url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at https://cloud.house.gov/posts/release-congressman-cloud-demands-accountability-from-atf-on-firearm-registry,RELEASE: Congressman Cloud Demands Accountability from ATF on Firearm Registry,2026-09-30,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,TX,Michael Cloud,C001115,cloud.house.gov,cloud,https://cloud.house.gov/press,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – By law, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) is prohibited from maintaining a searchable federal registry of gun owners. When a gun dealer goes out of business, their “out of business records” (OBR) are sent to the ATF, resulting in the ATF having possession of millions of traceable records, involving firearm make, model, and serial number. In November of 2021, Congressman Cloud (TX-27) led a letter with 51 members of Congress to the ATF, asking how many OBRs their agency kept. The ATF responded a month later, stating they had about a billion records in their possession. In addition, the agency stated their National Tracing Center (NTC) is unable to keep track of an annual trace list that prosecutes violent criminals. In February of 2022, a follow-up letter with 36 members was sent asking in detail about ATF’s firearm records and traces. After two additional follow-ups, ATF finally responded to Congressman Cloud in July 2026, confirming their database has grown to more than 1.4 billion records. The Firearm Owners Protection Act of 1986 prohibits “any system of registration of firearms, firearm owners, or firearms transactions.” Despite these restrictions, Gun Owners of America (GOA) found that the database is searchable and can be filtered by make, model, and firearm type, making ATF’s database an illegal backdoor to a gun registry. Key provisions of the letter include: An independent investigation of ATF’s Martinsburg, West Virginia database The destruction of any records maintained in violation of the 1986 Act and appropriations prohibitions. A requirement that any future ATF rule on record retention complies with those same prohibitions.",1,2026-10-01T11:23:28Z,2026-10-01T11:25:15Z https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2619,ANNOUNCEMENT: Staff Office Hours,2026-09-30,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,TX,Ronny Jackson,J000304,jackson.house.gov,jackson,https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"AMARILLO, Texas — Today, the Office of Representative Ronny Jackson (TX-13) announced upcoming mobile office hours for October in Dickens and Matador hosted by congressional staff. Constituents are encouraged to attend if they need assistance with a federal agency or to learn more about the office's services. Please bring all documentation if you require assistance with a federal agency case. No appointment is necessary. Additional questions should be directed to Rep. Jackson’s Amarillo office at (806) 641-5600. Dickens (Dickens County) Friday, October 9, 2026 10:00AM - 2:00PM CT Dickens County Annex 508 Crow Street Dickens, TX 79229 Matador (Motley County) Friday, October 16, 2026 10:00AM - 2:00PM CT Motley County Library 1105 Main Street Matador, TX 79244 ###",1,2026-10-01T11:23:28Z,2026-10-01T11:25:15Z https://moran.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2922,"Rep. Moran: At Saronic's Port Alpha Groundbreaking, America Begins Rebuilding Its Shipbuilding Power",2026-09-30,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,TX,Nathaniel Moran,M001224,moran.house.gov,nathanielmoran,https://moran.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"This morning, Rep. Moran (TX-01) joined Vice President JD Vance, Governor Greg Abbott, and Saronic leadership to break ground on Port Alpha, a $3.2 billion shipyard investment expected to create more than 10,000 jobs over the next decade. Watch Rep. Moran's remarks here. On Saronic's Port Alpha investment: “We produce less than one-tenth of one percent of all global shipbuilding while China dominates more than 50 percent. That is unacceptable,” Rep. Moran said. “But China's dominance ends today with Saronic and Port Alpha.” On the American Shipyard Investment Act: Rep. Moran pointed to his American Shipyard Investment Act, introduced this year in the House Ways and Means Committee with Rep. Mike Kelly (PA-16), as a tool to accelerate projects like Port Alpha. The bill would create a 25 percent investment tax credit for the construction of shipyards and related components and equipment, rising to 35 percent for investments made in opportunity zones — including sites like Brownsville. “The message of this bill is simple: you are doing your part for the national security of America, we in Congress should do our part,” Rep. Moran said. On America's renewed strength at sea: Rep. Moran invoked the legacy of Theodore Roosevelt's Great White Fleet, noting that American strength at sea has long been tied to national security and global standing, and that Port Alpha represents the next chapter of that legacy. “Let freedom ring all over the world because of it,” Rep. Moran said. Full remarks as delivered are available here.",1,2026-10-01T11:23:28Z,2026-10-01T11:25:15Z https://pfluger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3047,Pfluger Introduces Reliable Artificial Intelligence Research Act,2026-09-30,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,TX,August Pfluger,P000048,pfluger.house.gov,pfluger,https://pfluger.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) introduced the Reliable Artificial Intelligence Research Act (RAIRA) to stop bad actors from exploiting AI and strengthen American national security. This is first-of-its-kind legislation that creates federally funded research competitions to strengthen AI defenses and reveal how AI systems make decisions. ""As AI becomes more deeply woven into our economy and our national defense, we cannot afford to leave it vulnerable to those who would exploit it. Adversaries are already looking for ways to manipulate these systems, and we must stay ahead of them. The Reliable Artificial Intelligence Research Act puts American ingenuity to work on making AI more transparent, more predictable, and more resistant to attacks,"" said Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11). RAIRA would create two national competitions, run by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), that would reward advanced research in two core areas of AI security: AI interpretability and adversarial robustness. AI interpretability focuses on making AI decisions more transparent and predictable, while adversarial robustness seeks to strengthen AI systems against malicious manipulation. By investing $10 million in this program over the next five years, this legislation would provide some of the first significant federal funding dedicated to foundational AI security science, encouraging further innovation across the industry, universities, and independent researchers working on these issues. RAIRA has received support from outside organizations, including Americans for Responsible Innovation: ""AI models are being deployed into some of our country’s most vulnerable systems while we still do not fully understand how they arrive at their decisions. This means that a future incident could cause a devastating rippling effect throughout our agencies,"" said Brad Carson, President of Americans for Responsible Innovation. ""By investing in new talent to broaden the field of assurance and interpretability research, this bill will help us get ahead of crises before they occur.""",1,2026-10-01T11:23:28Z,2026-10-01T11:25:15Z https://pfluger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3049,Pfluger's Bill to Deliver Medicaid Accountability Included in Fraud-Fighting Legislative Package,2026-09-30,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,TX,August Pfluger,P000048,pfluger.house.gov,pfluger,https://pfluger.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — This week, Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) introduced the Medicaid Integrity and Fiscal Responsibility Act, which would require each state Medicaid program to designate an individual as the person primarily responsible for fiscal duties associated with the state’s Medicaid state plan or waiver. The official in charge would be responsible for ensuring that the state establishes appropriate policies, procedures, monitoring systems, and corrective actions to carry out these responsibilities. The Medicaid Integrity and Fiscal Responsibility Act would make the designated individual accountable for processing claims accurately and on time, preventing fraud, waste, abuse, and improper payments, reporting expenditures accurately to HHS, and maintaining strong financial controls. This ensures taxpayer dollars are protected, and Medicaid spending follows federal requirements. ""Every dollar lost to fraud, waste, and improper payments is a dollar taken from patients who depend on Medicaid and from the taxpayers who fund it. My legislation puts a single, accountable official in charge of Medicaid claims processing, payment integrity, financial reporting, and internal controls in each state. This is a commonsense step to protect Medicaid for the Americans it was meant to serve,"" said Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11).",1,2026-10-01T11:23:28Z,2026-10-01T11:25:15Z https://babin.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=14406,Chairman Babin Leads Texas Delegation in Push to Bring U.S. Space Academy to Texas,2026-09-29,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,TX,Brian Babin,B001291,babin.house.gov,babin,https://babin.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"U.S. Congressman Brian Babin (TX-36), Chairman of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, led members of the Texas congressional delegation in a letter to the Presidential Commission on the United States Space Academy endorsing Texas’s forthcoming proposal to host the U.S. Space Academy. “Texas has been at the center of America’s space story for more than six decades, and we are leading the way into its next chapter. From NASA’s Johnson Space Center in my district, home to Mission Control and our nation’s astronaut corps, to the cutting-edge commercial space companies developing the technologies of tomorrow, Texas brings together the experience, infrastructure, talent, and innovation that continue to move America forward. As Chairman of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, I am committed to ensuring the United States wins this new space race and remains the undisputed global leader in exploration and discovery. The United States Space Academy will help prepare the next generation to advance that mission, enhance our space defense capabilities, and protect the homeland. Texas has an unmatched foundation on which to build this landmark institution,” said Chairman Brian Babin (TX-36). “For more than 60 years, Texas has been at the heart of America’s space program, and President Trump has made American leadership in space a priority. With Johnson Space Center and a thriving space industry already here, it’s only right that the academy carrying the President’s vision forward calls Texas home. I urge the Commission to make it official so the state that helped put Americans on the Moon can train the people who will take us back,” said Rep. Randy Weber (TX-14). ""For over 60 years, when American astronauts need to reach home base, they make the same call: ‘Houston’. Today, Texas is home to Mission Control, the astronaut corps, more than 148,000 aerospace professionals, and the companies and universities leading the next era of space innovation — as well as a robust military presence. The next generation of future space leaders should train alongside people who not only built our nation’s space legacy but are currently building its future,” said Rep. Michael Cloud (TX-27). “Texas has led the way in space for generations. From Mission Control in Houston to the innovators and engineers building the future of exploration across our state, no place is better positioned to train the next generation of American space leaders. I urge President Trump to make Texas the home of the new Space Academy, where students can learn alongside the people and industries that are already taking America to the Moon and beyond,” said Rep. August Pfluger (TX-11). “Texas has been a leader in space innovation for generations, and today our state is at the forefront of the next era of space exploration and national security. With a growing space economy, world-class research and industry, and a deep connection to the nation’s space legacy, Texas is a natural home for the U.S. Space Academy and the next generation of space leaders,” said Rep. John Carter (TX-31). ""There is no other state in the nation that makes more sense than Texas to be the home of the future Space Academy to educate and train our next astronauts, engineers, flight controllers, and innovators to ensure America dominates in space exploration and colonization. The confluence of existing resources we already have on hand from Johnson Space Center, commercial space enterprises, world class universities, and 60 years of human space flight experience is in the DNA of Texas which would allow a Space Academy to start quickly and excel immediately in this most important endeavor,"" said Rep. Beth Van Duyne (TX-24). “Texas has spent decades investing billions in future exploration of space through both private and public partnerships. The Academy belongs where investments have been made and federal expertise are already working side by side. I'm proud to join Chairman Babin, and my Texas colleagues in advocating for our state to host the U.S. Space Academy,” said Rep. Nathaniel Moran (TX-01). “American leadership in space will depend on more than the rockets we build. It will depend on the Americans we train to operate, innovate, and defend our interests in the final frontier. Texas helped put Americans on the Moon, and Texas should help train the generation that takes us back. With NASA, the Space Force, world-class universities, and a thriving commercial space industry, Texas already has the people, infrastructure, and expertise needed to make the United States Space Academy a success. Texas is the natural home for this mission,” said Rep. Keith Self (TX-03). ""Texas has the infrastructure, expertise, and passion to train the next generation of American space leaders. Bringing the United States Space Academy home to Texas will ensure our future astronauts, scientists, and engineers continue to lead the world in space exploration,” said Rep. Monica De La Cruz (TX-15). The letter is signed by Sens. Ted Cruz (R-TX) and John Cornyn (R-TX) and Reps. Michael Cloud (TX-27), Pat Fallon (TX-04), Lance Gooden (TX-05), Keith Self (TX-03), Dan Crenshaw (TX-02), Randy Weber (TX-14), Michael McCaul (TX-10), Morgan Luttrell (TX-08), Beth Van Duyne (TX-24), Jodey Arrington (TX-19), Troy Nehls (TX-22), John Carter (TX-31), Nathaniel Moran (TX-01), Craig Goldman (TX-12), Roger Williams (TX-25), Pete Sessions (TX-17), Jake Ellzey (TX-06), Chip Roy (TX-21), August Pfluger (TX-11), Ronny Jackson (TX-13), Monica De La Cruz (TX-15), and Brandon Gill (TX-26).",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2618,"ICYMI: President Trump to Visit Denton, Highlighting the Resurgence of American Manufacturing",2026-09-29,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,TX,Ronny Jackson,J000304,jackson.house.gov,jackson,https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Representative Ronny Jackson (TX-13) will join President Donald J. Trump in highlighting the resurgence of American manufacturing during a visit to Peterbilt Motors’ factory in Denton, Texas on Thursday. The visit comes as the Trump administration and House Republicans’ successful pro-growth policies have spurred new investment, lowered taxes, and helped reshore critical supply chains. Peterbilt parent company PACCAR has added more than 1,000 jobs at its Denton facility and more than 2,000 jobs across the United States. The company’s Peterbilt and Kenworth brands move approximately 30% of the nation’s truck freight. “President Trump is delivering on his promise to put American workers and American manufacturing first,” said Rep. Jackson. “Right here in Texas, we’re seeing what happens when we cut red tape, unleash American industry, and stand up for our workers. The thousands of jobs created by Paccar are proof that America is open for business again, and I’m proud to stand with President Trump as we continue bringing jobs, investment, and critical manufacturing back home.” To read more, click here.",1,2026-09-30T10:57:52Z,2026-09-30T10:59:04Z https://cloud.house.gov/posts/feds-hold-1-4-billion-gun-records-on-americans-congressman-asks-trump-to-protect-privacy,"Feds Hold 1.4-Billion-Gun Records on Americans, Congressman Asks Trump to Protect Privacy",2026-09-29,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,TX,Michael Cloud,C001115,cloud.house.gov,cloud,https://cloud.house.gov/press,scraper,"Exclusive: Feds hold 1.4 billion gun records on Americans, congressman asks Trump to protect privacy Just The News Amanda Head | September 29th, 2026 “No one in their right mind can look at ATF’s digital, searchable 1.4 billion record database of firearm transactions and tell me that isn’t a gun registry,” says the Gun Owners of America’s Federal Affairs Director. The DOJ has been asked to look into use of the ATF’s database, and now Second Amendment advocates are knocking on Trump’s door. Rep. Michael Cloud, R-Tex., sent a letter on Tuesday to President Donald Trump urging action on a centralized registry of guns and gun owners that, according to Gun Owners of America (GOA), violates multiple federal statutes. “No one in their right mind can look at ATF’s digital, searchable 1.4 billion record database of firearm transactions and tell me that isn’t a gun registry. Several federal laws prohibit gun registration, so it’s truly shocking to see how ATF has disregarded the will of Congress here,” Aidan Johnston, GOA Federal Affairs Director told Just The News. According to Johnston, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) digital database, managed by the National Tracing Center in West Virginia, has surged to 1.4 billion records, a significant increase from the 920 million records reported in 2021. The database contains various forms of identifying records such as firearm transaction records, names, addresses, and serial numbers. The records are primarily digitized from paper forms when gun stores go out of business, which happened at an accelerated rate under the Biden administration due to its zero-tolerance policies. While the ATF claims this is a tracing system rather than a registry, Aidan noted to Just The News that making transaction forms permanent under the Biden administration removes the ability to destroy them after 20 years. Nevertheless, Johnston is hopeful: “Vice President Vance’s prior comments about the registry give GOA hope that the Trump Administration might finally put an end to this illegal gun registry and eliminate this threat to our Second Amendment rights.” This is not the first time a lawmaker has sounded the alarm about the database. On September 24, Sen. James Risch, R-Idaho, sent a letter to the Department of Justice urging an immediate investigation into an illegal gun registry maintained by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). “American citizens are entitled to exercise their Second Amendment rights without the federal government compiling searchable lists of their names and firearms,” wrote Risch in a statement. Risch was joined by U.S. Senators Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., Ted Budd, R-N.C., Tom Cotton, R-Ark., Steve Daines, R-Mont., Cindy Hyde-Smith R-Miss., and Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., in the letter sent to Attorney General Todd Blanche. In a letter shared with Just the News, Cloud urged both Trump and Vice President JD Vance to dismantle what he called an illegal national gun registry. Cloud said the ATF holds 1.41 billion out-of-business dealer records in Martinsburg, West Virginia, including buyers’ names, addresses, Social Security numbers and firearm details. In his letter, Cloud argued the database violates the 1986 Firearm Owners’ Protection Act and congressional spending bans on centralizing records or searching them by name. The files have grown by about 500 million since 2021. The letter quoted Vance describing the system as a backdoor registry, cited a 2022 Gun Owners of America report on searches by make and model, and opposed a pending ATF rule that would extend record retention. Cloud asked for an investigation, destruction of prohibited records and a compliant final rule. Cloud has pressed the ATF on out-of-business records since 2021, when he and 51 colleagues demanded answers after a May 2022 Gun Owners of America report. He authored the No REGISTRY Rights Act with Sen. Jim Risch to require deletion of the database and bar a future registry. Cloud also won a 2024 appropriations amendment forcing ATF to disclose record totals and introduced the Protecting the Right to Keep and Bear Arms Act to stop emergency gun restrictions. Gun Owners of America rates him A+; the NRA has scored him 92 percent. Cloud’s letter to the president follows actions his office took in investigating the ATF database, including inquiries to the agency made in February 2025 and February 2026. In its June 10 response letter to Cloud, the ATF argued that out-of-business dealer records (OBRs) remain essential for tracing guns used in crimes, pointing to the July 2024 attempted assassination of Donald Trump: investigators traced the rifle in 30 minutes using records from a dealer that had closed 11 years earlier. The ATF claims that data shows older records still matter — about 10% of 2022 traces and an average of nearly 13% of traces since 2017 relied on files at least 20 years old. Overall, more than half of the 10.2 million traces since 2000 used these records. By May 2026, the ATF held roughly 1.41 billion pages and/or images. The agency insisted the files are stored as static, non-searchable images indexed mainly by dealer license number, not by purchaser name, and claimed that their proposed rule would cap retention at 20 or 30 years instead of keeping them indefinitely. In the aforementioned May 2022 report by Aidan Johnston and shared with Just the News, GOA cites an ATF FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) response and insists that the agency has built an illegal national gun registry. As of November 2021, ATF held 920 million out-of-business dealer records — 865 million already digitized — containing purchasers’ names, addresses, Social Security numbers, and firearm make, model, and serial numbers. GOA contends this centralized, searchable database violates the Firearms Owners’ Protection Act’s explicit ban on registries plus longstanding appropriations riders that forbid consolidating records or retrieving them electronically by name. Intermediate scanning and conversion steps use fully searchable formats (Excel, CSV, OCR text), and the final OBRIS system (Out-of-Business Records Imaging System) can be queried by serial number, caliber, weapon type, and other fields; name search is merely disabled, GOA says, not technically impossible. The ATF did not provide documentary evidence that traces from these records have produced successful violent-crime prosecutions. Security practices include unencrypted email and packages labeled as gun records, with roughly 400 employees granted access. A Biden-era rule then slated for August 2022 would have required permanent retention of every Form 4473, commonly called a Firearms Transaction Record, converting the partial archive into a complete registry of commercial sales since 2002. GOA has demanded immediate destruction of the files and congressional action.",1,2026-10-01T11:23:28Z,2026-10-01T11:25:15Z https://arrington.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4638,"Arrington Celebrates $51 Million Rural Health Investment, With More to Come for Texas",2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,TX,Jodey C. Arrington,A000375,arrington.house.gov,arrington,https://arrington.