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2,962 rows where party = "Republican", state = "TX" and year = 2017 sorted by date descending

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http://flores.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399054 Waco Tribune: New tax bill paves way for era of prosperity in 2018 and beyond 2017-12-30 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX Bill Flores F000461 flores.house.gov     legacy By U.S. Rep. Bill Flores There has been an incredible amount of false rhetoric regarding tax reform recently. As a Texas Certified Public Accountant (CPA), former energy CEO and a former chief financial officer for three multi-national businesses, I have a comprehensive and deep real world understanding on the impact of tax policy on American wage growth, economic activity and international competitiveness. I rely on that expertise to write and set the record straight regarding tax reform. As we begin 2018, we have set the framework to usher in a new era of American prosperity. Relief is on the way for working-class American families, many of whom now live paycheck to paycheck. According to recent studies, a majority of these families have less than a $400 cash reserve to handle financial emergencies. In addition, many of these individuals and families have experienced little to no growth in their take-home pay during the 2006-2016 time period. During that time, income inequality grew at the fastest rate in decades, while these families were left behind and saddled with higher health-care costs and higher costs of living. When the House of Representatives started working on tax reform in 2011, these are the families and individuals that we kept in the forefront of our thinking. Our goals during the tax-reform process were twofold first, to help working-class families keep more of their paychecks, and second, and most importantly, to provide a tax infrastructure that would grow jobs and economic opportunities for these families. History proves empirically that tax reform and tax cuts, when properly executed, will generate higher economic growth, more job opportunities and larger paychecks. A quick review of gross domestic product (GDP) growth, employment growth and wage growth following the tax cut/tax reform initiatives of President John F. Kennedy in 1963 (enacted in 1964); President Ronald Reagan in 1981-1982; and again under Reagan in 1986 shows that working-class families experience substantial economic bene… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://burgess.house.gov/blog/?postid=398539 Burgess Releases 2017 Year End Report 2017-12-29 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX Michael Burgess B001248 burgess.house.gov     legacy Lake Dallas, T.X. Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, released the following statement after publishing his 2017 Year End Report detailing key accomplishments and services for the 26th District. I commenced the 115th Congress with great hope for what we could accomplish for North Texas families in 2017. Reflecting on the last year, it is clear we have achieved several legislative victories and made significant strides in areas where work remains. From committee hearings to town halls, case work to media interviews, I am committed to serving the 26th District to the best of my ability. Since the start of my service in Congress, I have prioritized communicating with residents of the 26th District. This report is one way to hold myself accountable to my constituents, and I hope they will review it and let me know how I can best serve them and their families as we look ahead to 2018. The complete 2017 Year End Report is available here. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://ratcliffe.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/delivering-tax-relief-northeast-texans Why I Voted for the Biggest Tax Cuts Since Reagan 2017-12-29 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX John Ratcliffe R000601 ratcliffe.house.gov     legacy BY REP. JOHN RATCLIFFE (R-TEXAS) Three decades ago, Ronald Reagan delivered our country tax reform that spurred such enormous economic growth and prosperity, that it would distinguish him as one of the greatest presidents in our nations history. But since that time, the size and complexity of our tax code have multiplied immensely, and with this, so have the burdens it places on hard-working American families. This is just one reason why the people of Texas 4th District and folks all across the country rose up last year to install new leadership committed to reversing the economic malaise of the previous eight years. They believe like Reagan did that allowing folks to keep more of their hard-earned dollars is the right way to restore the economic competitiveness of our country and reopen the door to the American dream. As a firm believer that more economic freedom is the key to more prosperity, I was proud to vote in Congress for the passage of the biggest tax cut package our country has seen since Reagan. More than 30 years in the making, the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act represents a huge win for the American people. Our legislation focuses on the middle- and lower-class Americans who are burdened most by our current tax code. It provides specific relief for American families, and it puts wind in the sails of small business owners striving to create new jobs. All of these provisions combined will act as jet fuel for our economy truly making America competitive again. Here at home in the 4th District of Texas, these tax cuts will result in putting more than $700 million directly into the hands of the hardworking people I represent, instead of giving it to Washington bureaucrats. One of the primary ways well do this is by doubling the standard deduction from $6,350 to $12,000 for individuals and from $12,700 to $24,000 for married couples effectively creating an expanded zero percent tax bracket. This will directly benefit and provide immediate relief to the 79 percent of tax filers in Texas' 4th Dist… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://ratcliffe.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/icymi-reps-ratcliffe-and-gowdy-discuss-doj-and-fbi-oversight-fox-news ICYMI: Reps. Ratcliffe and Gowdy discuss DOJ and FBI oversight on Fox News 2017-12-29 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX John Ratcliffe R000601 ratcliffe.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON Reps. John Ratcliffe (R-Texas) and Trey Gowdy (R-S.C.) appeared on Fox News' Ingraham Angle Thursday with Jason Chaffetz to discuss theirwork on the House Judiciary and House Oversight Committeesto look into the many abnormalities stemming from DOJ and FBI decisions in 2016 including the handling of the Clinton email investigation. Click here to watch the interview with Ratcliffe and Gowdy Ratcliffe and Gowdy recently interviewed FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe about the many outstanding questions surrounding these decisions. The lawmakers said they are committed to conducting appropriate Congressional oversight to ensure the integrity of the DOJ and FBI is properly restored. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://ratcliffe.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=213 ICYMI: Reps. Ratcliffe and Gowdy discuss DOJ and FBI oversight on Fox News 2017-12-29 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX John Ratcliffe R000601 ratcliffe.house.gov     legacy   0 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=3572 Sen. Cruz Issues Statement on Peaceful Protests in Iran 2017-12-29 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX Ted Cruz C001098 www.cruz.senate.gov     legacy HOUSTON, Texas - U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) issued the following statement in support of the peaceful protestors speaking out against the Iranian regime. "I strongly support and stand in solidarity with the Iranian people who are bravely taking to the streets to speak out against their repressive, brutal government in Tehran. These protests reveal to the world that the Iranian regime would rather export and finance terror beyond its borders--especially to its terrorist proxies in Syria, Gaza, Iraq, Lebanon, and Yemen--than work to meet the basic needs of its own citizens. The Iranian people want freedom and an end to the ayatollahs' reign of terror. The sanctions relief provided under the disastrous Obama nuclear deal has done nothing but line the pockets of Iran's mullahs whose sole desire is to spread their hateful ideology and do everything they can to murder Americans, Israelis, and our allies across Europe and the Middle East. I urge the Trump Administration to do everything possible to support these courageous protestors, and I call upon freedom-loving nations everywhere to rally behind and publicly express their support for the Iranian people." ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=3570 VIDEO: Another Incredible Year Fighting For Texans 2017-12-27 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX Ted Cruz C001098 www.cruz.senate.gov     legacy HOUSTON, Texas U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today released the following video highlighting his service to 28 million Texans in 2017. From repealing Obamacares individual mandate in Congress historic tax reform bill, to securing five Cruz-authored pieces of legislation signed into law by President Trump, which included his bill to provide immediate tax relief to victims of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, Sen. Cruz has fought tirelessly for the Lone Star state. Watch the full video here. I wake up each day grateful to serve 28 million Texans, Sen. Cruz said. Though 2017 has brought its share of challenges to Texas, America has witnessed the resilient, can-do spirit of our state, as we work to rebuild our homes, neighborhoods, and communities. As we reflect on 2017, and look forward to the new year, I remain committed to fighting for Texans in 2018. Sen. Cruz played a critical role in repealing Obamacares individual mandate in Congress historic tax reform bill. By repealing the mandate, 6.5 million Americans who have been unfairly fined by the IRS for not being able to afford health insurance, have immediate and significant relief. Sen. Cruz continues to fight for the millions of Americans who have been hurt under Obamacare, and remains a leader on health care reform efforts. Earlier this year, Sen. Cruz reintroduced Kates Law, which would amend federal law to impose a mandatory minimum sentence of five years for any illegal reentry offense. President Trump signed into law the FY 2018 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which included 13 Cruz amendments critical to Texas and U.S. national security. As a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Sen. Cruz led the effort to confirm Justice Neil Gorsuch to fill the Supreme Court vacancy left by the passing of Justice Antonin Scalia. In a speech on the Senate floor, Sen. Cruz urged his colleagues to honor the will of the American people, and confirm Justice Gorsuch swiftly. Sen. Cruz introduced the El Chapo Act, which would reserve any amounts forfeited to … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=video&id=3571 2017 2017-12-27 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX Ted Cruz C001098 www.cruz.senate.gov     legacy Central TX (512) 916-5834 300 E 8th Suite 961 Austin, TX 78701 Email North TX (214) 599-8749 Lee Park Tower II 3626 N. Hall St. Suite 410 Dallas, TX 75219 Email Southeast TX (713) 718-3057 808 Travis Street Suite 1420 Houston, TX 77002 Email South/Cen. TX (210) 340-2885 9901 IH-10W Suite 950 San Antonio, TX 78230 Email East TX (903) 593-5130305 S. Broadway Suite 501 Tyler, TX 75702 Email South TX (956) 686-7339 200 S. 10th St Suite 1603 McAllen, TX 78501 Email Washington, D.C. (202) 224-5922 404 Russell Washington, DC 20510 Contact 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mccaul.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/year-in-review-chairman-mccaul-lauds-committee-s-2017-achievements Year in Review: Chairman McCaul Lauds Committees 2017 Achievements 2017-12-23 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX Michael McCaul M001157 mccaul.house.gov     legacy Washington D.C. House Homeland Security Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX) released the following statement highlighting the Committees many legislative accomplishments in the first session of the 115thCongress. This includes legislation to secure Americas borders, protect against cyber-attacks, ensure that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) runs efficiently, and shield the homeland from both international and domestic threats. With 80 Committee bills passed this year, Politico recently named the House Homeland Security Committee the hardest working Committee in Congress. Chairman McCaul: With each passing day, the threats facing our homeland continue to grow. The House has passed dozens of Committee bills aimed at bolstering our efforts to fight terror at home and abroad, secure and defend our borders, protect our digital networks from cyber intruders, improve information sharing and support Americas first responders. In 2018, the House Homeland Security Committee will continue to lead the charge to do even more to protect our homeland. I look forward to working alongside my colleagues in both chambers of Congress, as well as our partners in the Executive Branch, next year to provide the direction and support needed to combat an ever-evolving threat landscape to keep the American people safe and secure. Notable legislation includes: H.R. 2825, Department of Homeland Security Reauthorization Act of 2017 The first ever, comprehensive reauthorization of DHS passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support with a vote of 386-41. This bill eliminates and streamlines programs within DHS, re-asserts Congresss Article I authority, protects taxpayer dollars, and supports Americas first responders and front-line defenders. H.R. 3359, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Act of 2017 This bill creates a stand-alone operational organization within the Department to elevate and prioritize its vital obligation to protect our cybersecurity networks. H.R. 3548, Border Security for America Act … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=blog&id=3573 Cruz News: December 23, 2017 2017-12-23 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX Ted Cruz C001098 www.cruz.senate.gov     legacy December 23, 2017 Greetings, This week, Congress passed historic and meaningful tax reform. This bill provides significant relief for working men and women, and job creators. For middle class families across Texas and the country, Christmas has come early. These tax cuts champion small business owners, job creators, and farmers and ranchers by taking our high corporate tax rate the highest in the developed world and bringing it back down to a level that will generate jobs here at home and unleash the American economy by bringing roughly $2.9 trillion in capitol back to our economy. That is why it was no surprise that within 24 hours of Congress passing the tax bill, several major American companies, including Texas own AT&T, announced bonuses and pay raises for their employees, as well as further investments into their communities. These tax cuts will benefit people from all walks of life by nearly doubling the standard deduction and cutting rates for individual taxpayers in all brackets, ensuring that Americans in every tax bracket will see their take home pay go up and their taxes go down. And Texas taxpayers will be able to write off up to $10,000 in their property taxes, a measure I fought to maintain. This historic tax reform bill will be a boon to working families across the country by doubling the child tax credit from $1,000 a child, to $2,000 a child and by the inclusion of my Student Opportunity Amendment in the final bill, an amendment which expands 529 College Savings Plans by allowing parents to now save up to $10K per year per child to use for K-12 education expenses in public, private, and religious schools. And by repealing Obamacares individual mandate, this tax reform bill ensures that the 6.5 million Americans who have been unfairly fined by the IRS for not being able to afford health insurance will now have immediate and significant relief. This legislation was a significant step in fulfilling the promise we made to the American people to give them real, fundamental tax relief, and I w… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=3568 Sen Cruz: The Love and Kindness of Texans Helping Texans Shines Bright This Christmas 2017-12-23 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX Ted Cruz C001098 www.cruz.senate.gov     legacy HOUSTON, Texas U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) issued the following statement in advance of Christmas Day: Across the Lone Star state, Texans are sharing the joy of Christmas with their neighbors. In Spring, Orphan Care Solutions is supporting foster families who were hit by Hurricane Harvey. In Fort Worth, families are sending Christmas cards to loved ones through the Tarrant Area Food Bank, while providing meals to many local Texans. In Austin, families are sponsoring families in need through SAFE Austins Project Santa. And all across the state, Texans are sending Christmas cards and prayers to lift up Ryland Ward, the young boy who lost his mother and two sisters in the horrific shooting in Sutherland Springs. All of these are incredible ways that Texans are living out the true meaning of Christmas sacrificial giving, demonstrated when God gave us His only Son through the birth of Jesus Christ. The generosity of Texans is also a reminder of Christs faithfulness in our time of need. Heidi and I pray that each and every one of you find peace and joy this Christmas and have a blessed New Year with your friends and family. May God be with you all and may He continue to watch over our great State of Texas. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://carter.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=40&itemid=2295 Carter Pledges Support for the ME TOO Congress Act 2017-12-22 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX John Carter C001051 carter.house.gov     legacy Congressman John Carter (TX-31) cosponsored H.R. 4396, the Member and Employee Training and Oversight on Congress Act of 2017 (ME TOO Congress Act). With the recent allegations of misconduct, its painfully obvious that Congress needs serious reforms, Congressman Carter said. Any Member that abuses their power is inexcusable, and the secret use of taxpayer dollars to settle these cases is indefensible. The ME TOO Congress Act introduces transparency into the settlement process, and empowers individuals to come forward by putting reforms in place to end undue burdens on victims. Every woman and man in America should be able to work in a safe and respectful environment, and Congress should lead by example. Rep. Carter represents Texas District 31, which includes Fort Hood, the largest active duty armored military installation in the free world. He serves as Chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Appropriations, co-chairman of the Congressional Army Caucus, is on the Subcommittee for Commerce, Justice and Science and the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. # # # 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://arrington.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=98 Arrington Statement on Tax Reform Becoming Law 2017-12-22 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX Jodey C. Arrington A000375 arrington.house.gov arrington https://arrington.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 scraper Congressman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) today released the following statement after President Donald J. Trump signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (H.R.1) into law. “With the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act officially signed into law, we’ll be ringing in the new year with a simplified tax code that promises bigger paychecks and better jobs for the American people. In fact, just days after passage, we’re already seeing a renewed sense of optimism as job creators commit to offering bonuses, raising wages, and increasing investments here at home as a result of tax reform. “I’m grateful to President Trump and Chairman Brady for their leadership and delivering on this promised tax relief, and I look forward to witnessing a comeback of the greatest economy in the world.” BACKGROUND The median household income (married couple with two children) of $67,002 in District 19 will see a $1,346 tax cut. The median household income (all households) of $47,875 in District 19 will see a $1,127 tax cut. As a result of Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: AT&T is giving 200,000 employees a $1,000 bonus and investing $1 billion more in the US. Boeing is going to make a $300 million investment. Wells Fargo and Fifth Third Bancorp are both hiking minimum wage pay to $15/hour. Comcast is awarding a $1,000 bonus to more than 100,000 frontline and non-executive employees and investing $50 billion over the next five years in infrastructure. Bank of America is rewarding roughly 145,000 employees with bonuses. Sinclair Broadcast says it will pay $1,000 bonuses to almost 9,000 employees. Click HERE for a summary of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. ### OPINION: Here’s how we put America on a path to fiscal balance March 26, 2026 | Posted in In the News Arrington Supports Balanced Budget Amendment, Calls for Article V Convention to Restore Fiscal Sanity March 18, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases Arrington Introduces Legislation to Strengthen Customs Enforcement March 13, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases OPINION: Congress must stop rewarding states for wasting taxpaye… 1 2026-04-07T12:09:11Z 2026-04-08T22:19:19Z
https://carter.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1338 Carter Pledges Support for the ME TOO Congress Act 2017-12-22 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX John R. Carter C001051 carter.house.gov carter https://carter.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 scraper Congressman John Carter (TX-31) cosponsored H.R. 4396, the Member and Employee Training and Oversight on Congress Act of 2017 (ME TOO Congress Act). “With the recent allegations of misconduct, it’s painfully obvious that Congress needs serious reforms,” Congressman Carter said. “Any Member that abuses their power is inexcusable, and the secret use of taxpayer dollars to settle these cases is indefensible. The ME TOO Congress Act introduces transparency into the process, and empowers individuals to come forward by putting reforms in place to end undue burdens on victims. Every woman and man in America should be able to work in a safe and respectful environment, and Congress should lead by example.” Rep. Carter represents Texas District 31, which includes Fort Hood, the largest active duty armored military installation in the free world. He serves as Chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Appropriations, co-chairman of the Congressional Army Caucus, is on the Subcommittee for Commerce, Justice and Science and the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T22:19:19Z
