a severe blow to the Voting R… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://jacksonlee.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-sheila-jackson-lee-applauds-presidents-executive-order-0 CONGRESSWOMAN SHEILA JACKSON LEE APPLAUDS PRESIDENT'S EXECUTIVE ORDER CREATING WHITE HOUSE TASK FORCE ON 21ST CENTURY POLICING 2014-12-23 2014 2014-12 Democrat House TX Sheila Jackson Lee J000032 jacksonlee.house.gov     legacy December 18, 2014   Washington, DC – Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a senior Member of the House Committees on the Judiciary and on Homeland Security released the following statement today applauding the establishment of a White House Task Force on 21st Century Policing: “I applaud the President for the executive order he issued today establishing a White House Task Force on 21st Century Policing. The recent tragedies in Ferguson, New York, and other cities has made clear the pressing need for innovative and thoughtful steps to enhance police training and strengthen trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.  “The 11-member Task Force, co-chaired by Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey and George Mason University Professor and two-time former Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs Laurie Robinson includes law enforcement representatives, community leaders, academics, and youth leaders. The mandate of the Task Force is to examine, among other issues, how to strengthen public trust and foster strong relationships between local law enforcement and the communities that they protect. “This lack of public confidence in the system, particularly by residents of minority communities, has the potential for exacerbating already tense relations between law enforcement and community residents that could result in more public confrontations like those occurring recently in Ferguson, Missouri. One area which the Task Force should examine is the efficacy of the growing trend of local units of government to use traffic fines and traffic court fees and costs as revenue generators. This practice is problematic because it breeds public cynicism and distrust of local law enforcement agencies, and lessens public confidence that the laws are being enforced impartially and the criminal justice system is administered equally. “That is why I have introduced and invite the Task Force to consider H.R. 5858, the  “Building Bridges and Transforming Resentment and Unfairness to Support an… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://jacksonlee.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/shiloh-treatment-center-in-manvel-should-be-closed-by-hhs-for SHILOH TREATMENT CENTER IN MANVEL SHOULD BE CLOSED BY HHS FOR UNACCOMPANIED CHILDREN 2014-12-23 2014 2014-12 Democrat House TX Sheila Jackson Lee J000032 jacksonlee.house.gov     legacy December 22, 2014   Washington, DC – Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a Senior Member of the House Homeland Security and Judiciary Committees and Founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Children’s Caucus released the following statement today: “I am appalled by record of abuse and mistreatment of children at the Shiloh Treatment Center in Manvel documented by the Houston Chronicle in an expose published December 19, 2014. The abuses documented in that report – ranging from physical violence, unreasonable and excessive use of physical restraints, administering emergency medications without notice to governmental authorities, and several deaths of minor children while in custody – is not reflective of the quality of care and support that should be provided to the at-risk children, including the dozens of unaccompanied immigrant children, committed to its care. “Because of these deficiencies I believe the time has come for the State of Texas to order the closure of the Shiloh Treatment Center. At a minimum, the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services should terminate immediately the contract awarded to Shiloh Treatment Center to provide shelter and treatment to unaccompanied children apprehended by the Border Patrol. “Over many months, local government officials, non-profit organizations, and local charities that have a track record of serving vulnerable children have met and offered to make available to HHS facilities where unaccompanied children would be care for in a safe and supportive housing environment. I urge the State of Texas and HHS to explore this option as a viable alternative to continued reliance upon the Shiloh Treatment Center. “All vulnerable and at-risk children deserve housing and shelter that is safe and supportive. I thank my colleague Congressman Pete Olson for his oversight and commitment to the well-being of the children entrusted to Shiloh Treatment Center and look forward to working with him and others to ensure that the Office of Refugee… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://jacksonlee.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/statement-of-congresswoman-sheila-jackson-lee-on-the-threats-of-violence Statement of Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee on the threats of violence and the killing of the two NYPD Officers 2014-12-23 2014 2014-12 Democrat House TX Sheila Jackson Lee J000032 jacksonlee.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC – The threats against America’s police forces should be taken seriously.  We should be condemn any threats of violence and bring law enforcement, government officials and community leaders together to chart of a path forward.   It is understandable that people are outraged with sadness over the execution of two NYPD officers by a crazed Ismaaiyl Brinsley.  “We should all stand up against this violence and then further our discussions about the concerns of the protesters and establish a way to move forward. My sympathy goes out to the families of these officers and as a senior member of the House Committee on Judiciary, I look forward to working with law enforcement, government officials, and community leaders to make our communities safe for everyone.” I applaud Suzan Johnson Cooke the former United States Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom who appropriately indicated that these discussions should include religion and race. The Civil Rights Movement spoke about equal access and the right to vote.  Now we must establish a movement that reaffirms our unity as Americans and the importance of a justice system based on truth and order  and that ultimately puts an end to racial profiling and establish procedures that will enhance and affirm the important status of America’s law enforcement.” # # # Congresswoman Jackson Lee is a Democrat from Texas’s 18th Congressional District. She is a senior member of the House Committees on Judiciary and Homeland Security and is Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://jacksonlee.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-sheila-jackson-lee-applauds-pakistan-government-s-new-zero CONGRESSWOMAN SHEILA JACKSON LEE APPLAUDS PAKISTAN GOVERNMENTS NEW ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY TOWARDS TALIBAN AND JIHADISTS 2014-12-22 2014 2014-12 Democrat House TX Sheila Jackson Lee J000032 jacksonlee.house.gov     legacy December 19, 2014                                                                                                                     Washington, DC – Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a Senior Member of the House Homeland Security Committee, Co-Chair of the Congressional Pakistan Caucus, and Founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Children’s Caucus released the following statement today: “I stand in solidarity with thousands of Pakistani citizens engaged in peaceful demonstrations demanding their government to take more aggressive action to end the cycle of violence and terror wrought by the Taliban. The horrific attack and murder of 148 persons, including 132 precious schoolchildren, by the Taliban at the Army Public School in Peshawar, Pakistan appears to be a turning point marking the end of the Pakistan Government’s policy of ambivalence toward jihadists groups. “I am also encouraged by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s declaration that there would be no more ‘good Taliban, and that henceforth militants ‘would be dealt equally with an iron hand.’ Pakistanis want peace and safety, and demand justice for those victims who lost their lives in the attack at the Army Public School. “I urge the leaders of America’s Pakistani communities to gather in Washington, D.C. at the earliest feasible time to discuss ideas and collectives measures to be taken in support the people of Pakistan in the effort to defeat the Taliban and end the violence in their land.” ### Congresswoman Jackson Lee is a Democrat from Texas’s 18th Congressional District. She is a senior member of the House Committees on Judiciary and Homeland Security and is Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://jacksonlee.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-sheila-jackson-lee-applauds-presidents-executive-order CONGRESSWOMAN SHEILA JACKSON LEE APPLAUDS PRESIDENT'S EXECUTIVE ORDER CREATING WHITE HOUSE TASK FORCE ON 21ST CENTURY POLICING 2014-12-22 2014 2014-12 Democrat House TX Sheila Jackson Lee J000032 jacksonlee.house.gov     legacy December 18, 2014      Washington, DC – Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a senior Member of the House Committees on the Judiciary and on Homeland Security released the following statement today applauding the establishment of a White House Task Force on 21st Century Policing: “I applaud the President for the executive order he issued today establishing a White House Task Force on 21st Century Policing. The recent tragedies in Ferguson, New York, and other cities has made clear the pressing need for innovative and thoughtful steps to enhance police training and strengthen trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.  “The 11-member Task Force, co-chaired by Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey and George Mason University Professor and two-time former Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs Laurie Robinson includes law enforcement representatives, community leaders, academics, and youth leaders. The mandate of the Task Force is to examine, among other issues, how to strengthen public trust and foster strong relationships between local law enforcement and the communities that they protect. “This lack of public confidence in the system, particularly by residents of minority communities, has the potential for exacerbating already tense relations between law enforcement and community residents that could result in more public confrontations like those occurring recently in Ferguson, Missouri. One area which the Task Force should examine is the efficacy of the growing trend of local units of government to use traffic fines and traffic court fees and costs as revenue generators. This practice is problematic because it breeds public cynicism and distrust of local law enforcement agencies, and lessens public confidence that the laws are being enforced impartially and the criminal justice system is administered equally. “That is why I have introduced and invite the Task Force to consider H.R. 5858, the  “Building Bridges and Transforming Resentment and Unfairness to Support… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://jacksonlee.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-sheila-jackson-lee-calls-for-urgent-response-to CONGRESSWOMAN SHEILA JACKSON LEE CALLS FOR URGENT RESPONSE TO CYBERCRIMES COMMITTED BY INTERNATIONAL ACTORS 2014-12-22 2014 2014-12 Democrat House TX Sheila Jackson Lee J000032 jacksonlee.house.gov     legacy December 18, 2014                                                                                        Washington, DC – Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a Senior Member of the House Homeland Security and Judiciary Committees, released the following statement in response to President Obama’s announcement regarding North Korea’s involvement in the recent cyberattack against Sony Pictures: “Cybercrimes committed by international actors constitute a serious threat to our national, economic, and homeland security. Disrupting, degrading, and defeating an attackers ability to engage in cyberattacks against the United States must be a national priority.  I fully support President Obama’s efforts to increase the security of the nation’s public and private cybernetworks since the earliest days of his administration. It should be noted that it is estimated that 85 percent of cybercrime targets are commercial or non-governmental entities. “Cybersecurity requires vigilance and proactive work on the part of the government, private sector, and individuals to guard against vulnerabilities and intentional acts that could cripple or seriously undermine the ability of critical infrastructure to deliver vital services to communities around the nation. “When the 114th Congress convenes I will introduce two bills to fight the growing threat of cyberattacks. The first, “Terrorism Prevention and Critical Infrastructure Protection Act,” directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to work with critical infrastructure owners and operators as well as state, local, tribal and territorial entities to take proactive steps to manage risk and strengthen the security and resilience of the Nation’s critical infrastructure against terrorist attacks.  “The second bill is the “Cybersecurity Workforce and Defense Education Act,” which focuses resources on closing the gap in the demand for cybersecurity experts and the thousands of positions in the federal government and private sector that are going unfilled. Cyber conflicts are fights that we can w… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://doggett.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/san-antonio-express-news-missions-park-set-expand San Antonio Express-News: Missions' Park Set to Expand 2014-12-22 2014 2014-12 Democrat House TX Lloyd Doggett D000399 doggett.house.gov     legacy Mission San Juan, located in south San Antonio in Missions National Historic Park on Dec. 21st, 2014. After years of wrangling, and the efforts of many elected officials, San Antonio Missions National Historical Park is expanding by 137 acres. The U.S. Senate passed the Missions National Historical Park Boundary Expansion Act, sponsored by Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Austin, as part of the 2015 National Defense Authorization Bill on Dec. 12. President Barack Obama signed the bill into law Friday. The bill, which will affect the city's four Spanish colonial missions maintained by the National Park Service, had languished after it was originally passed in the House last year. It's been a long, long, hard ride for a bill that should have been easy to pass but, unfortunately, it wasn't, said Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff, who was among a group of officials, including former Rep. Ciro Rodriguez and outgoing Rep. Pete Gallego, who had pushed for the park's expansion over the years. Doggett said it was uncertain until the very last minute if he could secure a consensus to get the bill passed. It's so challenging to get anything completed in Washington, Doggett said, and I believe we have done it here. Adding the acreage is important for preserving cultural and historical resources, Doggett said, adding that it's not just about the past, it's about the future. The newly annexed land, around Missions San Jos, San Juan and Espada, will include part of the San Juan Dam and the head gate to the San Juan Acequia, a Spanish colonial-era drainage structure. It also will mean the inclusion of land between the San Antonio River and Mission San Jos, helping to protect the view from the mission to the river, said Mardi Arce, park superintendent. Adding the land to the park will allow for much easier management of the resources by the park service, said Susan Chandoha, executive director of missions' friends group Los Compadres. The park service also plans to expand its de… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://medium.com/@RepBetoORourke/truth-about-the-border-no-evidence-of-isis-plot-on-u-s-mexico-border-662d1815ab15?source=rss-964ef69221bc------2 Truth About the Border: No Evidence of ISIS Plot on U.S.Mexico Border 2014-12-21 2014 2014-12 Democrat House TX Beto O'Rourke O000170 medium.com     legacy Truth About the Border: No Evidence of ISIS Plot on U.S.MexicoBorder Quotes Recent media reporting including some quoting a Midland County, TX Sherriff has addressed the presence of ISIS/ISIL along the Southwest Border. These reports are citing, uncorroborated information and attempting to turn them into a breaking news story. There is no corroborated information regarding the presence of Islamic Extremists residing along or using the Southwest Border. Over the last eight to ten years this topic has resurfaced many times without corroboration. Analysts at all levels monitor the Border for just this reason and to ensure early warning of developing or potential threats. Multiple law enforcement and intelligence agencies have no corroborated, credible reports that support an ISIS/ISIL cell, or other Violent Extremist Organizations, operating south of the border or using the Border to enter the US. The items within the recent Press and News releases are old circular reporting and consist mostly of unconfirmed rumors. Department of Defense Intelligence Report, 9/16/2014 There is no credible intelligence to suggest that there is an active plot by ISIL [ISIS] to attempt to cross the southern border. Department of Homeland Securty, 9/16/2014 | http://bit.ly/1r4hAQD there is no truth to the warnings. FBI, 9/15/2014 | http://nyti.ms/ZnsZC0 We dont have any credible information, that we are aware of, of known or suspected terrorists coming across the border. Jennifer Lasley, Department of Homeland Security, 9/10/2014 | http://nydn.us/ZjlKek We have not seen any evidence of ISIS amassed at the border ready to come into the United States. Fred Burton, vice president of intelligence at Austin-based Stratfor, 9/2/2014 | http://bit.ly/1toYBCw Ive seen no indication that they are coming across the border with Mexico. We have no information that leads us to believe that. Rear Adm. John Kirby, Pentagon Spokesperson, 8/22/2014 | http://bit.ly/1pR9mMi Stoking Fears about the Border Is NothingNew El Paso Herald-Post: Mexico Is… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://medium.com/@RepBetoORourke/u-s-mexico-trade-2a51dfb87ef3 U.S.Mexico Trade 2014-12-21 2014 2014-12 Democrat House TX Beto O'Rourke O000170 medium.com     legacy U.S.Mexico Trade: See the impact trade with Mexico has on each of the 50states Jul 8, 2013 The U.S.-Mexico border region is one of the most economically significant borders in the world and is directly responsible for thousands of jobs in all 50 states. My office has put together state-by-state maps, which can serve as a reference tool in helping you understand that a healthy border with Mexico means more jobs for Americans. Annually, delays at our land ports of entry cost 26,000 U.S. jobs and $6 billion in lost economic output. Much of these delays are a result of inadequate and outdated port infrastructure and significant staffing gaps within Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Additional CBP Officers placed at high-traffic ports will lessen delays and lead to a significant return on investment in terms of both cost savings and Gross Domestic Product. As the April 2013 National Center for Risk and Economic Analysis of Terrorism Events report concludes, adding one CBP Officer at an airport or land port of entry would inject $2 million into the economy and produce 33 new jobs. As the Senate in June passed its version of Comprehensive Immigration Reform (S. 744) and the House continues its debate, it is critical that we capitalize on the economic potential of the U.S.-Mexico border. Ensuring adequate resources and infrastructure at our ports of entry means more jobs and an America that is competitive in the global economic market. To see how trade with Mexico affects each of the 50 U.S. states, see below: Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://medium.com/@RepBetoORourke/u-s-mexico-trade-2a51dfb87ef3?source=rss-964ef69221bc------2 U.S.Mexico Trade 2014-12-21 2014 2014-12 Democrat House TX Beto O'Rourke O000170 medium.com     legacy U.S.Mexico Trade: See the impact trade with Mexico has on each of the 50states Jul 8, 2013 The U.S.-Mexico border region is one of the most economically significant borders in the world and is directly responsible for thousands of jobs in all 50 states. My office has put together state-by-state maps, which can serve as a reference tool in helping you understand that a healthy border with Mexico means more jobs for Americans. Annually, delays at our land ports of entry cost 26,000 U.S. jobs and $6 billion in lost economic output. Much of these delays are a result of inadequate and outdated port infrastructure and significant staffing gaps within Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Additional CBP Officers placed at high-traffic ports will lessen delays and lead to a significant return on investment in terms of both cost savings and Gross Domestic Product. As the April 2013 National Center for Risk and Economic Analysis of Terrorism Events report concludes, adding one CBP Officer at an airport or land port of entry would inject $2 million into the economy and produce 33 new jobs. As the Senate in June passed its version of Comprehensive Immigration Reform (S. 744) and the House continues its debate, it is critical that we capitalize on the economic potential of the U.S.