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, the Trump Administration announced that it will be investing $51 million through the Rural Health Transformation Program, created by House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington’s One Big Beautiful Bill, into Texas’s Make Rural Texans Healthy Again initiative. The funding will support 68 rural hospital districts and authorities as they develop and expand community-based prevention, wellness, and nutrition programs to improve health outcomes and prevent and manage chronic conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease, and obesity. In December, Arrington announced that Texas had received the largest allocation of any state under the newly established Rural Health Transformation Program. As the author of the One Big Beautiful Bill, Arrington secured a historic $50 billion investment in rural health care over five years, including $1.4 billion for Texas – the most of any state. Texas is receiving $281 million in the program’s first year, with today’s $51 million announcement representing one part of that broader investment. “We won’t have the next generation of agriculture and energy producers providing America with food security and energy independence without access to basic health care in rural communities. Yet for years, Rural America has faced a growing health care crisis marked by fewer providers, reduced services, and limited access to quality care,” said Chairman Arrington. “To combat this crisis, the One Big Beautiful Bill established the Rural Health Transformation Program, a historic $50 billion investment in rural health care over five years, including $1.4 billion for Texas, to strengthen rural hospitals, expand access to care, and improve health outcomes. In the first year alone, Texas is receiving $281 million to advance state-led solutions to our rural health care challenges. Today, I am proud to see the Trump Administration and Governor Abbott put this investment to work through Texas’ Make Rural Texans Healthy Again initiative, with $51 million supporting 68 rural hospital districts and authorities as they work to prevent and manage diabetes, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, and obesity. This is another major win for rural America and a Texas-sized investment in a healthier, stronger future for Rural Texas.” “President Trump understands that every American deserves high-quality healthcare, no matter where they live,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “We are putting resources directly into rural communities to strengthen the health workforce, modernize infrastructure, expand access, and bring care closer to home. We are giving states the flexibility to build solutions around the people they serve, while demanding accountability for results. That is how we strengthen rural health, improve the lives of patients and families, and Make America Healthy Again.” “President Trump made a historic commitment to rural America, and these investments are turning that commitment into better care for patients in communities across Texas,” said Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz. “This is what rural health transformation should look like: federal investment that is putting patients first, driving lasting improvements and expanding healthcare for the hardworking Americans who call these communities home.” “Rural Texans deserve quality health care in their own communities,” said Governor Greg Abbott. “This $51 million will aid 68 rural hospital districts and authorities with prevention, wellness, and nutrition programs that keep Texans healthy and strong. I thank President Trump, Secretary Kennedy, and Administrator Oz for this investment in rural Texas.” Background: The Rural Health Transformation Program, created under the One Big Beautiful Bill, provides $50 billion over five years to strengthen rural health care and expand access to services. Texas is receiving $1.4 billion over that timeframe, the largest allocation of any state. Texas is receiving $281 million in FY2026, with today’s $51 million investment representing one part of the state’s broader first-year award. The $51 million will support 68 rural hospital districts and authorities through Texas’ Make Rural Texans Healthy Again initiative, focused on prevention, wellness, nutrition, and chronic disease management. Texas’ broader Rural Health Transformation strategy also includes expanding telehealth and digital health tools, strengthening the rural health workforce, and modernizing rural health infrastructure, equipment, and cybersecurity. For more information about the RHTP, visit: https://www.medicaid.gov/resources-for-states/rural-health.",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://cloud.house.gov/posts/trump-administration-announces-51-million-for-rural-texas-nutrition-and-chronic-disease-prevention-programs,Trump Administration Announces $51 Million for Rural Texas Nutrition and Chronic Disease Prevention Programs,2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,TX,Michael Cloud,C001115,cloud.house.gov,cloud,https://cloud.house.gov/press,scraper,"Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services September 28th, 2026 based chronic disease prevention, wellness, and nutrition programs through the federal Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). This investment will help rural healthcare providers implement solutions to improve outcomes for rural Texans with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease, or obesity, while also supporting efforts to prevent these chronic conditions. “President Trump understands that every American deserves high-quality healthcare, no matter where they live,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “We are putting resources directly into rural communities to strengthen the health workforce, modernize infrastructure, expand access, and bring care closer to home. We are giving states the flexibility to build solutions around the people they serve, while demanding accountability for results. That is how we strengthen rural health, improve the lives of patients and families, and Make America Healthy Again.” “President Trump made a historic commitment to rural America, and these investments are turning that commitment into better care for patients in communities across Texas,” said Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz. “This is what rural health transformation should look like: federal investment that is putting patients first, driving lasting improvements and expanding healthcare for the hardworking Americans who call these communities home.” Today’s investment was made possible through the Working Families Tax Cuts Act — passed by Republicans in Congress and unanimously opposed by Democrats — delivering a historic $50 billion investment to help states transform the way healthcare is delivered in America. “Rural Texans deserve quality health care in their own communities,” said Gov. Greg Abbott. “This $51 million will aid 68 rural hospital districts and authorities with prevention, wellness, and nutrition programs that keep Texans healthy and strong. I thank President Trump, Secretary Kennedy, and Administrator Oz for this investment in rural Texas.” “The Working Families Tax Cuts Act made the single largest investment in rural health care in more than two decades,” said Sen. John Cornyn. “I was proud to support this once-in-a-generation law that established the Rural Health Transformation Program, and I look forward to seeing these resources expand access to care, improve health outcomes, and better support folks with chronic conditions across the Lone Star State.” “This investment is critical to Texans, and I applaud CMS and Administrator Oz for approving it,” said Sen. Ted Cruz. “The decision is a recognition that the needs of rural Texas communities should be met, and these resources will strengthen rural hospitals, expand access to high-quality care, and help Texans in every part of our state get the healthcare they need. I was proud to work alongside my colleagues in the Texas delegation to secure this funding.” “Rural Texans deserve the same access to quality healthcare as anyone else in our state, and this investment is a major step toward closing that gap. Thanks to the Working Families Tax Cuts and the Rural Health Transformation Program, we’re strengthening our rural hospitals and investing in prevention, wellness, and nutrition programs that get ahead of chronic conditions. Healthier communities mean stronger families, a more productive workforce, and a brighter future for rural Texas. I will always work to ensure our rural communities have the resources they need to thrive,” said Rep. Nathaniel Moran. “This historic investment in rural health will expand access to care and give Texas communities more tools to prevent and manage chronic disease,” said Rep. Dan Crenshaw. “I’m proud to see these resources going directly to rural Texans who need them most.” “This is welcome news for rural Texas. I thank President Trump and his Administration for standing with our rural communities, and I was proud to join my Republican colleagues in Congress to make the Rural Health Transformation Program possible,” said Rep. Keith Self. “Helping families get better access to care—and live healthier lives—is exactly the kind of result we should keep delivering.” “Rural hospitals are the backbone of so many North Texas communities, and new funding will help keep them strong,” said Rep. Pat Fallon. “I am proud that $51 million from the Rural Health Transformation Program is coming to 68 rural hospital districts and authorities across our state through the Make Rural Texans Healthy Again initiative. By investing in the health of rural Texans, we’re strengthening families, supporting local providers, and building a stronger future for our communities.” “$51 million will improve lives, fight chronic disease, and make our rural communities healthier,” said Rep. Lance Gooden. “Texans should remember that in the fight to improve healthcare, every Democrat voted against this funding.” “Our rural communities are home to the farmers, ranchers, small business owners, and families who keep Texas and this country moving. Access to quality healthcare is critical to keeping those communities strong. Too many rural Texans still have to travel long distances or face limited options when they need care,” said Rep. Jake Ellzey. “These funds will help strengthen rural hospitals, expand access to preventive care, and give communities more tools to address chronic conditions before they become more serious. By putting these resources closer to home, we can help rural Texans get the care they need while strengthening the hospitals and healthcare systems these communities depend on every day.” “Rural Texans deserve the same access to quality care as anyone else, and this investment puts real resources into the communities that need it most. I’m grateful to CMS and state leaders for recognizing the importance of these programs and working to deliver better outcomes for Texas families,” said Rep. Morgan Luttrell. “This is great news for rural Texans, who deserve the same access to quality health care as anyone else. This $51 million investment will help communities across our state take a more proactive approach to improving health and preventing chronic disease. I’m proud to have an administration that understands the importance of investing in rural healthcare, which strengthens our local communities,” said Rep. Michael McCaul. “Rural Texans shouldn’t have to drive hours to see a doctor or receive the life-saving care they need. I was proud to support and advocate for Texas to receive its fair share of funding from the Rural Health Transformation Program, and I’m glad to see these dollars now reaching our hospitals. This historic investment will keep rural hospitals open, expand access to telehealth, and recruit and retain medical professionals. When a rural hospital or clinic has the resources it needs, the entire community benefits. I’ll keep fighting for rural health care in Congress and will make sure every dollar of this funding gets to the rural hospitals it was meant to serve,” said Rep. August Pfluger. “Texans across our state deserves access to high-quality health care. Alongside my Texas colleagues, I’m proud to have helped pass the Rural Health Transformation Program, which is investing millions of dollars into health care services in Texas,” said Rep. Craig Goldman. “This innovative program will strengthen rural health care and help make Texans healthier.” “Texans in TX-13 and every rural community deserve access to quality healthcare,” said Rep. Ronny Jackson. “This investment through the Rural Health Transformation Program will help rural communities expand prevention, wellness, and nutrition programs while addressing chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, respiratory disease, and obesity. I’m proud to support efforts that strengthen access to care and improve health outcomes for hardworking families across rural Texas.” “Every day, Texans continue to reap the benefits of the historic Working Families Tax Cuts Act I proudly voted for,” said Rep. Randy Weber. “Today, that means more than $50 million is heading to 68 rural hospital districts and authorities so quality health care reaches beyond the city limits and rural Texans can get the care they deserve closer to home.” “Access to healthcare remains a major challenge in rural Texas, making this $51 million investment a major win for our state,” said Rep. Monica De La Cruz. “The funding will fight chronic illness, train the next generation of doctors, and empower local providers. I am proud to help secure these critical resources and will keep fighting to ensure our communities receive the best care possible.” “Rural Texans deserve access to quality health care close to home,” said Rep. Pete Sessions. “This $51 million investment through the Make Rural Texans Healthy Again initiative will help our rural hospital districts expand prevention, wellness, and nutrition programs that tackle diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic conditions before they become crises. I thank CMS and Administrator Oz for standing with rural Texas and investing in healthier communities across our state.” “We won’t have the next generation of agriculture and energy producers providing America with food security and energy independence without access to basic health care in rural communities. Yet for years, Rural America has faced a growing health care crisis marked by fewer providers, reduced services, and limited access to quality care,” said Rep. Jodey Arrington. “To combat this crisis, the One Big Beautiful Bill established the Rural Health Transformation Program, a historic $50 billion investment in rural health care over five years, including $1.4 billion for Texas, to strengthen rural hospitals, expand access to care, and improve health outcomes. In the first year alone, Texas is receiving $281 million to advance state-led solutions to our rural health care challenges. Today, I am proud to see the Trump Administration and Governor Abbott put this investment to work through Texas’ Make Rural Texans Healthy Again initiative, with $51 million supporting 68 rural hospital districts and authorities as they work to prevent and manage diabetes, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, and obesity. This is another major win for rural America and a Texas-sized investment in a healthier, stronger future for Rural Texas.” “Rural Texans deserve access to quality healthcare, no matter their location,” said Rep. Troy Nehls. “This investment will equip rural communities across the great state of Texas with the resources to prevent chronic disease, expand access to care, and improve health outcomes. I applaud the Trump Administration for recognizing rural Texas and helping Make Rural Texans Healthy Again.” “Texans across my home state have President Trump and his administration to thank for prioritizing their wellness in urban and rural regions alike. I am proud to see the Working Families Tax Cut Act already start to improve efforts to make America healthy once again,” said Rep. Brandon Gill. “Providing access to healthcare comes with unique challenges when serving those in rural communities. This funding will help local Texas hospitals expand prevention and wellness programs where they are needed most,” said Rep. Michael Cloud. “Bringing $51 million to Texas so rural Texans have greater access to wellness and chronic-disease prevention is a promise kept by the Trump Administration to Make America Health Again. I’m proud to support these efforts to deliver real resources to the communities that need them and invest in healthier outcomes for rural families. Quality access to care before there’s a problem means better outcomes when a health issue does arise, and this investment puts prevention, wellness, and stronger rural healthcare within reach for Texans across our state,” said Rep. John Carter. “Quality health care should never be determined by your ZIP code. Today’s announcement of a $51 million investment in 68 rural hospital districts across Texas is a major step toward ensuring rural Texans have access to the care they need, close to home. As a health care professional and lifelong Southeast Texan, I’ve seen firsthand the dire consequences when quality care is too far out of reach. This investment in Texas’ Make Rural Texans Healthy Again initiative will deliver local solutions to combat chronic disease, strengthen rural hospitals, and improve health outcomes for families across Texas,” said Rep. Brian Babin. “President Trump understands that your ZIP code should never determine the quality of health care you receive. Through the One Big Beautiful Bill, we made a historic investment in rural America, with the Rural Health Transformation Program,” said Rep. Wesley Hunt. “Now Texas is putting those resources to work, by strengthening rural hospitals, expanding access, and focusing on prevention and wellness. I’m proud to have worked with the President to help deliver this for our communities and grateful for his sustained commitment to the people who live, work, and raise their families in rural Texas.” Today’s announcement is one part of the larger overall funding amount awarded to Texas for fiscal year 2026. Texas’s broader RHTP strategy is designed to strengthen rural healthcare and support more sustainable care across the state. Key initiatives the overall RHTP funding will focus on include: Strengthening prevention and chronic disease management: Supporting community-based prevention, wellness, and nutrition programs designed to improve outcomes for rural Texans with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, respiratory illness, obesity, and other chronic conditions. Expanding technology-enabled healthcare: Investing in telehealth, digital health tools, and advanced technology to connect rural patients and providers with healthcare services and specialty expertise. Building the rural healthcare workforce: Supporting recruitment and retention strategies and expanded care teams to strengthen healthcare capacity in rural communities. Modernizing rural healthcare infrastructure: Upgrading equipment, strengthening interoperability and cybersecurity, and improving technology and facilities used by rural hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, behavioral health providers, public health offices, and EMS. ‘ The Trump Administration is delivering on its commitment to strengthen rural America by investing in solutions that modernize, transform and expand healthcare access for rural communities nationwide. Led by CMS, the RHTP is moving beyond the failed one-size-fits-all approach and giving rural communities the tools to build stronger, more innovative, and more sustainable health systems that deliver better care and better outcomes for the Americans they serve.",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://gill.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gill-introduces-barrons-law,Rep. Gill Introduces Barron’s Law,2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,TX,Brandon Gill,G000603,gill.house.gov,gill,https://gill.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Congressman Brandon Gill (R-TX) today introduced Barron’s Law to ensure that illegal aliens cannot obtain trucking licenses. The legislation would strengthen commercial trucking safety by ensuring drivers have lawful status or proper employment authorization, requiring English-language proficiency testing, crack down on fraud, and impose enhanced penalties on motor carriers that knowingly use ineligible drivers. This bill is named after 8-year-old Barron Ritchey of Pilot Point, Texas, who was killed in April 2023 on I-35 near Hillsboro when a wheel hub and dual tires flew off a tractor-trailer operated by RTD Carriers and struck the Ritchey family’s SUV as his mother drove him home from a school trip. The driver, Martin Monreal-Alvarado, had a B-1 visa that expired six months earlier. “Barron’s death was a heartbreaking and preventable tragedy—his family should never have had to suffer his loss as a result of Democrat-era immigration failures,” said Congressman Gill. “While nothing can fix the pain of his death, this legislation aims to prevent any other Americans from dying at the hands of illegal aliens behind the wheel on our roads. We must ensure that truckers are here lawfully and speak our language.” “Our son Barron was a joyful eight-year-old boy who loved his family and friends, playing with his dog Cowboy, and he especially loved making people laugh,” said the Ritchey family. “He had his whole life ahead of him, and there is not a day that goes by that we don’t miss his smile, his laughter, and all of the moments we should still be sharing with him. Because of our faith in the finished work of our Lord Jesus Christ and the atonement of His blood over our lives, we have the blessed assurance that we will see our son again. “In the years since we lost Barron, we have learned that his death was not the result of just one failure, but a series of failures across our transportation and immigration systems,” the Ritchey family continued. “Many of those same issues have now become part of a national conversation about who should be allowed to operate commercial trucks on our roads and how our laws are enforced. We are grateful to Congressman Gill for listening to Barron’s story and introducing Barron’s Law. Nothing can bring our son back, but we hope that changes made in his name can help prevent another family from suffering the same unimaginable loss.” Cosponsors (3): Reps. Weber, Williams, Self ###",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2616,Rep. Ronny Jackson Leads Congressional Colleagues in Advocating for Amarillo-Assembled MV-75 Cheyenne Aircraft,2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,TX,Ronny Jackson,J000304,jackson.house.gov,jackson,https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Today, Representative Ronny Jackson (TX-13) led 86 of his Congressional colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought encouraging the Trump administration to continue prioritizing and advancing the MV-75 Cheyenne program as a critical component of America’s military modernization efforts. The MV-75 Cheyenne, the U.S. Army’s next-generation Future Long Range Assault Aircraft, is designed to combine the vertical agility of a helicopter with the speed and range of an airplane. The Army has described the aircraft as capable of flying approximately twice as fast and twice as far as current platforms, expanding the Joint Force’s ability to conduct long-range assault, medical evacuation, resupply, and other critical missions in contested environments. Final assembly of the MV-75 Cheyenne will take place at Bell Helicopter’s facility in Amarillo. This program will help support skilled manufacturing jobs and strengthen the region’s defense industrial base. “The MV-75 Cheyenne represents the kind of transformational capability our warfighters need to meet the challenges of the future battlefield,” said Rep. Jackson. “Our servicemembers deserve the speed, range, survivability, and operational flexibility necessary to accomplish their missions and come home safely. We must continue advancing this critical program to ensure our military has the tools it needs to maintain our technological advantage.” Co-signers include: Senators Jerry Moran (KS), Roger Marshall (KS), Jim Banks (IN), Tim Sheehy (MT), Jacky Rosen (NV), Ted Cruz (TX), John Boozman (AR), Marsha Blackburn (TN), Dave McCormick (PA), John Cornyn (TX), Todd Young (IN), Jeanne Shaheen (NH) and Representatives Jake Ellzey (TX-06), Pat Fallon (TX-04), Jack Bergman (MI-01), Scott DesJarlais (TN-04), Rudy Yakym (IN-02), Austin Scott (GA-08), Judge Carter (TX-31), Don Davis (NC-01), Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-26), Ron Estes (KS-04), Mike Ezell (MS-04), Craig Goldman (TX-12), Pat Harrigan (NC-10), Jen Kiggans (VA-02), Matt Van Epps (TN-07), Eugene Vindman (VA-07), Andre Carson (IN-07), Lance Gooden (TX-05), John McGuire (VA-05), Richard McCormick (GA-07), Mark Messmer (IN-08), Joe Wilson (SC-02), Trent Kelly (MS-01), Jefferson Shreve (IN-06), Keith Self (TX-03), Stephanie Bice (OK-05), Nicholas Langworthy (NY-23), Tracey Mann (KS-01), Riley Moore (WV-02), Johnny Olszewski (MD-02), Derek Tran (CA-45), Beth Van Duyne (TX-24), Michael Cloud (TX-27), Brad Finstad (MN-01), Michael Guest (MS-03), Joseph Morelle (NY-25), Frank Mrvan (IN-01), Derek Schmidt (KS-02), Marc Veasey (TX-33), Rick Allen (GA-12), Gabe Amo (RI-01), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Nancy Mace (SC-01), Seth Magaziner (RI-02), Chris Pappas (NH-01), Pete Sessions (TX-17), Dale Strong (AL-05), Marlin Stutzman (IN-03), Tim Walberg (MI-05), Sheri Biggs (SC-03), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Brandon Gill (TX-26), Diana Harshbarger (TN-01), Hillary Scholten (MI-03), Dan Crenshaw (TX-02), Kevin Hern (OK-01), Julia Letlow (LA-05), Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07), Barry Moore (AL-01), Eric Sorensen (IL-17), Herbert Conaway (NJ-03), Henry Cuellar (TX-28), Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03), Roger Williams (TX-25), Gilbert Cisneros (CA-31), James Comer (KY-01), Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), Erin Houchin (IN-09), Michael McCaul (TX-10), Bennie Thompson (MS-02), Anna Paulina Luna (FL-13), Mike Kelly (PA-16), Wesley Bell (MO-01) and Clay Fuller (GA-14). ###",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://pfluger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3045,Rep. Pfluger Holds Roundtables with Midland and Odessa Chambers of Commerce,2026-09-25,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,TX,August Pfluger,P000048,pfluger.house.gov,pfluger,https://pfluger.