https://kevinbrady.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401014 SIGNED INTO LAW: First Overhaul of Nations Tax Code in 31 Years 2017-12-22 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX Kevin Brady B000755 kevinbrady.house.gov     legacy SIGNED INTO LAW: First Overhaul of Nations Tax Code in 31 Years New Year New Tax Code f t # e Washington, December 22, 2017 WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Congressman Kevin Brady (TX-08), lead author of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, today released the following statement after President Donald Trump signed this historic legislation into law: Today is truly a historic day for the American people. By signing the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, President Trump put our nations broken tax code behind us and ignited a new era of American prosperity. This legislation will deliver real relief to hardworking families in my district and across the country who will be able to keep more of the money they earn. It will create more opportunities for workers to find that next new job, earn that long-overdue raise, and get ahead. And it will revitalize our economy so American businesses can once again compete and win anywhere in the world but especially here at home. As Ive said before, comprehensive tax reform is the biggest legislative challenge of any generation. But with President Trumps leadership, we were able to overcome that challenge and deliver on our promise to the American people. Im proud to say there will be a new tax code a pro-growth, pro-family, pro-America tax code in the New Year. President Trump and Congressman Brady shaking hands at White House Press Conference on December 20th, 2017. CLICK HERE to see how much tax relief the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will deliver to middle-income families in every Congressional district who will take the new, larger standard deduction. CLICK HERE to learn more about the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. PERMALINK f t # e 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://ratcliffe.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-ratcliffe-mcsally-pittenger-call-doj-investigate-obama Reps. Ratcliffe, McSally, Pittenger to call on DOJ to investigate Obama administrations relationship with Hezbollah 2017-12-22 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX John Ratcliffe R000601 ratcliffe.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON Reps. John Ratcliffe (R-Texas), Martha McSally (R-Ariz.) and Robert Pittenger (R-N.C.) will call on the Justice Department (DOJ) to investigate the Obama administrations actions to thwart the arrest and prosecution of individuals running drug trafficking and money laundering operations to fund Hezbollah. Obamas nuclear deal with Iran was a bad deal in itself and new revelations of the illicit actions that were ignored to secure it are even worse. Unsurprisingly, the Obama administration put politics ahead of justice at the expense of national security. Weve got to ensure that painfully misguided decisions like this wont ever happen again, Ratcliffe said. Recently uncovered evidence points very directly to a disturbing conclusion: that the Obama administration intentionally shielded the Iran-backed terrorist group, Hezbollah, from an ongoing investigation in order to secure the deeply flawed Iran Deal, said Rep. McSally. The American people deserve to know whether their President did indeed pick his political agenda over the safety of our country and our allies, allowing the worlds most dangerous terrorist group to continue to launder money and traffic illicit drugs to fuel their violence. This letter calls for an investigation into these incriminating facts. Our national security depends on it. Hezbollah is one of the most ruthless terrorist organizations in the world. The allegations that Obamas administration derailed a major investigation into this barbaric terror group in order to secure the deeply flawed Iran Nuclear deal are shocking and infuriating. We need to get to the bottom of this. The American people deserve to know the truth, Pittenger said. The call for an investigation comes on the heels a report released this week that the Obama administration undermined Project Cassandra, a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) campaign to target Hezbollahs drug trafficking operations. Despite evidence that Hezbollah was running a $1-billion-a-year drug and weapons trafficking operation, laundering… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://ratcliffe.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=216 Reps. Ratcliffe, McSally, Pittenger to call on DOJ to investigate Obama administrations relationship with Hezbollah 2017-12-22 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX John Ratcliffe R000601 ratcliffe.house.gov     legacy   0 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/content/news/cornyn-declaraci%C3%B3n-sobre-la-legislaci%C3%B3n-de-alivio-para-los-desastres Cornyn Declaración sobre la Legislación de Alivio para los Desastres 2017-12-22 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX John Cornyn C001056 www.cornyn.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTONSenador John Cornyn (R-TX) emiti la siguiente declaracin sobre el proyecto de ley de $81 mil millones para ayuda para desastres: Aplaudo a la delegacin del Congreso de Texas por su arduo trabajo en ayudar a pasar alivio adicional para los desastres para los Texanos impactados por el Huracn Harvey. Aunque aprecio el liderazgo Republicano en la Cmara de Representantes moviendo otro proyecto de ley para alivio para los desastres antes de la Navidad, desafortunadamente los Demcratas del Senado se niegan a cooperar. Trabajando con el Gobernador Abbott, en las prximas semanas seguir revisando la legislacin pasado por la Cmara de Representantes. Obtener los recursos necesarios para restaurar y reconstruir Texas es mi principal prioridad, y quiero asegurarme de que el proyecto de ley logre este objetivo. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/content/news/cornyn-led-bills-signed-law-2017 Cornyn-Led Bills Signed into Law in 2017 2017-12-22 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX John Cornyn C001056 www.cornyn.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON Five major pieces of legislation introduced by U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) have become law during the 115th Congress, with two more currently waiting on the Presidents signature. These include legislation to combat online child exploitation, a bill to incentivize law enforcement agencies to hire military veterans, and legislation to help reduce the rape kit backlog, among others. Signed Into Law American Law Enforcement Heroes (Became law 06/02/17) Incentivizes state and local jurisdictions to use existing federal grant money to hire veterans as new law enforcement officers. More information here. PROTECT Our Children Act (Became law 11/02/17) Reauthorizes the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force Program, which combats child exploitation nationwide. More information here. Javier Vega Memorial Act (Became law 11/02/17) Honors fallen U.S. Border Patrol Agent Javier Vega, Jr. for his service by renaming the Border Patrol checkpoint where he was assigned, along the U.S. Highway 77 North in Sarita, Texas, after him. More information here. More information here. MANIFEST for Human Spaceflight Act (Passed as a part of the NASA Reauthorization Act and became law 03/21/17) Requires NASA to develop plans for the future of U.S. human space exploration and set the goal of landing an astronaut on Mars. More information here. Court-Appointed Guardian Accountability and Senior Protection Act (Passed as a part of the Elder Abuse Prevention Act and became law 10/18/17) Helps to protect seniors from neglect and financial exploitation by strengthening oversight and accountability for guardians and conservators. More information here. Awaiting the Presidents Signature SAFER Act (Passed Senate 10/23/17, passed House 12/21/17, awaiting Presidents signature) Reauthorizes, strengthens, and extends the Sexual Assault Forensic Reporting program to help fight the nationwide rape kit backlog. More information here. Jobs for Our Heroes Act (Passed Senate 09/14/17, passed House 12/21/17, awaiting Pres… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/content/news/cornyn-statement-disaster-relief-bill Cornyn Statement on Disaster Relief Bill 2017-12-22 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX John Cornyn C001056 www.cornyn.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTONU.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement regarding the $81 billion disaster aid supplemental package: I applaud the Texas congressional delegation for their hard work in helping to pass additional disaster relief for Texans impacted by Hurricane Harvey. While I appreciate House Republican leadership moving another disaster relief bill before Christmas, unfortunately Senate Democrats are refusing to cooperate. Working with Governor Abbott, over the next few weeks I will continue to review the House-passed bill. Getting the necessary resources to restore and rebuild Texas is my top priority, and I want to ensure the bill achieves this goal. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=3565 ICYMI: Sen. Cruz Op-Ed in The Corpus Christi Caller Times: D.C.'s Role in the Texas Recovery 2017-12-22 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX Ted Cruz C001098 www.cruz.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) penned an op-ed for the Corpus Christi Caller Times outlining Congress support for Texas recovery in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, including the Cruz-Cornyn-Rubio tax relief bill, which provides additional tax deductions and waives penalties for withdrawals from tax-advantaged accounts for those in storm affected areas, allowing storm victims to keep more of their money as they work to rebuild. Read the op-ed in its entirety here and below: D.C.'s role in the Texas recovery Corpus Christi Caller Times By: Sen. Ted Cruz December 21, 2017 As the New Year approaches, we should reflect on the incredible strength and resilience Texans have demonstrated in the face of disaster. There is no denying that Texas Gulf Coast communities suffered tremendous losses from Hurricane Harvey. But the hurricane also brought out the best in Texas, as we saw Texans standing together and lifting each other up, first through rescue and response, and now in rebuilding our homes and cities. The nation has witnessed our iconic moments from the thousands of Texans who went out on boats to save their neighbors, to people of all ages lining up to volunteer at disaster recovery centers, embodying that can do Texas spirit. All of this is proof that Texas is coming back stronger than ever. Texas has also demonstrated resilience beyond the Lone Star State. It is no secret that agreement in Washington between Democrats and Republicans is hard to come by these days. Yet in the wake of Harvey, we have seen bipartisan cooperation in Congress, with Republicans and Democrats uniting to provide the storm relief that Texas needs. I am proud of the work that Sen. John Cornyn, the Texas Members of the U.S. House of Representatives, Gov. Greg Abbott, and I have accomplished together in securing more than $50 billion of emergency funds for victims of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria. The Texas delegation has stood united, and our victory in D.C. ensured that Texans received immediate aid to begin the r… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=3567 Sen. Cruz: 'The U.S. Stands With the People of Nicaragua' 2017-12-22 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX Ted Cruz C001098 www.cruz.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), along with Sens. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), David Perdue (R-Ga.), Dick Durbin (D-Il.), and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) introduced the Nicaraguan Investment Conditionality Act (NICA). This bipartisan legislation aims to hold President Daniel Ortega and his regime accountable for its corrupt practices and abuse of human rights by conditioning U.S. approval of international loans to the Government of Nicaragua. A similar effort led by Reps. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla.) and Albio Sires (D-N.J.), passed the House of Representatives this past October. The Ortega regime has gone unchecked for far too long. Hijacking electoral institutions and repressing the opposition has severely undermined democratic order and the will of the people. It is incumbent on the U.S. to address Ortegas brazen overreach and incentivize meaningful reform," Sen. Cruz said. If we allow Nicaraguas ruling elite to exploit international loans to further embed their corrupt enterprises with anti-American regimes, we are turning a blind eye. From Venezuelas petro-dollars scheme to Russias arms sales and intelligence operations this external influence will solidify the future for the people of Nicaragua, and raises national security implications not only for the U.S., but for all of our allies throughout the Western Hemisphere. The United States should strongly support the rights of people in this hemisphere to freedom of expression and association, free and fair elections, an independent judiciary, and the rule of law, Sen. Leahy said. In Nicaragua, President Ortega has subverted the institutions of democracy to enrich himself and consolidate his hold on power. That is not something the international financial institutions, which receive significant U.S. taxpayer funds, should condone or support. This bill is intended to send a message to the Nicaraguan Government, and to the Nicaraguan business community, that corruption and impunity have a price. As w… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=3569 VIDEO: Five Cruz Laws in 2017 2017-12-22 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX Ted Cruz C001098 www.cruz.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today released the following video highlighting his five pieces of legislation signed into law by President Trump in 2017. Watch the full video here. From charting an ambitious course for the manned exploration of the moon, to securing crucial tax relief for all Texans, including targeted relief for hurricane survivors along the Texas Gulf Coast, it continues to be an honor serving the 28 million Texans in the Lone Star state, Sen. Cruz said. I am working day and night to secure the resources our state needs to rebuild even stronger. In March, President Trump signed the Cruz-Nelson NASA Transition Authorization Act, which reaffirms NASAs core mission, and ensures the Johnson Space Center remains the crown jewel of NASAs human spaceflight missions. Later, President Trump signed into law a bill sponsored by Sen. Cruz and Rep. Kevin Brady (R-Texas) to disapprove and nullify a drug-testing rule issued by the U.S. Department of Labor under the previous administration. The rule undermined the ability of states to conduct drug testing in their unemployment programs. North Korea has grown more hostile toward America and our allies, and is committed to destabilizing the Asia-Pacific region. Sen. Cruz introduced legislation mandating the State Department report on designating North Korea as a state sponsor of terrorism, which was included in the bipartisan Countering Americas Adversaries Through Sanctions Act. President Trump signed this bill into law in August and in November affirmatively designated North Korea as a state sponsor of terrorism. In the wake of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, Sen. Cruz, along with Sens. John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) introduced a bill to provide crucial and immediate tax relief to storm survivors along the Gulf Coast, in Puerto Rico, and in the Virgin Islands. President Trump signed it into law shortly thereafter. Additionally, Sen. Cruzs Student Opportunity Amendment, the most far-reaching federal school choice legislation … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=video&id=3566 5 Cruz Laws in 2017 2017-12-22 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX Ted Cruz C001098 www.cruz.senate.gov     legacy Central TX (512) 916-5834 300 E 8th Suite 961 Austin, TX 78701 Email North TX (214) 599-8749 Lee Park Tower II 3626 N. Hall St. Suite 410 Dallas, TX 75219 Email Southeast TX (713) 718-3057 808 Travis Street Suite 1420 Houston, TX 77002 Email South/Cen. TX (210) 340-2885 9901 IH-10W Suite 950 San Antonio, TX 78230 Email East TX (903) 593-5130305 S. Broadway Suite 501 Tyler, TX 75702 Email South TX (956) 686-7339 200 S. 10th St Suite 1603 McAllen, TX 78501 Email Washington, D.C. (202) 224-5922 404 Russell Washington, DC 20510 Contact 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://burgess.house.gov/blog/?postid=398532 Burgess Statement on Texas 1115 Waiver Extension 2017-12-21 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX Michael Burgess B001248 burgess.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, released the following statement after the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) approved Texas Section 1115 Medicaid waiver extension. The extension of the states Section 1115 Medicaid waiver is great news for patients and doctors in Texas. As a key advocate of this collaboration between CMS and the State of Texas, I am glad to see an agreement reached that will ensure millions of Texans continue to receive the care they need. This waiver extension allows vital Medicaid dollars to reach hospitals that provide care to disadvantaged and underserved patients in Texas an important priority for hospitals across the state, especially those in North Texas. Hospitals, such as Parkland Memorial in Dallas, depend on these crucial Medicaid payments to offer care, and I commend the State of Texas and CMS for working together and reaching this important agreement that is a win for Texas patients and healthcare providers. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://burgess.house.gov/blog/?postid=398537 House Passes CR, Extending Temporary Funding for Critical Public Health Programs and Relief for States in Need of CHIP Funds 2017-12-21 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX Michael Burgess B001248 burgess.house.gov     legacy House Passes CR, Extending Temporary Funding for Critical Public Health Programs and Relief for States in Need of CHIP Funds WASHINGTON, DC The House of Representatives today passed a Continuing Resolution (CR) to fund the government, by a vote of 231-188. Included in the CR is a provision providing short-term funding for the state Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP). This temporary patch is similar to one passed by the House earlier this month. Also included in the CR is a short-term funding stream for the Community Health Center Fund, the National Health Service Corps, Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education, and the Special Diabetes Program. Funding for CHIP and other public health priorities expired on September 30, 2017. The House of Representatives passed H.R. 3922, the CHAMPIONING HEALTHY KIDS Act, extending funding for CHIP, Community Health Centers and other important public health programs, on November 3, 2017, by a bipartisan vote. H.R. 3922 is fully offset through responsible reforms like reducing federal subsidies for seniors earning more than $500,000 each year (or $40,000 each month) by limiting government contributions for their Part B and D premiums, and disenrolling lottery jackpot winners from Medicaid to prioritize the most vulnerable. Under current law, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is restricted by a statutory formula in how it allocates redistribution funds to cover state shortfalls that are occurring in the absence of funded FY2018 CHIP allotments. This policy extends the CR provision that gave CMS more flexibility over the use of redistribution funds through the period ending March 31, 2017, and modifies the rule so CMS will make monthly determinations of states projected shortfalls. This policy also requires the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services to distribute funds in the order in which states experience shortfalls. Overall, it is estimated that these funds would be available through the length of the short-term… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://carter.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=40&itemid=2294 Carter Statement on Emergency Disaster Aid Package 2017-12-21 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX John Carter C001051 carter.house.gov     legacy Congressman John Carter (TX-31) released the following statement after the House passed H.R. 4667, the Emergency Disaster Aid Package. The people impacted by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, and the California wildfires are suffering in the aftereffects of these tragic natural disasters. This legislation provides an additional $81 billion to help rebuild, recover and reduce the impact of future natural disasters. Americans still need help as they continue to clean-up and rebuild their waterlogged homes, or search through the ashes left behind by deadly wildfires. This money will go a long way in helping to sustain the rebuilding efforts and return our neighbors back to normal as quickly as possible. Rep. Carter represents Texas District 31, which includes Fort Hood, the largest active duty armored military installation in the free world. He serves as Chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Appropriations, co-chairman of the Congressional Army Caucus, is on the Subcommittee for Commerce, Justice and Science and the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. # # # 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://carter.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1337 Carter Statement on Emergency Disaster Aid Package 2017-12-21 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX John R. Carter C001051 carter.house.gov carter https://carter.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 scraper Congressman John Carter (TX-31) released the following statement after the House passed H.R. 4667, the Emergency Disaster Aid Package. “The people impacted by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, and the California wildfires are suffering in the aftereffects of these tragic natural disasters. This legislation provides an additional $81 billion to help rebuild, recover and reduce the impact of future natural disasters. “Americans still need help as they continue to clean-up and rebuild their waterlogged homes, or search through the ashes left behind by deadly wildfires. This money will go a long way in helping to sustain the rebuilding efforts and return our neighbors back to normal as quickly as possible.” Rep. Carter represents Texas District 31, which includes Fort Hood, the largest active duty armored military installation in the free world. He serves as Chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Appropriations, co-chairman of the Congressional Army Caucus, is on the Subcommittee for Commerce, Justice and Science and the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T22:19:19Z