-Mexico border. Ensuring adequate resources and infrastructure at our ports of entry means more jobs and an America that is competitive in the global economic market. To see how trade with Mexico affects each of the 50 U.S. states, see below: Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398041 Laredo Morning Times: Cuellar Speaks to Students 2014-12-20 2014 2014-12 Democrat House TX Henry Cuellar C001063 cuellar.house.gov     legacy Laredo Morning Times: Cuellar Speaks to Students f t # e LAREDO, Texas, December 20, 2014 f t # e 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398099 El Manana de Nuevo Laredo: Determinar TxDot si es viable o no tren rpido 2014-12-20 2014 2014-12 Democrat House TX Henry Cuellar C001063 cuellar.house.gov     legacy Por: FRANCISCO DÍAZAntes de terminar diciembre el Departamento de Transporte de Texas (TxDot) determinará si es factible establecer una ruta de tren rápido desde San Antonio hasta Monterrey, cruzando por Colombia, Nuevo León. “Esperamos la decisión en este mes luego de concluir el estudio de factibilidad sobre el proyecto y de ello dependerá seguir adelante”, dijo el Congresista Federal Henry Cuellar. El legislador federal agregó que Nuevo León ya tiene listos los derechos de vía en el lado mexicano y prácticamente espera la aprobación del estado de Texas para seguir con el proceso de la construcción de vías. Se trata de un corredor de 480 kilómetros para recorrer el tramo de San Antonio a Laredo, cruzando por Colombia hacia Monterrey, Nuevo León en un lapso de dos horas en lugar de las casi cinco horas que se hacen ahora en automóvil. “La idea es que el corredor ferroviario sea para carga y para pasajeros lo cual lo hace muy atractivo”, indicó Cuellar. Resaltó que el proyecto fue presentado en Washington en enero de este año por parte de funcionarios del gobierno de Nuevo León y causó muy buena impresión al Secretario de Transporte de EU, Anthony Foxx. Si el Departamento de Transporte de Texas determina que el proyecto es factible, el plan es tenerlo listo para el año 2018 uniendo a San Antonio con Monterrey, sacándole la vuelta a Nuevo Laredo. El proyecto forma parte de un estudio para establecer un tren de alta velocidad desde San Antonio a Dallas para luego conectarse hacia Oklahoma en un recorrido de unas 805 millas por ferrocarril para carga y pasajeros. El estudio de factibilidad tiene un costo de unos 4.4 millones de dólares, fondos que fueron financiados por el Departamento de Transporte de Estados Unidos para explorar proyectos de tren rápido en el estado de la estrella solitaria y fue iniciado hace casi 18 meses. Cuellar destacó que si el estudio de factibilidad demuestra que el proyecto es viable, el siguiente paso será identificar las vías del financiamiento, que posiblemente incluya al sector priva… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398046 Rep. Cuellar Announces $10 Million in Federal Funds to Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas 2014-12-19 2014 2014-12 Democrat House TX Henry Cuellar C001063 cuellar.house.gov     legacy Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX28) announced on Wednesday the awarding of $10 million in federal funds to Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas Inc. from the Corporation for National Community Service. This is the very first Social Innovation Fund (SIF) grant for the state of Texas and the second largest SIF grant ever awarded.This federal investment of $10 million will be combined with another $16.2 million provided directly from Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas and will be used by its “Sí Texas Project” which will aim to reduce the rates of disease in South Texas by focusing on developing a more effective approach to caring for people with both behavioral and chronic healthcare needs. The program will connect organization working towards the same goal and increase the community impact by expanding and replicating community solutions that work. "Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas worked with my office to secure Texas’ first Social Innovation Fund Grant from the Corporation for National Community Service," said Congressman Cuellar. “This federal investment, combined with funds provided by Methodist Healthcare Ministries, will greatly improve the health of the people of South Texas, especially border communities that are at the forefront of the nation’s health challenges. The Texas border region has some of the highest uninsured rates in the country and is disproportionately affected by chronic and communicable diseases. This project will greatly help to improve the health of our citizens.” “There has traditionally been a minimal investment made in South Texas both by state and national foundations,” said Rebecca D. Brune, vice president of strategic planning and growth at Methodist Healthcare Ministries. “However, we know from our work with our funded partners that there are innovative models that can effectively address these chronic illnesses and behavioral health needs. This project will allow us to evaluate these models and showcase those that are effectively meeting those… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://veasey.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/rep-veasey-statement-on-the-2014-holiday-season Rep. Veasey Statement on the 2014 Holiday Season 2014-12-18 2014 2014-12 Democrat House TX Marc Veasey V000131 veasey.house.gov     legacy Dallas, Fort Worth, TX – Today, Congressman Marc Veasey, TX-33, released the following statement in recognition of the holiday season: "Wishing my constituents in the 33rd Congressional District of Texas and across the nation a very Happy Holiday. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa, I wish you a wonderful holiday season filled with love and happiness surrounded by your family and friends. Be safe, stay warm, and have a blessed New Year." 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://medium.com/@RepBetoORourke/will-the-border-ever-be-secure-enough-for-immigration-hawks-c3bce196f500?source=rss-964ef69221bc------2 Will the Border Ever Be Secure Enough for Immigration Hawks? 2014-12-14 2014 2014-12 Democrat House TX Beto O'Rourke O000170 medium.com     legacy Feb 22, 2013 | In The News Will the Border Ever Be Secure Enough for Immigration Hawks? El Paso is the safest city in the U.S., the Border Patrol is bigger than ever, and illegal crossings have reached a 40-year lowamong other surprising facts. By Molly Ball The Atlantic Reuters Border security could be the issue that kills immigration reform. And yet, by most measures, the U.S.-Mexico border has never been safer. The bipartisan group of U.S. senators seeking comprehensive immigration reform have proposed a trigger mechanism, whereby a path to citizenship would be contingent on increased border security. President Obama and liberals have not endorsed the idea, although the president is committed to increasing our border security further, according to White House Press Secretary Jay Carney. Disagreement over the trigger is the largest current discrepancy between the Senate and White House versions of immigration reform. It could cause the whole thing to fall apart. Yet the ideaexpressed by both sidesthat the border needs more security may be the biggest myth of the immigration debate, according to Rep. Beto ORourke. A newly elected Democrat, ORourke represents El Paso, Texas, the border city that shares a street gridand 11 border inspection stationswith the Mexican city of Juarez. El Paso also has the lowest crime rate of any large U.S. city. (The second-safest large city? Its on the border, too: San Diego.) The common assumption, ORourke told me recently, is that the border is not secure. In fact, by almost any measurecrime, unauthorized border crossings, resources devoted to border patrolthe U.S.-Mexico border has never been more secure than it is now. The problem for the immigration debate is that those who claim we need more border security are rarely called upon to prove it. No one has proposed a set of concrete standards; rather, some are calling for a subjective evaluation to be made by border-state governors, some of whom have political incentives to exaggerate the threatand track records of doing so. Mea… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://algreen.house.gov/press-release/congressman-al-green-speaks-national-action-network%E2%80%99s-justice-all-march-washington-dc Congressman Al Green Speaks at National Action Networks Justice For All March in Washington, DC 2014-12-13 2014 2014-12 Democrat House TX Al Green G000553 algreen.house.gov     legacy (Washington, D.C.)—On Saturday, December 13, 2014, Congressman Al Green (TX-09) addressed the crowd at the Justice For All March on Freedom Plaza, where he joined fellow elected leaders, civil rights leaders, and the families of those affected by police brutality to call for justice. "It is critical that we rededicate ourselves to the cause of justice for all,” Congressman Al Green said. “We are at a critical turning point in the history of our nation where people of good will who believe in liberty and justice for all must actively be a part of the solution or passively be a part of the problem.” Congressman Al Green continued, “I support the efforts of peace officers to serve and protect our community. I also believe strongly in the rule of law. However, I, along with many other people of good will, believe that more can be done to make law enforcement more accountable and transparent such that police officers are better able to work in their communities. I also wholeheartedly believe lawmakers should act to better understand how we can increase transparency and accountability in all levels of law enforcement. I have introduced H.R. 5407, the Transparency in Policing Act (TIP) of 2014, which would require state and local law enforcement agencies that receive funds from the Department of Justice to acquire body cameras for use by their law enforcement officers. Although this bill is not a panacea, it is a significant step in the right direction. I believe that having our officers wear body cameras can bring much-needed additional transparency to communities in many future controversial police/civilian actions. Currently, numerous major police departments around the country have conducted studies, introduced pilot programs, or currently require officers to wear body cameras, including the Ferguson Police Department. While this is a positive development, the TIP Act would allow us to move forward together as a nation on the issue of transparency and accountability in law enforcement rather than one city, county, o… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://algreen.house.gov/press-release/congressman-al-green%E2%80%99s-haven-act-approved-part-national-defense-authorization-act-2015 Congressman Al Greens HAVEN Act is Approved as Part of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2015 2014-12-12 2014 2014-12 Democrat House TX Al Green G000553 algreen.house.gov     legacy (Washington, DC)--On Friday, December 12, 2014, the Senate approved modified language from Congressman Al Green’s bill H.R. 3743, the Housing Assistance for Veterans Act of 2014 (HAVEN Act), as part of the National Defense Authorization  Act (NDAA) of 2015. The modified language in the NDAA will provide $20 million over five years in home modification for low-income, disabled veterans. “I do care passionately about veterans having all the resources a grateful nation can provide them to maintain their productiveness and role in society,” Congressman Al Green said. “Legislation to support our brave veterans transcends partisanship as well as ideology in Congress and should remain one of the top priorities for a government that asks so much of them.” The bill establishes grant awards for installing wheelchair ramps, widening exterior and interior doors, as well as accommodating the functional limitations that result from having a disability. The grants will greatly assist veterans as nonprofit housing organizations are able to leverage more than $3 for every $1 in federal funding received. The provision also requires participating nonprofits to detail their outreach plans and match a minimum of 50 percent of the grant award. “I’m proud to have played a role in the bipartisan passage of legislation that will help our veterans,” Congressman Al Green said. “I am especially proud of H.R. 3743, the HAVEN Act of 2014, which I introduced and was incorporated into the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of 2015. The modified language from the HAVEN Act offers valuable assistance in rehabilitating and modifying the homes of low-income, disabled veterans.” 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398018 Rep. Cuellar Releases Statement on Appropriations Agreement 2014-12-12 2014 2014-12 Democrat House TX Henry Cuellar C001063 cuellar.house.gov     legacy Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX28) released the following statement on his vote in favor of the Fiscal Year 2015 omnibus appropriations bill.  The measure passed the House by a vote of 219-206.  “Yesterday’s agreement averts the risk of a government shutdown by providing funding for government operations in 2015.  While I oppose the use of a continuing resolution to fund the Department of Homeland Security, we cannot risk the possibility of another government shutdown because of a disagreement over a policy item.  “As an appropriator, I would rather see an appropriations bill or an omnibus with fresh funding for the Department of Homeland Security, rather than the continuing resolution we are passing today.  We cannot focus on initiatives benefitting our security as a whole while running on directives and funds from the previous year.  If Republicans object to the President’s action, they should put forward a legislative proposal, not put funding at risk for our men and women in blue and in green, the Secret Service, Coast Guard, veterans, and many others. “I voted for the omnibus bill because it was necessary to move funding forward for the eleven other agencies.  I hope to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in the new Congress to ensure that all agencies receive full funding for the next year.  Taxpayers send us to Washington to get the job done.  If we are going to get something meaningful done here in Washington, both parties need to get together and focus on areas where we agree.” 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398065 KGNS: Cuellar releases statement on appropriations agreement 2014-12-12 2014 2014-12 Democrat House TX Henry Cuellar C001063 cuellar.house.gov     legacy Cuellar releases statement on appropriations agreement Posted: Fri 12:06 PM, Dec 12, 2014 By: Matt McGovernWASHINGTON, DC (Office of Henry Cuellar) - Congressman Henry Cuellar released the following statement on his vote in favor of the Fiscal Year 2015 omnibus appropriations bill. The measure passed the House by a vote of 219-206. “Yesterday’s agreement averts the risk of a government shutdown by providing funding for government operations in 2015. While I oppose the use of a continuing resolution to fund the Department of Homeland Security, we cannot risk the possibility of another government shutdown because of a disagreement over a policy item. “As an appropriator, I would rather see an appropriations bill or an omnibus with fresh funding for the Department of Homeland Security, rather than the continuing resolution we are passing today. We cannot focus on initiatives benefitting our security as a whole while running on directives and funds from the previous year. If Republicans object to the President’s action, they should put forward a legislative proposal, not put funding at risk for our men and women in blue and in green, the Secret Service, Coast Guard, veterans, and many others. “I voted for the omnibus bill because it was necessary to move funding forward for the eleven other agencies. I hope to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in the new Congress to ensure that all agencies receive full funding for the next year. Taxpayers send us to Washington to get the job done. If we are going to get something meaningful done here in Washington, both parties need to get together and focus on areas where we agree.” http://www.kgns.tv/home/headlines/Cuellar-releases-statement-on-appropriations-agreement-285633951.html 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://algreen.house.gov/press-release/congressman-al-green-applauds-fhfa%E2%80%99s-rule-fannie-mae-and-freddie-mac-set-aside-and-0 Congressman Al Green Applauds FHFAs Rule for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to Set Aside and Allocate Funds for the Housing Trust Fund and the Capital Magnet Fund 2014-12-11 2014 2014-12 Democrat House TX Al Green G000553 algreen.house.gov     legacy Congressman Al Green Applauds FHFA’s Rule for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to Set Aside and Allocate Funds for the Housing Trust Fund and the Capital Magnet Fund Dec 11, 2014 (Washington, DC)—On December 11, 2014, Congressman Al Green (TX-09) applauded the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s (FHFA) rule for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to set aside and allocate funds for the Housing Trust Fund and the Capital Magnet Fund. “Today, FHFA took an important step in expanding funding for low-income and affordable housing for millions of families. There is no dream more fundamentally American than the dream of owning a home, regardless of socioeconomic status. I look forward to continuing to work with FHFA and Director Mel Watt in expanding opportunities as well as funding for low-income and affordable housing.” 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://veasey.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/black-congressional-staffers-stage-hands-up-walk-out-on-capitol-hill Black Congressional Staffers Stage Hands Up Walk Out On Capitol Hill 2014-12-11 2014 2014-12 Democrat House TX Marc Veasey V000131 veasey.house.gov     legacy In the wake of protests that erupted after police officers were not indicted in the cases of bothEric Garner in New York and the Michael Brown of Ferguson, congressional staff members staged a Capitol Hill walkout. A mass of black congressional staffers walked out of the Capitol building on Thursday (December 11) at 3:30 pm ET, raising there hands up in the “Hands Up, Don’t Shoot” position as they paused united on the building steps. The event was spearheaded by the Congressional Black Associates group, a few congress members joined the protest, including Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md., and Rep. Marc Veasey, D-Texas. “We’re not trying to cause any type of controversy,” one staffer told CNN. “We’re just trying to highlight this issue, to show solidarity with people who have been affected.” The walk-out drew other minority staff members, including the Congressional Asian Pacific American Staff Association and the Congressional Hispanic Staff Association. “I believe it’s important, because what affects one community really affects the entire country,” a staffer said. “It’s not just one group of minorities that’s affected. How one group is treated affects Asians, Hispanics, women. It’s important that we show our solidarity and come together and really speak out about the injustices that are being done.” 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://veasey.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/capitol-hill-staffers-stage-walkout-to-protest-garner-brown-grand-juries Capitol Hill Staffers Stage Walkout to Protest Garner, Brown Grand Juries 2014-12-11 2014 2014-12 Democrat House TX Marc Veasey V000131 veasey.house.gov     legacy Unless it's a part of their job description, Capitol Hill staffers generally shy away from the press. But Thursday afternoon, nearly 150 of them walked out of their offices to participate in a walkout to protest theEric Garner and Michael Brown grand jury decisions and the deaths of other unarmed African-Americans. The walkout took place on a critical day as their bosses struggled to pass a budget in time to prevent a government shutdown. Rev. Barry Black, the Senate chaplain, who is African-American, led the group in a prayer for the grieving families and for peace on the steps of the Capitol. They also posed for a photo, during which everyone made the "Hands Up, Don't Shoot" gesture. "Today as people throughout the nation protest for justice in our lands, forgive us when we have failed to lift our voices for those who couldn't speak or breathe for themselves,” Black said. “May we not forget that in our national history injustice has often been maintained because good people failed to promptly act. Forgive, oh God, our culpability in contributing to our national pathology as you keep us aware of our own capacity to be instruments of injustice.” The heads of congressional staff associations in both the House and the Senate, including the Congressional Black Associates, Senate Black Legislative Staff Caucus, the Brooke-Revels Society and the Congressional African Staff Association organized the walkout. Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Staff Association and the Congressional Hispanic Staff Association also participated. Many of the staffers are struggling to figure out what their individual roles are in the burgeoning protest movement, but felt like they should take a collective stand, one of the organizers told BET.com. "We will have discussions about how to move the ball forward, how to get involved with what's happening at the local level and how as individuals who are uniquely positioned to understand how policy is created, we can lend our expertise to those efforts," said the staffer, who a… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://veasey.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/congressional-staffers-protest-grand-jury-decisions Congressional staffers protest grand jury decisions 2014-12-11 2014 2014-12 Democrat House TX Marc Veasey V000131 veasey.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON (AP) — A gathering of black congressional staffers and other Capitol employees stood silently on the House steps Thursday and raised their hands in the air to protest of the killing of unarmed black men by police. They bowed their heads as Senate Chaplain Barry C. Black prayed, "Forgive us when we have failed to lift our voices for those who couldn't speak or breathe for themselves" — emphasizing "breathe" in reference to Eric Garner, who died after a policeman grabbed him in a chokehold in New York. "May we not forget that in our history injustice has often been maintained because good people failed to promptly act," Black said, with well over 100 people standing behind him. The demonstration was organized by the Congressional Black Associates and other groups representing minority employees of Congress to show support for protests around the country following the deaths of Garner and 18-year-old Michael Brown, who was black, in Ferguson, Missouri. On the grounds nearby, Valerie Bell — the mother of Sean Bell, shot in New York on the morning of his wedding — watched with other mothers whose sons were killed by police. Nine mothers have been meeting with Congress members and Washington officials this week asking for an end to police brutality against black men. "We stand with them, and they stand with us," Bell said as the congressional employees gathered outside in the cold. After the brief event, Black said the workers were exercising their free speech rights "to say that there are some issues that are significantly critical, that there needs to be a greater conversation." The wordless demonstrators also included Reps. Joaquin Castro and Marc Veasey, both Democrats representing Texas, and Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Maryland. "There is no community that is immune to police abuse," Castro, a second generation Mexican-American, said afterward. "It is happening in every community. It is more concentrated in minority communities, particularly the African-American community, but this is something that all Ame… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://veasey.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/congressional-staffers-walk-out-to-protest-killings-by-police Congressional staffers walk out to protest killings by police 2014-12-11 2014 2014-12 Democrat House TX Marc Veasey V000131 veasey.