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) joined both the Midland and Odessa Chambers of Commerce for roundtables with local business leaders, energy producers, and healthcare providers. The roundtables brought together key stakeholders from across the Permian Basin to discuss the challenges facing local businesses. As Co-Chair of the Congressional Free Enterprise Caucus, Congressman Pfluger has been a leading voice in Washington for pro-growth, pro-business policies, and used the discussions to hear directly from West Texas job creators about how federal policy can better support their growth.",1,2026-09-26T09:43:57Z,2026-09-26T09:44:55Z https://pfluger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3046,Rep. Pfluger Helps Secure $20 Million for City of San Angelo Infrastructure Improvements,2026-09-25,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,TX,August Pfluger,P000048,pfluger.house.gov,pfluger,https://pfluger.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) has helped secure $20 million for the Christoval Road Improvement Project. By voting for the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1, P.L. 119-21) and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 (H.R. 7148, P.L. 119-75), Rep. Pfluger helped fund the Department of War's Defense Community Infrastructure Program (DCIP). This $20 million investment in San Angelo will help fund a $28.6 million transportation and utility infrastructure project along the south side of Goodfellow Air Force Base, extending from Paint Rock Road to South Chadbourne Street. The Defense Community Infrastructure Program is a competitive grant program administered by the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation to help state and local governments address infrastructure deficiencies in the communities surrounding military installations. DCIP selects projects based on their ability to enhance installation readiness and mission assurance, improve quality of life for service members and their families, or strengthen installation resilience. ""The Christoval Road Improvement Project will modernize aging infrastructure along Goodfellow Air Force Base's south side, easing traffic, supporting utility upgrades, and helping San Angelo grow. I'm proud to have helped secure this funding and will keep fighting to make sure our military communities have the infrastructure they need to thrive,"" said Rep. August Pfluger (TX-11). “This is a tremendous investment in San Angelo, but just as importantly, it is an investment in Goodfellow Air Force Base and its national defense mission,” said San Angelo Mayor Tom Thompson. “On behalf of the City of San Angelo, I want to personally thank Congressman August Pfluger and Senator Ted Cruz for their continued advocacy for Goodfellow and our community. Their support and recognition of Goodfellow’s importance to our national security continue to make a difference here at home.” Over the past year, Rep. Pfluger has been an outspoken advocate for directing federal resources back to the communities he represents in Congress. In the last appropriations cycle, Rep. Pfluger secured $20 million for Community Funding Projects across Texas-11.",1,2026-09-26T09:43:57Z,2026-09-26T09:44:55Z https://delacruz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4037,De La Cruz Leads Fight Against Mealybug,2026-09-24,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,TX,Monica De La Cruz,D000594,delacruz.house.gov,delacruz,https://delacruz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) introduced the Combatting Pasture Mealybug Act. The bill directs the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to study the impact of the pasture mealybug and provide Congress with recommended strategies that the Federal Government can quickly deploy to contain the invasive pest. Original co-sponsors of the legislation include Representative Brian Babin (TX-36), Michael Cloud (TX-27), Jake Ellzey (TX-06), Pat Fallon (TX-04), Brandon Gill (TX-26), Lance Gooden (TX-05), Morgan Luttrell (TX-08), Nathaniel Moran (TX-01), Beth Van Duyne (TX-24), Randy Weber (TX-14), Roger Williams (TX-25), Kat Cammack (FL-03) and David Valadao (CA-22). ""The pasture mealybug poses a major threat to Texas agriculture. After hearing from Texas farmers, it's clear we must act now. That's why I am proud to lead the fight in stopping this new pest and working alongside Secretary Rollins to deploy effective solutions. Protecting Texas agriculture is my top priority, and I will fight to secure a strong future for Texas."" - Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz The legislation is supported by the following organizations: Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, Texas Farm Bureau, Texas Citrus Mutual, Texas Vegetable Association, Texas International Produce Association, Mississippi Cattlemen's Association, and Florida Farm Bureau. “Pasture mealybug poses a serious threat to our grazing land resources and the future of cattle operations in Texas and the Southwest. With no viable eradication option for pasture mealybug, it is crucial that we ramp up our response efforts now. By directing USDA to study and report on strategies, the Combating Pasture Mealybug Act is imperative to ensuring long-term viability of our grasslands and forages."" - Stephen Diebel, Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association President ""The Texas International Produce Association (TIPA) supports Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz’s Combating Pasture Mealybug Act. While our members primarily represent the fresh fruit and vegetable industry, the strength of every agricultural sector—including livestock, forage, sod, and other crop production—contributes to the health of our overall agricultural economy. Emerging pests that threaten our farmers, ranchers, sod producers, and agricultural lands can have consequences extending well beyond a single commodity. We appreciate Congresswoman De La Cruz’s leadership in bringing attention to this threat and working to protect the long-term strength and resilience of American agriculture."" - Texas International Produce Association “Texas Farm Bureau supports the Mealybug Eradication Act. Pasture mealybug poses a serious threat to productive grazing lands and the livestock industry, and we must be prepared to respond. This bill will help strengthen our understanding of the pest, improve preparedness and response capabilities, and identify strategies to contain and eradicate it. We thank Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz for her leadership and support of Texas agriculture.” - Russell Boening, President, Texas Farm Bureau Background: First spotted in the United States in 2025, the pasture mealybug is an invasive pest that feeds on plant sap in forage grasses, attacking both above- and below-ground parts of key forage, row, and turf crops. As of September 2026, the bug has been identified in counties across Texas, Louisiana, Florida, and Georgia. Pasture mealybug infestation causes pasture dieback and major economic losses in livestock, sugarcane, turfgrass, and row-crop sectors. Damages caused by the pasture mealybug are estimated to cost billions of dollars in the long term.",1,2026-09-25T10:04:52Z,2026-09-25T10:05:46Z https://gooden.house.gov/press-releases?ID=CFE4B8A7-8DFB-4DB9-B115-9EA4AA58C6FC,New Gooden Bill Cracks Down on Synthetic Kratom Products,2026-09-24,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,TX,Lance Gooden,G000589,gooden.house.gov,gooden,https://gooden.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Lance Gooden (TX-05) announced the End Gas Station Heroin Act, legislation to protect Americans from dangerous synthetic opioids sold in gas stations and smoke shops. The bill permanently schedules synthetic opioids and analogs sold in synthetic kratom products, commonly known as “gas station heroin.” It also creates a special federal enforcement mechanism to address new and emerging substances before manufacturers can evade enforcement. “Dangerous synthetic opioids powerful enough to fuel addiction and destroy lives should not be sitting on convenience store shelves next to snacks and energy drinks,” said Rep. Gooden. “My bill permanently schedules these drugs, closes loopholes, and targets the entities putting them into our communities.” The issue has taken on renewed urgency following the deaths of two University of Mississippi students earlier this week. Synthetic kratom products were reportedly found at the scene, though authorities have not determined the official cause of death. Existing enforcement mechanisms have struggled to keep pace as new synthetic compounds enter the market across the country. The Drug Enforcement Administration has taken temporary action to schedule certain synthetic substances, but those measures are limited and do not provide a permanent framework for addressing new compounds as they emerge. The End Gas Station Heroin Act would: Permanently schedule several dangerous synthetic opioids and analogs, including synthetic 7-OH. Create a mechanism to treat future emerging synthetic opioids as scheduled for manufacturers and distributors, helping prevent minor molecular alterations from being used to evade enforcement. Target manufacturers and distributors who introduce these drugs into the stream of commerce. The bill was featured in an exclusive article by the Washington Reporter and is cosponsored by Reps. Rich McCormick (GA-07), Barry Moore (AL-01), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), and Randy Fine (FL-06). Senator Bernie Moreno is leading the companion in the Senate. Read the bill text here.",1,2026-09-25T10:04:52Z,2026-09-25T10:05:46Z https://moran.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2913,"Moran, Scott Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Bring Film Jobs Home",2026-09-24,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,TX,Nathaniel Moran,M001224,moran.house.gov,nathanielmoran,https://moran.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, U.S. Rep. Nathaniel Moran (R-TX-01) introduced the Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act in the House. This bipartisan legislation is aimed at reviving American film and television production across the U.S., which will bring further economic growth to our communities. Moran is joined by Representatives Linda Sánchez (D-CA-38), Brian Jack (R-GA-03), Laura Friedman (D-CA-30), David Kustoff (R-TN-08), Judy Chu (D-CA-28), Mike Carey (R-OH-15), and Tom Suozzi (D-NY-03) in introduction. Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) introduced companion legislation in the Senate, joined by Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA). The bill would create a federal tax credit for productions made in the United States, aimed at reversing the flow of film and television jobs to the numerous foreign countries that are luring these American productions away. The goal is to bring that work back to American crews, small businesses, and the communities that depend on the industry. “When a production comes to a community—from rural East Texas to urban New York—that money doesn't just benefit the production company. It helps the local caterer, the hardware store, the hoteliers, and every tradesman in between who makes film and television production possible. Those jobs are going overseas right now simply because other countries are offering bigger handouts. If we want to keep American storytelling in America, we have to level the playing field, and that's exactly what this bill does. This isn't about subsidizing Hollywood—it's about supporting the American worker, one story and one production at a time. I'm proud to work with Senator Scott and our bipartisan group in both chambers to get this done, and I'm grateful to Ambassador Jon Voight and Sean Astin for the work they've put into pushing this forward,” said Rep. Nathaniel Moran (R-TX-01). “Having worked in a movie theater growing up, I saw early on how films can move and inspire generations of Americans. Films like ‘The Notebook’ bring us to tears, and films like ‘Forrest Gump’ inspire us to see the world differently. That is the power of film, and South Carolina is blessed to have served as the backdrop for both of these iconic American stories,” said Sen. Scott. “We cannot stand by as more and more American film production moves overseas, taking jobs, investment, and an important source of American cultural influence with it. This legislation will create jobs in communities across America, support local economies, and help ensure that the next generation of iconic American films is made right here in America. Hollywood’s history is legendary, but the future of American filmmaking can be even brighter.” “For years, I've been championing a federal film tax credit to stop the exodus of TV and film production leaving the United States for countries offering higher incentives. Now, we have the best opportunity in decades to get it done. The direct and indirect jobs created by this creative and talented workforce are enormously important, and we want to make sure they stay in this country. With the support of the White House, our bill will create an overdue federal program to bring the movie magic back to America while creating thousands of jobs and spurring local economic growth across the nation. This legislation has bipartisan, bicameral support, and it's time we get this passed,” said Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA). “The United States is losing good-paying union jobs because it's become too expensive to film here. This isn't about the actors who star in films and can travel for a shoot. It's about the production crews and set builders, the backbone of the film industry. Our bill would create incentives to bring those jobs back home and boost local economies, not just in California, but across the country,” said Rep. Linda Sánchez (D-CA-38). “My Congressional District is home to Trilith Studios, and I proudly represent the craftsmen, electricians, and carpenters who work hard to create movies that inspire generations of Americans. Study after study has demonstrated that American film production delivers substantial economic benefits to communities across our country by creating jobs, supporting local businesses, and generating millions of dollars in local economic activity. I applaud President Trump's leadership in calling for a legislative solution to bring film production back to the United States, and I look forward to working with him and my colleagues in Congress to advance our legislation and achieve this important goal,” said Rep. Brian Jack (R-GA-03). “For over a year, I've worked to build a coalition of unions, studios, Republicans and Democrats, and the White House, because we knew that a national film tax credit would bring hundreds of thousands of jobs back to our country,” said Rep. Laura Friedman (D-CA-30). “This bill is a result of that coalition. It tells every country that has been outbidding us for American work that we are done losing.” “Ohio has a rich history in film production, from ‘The Deer Hunter’ and ‘The Shawshank Redemption’ to ‘The Avengers’ and ‘A Christmas Story.’ Many of these filming locations have become tourist attractions and are economic drivers to this day. The film industry provides high-paying jobs for artists, small businesses, and union workers. As other countries implement beneficial tax incentives to draw production away from the United States, Congress must work to ensure the United States stays competitive. I would like to commend Representative Moran for introducing this important legislation. As Chairman of the Humanities Caucus and a member of the tax-writing committee, I am confident this bill will help the United States maintain its global influence, as well as the high-paying jobs, associated with film production,” said Rep. Mike Carey (R-OH-15). “For generations, Southern California has been the heart of America's film and television industry, supporting thousands of workers and small businesses in the San Gabriel Valley and across our region. But today, too many productions are leaving for other countries, taking good-paying jobs and economic opportunity with them. We cannot stand by while communities across the United States lose these productions and the jobs they support. That's why I am so proud to co-lead the bipartisan, bicameral Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act, which will create a new federal tax credit to incentivize film and television production here in America. This bill will help bring productions and jobs back home, support our creative workforce, and keep Southern California the entertainment capital of the world,” said Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA-28). “The film and TV industry is an economic engine in New York. It supports thousands of good jobs at good wages,” said Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-NY-03). “America is the entertainment leader of the world and this bill incentivizes filmmakers and studios to hire American workers. I'm proud to help lead this commonsense, bipartisan effort.” What the Bill Does - Creates a new federal tax credit for American film and television productionsGives an added incentive to productions filmed in rural communities designated as federal Opportunity Zones - Gives an added incentive to productions filmed in federally declared disaster areasCovers every phase of production, including principal photography, traditional post-production, and visual effects, as long as the work happens in the United States - Extends the benefit to the whole country, beyond major hubs like Los Angeles and New York Texas already has a program that mirrors this legislation. In 2025, the state passed Senate Bill 22 (SB 22), committing $300 million every two years through 2035 to the Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program (TMIIIP). Productions that qualify can get back 5 to 25 percent of what they spend in the state, and there are extra grants on top of that for projects that film in rural areas, use historic sites, or partner with Texas universities to train workers. The industry already supports more than 59,000 jobs and $4.8 billion in wages in Texas alone. The Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act builds a federal layer on top of what Texas is already doing under TMIIIP. Endorsed by: American Federation of Musicians, American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP), Coalition for American Production (CAP), CreativeFuture, Directors Guild of America (DGA), FilmUSA, Independent Film and Television Alliance (IFTA), International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), Motion Picture Association (MPA), Paramount, Producers Guild of America (PGA), Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), Teamsters, Television Academy, Writers Guild of America East (WGAE), Writers Guild of America West (WGAW) “I want to thank President Trump for bringing national attention to the urgent need for a federal film and television production tax credit and for calling on Congress to act,” said Jon Voight, United States Special Ambassador to Hollywood. “I also want to thank Senators Tim Scott and Adam Schiff, along with Representatives Nathaniel Moran, Linda Sánchez, Brian Jack, and Laura Friedman, for their work on this bipartisan effort to bring productions and jobs back to the United States. The Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act will restore the American film and television industry, put crews back to work, support productions at all levels, and create economic opportunities in communities nationwide. All Americans want to bring our iconic film industry home, and we can do it by working together to get this important legislation passed quickly.” “Paramount fully supports this legislation and thanks Representative Moran for his bipartisan leadership on this important issue. America's highly skilled production workforce — including camera operators, set production designers, editors, visual effects artists, lighting and sound crews, costume and makeup teams, transportation workers, filmmakers, and countless others — are critical to our nation's economy and have built and powered one of this country's greatest cultural exports. We believe now is the time to pursue this important legislation, so we can support our critical production workers and make more films and TV right here at home. Paramount will continue working closely with our union partners and the broader creative industry at every level to help support this effort,” said David Ellison, Chairman and CEO of Paramount, a Skydance Corporation. “SAG-AFTRA is proud to partner with our fellow unions, industry and policymakers in a bipartisan effort to rescue the domestic film and television business. The money is being invested, the productions are being made, the jobs are being created, just not in America. This is a jobs bill and that is exactly what our members want to see. We have the infrastructure. We have the crews. We have the talent. Now all we need is a level playing field. We are the storytellers who inform and entertain the world. Let's get back to doing that right here at home. Thank you, Senators Scott and Schiff and Representatives Moran, Sánchez, Friedman, and Jack, for championing this critical legislation,” said Sean Astin, President, Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. “The Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act is the most significant legislative effort in a generation to promote domestic film and television production, and the hundreds of thousands of jobs it supports. This moment is the culmination of years of work by the entertainment guilds and unions, in partnership with the MPA and lawmakers from both parties. The DGA thanks Senators Scott and Schiff and Representatives