https://culberson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398841 Rep. Culberson Statement on Passage of $81 Billion Disaster Aid Package 2017-12-21 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX John Culberson C001048 culberson.house.gov     legacy Watch my full comments on the floor here. Washington D.C. Rep. John Culberson (TX-07) released the following statement today after the House passed H.R. 4667, which will provide $81 billion in federal assistance for Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, calendar year 2017 wildfires, and for other purposes. I am greatly encouraged at the passage of the Disaster Recovery Supplemental bill today. This is a tremendous step in the right direction as we continue to rebuild, recover and press ahead toward a stronger, more resilient Texas. I thank Chairman Frelinghuysen for his leadership and partnership to make changes to the bill that will ensure the good people of Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands are provided the resources they need. As I requested, this bill fully funds all federally authorized flood control projects in Harris County and in all other Texas disaster area counties. This means Brays Bayou can be finished with front loaded funding. I also won passage of language prioritizing Army Corps funding to counties like Harris that have suffered repeated floods in recent years. In turn, this will help us get a third reservoir built to keep water out of Addicks and Barker Reservoirs. Additionally, I won approval of language to help compensate property owners who were flooded when the Corps opened the gates on Addicks and Barker Reservoirs.Hurricane Harvey caused the largest housing disaster in American history, so we will undoubtedly need more Community Development Block Grants-Disaster Recovery housing grant dollars in the future, but, again, this bill is a giant step in the right direction. I look forward to working with the Senate on this vital legislation so that all affected by this years storms can have more peace of mind this Christmas and a brighter 2018. Bill Highlights: H.R. 4667 Total:$81 billion in emergency spending for programs and activities to respond to recent hurricanes, wildfires, and other designated disasters. In addition to funding requests, Rep. Culberson… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://kevinbrady.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=400992 Texas, Florida join Forces to Nearly Double Federal Disaster Aid 2017-12-21 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX Kevin Brady B000755 kevinbrady.house.gov     legacy Texas, Florida join Forces to Nearly Double Federal Disaster Aid Texas in line for billions of dollars for projects to prevent future flooding f t # e Washington, December 21, 2017 This is a breakthrough for preventing future flooding share: f t WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the House of Representatives passed $81 billion in new disaster recovery funds to provide for relief for Hurricane Harvey and other natural disasters, including crucial flood mitigation projects. Texas and Florida congressional delegations joined forces to significantly increase the original $44 billion funding request from the Office of Management and Budget. In addition to more FEMA, housing, business, agriculture, infrastructure and economic development funding, the measure includes $12.5 billion to help communities protect against future natural disasters and prevent repetitive costs. Upon passage by a 251 to 169 margin, a coalition of U.S. Representatives (Rep. Kevin Brady, Rep. Brian Babin, Rep. John Culberson, Rep. Michael McCaul, Rep. Pete Olson, Rep. Ted Poe, and Rep. Randy Weber) from districts impacted by Hurricane Harvey issued the following joint statement: This is a breakthrough for preventing future flooding. In addition to funding Texass ongoing recovery needs, we have succeeded in securing billions of dollars to prevent future flooding of our homes and communities. Texas could be eligible for up to $15 billion in aid, including a $10.5 billion pool for flood mitigation projects. Many of our key regional projects can move forward with this funding, some of which are already authorized and awaiting funding others which require updated studies and assessment as a crucial first step. BACKGROUND In the wake of the damage caused by Hurricane Harvey and the other nat… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mccaul.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/mccaul-applauds-tax-relief-for-hardworking-americans-0 McCaul Applauds Tax Relief for Hardworking Americans 2017-12-21 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX Michael McCaul M001157 mccaul.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX), Chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee anda senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, applauds the House passage of the final version of H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act, to reform our tax code. Congressman McCaul: Today is a historic day. With my support, the House passed the final version of H.R. 1 to reform Americas broken tax code. This once-in-a-generation tax reform bill will provide hardworking American families and job creators big and small with much-needed relief and flexibility. To highlight some key provisions, we eliminate one of the most disastrous parts of Obamacare, the individual mandate, so Americans are no longer forced by the government to purchase insurance they do not want or need. Also, by doubling the standard deduction in our tax code, we are providing families with bigger paychecks and a simpler, fairer tax filing process. Furthermore, in lowering the corporate tax rate and providing for repatriation of foreign funds, we are bolstering investment here at home, allowing our tech hubs, like Austin, and other business communities to compete internationally once again. Lastly, by creating a new deduction for pass-through businesses, we are rewarding small businesses that for too long have been subject to unfair tax rates. These changes ensure the American entrepreneurial spirit that for generations has driven innovation and cultivated the worlds greatest economy is alive once again. I applaud my fellow Texan, Chairman Kevin Brady, and my colleagues in both chambers for their steadfast leadership on delivering relief, lower taxes, and bigger paychecks to millions of hardworking American families. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will: Lower individual tax rates; Repeal Obamacares individual mandate; Expand the child tax credit from $1,000 to $2,000; Roughly double the standard deduction, allowing about 90% of taxpayers to file their taxes on a postcard; Lower the corporate tax rate from 35% - one of the highest in t… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mccaul.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/mccaul-votes-to-nearly-double-federal-disaster-aid McCaul Votes to Nearly Double Federal Disaster Aid 2017-12-21 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX Michael McCaul M001157 mccaul.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C.- Today, with my support the House of Representatives passed a supplemental disaster recovery funding package to provide relief from Hurricane Harvey and other natural disasters. This package will not only provide relief to victims of Harvey, it will allow Texas to move forward on several crucial flood mitigation projects, like the Cypress Creek Reservoir Project, to prevent future disasters. Texas and Florida congressional delegations joined forces to significantly increase the original $44 billion funding request from the Office of Management and Budget. In addition to more FEMA, housing, business, agriculture, infrastructure and economic development funding, the measure includes $12.5 billion to help communities protect against future natural disasters and prevent repetitive costs. Upon passage by a 251 to 169 margin, a coalition of U.S. Representatives Michael McCaul, Kevin Brady, Brian Babin, John Culberson, Pete Olson, Ted Poe, and Randy Weber from districts impacted by Hurricane Harvey issued the following joint statement: This is a breakthrough for preventing future flooding. In addition to funding Texass ongoing recovery needs, we have succeeded in securing billions of dollars to prevent future flooding of our homes and communities. Texas could be eligible for up to $15 billion in aid, including a $10.5 billion pool for flood mitigation projects. Many of our key regional projects can move forward with this funding, some of which are already authorized and awaiting funding others which require updated studies and assessment as a crucial first step. BACKGROUND In the wake of the damage caused by Hurricane Harvey and the other natural disasters that struck across America in 2017, Congress crafted legislation to provide relief and recovery funds to the affected areas. Alongside important FEMA Disaster Relief Funds and HUD Community Development Block Grants, this includes additional funding for the United States Army Corps of Engineers. Eligible Projects Include: - Addicks and Bark… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://poe.house.gov/2017/12/2017-wrap-up 2017 Wrap Up 2017-12-21 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX Ted Poe P000592 poe.house.gov     legacy The people of South East Texas have had quite a year. From hosting the Super Bowl and winning the World Series to surviving Hurricane Harvey and playing in the snow, we never know what will happen next. As we wind down this crazy year, I want to give you a short recap of five of mytop priorities from the first half of the 115thCongress. 1. Recovering and Rebuilding from Hurricane Harvey In the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, I have been continually impressed by our communities' strength and willingness to help a neighbor in need.This willingness to help others, and not let Hurricane Harvey defeat us has shown the rest of the country what it means to be a Texan.There is no doubt we will come back stronger than ever. This is Texas, and it's simply how we do things. This week, Congress approved $81 billion dollars in additional disaster funding, including $12 billion specifically set aside for flood mitigation projects led by the Army Corps of Engineers. To date, Congress has allocated $99.6 billion in disaster funding for 2017's natural disasters (split between Texas, Florida, California and Puerto Rico). My office continues to help constituents follow up with federal agencies for individual assistance from Harvey. If you have any questions related to available resources, please call my Texas office at (281) 446-0242. H.R. 3940,theVeterans Education Disaster Act(Introduced) Provides relief to student veterans who are trying to continue their education, but are denied assistance based on circumstances outside of their control,like natural disasters.This problem rose in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey at Lone Star College in Kingwood. Ensures that veterans continue to receive the housing stipends and supply fee payment waivers that they are entitled to receive when they face extended school closures due to natural disasters. H.R. 3824,theTexas Flood Accountability Act(Introduced) Mandate that the Army Corps of Engineers submit a report to Congresswithin 90 daysfor all dams, reservoirs… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://poe.house.gov/2017/12/poe-and-cornyn-applaud-house-passage-of-safer-move-to-fight-nationwide-rape-kit-backlog POE AND CORNYN APPLAUD HOUSE PASSAGE OF SAFER, MOVE TO FIGHT NATIONWIDE RAPE KIT BACKLOG 2017-12-21 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX Ted Poe P000592 poe.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C.-Today,Congressman Ted Poe (R-TX)and Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the followingstatementsapplauding the Housespassage of the Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence Reporting (SAFER) Act. Unfortunately, thousands ofrape victims across the country are denied justice each day, saidCongressman Poe. For many, rape is a fate worse than death- a victim relives their trauma over and over again. In 2015, the DOJ estimatedthatthere were as many of 4000,000 untested rape kits in the United States. This backlog forces a victim's hand, leaving them unable to produce evidence and pursue justice against their attacker. In 2013, Senator Cornyn and I acted tofix this, introducing SAFER toreduce the number of untested rape kits by allocating already existing funding and resources to states and localities to audit their rape kit backlog. I urge the President to quickly reauthorize SAFER and protect victims of crime, giving victims the justice they deserve. The SAFER Act also ensures pediatric forensic nurses are eligible for training, which addresses the need for pediatric sexual assault nurse examiners in responding to children suffering from abuse. This bill is critical to ensuring law enforcement has the resources they need to finally get justice for victims who often have waited far too long, said Sen. Cornyn. I commend the House for taking action on this vital program before it expires, and I look forward to the President signing it into law. Background: Congressman Poe and Senator Cornynsponsoredthe Sexual Assault Forensic Reporting Act,2013 legislationcreating the SAFERprogram,which has helped law enforcement reduce the rape kit backlog through existing funds under the Debbie Smith Act.Now law, SAFERincreasedthe money that would bespent on untestedrapekits by 35 percent andmandated that5-7 percent be used for SAFER program audits. It helps state and local law enforcement agencies address both the laboratory and storage backlogs by providing funding to conduct one-year audits of untested sexual assault e… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/content/news/cornyn-bill-reduce-barriers-military-members-seeking-commercial-driver%E2%80%99s-licenses-heads Cornyn Bill to Reduce Barriers for Military Members Seeking Commercial Driver’s Licenses Heads to President’s Desk 2017-12-21 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX John Cornyn C001056 www.cornyn.senate.gov     legacy I hope with this bill signedinto law, more members of ourmilitary will be able to utilizethe skills they have acquiredwhile in the military to qualifyfor well-paying jobs in ourcommunities, and we continue touse our best efforts to keepfaith with our veterans who havedone so much for all of us. WASHINGTON U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) praised the House passage of the Jobs for Our Heroes Act, a bill he authored that was championed in the House by Rep. Rob Woodall (GA-7) to reduce barriers for active-duty military, reservists, and veterans applying for Commercial Drivers Licenses (CDLs). Excerpts of Sen. Cornyns remarks are below, and video of his remarks can be found here. More information on the legislation is here. This bill streamlines a processby which active duty military,reservists, and veterans canapply for Commercial Driver'sLicenses, and as the presidingofficer knows and people mayknow generally, there is ashortage of people who can get aCommercial Driver's License andfill these well-paying jobs.This bill would also allowstates to permanently waivelicense requirements for currentservice members and nationalguardsmen if they have militaryexperience driving a comparablevehicle. That way, members of themilitary don't have to gothrough the same old rigmaroletwice.They get trained in themilitary, and then they get out,and then the civilian worldignores the fact that they havetrained and been qualified inthe military, and this billfixes that.I'm honored to have a broadrange of bipartisan support forthis legislation. I hope with this bill signedinto law, more members of ourmilitary will be able to utilizethe skills they have acquiredwhile in the military to qualifyfor well-paying jobs in ourcommunities, and we continue touse our best efforts to keepfaith with our veterans who havedone so much for all of us. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/content/news/cornyn-cruz-praise-confirmation-ryan-patrick-us-attorney-houston Cornyn, Cruz Praise Confirmation of Ryan Patrick for U.S. Attorney in Houston 2017-12-21 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX John Cornyn C001056 www.cornyn.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) released the following statements after the Senate confirmed Ryan Patrick as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas: Ryan Patricks record shows a dedication to public service and respect for the rule of law, said Sen. Cornyn. I proudly recommended him to the President, and I know he will continue to serve Texas well in this new capacity. Ryan Patrickwill be an excellent United States Attorney, Sen. Cruz said. He has a distinguished career as a former prosecutor and judge, and I am confident he will continue tohonorably serveand protect the people of Texas in this new role. Sens. Cornyn and Cruz recommended Ryan Patrick to President Trump following an extensive review and interview process of the candidate pool by the bipartisan Federal Judicial Evaluation Committee (FJEC). The Senators established the FJEC, a bipartisan panel of leading attorneys in Texas, to help identify the most qualified candidates to fill judicial vacancies. The panel reviewed applications, interviewed candidates, and made recommendations to the Senators, who interviewed individuals before making their recommendations to the President. Mr. Patrick is currently the managing partner of The Law Office of Ryan Patrick, PLLC and is Senior Counsel with HooverSlovacek, LLC, where he focuses on criminal defense work.From 2012 to 2016, Mr. Patrick was a judge on the 177th District Court in Houston. From 2006 to 2012, Mr. Patrick served as an Assistant District Attorney with the Harris County District Attorneys Office.He received his B.B.A. from Baylor University in 2001 and his J.D. from South Texas College of Law in 2006. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=3561 ICYMI: Sen. Cruz: The Victory of Tax Reform Will Be in the Pay Stubs of Working Men and Women 2017-12-21 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX Ted Cruz C001098 www.cruz.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. On Wednesday and Thursday, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) appeared on several national and local Texas radio shows to discuss key victories for Texas and American taxpayers in Congress final tax reform bill, including his Student Opportunity Amendment. This amendment expands 529 College Savings Plans to include K-12 elementary and secondary school tuition and expenses for public, private, and religious schools. On Fox News Todd Starnes Show, Sen. Cruz discussed his Student Opportunity Amendment, which is the most far-reaching federal school choice legislation ever passed, and included in the final tax reform bill. The tax cut as a whole makes an enormous difference for working families, for parents, for small businesses, for farmers, for ranchers, and for job creators, for young people all across the country. Theres an enormous amount in this tax bill, that is cutting taxes, and focused on generating jobs and raising wages. There is also as part of this tax bill the most significant federal school choice legislation that has ever passed. Sen. Cruz continued, The amendment I introduced expands 529 Savings Plans. In addition to using them for college, now you can use them as well for K-12 education. You can use them for public school, for private school, for parochial school, for religious school - its up to the parents. Up to $10,000 per year, per child, and that passed into law. While on The Joe Pags Show, Sen. Cruz shared how doubling the standard deduction dramatically simplifies the tax code for the American taxpayer. Now for a married couple, the standard deduction goes from [$12,700] to $24,000. Which means the first $24,000 of income you earn, you pay nothing. And that dramatically simplifies filling out your taxes. So as you noted, roughly 90 percent of taxpayers now will be able to file [their taxes] on a postcard. That is a major simplification. It results in a lot less time, and annoyance, and pain in the neck for taxpayers in Texas and all across the country. On KSKYs The Mark Davis Sho… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=3562 Cruz, Cornyn Praise Confirmation of Ryan Patrick for U.S. Attorney in Houston 2017-12-21 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX Ted Cruz C001098 www.cruz.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) released the following statements after the Senate confirmed Ryan Patrick as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas: Ryan Patrick will be an excellent United States Attorney, Sen. Cruz said. He has a distinguished career as a former prosecutor and judge, and I am confident he will continue to honorably serve and protect the people of Texas in this new role. Ryan Patricks record shows a dedication to public service and respect for the rule of law, said Sen. Cornyn. I proudly recommended him to the President, and I know he will continue to serve Texas well in this new capacity. Sens. Cruz and Cornyn recommended Ryan Patrick to President Trump following an extensive review and interview process of the candidate pool by the bipartisan Federal Judicial Evaluation Committee (FJEC). The Senators established the FJEC, a bipartisan panel of leading attorneys in Texas, to help identify the most qualified candidates to fill judicial vacancies. The panel reviewed applications, interviewed candidates, and made recommendations to the Senators, who interviewed individuals before making their recommendations to the President. Mr. Patrick is currently the managing partner of The Law Office of Ryan Patrick, PLLC and is Senior Counsel with HooverSlovacek, LLC, where he focuses on criminal defense work. From 2012 to 2016, Mr. Patrick was a judge on the 177th District Court in Houston. From 2006 to 2012, Mr. Patrick served as an Assistant District Attorney with the Harris County District Attorneys Office. He received his B.B.A. from Baylor University in 2001 and his J.D. from South Texas College of Law in 2006. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=3564 Sen. Cruz: Congress Must Ensure the Promises Made to Texas Are Fulfilled and Resources Are There to Help Our State Rebuild 2017-12-21 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX Ted Cruz C001098 www.cruz.