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON -- Members of Congress, staffers and other Capitol employees stood silently on the House steps Thursday and raised their hands in the air to protest the killing of unarmed black men by police. They bowed their heads as Senate Chaplain Barry C. Black prayed, "Forgive us when we have failed to lift our voices for those who couldn't speak or breathe for themselves" -- emphasizing "breathe" in reference to Eric Garner, who died after a policeman grabbed him in a chokehold in New York. "May we not forget that in our history injustice has often been maintained because good people failed to promptly act," Black said, with well over 100 people standing behind him. The demonstration was organized by the Congressional Black Associates and other groups representing minority employees of Congress to show support for protests around the country following the killing of Garner and 18-year-old Michael Brown, whose death in Ferguson, Missouri, inspired the "hands up, don't shoot" gesture. On the grounds nearby, Valerie Bell -- the mother of Sean Bell, shot in New York on the morning of his wedding -- watched with other mothers whose sons were killed by police. Nine mothers have been meeting with Congress members and Washington officials this week asking for an end to police brutality against black men. "We stand with them, and they stand with us," Bell said as the congressional employees gathered outside in the cold. As staffers returned to work after the brief event, Black said they were exercising their free speech rights "to say that there are some issues that are significantly critical, that there needs to be a greater conversation." The wordless demonstrators also included Reps. Joaquin Castro and Marc Veasey, both Democrats representing Texas, and Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md. "There is no community that is immune to police abuse," Castro, a second generation Mexican-American, said afterward. "It is happening in every community. It is more concentrated in minority communities, particularly the African-American com… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://veasey.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/heres-what-happened-when-100-black-staffers-lawmakers-staged-capitol-hill Here's What Happened When 100 Black Staffers, Lawmakers Staged Capitol Hill Walkout 2014-12-11 2014 2014-12 Democrat House TX Marc Veasey V000131 veasey.house.gov     legacy (WASHINGTON) — Over 100 black congressional staffers and several black lawmakers staged a walkout at the Capitol Thursday afternoon, leading a silent protest on the steps of the Capitol over the deaths of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo., and Eric Garner on Staten Island, New York, both black men, at the hands of white police officers. Reps. Elijah Cummings, D-Md., and Marc Veasey, D-Texas, were among the lawmakers participating in the walkout. Senate Chaplain Barry Black led the group in prayer, saying they were working as a “voice for the voiceless.” “Today as people throughout the nation protest for justice in our lands, forgive us when we have failed to lift our voices for those who couldn’t speak or breathe for themselves,” Black said. “May we not forget that in our national history, injustice has often been maintained because good people failed to promptly act. Forgive oh God, our culpability in contributing to our national pathology as you keep us aware of our own capacity to be instruments of injustice.” After the prayer, the group stood on the steps of the Capitol, raising their hands in a gesture that has become symbolic of the Ferguson refrain –- hands up, don’t shoot.   100+ black congressional staffers, several lawmakers stage walkout at US Capitol to protest Garner, Brown cases. pic.twitter.com/WKghW7dveR — ABC News (@ABC) December 11, 2014   Dozens of staffers gather on Capitol steps to protest police brutality #BlackLivesMatter #AllLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/R6OaNT3ZDe — THE CBC (@OfficialCBC) December 11, 2014 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://veasey.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/staffers-walk-out-of-congress-in-protest-over-brown-and-garner-cases Staffers Walk Out Of Congress In Protest Over Brown And Garner Cases 2014-12-11 2014 2014-12 Democrat House TX Marc Veasey V000131 veasey.house.gov     legacy ' Black congressional staffers hold their hands up as they pose for a group photo during a walkout on the steps of the U.S. Capitol Thursday, in protest over the Eric Garner and Michael Brown cases     Dozens of congressional staff members walked out of the Capitol at 3:30 p.m. ET Thursday, in a show of support for protesters angered by recent grand jury decisions not to indict police officers in the deaths of Michael Brown and Eric Garner. Wearing suits, ties and overcoats, the staffers stood several rows deep on the steps of Capitol Hill before making the hands-up gesture that has come to symbolize frustration with the deaths of the two unarmed black men at the hands of police. They stood silently with their arms raised for a moment before disbanding and walking down the steps. While the event was spearheaded by the Congressional Black Associates, it also drew other staff members, including the Congressional Asian Pacific American Staff Association and the Congressional Hispanic Staff Association, according to CNN. A few members of Congress came out to the steps, including Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md., and Rep. Marc Veasey, D-Texas. The short event included a prayer from U.S. Senate Chaplain Barry Black. The protest comes a week after Rep. Marcia L. Fudge, chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, said she was "deeply disappointed" by a Staten Island grand jury's decision not to level charges in the Garner case. Noting that the decision was similar to another jury's findings in Ferguson, Mo., Fudge wrote: "In the span of two weeks, this nation seems to have heard one message loud and clear: there will be no accountability for taking Black lives. As an American, it is growing increasingly difficult to believe that there is justice for all." 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://veasey.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/us-capitol-staffers-raise-hands-to-protest-grand-jury-decisions US Capitol staffers raise hands to protest grand jury decisions 2014-12-11 2014 2014-12 Democrat House TX Marc Veasey V000131 veasey.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON — A gathering of black congressional staffers and other Capitol employees stood silently on the House steps Thursday and raised their hands in the air to protest of the killing of unarmed black men by police. They bowed their heads as Senate Chaplain Barry C. Black prayed, ‘‘Forgive us when we have failed to lift our voices for those who couldn’t speak or breathe for themselves’’ — emphasizing ‘‘breathe’’ in reference to Eric Garner, who died after a policeman grabbed him in a chokehold in New York. ‘‘May we not forget that in our history injustice has often been maintained because good people failed to promptly act,’’ Black said, with well over 100 people standing behind him. The demonstration was organized by the Congressional Black Associates and other groups representing minority employees of Congress to show support for protests around the country following the deaths of Garner and 18-year-old Michael Brown, who was black, in Ferguson, Missouri. On the grounds nearby, Valerie Bell — the mother of Sean Bell, shot in New York on the morning of his wedding — watched with other mothers whose sons were killed by police. Nine mothers have been meeting with Congress members and Washington officials this week asking for an end to police brutality against black men. ‘‘We stand with them, and they stand with us,’’ Bell said as the congressional employees gathered outside in the cold. After the brief event, Black said the workers were exercising their free speech rights ‘‘to say that there are some issues that are significantly critical, that there needs to be a greater conversation.’’ The wordless demonstrators also included Reps. Joaquin Castro and Marc Veasey, both Democrats representing Texas, and Rep. Elijah Cummings, a Maryland Democrat. ‘‘There is no community that is immune to police abuse,’’ Castro, a second generation Mexican-American, said afterward. ‘‘It is happening in every community. It is more concentrated in minority communities, particularly the African-American community, but this is somet… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://veasey.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/us-capitol-staffers-raise-their-hands-for-ferguson US Capitol staffers raise their hands for Ferguson 2014-12-11 2014 2014-12 Democrat House TX Marc Veasey V000131 veasey.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON — A gathering of black congressional staffers and other Capitol employees stood silently on the House steps Thursday and raised their hands in the air to protest the killing of unarmed black men by police. They bowed their heads as Senate Chaplain Barry C. Black prayed, “Forgive us when we have failed to lift our voices for those who couldn’t speak or breathe for themselves” - emphasizing “breathe” in reference to Eric Garner, who died after a policeman grabbed him in a chokehold in New York. “May we not forget that in our history injustice has often been maintained because good people failed to promptly act,” Black said, with well over 100 people standing behind him. The demonstration was organized by the Congressional Black Associates and other groups representing minority employees of Congress to show support for protests around the country following the killing of Garner and 18-year-old Michael Brown, whose death in Ferguson, Missouri, inspired the “hands up, don’t shoot” gesture.   On the grounds nearby, Valerie Bell — the mother of Sean Bell, shot in New York on the morning of his wedding — watched with other mothers whose sons were killed by police. Nine mothers have been meeting with Congress members and Washington officials this week asking for an end to police brutality against black men. “We stand with them, and they stand with us,” Bell said as the congressional employees gathered outside in the cold. As staffers returned to work after the brief event, Black said they were exercising their free speech rights “to say that there are some issues that are significantly critical, that there needs to be a greater conversation.” The wordless demonstrators also included Reps. Joaquin Castro and Marc Veasey, both Democrats representing Texas, and Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md. “There is no community that is immune to police abuse,” Castro, a second generation Mexican-American, said afterward. “It is happening in every community. It is more concentrated in minority communities, particularly the African-… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://veasey.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/rep-veasey-s-statement-on-the-2015-omnibus-spending-bill Rep. Veaseys Statement on the 2015 Omnibus Spending Bill 2014-12-11 2014 2014-12 Democrat House TX Marc Veasey V000131 veasey.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. — Congressman Marc Veasey, TX-33, released the following statement in response to the House Republican’s inability to pass the FY 2015 omnibus spending package: “Today after several hours of delay, it is clear that the Republican led House of Representatives has not been able to garner the necessary votes to pass the fiscal year 2015 Omnibus Continuing Resolution Appropriations package that has come to be called ‘Cromnibus.’ This $1.014 trillion spending package represents a failure of House leadership to work towards genuinely bipartisan legislation that will keep our government running. The 1,600 page Cromnibus bill contains very important programs that I strongly support but I would urge House leadership to bring a bipartisan bill to the floor that does not slash the retirement accounts of millions of Americans or short change the Department of Homeland Security by dramatically shortening their funding time period. This is vital to our national security and will affect the implementation of the President's executive order for our country's immigrant community. Democrats have shown that we will work in a bipartisan manner but the Republican conference is in such disarray that they cannot gather the votes to pass the bill within their own caucus.” 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://veasey.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/rep-veasey-s-statement-on-the-passage-of-2015-omnibus-spending-bill Rep. Veaseys Statement on the Passage of 2015 Omnibus Spending Bill 2014-12-11 2014 2014-12 Democrat House TX Marc Veasey V000131 veasey.house.gov     legacy Congressman Veasey works hard to ensure that Texans are kept informed of the debates and decisions that are made in our nation's Capitol, as well as the work he does for the 33rd District every day. This section offers a variety of resources to stay up to date with Representative Veasey’s work in CD33 and Washington, D.C. You will find press releases, upcoming events, op-eds, pictures, videos and notable articles from the state and national media. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://doggett.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/austin-chronicle-quote-week Austin Chronicle: Quote of the Week 2014-12-11 2014 2014-12 Democrat House TX Lloyd Doggett D000399 doggett.house.gov     legacy The Austin Chronicle featured Rep. Lloyd Doggett's comments regarding the Senate's report on the CIA interrogation program as the Quote of the Week. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://doggett.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kvue-analysis-will-torture-report-ultimately-harm-or-help KVUE: Analysis: Will torture report ultimately harm or help? 2014-12-10 2014 2014-12 Democrat House TX Lloyd Doggett D000399 doggett.house.gov     legacy Americans have the right to know what brutality is done in their name. See Rep. Lloyd Doggett's comments on KVUE's analysis of the Senate's report on the CIA's interrogation program here. KVUE: Analysis: Will torture report ultimately harm or help? By: Mark Wiggins December 9, 2014 AUSTIN -- In the popular Showtime original series "Homeland," a scene in the first season episode "Blind Spot" depicts a terrorist undergoing enhanced interrogation tactics at the hands of the Central Intelligence Agency. The prisoner is stripped and left in a cold room, where he's deprived of sleep by deafening blasts of heavy metal music. "I think it's a very good depiction of some of the enhanced interrogation tactics that have been used," said Fred Burton, Vice President for Intelligence at Austin-based geopolitical intelligence firm Stratfor. A former counterterrorism investigator with the U.S. Diplomatic Security Service, Burton has investigated everything from Cold War assassinations to the first World Trade Center Bombing in 1993. Burton recalls visits during his federal service to a number of foreign detention facilities where extreme interrogations were conducted. "Most people will tell you anything when they incur pain, and I don't think that they're very successful," Burton told KVUE. "It's never been my experience that they've actually worked." It's the same conclusion reached by the so-called "torture report" released by the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence chaired by Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA). The 525 page summary made public Tuesday gruesomely details interrogations conducted by the CIA on terrorists captured after the September 11 attacks. Read the full reporthere. The report graphically describes waterboardings, extensive sleep deprivation, beatings and and exposure to hypothermia that may have resulted in at least one death. It accuses the CIA of downplaying the severity of interrogations, actively impeding White House oversight, avoiding investigators and misleading the U.S. … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://ebjohnson.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-johnson-applauds-the-passage-of-a-new-measure-to-prevent Congresswoman Johnson Applauds the Passage of a New Measure to Prevent Veteran Suicides 2014-12-09 2014 2014-12 Democrat House TX Eddie Johnson J000126 ebjohnson.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC – (Tuesday, December 9, 2014) — Today, Congresswoman Johnson applauded the unanimous House passage of bipartisan legislation to address the epidemic of suicide among our nation’s veterans.     “One veteran lost to suicide is one veteran too many,” said Congresswoman Johnson.  “This bipartisan legislation provides our heroes with the care and support they’ve earned in order to overcome any mental health challenges, traumatic brain injuries, and post-traumatic stress disorders they might suffer from.  It was my honor to support this legislation, to ensure our nation is dedicated to standing  behind our brave veterans with compassion every day.” Twenty-two veterans commit suicide every day – this amounts to more than 8,000 every year.  Of the more than 2 million Americans who have served in combat in Afghanistan and Iraq, it is estimated that one-third, roughly 600,000 women and men, have traumatic brain injury, PTSD or depression.  Named in honor of an Iraq and Afghanistan War veteran and noted suicide prevention advocate who took his own life on March 31, 2011, The Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act (H.R. 5059) is another step toward ensuring our nation’s veterans have the support they need by expanding access to and improving the effectiveness of mental health care for our veterans. The Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act will establish a peer support and community outreach pilot program to assist transitioning service members with accessing VA mental health care services.  To ease access to services, the bill will require the VA to create a one-stop, interactive website to serve as a centralized source of information regarding all mental health services for veterans.  A student loan repayment pilot program aimed at recruiting and retaining psychiatrists included in the legislation will help address the shortage of mental health care professionals.  To improve care, the legislation will require an annual, third-party evaluation of all mental health care and su… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://doggett.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-lloyd-doggett-response-senate-report-cia-interrogation-program Rep. Lloyd Doggett Response to Senate Report on C.I.A. Interrogation Program 2014-12-09 2014 2014-12 Democrat House TX Lloyd Doggett D000399 doggett.house.gov     legacy December 9, 2014 The Senate investigation into CIA interrogation upholds the right of Americans to know when their government engages in brutality and deceit.Torture is not only wrong; it did not work. Debasing our country's values did not make us safer; it only weakened us and our ability to be an unassailable voice for justice and human rights. While the individuals who committed and authorized this outrageous wrongdoing should have been held accountable in court, we can at least expose their criminality to help ensure that it never reoccurs. You can see my further remarks here. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://doggett.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/sa-hispanic-chamber-commerce-chairwoman-white-house-summit-early S.A. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Chairwoman At White House Summit on Early Education 2014-12-08 2014 2014-12 Democrat House TX Lloyd Doggett D000399 doggett.house.gov     legacy Pat Stout, Chairwoman of the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, is delivering a report on the Impact of Education on Economic Development in Texas' at this week's White House Summit on Early Educationin Washington D.C. San Antonio is a leader on the issue of tying quality early education to a higher skilled workforce with innovative programs such as Pre-K for SA. Chairwoman Stout will also be reviewing the report with Congressman Lloyd Doggett, who recommended her for the Summit. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://veasey.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/rep-veasey-presented-with-2014-member-of-congress-award Rep. Veasey Presented With 2014 Member of Congress Award 2014-12-05 2014 2014-12 Democrat House TX Marc Veasey V000131 veasey.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Marc Veasey, TX-33, was presented with the 2014 Member of Congress Award by the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility (FAAR), for his ongoing commitment and leadership in the fight against drunk driving and underage drinking.  Darron Moffatt, Director of Communications for the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility (FAAR), presents Congressman Veasey with the 2014 Member of Congress Award. “We can’t thank the Representative enough for his dedication and leadership to prevent drunk driving and underage drinking by sending a clear and consistent message that it is illegal and will not be tolerated,” said Ralph Blackman, President and CEO of the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility. “We look forward to expanding our relationship and continuing to save lives in the future with Representative Veasey.” Representative Veasey has made it a priority to prevent underage drinking for several years through various efforts, including the Ask, Listen, Learn program. In 2014, Representative Veasey engaged in public awareness efforts during Alcohol Awareness Month in April, and he demonstrated his ongoing commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles through his “May is Health and Fitness Month” events in Texas and on Capitol Hill in May. Representative Veasey’s commitment to public health heightened awareness on the importance of these issues. “I am incredibly honored to be receiving an award from an organization that is combating the same issue that I am deeply committed to solving,” said Congressman Veasey. “It’s important for our community, especially parents, to educate our children on the importance of how to stay safe and responsible by not giving into peer pressure.” 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397999 Rep. Cuellar Votes in Favor of Tax Cut Package That Extends Critical Tax Credits for American Businesses, Families 2014-12-04 2014 2014-12 Democrat House TX Henry Cuellar C001063 cuellar.house.gov     legacy Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX28) voted in favor of a tax package that restores more than four dozen tax cuts and prevents a burdensome tax increase on the business community and millions of American families.  The tax package includes an extension of research and development tax incentives, small business expensing, and tuition tax credits, among others.  “As our economy continues to recover from the worst recession since the Great Depression, businesses, taxpayers, and American families would face short-term harm and instability if these tax cuts were not extended,” said Congressman Cuellar.  “These cuts will provide certainty to businesses across the county and in Texas, including farmers, ranchers, the industrial sector, and many others for the coming year.  While I would have preferred to vote on a package that would provide long-term certainty to the American people, today’s legislation is a strong step in the right direction.” HR 5771, the Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014, received support from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Realtors, the National Association of Manufacturing, and the American Farm Bureau Federation, among others.  The bill would allow businesses and individuals to claim those tax breaks on their 2014 tax returns.  A full summary of the provision may be accessed here on Congressman Cuellar’s website. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398000 House Directs Defense Department to Focus on Combating Transnational Criminal Organizations 2014-12-04 2014 2014-12 Democrat House TX Henry Cuellar C001063 cuellar.house.gov     legacy Today, the House passed legislation that directs the Department of Defense to continue to focus on combating illicit networking routes in Mexico, Central America, and the rest of the Western Hemisphere.  This language was included at the request of Congressman Cuellar in the National Defense Authorization Act.  “The threat posed by transnational criminal organizations is so great that we must use all of our resources to combat it,” said Congressman Cuellar.  “That is why I worked to include this language in the National Defense Authorization Act directing the Department of Defense to continue its efforts to fight these groups.  We must work together with our neighbors, including Mexico and the Central American nations, to stop the flow of illegal activity at its source.  This will in turn result in huge savings in dollars and human life.” According to the language included in the National Defense Authorization Act by Rep. Cuellar, the Department of Defense should continue its efforts to combat transnational criminal organizations in the Western Hemisphere.  It should also increase its maritime, aerial and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities in the region to more effectively support efforts to reduce illicit trafficking into the United States.  Enhancing the capacity of partner nations in the region to combat the threat posed by transnational criminal organizations should be a cornerstone of the Department of Defense’s strategy in the region. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://veasey.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/rep-veasey-statement-on-passage-of-2015-ndaa-0 Rep. Veasey Statement on Passage of 2015 NDAA 2014-12-04 2014 2014-12 Democrat House TX Marc Veasey V000131 veasey.house.gov     legacy Washington D.C. – Congressman Marc Veasey, TX-33, member of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement after the House passed of H.R. 3979, the National Defense Authorization for Fiscal Year 2015: “Today, I voted in favor of H.R. 3979, the National Defense Authorization for Fiscal Year 2015 (NDAA). This bipartisan bill was created in good faith between both the House and Senate Armed Services Committees and represents our commitment to our military troops, their families, and our national security. For the Metroplex, this legislation ensures that we continue to fund vital national security programs that are essential to our local economy, provides a one percent pay-raise for our troops, and improves the Department’s handling of sexual assault and suicide prevention programs.  Most importantly, the 2015 NDAA restores $818 million in critical cuts that have affected our nation’s military readiness. Although this is the first step in ensuring that our troops have the airfields, facilities and other infrastructure they need to successfully complete their missions at home and overseas, the real test will come when we decide whether we will pass a sensible budget that removes any threat to our national security.” Last month, Congressman Veasey wrote a letter to Speaker Boehner urging him to restore any funding cuts that pose a threat to our national security and military readiness. A copy of the letter can be found below. ### November 25, 2014   The Honorable John Boehner Speaker, U.S. House of Representatives H-232 The Capitol  Washington, DC 20515 Dear Speaker Boehner,  As we near the end of the 113th Congress, I would like to take this opportunity to implore you, again, to take action on an issue of urgent importance: ending the threat that sequestration poses to our military readiness and national security.  While the  threat of a more than one trillion dollar, across the board spending cut was postponed until 2016 by the Murray-Ryan budget compromise in late 2013, we … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://veasey.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/rep-veasey-votes-against-harmful-republican-anti-immigrant-bill Rep. Veasey Votes Against Harmful Republican Anti-Immigrant Bill 2014-12-04 2014 2014-12 Democrat House TX Marc Veasey V000131 veasey.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. — Congressman Marc Veasey, TX-33, released the following statement after voting against H.R. 5759, the Preventing Executive Overreach on Immigration Act of 2014, a Republican bill aimed to override the President’s Executive Action on Immigration: “Once again House Republican Leadership continues their anti-immigrant rhetoric. H.R. 5759, the Preventing Executive Overreach on Immigration Act of 2014, is another political ploy taking direct aim at the President’s legal executive action to protect millions of hard-working, law-abiding students and families that live in our country.   House Republicans should re-focus their energy on passing comprehensive immigration reform that secures our border, protects our workers, unites our families and provides an earned pathway to citizenship. Let there be no mistake, the President’s executive action is only a temporary fix. The only permanent solution lies with Congress.  I stand ready to work with House Republicans when they stop playing games with the lives of immigrant families and come up with a feasible permanent solution to fix our broken immigration system.” 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://veasey.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/rep-veasey-votes-in-favor-of-tax-extenders-package Rep. Veasey Votes in Favor of Tax Extenders Package 2014-12-03 2014 2014-12 Democrat House TX Marc Veasey V000131 veasey.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Marc Veasey, TX-33, voted in favor of H.R. 5771, the Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014, a bill that would renew approximately 50 tax benefits that expired at the end of 2013 or during 2014. “While today’s legislation is not perfect, it is imperative that we offer some form of certainty to individuals and businesses as they begin the process of filing their taxes for 2014,” said Veasey. “I am hopeful that we will move forward in the next Congress to enact comprehensive tax reform and pass long-term tax policies that help grow our economy and help individuals succeed.” A key provision in the bill is a tax deduction for state and local sales tax. As residents of Texas do not pay income tax, if this key deduction is not renewed, some Texans will see their share of federal taxes increase significantly. According to the Pew Charitable Trust, nearly 1 in 5 Texans utilized the tax provision last year. In addition, the Texas state comptroller stated that Texas residents run the risk of owing an additional $1.2 billion to the IRS in April if Congress fails to act. H.R. 5771 included a number of tax extenders to help low- and middle-class families including: Extension of the deduction for teacher expenses Extension of portions of the mortgage interest deduction Extension of the deduction for qualified tuition expenses Extension of the New Markets tax credit Extension of the Work Opportunity tax credit Extension of the energy-efficient new homes credit Extension of the wind energy credit Congressman Veasey has been an advocate in protecting the state’s economy. In January 2014, Congressman Veasey signed onto a bi-partisan letter to ensure that the House of Representatives extended the sales tax deduction as part of any tax extenders package. A copy of the letter can be found below.   ###   January 29, 2014     The Honorable Dave Camp                                               The Honorable Sander Levin Chairman                                                                … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://algreen.house.gov/press-release/congressman-al-green-lauds-obama-administration%E2%80%99s-announced-efforts-fund-police-body Congressman Al Green Lauds Obama Administrations Announced Efforts to Fund Police Body Cameras and Address the Militarization of the Police; Rallies Support for His Police Body Camera Legislation 2014-12-02 2014 2014-12 Democrat House TX Al Green G000553 algreen.house.gov     legacy (Houston, TX)—On Tuesday, December 2, 2014, Congressman Al Green (TX-09)  released the following statement on the Obama Administration’s announced efforts to fund police body cameras and address the militarization of the police. "I support the efforts of peace officers to serve and protect our community. I also believe strongly in the rule of law,” Congressman Al Green said. “However, I, along with many other people of good will, believe that more can be done to make law enforcement more accountable and transparent, such that police officers are better able to work in their communities. Congressman Al Green continued, “I wholeheartedly support the efforts by the Obama Administration to address these concerns through Executive Action by providing funding for body cameras and initiating a review of the increased militarization of the police. I also wholeheartedly believe lawmakers should act to better understand how we can increase transparency and accountability in all levels of law enforcement. I have introduced H.R. 5407, the Transparency in Policing Act (TIP) of 2014, which would require state and local law enforcement agencies that receive funds from the Department of Justice to acquire body cameras for use by their law enforcement officers. Although, this bill is not a panacea, it is a significant step in the right direction. I believe that having our officers wear body cameras can bring much-needed additional transparency to communities in future controversial police/civilian actions. Currently, numerous major police departments around the country have conducted studies, introduced pilot programs, or currently require officers to wear body cameras, including the Ferguson Police Department. While this is a positive development, like the President’s Executive Action, the TIP Act would allow us to move forward together as a nation on the issue of transparency and accountability in law enforcement rather than one city, county, or state at a time.” On September 8, 2014, Congressman Al Green introduced H.R. 5407… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://doggett.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/woaikabb-trouble-toyland-report-2014 WOAI/KABB: Trouble in Toyland Report 2014 2014-12-02 2014 2014-12 Democrat House TX Lloyd Doggett D000399 doggett.house.gov     legacy San Antonio's WOAI and KABB reported on some of the safety measures you can take to keep children safe from dangerous toys. For a full list of such toys, visit here. To view the video please click the image above, or you can find it here. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://ebjohnson.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-johnson-releases-a-statement-on-world-aids-day Congresswoman Johnson releases a statement on World AIDS Day 2014-12-01 2014 2014-12 Democrat House TX Eddie Johnson J000126 ebjohnson.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C.—(December 1, 2014)—Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson released the followings statement in honor of World Aids Day: “Today marks the 26th annual observance of World AIDS Day. Over the years, countless lives, both foreign and domestic, have been lost as a result of this illness. AIDS is a global epidemic which requires a global response in order to ensure better lives and access to care and treatment.  In memory of the lives lost and in honor of those living with HIV and AIDS, we must reflect upon and acknowledge the ongoing work that is required to combat this epidemic across the globe. As a member of Congress and registered nurse committed to the advancement of modern medicine and better access to healthcare despite origin or income level, I believe this can be achieved through the following: Increased access to the full range of healthcare services; Robust support for domestic and global health programs – including those that focus on HIV/AIDS, family planning, and reproductive healthcare; Greater investment in sex education in the U.S. and around the world; Protection of the Affordable Care Act; and Advancing the health and human rights of all people. The world we want is possible and I will continue to make these issues a priority during my time in Congress. December 1st marks World AIDS Day, in light of this year’s theme ‘Focus, Partner, Achieve: An AIDS-free Generation,’ I encourage my colleagues and each of our communities to stand in support of an AIDS-free world.” ### CONTACT: Yinka Robinson | (202)225-8885 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://veasey.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/us-officials-call-on-congo-to-release-adopted-children U.S. officials call on Congo to release adopted children 2014-12-01 2014 2014-12 Democrat House TX Marc Veasey V000131 veasey.house.gov     legacy Congressional leaders haven’t forgotten about hundreds of children halfway around the world, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, who can’t go home. They have sent letters to Congolese officials, imploring them to let children who have been adopted by people in the U.S. and other countries finally go to their forever families. But the Congolese leaders haven’t issued exit papers for more than a year, leaving hundreds of children in limbo. Nearly 200 members of Congress — including Republican U.S. Sens. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz and U.S. Reps. Kay Granger of Fort Worth, Kenny Marchant of Coppell, Roger Williams of Austin and Democrat U.S. Rep. Marc Veasey of Fort Worth — signed a recent letter. “Some of these children have remained separated from their legal parents for over a year waiting for this final departure permission,” the congressional letter states. “Tragically, some of these children have died while waiting for exit permission, and others are very ill and need immediate medical attention. “We hope that you will agree that swift action is necessary to prevent further loss of innocent lives and the continued suffering and distress for the children and their legal parents.” One potentially encouraging sign is that a few of the children in limbo who have medical conditions so severe that they could die — such as HIV or heart or lung defects — have been given exit letters so they can get medical attention. Earlier this month, Andrea and Chris Stewart of Florida successfully brought their 10-month-old adoptive son, Cruz, home from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Cruz needs major surgery because of heart and lung malformations. “We are beyond blessed with the honor of being Cruz’s family,” according to a statement from the Stewarts. “For now, we will focus on his health and where the next steps take us into caring for orphans around the world.” Last September, the Democratic Republic of the Congo stopped issuing exit papers after hearing reports that some children from Congo might have been abused by … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://doggett.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/san-antonio-express-news-permanent-family-home-best San Antonio Express-News: Permanent Family Home Best 2014-12-01 2014 2014-12 Democrat House TX Lloyd Doggett D000399 doggett.house.gov     legacy This year, new reforms I authored that will help improve the lives of children subjected to abuse or neglect and prevent the sex trafficking of foster children were passed and signed into law. Although muchmore remains to be done to protect our children from abuse, these changes are a good step forward. In a San Antonio Express-News column, my work toward reform was recognized. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://doggett.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/austin-american-statesman-augustin-lucio-jr-91-was-war-hero-civil-rights Austin American-Statesman: Augustin Lucio, Jr., 91, was war hero, civil rights leader 2014-11-26 2014 2014-11 Democrat House TX Lloyd Doggett D000399 doggett.house.gov     legacy Augustin Lucio Jr., a friend for over four decades, was a hero not only for his extraordinary military service against the Nazis, but for his important community leadership against discrimination. As a founder of the American GI Forum, asan advocate for educational opportunity, as the head of a beautiful family, he made San Marcos a much better place. The Austin American-Statesman detailed his life and his significant contributions to our community in an article you can find here. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397976 Department of Homeland Security Offering 2015 Cyber Student Volunteer Initiative 2014-11-25 2014 2014-11 Democrat House TX Henry Cuellar C001063 cuellar.house.gov     legacy Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX28) today announced that the Department of Homeland Security is offering spring internships through its 2015 Secretary’s Honors Program Cyber Student Volunteer Initiative for current two- and four-year college students. “This is a great opportunity for college students in Texas to gain invaluable hands-on experience in a top government agency,” said Congressman Cuellar.  “I encourage students to pursue programs that will prepare them for the workforce and allow them to learn outside of the classroom. This is a great way for college students to learn more about cybersecurity and the Department of Homeland Security. ” Beginning in the spring of 2015, more than 75 selected students will complete volunteer assignments supporting the DHS cyber mission at department field offices in over 50 locations across the country, including San Antonio and Houston.  Selected students will be placed at one of the following organizations: the Office of the Chief Information Officer, Office of Intelligence and Analysis, National Protection and Programs Directorate, Transportation Security Administration, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement or U.S. Secret Service. In addition to supporting activities such as cyber threat analysis, digital forensics, network diagnostics and incident response, selected students will also participate in mentoring and professional development events with DHS managers and senior leaders. The deadline for application is December 12, 2014. Internships will begin in Spring 2015 and run through the summer. Learn more about programs here and begin your application here. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://ebjohnson.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-johnson-releases-a-statement-on-the-ferguson-grand-jury Congresswoman Johnson Releases a Statement on the Ferguson Grand Jury Decision 2014-11-25 2014 2014-11 Democrat House TX Eddie Johnson J000126 ebjohnson.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C.—(November 25th, 2014) – Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson released the following statement in response to the Ferguson Grand Jury’s Decision not to indict Officer Darren Wilson for the death of unarmed teenager, Michael Brown:  “I am deeply saddened by the Ferguson Grand Jury’s decision yesterday evening. The decision not to indict Officer Darren Wilson for the death of Michael Brown is both a travesty and a failure by our justice system. As the proud mother of a black man and grandmother to three grandsons, I cannot imagine the depth of the wound left in the hearts of Lesley McSpadden and Michael Brown Sr. The death of their son at the hands of a police officer sworn to protect and serve, aggravated by the refusal of the District Attorney to prosecute, is a profound affirmation of the devaluation of African-American men in this country. Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King once said: “we must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.” Yesterday’s decision in Ferguson highlights that there is still much work to be done. Our charge now is to harness that anger into constructive change by initiating dialogue with our community members, our elected officials, and our police departments to ensure that there are no more senseless murders of young black men.  In the wake of this inequitable decision, we must stand together—peacefully.  ### CONTACT: Yinka Robinson | (202)225-8885 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://veasey.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/photo-rep-veasey-re-lives-high-school-job-during-thanksgiving-rush (PHOTO) Rep. Veasey Re-lives High School Job During Thanksgiving Rush 2014-11-25 2014 2014-11 Democrat House TX Marc Veasey V000131 veasey.house.gov     legacy Irving, TX – On Monday, November 24, 2014, Congressman Marc Veasey, TX-33, took a trip down memory lane as he worked the afternoon shift at the Irving Kroger Supermarket while shoppers made last minute purchases to prepare for their Thanksgiving meals.  Congressman Veasey fondly recalls donning the name badge and apron as a teenager, when he worked as a grocery bagger at Kroger Supermarket. During his ‘Marc Means Business’ work day, Veasey had a chance to work multiple store departments including stocking produce, decorating a birthday cake, retrieving shopping carts and bagging groceries for customers.    (Irving, TX) Congressman Marc Veasey, TX-33, stocks the produce aisle during his November ‘Marc Means Business’ work day at the Irving Kroger Supermarket. "I’ve had the privilege of working alongside many of our district’s most hardworking residents in both small and large businesses. Each work day has provided me with insight into the day-to-day challenges my constituents face on and off the job, which has helped me represent their needs more effectively in Washington, D.C.,” said Congressman Veasey. “As one of my first jobs in high school, Kroger provided me with many lessons in responsibility and cooperation and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to re-live the experience.” Congressman Veasey remains committed to strengthening the American economy by supporting the middle class and stimulating job growth in the 33rd Congressional District. Veasey will continue to clock-in at a variety of well-known and lesser-known local businesses and organizations across the Metroplex, each month.  To invite Congressman Veasey to work with you as part of his “Marc Means Business” initiative, please contact his District Office.  View the November 2014 “Marc Means Business” photo gallery here. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://algreen.house.gov/press-release/congressman-al-green-announces-his-efforts-inform-and-assist-constituents-ninth Congressman Al Green Announces His Efforts to Inform and Assist Constituents of the Ninth Congressional District Concerning President Obamas Immigration and Accountability Executive Action 2014-11-24 2014 2014-11 Democrat House TX Al Green G000553 algreen.house.gov     legacy Congressman Al Green Announces His Efforts to Inform and Assist Constituents of the Ninth Congressional District Concerning President Obama’s Immigration and Accountability Executive Action Nov 24, 2014 Congressman Al Green with Consul General of Mexico Dr. Luis Malpica y de Lamadrid and community leaders at a press conference about President Obama’s Immigration and Accountability Executive Action. (Houston, TX)--On Monday, November 24, 2014, Congressman Al Green (TX-09) announced he will be meeting with members of the Consular Corps to prepare for President Obama’s Immigration and Accountability Executive Action. “Our Congressional office will work with constituents from the Ninth Congressional District, who are the beneficiaries of the executive action. We will work with participating consulates and constituents who are in need of proper identification. We will also host an event with nongovernmental organizations and other members of the community to discuss the process,” Congressman Al Green said. “We support President Obama’s efforts to keep families together and provide an opportunity for young immigrants to come out of the shadows. However, we still believe Comprehensive Immigration Reform is necessary.” For more information, please call Congressman Al Green’s district office at 713-383-9234, and ask for Director of Constituent Services Rachael Rodriguez. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20141206060147/http://orourke.house.gov//media-center/vote-explanations/voted-no-on-hr-1422-hr-4012-hr-4795 Voted 'No' on H.R. 1422, H.R. 4012, H.R. 4795 2014-11-24 2014 2014-11 Democrat House TX Beto O'Rourke O000170 web.archive.org     legacy Friday the House considered three science and energy related bills: the EPA Science Advisory Board Reform Act (H.R. 1422), the Secret Science Reform Act (H.R. 4012), and the Promoting New Manufacturing Act (H.R. 4795). I voted against all three bills because they weaken environmental protections and undermine the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ability to issue and enforce new environmental protection guidelines based on sound scientific research and data.   The three bills would: -H.R. 1422: Establish a new process for selecting members of the Science Advisory Board (SAB), which provides scientific and technical advice to the EPA during the development of new environmental protection standards.  The new selection process would make it more difficult for the EPA Administrator to appoint subject matter experts to the SAB thus weakening the scientific independence and integrity of the Board. -H.R. 4012: Prohibit the EPA from proposing, finalizing, or enforcing new environmental regulations unless the agency makes public all of the information it used to develop the new rule, including legally protected information such as personal health records or other confidential business data.  This would limit the type of scientific data the EPA relies on when making a decision on how to protect our environment.     -H.R. 4795: Prevent the EPA from strengthening the Clean Air Act and weaken the agency’s ability to hold companies accountable for how much air pollution they emit. All three of these bills passed the House, but the Senate is not expected to take them up and the President indicated he would veto all three. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://algreen.house.gov/press-release/congressman-al-green%E2%80%99s-statement-president-obama%E2%80%99s-immigration-accountability Congressman Al Greens Statement on President Obamas Immigration Accountability Executive Action 2014-11-21 2014 2014-11 Democrat House TX Al Green G000553 algreen.house.gov     legacy Congressman Al Green’s Statement on President Obama’s Immigration Accountability Executive Action Nov 21, 2014 Congressman Al Green calls for reform of our immigration system and relief for millions of families at a press conference on November 13, 2014. (Washington, DC)—On Friday, November 21, 2014, Congressman Al Green (TX-09) released the following statement on President Obama’s Immigration Accountability Executive Action. “President Obama has acted boldly within his legal authority to address problems within our immigration system and border security. President Obama’s Immigration Accountability Executive Action should provide some relief and certainty for millions of law-abiding undocumented immigrants and their families. It holds undocumented persons accountable while further securing our borders.  This precedential action follows in the long tradition of Presidents, who have used their authority, within the limits of the law, to modify our immigration system to better serve our national interests at critical times. “While much is being said, much is still left to be done by Congress to provide lasting, bipartisan reform of our nation’s immigration system. Approximately eighteen months have passed since the Senate approved bipartisan Comprehensive Immigration Reform legislation. President Obama understands that reform is urgently needed; I support his efforts in this regard and look forward to voting for durable and meaningful Comprehensive Immigration Reform in Congress.” 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://veasey.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/mayor-betsy-price-visits-tcu-to-recognize-students Mayor Betsy Price visits TCU to recognize students 2014-11-21 2014 2014-11 Democrat House TX Marc Veasey V000131 veasey.house.gov     legacy Professor Randall Lewis has been integrating service-learning projects into his classes for two years with the goal of helping students learn more about civic duty. Due to the success the students have had with their projects every year, Mayor Price came Tuesday night to congratulate students for their hard work. For the service-learning projects, students choose an organization to work with and fully manage a project over the course of the semester. “What we really love about this is how much impact it has on these organizations, who then serve other people and other organizations, so it’s a domino effect," Lewis said. The projects range from fundraising to holding awareness lectures for students. “When you give back, you are not just giving up your time, you are gaining pieces of your heart," Price said. "You are really expanding your knowledge and love for other people and you are the ones who are going to really benefit from that. Always leave a place better than you found it.” During these projects the students have the opportunity to the see the importance of the business models they are learning in class as they come to life. “Not only is it a good way to give back to the community, we are also learning about management at the same time,” said Alyssa Crouse, junior fashion merchandising major. This semester the groups are working with Fort Worth Catholic Charities, the Community Food Bank, Dunbar High School, Impossible Possibilities, the Creative Arts Center, Generation Hope and the Como Community Center. Monday Nov. 24, Congressman Marc Veasey is coming for the first time to speak to Professor Lewis’ class about the importance of the work they are doing. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://veasey.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/rep-veasey-re-lives-high-school-job-during-thanksgiving-rush Rep. Veasey Re-lives High School Job During Thanksgiving Rush 2014-11-21 2014 2014-11 Democrat House TX Marc Veasey V000131 veasey.house.gov     legacy Irving, TX  – On Monday, November 24, 2014, Congressman Marc Veasey, TX-33, will join the staff of the Kroger Supermarket in Irving, where he will work a job similar to the one that he held in high school. As part of his “Marc Means Business” initiative, Congressman Veasey spends a few hours each month at small and large businesses to better understand the challenges that constituents face in their jobs and daily lives. This month, Veasey will take a trip down memory lane by bagging groceries for customers, stocking produce, and putting his artistic skills to the test by decorating a birthday cake in the bakery department. Long before he was elected to Congress, Veasey worked as a grocery bagger at a Kroger supermarket as a teenager. Veasey continues to make well-paying jobs and job creation a priority as he works at various industries under his initiative. “As we near the holiday season, it is important to be grateful for our blessings. I proudly represent the 33rd District of Texas, but I wouldn’t be where I am today if not for the jobs I had and the lessons I learned when I was younger,” said Veasey. “I look forward to spending the day with the employees of Kroger and being able to give back to a community that has trusted me to represent them in Washington, D.C.”  WHAT: U.S. Congressman Marc Veasey, TX-33, works at the Kroger Supermarket in Irving           WHEN: Monday, November 24, 2014 TIME: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM CDT                  WHERE: Kroger Supermarket 515 S. MacArthur Blvd. Irving, TX 75060 MEDIA:  This is event is open to pre-registered members of the press. Media RSVP required. For general information for the media and to request press credentials, please email nelly.decker@mail.house.gov or call 202-225-9897. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20141128091128/http://orourke.house.gov:80/media-center/press-releases/congressman-beto-o-rourke-released-the-following-statement-today-on Congressman Beto ORourke released the following statement today on President Obamas executive action on immigration 2014-11-21 2014 2014-11 Democrat House TX Beto O'Rourke O000170 web.archive.org     legacy El Paso, TX — Congressman Beto O’Rourke released the following statement today on President Obama’s executive action on immigration. “The status quo is unacceptable — families separated by deportation, hardworking members of our community living in the shadows and an inability to focus limited law enforcement resources on our greatest threats. While I believe that these problems should be corrected legislatively, and while I have worked to move Congress to enact a bipartisan solution to do that, it’s clear that after years of Congressional inaction the only option for the time being is executive action by the President. Through this initiative, we will gain greater accountability by knowing who is in our country. We will be able to ensure that they pay taxes and that they are treated fairly as they become even more productive members of our communities. The President’s decision does not, however, absolve Congress of its responsibility to act and bring our immigration laws in line with our values, our interests and with reality. I will work with Republicans and Democrats in the months ahead to do that important work and will ensure that El Paso’s unique experience and voice helps to shape the solution.”   Contact: John A. Meza Communications Director Congressman Beto O’Rourke john.meza@mail.house.gov (202) 699-2984 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://veasey.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congressman-veasey-s-statement-on-the-president-s-pending-executive Congressman Veaseys Statement on the Presidents Pending Executive Action on Immigration 2014-11-20 2014 2014-11 Democrat House TX Marc Veasey V000131 veasey.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C.—America’s diversity strengthens our country and makes it unique. Immigrants are hard workers and risk takers who come to the United States in search of the American Dream and  to provide their children with better opportunities. That is why tonight, President Obama will announce an executive action that will bring undocumented immigrants out of the shadows. It has been more than 500 days since the Senate kept their promise to the American people by passing a bi-partisan comprehensive immigration reform bill and we cannot wait any longer for House Republicans to act. That is why the President is exercising action within the clear legal authority of his office and the well-established precedents of the past century. Every President since Eisenhower has used that authority to take action on immigration, including five Republican Presidents. What executive action means for my home state of Texas is that it protects our immigrant families who have established deep ties to America so that they may live without the fear of separation, work legally and make bigger contributions to our economy. But the President’s executive action is only a temporary fix. The only permanent solution lies with Congress. In the House of Representatives we have the ability to create a bipartisan approach to fixing our immigration system, one that exemplifies the same spirit of cooperation, compromise, and statesmanship that we saw in the bipartisan bill passed in the Senate.  That is why I ask my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to stop the gamesmanship and set aside the half measures. The American people have spoken on immigration, and soon so will the President. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397958 Congressman Cuellar Honored for Notable Public Service by American Political Science Association 2014-11-19 2014 2014-11 Democrat House TX Henry Cuellar C001063 cuellar.house.gov     legacy Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX28) today announced that he has been honored with the Hubert H. Humphrey Award for Notable Public Service from the American Political Science Association.  The Humphrey award is given annually for notable accomplishments in public service.  Past recipients include former Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright, former Director of the CIA, General David Petraeus, and United States National Security Advisor, Susan Rice.  “Growing up as the oldest son of migrant worker parents, I was raised with a strong work ethic and commitment to attaining a higher education,” said Congressman Cuellar. “The years I spent completing my Ph.D. in government at the University of Texas at Austin helped lay the platform for my career in public service, first as a State Representative, then as Texas Secretary of States, and now in the United States Congress.  I thank the American Political Science Association for this honor and look forward to many more years working in the sphere of public service.”   American Political Science Association Executive Director Steven Smith presents Congressman Cuellar with the Hubert H. Humphrey award for notable public service “The Humphrey Award is the discipline’s most esteemed award for notable public service by a political scientist,” said Steven Rathgeb Smith, Executive Director of the American Political Science Association. “It is especially appropriate that this award is bestowed on Congressman Cuellar, whose exemplary career serving the people of Texas represents the very best qualities in our contemporary public servants.  Like Senator Humphrey, Congressional Cuellar has served his constituents and the broader public with dedication and an enduring commitment to fairness and equity for all citizens.” The Humphrey award committee includes Dr. Kathryn Sikkink from Harvard University, Dr. Adolph L. Reed Jr. from the University of Pennsylvania, and Dr. Harie C. Han from Wellesley College.  Founded in 190… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://green.house.gov/press-release/green-and-blackburn-lead-bipartisan-legislation-grant-ebola-treatment-priority-review Green and Blackburn Lead Bipartisan Legislation to Grant Ebola Treatment Priority Review 2014-11-19 2014 2014-11 Democrat House TX Gene Green G000410 green.house.gov     legacy (Washington, DC) – On Wednesday, a bipartisan group of House Members led by Reps. Gene Green (D-TX) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) introduced H.R. 5729, the Adding Ebola to the FDA Priority Review Voucher Program Act, to expedite review of therapies and treatments of the Ebola virus. Reps. G.K. Butterfield (D-NC), Michael McCaul (R-TX), and Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN) are also original cosponsors of this legislation. Green said, “In 2007, Congress took action to break down economic barriers for developing treatments and vaccines against tropical diseases by establishing the tropical disease priority review voucher program. Now it’s time for Congress to act again, and respond to the Ebola outbreak by making therapies and vaccines to treat the deadly virus eligible for the program. The Ebola outbreak is the worst in history, and this crisis demands swift actions to combat the epidemic. This legislation will help fight Ebola by rewarding investments and efforts to find effective vaccines and cures.” The Tropical Disease Priority Review Voucher system was created to give companies that successfully develop a drug for an otherwise neglected tropical disease a special priority review voucher capable of reducing the FDA’s standard 10-month review time by four months. This legislation will make drugs and vaccines developed to treat Ebola eligible for the priority review voucher.   “With nearly 15,000 cases and over 5,000 deaths, the 2014 Ebola epidemic is the worst since the discovery of the virus in 1976,” Blackburn said. “In light of this global outbreak there should be an intensive effort to find and approve a treatment or better yet, a vaccine to prevent Ebola. I want to thank my colleagues – Reps. Green, Butterfield, McCaul, and Fleischmann – for joining me in this important effort with the introduction of H.R. 5729. Decreasing the time it takes for a company to bring a drug safely through the FDA to approval provides a great incentive for the development of other drugs, particularly those that have historically been negl… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://green.house.gov/press-release/house-passes-new-bipartisan-stela-reauthorization-bill House Passes New Bipartisan STELA Reauthorization Bill 2014-11-19 2014 2014-11 Democrat House TX Gene Green G000410 green.house.gov     legacy (Washington, DC) – Wednesday, the House of Representatives voted to pass H.R. 5728, the STELA Reauthorization Act. This new legislation was written in response to Senate debate over H.R. 4572, which passed out of the House in July and would reauthorize expiring communications and copyright law. Congressman Gene Green, coauthor of the pro-consumer integration ban repeal provision adopted in H.R. 5728, released the following statement: “The bill we passed today represents a compromise with our colleagues in the House and Senate, and we look forward to seeing it become law. H.R. 5728 maintains bipartisan provisions from the bill we adopted in July. It includes additional consumer provisions and would repeal the antiquated integration ban, which has cost American consumers over $1 billion over the past seven years and requires commonsense policies that will promote true competition in the cable set top box market. We’ve worked across the aisle all year to ensure that this gets passed before 1.5 million Americans lose access to satellite-provided broadcast programming.” ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://veasey.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/anuncian-feria-de-trabajo-en-dallas Anuncian feria de trabajo en Dallas 2014-11-19 2014 2014-11 Democrat House TX Marc Veasey V000131 veasey.house.gov     legacy DALLAS – La oficina del congresista Marc Veasey (TX Distrito 33) anunció una feria de trabajo que se realizará el viernes 21 de noviembre, de 8:30 a.m. a 12 p.m. La feria de trabajo tendrá a más de 70 compañías y empleadores que buscan contratar a personas, según un comunicado de prensa. El evento anual se llevará a cabo en el Mountain View Community College en Dallas, donde se ofrecerá la oportunidad a los asistentes para que conozcan a representantes de empresas de varias ramas de trabajo como seguridad pública, construcción, servicios, cuidado de salud, educación y otras industrias. La feria de trabajo del año pasado atrajo a más de 1,000 personas en Fort Worth. Feria de Trabajo Qué: Feria de trabajo organizada por el congresista Marc Veasey Cuándo: Viernes, 21 de noviembre, 8:30 a.m. a 12 p.m. Dónde: Mountain View Community College, Building E. Lobby, 4849 W. Illinois Avenue, Dallas, Texas 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://doggett.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/san-antonio-express-news-chavez-foundation-group-pushes-obamas San Antonio Express-News: Chavez Foundation Group Pushes for Obama's Immigration Reforms 2014-11-19 2014 2014-11 Democrat House TX Lloyd Doggett D000399 doggett.house.gov     legacy November 19, 2014 The Cesar Chavez Foundation in San Antonio used a letter to the President that I signed calling for bold action on immigration at a protest yesterday. I support the good efforts of local groups like the Cesar Chavez Foundation, led by my friend Jaime Martinez, in our work to keep families together. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20141205204450/http://doggett.house.gov/index.php/media-center/news/641-san-antonio-express-news-chavez-foundation-group-pushes-for-obama-s-immigration-reforms San Antonio Express-News: Chavez Foundation Group Pushes for Obama's Immigration Reforms 2014-11-19 2014 2014-11 Democrat House TX Lloyd Doggett D000399 web.archive.org     legacy November 19, 2014  The Cesar Chavez Foundation in San Antonio used a letter to the President that I signed calling for bold action on immigration at a protest yesterday. I support the good efforts of local groups like the Cesar Chavez Foundation, led by my friend Jaime Martinez, in our work to keep families together. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://ebjohnson.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/reps-johnson-and-hastings-highlight-national-hunger-homelessness Reps. Johnson and Hastings Highlight National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week 2014-11-18 2014 2014-11 Democrat House TX Eddie Johnson J000126 ebjohnson.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. – (Tuesday, November 18th, 2014)— Congressional Homelessness Caucus Co-Chairs Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) and Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) made the following statement highlighting National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week, which is held the week before Thanksgiving.  “Homelessness is a multifaceted issue that can affect individuals and families of all backgrounds,” said Congresswoman Johnson. “It is an issue that transcends all Congressional districts or political boundaries, and can severely impact the lives of individuals and families indefinitely. In addition to the difficulties homeless individuals face on a daily basis, homelessness has also put tremendous financial pressure on municipalities all across the United States, as the state provides police and medical assistance to individuals left to fend for themselves on the streets. While steps taken by the Federal Strategic Plan have been extremely positive, there is more that Congress can do.” “This Thanksgiving as many of us prepare to spend the holiday with family let us not forget the millions homeless individuals and families that will go hungry with no home to call their own,” said Congressman Hastings. “Each year, we set aside the week before the Thanksgiving to mark National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. Though progress has been made in reducing hunger and homelessness, we must remain diligent to ensure that every American has access to the most basic human needs. The issue of homelessness is exacerbated by the high rate home foreclosure and socio-economic difficulties faced by many of our working poor. I will continue to work to bring renewed attention to the ending hunger and homelessness in America, through outreach, advocacy and creation of public policy to protect this venerable population. Collectively, the Congressional Homeless Caucus will continue to make progress in ensuring that all Americans have food to eat and permanent shelter over their heads.” ABOUT: National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week is… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20141206060222/http://orourke.house.gov//media-center/vote-explanations/voted-no-on-hr-5682 Voted 'No' on H.R. 5682 Keystone XL Pipeline 2014-11-18 2014 2014-11 Democrat House TX Beto O'Rourke O000170 web.archive.org     legacy I voted against H.R. 5682 because I do not think we should compromise our laws for the sake of expediency. Having Congress intervene in an ongoing permitting process and provide a special exemption for one company is neither wise, nor in the national interest. Choosing to support this bill would mean bypassing the concerns and review process of important regulatory agencies like the EPA. For example, the EPA has recommended that the State Department look at relocating the pipeline so it does not cross over the Ogallala aquifer, which is one of the largest freshwater aquifer systems in the world and supplies much of Texas with water. I believe it necessary that EPA's environmental concerns be fully considered and resolved before the State Department can make a final decision on the pipeline's construction. Congress should not rush this process before the federal agency we rely on to promote environmental standards has all of its concerns with the project addressed. If Congress believes the current application for projects like the Keystone Pipeline is inefficient and outdated, we should consider legislation on the House floor that looks to streamline the process. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397947 Rep. Cuellar Releases Latest FBI Statistics Showing Lower Murder Rates on Border than Texas, National Averages 2014-11-17 2014 2014-11 Democrat House TX Henry Cuellar C001063 cuellar.house.gov     legacy Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX28) today released a compilation of the latest statistics from the Federal Bureau of Investigations that show a lower murder rate in cities along the Texas-Mexico border than in other major cities across the nation and the State of Texas.  The FBI crime rates also show that the number of robberies, assaults, and rapes are significantly lower in border cities than the major metropolitan cities in Texas.   “Many people characterize the southern border as being unsafe but today’s numbers paint a very different picture,” said Congressman Cuellar.  “These statistics clearly show that some of the safest cities in the United States are on the U.S.-Mexico border.  The murder rate is actually higher in Washington, D.C. where I work than in my hometown of Laredo, Texas or other cities on the border like McAllen, Texas.  These statistics should help to dispel some of the misinformation about the border region that hurts our local economy and makes it harder to hire doctors and encourage investment.”  Some of the key takeaways from the latest FBI crime statistics include: ·         The top ten cities with the highest murder rate do not include a single city on the US-Mexico border ·         The murder rates in Washington, DC, Dallas, and Houston are more than six times the murder rates in McAllen, Laredo, and Brownsville, respectively ·         In 2013, there were 214 murders in Houston and 143 in Dallas, compared to three murders in Laredo and two in McAllen Attached to this release are the following seven charts: 2013 Murder Rates in Borders Cities Compared to US Cities, 2013 Top 10 Cities in the US with Highest Murder Rate, 2013 Top 10 Cities in the US with Highest Murders, 2013 TX Cities Total Aggravated Assaults, 2013 TX Cities Total Murders, 2013 TX Total Rapes, and 2013 TX Cities Total Robberies.  To access the latest FBI crime statistics, visit this link: http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/ucr/crime-in-the-u.s/2013/crime-in-the-u.s.-2013. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397937 Rep. Cuellar Announces Beginning of Open Enrollment Period for Health Insurance on Nov. 15th 2014-11-14 2014 2014-11 Democrat House TX Henry Cuellar C001063 cuellar.house.gov     legacy Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX28) announced today that this year’s open enrollment period for health insurance will begin this Saturday, November 15th.  Residents of Webb County who do not have health insurance can sign up between November 15th and February 15th.  Those residents seeking health coverage starting in 2015 must enroll in a plan by December 15th.   “Millions of people across the country and in Texas have already enrolled in health insurance,” said Congressman Cuellar.  “Our communities in South Texas and on the border have among the lowest rates of health insurance coverage in the country as well as some of the highest rates of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and other issues.  Having health insurance means peace of mind not just for you but for those who depend on you – children, parents, and grandparents. With the opening of this year’s enrollment period, I want to encourage residents of the 28th District of Texas who do not have insurance to start looking at your options early and to reach out to my office and the local organizations listed here should you have any questions.”  To preview plans in your area, visit: https://www.healthcare.gov/see-plans/.  To obtain coverage, enrollees should have available proof of income, a form of identification, proof of residence, and their social security numbers.    The following organizations can provide in person health insurance assistance to residents of the 28th District of Texas.  Atascosa, McMullen, and Wilson Counties: Atascosa Health Center 310 W. Oaklawn Street (Across for the HEB) Pleasanton, TX 78064 www.Atascosahealthcenter.org South Texas Regional Medical Center 1905 Highway 97 East Jourdanton, Texas 78026 Phone: (830) 769-3515 http://www.strmc.com/South-Texas-Regional-Medical-Center/home.aspx Wilson Community Health Center  540 10th St. Suite 140 (Next to Tractor Supply)  Floresville, TX 78114  www.Atascosahealthcenter.org   Bexar County: Baptist Medical Center 111 Dallas St. San Antonio, TX 78205 (21… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://green.house.gov/press-release/house-approves-keystone-xl-pipeline House Approves Keystone XL Pipeline 2014-11-14 2014 2014-11 Democrat House TX Gene Green G000410 green.house.gov     legacy (Washington, DC) – On Friday, the House of Representatives voted to pass H.R. 5682 to approve the Keystone XL Pipeline. The bill passed with a vote of 252-161. Congressman Gene Green released the following statement in response: “I’m pleased that H.R. 5682 passed the House of Representatives with overwhelming support, and it’s about time. The Keystone XL pipeline is the most scrutinized project in recent history; it’s become a political target.  It’s a good thing we don’t build rail, highways, bridges or airports the way we are trying to build Keystone XL or we’d all be walking. Pipelines are like rail, roads, bridges, and airports, they tie our commerce together. America needs the KXL infrastructure to create a North American energy market and tie our energy markets together.  We need the bill to pass both chambers, so that we can resolve this problem and focus on other important issues as we head into a new session of Congress.”  ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://jacksonlee.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-sheila-jackson-lee-applauds-the-va-road-to-veterans-day CONGRESSWOMAN SHEILA JACKSON LEE APPLAUDS THE VA ROAD TO VETERANS DAY ACTION REVIEW AND PROGRESS MADE TO DATE IN IMPROVING VETERAN HEALTH CARE 2014-11-14 2014 2014-11 Democrat House TX Sheila Jackson Lee J000032 jacksonlee.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a senior member of the House Committees on the Judiciary and Homeland Security, released the following statement today regarding the Department of Veteran Affairs Blueprint for Excellence: “Veterans Day is a time to honor and remember the millions of veterans in this generation and generations past who have made countless sacrifices in service of our country. “I applaud the progress made today by the DVA in accelerating access to health care and addressing deficiencies as documented in its Blueprint for Excellence report released today. That report indicates that in the last 90 days, DVA has: 1.   Scheduled more than 1.2 million more appointments in the past four months than in the same period last year. 2.   In total, VA medical centers have scheduled over 19 million Veteran appointments from June to October 1, 2014. 3.   Reduced the national new patient Primary Care wait time by 18 percent. 4.   Completed 98 percent of appointments within 30 days of the Veterans’ preferred date, or the date determined to be medically necessary by a physician. 5.   Authorized 1.1 million non-VA care authorizations, a 47 percent increase over the same period last year.   “DVA’s mission is to rebuild trust with veterans, improve service delivery, and set the course for long-term excellence and reform will ultimately benefit millions of our nations deserving veterans. The progress made today is a significant step in the right direction. “Our nation must come together to celebrate our veterans who have courageously defended our freedom, and honor the memory of the more than 4,400 American servicemen and women who have died in Iraq and more than 2,200 who have died in Afghanistan. We also honor the sacrifices of over 50,000 brave troops wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan. A grateful nation cares for its soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen, not only when they are abroad, but also upon their return home. “Veteran care is a priority to me, to the VA Department, and to t… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://jacksonlee.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-sheila-jackson-lee-honors-the-valor-bravery-and-sacrifices CONGRESSWOMAN SHEILA JACKSON LEE HONORS THE VALOR, BRAVERY AND SACRIFICES OF OUR NATIONS VETERANS 2014-11-14 2014 2014-11 Democrat House TX Sheila Jackson Lee J000032 jacksonlee.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a senior member of the House Committees on the Judiciary and Homeland Security released the following statement today in honor of Veterans Day: “Veterans Day is a time to honor and remember the millions of veterans in this generation and generations past who have made countless sacrifices in service of our country. Our nation must come together to celebrate our veterans who have courageously defended our freedom, and honor the memory of the more than 4,400 American servicemen and women who have died in Iraq and more than 2,200 who have died in Afghanistan. We also honor the sacrifices of over 50,000 brave troops wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan. “A grateful nation cares for its soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen, not only when they are abroad, but also upon their return home. Our veterans deserve quality job opportunities, superb healthcare, and the promise of college as they return from the frontlines, and I am committed to the more than 2 million troops and reservists, their families, and 22 million veterans, including 32,477 in the 18th Congressional District of Texas. “On the battlefield, the military pledges to leave no soldier behind; as a nation, it is our duty to leave no veteran behind. This day and every day, let us honor their service with actions that fulfill our commitment to our troops, their families, and our veterans – and that are worthy of our grateful nation.” ### Congresswoman Jackson Lee is a Democrat from Texas’s 18th Congressional District. She is a senior member of the House Committees on Judiciary and Homeland Security and is Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://veasey.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congressman-marc-veasey-statement-on-keystone-xl-pipeline-approval-act Congressman Veasey Statement on Passage of Keystone XL Pipeline 2014-11-14 2014 2014-11 Democrat House TX Marc Veasey V000131 veasey.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C.—Congressman Marc Veasey, TX-33, released the following statement after voting in favor of H.R. 5682, the Keystone XL Pipeline Approval Act, which would approve the final segment of the Keystone XL pipeline. He was joined by House Assistant Democratic Leader James Clyburn and fellow Texas Democrats, Reps. Sheila Jackson Lee, Al Green, Gene Green, Ruben Hinojosa (CHC Chairman), Henry Cuellar, and Filemon Vela. “Today’s approval will allow for more than 42,000 jobs to be created throughout the United States during the construction of the pipeline,” said Congressman Veasey.  “As our economy continues to climb out of the Great Recession, creating and sustaining good paying jobs should be our highest priority in Congress.” H.R. 5682 would allow TransCanada to complete the final portion of the Keystone XL pipeline that crosses from Alberta, Canada to Nebraska, while still giving flexibility to modify the route, based on a final determination by the Nebraska Supreme Court. “Past legislation we’ve considered in the House has relied on outdated information from 2011 and did not allow flexibility for individual states to determine what is in their best interest,” Congressman Veasey said.  “This new bill, which mirrors a Senate bill that was passed on a bi-partisan vote out of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, looks at the latest Department of State environmental impact report and gives flexibility to the state of Nebraska to determine the route within the state.” Congressman Veasey has been a staunch advocate of protecting our environment during his time in Congress and has taken numerous votes to ensure the integrity of our natural resources. “This vote will help to provide the infrastructure that we need to safely move vital resources through North America,” commented Veasey.  “The Department of State report plainly states that even if this pipeline is not built, rail cars and tankers will be used to carry oil from Canada, resulting in more Green House Gas (GHG) emissions. Our priority sh… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://algreen.house.gov/press-release/congressman-al-green-calls-reform-our-immigration-system-and-relief-millions-families Congressman Al Green Calls for Reform of Our Immigration System and Relief for Millions of Families 2014-11-13 2014 2014-11 Democrat House TX Al Green G000553 algreen.house.gov     legacy (Washington, DC)—On November 13, 2014, Congressman Al Green (TX-09), along with other House Democrats led by Congressman Luis Gutierrez (IL-04), called on President Obama to provide relief for millions of families and meaningfully reform our immigration system. Congressman Al Green indicated that “Leading with an executive order on a major issue such as immigration reform by President Obama is far from unprecedented. We need only look at the actions of some of President Obama’s predecessors, which are not exactly the same but also involved human rights.” “President Lincoln led with an executive order when he signed the Emancipation Proclamation during the Civil War, and there was much to be said about it at the time. However, it led to the enactment of the Thirteenth Amendment which freed the slaves. When President Truman signed the order desegregating the military, it gave rise to the Dixiecrats; and although much was said, it, along with other actions, led to the desegregation of America. If President Lincoln could produce the Emancipation Proclamation by executive order; if President Truman could produce the desegregation of the military by executive order; surely, President Obama can produce an ‘Immigration Declaration’ by executive order. And although much will be said, I don’t think God will be angry with President Obama,” Congressman Al Green said. Congressman Al Green, along with 115 other House Democrats, sent a letter to President Obama on Thursday, November 13, 2014 asking the President to take “bold and meaningful executive action” on immigration. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397912 Rep. Cuellar Office to Host Healthcare Enrollment Event in Mission on Saturday 2014-11-13 2014 2014-11 Democrat House TX Henry Cuellar C001063 cuellar.house.gov     legacy On Saturday, November 15th, the Office of Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX28) will host a healthcare information and enrollment event at Mission Speer Memorial Library on 801 E 12th Street from 9am-3pm.  The event will feature free face-to-face assistance with the healthcare application from navigators in English and Spanish.  Attendees must bring proof of income, a form of identification, proof of residence, and their social security numbers.    “I represent communities on the border and in South Texas with some of the highest rates of uninsured persons in the country,” said Congressman Cuellar. “Health care costs can be devastating for those without health insurance. That is why we host information and enrollment drives throughout the year.  I want to thank the organizations in the Valley that are doing excellent work to make healthcare more accessible, including Nuestra Clinica del Valle, South Texas Health System, Cognosante, MHP Salud, VAIL, Access Esperanza, and Enroll America” For full details on the event, click here.  For more information on the open enrollment period and health insurance options, visit www.healthcare.gov or www.cuidadodesalud.gov.  The open enrollment period begins on November 15, 2014 and lasts until February 15, 2015.  Consumers seeking coverage starting at the beginning of the year must enroll in a plan by December 15th.   WHAT:      Healthcare information and enrollment event hosted by Office of Congressman Henry Cuellar WHEN:     Saturday, November 15th                    9am-3pmCT WHERE:   Mission Speer Memorial Library                    801 East 12th Street                    Mission, Texas 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://ebjohnson.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-johnson-highlights-the-aca-open-enrollment-period Congresswoman Johnson Highlights the ACA Open Enrollment Period 2014-11-13 2014 2014-11 Democrat House TX Eddie Johnson J000126 ebjohnson.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. – (November 13, 2014) – Open enrollment in the Health Insurance Marketplace for 2015 under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) begins on Saturday, November 15th  and ends on Sunday, February 15th, 2015. During this 4 month period, newly enrolled and currently enrolled users are encouraged to visit the Health Insurance Marketplace to determine the most effective coverage plan for themselves and their families.  Since 2011, the ACA has made healthcare more accessible and affordable for millions of Americans by saving consumers $9 billion. Access to healthcare has expanded, with a substantial reduction of the number of Americans uninsured.  According to statistics released by the Obama Administration and the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS):  10.3 million uninsured adults have been covered since the launch of ACA Open Enrollment Exchanges in 2013; The number of uninsured adults has been reduced by 26% since the start of Open Enrollment in 2013; 7.3 million people signed up for Marketplace plans, paid their premiums, and accessed quality, affordable coverage; and Another 8 million individuals enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP since the beginning of Open Enrollment –an increase of nearly 14% compared to average monthly signups prior to October 1st, 2013. In 2015, there will be a 25% increase in the total number of issuers selling health insurance plans in the Marketplace, meaning increased access to healthcare and coverage options. Overall, Americans express satisfaction with coverage and the improved quality of healthcare they are receiving. I would encourage everyone to make your elections early and not wait until the deadline of February 15th, 2015. For more information on potential coverage and key dates, visit www.HealthCare.Gov. Contact: Yinka Robinson - Yinka.Robinson@mail.house.gov ### U.S. Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson is the ranking member of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology and the highest-ranking Texan on the House Committee on Transportation & Inf… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://veasey.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/taking-veterans-concerns-seriously Taking Veterans' Concerns Seriously 2014-11-11 2014 2014-11 Democrat House TX Marc Veasey V000131 veasey.house.gov     legacy Sitting on the House Armed Services Committee is a great responsibility and an opportunity to represent not only the thousands of veterans in the 33rd Congressional District of Texas that I represent in Dallas-Fort Worth, but also the active-duty men and women of our armed forces, national guard and reserve components. While I never served in uniform, I fully understand the great service and sacrifice that our brave men and women have given to our country. These courageous individuals put their lives, families and jobs on hold to serve their country. I believe it is my duty and that of Congress to ensure that they are afforded the benefits and care that they have earned and deserve for the sacrifices that they and their families have made through their service to our country. Keeping these promises is not only our duty and responsibility, but also serves to strengthen our national security by assuring future generations of military volunteers that their service will be honored. While our country continues to fall short of ideal in keeping our commitments to our veterans, I am optimistic that Congress and Veterans Affairs have together taken steps in the right direction. Congress recently passed nearly unanimously in the House and Senate, and the President quickly signed into law, major VA reform legislation: the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014. This new law provides significant investments to strengthen our VA system for veterans by providing $10 billion to initiate a program to alleviate health care wait times for veterans by allowing them to seek care from non-VA sources that are nearer to their home. The law seeks to increase the number of available primary doctors, specialty care physicians, nurses and other medical professionals in the VA with five billion dollars for new hires. The law also includes increased accountability for the VA when they fall short, counseling and care assistance for victims of sexual assault in the military, and leases for twenty seven new VA clinics in 18 st… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://veasey.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/rep-veasey-presents-military-medals-to-family-of-candelario-garcia-jr Rep. Veasey Presents Military Medals to Family of Candelario Garcia, Jr. 2014-11-11 2014 2014-11 Democrat House TX Marc Veasey V000131 veasey.house.gov     legacy [Austin, Texas]– On Monday, November 10th, Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, presented posthumous service medals to the family of Candelario Garcia, Jr. at the Texas State Capitol in Austin, Texas. Mr. Garcia, who passed away in January 2013, was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor by President Obama in March of 2014. Earlier this year his brother, Manuel Flores of Oak Cliff, requested Congressman Veasey’s help in obtaining copies of his brother’s medals that could then be donated to Mr. Garcia’s high school in Corsicana.             