Moran, Jack, and Friedman for advancing this important bipartisan effort to strengthen domestic production, create jobs, and further build on the critical work already underway through state incentives in California, New York, Illinois, Georgia, and elsewhere. We also acknowledge the leadership of Ambassador Voight on this issue. We look forward to working with our partners in Congress, labor, the Administration, and at the studios to get this bill signed into law,” said Christopher Nolan, President, Directors Guild of America. “The Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act would deliver a true gamechanger for American creators, workers, and businesses, a federal incentive that supercharges production at home, fuels jobs and growth in local communities, and makes the United States a more competitive destination for the next generation of great film and television. There's a reason everyone from President Trump to a bipartisan group of members in Congress to studios, unions, guilds, and more want to get this done. Passing this legislation could inject $250 billion into the country's economy and deliver nearly 145,000 new jobs every year across all 50 states. That's a story we can write together by enacting this bill, to ensure that more stories are crafted, created, and made here in America. The Motion Picture Association thanks Senators Tim Scott and Adam Schiff, and Representatives Nathaniel Moran, Linda Sánchez, Brian Jack, Laura Friedman, Mike Carey, Judy Chu, David Kustoff, and Tom Suozzi for their leadership in support of America's creative economy,” said Charles Rivkin, Chairman and CEO, Motion Picture Association. Read full statements of support from these organizations and industry leaders here. Background: Many of the films Americans watch again and again were made here, by American crews, in American towns. “The Sandlot” was shot in Salt Lake City and Ogden, Utah. “Jaws” was filmed on Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts. “Top Gun” was made in San Diego. “The Shawshank Redemption” was filmed in Mansfield, Ohio, and went on to become one of the most beloved American films ever made. “Singin’ in the Rain” was shot at MGM's old studios in Culver City, and “The Natural” was filmed in Buffalo, New York. If those productions had gone somewhere cheaper, they wouldn't be the movies people know today. The legislation follows public comments from President Trump this summer encouraging Congress to act on a bipartisan basis to bring film and television production back to the United States. Additional input and analysis on the legislation will take place as the bipartisan members work through the legislative process in both chambers with the goal of having the bill reach final consideration before the end of the year. This legislation builds on work Rep. Moran began earlier this month, when he co-founded the bipartisan Congressional American Film & TV Production Caucus alongside Reps. Brian Jack (R-GA-03), Laura Friedman (D-CA-30), Linda Sánchez (D-CA-38), Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY-11), and Tom Suozzi (D-NY-03) to revitalize American film and television production. ###",1,2026-09-25T10:04:52Z,2026-09-25T10:05:46Z https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2614,Texas Set to Receive $7.5 Billion for Border Security after Rep. Ronny Jackson’s Push,2026-09-22,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,TX,Ronny Jackson,J000304,jackson.house.gov,jackson,https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Congressman Ronny Jackson (TX-13) announced that Texas is set to receive $7.5 billion in federal reimbursement for border-security costs incurred by the state during the Biden administration, providing long-overdue relief to Texas taxpayers who shouldered the cost of securing the nation’s southern border. Through Operation Lone Star, Texas spent more than $11 billion to address the unprecedented consequences of the Biden administration’s failed open border policies. For years, Jackson has fought to ensure Texas and other border communities are not forced to bear the financial burden of a crisis created at the federal level. In 2023, Jackson introduced the Reimbursing Border Communities Act, legislation to provide federal reimbursement to communities along the southern border for eligible costs associated with responding to the border crisis. This Congress, he reintroduced the legislation, continuing his effort to ensure Texas taxpayers receive federal support for the unnecessary costs they incurred protecting their communities. In November 2025, Jackson joined members of the Texas congressional delegation in urging the Departments of Homeland Security and Justice to prioritize reimbursement for Texas’ border-security expenditures. In July 2026, Jackson again joined the Texas delegation in supporting Texas' request for Operation Lone Star reimbursement as authorized by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. “Texas taxpayers stepped up when President Biden failed to secure our southern border, and Texans should not be forced to foot the bill for the federal government now,” said Rep. Jackson. “I have fought for years to make sure Texas is reimbursed for the enormous costs it incurred protecting our communities and our country. Border security is national security, and Texas answered the call. This $7.5 billion is a major step towards righting the wrongs of the Biden administration’s failed open border policies.”",1,2026-09-23T09:45:16Z,2026-09-23T09:46:14Z https://weber.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3895,Rep. Weber Helps Deliver Long-Awaited $7.5 Billion Border Security Reimbursement,2026-09-22,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,TX,"Randy K. Weber, Sr.",W000814,weber.house.gov,weber,https://weber.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Randy Weber (TX-14) celebrated the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s approval of a historic $7.5 billion reimbursement to Texas for border security costs incurred through Operation Lone Star. The reimbursement was approved through the State Border Security Reinforcement Fund created under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which Rep. Weber voted to send to President Donald Trump's desk last year. “Texas held the line when Joe Biden abandoned our southern border, and Texas taxpayers were stuck with the bill,” said Congressman Weber. “For years, I have fought to force the federal government to pay Texas back. We introduced legislation, demanded reimbursement from the Biden administration, secured the funding under President Trump, and kept the pressure on until this money moved."" “Now, $7.5 billion is coming back home to Texas, where it belongs. I thank President Trump, Secretary Mullin, and every member of the Texas delegation who helped get this across the finish line. This is a tremendous victory for Texans and a long-overdue win for the Lone Star State.” Rep. Weber’s Years-Long Push to Reimburse Texas: June 2022: Weber became an original cosponsor of the Lone Star Reimbursement Act, legislation requiring the federal government to reimburse Texas for Operation Lone Star costs incurred during Fiscal Years 2021 and 2022. January 2023: Weber joined the Texas Republican delegation in demanding that President Biden reimburse Texas for the resources used to secure the southern border. The delegation also requested a meeting with Biden to present Texas-led solutions to the border crisis. March 2023: Weber again became an original cosponsor of the Lone Star Reimbursement Act to repay Texas for the costs of Operation Lone Star. May 2024: Weber signed a letter urging the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security to establish a dedicated $11.26 billion funding line to reimburse Texas for its border security expenses. January/February 2025: Weber cosponsored the State Border Security Reimbursement Act and the Operation Lone Star Reimbursement Act, two separate measures requiring the federal government to repay Texas for its border security costs. July 2025: Weber voted to send President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act to the White House. Signed into law on July 4th, 2025, the legislation created two funds totaling $13.5 billion to reimburse states and local governments for border security and immigration enforcement costs. November 2025: After the reimbursement funding was authorized but had not been released, Weber joined Texas Senators and the Texas GOP delegation in pressing the Departments of Homeland Security and Justice to prioritize Texas and provide the full $11.1 billion the state had spent. September 2026: The Department of Homeland Security approved $7.5 billion for Texas, delivering the largest border security reimbursement in state history. Congressman Weber looks forward to the $7.5 billion reimbursement reaching the state treasury, where it will be available for appropriation by the 90th Texas Legislature when it convenes in January 2027. The Texas congressional delegation is now working to secure Texas’ share of the remaining reimbursement funding available through the Department of Justice.",1,2026-09-23T09:45:16Z,2026-09-23T09:46:14Z https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2612,Rep. Ronny Jackson Honors World War II POW John T. Wilkerson,2026-09-21,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,TX,Ronny Jackson,J000304,jackson.house.gov,jackson,https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Representative Ronny Jackson (TX-13) honored the life and sacrifice of Parmer County, Texas, native Private First Class John T. Wilkerson, presenting Wilkerson’s family with a flag and shadow box at the Panhandle War Memorial, recognizing his service during World War II. Wilkerson served with the U.S. Army’s Battery G, 59th Coast Artillery Regiment, in the Philippine Islands. Captured by Japanese forces on April 9, 1942, he endured more than two years as a prisoner of war before making the ultimate sacrifice on October 24, 1944. “Private First Class John T. Wilkerson represents the courage, sacrifice, and devotion to duty of the Greatest Generation,” said Rep. Jackson. “We owe it to John, his family, and every American who has worn the uniform to ensure their service and sacrifice are never forgotten. May we always remember the Americans who answered the call, fought for freedom, endured captivity, and gave everything in defense of our great nation.”",1,2026-09-22T09:42:49Z,2026-09-22T09:44:35Z https://roy.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-roy-statement-texas-receiving-75-billion-following-biden-border-crisis,Rep. Roy Statement on Texas Receiving $7.5 Billion Following Biden Border Crisis,2026-09-21,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,TX,Chip Roy,R000614,roy.house.gov,roy,https://roy.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Representative Chip Roy (TX-21) issued the following statement after the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed a $7.5 billion reimbursement in border security costs for Texas: “When the Biden-Harris Administration unleashed the worst border crisis in recent history, the state of Texas stepped up to fulfill what should have been the federal government’s most basic duty: securing the border from illegal immigration, dangerous actors, venomous drugs, and other untold horrors. At the onset of the Biden-Harris border crisis, other members of the Texas delegation and I fought to secure proper reimbursement for border security costs for those we represent, finally achieving a mechanism for these funds in the One Big Beautiful Bill. While there’s more to be done to compensate the state of Texas fully, I thank President Trump and DHS Secretary Mullin for their efforts to make our state whole,” said Rep. Roy. ###",1,2026-09-22T09:42:49Z,2026-09-22T09:44:35Z https://cloud.house.gov/posts/la-homelessness-fraud-cases-expose-deeper-problem-than-stolen-millions-oversight-hawk-warns,"LA Homelessness Fraud Cases Expose Deeper Problem than Stolen Millions, Oversight Hawk Warns",2026-09-19,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,TX,Michael Cloud,C001115,cloud.house.gov,cloud,https://cloud.house.gov/press,scraper,"Rep Cloud says LA homelessness funding rewards programs, not people FOX News Charles Creitz | September 19th, 2026 Federal charges alleging that millions of dollars were siphoned from Los Angeles homelessness programs are exposing what one lawmaker told Fox News Digital is a deeper failure in the way Washington funds and measures such programs. The latest cases out of Los Angeles fuel the concern of Rep. Michael Cloud, R-Texas, that not only are corrupt providers stealing taxpayer money, but that the programs aren’t meeting their goal of getting people off the streets. “The only people really getting upward mobility in these programs, it would seem, is the people running the programs,” Cloud told Fox News Digital after a House Oversight hearing examining federally funded homelessness programs in Los Angeles, Seattle and elsewhere. “And that’s not really what the program’s supposed to be about.” Michael Young, 46, Lakiya Malone, 48, and Donye Mitchell, 55, were charged in the federal fraud crackdown. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong; Department of Justice) Federal prosecutors charged three defendants Wednesday in separate homelessness fraud cases involving alleged misuse of taxpayer funds, including money allegedly spent on a nightclub and adjacent bingo hall and bribes allegedly tied to fake housing referrals. Los Angeles’ homelessness agency paid one of the suspect nonprofits more than $75 million, according to federal prosecutors, leading Cloud to seek out the real culprits blazing the money trail. Cloud said the fraud itself is only one piece of a broader problem and that the system appears to reward spending and program activity without adequately measuring lasting outcomes. Government too often judges success by “how much money we send out the door” instead of whether the spending is “actually helping people” or whether safeguards are in place to ensure taxpayer dollars are being used properly, Cloud said, describing the system as having been “incentivized for fraud.” “We’ve got to take those incentives out and get back to making sure that all these programs have incentives for oversight and that the dollars are managed well.” Some programs can keep a person “kind of in a cycle of dependency so that the program manager has job security, in a sense, and gets to live off the government dime,” Cloud said. “You [are seeing], as we begin to look into waste, fraud and abuse, why is it that these Democrat-led states are saying, ‘No, we don’t want the controls in place,'” he said, pointing to Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass’ decision to step down from the LAHSA commission. Los Angeles is not alone, he said, citing what has been called the feds’ “Housing First” philosophy, generally prioritizing placing homeless in housing with less immediate regard for sobriety, mental health treatment or overall stabilizing services. Cloud did not use the term “housing first” during the interview, but he described the concern behind that critique, arguing that some homelessness programs define success in ways that leave people dependent on government rather than moving toward independence. Housing First is distinct from HUD’s “Continuum of Care” framework, which is the local funding and coordination structure through which nonprofit providers, state and local governments and other organizations receive federal homelessness money. In Los Angeles, LAHSA leads the local Continuum of Care, which HUD says received nearly $1 billion in taxpayer dollars over the previous five years. Under Secretary Scott Turner, HUD moved to suspend LAHSA this year, citing alleged failures involving financial management, internal controls and safeguards against conflicts of interest. LAHSA has challenged the federal action in court. “The ‘housing first’ experiment failed Americans by warehousing the vulnerable without results,” Turner said in June when HUD announced a $4.04 billion Continuum of Care funding opportunity. A homeless encampment along the 101 Northbound off-ramp, at right, near City Hall in downtown Los Angeles. (Christina House/Getty Images) “This ideology promised to end homelessness. Instead, billions of taxpayer dollars were spent while homelessness increased to record levels.” That funding will focus on organizations aiding treatment and recovery, while setting aside $1.3 billion for new projects prioritizing transitional housing and supportive services and adding measures intended to prevent fraud, waste and abuse.",1,2026-09-22T09:42:49Z,2026-09-22T09:44:35Z https://arrington.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4633,Arrington Celebrates Federal Reimbursement for Texas Border Security Costs,2026-09-18,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,TX,Jodey C. Arrington,A000375,arrington.house.gov,arrington,https://arrington.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) issued the following statement after Texas received confirmation of federal reimbursement through the One Big Beautiful Bill's State Border Security Reimbursement Fund (SBSRF) for border security costs paid by the state during the Biden Administration: ""The first and most important responsibility of the federal government is to provide for the common defense. For four years, the Biden Administration abdicated that responsibility, failed to secure our sovereign border, and forced Texas to step up and spend more than $11 billion in state taxpayer dollars doing the job Washington refused to do. ""As Budget Chairman, I worked with my fellow Texans to make it a priority in the One Big Beautiful Bill to right this wrong and ensure Texas taxpayers were reimbursed for the significant financial harm inflicted upon our citizens. Today, I’m proud to announce that Texas has received the restitution it is owed. ""I want to thank President Trump for always making good on his promises including to remedy the injustice done to Texas taxpayers by making our state whole for holding the line when the Biden Administration failed to secure our border. This is a tremendous victory for the Lone Star State and the hardworking Texans who were double taxed to foot the bill for Biden’s dereliction of duty.” - Chairman Jodey Arrington. Background: The Biden Administration’s failure to secure the southern border forced Texas to spend billions in state taxpayer dollars on border security instead of priorities like education and infrastructure. This effort by the State of Texas was known as “Operation Lone Star."" Chairman Arrington’s One Big Beautiful Bill created the $10 billion State Border Security Reimbursement Fund (SBSRF) to reimburse states like Texas for border security costs. Today, Governor Abbott announced the Trump Administration has confirmed that $7.5 billion of the SBSRF will be sent to the State of Texas as reimbursement for Operation Lone Star.",1,2026-09-19T09:11:33Z,2026-09-19T09:12:45Z https://moran.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2911,Moran Highlights Working Families Tax Cuts Impact on East Texans,2026-09-18,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,TX,Nathaniel Moran,M001224,moran.house.gov,nathanielmoran,https://moran.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Representative Nathaniel Moran (TX-01) traveled across East Texas this summer to see firsthand how the Working Families Tax Cuts are delivering real relief for families, workers, and small businesses in the First District. “The Working Families Tax Cuts are showing up in the paychecks and kitchen-table budgets of East Texas families,"" said Rep. Moran. ""Since it was signed into law a little over a year ago, I've seen it firsthand. A small business owner is reinvesting in his team, a server is keeping more of what she earns, and a family has a little more breathing room at tax time. This law is about giving East Texans liberty over their own money and their own futures.” What East Texans Are Saying: Harrison County Sheriff BJ Fletcher has seen meaningful investments strengthen public safety and support law enforcement across the district. Watch HERE. Carol from Queen City recently began receiving Social Security. The No Tax on Social Security provision is putting more of her hard-earned money back in her pocket — where it belongs. Watch HERE. Clayton and his wife own and operate a farm-to-table meat ranch on 300-plus acres in Troup. Before the Working Families Tax Cuts, their estate tax exemption stood at $5 million. Now it stands at $30 million for a married couple — protecting their ranch from a 40% inheritance tax so they can pass it to their kids. Watch HERE. Makenzie is using the permanently doubled Child Tax Credit to provide for her children and pay down debt. Watch HERE. Elijah saw real savings when he worked through his taxes this year, thanks to a bigger refund under the Working Families Tax Cuts. Watch HERE. Jonathan deducted up to $25,000 of his overtime pay filing jointly with his wife — money he and his family are investing back into their future as they balance school and work. Watch HERE. Josiah, owner of Yosemite Roofing and Xtreme Metals in East Texas, is taking advantage of the Working Families Tax Cuts expensing provisions. He can now write off his Made in America manufacturing plant and equipment immediately, freeing up capital to build and invest in East Texas. Watch HERE. Benjamin, owner of 1776 Auto Sales, has seen No Tax on Auto Loan Interest deliver real savings for buyers of American-made cars across the First District. Watch HERE. Justin is feeling real relief under the permanently doubled Standard Deduction. Watch HERE. Rep. Moran Goes Back to His Roots: Thirty years ago, Rep. Moran waited tables at Mercado's in Tyler to pay for college. This summer, he returned and worked a shift alongside the staff to highlight what the Working Families Tax Cuts mean for the people who serve East Texas every day. After ten years in the restaurant industry, Mercado's server and mother of four, Tiffany, is keeping more of what she earns thanks to No Tax on Tips. Watch HERE. Watch the full story HERE. On the Ground in East Texas: AAON Inc. Manufacturing Tour — Longview: Moran toured AAON's newly expanded 250,000-square-foot Longview facility, consolidating coil production and unit manufacturing under one roof. AAON has grown into a $1.4 billion company since setting up operations in Longview in 1988 and stands as Gregg County's largest employer. Moran met with workers on the floor and discussed how the Working Families Tax Cuts restored 100% bonus depreciation and the permanent small business deduction to free up capital for new equipment, facilities, and jobs. Trump Accounts Roundtable: Moran joined local families and financial advisors — hosted by Randy Childress — to discuss how Trump Accounts under the Working Families Tax Cuts help families build generational wealth. Investing in children's futures is investing in the American Dream. No Tax on Social Security Roundtable: Moran sat down with East Texas seniors to discuss the No Tax on Social Security provision and what that relief means for our seniors. Smith Sawmill Service — Overtime Worker Visit: Moran met with workers at Smith Sawmill Service, a manufacturer founded in 1990 with over 200 years of combined employee experience supplying sawmill equipment to operations worldwide. Workers shared firsthand how No Tax on Overtime is increasing take-home pay when they put in the extra hours. The Working Families Tax Cuts' expensing provisions also allow Smith Sawmill to immediately write off qualifying equipment investments, keeping East Texas manufacturing growing. Small Business Roundtable — Marshall: Moran joined the Marshall Economic Development Corporation and local small business leaders to discuss the law's permanent 199A 20% small business deduction, which provides entrepreneurs with greater certainty to reinvest in their businesses. The Working Families Tax Cuts Increase Liberty for East Texans: In a recent op-ed for the Tyler Morning Telegraph, Rep. Moran highlighted the results: 97% of tax filers received a cut, $82 billion in relief delivered, and provisions like No Tax on Overtime putting real money back in East Texans' pockets. From a permanently doubled Child Tax Credit to Trump Accounts already used by 5.5 million families, the Working Families Tax Cuts are putting liberty back where it belongs. Read the full op-ed HERE.",1,2026-09-19T09:11:33Z,2026-09-19T09:12:45Z https://pfluger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3043,Chairman Pfluger and Senator Hickenlooper Lead Charge for Service Academy Investment in Final NDAA,2026-09-18,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,TX,August Pfluger,P000048,pfluger.house.gov,pfluger,https://pfluger.