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Tonight, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) delivered remarks on the Senate floor urging his colleagues to deliver on storm funding for victims of Hurricane Harvey. Watch Sen. Cruzs floor speech in its entirety here. The full text of his remarks is below: Mr. President, as jet fumes swirl around the halls of Congress and members head to the airports to head home for the holidays, I rise to remind my colleagues that there are still hundreds of thousands of people in Texas, in Florida, and in Puerto Rico who are still hurting from Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, and who will be spending Christmas not in their homes, but in a hotel, or with family and friends, or in temporary housing. All across these regions, there are houses, businesses, schools, churches, community establishments that still need to be rebuilt, and they are waiting counting on our help. It is wrong, indeed its maddening to those in the affected regions that the Senate is not taking up legislation today to give them what they need to continue to rebuild and recover. In my home state, there is no doubting that Texas Gulf Coast communities suffered tremendous losses in Hurricane Harvey. But the hurricane also brought out the best in Texas. We saw Texans standing together and lifting each other up. First through rescue and response, and now as we come together and rebuild our communities. The nation witnessed our iconic moments -- from the thousands of Texans who went out on boats to save their neighbors, to Houstonians lining up of all ages to volunteer at disaster recovery centers, embodying that can do Texas spirit. Texas has worked diligently since August on cleanup and recovery efforts from Hurricane Harvey. But I am sorry to say that the United States Senate is now leaving town without delivering on its commitment to help Texas, to help Florida, and to help Puerto Rico recover. Congress has passed two disaster relief bills already in the wake of these hurricanes, and in addition Congress passed a bipartisan disaster relief tax… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=video&id=3563 Sen. Cruz Delivers Floor Speech on Hurricane Harvey Funding - December 21, 2017 2017-12-21 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX Ted Cruz C001098 www.cruz.senate.gov     legacy Central TX (512) 916-5834 300 E 8th Suite 961 Austin, TX 78701 Email North TX (214) 599-8749 Lee Park Tower II 3626 N. Hall St. Suite 410 Dallas, TX 75219 Email Southeast TX (713) 718-3057 808 Travis Street Suite 1420 Houston, TX 77002 Email South/Cen. TX (210) 340-2885 9901 IH-10W Suite 950 San Antonio, TX 78230 Email East TX (903) 593-5130305 S. Broadway Suite 501 Tyler, TX 75702 Email South TX (956) 686-7339 200 S. 10th St Suite 1603 McAllen, TX 78501 Email Washington, D.C. (202) 224-5922 404 Russell Washington, DC 20510 Contact 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://burgess.house.gov/blog/?postid=398527 Burgess Statement on Critical Tax Reform Vote 2017-12-20 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX Michael Burgess B001248 burgess.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Today the United States House of Representatives delivered on its promise to the American people by passing comprehensive tax reform for the first time since 1986. These sweeping improvements will simplify the tax code and empower taxpayers to keep more of their hard-earned money. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will deliver for American families by reducing the rates of the individual tax brackets and nearly doubling the standard deduction while keeping in place the most important deductions; for example, education tuition waivers will remain tax-exempt. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act also eliminates Obamacares individual mandate penalty. Since its inception, I have been a fervent opponent of this egregious overreach that fundamentally alters the relationship between the government and the governed. With our vote today, Congress has begun to restore liberty to the American people. While this tax reform package is not perfect, it is a positive step in the right direction. I commend my fellow Members for their hard work to achieve long-overdue results for North Texans and the American people. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://hensarling.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/hensarling-statement-on-house-and-senate-passage-of-historic-tax-reform Hensarling Statement on House and Senate Passage of Historic Tax Reform 2017-12-20 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX Jeb Hensarling H001036 hensarling.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTONU.S. Congressman Jeb Hensarling (TX-5) released the following statement after the House and Senate passed The Tax Cuts & Jobs Act: For hardworking taxpayers, the day has finally come. The House and Senate passed the historic Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the most meaningful tax reform legislation in over a generation. For those who over the last eight years saw their paychecks stagnate, their savings not recover, and their dreams diminish help is finally on the way. The legislation now sits on the desk of the President for his signature. The law lowers tax rates for all Americans, reduces taxes for Main Street small businesses, and generates more Made in America labels by finally making our corporate tax rate competitive. This tax reform plan was built for growth: growth of take home pay, growth of better jobs, and growth of the American dream. Economic growth is also a vital part of the solution to our deficit, and history has shown that meaningful tax reform leads to robust economic growth above three percent. Combined with smart regulatory relief and competent monetary policy, I fully believe that the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act can and will deliver sustained strong economic growth. Of course, we must combine economic growth with meaningful entitlement reform of current programs for future generations in order to deal with our threatening and unsustainable national debt. Although the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act failed to fully repeal the Death Tax and Alternative Minimum Tax and did not achieve the level of simplicity or flatness I had worked for, it remains a great and historic pro-growth achievement and I am proud to support it. Among several items, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act the legislation will: Lower individual taxes and set specific rates at 0%, 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, and 37% -- allowing you to keep more of the money you earn Roughly double the standard deduction for single and married filers Continue to allow you to write off the cost of state and local taxes enabling the ability to deduct propert… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://hurd.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/hurd-statement-historic-tax-reform Hurd Statement on Historic Tax Reform 2017-12-20 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX Will Hurd H001073 hurd.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Today, the House of Representatives approved the first major tax reform bill since 1986. In response to the historic tax overhaul, U.S. Representative Will Hurd (TX-23) released the following statement: For too long, small businesses have struggled and families have lived paycheck to paycheck. Today, we are providing much-needed relief and keeping more money in the pockets of hardworking Americans. In addition to doubling the standard deduction which 80 percent of my constituents rely on the simplified plan will provide a huge boost to the economy by empowering businesses to hire, invest and spend more right here at home. Americans deserve a fairer and simpler tax code for a new era of American prosperity. I will continue to support policies that champion economic growth and provide families in my district with financial relief. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://kaygranger.house.gov/media/press-releases/granger-statement-final-passage-tax-cut-and-jobs-act Granger Statement on Final Passage of the Tax Cut and Jobs Act 2017-12-20 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX Kay Granger G000377 kaygranger.house.gov     legacy Congresswoman Kay Granger (TX-12) today issued the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: Today, the House passed the most sweeping, pro-growth tax reform since President Reagan. These tax cuts will ensure Texans keep more of their hard earned money. In addition, this legislation not only protects current American jobs but also encourages companies who have moved overseas to come home and bring jobs back to Texas. The bill nearly doubles the standard tax deduction and reduces loopholes, while preserving important tax breaks such as the teacher tax deduction for classroom expenses. With this bill, the typical family of four earning the median family income of $73,000 will receive a tax cut of $2,059. The bill also expands the Child Tax Credit from $1,000 to $2,000 for single filers and married couples to help parents with the cost of raising children. It also allows Texans to write off up to $10,000 of their property taxes. This legislation delivers real relief to businesses by lowering the corporate tax rate to 21 percent, down from 35 percent. In fact, it reduces taxes on small businesses to the lowest theyve been in 40 years. Businesses will be able to immediately write off the full cost of new equipment to improve operations and enhance the skills of their workers. There has been a lot of mischaracterization of what this bill does, but the American people will know the truth when they start to see more money in their paychecks as early as February of next year. Congress has finally delivered on the promise of tax reform, and I am proud to have supported this historic tax bill. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://kaygranger.house.gov/press-release/granger-statement-final-passage-tax-cut-and-jobs-act Granger Statement on Final Passage of the Tax Cut and Jobs Act 2017-12-20 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX Kay Granger G000377 kaygranger.house.gov     legacy Congresswoman Kay Granger (TX-12) today issued the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: Today, the House passed the most sweeping, pro-growth tax reform since President Reagan. These tax cuts will ensure Texans keep more of their hard earned money. In addition, this legislation not only protects current American jobs but also encourages companies who have moved overseas to come home and bring jobs back to Texas. The bill nearly doubles the standard tax deduction and reduces loopholes, while preserving important tax breaks such as the teacher tax deduction for classroom expenses. With this bill, the typical family of four earning the median family income of $73,000 will receive a tax cut of $2,059. The bill also expands the Child Tax Credit from $1,000 to $2,000 for single filers and married couples to help parents with the cost of raising children. It also allows Texans to write off up to $10,000 of their property taxes. This legislation delivers real relief to businesses by lowering the corporate tax rate to 21 percent, down from 35 percent. In fact, it reduces taxes on small businesses to the lowest theyve been in 40 years. Businesses will be able to immediately write off the full cost of new equipment to improve operations and enhance the skills of their workers. There has been a lot of mischaracterization of what this bill does, but the American people will know the truth when they start to see more money in their paychecks as early as February of next year. Congress has finally delivered on the promise of tax reform, and I am proud to have supported this historic tax bill. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://kevinbrady.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=400989 Tax Cuts & Jobs Act Heads to President Trumps Desk 2017-12-20 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX Kevin Brady B000755 kevinbrady.house.gov     legacy Tax Cuts & Jobs Act Heads to President Trumps Desk f t # e Washington, December 20, 2017 WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, the House of Representatives voted to give its final approval of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, officially sending this historic tax reform legislation to President Trumps desk. Upon passage, U.S. Congressman Kevin Brady issued the following statement: With todays vote, the House officially sends historic, transformational tax reform to President Trumps desk. This is an incredibly exciting day for the American people, who have waited years even decades for a simpler, fairer tax code that will grow our economy and allow them to keep more of their hard-earned money. For the first time in three decades, Americans will finally have a tax code that delivers more jobs, fairer taxes, and bigger paychecks to people and families across our nation. Thats great news for people in my home state of Texas and all Americans. CLICK HERE to view Congressman Bradys opening statement today on the House floor. CLICK HERE to read the full legislative text of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. CLICK HERE to read the policy highlights of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. f t # e 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://marchant.house.gov/?p=24720 Marchant Votes to Deliver Tax Relief to North Texas Families and Businesses 2017-12-20 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX Kenny Marchant M001158 marchant.house.gov     legacy Marchant Votes to Deliver Tax Relief to North Texas Families and Businesses Press Release | December 20, 2017 In 2018, taxpayers at every income level will see their taxes cut under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Washington U.S. Congressman Kenny Marchant (TX-24) released the following statement after the House passed comprehensive tax reform legislation, (H.R. 1) The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: Bringing our tax code into the 21st century is a critical step toward unleashing Americas full economic potential. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act keeps a promise to my constituents to reject the status quo in Washington, D.C. and deliver lasting tax relief for the families, individuals and job creators in North Texas. In 2018, taxpayers at every income level will see their taxes cut under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. We are replacing our broken tax code with one that incentivizes companies to invest and create jobs in America instead of overseas, boosts paychecks and increases family budgets. ### View Congressman Marchants Floor Speech on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://olson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/olson-stefanik-introduce-bill-to-protect-victims-of-harassment-taxpayers Olson, Stefanik Introduce Bill to Protect Victims of Harassment & Taxpayers 2017-12-20 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX Pete Olson O000168 olson.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Representatives Pete Olson (R-TX) and Elise Stefanik (R-NY) today introduced legislation to ensure victims of harassment on Capitol Hill continue to receive just compensation for their suffering, but at the hands of their accusers, not at taxpayer expense. Olson and Stefanik introduced H.R. 4690, the Responsible Settlements for Victims and Taxpayers Act, which will require Members found guilty of harassment to reimbursethe Treasury for settlements paid out to victims. Furthermore, if a Member leaves office and fails to reimburse the Treasury, their federal retirement account, also known as a Thrift Savings Account, can be taken to pay back the American people. Rep. Pete Olson said, Recent reports of harassment coming out of Capitol Hill are disgusting and wrong on every level. The notion that any claims of harassment have been settled at taxpayer expense is simply indefensible. As we look to right this wrong, I have concerns with any colleagues seeking the easy way out by resigning and thinking this action gets them off the hook. Thats why not only does this bill require members to reimburse the Treasury for payments to victims, but also provides a mechanism for reimbursement should anyone leave office. The wonderful staffers who come to Capitol Hill to serve the American people deserve a safe work environment. If that safety is breached, they deserve compensation from the person who harms them, not the American taxpayers. I thank my colleague Elise Stefanik for joining me in this effort and hope we can get this bill to the House floor for consideration as soon as possible. "Taxpayers should not be forced to foot the bill for lawmakers' inappropriate behavior," said Congresswoman Stefanik. "This commonsense legislation addresses the recent and shocking reports of abuse by some on Capitol Hill, and it protects hard earned taxpayer dollars. I was pleased to join my colleagues recently to pass mandatory sexual harassment training for the House of Representatives, and this bill is one more important s… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://poe.house.gov/2017/12/hezbollah-s-illicit-activities Hezbollah's Illicit Activities 2017-12-20 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX Ted Poe P000592 poe.house.gov     legacy A recent report reveals that the Obama White House, in a desperate attempt to appease the Ayatollahs in Iran, let Hezbollah off the hook. The report outlines how the DEA was on to Hezbollahs illicit network of drug and arms trafficking, money laundering and other criminal activities, yet the Obama administration stalled or blocked any prosecutions that would have disrupted the terror groups nefarious activities so that Iran would agree to the nuclear deal. This stunning revelation adds more evidence to why the JCPOA was a bad deal. For years Hezbollah built an extensive network in Latin America to raise money for its terrorist activities. Addressing Hezbollahs illicit activities across the globe, but in particular the Western Hemisphere, has been a top priority for Congress for many years. Through hearings and legislation we have exposed the direct ties between Hezbollah and criminal groups in the region that allowed Hezbollah to amass nearly $1 billion annually. Yet the U.S. failed to take sufficient action to disrupt this massive flow of money, drugs, and arms that have made Hezbollah the most power terrorist group in the world. In 2014, a GAO review noted that only two of 12 requirements that were mandated by the Countering Iran in the Western Hemisphere Act were being addressed. Meanwhile, Hezbollahs activity in our hemisphere increased. In June 2017, an individual with alleged ties to the terrorist group was arrested in Paraguay and extradited to the U.S. That same month, another individual was arrested for attempting to provide support to Hezbollah in targeting the U.S. and Israeli embassies in Panama. These events followed the 2014 arrest of a Hezbollah operative in Peru, an Iranian-linked assassination attempt on the Saudi Ambassador in Washington in 2011, and the deadly terrorist attacks against two Jewish targets in Argentina in the 1990s. Moreover, the special prosecutor who uncovered Iran and Hezbollahs role in the Argentina attacks was murdered in 2015. Together with my colleagues, Chairman Cook o… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://poe.house.gov/2017/12/reps-poe-cook-and-ros-lehtinen-urge-more-action-on-hezbollah-in-western-hemisphere Reps. Poe, Cook, and Ros-Lehtinen Urge More Action on Hezbollah in Western Hemisphere 2017-12-20 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX Ted Poe P000592 poe.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. Today,Representatives Ted Poe (TX-02), Chairman of Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade,Paul Cook (R-CA-08), Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, andIleana Ros-Lehtinen (FL-27), Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs sent a letter to President Trump urging stronger U.S. action on Hezbollahs drug trafficking activities in the Western Hemisphere. The letter urges the Administration to designate Hezbollah as a Transnational Criminal Organization (TCO) and as a Designated Kingpin Entity (SDNTK) and to open an investigation into Hezbollah as a criminal enterprise under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act: Chairman Poe:The U.S. government must use all resources at our disposal to go after Irans number one terrorist proxy: Hezbollah. Hezbollah leverages both traditional fundraising methods as well as illicit activities,such as drug trafficking and money laundering,to fund their murderous plots. Hezbollah is the poster-child for what has been called the terrorist-criminal nexus. There is absolutely no reason why they should not be designated by the United States as a Transnational Criminal Organization and a Designated Kingpin Entity. The decades-old terrorist designations on Hezbollah only go so far to address the size and scope of Hezbollahs global illicit activities. I call upon the Trump Administration to not repeat the mistakes of the past administration and make targeting Hezbollahs illicit activities a first order priority. Chairman Cook:For far too long we have ignored the growing convergence of Iran-backed Hezbollah with transnational criminal networks in Latin America. While I applaud the Trump Administration for prioritizing the need to deter and disrupt Hezbollah in the Middle East and elsewhere, we need to do more to address Hezbollahs illicit activities closer to home in the Western Hemisphere. Hezbollah is a terrorist organization that also runs a criminal enterpris… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://thornberry.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398312 House passes final version of tax reform bill 2017-12-20 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX William Thornberry T000238 thornberry.house.gov     legacy House passes final version of tax reform bill House passes final version of tax reform bill f t # e Washington, December 20, 2017 WASHINGTON- The U.S. House of Representatives passed the conference report of H.R. 1, the tax reform bill, by a vote of 224 to 201. The Senate has also passed the conference report that will now be sent to the President for signature."The bill is a great step forward for our economy and our country. It is time that we let hardworking Americans keep more of the money they earn," Thornberry said. "The bill is not perfect. I am disappointed that the Death Tax is not completely abolished and that the end product is not as simple as I would like or had hoped. But this tax reform bill is our chance to lower taxes, boost the economy, and bring jobs back to America."Highlights: Family making median income of $73,000 will see a tax cut of $2,059 according to House and Senate tax committees; Lowers individual tax rates for Americans to 10, 12, 22, 24, 32, 35, and 37 percent; Nearly doubles the standard deduction and eliminates special interest deductions; Expands and increases the Child Tax Credit and preserves the Child and Dependent Care Credit and the Adoption Tax Credit; Preserves the mortgage interest deduction for existing mortgages and maintains the mortgage interest deduction for new homes up to $750,000; Allows state and local taxes to be deducted up to $10,000, which puts all states on a more even playing field; Retains retirement savings options such as 401(k)s and Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs); Eliminates the Obamacare individual mandate penalty beginning January 1, 2019; … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/content/news/cornyn-passage-historic-tax-relief Cornyn on Passage of Historic Tax Relief 2017-12-20 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX John Cornyn C001056 www.cornyn.senate.gov     legacy The men and women who are trying to make ends meet will benefit from lower taxes, bigger paychecks, and a resurgent economy that will produce more jobs and better opportunities. American families should not have to settle for anything less, and we'll make sure they don't. WASHINGTONU.