Austin, Texas (Monday, November 10, 2014)-- From left to right, Mr. Manuel Flores of Oak Cliff and Congressman Veasey, pose for a photo with the picture of Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, Candelario Garcia Jr. and medals secured by Veasey’s Office at the Texas State Capitol in Austin, Texas.   “I am honored to present this distinguished military award to the late Candelario Garcia, Jr. who in addition to serving our country with honor in Vietnam, also served our community throughout his entire adult life.” said Veasey. “As we celebrate Veterans Day, we should all remember the bravery  and contributions of all of the service men and women who put their lives, families, and jobs on hold to selflessly defend our nation.” For Mr. Candelario’s honorable service in the U.S. Army, his brother, Manuel Flores of Oak Cliff, was presented the following medals by Congressman Veasey:  Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze and Silver Star, Combat Infantryman Badge 11sr Award, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon, and Expert Badge and Rifle Bar. Rep. Veasey’s office continues to work to secure a copy of Mr. Garcia’s Congressional Medal of Honor.  ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://ebjohnson.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-johnson-issues-a-statement-in-honor-of-veterans-day Congresswoman Johnson Issues a Statement in Honor of Veterans Day 2014-11-10 2014 2014-11 Democrat House TX Eddie Johnson J000126 ebjohnson.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. – (Monday, November 10, 2014) — Today, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson released the following statement in honor of Veterans Day, which falls on Tuesday, November 11th: “November 11th marks an important day for Americans. It is a day to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. Veterans Day serves as a conscious reminder for the thousands of men and women who have dedicated their lives in service to the United States. Throughout history these individuals have fought selflessly for their country and for this service our nation is eternally grateful. As a former Chief Psychiatric Nurse for the Dallas Veterans Affairs Medical Center and a proud supporter of veterans, I believe it is our duty as a nation to ensure that appreciation for our veterans extends beyond November 11th.  Access to healthcare, housing and education are of the utmost importance for veterans and their families. As a member of Congress and more importantly as the daughter of a veteran, these are matters I will always support during my time in Congress. I am honored to celebrate these heroic people. God bless them and the service they have provided for our country.” ### U.S. Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson is the ranking member of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology and the highest-ranking Texan on the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure. She represents the 30th Congressional District of Texas, which includes Downtown Dallas, Fair Park, Kessler Park, Old East Dallas, Pleasant Grove, South Dallas & South Oak Cliff; all of Cedar Hill, DeSoto, Duncanville, Hutchins, Lancaster & Wilmer and parts of Ferris, Glenn Heights, South Grand Prairie, Oak Lawn, Ovilla, Uptown/Victory Park and West Dallas. CONTACT: Yinka Robinson | (202)225-8885 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://veasey.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/veasey-honors-hometown-heroes-during-veterans-town-hall Veasey Honors Hometown Heroes during Veterans Town Hall 2014-11-10 2014 2014-11 Democrat House TX Marc Veasey V000131 veasey.house.gov     legacy Fort Worth, TX-- Join U.S. Representative Marc Veasey (TX-33) as he honors five local veterans with the Congressional Veteran Commendation (CVC) at a Veterans Town Hall tonight, November 10th from 5-7 PM, at American Legion Post 838 in Fort Worth. Recipients of the CVC award include: Mr. Felix Lozada, Sr., West Dallas; Mr. Mario Gutierrez, Dallas; Mr. Ernest Mackey, Fort Worth; Ms. Yolonde Rocio, Forest Hill; and Mr. Arthur Wilder, Fort Worth. Following the ceremony, veterans, active duty military personnel and their families are encouraged to participate in the Veterans Town Hall to talk with Congressman Veasey, ask questions, and share their thoughts and concerns about how Congress can best represent America's veterans.  Who: U.S. Congressman Marc Veasey, TX-33 What: 2014 Veterans Town Hall and 33rd District Congressional Veterans Commendation (CVC) Ceremony When: Monday, November 10, 2014 from 5PM – 7PM (CT) Where: American Legion Post 838 | 1250 Mansfield Ave | Fort Worth, TX 76104 MEDIA: Members of the press interested in scheduling interviews and covering this event must RSVP by calling Jessica Coscia at 202-225-9897 or emailing, Jessica.Coscia@mail.house.gov For event information, call Daniela Huerta at 817-920-9086 or 214-741-1387 Congressional Veterans Commendation Program (CVC)          The CVC is a nominations-based program designed to recognize the wartime sacrifices and peacetime community involvement of veterans of the Thirty-third Congressional District of Texas.  To be eligible, veterans must currently reside in the 33rd Congressional District. Nominees have served as active duty military personnel, active duty in the United States Armed Forces or a reservist called to active duty, and must be retired or honorably discharged from a branch of the United States Armed Forces.  2014 CVC Honorees Felix Lozada, Sr., West Dallas, US Navy Staff Sergeant Mario A. Gutierrez, Dallas, US Army (Ret.) Ernest Mackey, US Air Force Yolonde Rocio, Forest Hill, US Army Arthur Wilder, Fort Worth, … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397910 Rep. Cuellar Invites Public to Attend Healthcare Information and Enrollment Event this Saturday in Laredo 2014-11-07 2014 2014-11 Democrat House TX Henry Cuellar C001063 cuellar.house.gov     legacy Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX28) invites the public to attend the Healthcare Information and Enrollment Fest this Saturday, November 15th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the University of Texas Health Science Center Laredo Regional Campus Library, located at 1937 E. Bustamante Street. Anyone who would like information or assistance with affordable health coverage and the Affordable Care Act can attend this free event and ask one of the many on-site Health Navigators and Certified Application Counselors about what options may be available to them. WHAT:               Healthcare Information and Enrollment Fest WHEN:              Saturday, November 15 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. CDT WHERE:            University of Texas Health Science Center Laredo Regional Campus Library, located at 1937 E. Bustamante St., Laredo, Texas 78041 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://jacksonlee.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-sheila-jackson-lee-calls-upon-administration-to-assist CONGRESSWOMAN SHEILA JACKSON LEE CALLS UPON ADMINISTRATION TO ASSIST MEXICAN FEDERAL AUTHORITIES IN EFFORT TO RESCUE 43 COLLEGE STUDENTS KIDNAPPED IN SOUTHERN MEXICO 2014-11-07 2014 2014-11 Democrat House TX Sheila Jackson Lee J000032 jacksonlee.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC– Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, the Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Committee’s Border and Maritime Security, and a senior member and former Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee’s Immigration and Border Security Subcommittee, released the following statement today regarding the kidnapping of 43 college students in the city of Iguala, in the southern Mexican state of Guerrero: “My thoughts and prayers go out the family and friends of the 43 college students from the Raul Isidro Burgos Rural Teachers College of Ayotzinapa, who were kidnapped on September 26, 2014. As a mother, I can only imagine the heartbreak and horror felt by the family members anxiously awaiting a glimpse of good news. No parent should ever have to experience the pain of losing a child. Along with parents all over the world who understand the pain and suffering being endured by those whose children were abducted, I pray for the swift and safe return of the missing college students. “It is outrageous that these 43 college students have gone missing for more than 40 days. I call upon the Administration and the international community to render all necessary and appropriate assistance to the federal and state authorities in Mexico to aid the effort to bring about the safe return of the missing students and the apprehension and prosecution of those responsible. “The students were traveling to Iguala, Guerrero to protest discriminatory hiring and funding practices by the government when they were confronted and ambushed. It is utterly unacceptable that the fugitive Mayor of Iguala is complicit in this mass kidnapping. These crimes must be punished to the full extent of the law. “¿Y si se tratara de sus hijos? What if it were your kids? They are all of our kids. And that is why we cannot rest until they are found.” ### Congresswoman Jackson Lee is a Democrat from Texas’s 18th Congressional District. She is a senior member of the House Committees on Judiciary and Homeland Security and is Ranking Member of the Homeland Se… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://veasey.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/rep-veasey-statement-honoring-veterans-day-0 Rep. Veasey Statement Honoring Veterans Day 2014-11-07 2014 2014-11 Democrat House TX Marc Veasey V000131 veasey.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C--Today Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33) released the following statement commemorating Veterans Day on Tuesday, November 11: "Every year, on the eleventh day, of the eleventh month, Americans honor and express their appreciation for the courageous, loyal, and admirable men and women in uniform who so bravely served our country. These service members selflessly put their lives, families, and jobs on hold to defend our nation and they deserve our gratitude every day.   As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I have had the great pleasure of meeting some of the thousands of veterans living in the Metroplex. while I am incredibly priviliged to be able to serve as their congressman, I am also committed to ensuring that they are afforded the benefits and care that they deserve for all that they, and their families, have sacrificed for our freedom as Americans."   ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20141107222014/http://vela.house.gov/index.php/2013-07-18-16-34-07/press-releases/289-press-release-congressman-vela-hosts-2nd-annual-congressional-veterans-summit PRESS RELEASE: Congressman Vela Hosts 2nd Annual Congressional Veterans Summit 2014-11-07 2014 2014-11 Democrat House TX Filemon Vela V000132 web.archive.org     legacy PRESS RELEASE: Congressman Vela Hosts 2nd Annual Congressional Veterans Summit   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                  PRESS CONTACT: November 7, 2014                                                                              Brenda Lopez 956.544.8352                                                                                                                                          PRESS RELEASE: Congressman Vela Hosts 2nd Annual Congressional Veterans Summit   WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Filemon Vela (D-TX) will host the 2nd Annual Congressional Veterans Summit on November 22, 2014, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at the International Technology Education and Commerce Center (ITECC), 301 Mexico Boulevard, Brownsville, Texas.  The Summit will focus focus on three areas: employment, health care and Veterans resources.  This will be a free event for all South Texas Veterans and their families.   Congressman Vela and community partners are working together to provide South Texas Veterans with a one-stop shop to visit with veteran friendly employers and organizations.  Additionally, veterans will be given the opportunity to receive free health screenings.   Representatives from the VA Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System will provide assistance with enrolling in My Healthy Vet, and information on mental health, suicide prevention, homeless services, human resources, women’s health topics, vocational rehab and peer support.    The Texas Veterans Commission Veterans Health Care Strike Force Team will also be available for individual veteran consultation to help veterans access health related services and check the status of pending claims.     B Metro and Valley Metro will provide free transportation for the day of the event.  For more information, call (956) 548-6050.    For more information please contact Congressman Vela’s district office at (956) 544-8352.   # # # 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://veasey.house.gov//media-center/veasey-updates/nov-6-2014-bringing-jobs-to-cd33-serving-our-nation-s-veterans-in Nov. 6, 2014: Bringing Jobs to CD33, Serving our Nations Veterans in November 2014-11-06 2014 2014-11 Democrat House TX Marc Veasey V000131 veasey.house.gov     legacy Dear Friends, Please take a moment to read my latest updates from this past week.  In this edition of the e-Newsletter, you’ll find photos and information on my work across the 33rd District of Texas and events that I am hosting this month to honor our military veterans and to assist Metroplex Job Seekers. For the latest updates, make sure you are following me on my Facebook page or on my Twitter page.  Thanks for staying engaged and enjoy this week's edition of Marc’s Memo. Sincerely, Closer Look: Serving our Nation’s Veterans in November November 11th is Veterans Day – an important time for Americans to reflect on the courageous service of our men and women in uniform. As part of my office’s ongoing commitment to our nation’s veterans, on Monday, November, 10, 2014, we will host a Veterans Town Hall at the American Legion Post 838 (1250 Mansield Avenue, Fort Worth, TX 76104). The event starts at 5:00 PM with the awarding of the Congressional Veteran Commendation to five local veterans. The town hall will follow and lasts until 7:00 PM.  I would be honored to have you and your family join us at this free and fun community event in honor of our nation’s heroes. I recognize the continuing need for veterans to have access to quality job opportunities and the resources they need to thrive in the civilian workforce. This month, I am hosting a job fair designed to connect constituents, including military veterans, to employment opportunities in the Metroplex. 33rd Congressional District Job & Resource Fair Gets the Metroplex to Work Seeking employment or a change in career? Need assistance with your resume, interview techniques, or job search approach? By participating in the upcoming 33rd Congressional District Job & Resource Fair, you will be taking a big step toward finding the right job for you! Join me on Friday, November 21st from 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM at Mountain View College, Building E Lobby, 4849 W Illinois Ave, Dallas, TX 75211 In this highly competitive job market, we will give job seekers the… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20141107185136/http://vela.house.gov/index.php/2013-07-18-16-34-07/press-releases/287-no-attorney-general-should-be-confirmed-unless-they-are-committed-to-extradition-of-indicted-mexican-governor No Attorney General Should be Confirmed Unless They Are Committed to Extradition of Indicted Mexican Governor 2014-11-03 2014 2014-11 Democrat House TX Filemon Vela V000132 web.archive.org     legacy No Attorney General Should be Confirmed Unless They Are Committed to Extradition of Indicted Mexican Governor FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                            PRESS CONTACT: November 3, 2014                                                        Brenda Lopez 956.544.8352                                                                                                                                          No Attorney General Should be Confirmed Unless They Are Committed to Extradition of Indicted Mexican Governor   By Congressman Filemon Vela (D-Brownsville)   The President of the United States will soon be nominating an individual to replace Attorney General Eric Holder.  In my view, any  potential appointee must be committed to the extradition of the indicted former governor of Tamaulipas, Tomas Yarrington.   In December of 2013, a federal indictment filed in the Southern District of Texas-Brownsville Division was unsealed.  According to the indictment, Yarrington received large bribes from drug trafficking organizations such as the Gulf Cartel to allow them to operate their criminal enterprises in the state of Tamaulipas freely.   Specifically, the indictment charges Yarrington with conspiring to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization (RICO) statute, conspiracy to launder money, conspiracy to defraud, and conspiracy to make false statements to federally insured U.S. banks.  Additionally, Yarrington is charged with conspiracy to violate the provisions of the Controlled Substances Act, two substantive bank fraud charges, and conspiracy to structure currency transactions at a domestic financial institution.   Already, millions of dollars worth of assets produced by the racketeering enterprise lead by Yarrington have been seized by the United States, including a condominium on South Padre Island and an airplane.   It has been more than ten months since the scathing Yarrington indictment was unsealed.  Yet, no formal extradition request to my kno… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://ebjohnson.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-johnson-receives-an-a-grade-in-the-2014-drug-policy-reform Congresswoman Johnson receives an A grade in the 2014 Drug Policy Reform Congressional Voter Guide 2014-10-30 2014 2014-10 Democrat House TX Eddie Johnson J000126 ebjohnson.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. – (Thursday, October 30, 2014) — Yesterday, “Drug Policy Action” gave Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson an “A” grade in their 2014 Drug Policy Reform Guide for her voting record on national drug reform. In recent years there has been a major shift in reforming many U.S. drug laws which have resulted in large numbers of minorities being incarcerated. “I am honored to receive this grade,” said Congresswoman Johnson. “I believe that major shifts in our nation’s drug policies are necessary to achieve fairness for all. Working toward consistent efforts in drug policy reform is in the best interest of our nation and these changes must occur at the state and federal level.” The publication surveyed 243 members of Congress, among those surveyed only 49 received an “A” grade. “I encourage all of my colleagues who have been absent in the push for drug reform, to join me and others as we attempt to bring about sensible drug policies that will benefit all Americans” said Congresswoman Johnson. Drug Policy Action is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization, which undertakes a wide range of activities including political advocacy permitted by 501(c)(4) organizations. Through these efforts, Drug Policy Action works to pass new drug laws and policies grounded in science, compassion, health and human rights. ### U.S. Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson is the ranking member of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology and the highest-ranking Texan on the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure. She represents the 30th Congressional District of Texas, which includes Downtown Dallas, Fair Park, Kessler Park, Old East Dallas, Pleasant Grove, South Dallas & South Oak Cliff; all of Cedar Hill, DeSoto, Duncanville, Hutchins, Lancaster & Wilmer and parts of Ferris, Glenn Heights, South Grand Prairie, Oak Lawn, Ovilla, Uptown/Victory Park and West Dallas. CONTACT: Yinka Robinson | (202)225-8885 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://ebjohnson.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-johnson-issues-a-statement-on-the-anniversary-of-the-help Congresswoman Johnson Issues a Statement on the Anniversary of the Help America Vote Act 2014-10-29 2014 2014-10 Democrat House TX Eddie Johnson J000126 ebjohnson.house.gov     legacy FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Washington, DC – (Wednesday, October 29, 2014)—Today, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson released the following statement on the anniversary of the Help America Vote Act (HAVA): “I am pleased to note that today marks the 12th anniversary of the Help America Vote Act (HAVA). Since its passing in 2002, this piece of legislation has been pivotal in mandating minimum standards in voting systems and voter access here in the United States. I believe efforts like those seen in HAVA are extremely important to the future success of our democracy. As a result, it is imperative that Americans educate themselves on their voting rights and become actively involved in efforts to increase awareness across the country.  Recently, in my home state of Texas new voting regulations have been put into place. These regulations drastically changed voter identification requirements and impacted access to the polls. These types of changes highlight the importance of  voter reform and the necessity for voting awareness to be pushed to the forefront. In honor of the anniversary of HAVA, I encourage all Americans to become mindful of voter rights and preparedness. Voting is essential to the legacy of the United States democracy, and I support all efforts which improve access to voting for all.” ### U.S. Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson is the ranking member of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology and the highest-ranking Texan on the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure. She represents the 30th Congressional District of Texas, which includes Downtown Dallas, Fair Park, Kessler Park, Old East Dallas, Pleasant Grove, South Dallas & South Oak Cliff; all of Cedar Hill, DeSoto, Duncanville, Hutchins, Lancaster & Wilmer and parts of Ferris, Glenn Heights, South Grand Prairie, Oak Lawn, Ovilla, Uptown/Victory Park and West Dallas. CONTACT: Yinka Robinson | (202)225-8885 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397877 Rep. Cuellar Protects Farmers and Ranchers from Economic Losses of Fever Tick Outbreak 2014-10-28 2014 2014-10 Democrat House TX Henry Cuellar C001063 cuellar.house.gov     legacy Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX28) announced today that he was successful in including language that will protect South Texas farmers and ranchers from economic losses due to a fever tick outbreak.     “During my time in the United States Congress, I have been an advocate for the interests of farmers and ranchers living in the 28th District of Texas,” said Congressman Cuellar.  “Constituents living in my district have raised their concern about the deadly fever tick disease particular to South Texas that affects cattle.  That is why I fought to include language in the 2013 Farm Bill to protect South Texas ranchers from the threat of a fever tick outbreak and insure that ranchers have the opportunity to receive some compensation for losses.” Congressman Cuellar’s language protects farmers and ranchers from the potential economic damage of a fever tick outbreak.  