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11), Chairman of the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) Board of Visitors, and Senator John Hickenlooper (D-CO) led a bipartisan, bicameral letter calling for a generational investment in the nation's Military Service Academies. The letter, signed by members of the West Point, Naval Academy, and Air Force Academy Board of Visitors, was addressed to the Chairmen and Ranking Members of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees. The members urge the Chairmen to include several provisions in the final National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to equip future warfighters with the resources to defend our country. In the letter, the members advocated for a dedicated funding stream to the Military Service Academies, ensuring consistent and predictable investment in their infrastructure and mission readiness. They also call for strengthening the public-private investment relationship at the Academies by allowing superintendents to contract directly with affiliated nonprofit organizations on campus modernization projects, enabling Academies to use private philanthropic support alongside federal funding. ""My experiences at the U.S. Air Force Academy shaped who I am and how I serve today. That's why I'm committed to giving our Service Academies the resources, facilities, faculty, and training they need to develop the finest military leaders in the world. I'm proud to stand with Board of Visitors members from West Point, the Naval Academy, and the Air Force Academy in this effort. Our national defense starts with how well we prepare those who will lead it,"" said USAFA Board of Visitors Chairman August Pfluger (TX-11). “Colorado is proud to be the home of the U.S. Air Force Academy, the premier training institution for the next generation of Airmen and Guardian leaders,” said Hickenlooper. “Investing in these national assets is a no-brainer. It’s an investment in America’s security and future,"" said Senator John Hickenlooper (D-CO). “I went to West Point, and I’ve seen firsthand what these academies demand of the young men and women we’re asking to lead our military,” said Rep. Pat Harrigan (NC-10). “We’re preparing them for a battlefield that is changing faster than ever, while too much of the infrastructure behind their training is aging and the process to modernize it is unnecessarily slow. These NDAA provisions give every service academy dedicated resources to upgrade its facilities and make it easier to put private dollars to work on campus instead of letting them sit behind federal red tape. If we expect our future officers to be ready for the next war, we need to make sure the academies training them are ready for it too.” “Our service academies are responsible for developing the next generation of American warfighters and leaders, and they deserve the resources and infrastructure necessary to meet that mission. We cannot expect our cadets and midshipmen to prepare for the challenges of tomorrow in facilities that fall behind today. These provisions are critical for helping to modernize our academies, accelerating critical construction projects, and ensuring they have the flexibility they need to make the investments necessary to produce the strongest military force in the world,"" said Rep. Ronny Jackson (TX-13). ""It is an honor to serve on the Board of Visitors of the United States Naval Academy. I take this role seriously because we have an obligation to do more than just thank our Midshipmen – and all our service members and veterans – for their service. It is my duty and my privilege to fight for them in Congress, for their benefits, and for their protection. That is why I am proud to join a bipartisan, bicameral group of members of Congress to urge that all our Military Service Academies have the necessary resources they need in the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act. We must continue to invest in our next generation of service members so they can continue to serve our country with courage, integrity, and distinction,"" said Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-MA). ""As a Member of the Air Force Academy’s Board of Visitors, it is critical that our service academies across the nation receive investments to modernize facilities. Our future Airmen and Guardians at USAFA deserve facilities that will help train them for the war-fighting environment, which is why we are calling on leadership to invest in cutting-edge enhancements to our academies,” said Rep. Jeff Crank (CO-05). “Our military service academies (MSAs) shape the next generation of American warfighters and military leaders – something I experienced firsthand during my time at the U.S. Naval Academy, where I learned the true meaning of service to one’s country. Investing in these academies means investing in the future defense of our nation. That’s why it’s essential we ensure MSAs have the resources, modern facilities, and programming they need to equip tomorrow’s heroes,"" saidSenator Tim Sheehy (R-MT). “Our Service Academies play a critical role in developing the next generation of military leaders, ensuring that our armed forces remain at the forefront of innovation and military capability,” said Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV). “That is why I have joined my fellow Board of Visitors members for our Academies to ensure that they have the funding and support they need to equip our future military officers with the skills needed to defend our country.” “Our military service academies instill discipline, build character, and prepare future military leaders to pursue excellence,” said Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND). “We need to make sure they have the resources and tools they need to succeed and defend our country. I join my colleagues in requesting a generational investment in our military service academies to properly equip our cadets and midshipmen for today’s warfighting environment.” “Our service members sign on the dotted line to protect our safety and freedom, and they deserve the best resources and preparation in return,” said Senator Coons. “As a new member of the Air Force Academy Board of Visitors and the lead Senate Democrat for defense funding, I know our academies need significant investment in order to be prepared for the combat of the future. We have the best military in the world, and I’m committed to keeping it that way,"" said Senator Chris Coons (D-DE). “The education provided to young Patriots at our United States Service Academies is invaluable, and must always be safeguarded and protected for the sake of our national security and armed forces. Representing West Point in Congress, sitting on the USMA Board of Visitors, and working on the Armed Services Committee keeps me connected to the vitality of these unique, essential institutions. I’m proud to join this bipartisan, bicameral group of legislators in fighting for the resources that every cadet and midshipman deserves,” said Rep. Pat Ryan (NY-18).",1,2026-09-19T09:11:33Z,2026-09-19T09:12:45Z https://pfluger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3044,PASSED: Chairman Pfluger's I&A Mission Reorientation Act,2026-09-18,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,TX,August Pfluger,P000048,pfluger.house.gov,pfluger,https://pfluger.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11), Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security's Subcommittee on Counterterrorism, spoke in favor of his legislation, the I&A Mission Reorientation Act on the U.S. House Floor. The legislation passed through the U.S. House of Representatives this week. The""I&A Mission Reorientation Act of 2026"" would update I&A’s statutory responsibility to clearly define its focus, reinforce accountability, and improve operational effectiveness. The legislation would strengthen information sharing with state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) partners. “The threats to our homeland are evolving, and it is critical that our intelligence posture keeps pace. The I&A Mission Reorientation Act refocused DHS’s Office of Intelligence and Analysis on its core mission to deliver timely, actionable intelligence to state and local partners on the front lines. By strengthening information sharing and expanding our forward-deployed capabilities, this bill will close critical gaps and ensure intelligence flows swiftly to decision-makers on the ground,” said Subcommittee Chairman August Pfluger (TX-11). “House Republicans are continuing to put our homeland security and public safety first, passing seven more bipartisan bills from the Committee to ensure Department of Homeland Security personnel can accomplish their core missions. As America faces evolving threats, the Committee is working to enhance the Department’s ability to coordinate effectively with state and local law enforcement, prepare for threats to the agriculture critical infrastructure sector, and support our frontline CBP personnel,"" said Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Andrew Garbarino (NY-02). Watch Chairman Pfluger's remarks on the House Floor in support of the legislation HERE. Read Chairman Pfluger's remarks below: ""Last week, the nation marked the 25th anniversary of 9/11 – a day that forever changed American history and the way we think about homeland security. Terrorists did not win that day, or any other day since. The threat of terrorism exposed on 9/11 instead unleashed the force of American patriotism, innovation, and vigilance to ensure our homeland would never be targeted again. ""Preventing another 9/11 is exactly why the Department of Homeland Security was established, including its Office of Intelligence & Analysis. Recognizing that there were gaps in information sharing that hindered cohesive threat assessments, I&A was founded with a mandate unlike any other in the intelligence community: to share intelligence with state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement partners. ""When information is siloed or fails to reach the appropriate stakeholders at the right time, threats to our homeland can materialize in the blind spots that are created as a result – and there are no shortage of threats today, as terror groups move and adapt to evade detection by our law enforcement and intelligence communities. ""Actionable intelligence in the right hands, at the right time is a competitive advantage for the U.S. over those who may seek to do us harm, contributing to the Department’s no-fail mission. At the same time, in the past twenty-five years, I&A has experienced an all-too-familiar mission creep, favoring intelligence support to the Department concentrated here in DC that distracts from its field-oriented mission. ""Information sharing is hindered when I&A personnel and priorities are more attuned to DC than to building trust, maintaining presence, and contributing to information networks within state and local law enforcement partners. An I&A that fails to prioritize the field is insufficiently postured to meet today’s threats. ""The I&A Mission Reorientation Act is the first step towards reversing this trend and realigning I&A with its foundational mission. It amends I&A’s statutory authorization to affirm that its operational mission is to provide intelligence support to state, local, tribal, and territorial partners – by leveraging forward-deployed intelligence capabilities, engaging with fusion centers, and facilitating two-way information flows. ""It additionally requires I&A to update Congress on progress made, providing the necessary oversight to make this realignment a reality. ""This bill is the result of months of bipartisan collaboration across this Committee and with the Department. It has advanced unanimously twice this year – in both subcommittee and full committee markups. ""Today, I urge my colleagues to support its passage once more, reaffirming what Congress intended twenty-five years ago when the Office of Intelligence & Analysis was created.""",1,2026-09-19T09:11:33Z,2026-09-19T09:12:45Z https://mccaul.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/mccaul-speaks-after-house-passes-lindsey-o-graham-sanctioning-russia,McCaul Speaks After House Passes Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026,2026-09-17,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,TX,Michael T. McCaul,M001157,mccaul.house.gov,mccaul,https://mccaul.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Emeritus Michael McCaul (R-Texas) held a bipartisan, bicameral press conference after the House passed the the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 by a vote of 262 to 159. This legislation — which honors the late Senator Lindsey Graham, who worked on the bill for more than a year and secured the White House’s support — will hold major purchasers of Russian oil and gas accountable for supporting Russia’s war against Ukraine and extend sanctions that restrict funding for Iran’s energy and weapons sectors. McCaul introduced and championed the legislation in the House alongside Congressman Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) and a bipartisan group of their colleagues. Image Click to watch Remarks as delivered: What a great day for Ukraine. What a great day for freedom and democracy. I know Lindsey Graham, my friend and mentor, is shining down upon us and you, [Senator Darline Graham]. I can't tell you how much this means to me. You know, I was in Ukraine at the same time [as Lindsey], and he said this is a ""magic moment"" — a rare opportunity to help end the war in Europe and secure peace through strength. He said this bill would be his greatest legislative achievement in his entire career. And I wish he was here with us today, but I am proud to announce that the bill passed by a vote of 262 to 159. And I want to thank my good friend Steny Hoyer, the lead Democrat on the bill, for his good work and excellent performance on the floor. This bill will cripple Russia's war machine and finally bring Putin to the negotiating table. It will ensure America's adversaries — not only Russia, but also China and Iran — suffer for their coordinated campaign of aggression. Lindsey understood these threats. He had the guts to stand up and confront them, no matter what the political cost was and where the winds were blowing. He understood that this is a moral issue that requires moral courage. During his last press conference, he said, ""I have never been more optimistic than I am today that we have the formula to end this war."" I couldn't agree more. Today, 262 members of the House voted not just for Ukraine, but for freedom and democracy. And today, we are now one step closer to securing Lindsey's vision of enduring peace in Ukraine and beyond. I want to thank all the members who supported this. I want to thank Darline for being here. I know your brother is shining down from heaven. It was no coincidence in his final speech at St. Michael's Square in Ukraine that the bells started ringing in the church ... as he kept his optimistic, upbeat character, [and a] great sense of humor as well. I will miss him dearly, but I know he is proud, shining down today. Thank you.",1,2026-09-18T09:27:43Z,2026-09-18T09:29:09Z https://weber.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3883,Rep. Weber Secures Major Texas Gulf Coast Priorities as House Passes the Water Resources Development Act of 2026,2026-09-17,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,TX,"Randy K. Weber, Sr.",W000814,weber.house.gov,weber,https://weber.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Wednesday, Congressman Randy Weber (TX-14) voted in support of the Water Resources Devlopment Act of 2026 (WRDA) as the legislation passed the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress considers WRDA every two years to authorize locally driven water infrastructure projects and establish policies governing how the United States Army Corps of Engineers manages the nation’s ports, waterways, flood protection, and storm risk reduction projects. “Along the Texas Gulf Coast, strong ports, reliable waterways, and effective flood protection are essential for our communities and our economy,” said Congressman Randy Weber. “This bill moves three TX-14 priorities forward by expediting the Sabine-Neches review and authorizing $10 million for water infrastructure projects that include Brazoria and Galveston counties, and the City of Kemah. I was proud to vote yes and will keep working to move these projects through Congress.” The House-passed legislation includes three priorities for Texas’ 14th Congressional District: Sabine-Neches Waterway: Directs the Secretary of the Army to expedite the review and coordination of the Sabine-Neches Waterway Channel Improvement Project feasibility study, helping prevent unnecessary delays as this important project moves through the Army Corps process. Brazoria and Galveston Counties: Authorizes $5 million for water infrastructure, including water supply projects, across these counties. City of Kemah: Authorizes $5 million for water and wastewater infrastructure, including stormwater management, in Kemah. The Water Resources Development Act of 2026 now advances to the U.S. Senate for further consideration.",1,2026-09-18T09:27:43Z,2026-09-18T09:29:09Z https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2609,ICYMI: Rep. Ronny Jackson Highlights Need to Accelerate U.S. Drone Testing,2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,TX,Ronny Jackson,J000304,jackson.house.gov,jackson,https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"WASHINGTON — In an opinion editorial published by The Defense Post, Representative Ronny Jackson (TX-13) warned that America cannot afford to test and field drone technology at peacetime speed while our adversaries innovate at wartime speed. In case you missed it… America Can’t Afford to Test Drones at Peacetime Speed Defense Post Rep. Ronny Jackson 15 September 2026 A US Army Apache helicopter goes down near the Strait of Hormuz, reportedly hit by an Iranian drone. The crew is recovered not by another helicopter, but by an unmanned surface vessel — the first time a robotic boat has ever pulled a downed US aircrew from the water. That’s not a preview of future warfare. That’s three months ago. Small, inexpensive drones are transforming the battlefield. From the trenches of Ukraine to conflicts across the Middle East, they are no longer specialized technologies but essential tools for reconnaissance, targeting, electronic warfare, logistics, and tactical assaults. Drones costing only a few thousand dollars are destroying equipment worth millions. Our adversaries have recognized this and are adapting rapidly. The United States must do the same. The Hormuz rescue is a case in point. Rather than relying solely on traditional rescue assets, the US military deployed a Saronic “Corsair” autonomous drone boat to locate and recover the downed crew. The vessel carried the aircrew to safety, where they were recovered by helicopter. It showed how quickly autonomous systems are moving from experimental technology to operational force multiplier, becoming indispensable tools for combat, logistics, and intelligence collection, and even personnel recovery. The same technologies will be called on to conduct reconnaissance, deliver supplies, overwhelm enemy defenses, and protect critical infrastructure. America’s competitors are integrating drones and autonomous systems into every part of military operations. If we want to keep our battlefield advantage, we cannot afford an acquisition and testing system that moves at peacetime speed while adversaries innovate at wartime speed with real-time feedback. That’s the gap Section 221 of the 2027 National Defense Authorization Act — a provision I led through the House Armed Services Committee — is built to close. It authorizes the Secretary of War to establish dedicated test and training corridors for small unmanned aerial systems (UAS), where operators can run realistic electronic warfare and high-energy scenarios instead of sanitized lab conditions. It also directs the Department to identify the regulatory barriers slowing that testing down. In practice, that means operators can troubleshoot, add new payloads, and develop new tactics against real conditions before a system ever reaches a unit rather than discovering its limits in combat. Without that kind of test and training space, even the most advanced prototype can still fail against a live threat. The future battlefield will belong to the military that can test, adapt, and field autonomous systems fastest. America must lead that race — not follow it. America has always maintained its military advantage by anticipating the next battlefield rather than reacting to it. We invested in airpower before others understood its potential. We pioneered precision-guided weapons. We led the world in stealth technology, space capabilities, and networked warfare. Drone warfare represents the next major evolution in military operations. Through the Pentagon’s Drone Dominance Program, the Department of War is moving to equip combat units with low-cost attack drones and rapidly synchronize counter-UAS efforts across the services. By 2027, the Department intends to field more than 200,000 lethal, AI-enabled drones as part of this program, with 30,000 already ordered and being delivered now. Section 221 builds on this momentum by allowing the Department of War to establish the infrastructure and regulatory fast lanes necessary to support the testing and integration of these systems and ensure that enduring technological advantage belongs to the United States. Our servicemembers should never enter a fight equipped with yesterday’s technology or trained for yesterday’s battlefield. By expanding realistic drone testing, accelerating innovation, and preparing our forces for the fight we’re actually likely to face, we can keep America ready to deter aggression and protect our national security. The future of warfare is already here. It’s our responsibility to make sure America is prepared for it.",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z https://mccaul.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/chairman-emeritus-mccaul-discusses-evolutions-counterterrorism-25-years,Chairman Emeritus McCaul Discusses Evolutions in Counterterrorism 25 Years After 9/11 at CHS Hearing,2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,TX,Michael T. McCaul,M001157,mccaul.house.gov,mccaul,https://mccaul.