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) today spoke on the Senates passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the first comprehensive tax reform in more than three decades. This legislation will increase the child tax credit, reduce taxes for middle-income Americans, and double the standard deduction. Excerpts of his remarks are below, and video is here. This bill will dramaticallyreduce taxes on Americanfamilies and incentivize thecreation of new jobs.This bill is a major victory forall Americans who want to knowthat Washington has their bestinterests at heart, and it doesexactly what we told voters wewould do in 2016. We're delivering tax reform in away that is real, comprehensive,and substantial, and we're doingit through what we usually referto as regular order here in theSenate. This tax reform may not bear theribbons and bows of a Christmaspresent, but the men and womenwho are trying to make ends meetwill benefit from lower taxes,bigger paychecks, and aresurgent economy that willproduce more jobs and betteropportunities. American families need moretake-home pay.They need the higher wages.They need greater jobopportunities.And they need a competitiveeconomy and the benefits thatbrings.American families should nothave to settle for anythingless, and we'll make sure theydon't. I can'twait to hand deliver to thePresident's desk this importantbill this week and for him tosign it into the law.We will all benefit from passageof this Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. What the Bill Means for Taxpayers: For a Typical Family of Four: The typical family of four earning the median family income of $73,000 will receive a tax cut of $2,058, a reduction of nearly 58 percent. For a Single Parent Earning $41,000 per Year: A single parent with one child and an annu… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/content/news/cornyn-sobre-el-paso-hist%C3%B3rico-de-la-desgravaci%C3%B3n-fiscal Cornyn sobre el Paso Histórico de la Desgravación Fiscal 2017-12-20 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX John Cornyn C001056 www.cornyn.senate.gov     legacy Los hombres y las mujeres que estn intentando de llegar a fin de mes se beneficiarn de impuestos ms bajos, mayores sueldos, y una economa en auge que producir ms empleos y mejores oportunidades. Las familias estadounidenses no deberan tener que conformarse con menos, y nos aseguraremos de que no. WASHINGTON-- Senador John Cornyn (R-TX) hoy habl en el Senado sobre el paso de la Ley de Reducciones de Impuestos y Empleos, la primera reforma fiscal integral en ms de tres dcadas. Esta legislacin doblar el Crdito Fiscal por Hijos (CTC), reducir los impuestos para los estadounidenses de ingresos medios, y doblar la deduccin estndar. Extractos de su discurso estn debajo, y el video est aqu. Esta legislacin reducir drsticamente los impuestos a las familias estadounidenses e incentivar la creacin de empleos. Esta legislacin es una gran victoria para todos los estadounidenses que quieren saber que Washington tiene sus mejores intereses en el corazn, y hace exactamente lo que dijimos a los votantes que haramos en 2016. Nosotros estamos entregando la reforma fiscal de una manera que es real, completa, y sustancial, y estamos hacindolo a travs de lo que solemos referir como orden regular aqu en el Senado. Para los estadounidenses, la ley representa el mejor tipo de regalo de Navidad que podramos ofrecerles, uno que en realidad mejorar sus vidas y uno del cual se beneficiarn de inmediato. Esta reforma fiscal no tiene las cintas y los arcos de un regalo de Navidad, pero los hombres y las mujeres que estn intentando de llegar a fin de mes se beneficiarn de impuestos ms bajos, mayores sueldos, y una economa en auge que producir ms empleos y mejores oportunidades. Las familias estadounidenses necesitan ms dinero para llevar a casa. Necesitan sueldos ms altos. Necesitan mayores oportunidades de empleo. Y necesitan una economa competitiva y los beneficios que aporta. Las familias estadounidenses no deberan tener que conformarse con menos, y nos aseguraremos de que no. No puedo esperar a entregarla a la mesa del Presidente esta impo… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=3557 Sen. Cruz Urges Colleagues to Ensure Homeschooling Families Are Included in the Student Opportunity Amendment 2017-12-20 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX Ted Cruz C001098 www.cruz.senate.gov     legacy Central TX (512) 916-5834 300 E 8th Suite 961 Austin, TX 78701 Email North TX (214) 599-8749 Lee Park Tower II 3626 N. Hall St. Suite 410 Dallas, TX 75219 Email Southeast TX (713) 718-3057 808 Travis Street Suite 1420 Houston, TX 77002 Email South/Cen. TX (210) 340-2885 9901 IH-10W Suite 950 San Antonio, TX 78230 Email East TX (903) 593-5130305 S. Broadway Suite 501 Tyler, TX 75702 Email South TX (956) 686-7339 200 S. 10th St Suite 1603 McAllen, TX 78501 Email Washington, D.C. (202) 224-5922 404 Russell Washington, DC 20510 Contact 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=3558 Sen. Cruz: This Tax Reform Bill is a Victory for Middle Class Families Across Texas and the Country 2017-12-20 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX Ted Cruz C001098 www.cruz.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today issued the following statement after voting in favor of Congress final conference-reported tax reform bill. Sen. Cruzs Student Opportunity Amendment was included in the final bill, which expands 529 College Savings Plans to include K-12 elementary and secondary school tuition for public, private, and religious schools. This tax reform bill is a huge victory for middle class families across Texas, and the country, Sen. Cruz said. By doubling the child tax credit, and providing rate cuts for individual taxpayers in all brackets, this bill allows Americans to keep more of their hard-earned money, and brings needed relief to working families. By repealing Obamacares individual mandate, 6.5 million Americans who have been unfairly fined by the IRS for not being able to afford health insurance will now have immediate and significant relief. And because weve significantly lowered the corporate tax rate, businesses that have fled overseas to escape our high corporate taxes will bring jobs and roughly $2.9 trillion in capital back to the American economy. In particular, this bill is a win for Texans. Texas taxpayers will now be able to write off up to $10,000 in property taxes, a measure I fought to maintain. Further, it includes my Student Opportunity Amendment, which prioritizes the education of the next generation by expanding 529 College Savings accounts. Parents can now save up to $10K per year per child to use for K-12 education expenses in public, private, and religious schools. While I would have preferred to see the education of every child prioritized including homeschool students I will continue working with my colleagues in Congress to expand school choice and opportunity. This legislation marks a significant step toward fulfilling our promise to provide the American people real, fundamental tax relief. I will continue fighting to give every Texan, and every American, the ability to keep more of their hard-earned money and spend it as they wish, not as the… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=3559 ICYMI: Sen. Cruz: Congress' Tax Reform Bill is a Major Victory for Working Men and Women and American Families 2017-12-20 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX Ted Cruz C001098 www.cruz.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today appeared on Fox News Fox and Friends, and KTSAs The Morning Edge With Trey Ware to discuss key victories for American taxpayers in Congress final tax reform bill. He also discussed his Student Opportunity Amendment, which was included in the final bill, and expands 529 College Savings Plans to include K-12 elementary and secondary school tuition and expenses for public, private, and religious schools. On Fox and Friends, Sen. Cruz discussed the Student Opportunity Amendment, which is the most far-reaching federal school choice legislation ever passed. The [Student Opportunity Amendment] takes College 529 Saving Plans very popular plans, which are used across the country, where you can save in a tax-advantaged way for college, and expands them to K-12 education, Sen. Cruz said. It expands them so that you can use them for public school, for private school, for parochial school, for religious school. Every parent, every grandparent up to $10,000 per child, per year. Its the most far-reaching federal school choice legislation ever passed, and it's in the bill. On the The Morning Edge With Trey Ware, Sen. Cruz continued discussing his efforts urging his Senate colleagues to include homeschooling families in the Student Opportunity Amendment. The amendment that I introduced that was initially adopted was even broader, in that it explicitly included homeschoolers the 1.8 million kids across this country that are homeschooled, and I was fighting for homeschoolers to have those same rights, Sen. Cruz said. Sadly, last night the Democrats raised a procedural objection to the homeschoolers, and they succeeded in getting homeschoolers carved out. I think it was wrong, I think it was discriminatory. I asked the Democrats last night, why they were telling homeschoolers every other kid in America can benefit through this savings plan, with their parents own money. Why are they treating homeschoolers worse? One of the striking things, some of the language they took out all… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=3560 ICYMI: Sen. Cruz Op-Ed in The Dallas Morning News: Tax Reform Will Benefit Texans In More Ways Than One 2017-12-20 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX Ted Cruz C001098 www.cruz.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today penned an op-ed for the Dallas Morning News outlining victories for Texas jobs, Texas wages, and Texas family budgets in Congress recently passed historic tax reform bill. Read the op-ed in its entirety here and below: Tax-reform bill will benefit Texans in more ways than one Dallas Morning News By: Sen. Ted Cruz December 20, 2017 When Americans went to the polls in 2016 and put Republicans in charge of the presidency and both houses of Congress, they delivered a clear message that the sluggish job growth and stagnating wages of the Obama years were unacceptable. In response, Republicans in Congress have been working to cut taxes and bring back booming growth that will create millions of jobs across the nation, increase the size of Americans' paychecks and once again give everyone the opportunity to achieve the American Dream. Congress recently passed a historic, pro-growth tax-reform bill that includes four major victories for Texans that I worked hard to secure. The first major victory is the repeal of Obamacare's unconstitutional individual mandate, which forces you to purchase a product Obamacare-approved health insurance against your will. The individual mandate is one of the most unfair and unpopular parts of Obamacare. It is also one of the largest tax increases ever inflicted upon the American people. The IRS has fined roughly 6.5 million Americans because they can't afford this mandate. About 1 million of those fined by the IRS live in Texas. And of those 6.5 million nationwide who were fined, roughly 80 percent earned $50,000 per year or less. Roughly 40 percent earned $25,000 per year or less. To correct this injustice and help Texans keep more of their own money, two months ago I began advocating to my colleagues that we should repeal the individual mandate as part of the tax-reform bill. At the time, only a handful of senators supported the idea. But after learning that repealing the mandate would save the federal government $318 billion mone… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=video&id=3556 Sen. Cruz Delivers Floor Speech on His Student Opportunity Amendment - December 19, 2017 2017-12-20 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX Ted Cruz C001098 www.cruz.senate.gov     legacy Central TX (512) 916-5834 300 E 8th Suite 961 Austin, TX 78701 Email North TX (214) 599-8749 Lee Park Tower II 3626 N. Hall St. Suite 410 Dallas, TX 75219 Email Southeast TX (713) 718-3057 808 Travis Street Suite 1420 Houston, TX 77002 Email South/Cen. TX (210) 340-2885 9901 IH-10W Suite 950 San Antonio, TX 78230 Email East TX (903) 593-5130305 S. Broadway Suite 501 Tyler, TX 75702 Email South TX (956) 686-7339 200 S. 10th St Suite 1603 McAllen, TX 78501 Email Washington, D.C. (202) 224-5922 404 Russell Washington, DC 20510 Contact 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://carter.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=40&itemid=2293 Carter Votes to Lower Taxes, Revitalize Economy 2017-12-19 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX John Carter C001051 carter.house.gov     legacy Congressman John Carter (TX-31) released the following statement after he joined his colleagues in the House in passing H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Americas middle-class families have been waiting for a tax code that puts them first for decades, and today was one of the final steps to deliver real tax relief for those that need it most. For far too long, Americas complicated tax code has been filled with special interest loopholes and unfair regulations,resulting in hard-working middle class families bearing the brunt of the tax burden. Today, that changes. Our bill will revitalize the economy by lowering individual tax rates, creating jobs, and delivering significant tax relief to Main Street job creators, which will result in wage growth and more money in Texans pockets. Texas working families deserve to keep more oftheir hard-earned money, and this legislation ensures that happens. Highlights of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: Lowers individual taxes and sets the rates at 0%, 10%, 12%. 22%, 24%, 32%, 35% and 37%. Increases the standard deduction from $6,350 to $12,000 for individuals, and $12,700 to $24,000 for married couples. Continues to allow people to write off the cost of state and local taxes. Eliminates Obamacares individual mandate penalty tax. Provides support for graduate students by continuing to exempt the value of reduced tuition for taxes. Rep. Carter represents Texas District 31, which includes Fort Hood, the largest active duty armored military installation in the free world. He serves as Chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Appropriations, co-chairman of the Congressional Army Caucus, is on the Subcommittee for Commerce, Justice and Science and the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. # # # 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://flores.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399052 Flores Votes for Bold, Pro-Growth Tax Reform 2017-12-19 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX Bill Flores F000461 flores.house.gov     legacy U.S. Representative Bill Flores (R-Texas) issued the following statement regarding the House passage of the conference report for H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: Today, the House is delivering on our promise to provide much-needed tax relief to hardworking American families and businesses. We are changing the status quo by putting in place a bold, pro-growth tax system for the 21st century that helps working-class Americans and catapults our nation back to a leading position in an increasingly competitive global economy. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act nearly doubles the standard deduction, lowers individual and corporate tax rates, expands the child tax credit, encourages American investment, boosts American energy production and repeals Obamacare's individual mandate. I was particularly pleased to see that this bill preserves the beneficial tax treatment for graduate students receiving waived and discounted tuition incentives, which my team and I worked hard to protect. Our current tax code is broken, outdated, full of loopholes for special interests and has hindered the growth of our economy for too long. This is a historic moment as we are putting in place a tax system that will lead to more jobs, bigger paychecks and fairer taxes for hardworking American families. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://samjohnson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398865 Sam Johnson Statement on Final Tax Reform Bill 2017-12-19 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX Sam Johnson J000174 samjohnson.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed theTax Cuts and Jobs Act(H.R. 1), the House and Senates tax reform bill. After the vote, U.S. Congressman Sam Johnson (TX-03) released the following statement: American families need tax relief thatrewardstheir hard work andbooststhe economy through much-needed pro-growth business reforms. Since the very beginning of the tax reform process, I have listened to constituents all across the district about their priorities and worked to do everything I can to make tax reform the best it can be.In particular, I am pleased that the final bill includes my commonsense idea to help better protect Americans retirement savings. The tax reform bill is a significant improvement from our current broken tax code. For example, it doubles the standard deduction for individuals and families, doubles the child tax credit to $2,000, cuts income tax rates on middle income Americans, provides critical tax relief for Main Street small businesses, encourages companies to invest and grow jobs in the U.S., and repeals Obamacares individual mandate tax. As a free market conservative, Ive been fighting my entire career in Congress for tax relief and reform, and I am proud to vote for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in my final term. The following legislation introduced by Congressman Johnson is included in the tax reform bill: Savings Enhancement by Alleviating Leakage in 401(k) Savings Act (SEAL Act - H.R. 2030).The SEAL Act would provide an extended repayment period for individuals who take out loans from their 401(k)s and later leave their jobs. Individuals would have until the tax filing deadline instead of only 60 days. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://babin.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1664 Babin Votes to Advance Historic Tax Relief Bill for American People 2017-12-19 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX Brian Babin B001291 babin.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC U.S. Rep. Brian Babin (R-TX) joined his House colleagues today in passing the House-Senate conference report for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (H.R. 1), landmark legislation that overhauls Americas tax code to deliver historic tax relief for American workers, families and job creators. The legislation now goes to the Senate where it is expected to pass and be sent to the Presidents desk for his signature. We are now on the verge of delivering a historic and much-deserved win for the American people right before Christmas, said Rep. Babin. By cutting taxes for all Americans, eliminating special interest loopholes, doubling the child tax credit and lowering the tax burden on businesses, our bill will increase paychecks, create more jobs and make the tax code simpler and fairer for hardworking Middle-Class Americans. My priority is to make sure our tax code works for the average American taxpayer. Under the current system, it is the well-connected who have benefited. Our bill eliminates special interest carve outs for lawyers and lobbyists and returns taxpayer money to its rightful owners: hardworking Americans, job creators and savers. The bottom line is that our bill reduces taxes for all Americans and saves the average American family between $1,000 and 2,000 a year. For American workers, this tax reform bill creates more jobs right here in the U.S. by lowering the tax burden on small and large businesses. Currently, U.S. businesses pay the highest tax rate of any industrialized country at 35%. Our bill finally overhauls our broken tax code and puts the American taxpayer first while igniting the American economy and building on the already remarkable economic growth we have seen under the Trump Administration. This is truly an exciting and historic moment for the American people. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://carter.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1336 Carter Votes to Lower Taxes, Revitalize Economy 2017-12-19 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX John R. Carter C001051 carter.house.gov carter https://carter.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 scraper Congressman John Carter (TX-31) released the following statement after he joined his colleagues in the House in passing H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. “America’s middle-class families have been waiting for a tax code that puts them first for decades, and today was one of the final steps to deliver real tax relief for those that need it most. For far too long, America’s complicated tax code has been filled with special interest loopholes and unfair regulations, resulting in hard-working middle class families bearing the brunt of the tax burden. Today, that changes. “Our bill will revitalize the economy by lowering individual tax rates, creating jobs, and delivering significant tax relief to Main Street job creators, which will result in wage growth and more money in Texans’ pockets. Texas’ working families deserve to keep more of their hard-earned money, and this legislation ensures that happens.” Highlights of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: · Lowers individual taxes and sets the rates at 0%, 10%, 12%. 22%, 24%, 32%, 35% and 37%. · Increases the standard deduction from $6,350 to $12,000 for individuals, and $12,700 to $24,000 for married couples. · Continues to allow people to write off the cost of state and local taxes. · Eliminates Obamacare’s individual mandate penalty tax. · Provides support for graduate students by continuing to exempt the value of reduced tuition for taxes. Rep. Carter represents Texas District 31, which includes Fort Hood, the largest active duty armored military installation in the free world. He serves as Chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Appropriations, co-chairman of the Congressional Army Caucus, is on the Subcommittee for Commerce, Justice and Science and the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T22:19:19Z