Through an expansion of the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP), ranchers will now have the ability to receive some compensation for the losses incurred due to this vicious pest. According to an economic impact report prepared in 2010 by the Agricultural and Food Policy Center at Texas A&M University, a small outbreak could cost the economy $123 million, with subsequent annual costs of about $97 million per year. Resources to Combat Fever Ticks for South Texans: A recent outbreak of fever ticks in Cameron County has resulted in the establishment of a Temporary Preventative Quarantine Area to stop the further spread of the tick in South Texas, effective October 7th, 2014.  If you believe that you have ticks either on your property or on your livestock, please call the Texas Farm Service Agency at 979-680-5151 or visit their website here.  Cameron County livestock movement restrictions and inspections: 956-546-6004 Cameron County wildlife movement restrictions and inspections (live animals, capes, hides, etc): 956-254-3507 Texas Animal Health Commission Fever Tick Brochure New Temporary Cattle Feve… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://veasey.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/rep-veaseys-33rd-congressional-district-job-fair-set-for-nov-21 Rep. Veasey's 33rd Congressional District Job Fair set for Nov. 21 2014-10-28 2014 2014-10 Democrat House TX Marc Veasey V000131 veasey.house.gov     legacy Rep. Veasey’s 33rd Congressional District Job Fair set for Nov. 21 Over 70 Employers Looking to Fill Job Vacancies   Dallas, TX – In his continuing efforts to serve the citizens of Texas’ 33rd Congressional District, Congressman Marc Veasey invites individuals seeking help with employment to a free job and resource fair from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00p.m. (CT) on Friday, November 21, 2014.   The annual employment event, which will take place at Mountain View Community College in Dallas, will offer participants the opportunity to meet more than 70 potential employers and to network with professionals representing a variety of fields such as public safety, manufacturing, service, health care, education and other industries.   Congressman Veasey is also pleased to welcome employers and Workforce Solutions of Dallas and Tarrant Counties to provide free professional development workshops designed to help the attendees with employment training on topics including resume critiquing, networking, job search tips, and veteran-to-civilian transition.   Last year’s Job Fair, in Fort Worth, attracted over 1,000 job-seekers.   WHAT:  33rd Congressional District Job Fair: U.S. Congressman Marc Veasey, TX-33, hosts annual hiring event for Metroplex Job Seekers.   WHEN:  Friday, November 21, 2014 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM   WHERE:  Mountain View Community College, Building E. Lobby 4849 W. Illinois Avenue, Dallas, Texas   WHY:  To give the job seekers a chance to meet face-to-face with potential employers, network and receive assistance with job search and preparation for employment.   MEDIA: To schedule an interview with Congressman Marc Veasey or to register for event press credentials, please email Jessica.Coscia@mail.house.gov or call 202-225-9897.   For event information, please call Daniela Huerta in Dallas (214-741-1387)-or-Fort Worth (817-920-9086) https://veasey.house.gov/VeaseyJobFair               ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20141107185254/http://vela.house.gov/index.php/2013-07-18-16-34-07/press-releases/288-media-advisory-congressman-vela-to-speak-at-brownsville-events MEDIA ADVISORY: Congressman Vela to Speak at Brownsville Events 2014-10-27 2014 2014-10 Democrat House TX Filemon Vela V000132 web.archive.org     legacy MEDIA ADVISORY: Congressman Vela to Speak at Brownsville Events FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                             PRESS CONTACT: October 27, 2014                                                            Brenda Lopez 956.544.8352   MEDIA ADVISORY: Congressman Vela to Speak at Brownsville Events   BROWNSVILLE, TX – Tomorrow, Congressman Filemon Vela (D-Brownsville) is scheduled to speak at the Congressional Financial Education Summit and “Traces to Remember,” a project of the Global Embassy of Activists for Peace.   Congressman Vela will speak at the Congressional Financial Education Summit at the Brownsville Event Center.  The summit will bring high school students and parents together to give them the tools they need to make better financial decisions as the students prepare for college.  BISD, United Way, United Brownsville, Communities in Schools and local banks have come together to share their knowledge and resources with parents and students.   Congressman Vela will then deliver closing remarks at the “Traces to Remember” event at the University of Texas at Brownsville.  “Traces to Remember” is a project of the Embassy of Activists for Peace.  Its purpose is to keep alive the testimony of the Holocaust survivors.   Tuesday, October 28, 2014 Brownsville, TX   Who: Rep. Filemon Vela (TX-34)   What: Congressional Financial Education Summit for high school students and parents.   When: 9:00 am   Where: Brownsville Events Center               1 Event Center                             Brownsville, Texas 78526   Tuesday, October 28, 2014 Brownsville, TX Who: Rep. Filemon Vela (TX-34)   What: Traces to Remember event to honor Holocaust survivors.   When: 10:00 am   Where: UTB (El Gran Salon)                            One West University Boulevard                             Brownsville, Texas 78520   # # # 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://algreen.house.gov/press-release/congressmen-al-green-and-ted-poe-recognize-october-domestic-violence-awareness-month Congressmen Al Green and Ted Poe Recognize October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2014-10-23 2014 2014-10 Democrat House TX Al Green G000553 algreen.house.gov     legacy (Houston, TX)—On Thursday, October 23, 2014, Congressmen Al Green (TX-09) and Ted Poe (TX-02), recognized October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Congressmen Al Green and Ted Poe have consistently collaborated to introduce resolutions raising awareness about the prevalence of domestic violence. “Domestic violence is a serious issue that threatens the stability of our families and communities. We have a responsibility to prevent perpetrators from committing violent acts against their families. We must renew our dedication to the goal of ending domestic violence and helping heal the lives of victims as well as their families,” Congressman Al Green said. “The impact of domestic violence is too pervasive. This issue affects women and men in all communities, regardless of age, race, sexual orientation, nationality, educational background, and socioeconomic status. This is why combating domestic violence should be a universal priority.” Since 1987, the month of October has been observed as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. During this time, the efforts of many committed organizations are highlighted to increase public awareness of domestic violence and the needs of battered individuals. A 2013 National Census Survey reported that 66,581 domestic violence victims were served by domestic violence shelters and programs around the country in a single day. “While our country has made significant progress in fighting domestic violence, the news in recent months has made it clear that we still have a long way to go.  This is not a family problem, but one that we all must work on resolving.  Whether it’s teaching our children respect or helping a victim in need, we all have a part to play,” Congressman Ted Poe said.  “Domestic Violence Awareness Month is in October, but we must speak out against this crime throughout the year.” 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://ebjohnson.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/congresswoman-johnson-highlights-increased-cola-benefits-for-seniors-in-201 Congresswoman Johnson Highlights Increased COLA benefits for Seniors in 2015 2014-10-23 2014 2014-10 Democrat House TX Eddie Johnson J000126 ebjohnson.house.gov     legacy FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Washington D.C.—(October 23rd, 2014)—Today, the Social Security Administration (SSA) announced that beginning in January 2015, Social Security’s Automatic Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) would increase by 1.7% for recipients. Since 1975, Social Security benefits have been automatically adjusted each year to reflect cost of living increases and to maintain purchasing power. These adjustments have protected millions of seniors from falling into poverty as they age. According to the SSA, 6 out of 10 seniors rely on income from social security. This is especially true for seniors 80+ who make up 76% of social security beneficiaries.  In the 30th Congressional district of Texas, there are 98,675 current beneficiaries, including retired workers, disabled workers and widowers. For District 30 residents, SSA predicts the new average monthly benefit amount will be $1,063.27 per person. “The increase in COLA benefits is a positive and necessary advancement for senior constituents of District 30, many of whom have worked their entire lives to earn such benefits. I applaud these efforts by the Social Security Administration has taken to increase the financial security for aging citizens, and I will continue to work for increased security in the years to come” said Congresswoman Johnson.   #  #  # U.S. Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson is the ranking member of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology and the highest-ranking Texan on the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure. She represents the 30th Congressional District of Texas, which includes Downtown Dallas, Fair Park, Kessler Park, Old East Dallas, Pleasant Grove, South Dallas & South Oak Cliff; all of Cedar Hill, DeSoto, Duncanville, Hutchins, Lancaster & Wilmer and parts of Ferris, Glenn Heights, South Grand Prairie, Oak Lawn, Ovilla, Uptown/Victory Park and West Dallas. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://veasey.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/letter-no-98-immigration-reform-now Letter No. 98: Immigration reform now! 2014-10-23 2014 2014-10 Democrat House TX Marc Veasey V000131 veasey.house.gov     legacy Dear Mr. President, With the Islamic State, Ebola, the economy and everything else in the mix, I know it’s very hard to keep your eye on immigration reform. But I really hope you will take the advice of Rep. Jared Polis, (D-Colo.), Joaquin Castro (D-Texas) and Joe Garcia (D-Fla.) and the 60 other Democratic representatives who sent you a letter recently. Your fellow Democrats are right to urge you to address the problems faced by American businesses as you consider executive action on the immigration front to help immigrant families and ensure our borders remain secure. They, like many advocates, also urge you to use your pre-existing, legal authority to foster the ability of high-skilled immigrants, workers and entrepreneurs to contribute to our economy and to improve the immigration system to benefit our country’s innovative capacity and economic growth. As the lawmakers wrote, “We strongly urge you to use your clear, pre-existing authority to pursue actions that continue to ensure our borders are secure and enforce U.S. immigration laws; specifically prioritizing our resources to remove criminals and those who pose a public safety or national security risk. Policies that split families, disrupt communities and harm our economy are out of line with our values as a nation. “We urge you to provide relief from detention and deportation, where appropriate, to undocumented immigrants who pose no risk to public safety or national security.” They are right to insist that the United States should also be fostering the ability of high-skilled immigrants and entrepreneurs to contribute to our economy and streamlining the green card process for the benefit of our country’s innovative capacity and economic prowess. Congratulations to Reps. Garcia, Polis, Castro, Ron Kind, Jim Himes, Gerald E. Connolly, Tony Cardenas, Xavier Becerra, Ami Bera, Earl Blumenauer, Suzanne Bonamici, Kathy Castor, Judy Chu, David N. Cicilline, Emanuel Cleaver, Steve Cohen, John Conyers Jr., Susan A. Davis, Suzan K. DelBene, Ted Deutch, Lloyd Dogg… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20141024032917/http://orourke.house.gov/media-center/blog-posts/us-marine-sergeant-andrew-tahmooressi U.S. Marine Sergeant Andrew Tahmooressi 2014-10-22 2014 2014-10 Democrat House TX Beto O'Rourke O000170 web.archive.org     legacy U.S. Marine Sergeant Andrew Tahmooressi Many of you have written to me requesting that I sign on to H.Res. 620 which asks that United States Marine Sgt. Andrew Tahmooressi be returned to the United States so that he can receive the appropriate medical assistance for his post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). I will sign on as a co-sponsor to this resolution when Congress comes back in session on November 12th, if Sgt. Tahmooressi has not already been released. I am prevented from formally adding my name to the resolution since Congress does not return from recess until November 12th. While I respect Mexico’s sovereignty and their efforts (with our aid) to reform their judiciary and improve rule of law, this is a unique case that should be met with a unique response. Sgt. Tahmooressi is a decorated combat veteran who, by his account, entered Mexico by accident with firearms legally purchased and licensed in the U.S. This kind of incident is familiar one to us. In El Paso, it is unfortunately common for U.S. citizens to inadvertently cross into Juarez. Since Sgt. Tahmooressi has been jailed, there have been reports that he has been mistreated and that he has tried to harm himself. Given his service record, his condition and the fact that we do not yet have full confidence in Mexico’s judiciary, I think that in this case the U.S. should request his immediate return. My support of this resolution will be in addition to the letter that I wrote to President Obama earlier in the year, urging him to ensure that Sgt. Tahmooressi has all possible U.S. assistance. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20141026184221/http://vela.house.gov/index.php/2013-07-18-16-34-07/press-releases/277-press-release-congressman-vela-named-among-50-influentials-by-hispanic-business PRESS RELEASE: Congressman Vela Named Among 50 Influentials by Hispanic Business 2014-10-22 2014 2014-10 Democrat House TX Filemon Vela V000132 web.archive.org     legacy PRESS RELEASE: Congressman Vela Named Among 50 Influentials by Hispanic Business FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                             PRESS CONTACT: October 22, 2014                                                         Brenda Lopez 956.544.8352   PRESS RELEASE: Congressman Vela Named Among 50 Influentials by Hispanic Business   Washington, D.C. – Congressman Filemon Vela (D- Brownsville) was recently listed among the 2014 50 Influentials by Hispanic Business. Congressman Vela was the only Member of Congress included in the list.    Individuals were chosen based on efforts to promote the advancement of Hispanics in the U.S. through their leadership, community involvement, and professional achievements in their field. To be eligible for the list, candidates must be Hispanics of U.S. Citizenship, and have recently made a positive impact at the national level. Hispanic Business, created in 1979 by Jesús Chavarría, uses an exclusively online publishing platform to share business and political news to a targeted audience of Hispanic professionals and entrepreneurs.    "It is a true honor to be placed on this list among such accomplished leaders," said Congressman Vela. "It is my hope that I will continue to be a positive influence for the people of South Texas and an inspiration for Hispanics everywhere."   Other notable honorees include US Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julián Castro;  Sprint President and CEO Marcelo Claure;  US Department of Homeland Security US Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Leon Rodriguez; Toyota President of Texas Manufacturing Joe Da Rosa; and Actress Zoë Saldana.    To view the entire list, click here.    # # # 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397855 Rep. Cuellar Named as One of 101 Most Influential Latinos in 2013 2014-10-17 2014 2014-10 Democrat House TX Henry Cuellar C001063 cuellar.house.gov     legacy Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX28) announced today that he has been named as one of 101 Most Influential Latinos in 2013 by Latino Leaders Magazine.  This year, Congressman Cuellar is joined by award-winning journalist Jorge Ramos, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, actress and activist Eva Longoria, former Mayor of San Antonio and Housing and Urban Development Secretary Henry Cisneros, and other influential Latinos in receiving the award.  “I grew up on the border in Texas as the oldest of eight children, raised by migrant workers,” said Congressman Cuellar.  “We faced many challenges when I was growing up – poverty, lack of resources.  But my parents always pushed me to work hard, get an education, and look beyond our everyday lives to a world of opportunity.  “Growing up, I remember that all the streets in my neighborhood were dirt.  Everyone who ran for mayor always promised to pave the streets.  Those repeated promises taught me that if you really want to change the world around you, you must get involved.  After pursuing an education that included a total of five advanced degrees, I was committed to returning home to Texas so that I could work to benefit and help our community.  “For young people growing up today, the country is changing.  Hispanics are 17 percent of the population nationwide and in 2060, the Hispanic population is projected to be 31 percent.  In the coming years, more and more Hispanics will take on leadership roles in business, media, politics, and the arts.  It is important for young people to see role models in the media and public life so that they can see the full extent of what is possible.  I am joined by many successful leaders in today’s list and I thank Latino Leaders Magazine for assembling an excellent group of role models.  I encourage young people to work hard and remain focused on their education – you are not limited by your circumstances in what you can achieve.”   Latino Leaders Magazine recognized Congressman Cuellar as a leader on homeland security and border i… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397848 LA PRENSA: Keep America Going with Small Business 2014-10-16 2014 2014-10 Democrat House TX Henry Cuellar C001063 cuellar.house.gov     legacy Keep America Going with Small BusinessBy U.S. Rep Henry Cuellar | 16 de octubre de 2014 Washington, D.C..- We’ve heard it before; small business is the backbone of America. We are still the midst of a recovery from the worst economy in history since the Great Depression and we now depend more than ever on the creativity and innovation of people from all sectors to help the United States restore its reputation in having the best economy in the world. That can only happen if we help existing small business owners and make it easier for aspiring entrepreneurs to open up shop. Eleven million jobs were supported by trade in the United States in 2013. In Texas, a total of 40,737 companies were dependent on exports -- 93 percent of which were small businesses with 500 or fewer employees. Small business created and sustains a modern and vibrant Texas. As a former small business owner, I know the feeling one gets when you have a great idea for a service or a product. With the right drive, planning and support, you may be able to turn a small investment into something grand and fulfill your own American dream. The federal government should do all it can to facilitate business startup and expansion, not stifle it with red tape and bureaucracy. America was founded on the dreams of people who had limited funds, but great visions. That is why I support small business owners and advocate for fair and useful tax breaks to help owners become established. It’s no secret that when business thrives, so do our communities. You don’t have to look far to see successful small businesses in action. Across South Texas, border towns whose main source of income came from both American and Mexican tourists are now major players in global trade. Here in San Antonio, ambitious entrepreneurs, as well as great planning in local government and important legislation from the federal government, have helped change not only the landscape, but have also greatly increased the amount of opportunities in the Alamo City. Perhaps the most notable economi… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://veasey.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/dem-push-for-health-law-rooted-in-demographics Dem Push for Health Law Rooted in Demographics 2014-10-16 2014 2014-10 Democrat House TX Marc Veasey V000131 veasey.house.gov     legacy While much of America was upset about the botched rollout of President Barack Obama's health care overhaul, most Democrats in Congress were still willing to give the law a chance to work. Without the law, many of their constituents wouldn't have health insurance. No new law has been more polarizing during Obama's presidency. It passed in 2010 without a single Republican vote, and GOP lawmakers have been railing against it ever since. House Republicans have voted more than 50 times to repeal all or parts of the law. Almost all of their changes died in the Democratic-controlled Senate. Why do Democrats and Republicans view this law so differently? Ideology plays a big role. Democrats are generally more willing than Republicans to look to government to help address people's problems. Demographics shape the debate, too. If a community has a large concentration of people without health insurance, there is a good chance it is represented by a Democrat in Congress. Of the 50 congressional districts with the most uninsured people, all but nine are represented by Democrats. "Folks look at (the law) as a chance to have some peace of mind that, as I keep saying because it's so true in my district, that they don't have to worry about sending their son or daughter to the hospital with the fear that when they come home, they're also going to get a bill that will drive them into personal bankruptcy," said Rep. Xavier Becerra, D-Calif. "It's real. These are folks often living paycheck to paycheck." About 251,000 people in Becerra's Los Angeles district — more than 36 percent — didn't have health insurance in 2012, according to the Census Bureau. That's the third-highest rate in Congress. Rep. Marc Veasey, D-Texas, had the highest rate — 39 percent of his district. He worked with groups in Texas to help people enroll in the program. The health care law is expected to provide coverage to an additional 25 million people by 2016, according to projections by the Congressional Budget Office. At that point, 91 percent of American citiz… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z

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