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – At today's House Homeland Security Committee hearing, Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) — chairman emeritus and current vice chair of the committee — spoke with DC Fire and EMS Department Chief John Donnelly, FDNY Chief of Fire Prevention Thomas Currao, and Chief Secretary Officer for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Greg Ehrie. They discussed the strides made in protecting Americans from terrorism 25 years after 9/11 and the need to continuously adapt and innovate our technologies. Rep. McCaul also asked the witnesses about the evolving aviation threat posed by modern drones. Image Click to watch Full Exchange: McCaul: You know, I vividly remember that day as we all do. Horrific day. For us, it's living history. For many now, it's textbook history in the schools. After 9/11, I became the Chief of Counterterrorism and National Security in the Western District of Texas. I became a student of counterterrorism, and then became chairman of this committee. [I] worked very closely with NYPD and the New York Fire Department as well. I remember [in] 1993, we had a pre-warning: Ramzi Yousef trying to bring down the World Trade Center. And it was originally a plot to hit 12 synagogues simultaneously, symbolizing the 12 tribes of Israel. He modified his plan to take down the symbol of economic power, the World Trade Center, one pillar, one building toppling over the other. As you all know, he came actually relatively close to achieving that goal if the bomb had gone off closer to one of the pillar beams. But then he escapes, meets with his uncle Khalid Sheikh Mohammed. He develops the Bojinka plot. I knew the Diplomatic Security Corps officer who arrested him, and eerily, they found baby dolls in his apartment stuffed with chemical explosives to [bring] onto airplanes to blow them up. The Bojinka plot also being 12 airliners, symbolic of the 12 tribes of Israel. He conspires with Khalid Sheikh Mohammed on 9/11. The idea that planes could be turned into suicide missions was something that was not imaginable, and it was a failure of imagination. We saw planes hijacked, but not turned into cruise missiles targeted at buildings. In this case, three symbols of power: economic, military, and what in Arabic [is] called the building of laws, which was the United States Capitol. The threat was aviation then. I believe it's also aviation today. I chaired the special events task force on the FIFA games, and the number one focus [was] drones and the impact that drones could have. I just got back from Ukraine, saw the amazing drone capabilities they've developed in this war against Russia, this conflict. But the modern aviation threat 25 years later is my question for the three of you. We worked very hard, and the chairman passed the Safer Skies Act to help federal, state, and local to protect these events. But I'd like for the three of you to comment now on what I consider to be an old threat being aviation, but in a more modern capacity, and that is the threat of drones. Perhaps I could start with Chief Donnelly and work my way through. Donnelly: Drones bring a new threat to us, and we don't clearly understand it—meaning the evolution of drones and what their capabilities really are and really aren't leaves us in a spot where it's hard to prepare. We are preparing that these weapons can do things in our community that could be delivered by a car or by some other method, so we prepare [for] that. I think the second part of the challenge is awareness of drones. As you know here in the District of Columbia, the airspace is extremely restricted, and any drone that's up should be official. But sometimes there's so many different agencies with them up here, it takes a while to sort out whether or not it's an official one. And that isn't a local thing, that's a federal thing. That's all the different federal agencies putting them up. So here in the district, we are working with our partners in the Secret Service, with Capitol Police, with the Metropolitan Police Department. McCaul: Well, you have a lot of federal buildings, including the United States Capitol. I know there are federal agencies assigned to that, but I do think coordination, like with the Safer Skies Act, the intent behind that should apply. Donnelly: Yeah, and that's where we want to be. We want to be coordinated so that when a drone's up, we know if it's good or bad. I'm confident that we can respond to the threats that they bring, but the coordination, the awareness of what their real capabilities are would be helpful. McCaul: Thanks. Chief Currao? Currao: Thank you very much for the question. First of all, thank you for the support. It was grant funding that allowed the FDNY to really build a very robust drone and robotics program. It is a program that's come to quite significant fruition. We use it a lot in our fire and rescue operations in a marine environment. And we have actually been a leader working with a lot of our counterparts to actually develop policy. I think from our perspective, our biggest concern is the threat of even just a drone over a special event, over a large area, mass panic. We readily identify—you mentioned Ukraine—that these, uh, drones can be weaponized, and we're concerned about chemicals, biologicals, other dispersion methods. And I agree with Chief Donnelly, we're still trying to understand what is the real threat vector, right? How effective would it be? But in many ways, I’m very concerned about the fact that we could have a mass panic situation at something like the New York City Marathon, [or] any of those particular areas. McCaul: Or the Boston Marathon. Currao: Boston Marathon, absolutely. McCaul: And by the way, Firehouse 10 is the most dramatic experience, and seeing the flag that flew on 9/11 just always blows me away when I see it. But, Mr. Ehrie? Ehrie: No, sir, I agree with your assessment. We, like my colleagues, we’re watching this, and the technology is outstripping our ability to identify and mitigate the technology. And certainly what we're seeing over in Ukraine is the perfection of drone warfare, and that can be extended out across the full spectrum of threats we're going to face, everywhere from criminal, a delivery system, all the way up to a catastrophic counterterrorism attack. As you well know from your work with FIFA, it was our biggest fear that there was going to be something that came out in a drone that we could not either identify, and we certainly have a very limited capacity to mitigate that threat if we did identify it. Uh, as the chairman asked, we are extremely near [the]aviation industry, [you] see this over the airports. It was years ago in Scotland that a drone basically parked itself over the airfield, didn't do anything, but it stopped all transportation. The airport had to shut down. That threat is still existent today. We would not have a way to take that drone down unless it was a kinetic piece, so we're working very closely. If there's something this committee could do, especially on the federal level, a regulation they could put out there, but we need to identify the right technologies to counter this threat.",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z https://mccaul.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/mccaul-house-floor-evil-march-history-calling-now-time-act,"McCaul on House Floor: ""Evil Is on the March. History Is Calling. Now Is the Time to Act.""",2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,TX,Michael T. McCaul,M001157,mccaul.house.gov,mccaul,https://mccaul.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Emeritus Michael McCaul (R-Texas) delivered opening remarks on the House floor in support of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, which he introduced in the House with Congressman Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) and a bipartisan group of their colleagues. Image Click to watch Remarks as delivered: This is a critical time in history — a time my friend Senator Lindsey Graham described as a “magic moment,"" a moment that we cannot afford to waste. America’s adversaries — Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea — are working together to threaten the free world. And make no mistake: they are watching what we do here and now today, because they know they will suffer if this bill is passed. Senator Lindsey Graham understood these global threats well. That’s why we spent more than a year working on this bill. He brought Republicans and Democrats together and secured the White House’s support. Today, we have a chance to finish his work — to help end this war in Europe and to project peace through strength around the globe. I’m proud to champion the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, and I want to thank Mr. Hoyer and our colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their strong support. For me, this is also personal. Lindsey Graham was my friend and my mentor. We shared a fundamental belief: “America is strongest at home when it projects strength abroad.” This legislation does exactly that. It targets the money that fuels Russia’s war machine. It sanctions Russian officials and oligarchs, banks and financial institutions, and the shadow fleet that helps [keep] cheap Russian energy moving. And through precisely-targeted tariffs, it also punishes countries providing financial support for the deadliest war in Europe since WWII. Why? Because, as we’ve heard from President Zelensky’s team, you can evade sanctions — which the Russians have done for years — but you cannot evade tariffs. In fact, President Zelenksy’s sanctions expert, whom I personally met with in Kyiv, told me: “Tariffs are a powerful way to amplify the impact of sanctions.” That’s why they are the teeth of this bill. Pursuant to the bill’s rule of construction, only the top five importers of Russian oil will be tariffed, and if a country falls off of the top five list, the tariffs are removed. It incentivizes a race to the bottom. These countries have a choice to make about whether they will continue to sustain Putin’s aggression. Putin believes he can keep financing this war indefinitely. We need to change that calculation — and bleed his regime economically dry. Because the Kremlin has murdered thousands of civilians in cold blood. They’ve bombed sacred churches and schools. They’ve kidnapped countless children, tortured and indoctrinated them, and sent them to fight on the frontlines against their own country. We have a moral responsibility to bring an end to this suffering. But this is also a matter of national security. If Putin is rewarded for invading a sovereign nation — if he succeeds — he has already told us he will go further. His army will move into Moldova, Georgia, and the Baltic States. Just like Putin wants to bring back the power of the Soviet Union, President Xi wants to restore imperial China. These dictators must be deterred — before it’s too late. This legislation also extends sanctions on Iran, which are set to expire at the end of this year. Again, this is all tied together. In 2024, I spoke about the Iranian drones being used by Russia to kill Ukrainians. In return, Russia is reportedly providing targeting information to the IRGC. We cannot look at one part of this threat and ignore the others. This bill leverages our economic strength to make it harder for these regimes to finance aggression. Lindsey Graham once said that this bill would be his greatest achievement. I can think of no better way, Mr. Speaker, to honor his life and legacy than by passing these tough sanctions, which will force Mr. Putin to the negotiating table. Evil is on the march. History is calling. And now is the time to act",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z https://mccaul.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/mccaul-house-floor-vote-against-bill-vote-putin-and-his-unholy-alliance,"McCaul on House Floor: ""A Vote Against This Bill Is a Vote for Putin and His Unholy Alliance.""",2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,TX,Michael T. McCaul,M001157,mccaul.house.gov,mccaul,https://mccaul.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Emeritus Michael McCaul (R-Texas) delivered closing remarks on the House floor in support of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, which he introduced in the House with Congressman Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) and a bipartisan group of their colleagues. Image Click to watch Remarks as delivered: Let me just say, I was at the Ukraine embassy last night, and when I announced to them that the rule had passed to allow this bill to go to the floor for final passage, I got a standing ovation — standing ovation from the ambassador and all supporters of Ukraine. When I chaired the Foreign Affairs Committee, I often said, ""Partisanship stops at the water’s edge."" I still believe that. Mr. Meeks and I did pass the emergency wartime supplemental bill that gave Ukraine a lifeline to prevent occupation from Russia so they could advance in their drone technology. But I’m a bit disheartened by some of my colleagues’ remarks here today because they don’t reflect that principle. In fact, [their arguments are] all about the president; it's false arguments about expansion of tariff authorities, when [the tariffs are] actually limited to our adversaries buying energy from Russia. Their premise is: ""We don't like the president, so let's just do nothing."" Let's do nothing as we go into the wintertime, when we know the fighting will intensify. We don't have time to wait; Ukraine doesn't have time to wait. That's precisely why President Zelensky told me when I was in Ukraine right after Lindsey announced this legislation — and I've been working with him for a year on this — that ""now is the time."" There was excitement in the air. The EU commissioner supports this bill. Our allies support this bill. We are free to have disagreements — that’s democracy. But when we’re addressing our adversaries, we need to speak as one — with one voice, as one nation. They need to know that we’re not divided when it comes to our national security. The senate passed this bill 86-11 for God's sake. That is an overwhelming bipartisan support. Now, it’s time for the House to unite and do the same. Think about this. If this bill fails, the message that that would send to our adversaries — Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea — all of whom want to see this bill go down today, would be celebrated in the streets. Make no mistake: Putin is watching. President Xi is watching. The Ayatollah is watching. Kim Jong Un is watching. If the United States Congress can’t rally around such broadly supported legislation, what message would that send to them? This is a critical national security issue — but it also is a moral issue that requires moral courage. When we look back on this moment in time, I want us to be able to say that we used all the tools available to end this war. That we understood the threat. That we had the courage to do what was right — to cripple the Russian war machine and turn the tide toward peace. To be on the right side of history. In his final press conference, Senator Graham said, quote, “I have never been more optimistic than I am today that we have the formula to end this war.” This is the formula — this bill. I couldn’t agree more with the late Lindsey Graham, my friend and mentor. Let me be clear, in closing: A vote for this bill is a vote for Ukraine and the free world. A vote against this bill is a vote for Putin and his unholy alliance. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle [to vote yes]. You don't have many votes like this in the Congress that impact global, geopolitical conflicts. This bill will have a direct impact on the conflict threatening Eastern Europe and NATO itself and can bring this to an end to get Putin to the negotiating table. For as now, as Zelensky told me, he's ready for a ceasefire. He's ready to negotiate. It's Mr. Putin that will not call for a ceasefire. He will not negotiate. This bill will bring him to the table, and that's why, Mr. Speaker, it is so important at this time in history.",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z https://nehls.house.gov/media/press-releases/us-house-passes-water-resources-development-act-2026-securing-wins-texas-and,"U.S. House Passes Water Resources Development Act of 2026, Securing Wins for Texas and Local Communities",2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,TX,Troy E. Nehls,N000026,nehls.house.gov,nehls,https://nehls.house.gov/media,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. —Today, Congressman Troy E. Nehls (R-TX-22) proudly voted ""YES"" on the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 415-9. ""I am proud that the House passed the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act of 2026, which strengthens our nation’s water infrastructure, supports economic growth, and equips the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to build and maintain critical projects across the country,"" said Congressman Nehls. ""This legislation delivers for Texas by supporting continued growth along the Matagorda Ship Channel and renewing and expanding project authorities in Brazoria, Fort Bend, and Galveston Counties. As Texas continues to experience rapid population and economic growth, these investments will help ensure our ports and water infrastructure can keep pace while keeping Texas at the forefront of our nation’s economy."" The House-passed WRDA of 2026 contains several provisions championed by Congressman Nehls that directly benefit Texas and communities across TX-22:",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z https://pfluger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3041,"Rep. Pfluger's Mystic Alerts Act Advances Through Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, & Transportation",2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,TX,August Pfluger,P000048,pfluger.house.gov,pfluger,https://pfluger.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman August Pfluger's (TX-11) bipartisan and bicameral legislation, the Mystic Alerts Act, advanced through the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. This is a major step forward for emergency preparedness nationwide. In response to his legislation's passage, Congressman August Pfluger said, ""The devastating floods that swept through Central Texas and Camp Mystic, where two of my daughters were staying, exposed a critical gap in how we warn Americans when disaster strikes. The Mystic Alerts Act ensures that emergency alerts can reach families and first responders by satellite, even when traditional networks fail. I'm grateful for the support of Senator Cornyn, Senator Ossoff, and Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Cruz in getting this legislation one step closer to becoming law."" Rep. Pfluger's bipartisan Mystic Alerts Act modernizes America's emergency alert infrastructure by integrating satellite networks into the Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) system, helping ensure Americans can receive critical, life-saving alerts even when traditional communications infrastructure is damaged or nonexistent. Rep. Pfluger introduced this bipartisan legislation alongside Reps. Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), Buddy Carter (GA-01), and Marc Veasey (TX-33). Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) and Senator John Ossoff (D-GA) led the Senate companion legislation. “Last year’s devastating July 4th flooding at Camp Mystic and across Central Texas showed how quickly a disaster can occur and reminds us that critical warnings matter,” said Senator John Cornyn (R-TX). “The Mystic Alerts Act would help ensure communities receive timely alerts without having to use a cellular connection, and I urge my Senate colleagues to support this legislation to update our wireless emergency alert technology and save lives.” ""The catastrophic 2025 Fourth of July floods devastated families and communities across Texas. No Texan will ever forget the tragic loss of more than 135 people, including 27 precious campers and counselors at Camp Mystic. As a father of two girls and as a Texan, I’ve been committed to doing everything in my power as chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee to help ensure families never endure a tragedy like this again. When disaster strikes, every second matters. Americans should be able to trust that critical, life-saving alerts will reach them when and where they most need them. That is exactly what the Mystic Alerts Act will do. I applaud my fellow Texan and friend, Representative August Pfluger, for his leadership on this critical legislation, and I was proud to advance it through the Senate Commerce Committee today. We are now one step closer to getting the Mystic Alerts Act to the President’s desk, and more importantly, to implementing a stronger emergency alert system that will save lives,"" said Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation Chairman Ted Cruz (R-TX). “In Houston and across the state of Texas, we are still heartbroken and grieving the loss of beloved family members and the destruction of communities along the Guadalupe River in the summer of 2025, a disaster made worse by communication gaps and failures,” said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07). “This bill is a small but important way to provide a meaningful response to the devastating floods and to learn from the tragedy so that communities across the country do not have to experience the same pain and loss that Texans did last year. Nothing can bring back those that we lost in the flood, but we owe it to their survivors and to everyone we represent to do all we can to try to prevent another tragedy like it. I am glad to partner with Congressman Pfluger, Congressman Veasey, and Congressman Carter in this effort and in the work to get this legislation signed into law.” “My granddaughters were staying at Camp Mystic when the devastating floods claimed the lives of many young girls, including their cousin, Janie Hunt. No family should ever have to endure a tragedy like this again. I am encouraged to see the Senate Commerce Committee take up the Mystic Alerts Act, which will help ensure lifesaving emergency alerts reach families when traditional communications fail. We have an opportunity to turn an unimaginable tragedy into action that can save lives, and I urge the Senate to move quickly to get this bill to President Trump’s desk,"" said Congressman Buddy Carter (GA-01).",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z https://pfluger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3042,PASSED: Rep. Pfluger's Combating Illicit Xylazine Act,2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,TX,August Pfluger,P000048,pfluger.house.gov,pfluger,https://pfluger.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman August Pfluger's (TX-11) bipartisan and bicameral legislation to combat illicit xylazine passed through the U.S. House of Representatives. The Combating Illicit Xylazine Act would crack down on the deadly fentanyl additive xylazine by listing it as a Schedule III controlled substance while protecting the drug's legal use by veterinarians, farmers, and ranchers. In response to his legislation's passage, Congressman August Pfluger said, ""I'm proud to see the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act pass the U.S. House of Representatives. Xylazine was never meant for human use, and traffickers are increasingly turning to inexpensive products to make street drugs more potent and deadly. This bill takes a direct aim at traffickers and protects the legal use of xylazine by veterinarians and ranchers. I urge the Senate to swiftly pass this bill to keep dangerous drugs off American streets."" Rep. Pfluger introduced this bipartisan legislation alongside Reps. Panetta (CA-19), Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Chris Pappas (NH-01), Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05), and Deborah Ross (NC-02), as well as Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV). The Combating Illicit Xylazine Act previously passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support. “Illicit xylazine is worsening the deadly fentanyl crisis and tearing through communities across our country,” said Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-19). “Addressing the illicit spread of xylazine has been a priority under both the Biden and Trump Administrations, and this unanimous House passage demonstrates the broad, bipartisan consensus behind taking action against this dangerous drug. The bipartisan Combating Illicit Xylazine Act would help us fight back by giving law enforcement the tools needed to crack down on traffickers while ensuring that veterinarians, farmers, and ranchers can continue to use the drug safely and responsibly. I urge the Senate to swiftly pass this bill before the end of this Congress so we can get it signed into law and save lives.” “I applaud the House for taking decisive action to crack down on xylazine traffickers, equip law enforcement with new tools to combat its spread and protect the drug’s legitimate use by veterinarians, ranchers and cattlemen. Congress has an obligation to protect Americans from the scourge of illicit xylazine and should continue to work in a bipartisan and bicameral fashion to get this lifesaving legislation signed into law,” said Sen. Grassley (R-IA). “Thousands of Americans have died from overdoses of fentanyl laced with xylazine, but law enforcement still doesn’t have the tools it needs to properly combat this crisis. Now is the time for us to address this emergency while ensuring xylazine can still be used for veterinary medicine,” said Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV). “I applaud the House of Representatives for passing this life-saving bill, and I urge my Senate colleagues to get this legislation to the President’s desk.” “Illicit xylazine is making an already deadly drug crisis even more dangerous, and we must give law enforcement the tools necessary to stay ahead of the criminals who are poisoning our communities. I am proud to have helped lead this bipartisan effort and pleased that the House has taken decisive action to crack down on the illegal trafficking and misuse of xylazine while protecting its legitimate veterinary use. This is an important step toward saving lives, strengthening public safety, and holding those who profit from this deadly trade accountable. I urge the Senate to act quickly so we can get this commonsense legislation signed into law,” said Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12). “We must take action to crack down on dealers who are cutting deadly drugs with the legal animal tranquilizer xylazine, which increases life-threatening impacts. Our bipartisan legislation that has passed the House would track the manufacture of xylazine and ensure law enforcement has the resources needed to crack down on illegal drug traffickers,” said Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01). “I urge the Senate to swiftly pass this legislation, and I’ll continue pushing forward comprehensive solutions that will combat our ongoing addiction epidemic.” “Xylazine is a powerful animal sedative that has found its way into the illicit drug supply, making fentanyl and other deadly drugs even more dangerous while padding the pockets of drug traffickers and criminal cartels,” said Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05). “The House took an important step today by passing the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act. This legislation gives law enforcement stronger tools to crack down on the illicit distribution of xylazine, while protecting its legitimate use by veterinarians. Now it’s time for the Senate to act and send this bill to the President’s desk.”",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z https://weber.