https://conaway.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398324 Historic Tax Cuts Pass House 2017-12-19 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX K. Conaway C001062 conaway.house.gov     legacy Historic Tax Cuts Pass House f t # e Washington, December 19, 2017 Washington Tuesday, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 227-203. Congressman Mike Conaway (TX-11) released the following statement upon passage: This is a historic day. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act delivers on the promise Republicans made to the American people to provide financial relief to hardworking families across our nation, create a pro-jobs business environment, and encourage investments in our economy. American families will see lower tax rates starting the first day of 2018. The child tax credit doubles to $2,000 per child, and by doubling the standard deduction families will pay no taxes on the first $24,000 they make each year. This legislation also repeals Obamacares individual mandate, putting American families back in charge of their own healthcare decisions. This legislation provides well-deserved tax cuts to American families and ultimately, a blueprint to grow the American economy- creating even more jobs and wage increases for hardworking Texans. I applaud the hard work of Chairman Brady, the Conferees, and all those who have remained committed to passing this historic tax reform package. I look forward to the Senates passage of this bill tonight, allowing President Trump to sign the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act into law before Christmas. f t # e 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://culberson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398838 Myth vs. Fact: Tax Reform 2017-12-19 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX John Culberson C001048 culberson.house.gov     legacy Myth vs. Fact: Tax Reform Setting the Record Straight on the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act f t # e Washington, December 19, 2017 Myth vs. Fact Setting the Record Straight on the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act Myth vs Fact: Tax Reform and the Deficit MYTH: The plan is expensive and adds to the deficit. FACT: You cannot fix our nation's fiscal problems without a growing economy, and tax reform is exactly the tool that can do that. When you factor in the wage increases, jobs created, and overall economic growth that will result from the most historic tax reform in 31 years, the government will have the revenues it needs to run efficiently and effectively. Myth vs. Fact: Corporate Taxes MYTH: The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is a tax cut for corporations, not families. FACT: Our current tax code is shipping jobs overseas. It is literally incentivizing companies to move to other countries, taking good-paying jobs and tax revenue with them. Getting tax rates down helps us keep those jobs where they belongright here in America. It also helps raise wages and results in faster economic growth. Bigger paychecks and a level playing field; that's a winning combination for American workers. Myth vs. Fact: A Tax Cut for the Middle-Income Families MYTH: This is just a tax cut for the rich. FACT: This is a tax cut for all Americans. The current tax system is rigged to disproportionately benefit the wealthy instead of middle-income families. It works best for those who know how to take advantage of all the loopholes in our outdated tax code. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act cuts taxes for the average taxpayer in every income group. In fact, the typical American household will receive a tax cut of $2,059. For families who are living paycheck to paycheck, keeping that money in their pocket is simply the right thing to… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://culberson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398839 Rep. Culberson Statement on Passage of Tax Cuts & Jobs Act 2017-12-19 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX John Culberson C001048 culberson.house.gov     legacy Rep. Culberson Statement on Passage of Tax Cuts & Jobs Act This is a pivotal moment in the economic history of our country f t # e Washington, December 19, 2017 Washington D.C. Rep. John Culberson (TX-07) released the following statement today after the House passed H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act: Because of todays historic vote, hardworking Texans and American families will see an increase in their take home pay in January. American companies will immediately be more competitive in the world market, and thousands of jobs and billions of dollars will return to the United States. This is a pivotal moment in the economic history of our country and I am proud to vote in favor of lower taxes, greater prosperity and job growth. Small businesses on Main Street and larger companies that want to come back to the U.S. and compete in the world market will flourish because of this tax cut. Hurricane Harvey survivors can also rest assured knowing that their tax breaks will be preserved.I urge my colleagues in the Senate to support this legislation and move it to President Donald Trumps desk to be signed into law. # # # f t # e 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://farenthold.house.gov/congressman-farentholds-statement-passage-tax-cuts-jobs-act-2/ Congressman Farentholds Statement on the Passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act 2017-12-19 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX Blake Farenthold F000460 farenthold.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON Congressman Blake Farenthold (R-Texas) issued the following statement Tuesday after the Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 1 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act passed the House. Today, I fulfilled one of my long-term goals serving in Congress; voting for a fairer, flatter and simpler tax code that cuts taxes for hardworking Americans, said Congressman Farenthold. This pro-growth, pro-family legislation will help you keep more of your paycheck. It also helps low and middle-income Americans by nearly doubling the standard deduction, lowering the individual tax rates and increasing the child tax credit. Im looking forward to this legislation passing the Senate tonight and President Trump signing it into law. The Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 1 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act passed the House 227-203. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lamarsmith.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-smith-americans-win-with-tax-cuts-and-jobs-act Rep. Smith: Americans Win With Tax Cuts and Jobs Act 2017-12-19 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX Lamar Smith S000583 lamarsmith.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON Today Congressman Lamar Smith (TX-21) voted in support of the final Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which raises take-home pay and creates jobs. The bill passed 227-203. Rep. Smith: Today we kept our promise to the American people by passing pro-family, pro-growth tax reform for working Americans. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is the biggest update to the tax code in more than 30 years. The bill creates jobs, reduces taxes and gives bigger paychecks to families. This bill increases the child tax credit from $1000 to $2000 to provide more support for Texans to take care of their children. Over 45,000 taxpayers in the 21st district will benefit from the child credit increase. The standard deductions for both single and married filers are also doubled. The typical family making the median income of $73,000 will receive a tax cut of more than $2000. Thats $2,000 more of their earned income that they can use as they choose, and thats not going to the governments coffers. The tax rates for small and family-owned businesses and corporations are reduced. This encourages companies to bring their foreign profits and jobs back to the U.S. for American workers. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act also eliminates Obamacares individual mandate penalty tax, providing families the flexibility to make their own health care choices. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mccaul.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/mccaul-applauds-tax-relief-for-hardworking-americans McCaul Applauds Tax Relief for Hardworking Americans 2017-12-19 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX Michael McCaul M001157 mccaul.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX), Chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee anda senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, applauds the House passage of the final version of H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act, to reform our tax code. Congressman McCaul: Today is a historic day. With my support, the House passed the final version of H.R. 1 to reform Americas broken tax code. This once-in-a-generation tax reform bill will provide hardworking American families and job creators big and small with much-needed relief and flexibility. To highlight some key provisions, we eliminate one of the most disastrous parts of Obamacare, the individual mandate, so Americans are no longer forced by the government to purchase insurance they do not want or need. Also, by doubling the standard deduction in our tax code, we are providing families with bigger paychecks and a simpler, fairer tax filing process. Furthermore, in lowering the corporate tax rate and providing for repatriation of foreign funds, we are bolstering investment here at home, allowing our tech hubs, like Austin, and other business communities to compete internationally once again. Lastly, by creating a new deduction for pass-through businesses, we are rewarding small businesses that for too long have been subject to unfair tax rates. These changes ensure the American entrepreneurial spirit that for generations has driven innovation and cultivated the worlds greatest economy is alive once again. I applaud my fellow Texan, Chairman Kevin Brady, and my colleagues in both chambers for their steadfast leadership on delivering relief, lower taxes, and bigger paychecks to millions of hardworking American families. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will: Lower individual tax rates; Repeal Obamacares individual mandate; Expand the child tax credit from $1,000 to $2,000; Roughly double the standard deduction, allowing about 90% of taxpayers to file their taxes on a postcard; Lower the corporate tax rate from 35% - one of the highest in t… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mccaul.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/mccaul-introduces-bill-to-increase-pressure-on-the-irgc McCaul Introduces Bill to Increase Pressure on the IRGC 2017-12-19 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX Michael McCaul M001157 mccaul.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX), Chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee anda senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, introduced the Expanding Sanctions Against Irans Revolutionary Guard Corps Act to make it more difficult for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and related companies to raise revenue and access international business and financial systems. Congressman McCaul: The IRGC supports terrorist organizations such as the IRGC Quds Force, facilitates Irans ballistic and nuclear development program, and is responsible for serious human rights abuses against Iranian citizens. The IRGC additionally serves as both a major military and economic entity for the Iranian regime. As a result of the misguided and dangerous Obama-era Iran nuclear agreement, IRGC-owned and affiliated companieshave greater access to the global financial system and international markets, which in turn allows the IRGC to continue and further its illicit activities. This bill ensures that America will hold those who conduct or facilitate business with the IRGC accountable. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mccaul.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/mccaul-statement-on-the-wannacry-attack McCaul Statement on the 'WannaCry' Attack 2017-12-19 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX Michael McCaul M001157 mccaul.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. House Homeland Security Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX) released the following statement on theU.S. publicly attributingthe massive WannaCry cyberattack to North Korea. Chairman McCaul: The declaration that North Korea was directly behind the 'WannaCry' attack in May is a grave reminder that the regime in Pyongyang can threaten innocent people almost anywhere on earth with more than just ballistic missiles and nuclear weapons, and that we must do more to strengthen our own cybersecurity. "As the American people have become more reliant on computer networks for both personal and professional use, everyone is now a potential victim of hacking by cybercriminals, nation states, and others. That is why over my Chairmanship, I have made strengthening the cybersecurity mission of DHS one our Committee's top priorities. "While we have made progress with passing laws to increase information sharing between both the public and private sector and strengthen federal networks, we need to do more. The Senate can start by passing the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Act, House-passed bipartisan legislation that creates a standalone operational agency to better protect America. "Cybersecurity is key to keeping our homeland safe and we should implement common sense solutions like this one without any delay." ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://olson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delivering-historic-tax-relief Delivering Historic Tax Relief 2017-12-19 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX Pete Olson O000168 olson.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Rep. Pete Olson (TX-22) today acted to deliver historic tax relief to hardworking Americans by voting for the first comprehensive overhaul of our nations tax code in 31 years. Olson voted for the Conference Report to H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which will lower taxes, create more jobs and simplify the tax code for Americans. It passed the House by a vote of 227-203and now heads to the Senate for consideration. Today is a great day for the American people, Rep. Pete Olson said. For too long, hardworking Americans have struggled to make ends meet because of our burdensome and broken tax code. With this reform, the typical family of four earning roughly $73,000 will get to keep $2,059 more of their hard earned money. These reforms will help create jobs and strengthen our economy so that American businesses can compete on the global stage. I want to thank my colleagues for their hard work, and for listening to the concerns of folks across the country so that we could make this bill even better for you, because its about time our tax code works for American families and businesses instead of against them. This bill will bring more American capital back from overseas to be invested here at home, strengthening our economy. I urge the Senate to quickly pass this bill so the president can sign it and we can deliver relief to all Americans. For individuals and families, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: Lowers individual taxes and sets the rates at 0%, 10%, 12%, 24%, 32%, 35%, and 37% so people can keep more of their hard-earned money. Significantly increases the standard deduction to protect roughly double the amount of what you earn each year from taxes from $6,500 to $12,000 for individuals and $13,000 to $24,000 for married couples Provides support for graduate students by continuing to exempt the value of reduced tuition from taxes. Provides relief for Americans with expensive medical bills by expanding the medical expense deduction for 2017 and 2018 for medical expenses exceeding 7.5 percent of a… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://poe.house.gov/2017/12/disappearance-of-rhinos-and-elephants DISAPPEARANCE OF RHINOS AND ELEPHANTS 2017-12-19 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX Ted Poe P000592 poe.house.gov     legacy Mr. Speaker, wild-life trafficking is a much larger problem than many realize. This illegal activity is connected to two major concerns: one, extinction of species; and, two, the funding of terrorist organizations. Rhinos are killed for their horns, and elephants are killed for their tusks. The handful of rhinos in Africa are almost extinct, and 100 African elephants are killed by ivory poachers a day. Illegal wildlife trade serves as a source of cash flow for thugs like terrorists and international criminal organizations. They fund many of their deadly activities by poaching animals and then selling the parts internationally. Adding to the problem is the fact that some foreign authorities are corrupt and complicit in trafficking. All nations must take an aggressive stand to prevent this trafficking. This starts with the stopping of the illegal transport of ivory and rhino horns. The nations of the world must tighten the screws against those who participate in this destruction of wildlife; otherwise, the only place our kids will see rhinos and elephants is on the Disney Channel. And that is just the way it is. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://poe.house.gov/2017/12/house-passes-tax-reform-heads-to-senate-vote HOUSE PASSES TAX REFORM, HEADS TO SENATE VOTE 2017-12-19 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX Ted Poe P000592 poe.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C.- Today, Representative Ted Poe (TX-02) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the conference report for H.R.1, the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act. Today, the House took historic action by passing the most sweeping, pro-growth tax reform in over 30 years, said Rep. Poe. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act creates a simpler and fairer tax code, giving relief to middle income Americans. It also lowers the corporate tax rate to 21%, which is currently one of the highest in the world. This will help make our country more competitive, create more jobs, and increase paychecks. A typical family of four earning the median family income of $73,000 will receive a tax cut of $2,059. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: Simplifies an outdated tax code and promotes domestic and global economic competitiveness. Increases the standard deduction by nearly double ($12,700 for individuals and $24,400 for joint filers. That money is not taxed at all). Lowers tax rates across the board. ? Expands the child tax credit to $2,000, giving parents more money to help raise their families.? Lowers the corporate tax rate to 21%. This means real tax relief to small business job creators. Eliminates Obamacares individual mandate penalty tax, allowing Americans to buy the health care that is right for them, if they choose to. Supports graduate students by continuing to exempt the value of reduced tuition from taxes. Increases the exemption amount from the Alternative Minimum Tax. Reforms the Death Tax by doubling the amount of the current exemption. For more details regarding the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, click here: http://bit.ly/2BIsycf 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://ratcliffe.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ratcliffe-votes-america-s-biggest-tax-cut-31-years Rep. Ratcliffe votes for Americas biggest tax cut in 31 years 2017-12-19 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX John Ratcliffe R000601 ratcliffe.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON Rep. John Ratcliffe (R-Texas) voted today for the passage of the final version of theTax Cuts and Jobs Act(H.R. 1)in the U.S. House of Representatives. As the biggest tax cut since Ronald Reagans presidency, the bill will create bigger paychecks, spur job creation and knock the legs out from under Obamacare. President Trump is anticipated to sign it into law shortly. This is a historic accomplishment for our country. More than three decades in the making, the bill we just passed took our outdated, uncompetitive and overreaching tax code, and turned it upside down. Today we restored our confidence in the ingenuity of the American people and said no to a Washington knows best attitude. I was honored for the chance to have a seat at the table during our historic passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, and believe this is a Christmas present all Americans can be proud of. In addition to creating nearly 1 million jobs nationwide, the bill is expected to create close to 80,000 jobs in Texas. It is also projected to allow the average middle-class family of four in Texas to take home an extra $2,600 each year. By doubling the standard deduction for individuals and families, this legislation will create a zero percent tax bracket of up to $24,000 for families all across the country. Significant pro-growth, pro-family provisions include: Repealing Obamacares individual mandate that overwhelmingly penalizes low- and middle-income Americans Doubling the child tax credit from $1,000 to $2,000 per child Reducing taxes on small-business job creators to the lowest level in decades Maintaining the adoption tax credit and charitable donation deduction Lowering the corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent Click here for more information on theTax Cuts and Jobs Act. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://ratcliffe.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=187 Rep. Ratcliffe votes for Americas biggest tax cut in 31 years 2017-12-19 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX John Ratcliffe R000601 ratcliffe.house.gov     legacy   0 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sessions.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/we-made-big-deal-big-deal We Made the Big Deal the Big Deal 2017-12-19 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX Pete Sessions S000250 sessions.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Pete Sessions (R-TX), Chairman of the House Committee on Rules, released the following statement applauding the passage of the tax reform package: "Today is a historic day. We are reforming a broken, complicated system that has held back our economy, hindered job growth, and burdened families with costly taxes for far too long. We are closing the door on lackluster GDP numbers and opening up a new chapter of robust economic growth. "With this package we are breaking through the shackles of bureaucracy, unleashing the free enterprise system, and ringing in a new era of opportunity and freedom. We have ensured that American job creators have more resources to invest in their employees, grow their businesses, and be competitive on the global stage. We are making it easier for students to go to graduate school so they can be the best and brightest in their fields. Additionally, we have finally repealed the onerous, unfair individual mandate that has forced American families to buy costly care that they simply dont want or that they dont need. "When Americans put us in office, they did so with the understanding that we would help make America great again. Well today, we are making Americans great again. We are giving them a tax system that works for them. A system that allows them to take home more of their hard-earned money and have more opportunities for success. Today we made the big deal the big deal and delivered a win for American families, a win for American businesses, and a win for our economy." To read more about the Conference Report to H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, click here. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://weber.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=350 Weber Statement on Tax Cuts and Jobs Act 2017-12-19 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX Randy Weber W000814 weber.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. On Tuesday December 19, 2017, the U.S. House of Representatives voted on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (H.R. 1). Congressman Randy Weber (R Friendswood) released the following statement:Over the course of seven years, there have been 41 Ways and Means Committee hearings on tax reform, 72 Senate Finance Committee hearings on tax reform, and countless other discussions and meetings. Everything culminated with this the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. This House and Senate embraced the extraordinary opportunity to fix a broken system and relieve the undue burden of costly taxes from so many Americans. In reforming the tax code, we lower taxes for all Americans by reducing every single tax bracket. The standard deduction has nearly doubled for everyone. With lower taxes across the board, businesses, both large and small, will be better able to foster job creation, wage growth, and competitiveness. What does all of this mean? It means more of your hard-earned money in your pocket. It means more jobs created. It means a fairer and simpler tax code. This is a tax cut for all Americans. It is pro-family. It is pro-growth. I applaud Chairman Kevin Brady, the Ways and Means Committee, the Conferees, and everyone who worked tirelessly to ensure Americans see lower taxes in the new year. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is on its way to the Senate and then to the Presidents desk. With this bill, a family of four earning the median family income of $73,000 will receive a tax cut of $2,059. Specifically, H.R. 1 provisions include: Individuals: Lowers individual tax rates to 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35% and 37%. Establishes a new Family Credit which includes expanding the Child Tax Credit from $1,000 to $2,000. for each child and providing new credits of $500 each for other dependents. The credit is refundable up to $1400 provided a social security number is provided for each qualifying child. Preserves the deduction for charitable contributions. Preserves the home mortgage interest deduction for existing mortg… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://williams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-williams-votes-for-historic-tax-reform Congressman Williams Votes for Historic Tax Reform 2017-12-19 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX Roger Williams W000816 williams.house.gov williams https://williams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Congressman Roger Williams (R – Austin), a small business owner and employer for 43 years, and author of the Jumpstart America tax reform framework, released the following statement after the House voted to pass the unified version of H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: "Today will long be remembered as a time when American families and businesses were once again made a priority. For the first time in over three decades, the House passed a comprehensive tax reform bill that will replace the current law with a pro-growth and pro-family tax code. For far too long, Washington has taken from the American people with nothing to offer in return except constant financial and economic struggle. Finally, Congress has listened to your demands, and vowed to make a positive difference that will benefit all Americans. As a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the average middle-income family will see more of their hard-earned money back in their pockets. "Additionally, American businesses will be more competitive with other industrialized countries. We discarded the highest corporate tax rate in the developed world, and replaced it with a rate that is better aligned with the international average. Since I was elected in 2012, I have fought to bring a commonsense business owner's perspective to the halls of Congress by tirelessly pushing forward with a framework of tax reform that would jumpstart this country. As a businessman, I am proud that much of these ideas have been included in this plan, and I applaud this Administration's, and this Congress' persistent efforts to deliver much needed tax relief to the American people. I urge the Senate to vote on this immediately, and I look forward to this bill being signed into law before Christmas." # # # 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T22:19:19Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/node/4509 What Tax Reform Means for Texans 2017-12-19 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX John Cornyn C001056 www.cornyn.senate.gov     legacy The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Protects Texans Hard-Earned Money: This bill lowers individual tax rates to 0%, 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, and 37%. It doubles the standard deduction so that the first $12,000 earned by an individual and the first $24,000 earned by a married couple are not taxed at all. Helps Texans with the Cost of Family Care: This bill doubles the Child Tax Credit from $1,000 to $2,000 to help single and married parents with the cost of raising children. This credit is fully refundable up to $1,400. It preserves the Adoption Tax Credit and the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit to help families open their homes to adopted children and care for older dependents who need support. Promotes the Pursuit of Education and Charitable Donations: This bill helps families and individuals save for education by allowing Texans to use 529 accounts to save for elementary, secondary, and higher education. It continues to support graduate students with the exemption of the value of reduced tuition from taxes. It preserves the deduction for charitable donations to continue to incentivize and make it easier for families to give to charity. Assists with High Medical Expenses: This bill expands the medical expense deduction for medical expenses exceeding 7.5 percent of adjusted gross income, and rising to 10 percent in 2019. It repeals Obamacares individual mandate so families arent penalized for not purchasing health care they dont want or cant afford. Allows Texans to Deduct Property Taxes: This bill allows taxpayers to continue to write off up to $10,000 in state and local taxes including property taxes and sales taxes for Texans. What does this mean for you? For a Typical Family of Four: The typical family of four earning the median family income of $73,000 will receive a tax cut of $2,058, a reduction of nearly 58 percent. For a Single Parent Earning $41,000 per Year: A single parent with one child and an annual income of $41,000 will receive a tax cut of $1,304.50, a reduction of nearly 73 perc… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=3554 Sen. Cruz: American Strength and Confidence Are the Best Means for Deterring War and Promoting Peace 2017-12-19 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX Ted Cruz C001098 www.cruz.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today issued the following statement regarding President Trumps announced National Security Strategy: For the past two decades, we have taken our political, economic, and military advantage for granted. This complacency has bred confidence among our adversaries and instilled fear among our allies. President Trumps National Security Strategy represents a course correction in our American priorities that has been direly needed. I have long contended that border security is national security; that we must call our enemies by their name in order to defeat their threat; and that America should fiercely protect our democratic alliances while advancing cooperative partnerships based on shared interests. This strategy aims to advance U.S. leadership in the world by restoring the idea that American strength and confidence are the best means for deterring war and promoting peace. This document addresses necessary issues to protect our homeland, while laying out a reasoned defense for economic security as the source of confidence both at home and abroad and underwriting our ability to achieve peace through strength. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues and the Trump administration to restore American leadership in all key regions of the world and to foster the prosperity and safety of the American people. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=3555 Sen. Cruz Commends President Trump and Ambassador Haley's Defense of U.S. Sovereignty, Decision to Recognize Jerusalem as Israel's Capital at the U.N. 2017-12-19 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX Ted Cruz C001098 www.cruz.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today issued the following statement commending President Trump and United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley for vetoing a U.N. Security Council resolution condemning the United States recognition of Jerusalem as Israels capital: I commend President Trump and Ambassador Nikki Haley for displaying strong moral clarity in vetoing another anti-Israel resolution and powerfully speaking the truth at the U.N. They tenaciously defended U.S. sovereignty and the right, courageous decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital. The veto confirms the strengthening of U.S. leadership at the U.N. and is a stark contrast to one year ago, when the previous administration shamefully permitted the adoption of Security Council Resolution 2334. Rather than being complicit with the U.N.'s obsessive hostility towards Israel and its attempt to harangue the United States, the other 14 countries on the U.N. Security Council should focus on rejecting efforts to delegitimize Israel, recognize the reality that Jerusalem is Israel's capital, and start moving their embassies there. Read Amb. Haleys explanation of the veto here. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://hurd.house.gov/media-center/hurd-hill/hurd-hill-providing-gold-standard Hurd on the Hill: Providing the Gold Standard 2017-12-18 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX Will Hurd H001073 hurd.house.gov     legacy In order to cut through the divisive political noise and be an effective Representative, my philosophy has been real simple: agree when you agree and disagree when you disagree. This is what I have been doing for the past three years as your Representative, while working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to find solutions to better the lives of the hardworking families in the 23rd District of Texas. For example, last week my smart government IT reform bill, the Modernizing Government Technology (MGT) Act, was signed into law as part of our defense funding bill, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This was a two-year effort to address the crazy fact that the federal government spends $90 billion on purchasing hardware and software and 80% of that money is spent on maintaining old and outdated systems. This initiative was completely bipartisan and marks my twelfth piece of legislation to be signed into law under both a Republican and a Democratic president. The most gratifying part of my job is helping constituents who are struggling to get answers or well-deserved benefits from a federal bureaucracy. In total, we helped over 450 individuals get the help they needed in the last year. From San Antonio to El Paso and everywhere in between, we are ready to fight for folks who need to be fought for. Here are a few memorable stories of how weve helped Texas families in 2017: The 45,000 veterans that live in TX23 deserve nothing less than quality care and benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Unfortunately, this is not always the case. In Natalia, a constituent needed assistance getting the VA to pay for ambulance bills and medical emergencies from 2015. So much time had passed fighting with the VA that the constituent began receiving threat notices from the ambulance company to refer him to collections. During the course of working with the VA, we discovered a clerical coding error at the VA was causing all the delays. Once fixed, we were able to secure back-pay for over a decade … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mccaul.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/mccaul-commends-the-president-s-national-security-strategy McCaul Commends the Presidents National Security Strategy 2017-12-18 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX Michael McCaul M001157 mccaul.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Michael McCaul (TX-10), Chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee anda senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the below statement following the Presidents speech announcing his National Security Strategy. Congressman McCaul: The world is becoming increasingly violent and the global threat landscape increasingly complex. From the destabilizing actions of North Korea and Iran, to jihadist organizations relentlessly plotting terrorist attacks against us and our allies, the United States does not have the luxury of forfeiting leadership on the global stage to our adversaries, including Russia or China. They do not support our values, and often work proactively to undermine them. As such, the presidents National Security Strategy rightly prioritizes the safety and security of the American people and our way of life, strengthens border security and interior enforcement, enhances our cyber defenses, promotes a robust economy, and embraces our leadership role on the world stage. Unlike the Obama administration, which neglected our military, President Trump is rebuilding so it is second to none. Also, this strategy ensures our diplomacy and foreign policy best advances our interests and prosperity. Simply put, American influence and leadership abroad is a positive force for peace and prosperity, and we must vigilantly defend it knowing our adversaries will not. I commend this administration for prioritizing and advancing a strategy that better supports our allies and brings fear to our enemies. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://poe.house.gov/2017/12/november-18th-november-22nd December 18th-December 22nd 2017-12-18 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX Ted Poe P000592 poe.house.gov     legacy The Israeli military said it attacked a Hamas training compound in Gaza on Monday in response to rocket strikes from the Palestinian enclave, which have surged since U.S. President Donald Trump recognized Jerusalem as Israels capital on Dec 6. Terrorists in Gaza, territory controlled by the Hamas terrorist group, have launched more than a dozen rockets into southern Israel over the last two weeks, the most intensive attacks since a seven-week-long Gaza war in 2014. ISIS claimed responsibility for an attack near a training facility of Afghanistans main intelligence agency in the capital, Kabul, on Monday as gunmen exchanged fire with security forces. Details of the attack remained unclear after a group of armed men seized a building under construction in a heavily populated area of the city. A prominent Chechen commander in Syria, Salahuddin Shishani, has been killed in the Hama countryside of northwestern Syria on Sunday. Salahuddin was the emir of a small jihadist outfit comprised of North Caucasians and native Syrians, Jaysh Usrah. The exact nature of his purported death has yet to be confirmed; however, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has reported that he was killed by a Russian airstrike. Four people were killed when a United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) aid convoy was ambushed in northeast Nigeria, a WFP spokeswoman said on Sunday, in the latest attack in the region as the conflict with Boko Haram nears its ninth year. Attacks on aid workers are relatively rare in the conflict with the Islamist terrorists, compared with assaults on the military and civilians in Nigerias northeast. Two suicide bombers stormed a packed Christian church in southwestern Pakistan on Sunday, killing at least nine people and wounding up to 56, officials said, in the latest attack claimed by ISIS in the country. Police guards stationed at the church entrance and on its roof killed one of the bombers but the second attacker detonated his explosives-filled vest outside its prayer hall just after Sunday services began… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://poe.house.gov/2017/12/poe-on-national-security-strategy POE ON NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY 2017-12-18 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX Ted Poe P000592 poe.house.gov     legacy WASHINTON- Today, Congressman Ted Poe (TX-02) released the following statement regarding the release of President Trump's National Security Strategy. Congressman Poe: President Trumps new National Security Strategy puts the safety of Americans first. Unlike the previous Administration, President Trump articulated a clear and convincing plan for Americas national security and foreign policy. The first duty of government is to protect the people. This strategy places a strong emphasis on working with our allies around the world, facing down our enemies, and strengthening our borders. I look forward to working with the Administration to help implement this strong vision for America. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://ratcliffe.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-ratcliffe-zeldin-love-call-inquiry-house-intelligence-committee Reps. Ratcliffe, Zeldin, Love call for inquiry into House Intelligence Committee Russia Investigation leaks 2017-12-18 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX John Ratcliffe R000601 ratcliffe.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON Reps. John Ratcliffe (R-Texas), Lee Zeldin (R-N.Y.) and Mia Love (R-Utah) submitted a letter to House leadership today calling for an inquiry into the improper public communication of information by members of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI) regarding theinvestigation into the alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 election. We write to you to address serious concerns regarding the integrity of investigations currently being undertaken by the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI). Improper release of information to the media by committee members or staff is a serious violation of committee and House rules,the letter said. Significant evidence that serious leaks have occurred in relation to the HPSCI investigation into alleged Russian meddling of the 2016 election must be immediately addressed. Members or staff who may have violated rules by leaking sensitive information to the press or other outside entities must be promptly removed from this investigation and proper inquiries undertaken without delay. Clickhereto view the full letter. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://ratcliffe.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=215 Reps. Ratcliffe, Zeldin, Love call for inquiry into House Intelligence Committee Russia Investigation leaks 2017-12-18 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX John Ratcliffe R000601 ratcliffe.house.gov     legacy   0 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sessions.house.gov/media-center/weekly-newsletters/hill-report-week-december-11-15-2017 The Hill Report: Week of December 11 - 15, 2017 2017-12-18 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX Pete Sessions S000250 sessions.house.gov     legacy Overtheyears I have hadtheopportunity to spend time with high school students from acrossthe32ndCongressional District. Through all of my interactions I truly believe that North Texas is home to some ofthebrightest young leaders inthecountry. Whether it be watching students fromtheWinston School build a car from scratch, welcoming North Texas students to Washington for my week long government leadership program, or encouraging healthy competition through participation intheCongressional Art and App competitions, these students have astounded me with their intelligence, drive, and ambition. Congressman Pete Sessions congratulating Andre Williams and Davis Okuzor from Wylie High School This morning I was delighted to congratulateCongressional App Challenge winners Andre Williams and Davis Okuzor from Wylie High School. These two students representthebest and brightest of North Texas and I am so proud that they tookthetime and initiative to participate in this competition. Take a look at their app here! Global Down Syndrome Foundation This week I was honored to attend an event hosted bytheGlobal Down Syndrome Foundation to celebratethetremendous progresstheDown syndrome community has made inthepast few years. Global Down Syndrome Foundation has played a huge role in improvingthelives of people with Down syndrome through groundbreaking research and I remain committed to working with them to ensure folks liketheFoundation continue to receive proper funding to aid in helpingtheDown syndrome community. Congressman Sessions with Michelle Sie Witten, Kyra Phillips, and John Roberts TheBoard oftheCoalition of Airline Pilots Association Earlier this week I met withTheBoard oftheCoalition of Airline Pilots Association to discuss legislation that would work to end foreign airlines flag of convenience practice. Specifically, H.R. 2150 would protect airlines from foreign air carries that seek to thwartthefree market, fair competition, and respectable labor standards. As Congress continues to consider this legislation… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://williams.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/house-approves-bill-to-enhance-oversight-of-iranian-aircraft-purchases-from House approves bill to enhance oversight of Iranian aircraft purchases from US manufacturers 2017-12-18 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX Roger Williams W000816 williams.house.gov     legacy The treasury secretary would be required to report to Congress financial transactions related Irans purchase of commercial passenger aircraft from U.S. manufacturers under a bill that the House of Representatives approved on Thursday. Under the Obama administrations nuclear agreement with Iran, the Treasury Departments Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) authorized U.S. aircraft manufacturers to begin negotiations with Iran in March 2016. Since then, OFAC has permitted the sale of more than 200 aircraft. Because OFAC licenses authorize U.S. financial institutions to take part in these transactions, U.S. citizens savings and investments can be used to finance Irans aircraft purchases. U.S. Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-TX), the chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, called that prospect deeply troubling. As a result, U.S. Rep. Roger Williams (R-TX) introduced the Strengthening Oversight of Irans Access to Finance Act, H.R. 4324. The bill aims to bring transparency and oversight to financial transactions related to Iranian aircraft purchases. This commonsense legislation will improve the much needed Congressional oversight on aircraft sales licensed by the U.S. Treasury Department to Iran while protecting the national security interests of the American people, Williams said. I thank Chairman Hensarling for his support on this critical legislation, and to my House colleagues for casting a vote to put America first. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://williams.house.gov/media-center/newsletters/come-and-read-it-report-16 Come and Read It Report 2017-12-18 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX Roger Williams W000816 williams.house.gov     legacy Dear Friends, It's finally here! After over 30 years of an outdated and burdensome tax code, relief is here at our doorstep. On Friday, the Conference Committee on H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, released their unified version of the bill. We are expected to vote on it tomorrow, and I am more confident than ever that this bill will pass both the House and the Senate. The Strengthening Oversight of Iran's Access to Finance Act I am happy to report that last Thursday, my bill, H.R. 4324, the Strengthening Oversight of Iran's Access to Finance Act, passed the House with a vote of 252-167. This bill is not only important to U.S. financial institutions, but crucial to our national security.This vote demonstrates the urgency with which we must address the hostile actions of the Iranian regime. I share these concerns with Senators Cruz and Perdue, who introduced companion legislation in the U.S. Senate last month. You can find my full statement here. The National Defense Authorization Act Our countrys national security is absolutely paramount, and I am grateful that President Trump signed the FY18 NDAA in a swift and timely manner. When it comes to the safety of the United States, nothing can eclipse the need for this crucial funding that will help ensure our military readiness. As the representative of Fort Hood, this law will directly impact our servicemen and women by providing them with the biggest pay raise in eight years, as well as the equipment, resources and funding they need to be successful. Our American heroes are the finest fighting force in the world, and its time we start treating them as such. Full statement here. Recognizing TX-25 Small Businesses If you missed my letter last week, I am asking all small businesseslocated in our district to share theirstories with me. To recognize our small business owners, I'd like to post their photos andmemories on my official website and Facebook throughout the month ofDecember.If you own a small business, or know someone who does, please submit your stories and p… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/content/news/cornyn-historic-tax-reform-will-ensure-american-dream-stays-alive Cornyn: Historic Tax Reform Will Ensure American Dream Stays Alive 2017-12-18 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX John Cornyn C001056 www.cornyn.senate.gov     legacy We don't have to settle for the status quo. We don't have to settle for flat wages and fewer jobs. We can do better. We believe we have done better in this piece of legislation which will help reawaken the slumbering giant of the American economy. It will put Americans back to work. It will mean more take-home pay. It will mean a better standard of living. WASHINGTON Today on the Senate floor, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) discussed the Democrats refusal to help pass the first real tax reform in more than three decades despite their support of key provisions in the proposal. Excerpts of Sen. Cornyns remarks are below, and video of his remarks can be found here. Listening to my friend, the Democratic Leader, leads me to conclude that he and his party have given up on the American Dream. They want to settle for the status quo, which is stagnant growth of our economy and jobs where people haven't seen increases in their wages for years. And, yes, they seem to be rooting for failure. That seems to be the attitude of our missing in action congressional Democrats on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Tax reform is hard. That's the reason it hadn't been done since 1986. And it's even harder when you have a political party that's determined to fight against every single proposal that we have made in our tax cut and tax reform bill, including ones that they themselves have championed in the past. I've heard the Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee, Senator Wyden from Oregon, talk about corporate giveaways. The Democratic Leader just alluded to the same thing. Yet we are embracing the same sort of approach that they took in previous tax proposals and that President Obama advocated for in his State of the Union in 2011 when he asked Republicans and Democrats to work together to lower the highest corporate tax rate in the industrialized world. We now have a consensus about how to get this bill across the finish line and to the president's desk before Christmas. We will vote on this final bill after the House does tomor… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/content/news/cornyn-appears-abc-week Cornyn Appears on ABC This Week 2017-12-17 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX John Cornyn C001056 www.cornyn.senate.gov     legacy We're going to get the economy roaring back again, improve pay, increase jobs, and make America more competitive in the global economy. I'm confident we'll pass this bill, probably on Tuesday. This will benefit hardworking American families, people in the lower income tax brackets. WASHINGTON Today U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) appeared on ABCs This Week with George Stephanopoulos to discuss the upcoming vote on tax reform, the results of the Alabama Senate race, and Special Counsel Muellers investigation. Excerpts from his appearance are below, and video can be found here. On tax reform: This is good news for the American people. We're going to get the economy roaring back again, improve pay, increase jobs, and make America more competitive in the global economy, as well as simplifying the tax code and giving everybody in every tax bracket a tax cut. So this is good news any way you cut it." I'm confident we'll pass this bill, probably on Tuesday. This will benefit hardworking American families, people in the lower income tax brackets. Everybody in every tax bracket will see a tax cut. This was done through the regular legislative process, markup in the Finance Committee and on the floor of the United States Senate. As I said, our Democratic colleagues had every chance to participate and simply refused. It's not too late for them to join in passing this massive tax cut and tax reform bill, which will help awaken the sleeping giant of the American economy. On the Alabama Senate race: Well, I think the explanation for Alabama was we had a flawed candidate who won the Republican primary and who couldn't win the general election. That's really not a new lesson. It's an old lesson remembered or demonstrated once again. What we need to do is, my party needs to do is make sure we nominate electable candidates, good candidates, who can win general elections. I don't think the lesson of Alabama is any more complex than that: flawed candidate, couldn't win the general election. On Special Counsel Mueller's investigat… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://arrington.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=43 Arrington Statement on Tax Reform Conference Report 2017-12-16 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX Jodey C. Arrington A000375 arrington.house.gov arrington https://arrington.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 scraper Congressman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) released the following statement on the release of the House-Senate conference report for H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. “After eight long years of big government “Obamanomics” resulting in low wages, low job participation, and no economic growth, the American people will soon be getting a much deserved break. The House and Senate Conferees have reached agreement on a historic tax cut for hardworking, middle-class families and a new tax code that will revive our economy and keep American jobs and companies from going overseas. I look forward to passing this legislation next week and coming back home to West Texas with an early Christmas present for my constituents and all Americans.” Click HERE for a summary of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. ### OPINION: Here’s how we put America on a path to fiscal balance March 26, 2026 | Posted in In the News Arrington Supports Balanced Budget Amendment, Calls for Article V Convention to Restore Fiscal Sanity March 18, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases Arrington Introduces Legislation to Strengthen Customs Enforcement March 13, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases OPINION: Congress must stop rewarding states for wasting taxpayers’ money March 12, 2026 | Posted in In the News 1 2026-04-07T12:09:11Z 2026-04-08T22:19:19Z
https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=blog&id=3553 Cruz News: December 16, 2017 2017-12-16 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX Ted Cruz C001098 www.cruz.senate.gov     legacy December 16, 2017 Greetings, This week, I was thrilled that the Senate confirmed both Texas Supreme Court Justice Don Willett and former Texas Solicitor General Jim Ho to fill the vacancies in Texas on the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Ive been friends with Don and Jim for decades, and know them personally to be principled defenders of the Constitution and the rule of law. They will be exceptional appellate judges, which is why I was proud to recommend them to the President for these positions. On Tuesday, President Trumpsignedthe FY 2018 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) into law, which includes 13 amendments that I sponsored and eight that I cosponsored. These amendments will help Texas and our military interest abroad and in space. This legislation is a crucial first step toward rebuilding our military, giving our service members a well-deserved raise, and ensuring our military has the resources to be successful in their mission. In recent months, weve seen waves of appalling sexual harassment and assault allegations originating everywhere from Hollywood, to newsrooms, to the halls of Congress. Every person, man or woman, deserves to be treated with dignity and respect in the workplace, and Congress is not above the law. On Thursday, I sponsored abipartisan billthat overhauls the current process that victims of harassment and discrimination in Congress must go through when reporting a claim. We must empower victims of harassment, and hold perpetrators accountable. My Senate office continues to work to ensure swift and effective service to Texans and Texas communities in need of federal assistance following the storm. If you need additional information or assistance during the recovery and rebuilding process, please do not hesitate to contact my office or utilize the federal and state resources listedhere. Please read below for an update from this last week. Keep Texas Strong, Ted Cruz ICYMI: The Hill Column on Cruz 529 Expansion: Tax plans proposed expansion of education savin… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://flores.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399051 Flores Update Regarding Tax Relief for Graduate Students 2017-12-15 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX Bill Flores F000461 flores.house.gov     legacy U.S. Representative Bill Flores (R-Texas) issued the following statement regarding his work to preserve tax relief for graduate students receiving waived and discounted tuition: Three large research institutions have significant footprints and thousands of graduate students in the 17th Congressional District Texas A&M University, Baylor University, and The University of Texas at Austin. Throughout the legislative process of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, my team and I have been working diligently on behalf of graduate students all across the U.S. to preserve provisions that protect beneficial tax treatment for waived and discounted tuition incentives. I was very pleased to see that this hard work has paid off as the House-Senate conference report for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act includes the tuition provisions that we requested for graduate education programs. This is particularly important to enable our research institutions to compete globally for the best and brightest students as they educate and pursue important research initiatives for the 21stcentury. Robust graduate education programs are economic engines for America and it is crucial that policymakers recognize and promote these important components of our higher education infrastructure. I look forward to voting in favor of this bold, pro-growth bill which will lead to more jobs, bigger paychecks and fairer taxes for hardworking American families. I want to express sincere thanks to my Congressional colleagues for working with my office on this important initiative for American higher education and economic opportunity. Background. Over the last several weeks, Congressman Flores has worked closely with House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady (R-Texas), House Ways and Means Committee Members and other members of House Leadership to continue the income exclusion for graduate tuition waivers in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. In addition, Congressman Flores worked with House-Senate Conference Committee Members to address this important issue in … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://williams.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/legislation-introduced-by-williams-passes-us-house Legislation introduced by Williams passes U.S. House 2017-12-15 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX Roger Williams W000816 williams.house.gov     legacy The United States House of Representatives passed key legislation on Thursday which will prevent Iran from having access to aircraft and other military equipment. Roger Williams, representative from Texas' 25th district, which includes Fort Hood,serves as the vice chairman of the Subcommittee on Monetary Policy and Trade. Heintroduced the Strengthening Oversight of Irans Access to Finance Act, H.R. 4324. The bill passed the House of Representatives with a vote of 252-167. "This bill is not only important to U.S. financial institutions, but crucial to our national security," Williams said. "The United States of America should not be in the business of selling aircraft to the worlds leading state sponsor of terrorism." Williams added that, while members of the U.S. military have been battling terrorists in the Middle East, "Iran uses American made aircraft to work against our own national security interests." U.S. Senators Ted Cruz of Texas and David Perdue of Georgia have sponsored companion legislation which has not yet gone to the floor for a vote. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://williams.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/link-copied-politics-boeing-airbus-sales-imperiled-as-trump-administration Boeing, Airbus Sales Imperiled as Trump Administration Formulates Iran Plan 2017-12-15 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX Roger Williams W000816 williams.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTONThe Trump administration is advancing a strategy that could derail efforts by Boeing Co. and Airbus SE to sell hundreds of jetliners to Iranian airlines, U.S. officials said. The two aerospace giants have lined up deals over the past 15 months that have been left in limbo as the White House reassessed its Iran policy and has threatened to walk away from an international nuclear deal if Congress and European partners dont address concerns, with only a handful of Airbus planes so far delivered. Any effort to scuttle these deals, by accident or design, could have far-reaching consequences, both for the nuclear accord and the jet makers. Under the 2015 nuclear deal, Iran agreed to curb its nuclear program in exchange for significant sanctions relief, and supporters of the accord fear it will fall apart if Iran doesnt see the benefits it was promised. President Donald Trumps team hasnt yet presented him with options for addressing the sales, but months of interagency discussions have grown out of administration concerns that Iranian airlines could use the new jets, or old ones, to ferry weapons and military personnel into Syria, the U.S. officials said. Boeing and engine maker General Electric Co. are the only major U.S. companies to pursue Iranian business. The options to be presented to Mr. Trump include banning sales, imposing stringent conditions that could halt any aircraft deliveries, or slow-walking approvals, according to the U.S. officials and other people familiar with the matter. Since the deal took effect in 2016, Airbus, based in Toulouse, France, has delivered three jets to Iran Air but could be restricted by any U.S. ban because of the large U.S. content on its aircraft. Boeing and Airbus have announced deals to sell almost 300 planes to Iranian airlines valued at $40 billion altogether before industry discounts. Boeing signed a proposed sale to privately owned Iran Aseman Airlines in April, the only proposed deal since Mr. Trump took office. Boeing, unlike Airbus, hasnt added Iranian deals to… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/content/news/cornyn-announces-new-support-legislation-reform-cfius-review-process Cornyn Announces New Support for Legislation to Reform CFIUS Review Process 2017-12-15 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX John Cornyn C001056 www.cornyn.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON A coalition of Trump Administration cabinet officials, former senior government officials, stakeholders, and leaders of key groups have recently voiced their support for theForeign Investment Risk Review Modernization Act (FIRRMA).Sen. Cornyn recently spoke about his legislation and the national security threat posed by China at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), and a transcript of his remarks is available here. TREASURY SECRETARY MNUCHIN: I support the goals of FIRRMA, which will help to ensure that CFIUS has the tools necessary to protect the national security of the United States, while simultaneously maintaining our open investment environment. I stand ready to work with Senators Cornyn, Feinstein, and Burr, the committees of jurisdiction, and other Members of Congress as this important legislation advances, said U.S. Department of Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. (Secretary Steven Mnuchin, 12/14/2017) ATTORNEY GENERAL SESSIONS: I am particularly supportive of the goals of several aspects of your proposed legislation, including but not limited to (1) the expansion of CFIUSs authority to review certain transactions that may pose national security concerns; (2) an expanded list of national security factors that CFIUS should consider; and (3) mandatory disclosures of certain investments by state-owned enterprises, said U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions. (Attorney General Jeff Sessions, Letter to Senator Cornyn, 12/13/2017) FORMER DNI ADM. BLAIR: By expanding the scope of CFIUS reviews, FIRRMA provides better tools to analyze foreign investments and thus will strengthen the protection of America intellectual property from theft by foreign actors, said Admiral Dennis C. Blair. (Admiral Dennis C. Blair, former Director of National Intelligence and Commander of U.S. Pacific Command, 11/21/17) ORACLE CORP: Critically FIRRMA strikes a balance of protecting national security while not chilling the benefits of foreign investment in the United States. (Oracle, Letter to Sen. Corny… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/node/4506 Cornyn Announces New Support for Legislation to Reform CFIUS Review Process 2017-12-15 2017 2017-12 Republican House TX John Cornyn C001056 www.cornyn.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON A coalition of Trump Administration cabinet officials, former senior government officials, stakeholders, and leaders of key groups have recently voiced their support for theForeign Investment Risk Review Modernization Act (FIRRMA).Sen. Cornyn recently spoke about his legislation and the national security threat posed by China at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), and a transcript of his remarks is available here. DEFENSE SECRETARY MATTIS: "I strongly support theForeign Investment Risk Review Modernization Act of 2017(FIRRMA) FIRRMA would help close related gaps that exist in both the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) and export control processes, which are not presently keeping pace with todays rapid technological changes CFIUS plays a critical role in protecting the national security of the United States. FIRRMA greatly strengthens that protection and provides much needed CFIUS modernization,"said U.S. Department of Defense Secretary James Mattis. (Secretary Mattis,Letter to Sen. Cornyn, 12/15/2017) TREASURY SECRETARY MNUCHIN: I support the goals of FIRRMA, which will help to ensure that CFIUS has the tools necessary to protect the national security of the United States, while simultaneously maintaining our open investment environment. I stand ready to work with Senators Cornyn, Feinstein, and Burr, the committees of jurisdiction, and other Members of Congress as this important legislation advances, said U.S. Department of Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. (Secretary Steven Mnuchin, 12/14/2017) ATTORNEY GENERAL SESSIONS: I am particularly supportive of the goals of several aspects of your proposed legislation, including but not limited to (1) the expansion of CFIUSs authority to review certain transactions that may pose national security concerns; (2) an expanded list of national security factors that CFIUS should consider; and (3) mandatory disclosures of certain investments by state-owned enterprises, said U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions. (Att… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z

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