Press releases
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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2,924 rows where party = "Republican", state = "TX" and year = 2018 sorted by date descending
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| url | title | date ▲ | year | month | party | chamber | state | member_name | bioguide_id | domain | scraper | source | date_source | text | has_text | collected_at | updated_at |
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| http://burgess.house.gov/blog/?postid=398897 | Burgess Releases 2018 Year End Report | 2018-12-28 | 2018 | 2018-12 | 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 publishing his 2018 Year End Report detailing key accomplishments and services for the 26th District. I began the 115th Congress with high expectations for what we could accomplish for North Texans. As this term concludes, it is clear we have achieved important 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. As a Member of Congress, I have always made communicating with constituents one of my top priorities, and this annual report is one way I share my work on behalf of the 26th District of Texas. I hope North Texans review it and let me know how I can best serve them and their families as we look ahead to 2019. During 2018, Dr. Burgess: Authored and introduced 18 bills Hosted or attended more than 430 meetings Gave 80+ interviews Resolved 434 cases with federal agencies on behalf of constituents Received and responded to more than 50,000 pieces of correspondence Honored 19 student constituents entering the U.S. Service Academies Traveled more than 6,000 miles in North Texas For more, please read the complete 2018 Year End Report. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://burgess.house.gov/blog/?postid=398894 | Burgess Urges Senate to Fund Border Security, End Shutdown | 2018-12-27 | 2018 | 2018-12 | 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 on the current government shutdown. The defense of our nation must be Congress' first priority. Period. I urge the Senate to join the House and pass H.R. 695, the Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2019, which includes President Trump's requested funding to build an effective wall on our southern border and protect the American people. Any vote against this funding is not only a vote for this unnecessary government shutdown, but also a direct vote against secure borders and national security. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://williams.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/nations-oldest-wwii-veteran-dies-in-austin-at-112 | Nation's Oldest WWII Veteran Dies In Austin At 112 | 2018-12-27 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Roger Williams | W000816 | williams.house.gov | legacy | AUSTIN, TEXAS Richard Arvin Overton, the nation's oldest living war veteran and the oldest man in the U.S. died Thursday in Austin at the age of 112 after a bout with pneumonia. Born near Bastrop, Texas, on May 11, 1906, Overton served a three-year stint in the U.S. Army during World War II. He fought in the 1887th Engineer Aviation Battalion during WWII, serving as a corporal in the South Pacific. Overton joined his all-black military unit in 1942, and became a skilled sharpshooter. After the war, Overton built a home in East Austin where he a neighborhood fixture usually out on his front porch puffing on a cigar while holding court as admirers spontaneously dropped by to meet him. "His front porch is his everything," VolmaOverton, his septuagenarian cousin who helped care for him, once told the Washington Post. "It's his throne. In interviews with myriad media outlets, Overton spoke of his fondness for cigars in which he indulged daily sometimes up to 12 smokes a day, he would note unabashedly. In interviews, he often credited his love of stogies, along with a splash of whiskey in his morning coffee and a steady diet of fried catfish and ice cream as secrets to his longevity. He also expressed a fondness for Dr. Pepper. He outlived two wives and close family members, and received countless honors and accolades along the way including a 2013 visit to the White House where he met President Barack Obama as a relative youngster of 107. He met Obama at the White House for breakfast ahead of a Veterans Day ceremony at the National Cemetery where he was honored. "His service on the battlefield was not always matched by the respect that he deserved at home," Obama said at the time. "But this veteran held his head high." Overton earlier this year came close to losing his home in East Austin once an enclave largely inhabited by a black and Latino working class that's been swept over by gentrification for the better part of a decade or so as an influx of younger residents are lured to trendy restaurants and bars and … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://williams.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/oldest-living-wwii-veteran-dies-in-texas | Oldest living WWII veteran dies in Texas | 2018-12-27 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Roger Williams | W000816 | williams.house.gov | legacy | AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - A family member says the nation's oldest World War II veteran who was also believed to be oldest living man in the U.S. has died in Texas. Shirley Overton, whose husband was Richard's cousin, says the Army veteran died Thursday evening at a rehab facility in Austin. Overton had been recently hospitalized with pneumonia. Overton was in his 30s when he volunteered for the Army and was at Pearl Harbor just after the Japanese attack in 1941. He once said that one secret to his long life was smoking cigars and drinking whiskey, which he often was found doing on the porch of his Austin home. In 2013, he was honored by former President Barack Obama at a Veterans Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. U.S. Rep. Roger Williams, R-Texas, issued a statement expressing sympathy to Overton's family. Throughout my time in Congress, I have had the honor of getting to know Mr. Overton very well - sitting on his porch and listening to him tell stories are memories I will never forget. I am thankful for his service to our country, and I am eternally grateful to have had him in my life as a friend and role model. I will miss him dearly and will continue to pray for his family during this difficult time. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott called Overton "an American icon and a Texas legend." "With his quick wit and kind spirit he touched the lives of so many, and I am deeply honored to have known him. Richard Overton made us proud to be Texans and proud to be Americans. We can never repay Richard Overton for his service to our nation and for his lasting impact on the Lone Star State," he said. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://williams.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/reactions-to-the-passing-of-richard-overton-recall-a-texas-legend | Reactions to the passing of Richard Overton recall a 'Texas legend' | 2018-12-27 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Roger Williams | W000816 | williams.house.gov | legacy | AUSTIN (KXAN) Shortly after the news of World War II veteran Richard Overton's death, condolences and memories came pouring in from around Texas and the nation. Overton's cousin, VolmaOverton Jr., said the family will miss the funny 112-year-old and that his memory will keep them going. "We are truly blessed for everyone who has shown support and prayers, everyone who was encouraging to him and our family," Volma Overton Jr. said. "We are so thankful." People gathered at a mural on 12th and Chicon Streets that depicts Overton. They sang songs in his honor and did two his favorite things: drank whiskey and smoked cigars. Gov. Greg Abbott called Richard Overton an "American icon and a Texas legend," in a statement. "With his quick wit and kind spirit he touched the lives of so many, and I am deeply honored to have known him," Abbott wrote. "Richard Overton made us proud to be Texans and proud to be Americans. We can never repay Richard Overton for his service to our nation and for his lasting impact on the Lone Star State." People, including Rep. LloydDoggett, shared photos of the veteran and remembered his "service, spirit and longevity." Rep. Roger Williams said he had the honor of knowing Overton well and will miss him dearly. "Sitting on his porch and listening to him tell stories are memories I will never forget," Williams wrote. "I am thankful for his service to our country, and I am eternally grateful to have had him in my life as a friend and role model." Rep. Will Hurdshared a quote of Overton's that said "You don't know when you get here. You don't know when you go. It's in God's hands. Hurd added that "Our words will never be enough to fully show our gratitude for your selfless service. Fair winds and following seas, my friend." A Twitter account called EverythingTXshared a picture of the born-and-raised Texansmoking his signature cigar that he claimed helped him live a long life. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://williams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-williams-statement-on-the-passing-of-richard-overton | Rep. Williams Statement on the Passing of Richard Overton | 2018-12-27 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Roger Williams | W000816 | williams.house.gov | williams | https://williams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | AUSTIN, TEXAS – Congressman Roger Williams (R – Austin) released the following statement on the passing of the nation's oldest World War II veteran and Austin-resident, Richard Overton: "I join the Austin community and the entire country in mourning the loss of a great man, and our nation's oldest veteran, Mr. Richard Overton," said Rep. Williams. "Throughout my time in Congress, I have had the honor of getting to know Mr. Overton very well - sitting on his porch and listening to him tell stories are memories I will never forget. I am thankful for his service to our country, and I am eternally grateful to have had him in my life as a friend and role model. I will miss him dearly and will continue to pray for his family during this difficult time." # # # | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:11:43Z |
| https://williams.house.gov/media-center/newsletters/come-and-read-it-report-66 | Come and Read It Report | 2018-12-24 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Roger Williams | W000816 | williams.house.gov | legacy | Dear Texans, Merry Christmas and happy holidays to you and yours! With all the hustle and bustle during this time of year, it isoften easy to forgetwhat tomorrow is really all about - the birth of our Lord and savior, Jesus Christ.I hope this serves as a reminder to be kind to one another during the Christmas season and remember that there are many people who are unable to spend this time with loved ones. Iencourage you takea moment and think about the brave men and women in uniform, and our first responders,who cannot be with their families. They are spending today and tomorrow protecting this great nation so that all of you can enjoy time at home. Please join me in thanking them for their service, and praying for their safety, wherever they may be around the globe. Securing our Borders Last week, the Democrats once again chose to put open borders and illegal immigrants over the safety of American citizens. I joined many of my conservative colleagues in the House and proudly voted in favor of $5.7 billion in additional funding to defend and secure our southern border. I encourage our Senate counterparts to follow our lead and do the same. We must do everything in our power to protect thisnation, and we should not rest until it is properly done. I will continue to support President Trump and I will oppose any funding bill that does not fully fund his border request. High School Football State Champions Congratulations to the Grandview High School Zebras, who took home the Class 3A Division I State Championship last week! They defeated the Malakoff Tigers 35-21 and all of us in Texas-25 couldn't be more proud. Great job boys! I have included some articles and releases you may find interesting located on the right side of this newsletter. It is an honor and privilege to represent the people of Texas' 25th Congressional District and as always, please reach out to me with any issues and concerns that are important to you. In God we trust, Roger Williams Member of Congress | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=4238 | Sen. Cruz: We Celebrate the Birth of Jesus Christ, Our Promised Savior | 2018-12-24 | 2018 | 2018-12 | 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: In this season of hope, we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. The promised Savior, born in Bethlehem, came that we may know Him and his everlasting love and redemption. Evidence of Christ's love can be found all across the Lone Star State. Just this week, high school students and others volunteered their time with Lubbock's Meals on Wheels to distribute more than 400 boxes of supplies for seniors. In Laredo, United Middle School students collected presents for children living at Casa De Misericordia, a shelter for survivors of domestic violence. And nearly 1,800 children in Georgetown received gifts from the Williamson County Sheriff's Office. All around us, there are stories of Texans sharing the joy of Christmas with their neighbors. We also remember our servicemen and women who are spending the holiday season far away from home at sea or deployed in a foreign land. We pray for their safe return. And we remember their families, who sacrifice enormously for our great country. Heidi and I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year. May God continue to bless the great state of Texas and the United States of America. Sen. Cruz also released a video wishing America's armed forces and their families a Merry Christmas, and thanking them for their service. The video is being played overseas on the American Forces Network. Watch the full video here. A transcript is below. Hi, I want to take a moment to say thank you' for your dedicated service to our great country. Y'all represent the finest qualities of the United States: service to others and sacrifice of self. The enormous sacrifices you and your family make each day in order to secure our freedoms don't go unnoticed. America owes you, your families, and the generations of great Americans who have answered the call to defend our country a debt that we can never fully repay. As we prepare for a season of celebration, we are thinking of… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=4239 | Sen. Cruz: 'Esta Navidad Celebramos El Nacimiento De Jesucristo, Nuestro Salvador Prometido' | 2018-12-24 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Hoy el Senador Ted Cruz (R-Texas) emiti la siguiente declaracin antes del Da de Navidad: En esta temporada de esperanza, celebramos el nacimiento de Jesucristo. El Salvador prometido, nacido en Beln, vino para que podamos conocer su amor eterno y redencin. La evidencia del amor de Cristo se puede encontrar en todo el estado de Texas. Justo esta semana, los estudiantes de secundaria y otros ofrecieron su tiempo en Lubbock distribuyendo ms de 400 cajas de suministros para personas mayores con la organizacion (can you add the o with the dash to organization) Meals on Wheels. En Laredo, los estudiantes de la escuela United Middle School recolectaron regalos para nios que viven en la Casa De Misericordia, un casa refugio para sobrevivientes de violencia domstica. Y casi 1,800 nios en Georgetown recibieron regalos de la Oficina del Sheriff del condado de Williamson. A nuestro alrededor, hay historias de Tejanos que comparten la alegra de Navidad con sus vecinos. Tambin recordamos a nuestros soldados que estn pasando la temporada lejos de casa desplegados en una tierra extranjera. Oramos por su regreso seguro y recordamos a sus familias, que sacrifican enormemente por nuestro gran pas. Heidi y yo le deseamos a usted y a su familia una Feliz Navidad y un Prospero Ao Nuevo. Que Dios contine bendiciendo el gran estado de Texas y los Estados Unidos de Amrica. El Sen. Cruz tambin public un video en el cual le desea a las fuerzas armadas de los Estados Unidos y a sus familias una Feliz Navidad, y le da las gracias por su servicio. El video se esta transmitiendo en el American Forces Network. Usted puede ver el video completo aqu. La transcripcin est debajo. Hola, quiero tomar un momento para decir gracias' por su servicio dedicado a nuestro gran pas. Ustedes representan las mejores cualidades de los Estados Unidos: el servicio a los dems y el sacrificio de s mismo. Los enormes sacrificios que usted y su familia hacen cada da, a fin de asegurar nuestras libertades no pasan por desapercibidos. Amrica le debe a… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://weber.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=487 | Weber Statement on Partial Government Shutdown | 2018-12-22 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Randy Weber | W000814 | weber.house.gov | legacy | Weber Statement on Partial Government Shutdown f t # e Washington, December 22, 2018 Washington, D.C. At the turn of midnight on December 22, 2018, the U.S. government went into a partial government shutdown. Congressman Randy Weber (R Friendswood) released the following statement:The House listened and sent the answer to the Senate. Rather than working together to better border security, Democrats shut down seven agencies. The Senate Democrats need to get in gear; it takes 60 votes. The ball is in their court. It's time they start listening to the American people and fund border security, disaster relief and our seven key agencies. ### f t # e | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/content/news/cornyn-feinstein-bill-modernize-cybertipline-signed-law | Cornyn, Feinstein Bill to Modernize CyberTipline Signed Into Law | 2018-12-22 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | John Cornyn | C001056 | www.cornyn.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON- U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) released the following statements after President Trump signed the CyberTipline Modernization Act into law: In the two decades since the Tipline began, online child exploitation has grown exponentially, Sen. Cornyn said. This legislation will allow the CyberTipline to adapt to the modern-day tactics of online predators. I'm grateful to President Trump for signing this legislation into law so NCMEC can continue to connect victims to the law enforcement resources they need. Child abduction and abuse are among the most heinous crimes, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children's tipline is critical in the fight to protect children. Last year alone the tipline received more than 10 million reports of potential exploitation. Our legislation improves the tipline to ensure it's better equipped to coordinate with law enforcement and respond to the widespread use of the internet by child predators, said Sen. Feinstein. Background: The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) created the CyberTipline in 1998 to help prevent and stop the sexual exploitation of children. The CyberTipline provides the general public and technology industry with the ability to report online instances of child sexual exploitation, including child pornography. Congress enacted legislation related to the CyberTipline in 2008; however, the federal statute has not been revised since. Senators Cornyn and Feinstein introduced the CyberTipline Modernization Act to provide much needed updates to the statute to better reflect the current operation of the CyberTipline. Specifically, the CyberTipline Modernization Act will: Underscore the true purpose of the CyberTiplineto reduce the proliferation of online child sexual exploitation and prevent it from circulating online in the first place; Facilitate reporting to NCMEC for imminent or planned violations and provide an opportunity for intervention before further harm to a child; Address new trends … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/content/news/cornyn-klobuchar-bill-fight-human-trafficking-signed-law | Cornyn, Klobuchar Bill to Fight Human Trafficking Signed Into Law | 2018-12-22 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | John Cornyn | C001056 | www.cornyn.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) released the following statements after their bipartisan legislation, the Abolish Human Trafficking Act, was signed into law by President Trump.The legislation strengthens and reauthorizes key programs supporting survivors of human trafficking and provides resources to law enforcement officials working to combat modern-day slavery. By equipping law enforcement with resources to better fight against human trafficking and connecting survivors with the support they need, we can help those affected restore their lives. Sen. Cornyn said. Human trafficking is a heinous crime that must be eradicated, and I'm grateful to the Trump Administration for making it a priority. As a former prosecutor, I have seen firsthand the horrors of human traffickingand it's happening in our own backyards, Sen. Klobuchar said. This bipartisan legislation is a major step forward in the fight against human trafficking. This law will strengthen and reauthorize critical programs that support survivors and improve the tools available to federal, state, and local law enforcement. Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Ranking Member Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), along with Senators Bob Corker (R-TN), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Dean Heller (R-NV), Ron Wyden (D-OR), MarcoRubio (R-FL), Chris Coons (D-DE), and Orrin Hatch (R-UT), joined as original cosponsors of the legislation. Sens. Cornyn and Klobuchar were the authors of the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act, a 2015 law that increased the resources and tools available for combatting human trafficking in the United States. The Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act ensures American law enforcement agencies areequipped to fight this crime, while helping victims rebuild their lives by using fines and penalties against their exploiters to fund restorative services and compensation. The Abolish Human Trafficking Act enhances and expands the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act. Background on the Abolish Human Trafficking … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/content/news/cornyn-peters-bill-improve-efficiency-and-boost-safety-us-ports-entry-becomes-law | Cornyn, Peters Bill to Improve Efficiency and Boost Safety at U.S. Ports of Entry Becomes Law | 2018-12-22 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | John Cornyn | C001056 | www.cornyn.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTONU.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Gary Peters (D-MI) released the following statements after President Trump signed their United States Ports of Entry Threat and Operational Review Act into law. This bill, which they jointly authored, would initiate an in-depth analysis of the strengths, opportunities, and vulnerabilities of land, sea, and air ports of entry so that we can promote more efficient trade and travel across our borders while targeting vulnerabilities to decrease illegal activity. Trade and travel through Texas' many ports of entry spur our state's economy, connect cross-border communities, and provide jobs for millions of Texans, so it's important we ensure ports have the resources and information they need to run efficiently and safely, said Sen. Cornyn. I'm grateful to the Trump Administration for their support of this critical bill that will affect millions of Texans. Michigan is home to two of our nation's busiest trade crossings, and our economy relies on our ports of entry to securely and efficiently move goods and travelers across our border, said Senator Peters. I'm pleased this bipartisan bill has been signed into law to ensure Michigan's ports have the necessary resources to keep our state a thriving hub for international commerce. The United States Ports of Entry Threat and Operational Review Act requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to submit a threat and operational analysis of ports of entry, including: current and potential threats posed by individuals and organized groups seeking to exploit security vulnerabilities at ports of entry or to unlawfully enter the United States through such ports of entry; methods and pathways used to exploit security vulnerabilities at ports of entry; improvements needed at ports of entry to prevent the unlawful movement of people, illicit drugs, and other contraband across our borders; improvements needed to enhance travel and trade facilitation and reduce wait times at ports of entry; processes conducted at ports of entry that do not … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://arrington.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=298 | 115th Congress Accomplishments | 2018-12-21 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Jodey C. Arrington | A000375 | arrington.house.gov | arrington | https://arrington.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | It is a profound honor and blessing to represent you and your family in our nation’s capital. West Texas is more than the energy basin and breadbasket for the United States – it’s the backbone of our nation’s traditional values. I hope you are as pleased as I am with the record of results from our first term. Our overarching goal was to rein in the federal government, renew our commitment to the Constitution, be a strong voice for Rural America, and restore power back to “We the People.” Here are some of the ways we advanced our conservative principles and West Texas values during our first term in Congress: rebuilt the military and restored our readiness, supported the President to secure the border and stop illegal immigration, grew our economy and created jobs through tax cuts and regulation reduction, repealed Obamacare’s individual mandate, improved services to our veterans by enhancing the GI Bill and increasing accountability at the VA, increased access to healthcare for people in rural communities, introduced the only bi-partisan term limits legislation endorsed by President Trump, and defended our constitutional rights and traditional American values by protecting the 2nd Amendment and State sovereignty in public education. In addition, President Trump signed five pieces of legislation into law that we introduced on behalf of the good people of West Texas, improving agriculture, rural healthcare, and veteran services. We also led efforts to restore cotton to the Farm Bill safety net and secure the new B-21 bomber at Dyess - two generational opportunities with billions in economic impact to West Texas. Furthermore, as Chairman of the Veterans Affairs Economic Opportunity Subcommittee, I spearheaded legislation to improve accountability and quality of care at the VA. On the Farm Bill conference committee, I ensured that the 2018 Farm Bill gave our farmers and ranchers the certainty and security they need to feed and clothe the American people. In spite of our accomplishments during the 115th Congress, ther… | 1 | 2026-04-07T12:09:11Z | 2026-06-27T23:11:43Z |
| https://babin.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2316 | Babin Comments on Secretary Mattis Service | 2018-12-21 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Brian Babin | B001291 | babin.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Brian Babin (TX-36) released the following statement regarding the announced retirement of Secretary of Defense James Mattis after four decades of public service. “The American people are losing a very smart, tough and patriotic public servant in Secretary of Defense General James “Mad Dog” Mattis. His departure will leave a big void, and we will miss his leadership, experience and knowledge. Our enemies feared and respected him and our friends appreciated him.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-06-27T23:11:43Z | ||
| https://kevinbrady.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401309 | Brady stands with Trump; condemns Democrats putting partisanship over national security | 2018-12-21 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Kevin Brady | B000755 | kevinbrady.house.gov | legacy | Brady stands with Trump; condemns Democrats putting partisanship over national security Its a simple choice; open government or open borders f t # e Washington, December 21, 2018 Washington, DC Congressman Kevin Brady (R-TX-08) released the following statement after voting for legislation to fund the government and secure the border: For me this was a simple choice stand with President Trump, keep the government open and build the border wall. Democrats would prefer to have open borders, despite the risk this poses to our national security and the thousands of Border Agents who risk their lives to protect our sovereignty and secure the border. This is political gamesmanship at its worst. The safety and security of our citizens and our homeland are not pawns, and Pelosi and Schumer should be ashamed for treating them as such. ### f t # e | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://marchant.house.gov/?p=24954 | Marchant Votes to Build the Wall and Secure our Borders | 2018-12-21 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Kenny Marchant | M001158 | marchant.house.gov | legacy | Marchant Votes to Build the Wall and Secure our Borders Congressman Kenny Marchant (TX-24) released this statement after the House passed legislation to secure our borders and fund the government: Last night I voted to pass common sense legislation to build the wall, provide disaster assistance to necessary areas, and keep the government open. said Marchant. In one month Speaker Pelosi will not allow us to put the security and safety of the American people first and secure our borders. We need to fulfill the will of the people and most of the feedback I've received from my district is to vote to fund the wall. We can't allow the dysfunction of Washington and the Democrats putting party over country to put our citizens safety in jeopardy. The constant flow of opioids and Illegal immigration at our southern border has gone unchecked for too long. Congress needs to put the safety of Americans first and keep our promise of securing the border. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://marchant.house.gov/?p=24957 | Marchant Statement on the Resignation of Defense Secretary James Mattis | 2018-12-21 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Kenny Marchant | M001158 | marchant.house.gov | legacy | Marchant Statement on the Resignation of Defense Secretary James Mattis Congressman Kenny Marchant (TX-24) released this statement after the Secretary of Defense James Mattis announced he will be leaving his post at the end of February: Mr. Mattis joined the Marine Corps Reserve at 18 years old looking to make a positive difference in the world, and has served his country tirelessly in his more than four decades in uniform, said Marchant. Over the years he has earned a reputation among his colleagues and the defense community for integrity and good judgement, garnering the respect and trust of presidents, lawmakers, and the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces. Defense Secretary Mattis has faithfully carried out missions both military and civilian, always working to protect the American people and our allies. His tenure at the Department of Defense will be remembered for leading the effort to defeat ISIS, rebuilding our military, and protecting the American people. I thank him for his lifelong commitment to our national security and steadfast leadership in times of conflict. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://ratcliffe.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=330 | Rep. John Ratcliffe votes for $5.7 billion wall funding | 2018-12-21 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | John Ratcliffe | R000601 | ratcliffe.house.gov | legacy | 0 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | |||
| https://ratcliffe.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=331 | Trump signs Ratcliffe bill to modernize federal government | 2018-12-21 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | John Ratcliffe | R000601 | ratcliffe.house.gov | legacy | 0 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | |||
| https://thornberry.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398368 | Thornberry on temporary funding bill | 2018-12-21 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | William Thornberry | T000238 | thornberry.house.gov | legacy | Thornberry on temporary funding bill f t # e Washington, December 21, 2018 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:Jordan Hunter December 21, 2018 (202) 225-3706 Thornberry on temporary funding bill WASHINGTON- U.S. Congressman Mac Thornberry (R-Clarendon) released the following statement after the House passed a stopgap spending bill that contains $5.7 billion for border construction and almost $7.8 billion in disaster relief aid.I voted to support a bill that keeps the government open, improves border security, and provides disaster relief aid. The House passed this bill by 217 to 185. The budget process is dysfunctional, but this bill provides a path forward while funding border security and disaster relief, two things the country needs. The Senate should pass it. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/content/news/cornyn-new-criminal-justice-reform-law-brings-texas-model-nationwide | Cornyn: New Criminal Justice Reform Law Brings Texas Model Nationwide | 2018-12-21 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | John Cornyn | C001056 | www.cornyn.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement after President Trump signed the First Step Act into law, which includes Senator Cornyn's prison reform provisions: I've worked for years to bring the Texas model of successful prison reform nationwide, and this law will help us close the revolving door of recidivism for Americans looking for a second chance on life. This is a great example of what we can achieve when we bring ideas that work from our home states the laboratories of democracy - to Congress. The First Step Act was a whole of government effort that required input from both sides of the aisle and law enforcement groups to make this bill stronger, and I'm gratified by President Trump's support. The First Step Act includes provisions from Senator Cornyn's prison reform legislation, which was modeled after Texas' successful reforms. Background on Senator Cornyn's Prison Reform Provisions: Risk Assessment: Requires the Department of Justice to develop risk assessment tools that will assess the recidivism risk of all eligible offenders. Reducing Prison Spending: Focuses limited Bureau of Prison resources on those most likely to commit future crimes and shifts lower-risk inmates to less restrictive conditions, reducing prison costs and freeing up resources for law enforcement. Expanded Recidivism-Reduction Programming: Requires the Bureau of Prisons to provide evidence-based recidivism reduction programming to all eligible offenders. Partnerships with Faith-Based and Community-Based Organizations: Promotes efficient and effective recidivism reduction programming by requiring, the Bureau of Prisons to partner with private organizations, including non-profits, to enhance existing efforts. Credit toward Prerelease Custody: Incentivizes low-risk and non-violent inmates to reduce their risk profile by allowing eligible inmates who successfully complete recidivism reduction programs to earn credit toward time in pre-release custody. Improving Prisoner Reentry: Requires the federal pro… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=news&id=4253 | Ted Cruz Is Right: Make El Chapo Pay for the Wall | 2018-12-21 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | By: Daniel John Sobieski It would be poetic justice, is deliciously named, and wouldn't cost the taxpayers a dime. It doesn't make Mexico pay for the wall, just one particular Mexican who has done great injury to the people of the United States and who is responsible for a major part of drugs flooding into the United States. It is legislation introduced by Sen.Ted Cruz of Texas last year -- the Ensuring Lawful Collection of Hidden Assets to Provide Order (E.L.C.H.A.P.O.) Act which would use fund confiscated from drug dealers like El Chapo and traffickers to pay for border security. As Cruz explained after introducing his bill in April of 2017: Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) introduced a bill calling for the use of $14 billion seized from cartel drug lord Joaquin El Chapo Guzman to be used to pay for the President's border wall between the U.S. and Mexico. Fourteen billion dollars will go a long way toward building a wall that will keep Americans safe and hinder the illegal flow of drugs, weapons, and individuals across our southern border, Senator Cruz stated, according to a statement obtained by Breitbart Texas from the senator's office The Texas senator said that leveraging criminally forfeited assets from El Chapo and other Mexican cartel members and drug dealers can offset the wall's cost and make meaningful progress toward achieving President Trump's stated border security objectives. Some might dismiss this idea as a campaign gimmick intended to help Cruz in his tough 2018 reelection bid, but it is an idea whose time has definitely come. El Chapo is responsible for many crimes against his people and ours, including the murder of Border Patrol agent Brian Terry using a weapon supplied by presidential wannabe and former Obama AG Eric Holder: We assume Holder reads the morning paper and has heard of the 40 assault weapons illegally purchased under the Phoenix ATF's Fast and Furious operation that somehow wound up in the home of Sinaloa cartel enforcer Torres "the Jaguar" Marrufo. If he has, we suspe… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=news&id=4257 | Senate passes commercial space bill | 2018-12-21 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | By: Jeff Foust WASHINGTON The Senate approved legislation Dec. 20 to reform commercial space regulations and extend the life of the International Space Station, but the passage may be too late for this bill to become law. The Senate approved by unanimous consent the Space Frontier Act, S. 3277, a bill introduced in July by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and co-sponsored by Sens. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) and Ed Markey (D-Mass.) The Senate Commerce Committee had favorable reported the bill in August. The bill approved by the full Senate includes several changes to the one that cleared the committee. Among its new provisions are sections calling for studies on the joint use of military facilities for commercial launches and on ways to improve the integration of launches and reentries into the national airspace system. It also renames the Office of Space Commerce within the Commerce Department as the Bureau of Space Commerce to be led by an Assistant Secretary for Space Commerce, a change sought by the Commerce Department to elevate the importance of the office. The bill authorizes $10 million a year for the bureau for fiscal years 2020 through 2024. While the bill is devoted primarily to reforms of commercial launch and remote sensing regulations, it also extends authorization to operate the ISS from 2024 to 2030. Cruz and Nelson included that extension after expressing opposition to the administration's plan in its fiscal year 2019 budget request to end direct funding of the ISS in 2025. The version passed by the Senate does include a new section authorizing NASA to start a low Earth orbit commercialization program to encourage the fullest commercial use and development of space by the private sector of the United States. NASA sought to start such a program in its 2019 budget request that could lead to installation of commercial modules on the ISS and, later, commercial space stations. The Space Frontier Act takes the critical step of continuing the operations and utilization of the International Space Stat… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=4237 | Sens. Cruz, Jones Applaud House Passage of Civil Rights Cold Case Legislation | 2018-12-21 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today the U.S. House of Representatives approved legislation led by U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Doug Jones (D-Ala.) to require the review, declassification, and release of government records related to unsolved criminal civil rights cases. Sens. Cruz and Jones have led a months-long bipartisan effort to provide public access to unsolved civil rights crime documents through their Civil Rights Cold Case Records Collection Act. U.S. Rep. Bobby L. Rush (D-Ill.) led the companion legislation in the House. Their bill will now go to the President's desk to be signed into law. This week has been a historic week for justice, Sen. Cruz said. Crimes committed against Americans seeking their rightful place in the American dream during the civil rights movement too often went unsolved. But this bill seeks to right these historic wrongs by disclosing case records so that the public may pursue leads and document these tragic events. I am grateful my colleagues in the House recognize the importance of this issue, and am proud to have worked with Sen. Jones on this bipartisan bill. It is my hope that, with additional sunlight to these cold cases, there will be revelation, justice, and closure where it has long been lacking. This legislation has made a remarkable journey from its conception in a high school classroom to its passage in Congress today. From the students who first brought their draft bill to my attention years ago to the journalists and researchers who study these civil rights cold cases to my colleagues Senator Ted Cruz and Representative Bobby Rush, this was truly a team effort to do the right thing by these victims and their families. While we can't change history, we can and should do whatever we can to seek truth and healing. Today, we took an important step forward in the effort to ensure justice delayed is not justice denied, said Senator Jones. I was delighted when Senators Jones and Cruz introduced companion legislation to my bill, H.R. 1272, and I am even more excited to see that thi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://gohmert.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398675 | DHS: Jesus, Mary and Joseph could have earned asylum in U.S. | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Louie Gohmert | G000552 | gohmert.house.gov | legacy | Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen assured members of Congress Thursday that Jesus, Mary and Joseph would have qualified for asylum in the U.S. as they fled King Herod. That turned out to be a point of contention as Ms. Nielsen testified to the House Judiciary Committee, fielding angry questions and denunciations from Democrats who say the Trump administration has been cruel to migrants. Rep. Luis V. Gutierrez, Illinois Democrat, was the most pointed, saying a Trump administration transported back to biblical times would have left Jesus to his death. A Jesus Christ who had to flee for his life, with Mary and Joseph, Mr. Gutierrez said. Thank God there wasn't a wall that stopped him from seeking refuge in Egypt. Thank God that wall wasn't there, and thank God there wasn't an administration like this or too would have perished on the 28th, the day of innocents, when Herod ordered the murder of every child under two years of age. The Feast of the Holy Innocents, celebrated on Dec. 28, commemorates the events recorded in the Book of Matthew describing in which Herod the Great, fearing the prophesy of the rise of a King of the Jews, has children executed. Joseph, warned in a dream, had fled with his family to Egypt. Rep. Louie Gohmert, Texas Republican, was indignant at that Mr. Gutierrez's denunciation, saying it was part of an overall campaign of slander against Ms. Nielsen and other administration officials. Mr. Gohmert asked Ms. Nielsen to alleviate Mr. Gutierrez's worries over the Holy Family, saying Herod's persecution of children seemed like a reason for asylum. Wouldn't they be eligible for asylum in the United States? he wondered. Yes, Ms. Nielsen assured him. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://gohmert.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398676 | Gohmert Introduces Bill That Removes Liability Protections for Social Media Companies That Use Algorithms to Hide, Promote, or Filter User Content | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Louie Gohmert | G000552 | gohmert.house.gov | legacy | Rep. Louie Gohmert (TX-01) released the following statement regarding the introduction his bill, H.R.7363, that amends section 230 of the Communications Act of 1934: Social media companies like Facebook, Twitter, and Google are now among the largest and most powerful companies in the world. More and more people are turning to a social media platform for news than ever before, arguably making these companies more powerful than traditional media outlets. Yet, social media companies enjoy special legal protections under Section 230 of the Communications Act of 1934, protections not shared by other media. Instead of acting like the neutral platforms they claim to be in order obtain their immunity, these companies have turned Section 230 into a license to potentially defraud and defame with impunity. Representatives of social media companies have testified in Congressional hearings that they do not discriminate against or filter out conservative voices on their platforms. But for all their reassurances, the disturbing trend continues unabated. Employees from some of these companies have communicated their disgust for conservatives and discussed ways to use social media platforms and algorithms to silence and prevent income to conservatives. In one hearing, one of the internet social media executives indicated a desire to be treated like Fox News. Fox News does not have their immunity and this bill will fulfill that unwitting request. Since there still appears to be no sincere effort to stop this disconcerting behavior, it is time for social media companies to be liable for any biased and unethical impropriety of their employees as any other media company. If these companies want to continue to act like a biased medium and publish their own agendas to the detriment of others, they need to be held accountable. Congressman Gohmert is the Vice Chair of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security, as well as the Vice Chairman of the Natural Resources Committee. Prior to being elected to serve i… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://arrington.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=165 | Arrington Supports Spending Measure With Border Wall Funding | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Jodey C. Arrington | A000375 | arrington.house.gov | arrington | https://arrington.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | Today, Congressman Jodey Arrington (TX19) released the following statement after the House passed a short-term spending bill that included $5.7 billion for border security and $7.8 billion for disaster relief. “We have a national security crisis in our country, and our Commander-in-Chief has asked for the necessary resources to defend our sovereign borders and protect our citizens and communities,” said Arrington. “I am proud to stand with him in his efforts to secure the border and stop illegal immigration by voting to give him the funding he requested for the border wall and other physical barriers. “There is no country without borders; there is no freedom without security; and the first and most important job of the federal government is to keep the American people safe.” | 1 | 2026-04-07T12:09:11Z | 2026-06-27T23:11:43Z |