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3882,"Rep. Weber’s PACK Act Powers Forward, Passes Full House Energy & Commerce Committee with 25 Ayes",2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,TX,"Randy K. Weber, Sr.",W000814,weber.house.gov,weber,https://weber.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Today, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce passed Congressman Randy Weber’s (TX-14) bipartisan H.R. 6832, the Packaging and Claims Knowledge (PACK) Act, by a vote of 25-18, clearing the way for consideration by the full House of Representatives. The vote marks the PACK Act’s third major milestone in less than two months. The legislation received a hearing before the Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade Subcommittee on July 22nd, advanced through the Subcommittee on September 1st, and has now passed the full Energy and Commerce Committee. “Today, consumer protection won,” said Congressman Weber. “Families should not need a law degree to figure out which bin their garbage goes into, and American manufacturers should not need 50 different rulebooks to label the same product nationwide. The PACK Act backs these claims with independent third-party certification, giving Americans clearer, more trustworthy information.” “We passed the Subcommittee. We cleared the full Committee 25-18. Now, the PACK Act is charging toward the House floor,” Weber continued. “Folks, the Golden State’s garbage law, S.B. 343, should not become America’s rulebook. We are putting the costly patchwork behind us and moving one commonsense national framework closer to the finish line.”. The PACK Act would: PROTECT CONSUMERS: Requires recyclable, compostable, and reusable packaging claims to be accurate and independently certified. HELP LOWER COSTS: Replaces conflicting state labeling requirements with one consistent framework for products sold nationwide. KEEP CLAIMS VOLUNTARY: Gives businesses the choice to make covered packaging claims while holding those claims to clear standards. CREATE ONE NATIONAL FRAMEWORK: Directs the Federal Trade Commission to administer consistent requirements with input from the Environmental Protection Agency and a new advisory council. PRESERVE STATE AND LOCAL CONTROL: Keeps decisions about solid waste, recycling programs, and infrastructure investment with states. The legislation has earned support from a broad coalition of manufacturers, retailers, consumer product companies, and trade associations, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Dow, National Association of Manufacturers, Consumer Brands Association, American Beverage Association, Consumer Technology Association, General Mills, Kraft Heinz, PepsiCo, Nestlé USA, Keurig Dr Pepper, and McCormick & Company, and others. The PACK Act is cosponsored by U.S. Reps. Troy Balderson (R-OH), Buddy Carter (R-GA), Dan Crenshaw (R-TX), Neal Dunn (R-FL), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), Russ Fulcher (R-ID), Adam Gray (D-CA), Glenn Grothman (R-WI), David Joyce (R-OH), Nick Langworthy (R-NY), Laurel Lee (R-FL), Addison McDowell (R-NC), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), Barry Moore (R-AL), Michael Rulli (R-OH), Bryan Steil (R-WI), Glenn Thompson (R-PA), and Tony Wied (R-WI). Watch the full exchange here. Read my full op-ed in 535 News here.",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z https://babin.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=14395,"Babin, Cruz: U.S. Space Academy Belongs in Texas",2026-09-15,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,TX,Brian Babin,B001291,babin.house.gov,babin,https://babin.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Brian Babin (TX-36) and Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-TX) released the following joint statement expressing support for Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s decision to submit a proposal for Texas to host the U.S. Space Academy: “For more than six decades, Texas has been where America’s human spaceflight dreams become reality. We thank President Trump for his leadership in launching the U.S. Space Academy. Texas is ready to turn that vision into reality. If America is going to build the world’s premier academy for space, Texas has all the right stuff – the talent, institutions, infrastructure, and experience to launch the next generation of American space leaders. From Gemini and Apollo to Space Shuttle and Artemis, Texas has trained astronauts, managed missions, and helped advance America’s exploration pursuits beyond Earth’s orbit. America’s space program is built across the country, but Texas is where the pieces come together. We are ready to lead the next generation of space pioneers and look forward to showing why Texas is the right home for the U.S. Space Academy.” On August 28th, President Trump signed an executive order establishing a new academy to advance U.S. interests in space, with a focus on NASA, the U.S. Space Force, and the commercial aerospace industry. Site selection for the academy is currently underway, with Texas Governor Greg Abbott advocating for it to be located near the Johnson Space Center in Houston. ###",1,2026-09-16T09:43:13Z,2026-09-16T09:44:22Z https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2608,Rep. Ronny Jackson Receives West Texas A&M University’s Department of Agricultural Sciences First Choice Award,2026-09-15,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,TX,Ronny Jackson,J000304,jackson.house.gov,jackson,https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Representative Ronny Jackson (TX-13) has been selected as a recipient of West Texas A&M University’s Department of Agricultural Sciences First Choice Award, recognizing his leadership, service, advocacy, and support for agriculture and agricultural education in the Texas Panhandle. Jackson has worked to bring federal resources back to West Texas and expand opportunities for students pursuing careers in agriculture. His efforts include helping secure over $3 million in federal funding for the new West Texas A&M University Feedlot Educational Training Facility’s research feedlot and educational complex. The project will provide students with hands-on education and training while advancing research and innovation in the fed cattle industry. “Agriculture is the backbone of the Texas Panhandle, and the farmers, ranchers, producers, and agricultural professionals who feed and fuel our nation deserve a strong voice in Washington,” said Rep. Jackson. “The work being done at WT is essential for preparing the next generation of agricultural leaders and strengthening an industry that is so vital to the Texas Panhandle and our entire nation. I am honored to have been selected to receive the First Choice Award and will continue to be a strong advocate for agriculture in Congress.” ###",1,2026-09-16T09:43:13Z,2026-09-16T09:44:22Z https://mccaul.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/mccaul-speaks-support-lindsey-o-graham-sanctioning-russia-and-iran-act,McCaul Speaks in Support of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act at Rules Committee,2026-09-15,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,TX,Michael T. McCaul,M001157,mccaul.house.gov,mccaul,https://mccaul.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Emeritus Michael McCaul (R-Texas) spoke at a House Rules Committee hearing in support of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, which he introduced in the House with Congressman Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) and a bipartisan group of their colleagues. Image Click to watch Remarks as delivered: This is a critical time in history — a time my friend Senator Lindsey Graham described as a “magic moment.” Today, we have an opportunity to help end the war in Europe and to project peace through strength around the globe. But before I get into that, I want to talk about what brought us here to this moment. When I chaired the Foreign Affairs Committee during the fall of Afghanistan — a disaster of epic proportions that telegraphed American weakness to our adversaries — Putin was watching. He met with President Xi at the 2022 Olympics to solidify their unholy alliance. Then, we watched on satellite imagery as the Russian Federation moved toward Ukraine. I’ll never forget visiting Poland with Ranking Member Meeks and seeing the refugees fleeing out of Ukraine. The similarities to my father’s war — World War II — were striking. The Poles told us: “This is 1939 all over again.” The oceans did not shield us from tyranny then, and they will not shield us now — especially as Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea work together to threaten America and our allies. Make no mistake: President Xi is watching what happens in Ukraine to determine whether he can get away with invading Taiwan. He’s calculating whether or not the free world will stop Putin’s aggression — and he’s certainly watching what we do here today. Senator Lindsey Graham understood these global threats well. That’s why he spent more than a year working on this legislation, which I promised him I would introduce in the House. He brought Republicans and Democrats together and secured the White House’s support. This week, we have a chance to finish his work. I’m proud to champion the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. And I want to thank Mr. Hoyer and our colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their strong support. For me, this is also personal. Lindsey Graham was my friend; he was my mentor. He understood the threats facing this country and had the courage to stand up and confront them. We shared a fundamental belief: “America is strongest at home when it projects strength abroad.” He and I were both in Ukraine — on separate trips — the week before he passed. While there, I met with soldiers and commanders near the front lines. I also saw Ukraine’s drone operations and the extraordinary innovation they’ve brought to this fight. People said Ukraine would fall in four days. But more than four years after the invasion, they are still in the fight. And the assistance we fought to pass in 2024 helped give them tools to survive – and begin turning the tide of the war. Now is the time for the free world to put maximum pressure on Putin to bring him to the negotiating table. That’s where this legislation comes in. It targets the money that fuels Russia’s war machine. It goes after Russian officials and oligarchs, banks and financial institutions, and the shadow fleet that helps keep cheap Russian energy moving. And by using narrowly scoped and precisely targeted tariffs, it exercises Congress’ Article I authority over foreign commerce to punish countries providing financial support for the deadliest war in Europe since WWII. These countries have a choice to make about whether they will continue to sustain Putin’s aggression. Putin believes he can keep financing this war indefinitely. We need to change that calculation — and ensure there are consequences for helping him. You cannot look at what Russia has done to Ukraine and pretend these are ordinary business transactions with no connection to bloodshed. The Kremlin has murdered thousands of civilians in cold blood. They’ve bombed sacred churches and schools. They’ve kidnapped countless children, tortured and indoctrinated them, and sent them to fight on the frontlines against their own country. We have a moral responsibility to bring an end to this suffering. But there is also a very clear American national security interest in stopping the Kremlin’s campaign of aggression. If Putin is rewarded for invading a sovereign nation — if he succeeds — he has already told us he will go further. His army will move into Moldova, Georgia, and the Baltic States. And just like Putin wants to bring back the power of the Soviet Union, President Xi wants to restore imperial China. These dictators must be deterred — before it’s too late. This legislation also extends sanctions on Iran, which are set to expire at the end of this year, restricting funding for its energy and weapons sectors. Again, this is all tied together. In 2024, I spoke before this committee about Iranian drones being used by Russia to kill Ukrainians. In return, Russia is reportedly providing targeting information to the Iranian IRGC. We cannot look at one part of this threat and ignore the others. This bill leverages our economic strength to make it harder for these regimes to finance aggression. As chairman emeritus of the Foreign Affairs Committee, I often said that partisanship stops at the water’s edge. I still believe that. We are free to have disagreements — that’s democracy. But when we’re addressing our adversaries, we need to speak as one — with one voice, as one nation. They need to know that we’re not divided when it comes to our national security. The Senate passed this legislation by a vote of 86 to 11. That is an overwhelming bipartisan vote. Now the House must act. What would it communicate to Putin if the United States can’t rally around such broadly supported legislation? How would our failure to act encourage North Korea to continue sending its own soldiers to the meat grinder, or Iran to continue supplying Russia with weapons to kill innocent civilians? This is a moral issue that requires moral courage. When we look back on this moment, I want us to be able to say that we did everything possible to end this war. That we understood the threat. That we had the courage to do what was right — to cripple the Russian war machine and turn the tide toward peace. On my latest visit to Ukraine, I met with President Zelensky, who told me he is ready for a ceasefire — ready to negotiate. Putin, on the other hand, defies President Trump and the international community by refusing to come to the table. In conclusion, Lindsey Graham said if this passed it would be his greatest legislative accomplishment. I can think of no better way to honor his life and legacy than passing these tough sanctions. Finally, he said, “I have never been more optimistic than I am today that we have the formula to end this war.” I couldn’t agree more. The time to act is now.",1,2026-09-16T09:43:13Z,2026-09-16T09:44:22Z https://nehls.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-ti-committee-passes-nehls-aviation-innovation-and-global-competitiveness,House T&I Committee Passes Nehls' Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act,2026-09-15,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,TX,Troy E. Nehls,N000026,nehls.house.gov,nehls,https://nehls.house.gov/media,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. —Today, Congressman Troy E. Nehls (R-TX-22) announced that his bill, H.R. 7553, the Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act, advanced through the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. ""I am proud the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee passed my bipartisan legislation to strengthen American leadership in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM),"" said Congressman Nehls. ""For far too long, outdated regulations and burdensome certification processes have held back American AAM innovation while allowing foreign adversaries like China to gain ground. This legislation cuts through unnecessary red tape while maintaining the highest safety standards and will ensure the United States is the global leader in AAM and aviation."" This bill would enhance transparency, predictability, and accountability in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) type certification process for AAM aircraft, helping American companies succeed and cementing the United States' role as the global leader in aviation. Additionally, this bicameral, bipartisan legislation would support FAA staffing capacity and prevent gridlock in the certification process for AAM aircraft by requiring more clarity and transparency for industry applicants. The current FAA type certification process is a rigorous, multi-year evaluation that approves a new aircraft design and ensures it complies with airworthiness, noise, and safety standards. Amended type certifications typically take 3 to 5 years to complete. In contrast, certifying a new aircraft type, such as AAM aircraft, can take 5 to 9 years, with little transparency on where it is in the process.",1,2026-09-16T09:43:13Z,2026-09-16T09:44:22Z https://pfluger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3040,PASSED: Rep. Pfluger's Bill to Recover Minerals from Waste Streams,2026-09-15,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,TX,August Pfluger,P000048,pfluger.house.gov,pfluger,https://pfluger.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman August Pfluger's (TX-11) bipartisan legislation to recover critical minerals from contaminated sites and waste streams passed through the U.S. House of Representatives, marking his 13th bill to pass the House this term. In response to his legislation's passage, Congressman August Pfluger said, ""Today, the House took a critical step toward ending our dependence on foreign adversaries for the minerals America counts on. This legislation turns contaminated sites into strategic assets while speeding up the restoration work our communities need. I'm proud to see this bipartisan legislation pass the House, and I want to thank Congressman Landsman for his partnership in leading this bill through the Energy and Commerce Committee."" ""This is a big investment in American innovation, the future of our environment, and domestic supply chain. We’re grateful to Congressman Pfluger for his partnership in getting this done,"" said Congressman Greg Landsman (OH-01).",1,2026-09-16T09:43:13Z,2026-09-16T09:44:22Z https://delacruz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4023,De La Cruz's Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen HUD Whistleblower Protections Passes House,2026-09-15,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,TX,Monica De La Cruz,D000594,delacruz.house.gov,delacruz,https://delacruz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, Housing and Insurance Subcommittee Vice Chair Monica De La Cruz's bipartisan Whistleblower Protection Act passed the House. The legislation ensures that all Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) contracts, particularly those pre-dating 2013, include whistleblower protections. Read the full remarks below or watch here. ""Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of my bill, H.R. 4646, the Whistleblower Protection Act, which passed with bipartisan support out of the Financial Services Committee. Texas families are stretching every dollar right now, while scammers are cashing in on taxpayer-funded programs. And while Texas families play by the rules, scammers and corrupt leaders shouldn’t get rewarded. That is why I am working to stop the abuse and bring accountability back to Washington, and this bill brings us closer to that goal by strengthening whistleblower protections for those wanting to rightfully “blow the whistle” on waste, fraud, and abuse in our government. Whistleblower protections are one of the most effective tools we have to combat waste, fraud, and abuse throughout our government. This bipartisan legislation is simple: it clarifies that whistleblower protections apply to every HUD contractor, a vital step that is necessary due to the bureaucratic implementation of congressionally enacted, enhanced whistleblower protections originally passed in 2013. When Congress initially passed these enhanced whistleblower protections in 2013, known as Section 4712, it intended for them to apply to both contracts awarded before these became law, and to contracts that predated Section 4712 becoming law but have since been modified. Unfortunately, many HUD programs have contracts that are often decades long, meaning that there are still active HUD contracts that pre-date 2013 and do not include key protections from Section 4712, leaving thousands of HUD contractors with uncertainty. This legislation fixes that by providing much-needed clarity to HUD and ensuring whistleblower protections apply to every HUD contractor, regardless of when a contract was signed. This is something HUD has even asked for, most recently in their FY2027 budget request to Congress. We must never allow retaliation against people who are simply trying to act in the taxpayers’ best interest.",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z https://mccaul.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/mccaul-introduces-legislation-accelerate-breakthroughs-pediatric-0,McCaul Introduces Legislation to Accelerate Breakthroughs in Pediatric Cancer by Leveraging AI,2026-09-14,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,TX,Michael T. McCaul,M001157,mccaul.house.gov,mccaul,https://mccaul.