| https://arrington.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=166 | Arrington on USDA's Proposed SNAP Rule | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Jodey C. Arrington | A000375 | arrington.house.gov | arrington | https://arrington.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | Today, Congressman Jodey Arrington (TX19) released the following statement after the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a proposed rule that would “restore the original intent of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)” by tightening state waivers for able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWD). “I applaud Secretary Perdue and the Trump Administration for finishing the job House Republicans started to ensure that able-bodied adults on Food Stamps work in order to receive assistance,” said Arrington. “I am proud that 18 of the 21 House-passed reforms to the Food Stamp Program made it in the final 2018 Farm Bill. “We have a growing economy and millions of surplus jobs – it’s time we pull those in poverty up and out of the welfare trap of government dependence and ensure those who are capable of working do so.” See USDA’s press release here. See the proposed rule here. | 1 | 2026-04-07T12:09:11Z | 2026-06-27T23:11:43Z |
| https://hurd.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/hurd-statement-significant-chinese-cyber-aggression | Hurd Statement on Significant Chinese Cyber Aggression | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Will Hurd | H001073 | hurd.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC In response to the recent announcement by the Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation to counter Chinese national security threats, former CIA undercover officer and cybersecurity entrepreneur U.S. Representative Will Hurd (TX-23), who chairs the House IT Subcommittee and serves on the Homeland Security and Intelligence Committees, issued the following statement: We are in a hot war with China, and cyber space is the battle space. I've said time and time again that we must play nice with nice guys, and tough with tough guys. This is no different. There must be consequences for digital attacks that compromise our national security.' China views hacking as a means to attain leadership in advanced technology and 21st century great power politics and is currently working to improve its position at the expense of other nations. This systemic breach was undertaken by a hacking group, APT 10, with clear links to the Chinese Ministry of State Security, clearly violating our countries' shared cyber commitments from the 2015 Xi-Obama Memorandum. I applaud today's announcement, which sets a clear tone that the United States has zero tolerance for China's deliberate efforts to steal our information and technology. Attribution is a deterrent against future cyber attacks, and we must continue to expose bad actors that threaten our intellectual property and national security.' As Chair of the IT Subcommittee I have been working since 2015 to improve our federal government's ability to defend our digital infrastructure against cyberattacks. I am pleased that last night, the House and Senate passed a bipartisan national security package that ensures the Department of Homeland Security has the authorities to do just that, including establishing a process for the federal government to address critical supply chain risks to our digital infrastructure. I urge the President to sign the SECURE Technology Act into law as soon as possible so we can begin to take action.' | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://kaygranger.house.gov/media/press-releases/lowey-granger-statement-acquittal-ngo-workers-egypt | Lowey, Granger Statement on Acquittal of NGO Workers in Egypt | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Kay Granger | G000377 | kaygranger.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Representatives Nita M. Lowey (D-NY-17) and Kay Granger (R-TX-12), incoming Chairwoman and Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, released the following statement on the acquittal of 43 NGO workers who had been prosecuted by the Egyptian government: While the Egyptian government should not have targeted NGO workers in the first place, we are pleased that the rule of law eventually prevailed in the Egypt. With a number of challenges in the region, we welcome this step in the right direction, but we continue to be concerned with the state of human rights in Egypt. The U.S.-Egypt relationship is a deep and historic one built on shared interests and honest communication, and one that we will continue to advance as incoming Chairwoman and Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee. We look forward to working with the Egyptian government to grow our mutual understanding and to advance human rights for all Egyptians. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://kevinbrady.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401307 | First Step Act passes House with Bradys support | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Kevin Brady | B000755 | kevinbrady.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC After passage in the Senate on Tuesday, the First Step Act was passed by the House on Thursday with overwhelming support from both sides of the aisle. We can be smart and tough on crime at the same time, said U.S. Congressman Kevin Brady (R-TX-08) after voting in favor of the bill. A number of provisions in the First Step Act mirror many of the same reforms the Texas legislature has implemented at the state level, which has a proven record of saving tax dollars, reducing crime rates, and lowering Texas incarceration rate. This is no get out of jail free card, but a chance for inmates to utilize meaningful employment and training opportunities, and other evidence-based programs to help reduce recidivism. This is a win for the inmates, their families, the taxpayers and our communities. I applaud President Trump and his Administration for making this a priority. The First Step Act requires the Department of Justice (DOJ) to construct an individualized risk-and-needs assessment for every offender upon being sentenced. Subsequently, the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) would offer inmates a tailor-made recidivism reduction plan, which could include resources such as mental health care, anger-management courses, vocational training and other resources. If these programs are successfully completed, low and minimum risk prisoners will begin to earn time credits for pre-release custody. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://olson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/olson-urges-reevaluation-of-syria-withdrawal | Olson Urges Reevaluation Of Syria Withdrawal | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Pete Olson | O000168 | olson.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC Rep. Pete Olson (TX-22) today released the following statement regarding President Trump's plan to withdraw U.S. military troops from Syria: As a Navy veteran, I believe our commander in chief mustlisten to our generals and military on the ground. These warfighters say we must maintain a presence in Syria to contain the threat of a weakened but very potent ISIS. I share their concerns over an abrupt withdrawal from the region. This decision is a victory for Russia and their efforts to influence the region and, much like the previous administration's decision to withdraw from Iraq prematurely, may strengthen the hands of not only ISIS but also Iran. Much of the progress our military has made in the war to end the ISIS caliphate will be lost. I urge the president to reconsider this decision immediately. ### Media Contact: Cate Cullen 202-225-5951 | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://poe.house.gov/2018/12/co-chairmen-poe-connolly-applaud-passage-of-georgia-support-act | CO-CHAIRMEN POE & CONNOLLY APPLAUD PASSAGE OF GEORGIA SUPPORT ACT | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Ted Poe | P000592 | poe.house.gov | legacy | Co-Chairmen of the Georgia Caucus,U.S. Congressmen Ted Poe (R-TX)andGerald Connolly (D-VA)released the following statements after the House passed H.R. 6129, the bi-partisan Georgia Support Act. The legislation reasserts the United States' support for Georgia's sovereignty and opposition to the forceful and illegal Russian invasion of Abkhazia and Tskhinivali region/South Ossetia. "The Republic of Georgia is a beacon of democracy in a part of the world that has long struggled to break the legacy of Soviet oppression," said Congressman Poe, the co-chair of the Congressional Georgia Caucus. "While Georgia successfully achieved independence in 1991, Moscow has persistently attempted to bully the small nation back into its orbit -- even going to the extent of invading and occupying a third of Georgia's territory. As Georgia's friend and ally we have a duty to help the Georgian people resist Russia's aggression. That is why I am proud to join my counterpart on the Georgia Caucus, Rep. Gerry Connolly, in introducing the Georgia Support Act. This important bill not only sends a message to the Kremlin that Congress opposes its violations of Georgian sovereignty and territorial integrity, but we are ready to back it up with action. By passing this bill, we are enhancing Georgia's ability to defend itself and taking steps to target Russians who commit brutal human rights atrocities against the Georgian people." "I am proud that the House has passed the Georgia Support Act, which strengthens the vital U.S.-Georgia partnership, a strategically important relationship in a critical part of the world, said Congressman Connolly, co-chair of the Congressional Georgia Caucus. This bill demonstrates the United States' robust support of Georgia's sovereignty, continued democratic development, and security, especially in the face of Russian aggression. The Georgia Support Act builds on previous efforts to bolster Georgia's territorial integrity by authorizing sanctions against those responsible for or complicit in human rights … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://poe.house.gov/2018/12/poe-and-connolly-congratulate-salome-zurabishvili-as-first-female-president-of-georgia | POE AND CONNOLLY CONGRATULATE SALOME ZURABISHVILI AS FIRST FEMALE PRESIDENT OF GEORGIA | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Ted Poe | P000592 | poe.house.gov | legacy | Congressmen Ted Poe (R-TX) and Gerald Connolly (D-VA), Chairmen of the Georgia Caucus, issued the following statement on the election of ruling party candidate and former Georgian foreign minister, Salome Zurabishvili,as the first female president of Georgia: Congratulations to our friends in the Republic of Georgia on the historic election of Salome Zurabishvili as their first female president, said Reps. Poe and Connolly. This election demonstrates the continued development of Georgia's young democracy. Despite the challenges their country faces, Georgians have shown their strong commitment to freedom, the rule of law, and thepeaceful transfer of power. We reiterate the concerns of election observers regarding the abuse of state resources for partisan campaigning and urge Georgian authorities to address these issues todemonstrate their commitment tofully fair and transparent elections. The United States, as a close ally of Georgia, stands ready to work with President Zurabishvili and to support her nation's integration with the transatlantic community. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://ratcliffe.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=329 | Rep. Ratcliffe praises Trump administrations actions against China's state-sponsored cyber espionage | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | John Ratcliffe | R000601 | ratcliffe.house.gov | legacy | 0 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | |||
| https://thornberry.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398366 | House passes tax bill before the end of the year | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | William Thornberry | T000238 | thornberry.house.gov | legacy | House passes tax bill before the end of the year f t # e Washington, December 20, 2018 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:Jordan Hunter December 20, 2018 (202) 225-3706 House passes tax bill before the end of the year WASHINGTON- The U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 88, the Retirement, Savings, and Other Tax Relief Act. This bill passed the House by a vote of XXX to XXX. It is important that we continue to work on legislation that brings relief to hardworking Americans. Last year, we took a step in reforming our tax code by passing tax reform. Earlier this year, the House passed tax reform 2.0. Now, we are taking a third step to continue to help our economy thrive, Thornberry said. With our progress on tax reform, we have seen a lot of growth in our economy, Americans keeping more of the money they earn, and jobs being created. Highlights: Includes special tax relief benefits forindividuals and businesses affected by recent natural disasters; Helps businesses provide retirement plans for their workers and helps families to start saving earlier; Makes key technical corrections to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act; Further delays several Obamacare taxes, including the medical device tax and health insurer tax; Makes the railroad track maintenance credit permanent; and Updates the IRS and makes taxpayer service the focus of the agency. ### … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://thornberry.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398367 | Thornberry on Mattis retirement | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | William Thornberry | T000238 | thornberry.house.gov | legacy | Thornberry on Mattis retirement f t # e Washington, December 20, 2018 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:Jordan Hunter December 20, 2018 (202) 225-3706 Thornberry on Mattis retirement WASHINGTON-U.S. Congressman Mac Thornberry (R-Clarendon) released the following statement after Secretary Mattis announced his retirement:"In January 2017, Congress took an extraordinary action by passing a law that allowed James N. Mattis to serve as Secretary of Defense. The only other time it has been done was for General George C. Marshall. Speaking in support of the legislation on the House Floor I said, 'I know of no one more respected, more admired in the field of national security today than General Mattis.' His service as Secretary over the last two years have only added to the luster of his name."Americans and freedom-loving people around the world have rightfully trusted his steady hand and sound judgmentleadingthe United States Department of Defense. He inspired and motivated the men and women serving in our military. His personal integrity and forthright manner have been a modelforpublic servants, whether military or civilian."I am incredibly grateful to him for being willing to serve, for fulfilling his duties with such extraordinary commitment to American national security, and for the close working relationship he fostered with the Congress." ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://weber.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=486 | Weber Statement on House Amended Continuing Resolution with Border Security Funding | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Randy Weber | W000814 | weber.house.gov | legacy | Weber Statement on House Amended Continuing Resolution with Border Security Funding f t # e Washington, December 20, 2018 Washington, D.C. On Thursday, December 20, 2018, the U.S. House of Representatives sent an amended version of the Senate's Continuing Resolution back to the Senate for final approval. The amended bill funds the remaining seven agencies of the government through February 2019, while also providing $5.71 billion for border security and $7.8 billion for disaster relief. Congressman Randy Weber (R Friendswood) released the following statement:The People's House knows our constituents want to see the border properly funded and secured. Our President heard that message, and the House resolved to plus up our border funding. Our border needs securing, and having survived Hurricane Harvey, I know first hand the critical need for disaster funding. My colleagues and I were elected to serve our districts. We have a job to do, and House Republicans did just that. It is now time for the Senate to take a stand for the desires of the American people. I actively encourage them to accept our amendment to the bill and avoid a partial government shut down. ### f t # e | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/content/news/cornyn-peters-bill-improve-efficiency-and-boost-safety-us-ports-entry-passes-senate | Cornyn, Peters Bill to Improve Efficiency and Boost Safety at U.S. Ports of Entry Passes Senate | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | John Cornyn | C001056 | www.cornyn.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTONU.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Gary Peters (D-MI) released the following statements after the United States Ports of Entry Threat and Operational Review Act passed the Senate. This bill, which they jointly authored, would initiate an in-depth analysis of the strengths, opportunities, and vulnerabilities of land, sea, and air ports of entry so that we can promote more efficient trade and travel across our borders while targeting vulnerabilities to decrease illegal activity. Texas boasts some of the most active ports of entry in the United States, and reviewing the vulnerabilities and inefficiencies at these ports will help us to better facilitate legitimate trade and travel, said Sen. Cornyn. I'm grateful to Sen. Peters and all my colleagues in the Senate for supporting this bill critical for international trade, travel, and security. The day-to-day operations of businesses in Michigan and throughout the country depend on the secure flow of goods through our ports,said Senator Peters.I am pleased the Senate has passed this bipartisan bill to provide our ports with the resources needed to effectively handle increased levels of trade and travel, and ensure small business owners and entrepreneurs across Michigan can continue to sell their products in the global marketplace. The United States Ports of Entry Threat and Operational Review Act requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to submit a threat and operational analysis of ports of entry, including: current and potential threats posed by individuals and organized groups seeking to exploit security vulnerabilities at ports of entry or to unlawfully enter the United States through such ports of entry; methods and pathways used to exploit security vulnerabilities at ports of entry; improvements needed at ports of entry to prevent the unlawful movement of people, illicit drugs, and other contraband across our borders; improvements needed to enhance travel and trade facilitation and reduce wait times at ports of entry; processes conducted at ports o… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=4231 | Sen. Cruz Introduces NASA Authorization Act of 2018 | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) this week introduced the NASA Authorization Act of 2018. This bipartisan legislation is the product of a series of hearings and establishes a legislative marker to build upon in the 116th Congress. The legislation supports an overall budget of $21.545 billion for fiscal year 2019 which would sustain NASA and ensure continued progress for our nation's existing national space initiatives and investments. This is crucial as we look to advance space exploration and assert the United States' leadership in the final frontier. Sens. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), and Ed Markey (D-Mass) are co-sponsors. As chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Space, Science, and Competitiveness, Sen. Cruz has been a strong advocate for fortifying the United States' leadership in space. He led a series of hearings leading to the introduction of the NASA Authorization Act of 2018, which focused on topics including: America's future exploration of Mars, support for scientific missions in the search for life beyond Earth, and the future of America's ability to maintain its leadership in space. For decades the United States has been a leader on the global stage and advanced exploration by pushing humans further than they've ever gone before, Sen. Cruz said. I am proud of this bipartisan legislation, and firmly believe that we are in a strong position to continue to build upon this bill in the 116th Congress to create an opportunity for a new generation of Americans to witness a new chapter in history: American boots stepping foot on the surface of Mars. Additionally, this bill will provide new commercialization opportunities in low-Earth orbit which will help a private sector commercial space flourish. Most importantly, this bill maximizes the return of American taxpayers' dollars that have been invested towards the operation and utilization of the International Space Station. The full bill text may be viewed here. Highlights of the NASA Authorization Act of … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=4233 | Sens. Cruz, Nelson, Markey Applaud Senate Passage of Bipartisan Space Frontier Act | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), and Ed Markey (D-Mass.) today issued the following statements after the Senate passed their bipartisan Space Frontier Act (S.3277) by a unanimous vote of approval. In July, Sens. Cruz, Nelson, and Markey introduced this legislation to fortify America's leadership in space exploration, continue operations for the International Space Station (ISS) through 2030, and reign in overreaching regulations to support further development of the commercial space sector. For over half a century the United States has been the global leader in space. The Space Frontier Act not only ensures that the United States will remain the global leader in space exploration, but reduces regulatory barriers to allow a vibrant commercial economy to flourish in space, Sen. Cruz said. The Space Frontier Act takes the critical step of continuing the operations and utilization of the International Space Station through 2030, ensures that the United States won't cede low-Earth orbit to China, and enacts meaningful reforms to modernize our nation's launch and re-entry regulations, and streamlines nongovernmental Earth observation regulations. I am proud to have worked with Senators Nelson and Markey on this bipartisan legislation, and urge my House colleagues to take swift actions to pass our bill and send it to the President's desk to be signed into law. Reforms in this bill will help commercial space companies get to two launches a day in Florida, Sen. Nelson said. As a result, jobs will continue to soar as rockets roar off the launch pads. Extending the life of the International Space Station well into the next decade, as this bill does, will also ensure America remains a leader in space exploration. Passage of the Space Frontier Act is not just one small step, it is one giant leap that gets us that much closer to the next Great Space Age, Sen. Markey said. I am proud of the Subcommittee's hard work on this bipartisan piece of legislation, especially my partners Senator Cruz… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=4234 | Sen. Cruz Announces Staff Updates | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today announced new staff roles in his Senate D.C. office. Effective immediately, Sean McLean will be fulfilling the role of Legislative Director, and Austin Smithson as the Domestic Policy Advisor. Sean and Austin have been exceptional assets to my office and the people of Texas, serving as experts for their legislative portfolios while helping to secure numerous victories for the Lone Star State and all Americans, Sen. Cruz said. I am confident that they will continue the fight for freedom and economic growth as they advance into their new roles. And I look forward to working with each of them as we head into a new legislative session to represent the values and concerns of Texans in Washington. Sean McLean, Legislative Director: McLean has over a decade of experience working in the United States Congress, and for the past four years has handled the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation portfolio for Sen. Cruz. In addition to handling issues before the full committee, McLean has also managed Sen. Cruz's priorities as the chairman of the Subcommittee on Space, Science, and Competitiveness. Under McLean's leadership, Sen. Cruz has passed five bipartisan bills that have been signed into law by Presidents Obama and Trump. Previously, McLean worked for U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) for over seven years in a number of positions, including Legislative Director. Austin Smithson, Domestic Policy Advisor: Smithson, a native of Tyler, most recently served as Director of the Hurricane Harvey Working Group' in Sen. Cruz's D.C. office, where he oversaw the office's response to Hurricane Harvey and worked to ensure Texans and Texas communities impacted by the storm received the federal assistance needed to recover and rebuild. Prior to that, Smithson served as Legislative Counsel for Sen. Cruz, handling issues critical to Texas, including energy, agriculture, environment, and transportation. Before joining Cruz's office, he was Legislative Director… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=4235 | Sen. Cruz Introduces the End Palestinian Terror Salaries Act of 2018 | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today introduced the End Palestinian Terror Salaries Act of 2018. The bill imposes sanctions against Palestinian officials who provide financial rewards for Palestinian terror attacks. The text of the bill may be viewed here. Palestinian terrorists have wounded or killed more than a dozen Israelis over the last few months, including 45-year old American-Israeli Ari Fuld, Sen. Cruz said The Palestinian government continues to provide hundreds of millions of dollars each year rewarding such terrorists and their families, providing an incentive for ever more violence. It's past time for Congress to impose direct costs on the Palestinian officials who manage the programs that provide these rewards. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=4236 | Sen. Cruz, Rep. Smith's Student Empowerment Act Passes U.S. House | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Rep. Jason Smith (R-Mo.) today issued the following statements applauding the House passage of the Student Empowerment Act, which expands the use of 529 College Savings Plans to allow families to save for K-12 education expenses. This important legislation builds upon the biggest school-choice initiative in American history by enabling public, private, and homeschool families to use a 529 savings account for everyday educational expenses, ensuring that every family is able to use these tax-advantaged accounts to pay for their child's elementary and secondary education, Sen. Cruz said. By investing in the next generation of students and expanding school choice, we're allowing more families to access a quality education that truly fits their child's needs, and to escape the one-size-fits-all approach to education. The Student Empowerment Act will help working families pay for their children's everyday K-12 education expenses, no matter where they attend school, said Congressman Smith. Parents know better than Washington about what's right for their children, and this legislation will allow families to save for the expenses unique to their children's needs. It will also end wrongful discrimination against families who homeschool their children, because every family has the right to choose where their children receive their education. I thank Senator Cruz for his partnership on this important issue to expand school choice and uphold individual liberty. Eligible expenses would include tuition, books and instructional materials, tutoring expenses, fees for exams related to college admissions, and educational therapy for students with disabilities. Additionally, the Student Empowerment Act would allow all families to use tax-free 529 savings accounts, regardless of where their children receive their education. It would change current law, which does not permit families to use 529 savings accounts for homeschool expenses. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=video&id=4232 | Sen. Cruz Encourages Senate Colleagues to Pass the Space Frontier Act | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | 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 The Mickey Leland Federal Building 1919 Smith Street Suite 9047 Houston, TX 77002 Email South/Cen. TX (210) 340-2885 9901 IH-10W Suite 950 San Antonio, TX 78230 Email East TX (903) 593-5130305 S. Broadway Suite 501 Tyler, TX 75702 Email South TX (956) 686-7339 200 S. 10th St Suite 1603 McAllen, TX 78501 Email Washington, D.C. (202) 224-5922 404 Russell Washington, DC 20510 Contact | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://hurd.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/hurd-bill-supporting-libraries-passes-house | Hurd Bill Supporting Libraries Passes House | 2018-12-19 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Will Hurd | H001073 | hurd.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC Today, the Housepassed the Museum and Library Services Act (S. 3530), a bipartisan initiative to ensure the continued success of our libraries and museums across the nation originally introduced by Senator Reed (D-RI). U.S. Representative Will Hurd (TX-23) joined representatives Reps. Raul Grijalva (AZ-03), Leonard Lance (NJ-07) and David McKinley (WV-01) to introduce the House companion and push the bill to the finish line. Our public libraries, especially in rural areas, go far beyond simply providing books. They serve as the primary provider of literacy programming, technology training and job seeking assistance in many communities I represent across South and West Texas,said Hurd, who represents more than one hundred public libraries, college libraries and school districts in the 23rd District of Texas.The grant funding authorized through this bill directly serves libraries across our state and is vital for their continued success. I am glad my colleagues came together today in a bipartisan manner to support this bill, and I will continue to ensure that South and West Texans can continue to access quality educational resources. Libraries are centers of community life, providing opportunities for millions of Texans to discover their passion, and pursue education and career goals. On behalf of the Texas Library Association's more than 6,000 members, we'd like to thank Representative Hurd and Senator Reed for supporting our libraries, and for their leadership on the reauthorization of the Museum and Library Services Act,saidDana Braccia, Executive Director of the Texas Library Association. We thank Representative Hurd and Senator Reed for their leadership in support of the important work of the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the thousands of libraries across the United States,said Mark Smith, Librarian and Director of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission.The Museum and Library Services Act will help state library agencies like ours in all states and territories continue t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://hurd.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/hurd-national-security-bill-passes-house | Hurd National Security Bill Passes House | 2018-12-19 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Will Hurd | H001073 | hurd.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC Today, the House of Representatives passed the SECURE Technology Act, a bipartisan national security package that ensures our Department of Homeland Security (DHS) personnel have the resources needed to keep Americans safe from global threats in today's interconnected world. The bill combines three bipartisan initiatives previously introduced in both the House and Senate that will ensure that DHS has the authorities to keep our digital infrastructure safe from cyber attacks. Cyber security is national security. Not a day goes by that our critical infrastructure isn't targeted by bad actors from every corner of the Globe, said Hurd, a former CIA undercover officer who serves on the House Homeland Security and Intelligence Committees. The SECURE Technology Act ensures that our federal agencies can better mitigate the risks to our networks and supply chains. I'm proud that my colleagues and I came together to support this bipartisan initiative to keep Americans safe across the finish line, and I'll continue to do all that I can to deliver real results back home. This bipartisan bill strengthens our national security by: Creating guidelines for addressing security vulnerabilities at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS); Establishing a bug bounty program at DHS to incentivize personnel to find and fix potential holes in their system; Establishing a process for the federal government to address critical supply chain risks. This proposal includes Majority Leader McCarthy's Public-Private Cybersecurity Cooperation Act (H.R. 6735), Senator Hassan (D-NH) and Portman's (R-OH) Hack the Department of Homeland Security of 2018 (S. 1281) and Senator McCaskill (D-MO) and Lankford's (R-OK) Federal Acquisition Supply Chain Security Act of 2018 (S. 3085). | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://mccaul.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/mccaul-s-statement-on-the-president-s-recent-announcement-on-us-forces | McCaul’s Statement on the President’s Recent Announcement on U.S. Forces in Syria | 2018-12-19 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Michael T. McCaul | M001157 | mccaul.house.gov | mccaul | https://mccaul.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Michael McCaul (TX-10), Chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee and a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following statement following President Trump's recent announcement on U.S. forces in Syria: Congressman McCaul: "I have been very supportive of President Trump's actions over the last two years to crush the so-called Caliphate in Iraq and Syria. We have retaken almost all of the territory once controlled by ISIS and put them on the run. However, I am concerned by today's reports that America has started an immediate withdrawal of all of our troops, as well as our diplomats who are charged with helping those impacted by ISIS to rebuild. "Such a move is premature and could empower ISIS to regroup and rebuild, inspire Assad to slaughter scores of innocent Syrians, strengthen Russia in the region, and embolden Iran and its Shia proxies to fill the void we've left behind. By removing our presence in Syria, we put our ally Israel in a very dangerous situation with having to deal with a growing Iranian military presence on its border. "History has taught us that when we completely disengage from a hostile area, it emboldens our enemies to continue their belligerent actions. I am hopeful that President Trump and his national security team can explain how this immediate withdrawal is in America's best interest." ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:11:43Z |
| https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=4229 | Sen. Cruz Introduces Bill to Establish the Position of Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space | 2018-12-19 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) this week introduced a bill to establish a new position of Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space within the Department of Defense. Since being elected to the Senate, Sen. Cruz has served as a leader on space issues and an advocate for American military superiority in space. Successfully competing in space requires leaders who are empowered to advocate and allocate the resources they need to secure American leadership in this new domain, Sen. Cruz said. My legislation will establish a new Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space, which would ensure the Pentagon adequately prioritizes the issue and that the Senate is able to provide oversight. This legislation also requires that one of the first tasks of the new Assistant Secretary is bringing emerging technologies critical for advancing U.S. national interests into the Department of Defense. Establishing the Assistant Secretary is a prerequisite to creating a robust military approach to space. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=4230 | Sen. Cruz: Continuing Resolution is a 'Missed Opportunity' to Build the Wall | 2018-12-19 | 2018 | 2018-12 | 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 in opposition to the continuing resolution: The American people gave us a clear mandate: secure the border and build the wall. I have long called for building a wall as a necessary step in defending our border and stopping the flow of illegal immigration into our country. To that end, I introduced the EL CHAPO Act and the WALL Act two bills that would offset the cost of completing the wall and securing our border. Unfortunately, this continuing resolution fails to reflect these priorities by not sufficiently securing the border. This is a missed opportunity to deliver on the promises made to the American people. Further, this bill continues to fund sanctuary cities, which are defying the law and making Americans less safe. We should instead pass Kate's Law, a bill I introduced that would put criminal illegal immigrants in jail so they cannot prey on innocent Americans. Congress must do better. I will continue to fight for a better path that respects the will of the American people. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://hurd.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/house-lawmakers-boosting-ai-cyber-workforce-gov-t-industry-2019 | House Lawmakers Boosting AI, Cyber Workforce in Govt, Industry in 2019 | 2018-12-18 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Will Hurd | H001073 | hurd.house.gov | legacy | House lawmakers announced plans to improve the use of artificial intelligence andincrease the government's cyber workforce through new bills in 2019 that would provide funding and set standards in the public and private sectors, Federal News Networkreported Monday. Reps. Will Hurd, R-Texas, and Robin Kelly, D-Ill., said they want to increase coordination between the government andindustry to explore and expand investments inAI technologies. Artificial intelligence matters because it will impact every single industry, Hurd said. We need to make sure we are aligning research in the federal government and the private sector, to make sure we are aligning the standards for the workforce, and we are training the workforce of the future. We need to make sure we are working with our international partners on this. The Texas representative said he's working on a cyber national guard bill to increase the number cyber experts in the future.Hurd also aims to push the Senate to increase its budget for the Technology Modernization Fund in 2019 after the House agreed to provide $150M in the coming year. Meanwhile, Kelly also plans to introduce a separate bill to improve the security of connected devices by requiring basic cybersecurity standards on government-purchased Internet of Things devices. Kelly and Hurdserve in the House Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on IT. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://hurd.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/immigrant-children-be-released-faster-tornillo-tent-city-hhs-policy-change | Immigrant children to be released faster from Tornillo tent city with HHS policy change | 2018-12-18 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Will Hurd | H001073 | hurd.house.gov | legacy | Undocumented immigrant children willbereleased quicker from the Tornillo tent city and othersheltersafter a policy change regarding the fingerprinting of sponsors' households. Abacklog ofFBI background checksof sponsor families had been blamed fordelaying the release of unaccompanied immigrant children held in Tornillo and other government-contracted shelters across the nation. The Department of Health and Human Services on Tuesday announced that it waschanging the way it conducts background checks, which will speed up the release of children. Fingerprints and FBI background checks still will be required of all sponsors but not from all members of a sponsor's household, an HHS spokesperson said. A search of U.S. Department of Homeland Security arrest records is still part of the sponsor background check, HHS said. The government will continue to conduct a public records check of all adults in a household "to ensure child safety," HHS said in a statement. There wereabout 2,800 children, ages 13-17, as of last weekat the controversial tent city at the Tornillo border port of entry outside El Paso, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Several members of Congress have called on the Trump administration to close the facility, saying that children belong with their parents or relatives instead of being detainedbythe government. Whenchildren are released from shelters, they are placed with a relative or sponsor in the United States as their cases gothrough immigration court proceedings. The temporary shelter in Tornillo opened in June and initially housed about 300 children before significantly expanding. Also in June, the government put into place a new policy that required all sponsors and household members to be fingerprinted as part of the background check. HHS saidthat the fingerprint background checks of all household members had generally not found additional child welfare risks and that the fingerprints checks had increased the time children spent at the shelters. HHS reports that 79 pe… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://williams.house.gov/media-center/newsletters/come-and-read-it-report-65 | Come and Read It Report | 2018-12-18 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Roger Williams | W000816 | williams.house.gov | legacy | Dear Texans, It's one of our favorite times of the year- high school football playoffs! In Texas, we know that means early morning practices, decking out in school colors, and braving the coldto watchour players leave itall out on the field for a shot at the state title. Last weekend, our very own Grandview High SchoolZebrasdefeated the Yoakum Bulldogs, 28-14, and are nowheaded to the State Championship! The game will take place this Thursday, December 20, at 7pm CT at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. While I cannot be there due to votes taking place in Washington, I will be cheering for the Zebras that day! Photo credit: TexasHSFootball.com Legislative Update Last week: we voted on 10 pieces of legislation, including the Farm Bill, which will provide economic stability to farmers and ranchers in our district, and around the country. I had the opportunity to preside over the House floor of the US Capitolone final time during the 115th Congress. It has been a true honor serving with these men and women the past two years on behalf of Texas' 25th District, and I look forward to two more! I have included some articles and releases you may find interesting located on the right side of this newsletter. It is an honor and privilege to represent the people of Texas' 25th Congressional District and as always, please reach out to me with any issues and concerns that are important to you. In God we trust, Roger Williams Member of Congress | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/content/news/cornyn-texas-shows-criminal-justice-reform-works | Cornyn: Texas Shows Criminal Justice Reform Works | 2018-12-18 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | John Cornyn | C001056 | www.cornyn.senate.gov | legacy | We've seen these changes implemented across the country at the state level, including my home state of Texas.' We were able to reduce our incarceration rate and our crime rate by double-digits at the same time.' The odds of these individuals leaving prison and becoming more productive members of society should be higher than the odds of a coin flip.' I'm proud to be a cosponsor of this legislation, and I look forward to voting yes when it comes up for a vote later today or tomorrow.' WASHINGTON On the floor, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) discussed the First Step Act and highlighted provisions to reduce recidivism based off successful reforms in Texas. Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn's floor remarks are below, and video can be found here. Almost everybody in prison will serve their time and get out of prison. The question for us is, will they be better prepared to live life on the outside in a productive way, or will they simply reengage in a turnstile? We've seen these changes implemented across the country at the state level, including my home state of Texas, which have yielded incredible results. So using sorts of recidivism reduction programs that are included in the First Step Act at the state level, we were able to reduce our incarceration rate and our crime rate by double-digits at the same time. We're not just talking about money. We're talking about human potential. We're investing in the men and women who want to turn their lives around once they're released from prison, and we're investing in so doing in stronger and more viable communities, and we're investing tax dollars into a system that helps produce stronger citizens. That's what this legislation tries to do and that's why it's gained such broad support on both sides of the aisle. The odds of these individuals leaving prison and becoming more productive members of society should be higher than the odds of a coin flip. I'm proud to be a cosponsor of this legislation, and I look forward to voting yes when it comes up for a vote later today or tomorrow. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/content/news/senate-passes-cornyn-backed-criminal-justice-reform | Senate Passes Cornyn-Backed Criminal Justice Reform | 2018-12-18 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | John Cornyn | C001056 | www.cornyn.senate.gov | legacy | We've seen these changes implemented across the country at the state level, including my home state of Texas, which has yielded incredible results.' This bill is our opportunity to make meaningful changes in our criminal justice system. An opportunity to begin fixing a problem that plagues our country and our opportunity to take a model that's been working in the states for more than a decade and use it to benefit all Americans.' WASHINGTONSenator John Cornyn (R-TX) made the following remarks on the Senate floor prior to the Senate passing the First Step Act, criminal justice reform legislation largely based on his prison reform bill: We've seen these changes implemented across the country at the state level, including my home state of Texas, which has yielded incredible results. We can be smarter on crime and produce better results at a lower cost, and that message and those things that have followed have been enormously successful. By investing in these education and training programs - these recidivism reduction programs - we can ensure that people who get out of prison, more of them will actually stay out of prison. This bill is our opportunity to make meaningful changes in our criminal justice system. An opportunity to begin fixing a problem that plagues our country and our opportunity to take a model that's been working in the states for more than a decade and use it to benefit all Americans. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=4226 | Bipartisan Jones-Cruz Bill to Release Civil Rights Cold Case Records Passes Full Senate | 2018-12-18 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Doug Jones (D-Ala.) announced that their bipartisan Civil Rights Cold Case Records Collection Act has passed through the full Senate by unanimous consent. Sens. Cruz and Jones introduced the legislation in July to require the review, declassification, and release of government records related to unsolved criminal civil rights cases. Despite being nearly 50 years old, many of these documents are not publicly available and some remain classified unnecessarily. Since its introduction, Sens. Cruz and Jones have worked together to earn support for the bill both at the committee level and in the full Senate. During the civil rights movement, far too many violent crimes committed against black Americans went unsolved, Sen. Cruz said. This bill attempts to address this injustice by disclosing case records so that the publicincluding private detectives, historians, victims, and victims' familiesmay access these files, pursue leads, and document these tragic events. I want to thank Sen. Jones for his efforts on this important bill. It is my hope that this bill will bring justice for the victims, closure to their families, and another victory for the legacy of the civil rights movement. This legislation means a great deal to the families and communities that have been impacted by these civil rights-era crimes, and I am so proud that we have been able to move the bill quickly through the Senate this year, said Senator Jones, a former U.S. Attorney. I understand well how important it is to confront the darkest moments in our history so that we can begin to heal and move forward together. This bill will unlock records that can help us better understand that history and give victims' families a chance at a sense of closure. I thank Senator Cruz for his partnership in this effort and I look forward to seeing this bill move through the House and to the President's desk. Since its introduction, the legislation has earned bipartisan support and has brought renewed national attenti… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=4227 | Sens. Cruz, Cotton Introduce Resolution Encouraging the United States to Recognize Israel's Sovereignty Over Golan Heights | 2018-12-18 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) introduced a Senate resolution encouraging the United States to recognize Israel's sovereignty over the Golan Heights. The full text of the resolution may be read here. Israel's northern border is threatened by Iranian forces and their proxies in Lebanon and Syria, including Hezbollah's 150,000 rockets, armed drones, newly discovered terror tunnels, and more. Meanwhile, with the Ayatollahs' help, Bashar al Assad's regime is on the verge of securing victory in Syria's civil war. He may soon turn his attention back to threatening the Jewish state. Sens. Cruz and Cotton said. Israel gained possession over the Golan Heights in a defensive war over 50 years ago, and has responsibly controlled the area ever since. It's past time for the United States to recognize reality by affirming Israel's sovereignty over the Golan Heights. The following is the full text of the resolution: Expressing the sense of the Senate that the United States should recognize Israel's sovereignty over the Golan Heights. Whereas, until 1967, Syria controlled the Golan Heights and used the topographical advantage it provided to attack Israeli troops and civilians; Whereas, in June 1967, Syria intensified its attacks against Israel from the Golan Heights, and Israel captured the Golan Heights in a defensive war; Whereas, in October 1973, the Golan Heights provided Israel with critical strategic depth to repel a surprise attack by Syrian forces; Whereas, on September 1, 1975, President Gerald Ford provided a diplomatic assurance to Israel that the U.S. will support the position that an overall settlement with Syria in the framework of a peace agreement must assure Israel's security from attack from the Golan Heights and that the U.S. has not developed a final position on the borders. Should it do so it will give great weight to Israel's position that any peace agreement with Syria must be predicated on Israel remaining on the Golan Heights; Whereas, in October 1991, Secretary o… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=4228 | Sen. Cruz Applauds Senate Passage of First Step Act | 2018-12-18 | 2018 | 2018-12 | 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 statement after Senate passage of the First Step Act: From my first days in the Senate, I have been a strong advocate for criminal justice reform. The First Step Act is a major bill that moves our system in the direction of greater justice. It lowers mandatory minimums for non-violent drug offenders and increases anti-recidivism programs to help offenders better reenter society, while excluding violent offenders from early release from federal prison. The First Step Act both helps nonviolent, low-level offenders transition back into society while at the same time protecting public safety. It will create greater opportunities for offenders to be rehabilitated, and will reduce the costs of our federal prison system while protecting public safety. Too many young men, particularly young black men, face long mandatory prison sentences for nonviolent drug offenses; this bipartisan legislation corrects that injustice. And it will focus our law enforcement resources where they are most needed: preventing violent crime. I want to thank the bill sponsors for working with me to amend the bill in order to explicitly exclude violent felons from its coverage. With my amendment adopted, I was proud to vote in favor of this bill in the Senate, and I look forward to its passage in the House and signing by the President. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://hurd.house.gov/media-center/hurd-hill/hurd-hill-spirit-season | Hurd on the Hill: The Spirit of the Season | 2018-12-17 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Will Hurd | H001073 | hurd.house.gov | legacy | There is a spirit of joy and giving in the air this time of year that goes unmatched, no matter the occasion celebrated. From getting together with family and loved ones to giving back to those in need, the holidays bring out the best in each of us and our nation as a whole. As this season continues, I encourage everyone to take time to reflect on this spirit of the season and carry a perspective of kindness, civility and cooperation into the New Year. We live in a nation more divided than ever. And although bringing up politics is typically frowned upon at a family gathering, my fear is that we are unable to put our labels of Democrat or Republican aside and work for the common good of our communities. One of the founding principles of our nation is the freedom of speech, or put alternatively, the ability to disagree. Through civil discourse and competition of ideas, we have created a democracy that has allowed Americans to prosper. We must come together as a nation and show the world our ability to disagree civilly, and that more unites us than divides us. For this experiment called America' to continue to thrive, we must be able to disagree with one another, without being disagreeable. One of the things I consistently hear when I'm back home crisscrossing South and West Texas is that folks fear our country is on the wrong track. I understand why you all feel this way I often feel the same after seeing pointless partisan bickering in Congress. However, what I have seen during my time in Congress is that bipartisanship is a real thing, and it is the only way to ensure that everyone's voices are heard. For example, last week alone, Congress saw three major bipartisan wins that deliver real results back home, from saving your hard-earned taxpayer dollars and keeping you safe to providing certainty for TX-23's more than 9,000 working farms and ranches. On Wednesday, I held my final hearing as Chair of the IT Subcommittee in the House, which oversees how our federal government is storing and protecting your informa… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://hurd.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/ai-cyber-workforce-top-house-it-subcommittee-priorities-2019 | AI, cyber workforce at the top of House IT subcommittee priorities for 2019 | 2018-12-17 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Will Hurd | H001073 | hurd.house.gov | legacy | Artificial intelligence and the cyber workforce will be front and center when the House Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on IT comes back for the 116thCongress. Both Reps. Will Hurd (R-Texas) and Robin Kelly (D-Ill.), currently the chairman and ranking member of the subcommittee, respectively, said they want to see progress across the government in both of these areas. While it's still unclear what the shape of the committee and subcommittees will look like and whether Hurd and Kelly will switch roles both say they plan to remain involved in federal IT and management issues. Hurd said no matter how things come together, he will continue to work in a bipartisan fashion on IT oversight, starting with a focus on AI. We need a national AI strategy. Artificial intelligence matters because it will impact every single industry, Hurd said onAsk the CIO. Most immediately when it comes to cybersecurity, the future of cybersecurity will be good AI versus bad AI. We need to make sure we are aligning research in the federal government and the private sector, to make sure we are aligning the standards for the workforce and we are training the workforce of the future and we need to make sure we are working with our international partners on this so we are driving how artificial intelligence and ethics of AI are in the future and not China. Kelly said she agreed with Hurd that agencies need to work with the private sector on investments and development of AI capabilities. We are seeing countries like China put far more investment into it than we have so I think we need to look at that, she said. I think hearing from agencies who are using it and whether there are pilots we can do in certain agencies. Expanding efforts around AI The executive branch already is busy looking at different aspects of AI. But Hurd is concerned there is a lack of coordination. The Trump administration, for instance,created an AI task forcein May under its Office of Science and Technology Policy. The group plans to release an updated vers… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://hurd.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/hhs-latest-agency-begin-figure-fitara-out | HHS is latest agency to begin to figure FITARA out | 2018-12-17 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Will Hurd | H001073 | hurd.house.gov | legacy | As the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee marked the fourth anniversary of the passage of the Federal IT Acquisition Reform Act (FITARA) with the releases of the seventhiteration of its scorecard, there was plenty to celebrate. No agency received an F grade for the first time. While there were no As either, there were 11 Bs and every agency either improved or stayed the course. The intent of the scorecard, as my colleague and original co-author of FITARA [Rep. Gerry] Connolly (D-Va.) has pointed out, is not to paint agencies with a scarlet letter. Rather, our intent is to incentivize behaviors and actions that result in better managed and more secure IT resources, said Rep. Will Hurd, (R-Texas), chairman of the IT subcommittee, in his opening statement. And it's that goal of driving and incentivizing a specific set of behaviors that came through in thislatest scorecardmore than ever before. The changed behaviors can be seen at the agency level whether it's the Commerce Department's acting CIO Rod Turkexercising his oversightmuscles over the bureau's IT spending, or the Transportation Department's decision tofreeze IT spendingback in 2016 to address cybersecurity challenges and then in 2017 to add more oversight to IT spending. For many agencies, complying with the law doesn't mean getting all As and staying out of the cross-hairs of the committee. It means CIOs can stop talking about getting a seat at the table and start exercising their authorities to affect real change. The bi-annual hearings, in many ways, are a reminder that at least House lawmakers are watching with high expectations. These hearings and our consensus on the issue of federal information technology procurement sends a message to agencies that the Oversight and Government Reform Committee is serious about agency implementation of the Federal Information Technology Acquisition Reform Act or FITARA and we are not going to take our foot off of the gas pedal until we achieve full implementation of the law, regardless of who is in the… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://poe.house.gov/2018/12/december-17th-december | December 17th - December 21st | 2018-12-17 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Ted Poe | P000592 | poe.house.gov | legacy | Monday 12.17.18 Pakistan's army chief has approved death sentences for 15 people convicted by military courts of involvement in attacks that killed 32 security forces and two civilians. A military statement issued Sunday says Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa also approved prison terms for 20 alleged militants. It says they were involved in attacks on security forces and Christians, and the destruction of educational institutions. It did not say when the men would be executed. Military trials are not open to the public in Pakistan, but defendants can hire their own lawyers. The Taliban released ashort statementtoday confirming that representatives of its political office are set to meet with an American delegation tomorrow (Dec. 17). The face-to-face is to take place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). And according to the Taliban, [r]epresentatives of Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and [the] United Arab Emirates will also attend the meeting.Notably absent from the Taliban's statement is any mention of the Afghan government. The jihadists have publicly rejected any talks with President Ghani's government, repeatedly describing it as an illegitimate puppet of the US. Fighting against the Islamic State group inits last enclave in eastern Syriais going very well, a U.S. official said Saturday as U.S.-backed Syrian fighters battled the extremists on the edge of the largest urban area they still hold. Spokesman for the U.S.-led Coalition Col. Sean Ryan's comments came a day after the U.S.-backedSyrian Democratic Forcescaptured the town of Hajin, the largest urban area controlled by ISIS in the enclave. Ryan said ISIS still poses a threat and its fighters are regrouping, planting improvised explosives devices to slow the progress of SDF offensives. He added that the end days of ISIS in the enclave they hold near Iraq's border are getting closer, however, they still have the capability for coordinated attacks, and the fight is not over. A bomb blast in a northwestern Syrian town held by Turkish-backed opposition forces killed at lea… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/content/news/cornyn-criminal-justice-reform-clears-key-vote | Cornyn: Criminal Justice Reform Clears Key Vote | 2018-12-17 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | John Cornyn | C001056 | www.cornyn.senate.gov | legacy | These reforms and these outcomes are real, and I've been working with my colleagues in the Senate Judiciary Committee since 2013 to try to bring these reforms now to the national level. And the First Step Act is our opportunity to do just that this week in the Senate.' The current bill has undergone some major improvements over the last few weeks which I'm very proud of.' More than three-quarters of the bill was based on the CORRECTIONS Act that Senator Whitehouse and I introduced in 2014, which is the prison reform component of the legislation.' The bill has been endorsed by a number of important groups, including the National Association of Counties, the Texas Municipal Police Association, the Fraternal Order of Police, and the Council of State Governments.' I'm confident that the Senate will pass this bill, and we can soon send it to the president's desk for his signature.' WASHINGTON On the floor, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) discussed the recent changes made to the First Step Act and the resulting endorsements from key law enforcement groups. Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn's floor remarks are below, and video can be found here. This legislation is based on prison reform but has taken on some additional attributes relative to how we sentence and how judges sentence people convicted of various crimes. In Texas, in 2007 or thereabouts, we had some far-sighted, visionary leaders actually who decided instead of just being tough on crime, which Texas has always had a reputation for, we needed to be smart on crime, too. When I say we saw both a reduction in the incarceration and crime rates, let me give you a couple of numbers. From 2005 to 2016, the Texas FBI index crime plummeted by more than 34 percent. In the same period, the incarceration rate dropped 23 percent. That's pretty shocking and surprising numbers. The crime rate went down 34 percent. The incarceration rate dropped 23 percent. You would think the opposite would be true, that with incarceration rates going down, the crime rate would go up, but because… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/content/news/cornyn-klobuchar-bill-fight-human-trafficking-heads-president%E2%80%99s-desk | Cornyn, Klobuchar Bill to Fight Human Trafficking Heads to President’s Desk | 2018-12-17 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | John Cornyn | C001056 | www.cornyn.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) released the following statements after their bipartisan legislation, the Abolish Human Trafficking Act, passed the Senate after being amended by the House of Representatives.The legislation strengthens and reauthorizes key programs supporting survivors of human trafficking and provides resources to law enforcement officials working to combat modern-day slavery. Human trafficking is modern-day slavery, and we cannot turn a blind eye to this human rights crisis, Sen. Cornyn said.By training law enforcement to spot and connect victims with the support they need, we can help them rebuild their lives. I'm grateful to my colleagues in the House for recognizing the importance of this legislation, and I look forward to the President signing it into law soon. As a former prosecutor, I have seen firsthand the horrors of human traffickingand it's happening in our own backyards. This bipartisan legislation is a major step forward in the fight against human traffickingit strengthens and reauthorizes critical programs that help support survivors and improves the tools available to federal, state, and local law enforcement, said Sen. Klobuchar. Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Ranking Member Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), along with Senators Bob Corker (R-TN), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Dean Heller (R-NV), Ron Wyden (D-OR), MarcoRubio (R-FL), Chris Coons (D-DE), and Orrin Hatch (R-UT), joined as original cosponsors of the legislation. Sens. Cornyn and Klobuchar were the authors of the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act, a 2015 law that increased the resources and tools available for combatting human trafficking in the United States. The Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act ensures American law enforcement agencies areequipped to fight this crime, while helping victims rebuild their lives by using fines and penalties against their exploiters to fund restorative services and compensation. The Abolish Human Trafficking Act enhances and expands the… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=blog&id=4225 | Cruz News: December 16, 2018 | 2018-12-16 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | December 16, 2018 Greetings, This week, the House of Representatives passed two of my bipartisan bills addressing the national security interests of the United States. TheNICA Actimposes targeted sanctions and establishes conditions for U.S. approval of international loans to the Government of Nicaragua, ensuring the Ortega regime will be held accountable for its systemic corruption, human rights violations, and assault on democratic order. I had the pleasure of participating in aFacebook Live discussionwith Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla.) where we urged President Trump to sign our bill into law, and talked about our shared hope for a free Nicaragua. I am also pleased the House passed mybipartisan billto impose sanctions on Iran-backed groups such as Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis for their use of civilians as human shields. For years, the international community has failed to hold these groups accountable. By passing this bill, the United States is sending a message that it will not turn a blind eye to terrorist war crimes, that those who use civilians as human shields are the ones responsible for endangering civilians, and that they will be held accountable. In the weeks after Hurricane Harvey made landfall, Congress passed theCruz-Cornyn-Rubio bill,which among other items, eliminated the tax penalty for hurricane survivors who wanted to withdraw from retirement accounts to pay for the costs of repairs from storm damages. Retirement account withdrawals must be made by December 31, 2018 a deadline that is quickly approaching. If you are still in the process of rebuilding and recovering from the ravages of Harvey, I strongly urge you to contact your tax advisor or for more information go to the IRS website atirs.gov. I am encouraged by the progress we have seen in the Texas communities affected by Hurricane Harvey, and will continue working each day to ensure Texas rebuilds stronger than before. Please read below for an update from this last week. Keep Texas Strong, Ted Cruz Sen. Cruz and Rep. Mark Meadow… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://arrington.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=164 | Arrington at Wreaths Across America Ceremony in Abilene | 2018-12-15 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Jodey C. Arrington | A000375 | arrington.house.gov | arrington | https://arrington.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | Today, Congressman Jodey Arrington (TX19) joined the Abilene community to honor and remember fallen soldiers during the annual Wreaths Across America ceremony at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery. “The freedoms and opportunities we enjoy as Americans are only possible because of the service and sacrifice of our men and women in the armed forces,” said Congressman Jodey Arrington. “We all must do our part to ensure we pass down to our children a culture of honor and respect for those who wore the uniform – they’ve earned it!” Remarks given as keynote speaker: “Mr. Cooper, thank you for that kind introduction, thank you to the leadership of the men and women of Dyess, and thank you to all the volunteers and everyone who has contributed to make this very special event possible and bring us all together in honor of our veterans. It’s great to be home in West Texas with so many friends. “When I started this job, I knew I would get to be a voice for Ag, but I didn’t anticipate I’d have the joy and blessing to serve those who have borne the battle as a member of the VA Committee. “As a guy who didn’t serve in the military, I’m proud to represent over 40,000 veterans in West Texas and rural America. I’m proud of the work we’ve done to make sure our veterans receive the benefits they’ve earned and the service that reflects the same level of excellence they demonstrated in service to our country. “As was said before, right now there are thousands of Wreaths Across America ceremonies taking place in cemeteries and memorial sites across our land. Wreaths Across America is yet another testament to the patriotism and charitable spirit that has always reflected the true character of our country. What started as a simple act of kindness from one family in Maine has grown into a powerful annual tradition where families and fellow Americans throughout our nation come to remember our fallen heroes, and to celebrate the freedoms and the American ideals they fought to defend. “I’m proud that today’s event takes place right here in th… | 1 | 2026-04-07T12:09:11Z | 2026-06-27T23:11:43Z |
| https://weber.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=485 | Weber Statement on Initial Draft of Proposal for Coastal Barrier Protection Plan | 2018-12-15 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Randy Weber | W000814 | weber.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. The United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is currently conducting a five-and-a-half year study on how to best protect the lives and homes of Texans living along the Gulf Coast. Congressman Randy Weber (R Friendswood) and Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas) sponsored legislation directing the Army Corps to expedite that study protecting our Gulf Coast. The Corps released a Tentatively Selected Plan (TSP), and that plan is now undergoing a public comment period. Congressman Weber released the following statement:The initial proposal has been released, and there is work to be done. There is clearly a need for protection along the Gulf Coast we have a lot of people in harm's way when the next storm surge comes barreling up our coast. The TSP released by the USACE is only a preliminary draft and conversation starter to solicit feedback from our residents and should in no way be considered the final plan. While I don't endorse any specific plan at this time, I am in regular conversation with USACE to better understand the study, plans and impact on our district. I encourage everyone impacted to submit their comments, questions and concerns either in person or online to the Corps. It is vitally important that all who are impacted weigh in on this important issue and that USACE be made well aware of all of our concerns. I am hearing a great deal both from those concerned with where the barrier and levees could be placed, as well as from those supportive of coastal barrier protection. I am listening to everyone and appreciate everyone's input. I am particularly concerned with any potential use of eminent domain. Only through thoughtful, robust, productive conversations will we get the best system to protect our children, our families, our lives, and our homes. Please be assured: This is one of my top priorities. I am tracking the progress of this plan very closely. The TSP is the first iteration of the plan; it will not be the last. I cannot stress how important your opinion is as we aim toward a wo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=4222 | Sen. Cruz, Rep. Ros-Lehtinen Celebrate Final Passage of NICA Act | 2018-12-14 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla.) on Thursday sat down in a Facebook Live discussion to talk about the ongoing crisis in Nicaragua and their efforts to shine a light on the human rights abuses by the Ortega regime. During their discussion, they urged President Trump to sign their bipartisan NICA Act into law. Watch the full Facebook Live discussion here. Excerpts are below. We're here to celebrate the passage of the NICA legislation that Ileana and I worked on together, Sen. Cruz said. This is major legislation for the people of Nicaragua and Ileana has been working on this a long, long time. We have been working together, hand in hand, and this is a great victory for human rights. This is a great victory in terms of imposing sanctions, in terms of using the international muscle of the United States, of the international financial institutions to push for human rights in Nicaragua. To stand with the people of Nicaragua against oppression, against torture, against the human rights travesties that we've seen. This is a great day for the people of Nicaragua and a great day for human rights across the globe. You're so right when you characterize this bill as a bill in favor of international human values that we all treasure--American values, Rep. Ros-Lehtinen said. And they should be the values respected in Nicaragua: human rights, democracy, no corruption, the ability to speak one's mind. Ortega is just as dictatorial as Diaz-Canel and Castro in Cuba, as Maduro in Venezuela--as all of these thugs they have one thing in common: they want to remain in power and they want total repression against human rights activists. So, this says to the Ortega regime no international dollars and human rights violators you can't come to the United States, we will make sure that we protect the people of Nicaragua. They will have to then decide. These thugs will have to decide. Do they want all the good things that come of being a good international partner or do they want to be treat… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=4223 | Sen. Cruz, Rep. Gallagher Introduce the Blocking Iranian Illicit Finance Act | 2018-12-14 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wisc.), member of the House Armed Services Committee, on Thursday introduced the Blocking Iranian Illicit Finance Act. The bill seeks to counter the Iranian regime's money laundering and financing of terrorism, protect the global financial system from Iranian illicit finance, and impose maximum financial pressure on Iran. The Obama Iran nuclear deal gifted the Ayatollahs with hundreds of billions of dollars and reconnected them to the global financial system, which they used launder even more money and fund even more terrorism Sen. Cruz said. Undoing that damage requires imposing maximum pressure against the Iranian regime. President Trump was absolutely right when he began that process by withdrawing from the nuclear deal. Effectively disconnecting Iran from the global financial system, which this bill does, is a necessary next step. I look forward to working more with the administration and my Congressional colleagues to ensure this bill becomes law during the next Congress. "Withdrawing from the JCPOA was only the first step in ratcheting up pressure on the Iranian regime. We now have an important window to impose maximum economic pressure and degrade the Iranian regime's ability to export violence across the region. This legislation does exactly that by effectively cutting Iran off from the international financial community. Its message is clear: Iran must pay a steep price for its aggressive and destabilizing behavior, and the United States will never tolerate its pursuit of nuclear weapons, Rep. Gallagher said. U.S. Sens. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), and Reps. Doug Lamborn (R-Colo.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), Jacki Walorski (R-Ind.), Peter King (R-N.Y.), and Don Bacon (R-Neb.) also joined as original cosponsors of the bill. This important legislation would empow… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=4224 | Sens. Cruz, Gillibrand Applaud Bipartisan Deal to Combat Sexual Harassment and Hold Abusers in Congress Accountable | 2018-12-14 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) issued the following statements praising the bipartisan deal to combat sexual harassment in Congress. In the last year, as scores of victims have come forward to share their stories of abuse, it has become overwhelmingly apparent that workplace misconduct is far too common, Sen. Cruz. These stories come from across the country from Hollywood studios, newsrooms, corporate America, universities, athletic institutions, and the halls of Congress. Sexual harassment is wrong, and it should never be tolerated. Offenders must be held accountable. I have been proud to work with Sen. Gillibrand on reform, and am glad this bill empowers victims to report sexual harassment and bring their perpetrators to justice. I will continue working with my colleagues to stop the cycle of sexual harassment, and ensure no one is above the law. Taxpayers should never be left on the hook for politicians' sexual harassment scandals. Yesterday, Congress came together to pass an important reform to make sure that never happens again. Congress should never be above the law or play by their own set of rules, said U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. What we have seen over the last two years with the #MeToo movement is that sexual assault and sexual harassment are pervasive across our entire society. Passing the Congressional Harassment Reform Act was a step in the right direction but we still have more work to do to reform our broken system and increase transparency. I will continue to fight in the Senate for legislation that will help create better, safer and fairer work environments for men and women in all industries. Sen. Cruz has long championed reform, joining a letter in April calling on Senate leaders to reform the Senate's sexual harassment rules. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=video&id=4221 | Sen. Cruz and Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen Discuss the NICA Act | 2018-12-14 | 2018 | 2018-12 | 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 The Mickey Leland Federal Building 1919 Smith Street Suite 9047 Houston, TX 77002 Email South/Cen. TX (210) 340-2885 9901 IH-10W Suite 950 San Antonio, TX 78230 Email East TX (903) 593-5130305 S. Broadway Suite 501 Tyler, TX 75702 Email South TX (956) 686-7339 200 S. 10th St Suite 1603 McAllen, TX 78501 Email Washington, D.C. (202) 224-5922 404 Russell Washington, DC 20510 Contact | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://flores.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399139 | Flores Honors Former President George H.W. Bush | 2018-12-13 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Bill Flores | F000461 | flores.house.gov | legacy | This week, U.S Representative Bill Flores (R-Texas) paid tribute to the life of former President George H.W. Bush with a speech on the House floor and introduction of a resolution honoring the life of President Bush,H. Res. 1172. Last week, our nation mourned the loss and celebrated the life of our 41st president, George H.W. Bush. The 17th Congressional District is home to the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum where he, Barbara and their daughter Robin have been laid to rest. Given this special distinction, I was humbled to pay tribute to President Bush's legacy of extraordinary public service, Congressman Flores said. President Bush will forever be remembered for his devotion to our great nation. H. Res. 1172 passed the House by unanimous consent on Tuesday, December 11, 2108. Text of the resolution can be found below and HERE. Watch Congressman Flores' House floor remarks honoring the late President George H.W. Bush HERE. Honoring the life of President George Herbert Walker Bush. Whereas President George Herbert Walker Bush's lifetime record of service to the United States will continue to inspire Americans for years to come; Whereas, after the attack on Pearl Harbor, George H. W. Bush joined the United States Naval Reserve in 1942 on his 18th birthday and became a distinguished naval aviator; Whereas George H. W. Bush's TBM Avenger aircraft was hit with enemy fire over Chi Chi Jima, and though the engine was ablaze, he completed his mission and escaped over water, and floated on a raft for 4 hours before being rescued; Whereas George H. W. Bush flew 58 combat missions during the Second World War, and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the U.S. Navy Air Medal with 2 gold stars; Whereas George H. W. Bush graduated from Yale University with a degree in economics and moved his family to West Texas and embarked on a successful career in the energy industry; Whereas in 1966, George H. W. Bush was elected to represe… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://olson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/olson-thanks-delaney-for-his-leadership | Olson Thanks Delaney For His Leadership | 2018-12-13 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Pete Olson | O000168 | olson.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC Rep. Pete Olson (R-TX), co-chair of the Congressional Artificial Intelligence Caucus, today thanked his fellow co-chair, Rep. John Delaney (D-MD) for his leadership during their tenure as co-chairs in the 115th Congress. Rep. Olson and Rep. Delaney participated in an Axios event this morning discussing the future of AI. It has been a true privilege working with Rep. Delaney over the past two years educating Members of Congress on the importance of Artificial Intelligence, Rep. Pete Olson said. Together we have advanced Congressional knowledge of AI by bringing together issue area experts, lawmakers and stakeholders, staying true to our caucus motto of Educate then Legislate'. Rep. Delaney has been a trailblazer in this burgeoning industry, constantly encouraging thoughtful and forward-thinking discussions. I will miss working hand-in-hand with Rep. Delaney, but I look forward to continuing on as a co-chair of the AI Caucus in the 116th Congress. The Congressional dialogue has only just begun, and we have much more to accomplish to embrace the future and potential of AI. ### Media Contact: Cate Cullen 202-225-5951 | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://poe.house.gov/2018/12/standing-with-the-people-of-iran | STANDING WITH THE PEOPLE OF IRAN | 2018-12-13 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Ted Poe | P000592 | poe.house.gov | legacy | Mr. Speaker, the people of Iran have taken to the streets and continue to protest against the illegitimate regime of the Ayatollah and the mullahs. These protests have taken place in numerous cities now for 1 year. The people protest the war-mongering dictatorship, the tyranny of the Iranian Government and its terrorist activities. The people want freedom. However, the mullahs are reacting with crackdowns on the people. Arrests, beatings, and jailing continues to occur. It is interesting that the majority of these protests are led by women and the young. Even truck drivers have gone on strike in the protest. Groups such as the MEK have spoken out against the corrupt Iranian Government and oppression of the people. Further, the Government of Iran has sworn to destroy the United States. The United States should stand with the Iranian people in their quest for freedom from the tyrants of Iran. As President Kennedy once said: ``Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.'' And that is just the way it is. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://thornberry.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398365 | House sends Farm Bill 2018 to Presidents desk | 2018-12-13 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | William Thornberry | T000238 | thornberry.house.gov | legacy | House sends Farm Bill 2018 to President's desk Thornberry Amendments Included f t # e Washington, December 13, 2018 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:Jordan Hunter December 12, 2018 (202) 225-3706 House sends Farm Bill 2018 to President's desk Thornberry Amendments Included WASHINGTON- U.S. Congressman Mac Thornberry (R-Clarendon) voted today in support of H.R. 2, the "Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018." This legislation governs our nation's federal farm and food policy and is known as the Farm Bill. The bill will now go to the President's desk for signature."The Farm Bill provides our hardworking agriculture producers with essential tools and the safety net they need to grow the food and fiber our country needs and relies upon,"Thornberry said.Agriculture is very important to the economy of our area and to the country. This bill will help our farmers and ranchers compete with producers all around the world. Thornberry authored an amendment that is included in the final bill to establish Cattle and Carcass Grading Correlation and Training Centers to help ensure that federal beef graders are interpreting and applying the USDA standards in the same way so that cattle and carcasses across the country are graded uniformly. Thornberry also said,"The accuracy of grading cattle is dependent on the grader's knowledge of animal composition, making the process subjective. It is important to ensure that producers are receiving a fair price and that consumers are paying a fair price for the quality of beef." The Farm Bill a… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://williams.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/outgoing-coryell-judge-honored-at-retirement-party | Outgoing Coryell judge honored at retirement party | 2018-12-13 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Roger Williams | W000816 | williams.house.gov | legacy | GATESVILLE Area representatives and officials threw a surprise retirement party in Gatesville this week for outgoing Coryell County Judge John Firth. U.S. Congressman Roger Williams, Texas House District 59 Rep. J.D. Sheffield, R-Gatesville, and various Fort Hood officials were among those who attended the surprise party Monday at the Coryell County Commissioners building. Firth was presented special plaques honoring his service. It's been a real honor to serve the citizens of Coryell County for the past 11 and a half years, Firth said. The judge said that, like his time working for the Army on Fort Hood, he saw serving as judge as a great way to benefit Central Texans. Firth, who has served in his capacity for more than 11 years, said following the mantra of serving Fort Hood and the greater Killeen area to be the best it can be serves locals well. It's just been a real honor to serve the citizens of Coryell County, Firth said. Firth anticipates wrapping things up by Dec. 31. He will be replaced by Roger Miller, a Gatesville man who served in the Army for 23 years. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://flores.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399137 | Supporting Americas Farmers and Ranchers | 2018-12-12 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Bill Flores | F000461 | flores.house.gov | legacy | The U.S. House of Representatives passed the conference report to H.R. 2, the Agriculture Improvement Act. Congressman Bill Flores (R-Texas) issued the following statement regarding passage of the bill: Today, I voted to provide certainty and stability to America's farmers and ranchers as they work to provide our nation with food, fiber and fuel. This farm bill, which now heads to the president to be signed into law, provides our agricultural community with five years of certainty by improving vital disaster programs and trade provisions, expanding access to broadband and bolstering investment in research and innovation. While this bill includes sound reforms to improve the integrity and efficiency of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), I do feel that it fell short of what was passed by the House in June. It is important that we continue working to provide the legislative solutions needed to help Americans move from poverty to prosperity where they can flourish and live the American Dream. Overall, I was pleased to see Congress come together to support America's farmers and ranchers. This farm bill strengthens rural America so that we can continue to grow our economy and provide more opportunity for all hardworking American families. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://arrington.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=145 | Arrington on House Passage of Farm Bill Conference Report | 2018-12-12 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Jodey C. Arrington | A000375 | arrington.house.gov | arrington | https://arrington.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | Today the House passed the Farm Bill conference report. Congressman Jodey Arrington (TX-19), member of the Farm Bill conference committee, released the following statement after its passage. “After two years of hearings and meetings, as well as months of negotiations on the conference committee, I am excited to be sending a great Farm Bill to the President’s desk,” Arrington said. “As the representatives of one of the largest agriculture production regions in the United States, no legislation is more important to West Texas than the Farm Bill. “I am pleased that much of the House bill is reflected in our final legislation, including provisions to strengthen the agriculture safety net, make important investments in rural infrastructure, and improve the oversight and integrity of the Food Stamp program. “Additionally, the final bill includes two amendments I introduced to strengthen access to healthcare for rural communities and allow universities like Texas Tech to compete for more agriculture-related research funding. “Agriculture plays a critical role in America’s prosperity and national security. Farm Bills provide the certainty that our producers desperately need in the face of tremendous weather volatility, trade inequities, and global market swings. They also provide support for critical infrastructure in rural communities that support our family farmers and ranchers. “Agriculture and traditional American values go hand-in-hand. Farmers and ranchers represent more than food and fiber – they symbolize a culture of faith, hard work, and independence, which has always been at the heart of American’s greatness. House Agriculture Committee Chairman Mike Conaway said, “House Republicans refused to stop fighting for rural America and we’ve reached a deal that sets us on a better path – for producers, for rural communities, and for American consumers. Jodey has been a strong advocate and critical voice for production agriculture in this Farm Bill conference process, and I’m thankful for his leadership, which helped … | 1 | 2026-04-07T12:09:11Z | 2026-06-27T23:11:43Z |
| https://babin.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2309 | Babin Comments on Passage of Five-Year Farm Bill | 2018-12-12 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Brian Babin | B001291 | babin.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Brian Babin (TX-36) released the following statement after the passage of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (H.R. 2), commonly known as the farm bill. Dr. Babin voted for this bill which now awaits President Trump’s signature to become law. “I’m glad the House and Senate were able to come together to pass a compromise farm bill. The certainty this bill provides our farmers will enable them to plan for multiple crop cycles in the coming years. That certainty is necessary both for the livelihood of our farmers and to secure a dependable supply of food, fiber, and feed for our nation. I’m particularly pleased this bill has improvements which will benefit Texas rice and soybean farmers and timber growers. “While I’m pleased with the commodity, crop insurance, and conservation titles in the farm bill, which will be welcomed by farmers in Southeast Texas, Congress must show a renewed commitment towards ensuring that taxpayer dollars go to those who truly need them and our country’s safety net is not abused at the expense of our agricultural programs. I’m disappointed that Congress missed the best opportunity in decades to make significant reforms to a bill that allocates more than 80 percent of its funding to food stamps. Without the commonsense reforms included in the original version of the House-passed farm bill, funds that could go towards securing our agricultural safety net will continue to go to the SNAP program, which has ballooned in recent years even as our economy has markedly improved. Fortunately, the Administration and USDA will have authority to enact some limited safeguards to strengthen the integrity of our SNAP program.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-06-27T23:11:43Z | ||
| https://hensarling.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/hensarling-votes-against-farm-bill | Hensarling Votes Against Farm Bill | 2018-12-12 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Jeb Hensarling | H001036 | hensarling.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Jeb Hensarling issued this statement following the House passage of the Farm Bill: I come from several generations of farmers, and I grew up working on my family's farm. However, throughout my time in Congress, I have always opposed the federal farm program. This subsidy program is a relic from the New Deal and undermines every free market principle I believe in. The vast majority of farmers and ranchers receive no subsidies, and they instead go to a privileged few. They are not targeted to low income individuals as many recipients make six-figure incomes. The program isn't just unfair to other ag producers, it is unfair to every other trade and profession that is not subsidized by the federal taxpayer. Finally, with an exploding national debt, it makes no sense to leave taxpayers with the burden of out-of-control spending. The simple solution to all of this better crop insurance, but this farm bill once again puts the taxpayers on the hook. I appreciate Chairman Conaway's attempt to improve the SNAP program and institute common sense work requirements. Unfortunately, this version of the bill contains neither of those reforms, which is another reason I voted against it on the floor today. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://hurd.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/congressional-scorecard-finds-federal-agencies-improving-it | Congressional scorecard finds federal agencies improving on IT | 2018-12-12 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Will Hurd | H001073 | hurd.house.gov | legacy | A new congressional scorecard released this week found that federal agencies are gradually improvingin their use of information technology. The House Oversight and Government Reform committeeunveiledits biannual Federal Information Technology Acquisition Reform Act (FITARA) scorecard on Tuesday, finding that 11 agencies had improved their scores on IT since May. Thirteen departments' scores remained the same, while no agencies saw their scores decrease since the last scorecardearlier this year May whichlawmakers saidis a first. While lawmakers touted the results during a hearing on Wednesday, they remained critical of agencies that did not have a direct reporting line for IT issues within their department. Agencies that did not have their chief information officers report directly to their agency head were docked an entire letter grade on the scorecard. This is best practice in the private sector, in accordance with FITARA, and the subject of an executive order from the President. There is simply no excuse for any agency to have any other reporting structure in place, said Rep.Will Hurd(R-Texas), the chairman of the House Oversight Committee's subcommittee on IT. Reps.Robin Kelly(D-Ill.) andGerry Connolly(D-Va.), the ranking members of the subcommittee, also generally praised the results at the hearing, while noting that agencies still have plenty of progress to make to keep data secure. Recent data breaches potentially allowed access to millions of customers' information, including 500 million guest records hacked via the Starwood Hotels reservation database, as announced by Marriott International last week, Kelly said. These cyberattacks highlight the need to strengthen information security in both the government and private sectors. Carol Harris, the director of information technology management issues for the Government Accountability Office (GAO), said in her written testimony for Wednesday's hearing that past failed attempts to address IT within the federal government often struggled over a lack of discipl… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://hurd.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/texas-lawmakers-say-farm-bill-passed-congress-provides-certainty-and | Texas Lawmakers Say Farm Bill Passed By Congress Provides Certainty And Stability | 2018-12-12 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Will Hurd | H001073 | hurd.house.gov | legacy | Texas lawmakers praised Wednesday the 2018 Farm Bill, which Congress has passed this week, and said it will help farmers and ranchers in the Lone Star state through provisions such as crop insurance programs and inspections for cattle tick fever. The House passed the bill Wednesday afternoon. The legislation had already passed the Senate and is now headed to President Donald Trump, who is expected to sign it. The bill reauthorizes agriculture and conservation programs, funds trade programs, expands support for struggling dairy farmers and legalizes the cultivation of industrial hemp. John Cornyn, the senior Senator from Texas, said the legislation includes priorities for Texas farmers, such as the crop insurance programs. Cornyn also highlighted the maintenance of the seed cotton eligibility for the Farm Bill safety net. He also underlined that the farm bill maintains and funds foreign access programs, which help Texas farmers and ranchers place and sell their products in foreign markets. Republican Senator Ted Cruz also emphasized the importance of the crop insurance and said the legislation provides certainty and stability for Texas farmers and ranchers. U.S. Representative Will Hurd, a Republican who represents Texas' 23rd Congressional District which covers farms and ranches across the southern and western part of the state, coincided with Cruz in that the bill brings certainty and stability for the 3.75 million Texans employed by the agriculture sector. The farm bill is the result of months of negotiations by lawmakers. It doesn't make any significant changes to the food stamp program that serves nearly 40 million low-income Americans. Trump and conservatives had pushed to create new work requirements for food stamps, but the Senate rejected the idea. Cruz said in his statement he looks forward to working with the administration on potential regulations that would strengthen work requirements and prevent states from abusing the waiver process of the food stamp program. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://hurd.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/hurd-s-homeland-security-bill-heads-finish-line | Hurds Homeland Security Bill Heads to Finish Line | 2018-12-12 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Will Hurd | H001073 | hurd.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Representative Will Hurd's bipartisan bill, the DHS Data Framework Act, is officially on its way to the President's desk today to be signed into law after the House unanimously concurred with the Senate version of the bill. This is Hurd's 13th piece of legislation to be signed into law since 2015. Following the House voice vote, Hurd released the following statement: We live in an increasingly connected world and must be able to get the right information to the right people at the righttime in order to keep terrorists on the run and off our shores,said Hurd, a former CIA undercover officer who serves on the House Homeland Security and Intelligence Committees in Congress.TheDHS Data Framework Actdoes just that by allowing DHS to quickly and safely share sensitive information among law enforcement agencies without compromising our nation's secrets. I applaud Senator Maggie Hassan for introducing this bipartisan bill in the Senate and my House and Senate colleagues for getting this initiative to keep Americans safe across the finish line. TheDHS Data Framework Actcodifies an effort at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to develop a data framework to incorporate all DHS component agency data related to homeland security, terrorist information, weapons of mass destruction and national intelligence into one system, thereby alleviating the current costly, cumbersome process of searching and vetting information against multiple databases with different log-ins, passwords, and legal restrictions. The data framework codified by the bill will also be replicated on a classified network to allow for more efficient classified analysis and vetting of law enforcement data against intelligence information. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://hurd.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/hurd-supports-tx-23-farmers-and-ranchers-through-farm-bill | Hurd Supports TX-23 Farmers and Ranchers through Farm Bill | 2018-12-12 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Will Hurd | H001073 | hurd.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Representative Will Hurd (TX-23) proudly voted in support of the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 Conference Report (commonly known as the Farm Bill), which provides our nation's farmers and ranchers with certainty and stability to continue feeding America. Food security is national security and depends on strong agricultural policy that provides certainty and stability for the 3.75 million Texans employed by the agriculture sector,said Hurd, who represents over 9,000 working farms and ranches across South and West Texas.I am proud to support the Farm Billand will continue to fight for the hardworking men and women who put clothes on our backs and food on our tables. Texas Farm Bureau strongly supports the 2018 Farm Bill and appreciates Congressman Hurd for his support of hardworking farmers and ranchers, said Texas Farm Bureau President Russell Boening. Congressman Hurd has listened to the constituents of the 23rd Congressional District about the issues facing agriculture. His support of the farm bill demonstrates that he cares about the farm and ranch families in Texas and the U.S. It's clear Congressman Hurd has listened to discussion of the issues facing farmers and ranchers in his district, said former Texas Farm Bureau State Director Ronnie Muennink of Hondo. I am one of several Medina County Farm Bureau leaders who have met with the Congressman about issues important to our grassroots members. Congressman Hurd has listened. We thank him for his attention to the issues affecting farmers and ranchers across the nation. Texas Farm Bureau members appreciate his support of the 2018 Farm Bill. Among other benefits, the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 Conference Report supports South and West Texas farmers and ranchers by: Cutting red tape and reforming burdensome regulations for farm production; Providing a $45 million annual increase to food banks, of which nearly half annually is devoted to the creation and maintenance of Farm-to-Food Bank programs, commonly known as ag… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://mccaul.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bipartisan-resolution-introduced-urging-china-to-maintain-ban-on-rhino | Bipartisan Resolution Introduced Urging China to Maintain Ban on Rhino and Tiger Parts | 2018-12-12 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Michael T. McCaul | M001157 | mccaul.house.gov | mccaul | https://mccaul.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressmen Michael McCaul (R-TX), Ed Royce (R-CA), Henry Cuellar (D-TX) and Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE) introduced a bipartisan resolution urging China to maintain its ban on rhinoceros and tiger parts. This resolution also highlights the need to reduce demand in Asian markets, work with our global partners to combat transnational criminal organizations, condemn the farming of rhinoceros and tigers, and support ongoing engagement by U.S. government agencies to prevent poaching and wildlife trafficking. Congressman McCaul: "China's consideration of allowing the sale of rhino horns and tiger bones would undeniably increase the $20 billion in annual illegal profits already made by wildlife trafficking. Worst of all, these profits are often reaped by transnational criminal organizations and foreign terrorist groups to fund their own malevolent ambitions. This resolution strongly encourages China to maintain a permanent prohibition on the sale of rhino and tiger parts, while continuing to support ongoing efforts at the Department of State and other agencies to combat poaching and international trafficking." Congressman Royce: "Wildlife trafficking isn't just a threat to rhinos, cheetahs and more, it's a threat to U.S. national security. As one of the most lucrative criminal activities worldwide, wildlife trafficking generates revenues in the billions each year – funding terrorists and rebel groups. And China, home to the largest market in illegal wildlife products, has long been the biggest source of the problem. Now is not the time to allow loopholes that only serve traffickers; now is the time to demand China makes good on promises to help stop poaching. I applaud Rep. McCaul for his work on this legislation as we keep conservation and anti-poaching initiatives a priority in Congress." Congressman Cuellar: "It is crucial that China maintain a permanent ban on the sale of rhinoceros and tiger parts. It is unacceptable that each year, these sales generate billions of dollars in illegal profits at th… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:11:43Z |
| https://mccaul.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-on-the-passage-of-the-2018-farm-bill | Statement on the Passage of the 2018 Farm Bill | 2018-12-12 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Michael T. McCaul | M001157 | mccaul.house.gov | mccaul | https://mccaul.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Michael McCaul (TX-10), Chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee and a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following statement on the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill: Congressman McCaul: "Today, I am proud to join my colleagues in passing the 2018 Farm Bill. This farm bill delivers the much-needed resources and support for our farmers who provide our nation with safe, abundant, and affordable food. With net farm income dropping nearly 50% over the past 5 years, we are delivering the vital stability America's farmers and ranchers desperately need. Our farmers work day in and day out to put food on the table for the American people, and Congress stands beside them." Below are a few highlights of the bill: Maintains the Farm Safety net by reauthorizing and improving the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage through 2023 Provides support for America's dairy farmers through the Dairy Margin Coverage Sustains strong Livestock Disaster Programs Protects crop insurance for America's farmers whose livelihoods are often threatened by natural disasters Maintains Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) and improves program integrity Improves voluntary incentive-based conservation programs such as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) Provides over a $600 million increase in funding for research, extension, and education projects to keep America a leader in the agriculture industry Aids rural communities with rural development by enhancing broadband service and combatting the opioid epidemic ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:11:43Z |
| https://olson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/olson-acts-to-help-texas-farmers | Olson Acts To Help Texas Farmers | 2018-12-12 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Pete Olson | O000168 | olson.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC Rep. Pete Olson (TX-22) today voted in support of H.R. 2, the Farm Bill, which includes needed certainty for Texas and American farmers. The bill passed the House by a vote of 369-47. This is a big win for Texas' farmers, ranchers and producers, Rep. Pete Olson said. As our region continues recovering from Hurricane Harvey, many farming communities and crops were destroyed along the coast of Texas. Today we provided sound policies for disaster assistance for current and future Texas famers. We also strengthened our place as a global trading power by increasing our ability to trade with foreign markets. Agriculture is a critical part of our Texas economy. I was proud to support our farmers and our great state. Agriculture Improvement Act Conference Report Reforms and reauthorizes farm and nutrition assistance programs for five years, all within a budget-neutral framework. Strengthens the farm safety net and provides farmers and ranchers much-needed certainty and stability. Price Loss Coverage, Agriculture Risk Coverage, Commodity Loans, Dairy Margin Coverage, Livestock Disaster Programs, and Crop Insurance are all maintained and strengthened. Improves incentive-based conservation programs like the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Strengthens promotion of U.S. agricultural exports through the Market Access Program (MAP) and other trade initiatives. Reduces the threat of catastrophic wildfires by renewing a key categorical exclusion (CE) and expanding its purpose to allow for expedited reduction of hazardous fuels in our forests. Helps rural communities to combat the opioid crisis and improves broadband delivery. Funds key animal disease prevention and management initiatives, including the stockpiling of footandmouth disease (FMD) vaccine. Preserves the Administration's regulatory flexibility on SNAP, including USDA's ability to reign in states who abuse the waiver process. Ensures political accountability and that Governors support state requests for ABAWD waivers. Reduc… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://poe.house.gov/2018/12/cabeza-de-vaca-explorer-of-the-lone-star-state | CABEZA DE VACA: EXPLORER OF THE LONE STAR STATE | 2018-12-12 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Ted Poe | P000592 | poe.house.gov | legacy | Mr. Speaker, in November of 1528, Conquistador Alvar Nuncz Cabeza de Vaca and his crew of 90 Spaniards crashed on Galveston Island. He was the first European to set foot on the land that would become the Lone Star State and is considered to have undertaken one of the most remarkable journeys in the history of American exploration. From 1528 to 1532, the crew steadily died off from illness, accidents, and attacks until only Cabeza de Vaca and three others remained. During those four years, Cabeza de Vaca became a merchant, and traded seas shells and ``beads of sea'' (though now called pearls) for bison skins and red ochre. He also gained a reputation as a healer, which gave him freedom to travel between different tribes. The Karankawa Indians, a group of Coahuiltecans known to be cannibals, enslaved these men until, in September of 1534, the four men snuck away from the Karankawas and fled south towards the Rio Grande River. The following spring, they finally crossed the Rio Grande and made it to Mexico. To avoid hostile tribes, the men turned west towards the Pacific and crossed northern Mexico. Cabeza de Vaca and his companions eventually arrived in Mexico City in 1536. They had traveled nearly 2400 miles over eight years in Texas and the Mexican borderlands. Cabeza de Vaca spent years interacting with Native Americans and learning their language. This allowed him to write and publish in 1542 the first book about Texas, the Relacion, which contained information about the region's geography, landscape, and Coahuiltecan tribes. This account of his journey inspired other conquistadors and Spaniards to cotne and explore Texas. And that's just the way it is. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://poe.house.gov/2018/12/crime-stoppers-global-solutions-turning-concerned-citizens-committed-transnational-crime-warriors | CRIME STOPPERS GLOBAL SOLUTIONS: TURNING CONCERNED CITIZENS COMMITTED TRANSNATIONAL CRIME WARRIORS | 2018-12-12 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Ted Poe | P000592 | poe.house.gov | legacy | Mr. Speaker, we have learned--and had reinforced repeatedly--the lesson about the importance of a strategic asset that is both the decisive advantage and critical success element in American engagement around the globe. Whether it involves prosecuting conventional war, combating terrorism, conducting intelligence operations, or fighting transnational crime, we can never underestimate the significance and necessity of the human factor. Not only do men and women make a difference, they are the difference between success and failure in these endeavors. We spend billions of dollars on advanced weapons systems, equipment, technology, and more to defend and protect our nation and help it execute and achieve manifold missions. Yet these are only tools--albeit expensive and effective tools--but tools nonetheless. They exist to serve the talented, dedicated men and women in our federal government who drive and deliver the critical results daily that ensure American leadership, influence, and power worldwide. It is this recognition of the importance and impact of people and reliance on people power, engagement, and tools that prompt me today to bring Crime Stoppers Global Solutions (CSGS) to the attention of my colleagues. This 501(c)(3) organization proactively and aggressively combats serious transnational crime such as human trafficking, terrorism, illicit trade, illegal arms dealing, narcotics smuggling, corruption, and cybercrime. Terrorist organizations and criminal enterprises engage in these activities to finance their campaigns of death and destruction and earn their illicit profits. From my vantage point as chairman of the Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade of the Foreign Affairs Committee and as a member of the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations of the Judiciary Committee, I see firsthand the growing threat of global terrorism and transnational crime to U.S. national security. Throughout my service in Congress, I have been committed to and en… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://poe.house.gov/2018/12/standing-with-our-georgian-friends | STANDING WITH OUR GEORGIAN FRIENDS | 2018-12-12 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Ted Poe | P000592 | poe.house.gov | legacy | Mr. Speaker, the Republic of Georgia is a beacon of democracy in a part of the world which has struggled to break the legacy of Soviet oppression. While Georgia successfully achieved independence in 1991, Moscow is still attempting to bully the small nation back into its orbit. In 2008, Russian troops invaded the country, seizing nearly a third of Georgia's territory that is still occupied today. Despite Russia's persistent human rights abuses and aggressive tactics, the Georgian people remain defiant. They continue to express a clear desire to determine their own futures and integrate with the Euro-Atlantic community. Putin hates Georgia's path to liberty because successful democracies positioned on Russia's border are a threat to his despotic rule. To deter Russia's continued belligerence, we must boost Georgia's ability to defend itself and make an ironclad commitment to our Georgian friends. For peace and freedom to preserve in the Caucasus, it must become clear to Putin that undermining Georgia's independence will be a costly endeavor. To help Georgia repel future Russian aggression, Rep. Connolly and I have introduced H.R. 6219, the Georgia Support Act. This important bill calls on the State Department to provide a strategy to Congress to help bolster Georgia's defenses. Specifically, it calls for efforts to strengthen Georgia's cyber security capabilities and resiliency to Russian disinformation campaigns that undermine its fragile democracy. The bill also requests the President to impose sanctions on Russian individuals who commit human rights abuses on Georgia territory. For more than two decades, Georgia has been a steadfast ally of the United States and the Euro-Atlantic community. We must not abandon our Georgian friends in the face of continued Russian aggression. To do so only invites Putin to further pursue his goal of rebuilding the Soviet Empire. America must stand with Georgia and demand complete respect for our ally's territorial integrity and sovereignty. This bill must pass to send… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://poe.house.gov/2018/12/the-siege-of-bexar | THE SIEGE OF BEXAR | 2018-12-12 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Ted Poe | P000592 | poe.house.gov | legacy | Mr. Speaker, between October and early December 1835, an army of Texian volunteers laid siege to a Mexican army in San Antonio de Bexar. The Mexican General Santa Anna knew of the growing resistance against him in Texas, and so he set his brother-in-law General Martin Perfecto de Cos to San Antonio de Bexar and 600 men to quell the rebellion. In October 1835, a group of Texians volunteered to serve under Stephen F. Austin and Edward Burleson and lay siege to San Antonio de Bexar. Before dawn on December 5th of that same year, James Neill distracted the Mexican forces with artillery fire on the Alamo. At this same time, Ben Milam and Francis W. Johnson led two divisions in a surprise attack on the city. After four days of fighting, Cos sought to consolidate his troops at the Alamo, but a large part of his cavalry decided not to continue fighting and deserted. Mexican General Cos surrendered that same day, December 9, 1835. Cos promised to return to Mexico. When the fighting ended, Texas has between 30 and 35 casualties, while Mexican losses totaled about 150; the difference reflected the greater accuracy of the Texans' rifles. Most of the Texas volunteers went home after the battle, but Texas troops remained in town, which left San Antonio and all of Texas under the Texans' control. This battle was one of the first significant campaigns of the Texas Revolution. Within a few weeks, Texas would declare independence from Mexico. However, after the Mexican Army was defeated, in 1835 Santa Anna was intent on recapturing the mission. In February 1836, he returned to San Antonio de Bexar with several thousand soldiers. This led to the famous Battle of the Alamo where the Texians held out for 13 days before the Alamo fell on March 6, 1836. The Mexican Army killed and/or executed all the 189 defenders. On April 21, General Sam Houston faced off with the numerically superior army of Santa Anna and defeated it, leading to Texas independence from Mexico. Texas remained a country for nine years before joining the … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://ratcliffe.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=327 | Reps. Ratcliffe and Khanna praise Senate passage of 21st Century IDEA | 2018-12-12 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | John Ratcliffe | R000601 | ratcliffe.house.gov | legacy | 0 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | |||
| https://weber.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=483 | Weber Applauds HHS and NIH Decision Regarding Ethical Research | 2018-12-12 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Randy Weber | W000814 | weber.house.gov | legacy | Weber Applauds HHS and NIH Decision Regarding Ethical Research f t # e Washington, December 12, 2018 Washington, D.C. On Monday, December 10, 2018, the National Institute of Health released a Notice of Intent to make available funding opportunities for the development of ethical alternatives to fetal tissue research. Congressman Randy Weber (R Friendswood) released the following statement:I am proud to stand among 74 of my House colleagues in calling upon HHS Secretary Azar to end tax payer-funded research tied to the acquisition and use of organs harvested from aborted babies to create mice with similar immune systems to humans. HHS has since canceled its contract with Advanced Bioscience Resources and the University of California San Francisco; after multiple congressional investigations uncovered the gross, unethical practice of buying, selling and manipulating aborted fetal tissue for scientific research. I applaud President Trump, Secretary Azar and my pro-life colleagues for our unrelenting efforts to defend the sanctity of human life." ### f t # e | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://weber.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=484 | Weber Statement on Farm Bill 2018 | 2018-12-12 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Randy Weber | W000814 | weber.house.gov | legacy | Weber Statement on Farm Bill 2018 f t # e Washington, December 12, 2018 Washington, D.C. On Wednesday, December 12, 2018, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 2, the Agriculture Improvement Act, better known as Farm Bill. Congressman Randy Weber (R Friendswood) released the following statement:With Farm Bill 2018, our farmers and ranchers can rest assured knowing we support and protect their valuable work. The agriculture sector is critically important to our nation's well-being, and I am grateful we could come together and send a bill to the President's desk. ### f t # e | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/content/news/cornyn-chairs-%E2%80%98narcos%E2%80%99-hearing | Cornyn Chairs ‘Narcos’ Hearing | 2018-12-12 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | John Cornyn | C001056 | www.cornyn.senate.gov | legacy | The drug cartels, transnational criminal organizations, and international gangs will stop at nothing to ensure that their business model remains intact and profitable, and that the international corridors for trafficking remain wide open.' It's not just the people who die at their hands while attempting to enter the United States illegally, it's the poison that they import into the country.' This is a much bigger problem, much more complex, and one we need to open that aperture, and you'll help us here today, in trying to understand before we can begin to come up with solutions.' WASHINGTON As Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Border Security and Immigration, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) today held a hearing to examine the activities of transnational cartels and criminal organizations and the threat they pose to the United States. Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn's opening remarks are below, and video can be found here. Improving our border security doesn't mean just improving physical security along our border. It also means addressing the problems that bring them here in the first place. The drug cartels, transnational criminal organizations, and international gangs will stop at nothing to ensure that their business model remains intact and profitable, and that the international corridors for trafficking remain wide open. We frequently see these criminal organizations preying on migrants headed toward this country's southern border. They'll offer to smuggle migrants or their children safely across the border in exchange for money. It's not just the people who die at their hands while attempting to enter the United States illegally, it's the poison that they import into the country. America's opioid crisis is being further fueled by the illicit narcotics being smuggled by these organizations. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, is one of the deadliest drugs in the world, and its analogues are mainly manufactured in China and then smuggled into the United States by these organizations. The United States nee… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/content/news/cornyn-feinstein-bill-modernize-cybertipline-heads-president%E2%80%99s-desk | Cornyn, Feinstein Bill to Modernize CyberTipline Heads to President’s Desk | 2018-12-12 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | John Cornyn | C001056 | www.cornyn.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON- U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) released the following statements after their legislation, the CyberTipline Modernization Act, passed the U.S. House of Representatives: The CyberTipline is often the first place witnesses and victims of child online exploitation turn for help, Sen. Cornyn said. This critical service forwards millions of reports to law enforcement for potential investigation, and this legislation will ensure the CyberTipline can handle the evolving threats targeted at children. I look forward to the President signing it into law so NCMEC can continue its work to protect our most vulnerable. Child abduction and abuse are among the most heinous crimes, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children's tipline is critical in the fight to protect children. Last year alone the tipline received more than 10 million reports of potential exploitation. Our legislation improves the tipline to ensure it's better equipped to coordinate with law enforcement and respond to the widespread use of the internet by child predators, said Sen. Feinstein. Background: The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) created the CyberTipline in 1998 to help prevent and stop the sexual exploitation of children. The CyberTipline provides the general public and technology industry with the ability to report online instances of child sexual exploitation, including child pornography. Congress enacted legislation related to the CyberTipline in 2008; however, the federal statute has not been revised since. Senators Cornyn and Feinstein introduced the CyberTipline Modernization Act to provide much needed updates to the statute to better reflect the current operation of the CyberTipline. Specifically, the CyberTipline Modernization Act will: Underscore the true purpose of the CyberTiplineto reduce the proliferation of online child sexual exploitation and prevent it from circulating online in the first place; Facilitate reporting to NCMEC for imminent or planned vio… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/content/news/cornyn-works-colleagues-law-enforcement-improve-first-step-act | Cornyn Works with Colleagues, Law Enforcement to Improve First Step Act | 2018-12-12 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | John Cornyn | C001056 | www.cornyn.senate.gov | legacy | We went to work trying to make improvements in the bill, which I believe we have succeeded in doing.' I appreciate all the work of our colleagues in the Senate who chose to roll up their sleeves and get to work rather than just complain about what was or was not in the bill. And so now I am proud to announce that I will cosponsor this bill, this new and improved version of the bill, and I would encourage all of my colleagues to review it and hopefully join me in supporting this legislation.' WASHINGTON On the floor, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) discussed his support for the revised version of the First Step Act, a criminal justice reform bill that includes Sen. Cornyn's prison reform legislation. Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn's floor remarks are below, and video can be found here. I've long been a supporter of these reforms after what I saw the positive impact was in my home state of Texas back in 2007. Then, in response to a steadily growing prison population, Texas began enacting reforms to reduce recidivism through programs like job training and vocational education. This of course allows prisoners to spend their time in prison preparing themselves for life outside of prison. The results were pretty significant. We saw a reduction of both incarceration and crime rates by double digits at the same time. Some members of the law enforcement community have raised concerns about the bill, and so out of my respect for our law enforcement organizations, I spoke with many of my Republican colleagues about the bill, and originally they said they were unable to support it or undecided because they wanted to make sure that we were doing everything we could to address the concerns raised by law enforcement organizations. So we went to work trying to make improvements in the bill, which I believe we have succeeded in doing. The revised legislation will keep dangerous and violent criminals who use guns to commit crimes from being released from prison early. They will not be eligible for any sort of earned time release. It w… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=4217 | Sen. Cruz Votes in Support of Final 2018 Farm Bill | 2018-12-12 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) issued the following statement upon casting a vote in support of the final 2018 Farm Bill: "America's agriculture and farming communities are vital to the fabric of our great nation, and are an enduring legacy of the Lone Star State. This bill includes important safeguards, including crop insurance, for our farmers and ranchers who feed and supply our country. "We achieved some long-needed reforms in this year's Farm Bill, and took a stride toward more. For example, I am pleased the bill takes steps to restore programs for cotton producers, by reducing the impact of amendments designed to benefit certain regions and commodities at the expense of others. "While this bill falls short of all I wanted to see accomplished, particularly with respect to work requirements for SNAP recipients, I look forward to working with the administration on potential regulations that would strengthen work requirements and prevent states from abusing the waiver process. But by passing this legislation, we will have provided certainty and stability to farmers and ranchers all across the state of Texas." ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=4218 | Sens. Cruz, Corker, Reps. Gallagher, Suozzi, Wilson, Moulton Applaud Passage of Bill to Sanction Hezbollah & Hamas for Use of Human Shields | 2018-12-12 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | TX | Ted Cruz | C001098 | www.cruz.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) and Reps. Mike Gallagher (R-Wisc.), Thomas Suozzi (D-N.Y.), Joe Wilson (R-S.C.), and Seth Moulton (D-Mass.) applauded the House's passage of the Sanctioning the Use of Civilians as Defenseless Shields Act (H.R. 3342) to impose sanctions on Hezbollah and Hamas for their use of civilians as human shields. The Cruz-authored legislation now goes to the President's desk to be signed into law. I am proud to have worked alongside my colleagues in Congress to hold groups that use human shields accountable, including Iran-backed groups like Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis Sen. Cruz said. For years Hezbollah has used civilian infrastructure in Lebanon to store and launch rockets at Israeli civilians, and in recent weeks we've learned they also use homes to hide the entrances of tunnels dug under Israel's northern border to attack Israeli homes. Hamas engages in the same practices. The international community has failed to hold these groups accountable, and last week the United Nations refused to pass a non-binding resolution condemning Hamas. The United States is sending a message that it will not turn a blind eye to terrorist war crimes the way the United Nations does, that those who use civilians as human shields are the ones responsible for endangering civilians, and that they will be held accountable. As a threat to American interests and our ally Israel, Hizbollah and Hamas must be held accountable for endangering the lives of innocent civilians. The use of human shields is an affront to our values and international norms, and this bill will authorize the U.S. to impose consequences on those who engage in such gross violations of human rights. I thank my colleagues for offering this legislation that will now become law, said U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-TN), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Since their creation, groups like Hizballah and Hamas have been dedicated to destroying Israel and combating American interests in the Middle … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |
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