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) — founder and co-chair of the Congressional Childhood Cancer Caucus — introduced the Ailani Myers Accelerating Innovation in Medicine (AIM) to Cure Kids with Cancer Act with caucus co-chairs Ami Bera, M.D. (D-Calif.) and Mike Kelly (R-Pa.). The legislation, which is named after a brave young cancer patient and advocate, will accelerate the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve and transform pediatric cancer research, treatment options, and data storage. McCaul said, ""Since I founded the Childhood Cancer Caucus 17 years ago, advancements in technology have radically expanded the frontiers of healthcare. We owe it to our nation's children to leverage cutting-edge AI to improve their care and treatment options. I'm proud to introduce this bill, which codifies and builds on President Trump's executive order to unlock cures for pediatric cancer patients. By empowering AI to continuously drive research forward, we move one step closer to beating this heartbreaking disease once and for all. ""I'm also proud to have named this bill after Ailani Myers, a beautiful young cancer fighter. Like so many of the children I've met, she is far more courageous than most adults. Even a rare form of Leukemia can't steal her smile! Ailani has fiercely advocated for the childhood cancer community and recently attended the signing of President Trump's executive order accelerating AI use for pediatric cancer cures. It's fitting that this bill carry her name and her legacy forward."" Image McCaul and Ailani in 2013 “Pediatric cancer remains one of the most heartbreaking diagnoses any family can face, and we have a responsibility to use every tool available to improve outcomes for children,” said Bera. “The bipartisan Accelerating Innovation in Medicine for Kids with Cancer Act would leverage cutting-edge AI and data tools to transform pediatric cancer research, improve clinical trial design and access, and deliver more personalized treatment options for young patients. I am proud to support this effort to accelerate innovation, strengthen the Childhood Kelly Data Initiative, and move us closer to ending cancer as we know it.” “Congress should always consider new, initiative ways not only to treat cancer, but to defeat cancer. This legislation would leverage artificial intelligence to strengthen patient care and patient outcomes,” said Kelly.“I’m proud to sponsor the bipartisan Accelerating Innovation in Medicine for Kids with Cancer Act as we work to ensure pediatric cancer patients and their families have every tool at their disposal to receive the care and cures they deserve.” The Ailani Myers AIM to Cure Kids with Cancer Act would: Codify and strengthen the National Cancer Institute’s Childhood Cancer Data Initiative, authorizing federal support to collect, connect, and share pediatric cancer data; Establish an AI coordinator to align pediatric cancer efforts across the White House, federal agencies, and private-sector partners; and Harness AI to accelerate pediatric cancer research and treatment by improving data sharing, strengthening predictive modeling, and modernizing clinical trials.",1,2026-09-15T09:50:21Z,2026-09-15T09:52:05Z https://nehls.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-nehls-national-law-enforcement-officers-remembrance-support-and,"House Passes Nehls' National Law Enforcement Officers Remembrance, Support, and Community Outreach Act",2026-09-14,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,TX,Troy E. Nehls,N000026,nehls.house.gov,nehls,https://nehls.house.gov/media,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Congressman Troy E. Nehls (R-TX-22) announced that his bill, H.R. 309, the National Law Enforcement Officers Remembrance, Support, and Community Outreach Act, passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a voice vote. ""I am proud that the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed my bipartisan legislation to honor our brave law enforcement officers and raise public awareness of their service,"" said Congressman Nehls. ""As a former law enforcement officer and Texas sheriff, I know firsthand the sacrifices our men and women in blue make, often without receiving the recognition and gratitude they deserve. Our law enforcement officers risk their lives every day to keep our communities safe, and I urge the Senate to swiftly pass this legislation."" ""America’s law enforcement officers put their lives on the line each day with courage, resolve and an unwavering commitment to their communities,"" said House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman. ""H.R. 309 supports the National Law Enforcement Museum’s public education, community outreach, and officer wellness initiatives, helping more Americans understand the demands of this noble profession. Rep. Nehls brings firsthand experience to this effort, and I commend his continued leadership on behalf of our nation’s law enforcement officers."" This bipartisan legislation seeks to establish a formal program within the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) that will enhance community outreach, public education, and officer safety and wellness initiatives at the National Law Enforcement Museum. The program will offer grants to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF). Its goals include honoring law enforcement officers, collecting data on officer fatalities and injuries, increasing public understanding and support for law enforcement, improving officer safety and wellness, and strengthening the bond between law enforcement and the communities they serve.",1,2026-09-15T09:50:21Z,2026-09-15T09:52:05Z https://pfluger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3039,"Pfluger, Houlahan Introduce the Biosecurity Modernization and Innovation Act",2026-09-14,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,TX,August Pfluger,P000048,pfluger.house.gov,pfluger,https://pfluger.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) introduced the bipartisan Biosecurity Modernization and Innovation Act alongside Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06) to keep dangerous actors from misusing DNA synthesis technology while keeping America at the forefront of biotechnology. Gene synthesis has transformed medicine, agriculture, and manufacturing, helping scientists build lifesaving treatments and develop hardier crops. However, these same tools could be misused to create dangerous pathogens if left unchecked. Currently, screening of nucleic acid orders is voluntary, leaving a gap that bad actors could exploit, especially as new desktop machines make it easier to generate genetic material outside the traditional supply chain. The Biosecurity Modernization and Innovation Act would close this dangerous gap by requiring companies that sell synthetic DNA, as well as the manufacturers of the machines that produce it, to know their customers and exactly what they're being asked to make. ""Biotechnology is one of America's greatest strategic advantages. Right now, there's a dangerous gap between how fast this technology is moving and the safeguards we have in place to keep it out of the wrong hands. The Biosecurity Modernization and Innovation Act closes this gap without slowing down the innovation saving lives while strengthening our economy,"" said Rep. August Pfluger (TX-11). “Biotechnology is creating enormous opportunities to improve lives and transform our economy, but like all emerging technologies, the related security policies must keep pace,” said Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06). “The Biosecurity Modernization and Innovation Act is an important step toward ensuring that the federal government has the flexibility and agility to respond to new technologies and emerging threats as they evolve. As Co-Chair of the bipartisan BIOTech Caucus, I am committed to ensuring that we strengthen our biosecurity posture while preserving the responsible innovation that keeps America at the forefront of biotechnology.” The legislation is a House companion to bipartisan legislation introduced by Senator Tom Cotton (AR-R) and Senator Amy Klobuchar (MN-D) and was developed in consultation with key industry stakeholders in the biotechnology and gene-synthesis sector.",1,2026-09-15T09:50:21Z,2026-09-15T09:52:05Z https://williams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-williams-introduces-combating-foreign-threats-main-street,Congressman Williams Introduces the Combating Foreign Threats to Main Street Act of 2026,2026-09-14,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,TX,Roger Williams,W000816,williams.house.gov,williams,https://williams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Roger Williams (TX-25), Chairman of the House Committee on Small Business, introduced H.R. 10329, the Combating Foreign Threats to Main Street Act of 2026, bipartisan legislation with Congressman Derek Tran (D-CA) to help American small businesses identify and address threats from foreign adversaries, including China, Russia, and North Korea. “Small businesses are increasingly finding themselves on the front lines of economic competition with foreign adversaries,” said Congressman Williams.“The Chinese Communist Party has made it a priority to challenge the United States economically and strategically, exploiting every opportunity to target American innovation. Our entrepreneurs deserve to know how to protect what they have worked so hard to create.” --- Background: The legislation requires the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), in consultation with appropriate federal agencies, to develop and disseminate educational materials to help small businesses recognize and protect themselves against foreign threats. These threats may include intellectual property theft, cyber intrusions, counterfeit goods and illicit trade practices, predatory investment, and other malicious activities. Many small businesses face foreign threats directly but often lack the resources or expertise to recognize and respond to increasingly sophisticated tactics. By strengthening awareness at the local level, the legislation will help entrepreneurs better protect their businesses and support the broader economic ecosystem that contributes to America's national security and economic prosperity. H.R. 10329 bill text here. Cosponsors: Congressman Derek Tran (D-CA)",1,2026-09-15T09:50:21Z,2026-09-15T09:52:05Z https://arrington.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4631,Arrington Commemorates the 25th Anniversary of September 11th,2026-09-11,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,TX,Jodey C. Arrington,A000375,arrington.house.gov,arrington,https://arrington.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) issued the following statement on the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks: ""Twenty-five years ago, America suffered the deadliest foreign attack on American soil in our nation’s history. ""I, like most Americans who lived through that day, remember it like it was yesterday. I remember the horror, helplessness, and anger of watching our country come under attack. But I also remember the tremendous pride and gratitude I felt as an American witnessing the courage, selflessness, and resolve shown by our fellow countrymen. ""At the time, I was working for President Bush in the White House, and I remember watching him meet that horrific moment with tremendous compassion, decisiveness, and resolve. ""I remember running out of the White House amid reports of a plane heading toward us. I remember the surreal feeling of being under siege as I watched smoke billowing from the Pentagon and fighter jets scrambling overhead. ""I remember gathering with White House staff on the South Lawn to pray for our country. In the aftermath, I remember lining the hallway outside the Oval Office as victims’ families walked out of a meeting with the President, everyone in tears. ""I remember watching the footage and listening to the voicemails of those who lost their lives that day. ""I remember our country uniting in grief and with a oneness of purpose. I remember people turning to God for comfort and strength. I remember Americans, regardless of their politics, standing proud of our country. ""More than anything, I remember feeling like we were truly one nation, under God, and indivisible. And it was powerful beyond words. ""Never forget."" - Chairman Jodey Arrington.",1,2026-09-12T09:02:30Z,2026-09-12T09:03:27Z https://pfluger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3038,Rep. Pfluger's Message to Texas-11 on the 25th Anniversary of 9/11,2026-09-11,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,TX,August Pfluger,P000048,pfluger.house.gov,pfluger,https://pfluger.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — On the 25th anniversary of 9/11, Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) delivered a message to citizens of Texas-11. He paid tribute to the nearly 3,000 Americans killed that day, thanked the first responders and service members who answered the call, and emphasized the ongoing responsibility to confront new and evolving threats. Watch Congressman Pfluger's message HERE.",1,2026-09-12T09:02:30Z,2026-09-12T09:03:27Z https://pfluger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3037,Rep. Pfluger Visits West Texas Lighthouse for the Blind,2026-09-09,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,TX,August Pfluger,P000048,pfluger.house.gov,pfluger,https://pfluger.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"SAN ANGELO, TX — Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) visited the San Angelo location of West Texas Lighthouse for the Blind, where he met with staff and employees to learn more about the organization's mission of providing employment and support services for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. The visit highlighted the vital role the Lighthouse plays in the local community, offering job training, manufacturing opportunities, and a path to independence for West Texans with visual disabilities. Congressman Pfluger also received the AbilityOne Congressional Champion Award for his dedicated advocacy of the West Texas Lighthouse for the Blind over the years.",1,2026-09-12T09:02:30Z,2026-09-12T09:03:27Z https://delacruz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4010,"De La Cruz, HHS Secretary Kennedy Visit Head Start in Alice",2026-09-08,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,TX,Monica De La Cruz,D000594,delacruz.house.gov,delacruz,https://delacruz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15), Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., and Assistant Secretary for the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) Alex J. Adams visited the Head Start Birth to Five Program in Alice to meet with students and host a roundtable with parents and faculty. Following the visit, Secretary Kennedy announced $225,000,000 will be invested in Head Start programs nationwide, with a grant of $348,110 for the Community Action Corporation of South Texas, which oversees the Mary R. Garcia Learning Center. The funding will help expand and improve nutritional services for children and families. ""I am thrilled to welcome Secretary Kennedy and Assistant Secretary Adams to Alice for the first time! The $225M in funding delivered today will ensure Head Start continues to empower families through early learning, child care, and nutrition support. As a mom, the health and future of our young Texans are my top priority, and I will continue to work to ensure our Head Start centers have the resources to set our children up for lifelong success."" - Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz ###",1,2026-09-10T09:25:58Z,2026-09-10T09:27:09Z https://delacruz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4008,De La Cruz Recaps 2026,2026-09-04,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,TX,Monica De La Cruz,D000594,delacruz.house.gov,delacruz,https://delacruz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) released a mid-year update detailing legislative achievements and constituent service milestones reached during the first half of 2026. De La Cruz’s efforts have focused directly on expanding housing access, lowering living costs, supporting Texas Veterans, and investing federal funding in South Texas communities. ""From hosting Cabinet officials across the district and passing key legislation like the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, to returning over $2.9 million directly to Texans, I remain committed to delivering real solutions for our communities. I am proud of all we have accomplished so far, and I will never stop fighting for Texas."" - Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz Background: Since the start of 2026, De La Cruz has hosted Cabinet officials in South Texas, advanced critical legislation to the President's desk, and delivered major wins for Texas communities. Highlights are below: Cabinet Officials Visit Texas: Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick at GE Aerospace in McAllen Acting Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling at Stanley Black & Decker in Mission and Rio Farms Inc. in Monte Alto Small Business Administrator Kelly Loeffler at United Alloy in Seguin Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy at the San Antonio Airport Constituent Services & Local Support: $2.9+ million returned directly to TX-15 taxpayers through federal casework resolution. 680+ constituent cases closed and actively assisting over 200 South Texans. New Laws Led by De La Cruz: The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act: Incorporates five of De La Cruz's provisions to lower costs and expand housing supply: The Housing Affordability Act HUD-USDA-VA Interagency Coordination Act The VA Home Loan Awareness Act The Housing Supply Expansion Act Housing Unhoused Disabled Veterans Act SPEAK Act: Establishes language communication best practices for healthcare providers and patients Disabled Veterans Housing Support Act: Ensures housing support for Veterans House-passed Legislation Led by De La Cruz: Bringing the Discount Window into the 21st Century Act: Modernizes U.S. banking systems to better support community banks Federal Investments for TX-15:",1,2026-09-05T08:49:07Z,2026-09-05T08:50:44Z https://pfluger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3034,"Pfluger, Fletcher Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Study Strategic Petroleum Reserve Modernization",2026-09-04,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,TX,August Pfluger,P000048,pfluger.house.gov,pfluger,https://pfluger.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) and Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) introduced the 21st Century Strategic Petroleum Reserve Act (21st Century SPR Act) to direct the U.S. Department of Energy to issue a public report on opportunities to modernize the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR). The SPR has served as America's insurance policy against energy supply disruptions for nearly half a century, but its infrastructure is aging. Modernizing the SPR is a national security imperative. Without a clear plan for its future, we risk being caught off guard the next time a global crisis threatens America’s energy supply. If enacted, the 21st Century SPR Act would require the Secretary of Energy, within 90 days of enactment, to request that the National Petroleum Council—an advisory committee to the Secretary—deliver a public report within one year analyzing opportunities to improve and modernize the SPR's physical infrastructure and operations to respond to supply shocks. ""The Strategic Petroleum Reserve was built to protect America from energy supply disruptions and national security threats, but nearly fifty years later, we're still operating without a concrete plan for its future. We can't afford to ignore this issue as our adversaries are quietly building up their energy reserves. This legislation is a straightforward step to get the answers we need and start modernizing the SPR for the challenges of today, not decades ago,"" said Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11). Congress created the SPR after the 1973 Arab oil embargo to protect American consumers and the economy from sudden supply shocks. The reserve stores crude oil in underground salt caverns in Texas and Louisiana, giving the federal government a tool to stabilize prices when global oil supplies are disrupted. A recent U.S. Government Accountability Office report found that Congress and the Department of Energy still lack a unified long-term plan for the SPR, including a target size for the reserve and a clear strategy for maintaining its aging infrastructure. Meanwhile, other countries have moved to build up their own reserves. China, which is not a member of the International Energy Agency and does not publicly disclose its inventory, holds an estimated 1.4 billion barrels of oil in strategic reserves—more than four times the current U.S. stockpile, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.",1,2026-09-05T08:49:07Z,2026-09-05T08:50:44Z https://babin.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=14390,Babin Establishes I-47 in Honor of President Trump,2026-09-03,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,TX,Brian Babin,B001291,babin.house.gov,babin,https://babin.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Congressman Brian Babin (R-TX), Chairman of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee and senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, introduced the I-47 Future Interstate Act of 2026, to designate U.S. Route 287 as Interstate Route I-47. “US-287 plays a critical role in facilitating transportation and bolstering economic opportunities across Texas and our nation,” said Congressman Babin. “Accounting for 25% of Texas’ GDP in 2021, it supports some of the state’s largest economic sectors, including, but not limited to, energy production, maritime, agriculture, cattle, and timber industries. Designating US-287 as I-47 and a High-Priority Corridor will help strengthen safety standards, improve regional connectivity, spur infrastructure investment, and support continued economic growth not only in Texas but also across the western United States. Texas is growing, and our infrastructure must grow with it. Establishing I-47 is a forward-looking investment in the communities, industries, and hardworking Americans who rely on this critical corridor every day.” “Transportation Excellence for the 21st Century (TEX-21) applauds Congressman Babin for his unwavering commitment to bolstering the nation’s economy and creating a safer transportation system,” said Chris Brown, Chair of TEX-21. “The organization also thanks Texas Department of Transportation for completing the US-287 Interstate Feasibility Study in 2025, which found a potential 161% return on investment should US-287 convert to an interstate, and an estimated 28% reduction in crash rates in Texas alone.” “I-47 should be the prototype for all future interstates and for US highway conversions to interstate,” said Jeff Branick, Vice Chair of TEX-21 and County Judge of Jefferson County. “It should be the safest, smartest, most environmentally responsible, and most technologically adaptable interstate in the country.” The I-47 Future Interstate Act of 2026: · Redesignates US-287 as I-47 and a High-Priority Corridor. · Increases economic growth throughout Texas and beyond. · Establishes uniform safety standards across five states. · Facilitates improved infrastructure development. This legislation is supported by the Transportation Excellence for the 21st Century (TEX-21). ###",1,2026-09-04T09:19:37Z,2026-09-04T09:20:58Z https://keithself.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-keith-self-introduces-concurrent-resolution-denounce-sharia-law,Congressman Keith Self Introduces Concurrent Resolution to Denounce Sharia Law,2026-09-03,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,TX,Keith Self,S001224,keithself.house.gov,keithself,https://keithself.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Congressman Keith Self (TX-03) introduced a concurrent resolution denouncing Sharia law and opposing its implementation within the United States. The resolution reaffirms a fundamental principle: the United States Constitution is the supreme law of the land. No foreign legal or political system should supersede the Constitution or undermine the rights and liberties it protects. Congressman Self’s resolution comes one week after President Donald Trump acknowledged concerns regarding the implementation of Sharia law in the United States and voiced support for its prohibition. “The United States Constitution is the supreme law of the land,” said Congressman Self. “We cannot allow Sharia law or any competing legal framework to undermine the liberties generations of Americans have fought and died to protect. I commend President Trump for recognizing the threat posed by Islamic political agendas. Congress must make its position clear: we will defend our Constitution, uphold the rule of law, and put Americans first.” Read the Daily Signal’s exclusive article on the concurrent resolution here. Original co-sponsors of the concurrent resolution include Representatives Randy Weber (TX-14), Clay Fuller (GA-14), Buddy Carter (GA-01), Eli Crane (AZ-02), Paul Gosar (AZ-09), Derrick Van Orden (WI-03), Josh Brecheen (OK-02), Barry Moore (AL-01), and Mike Kelly (PA-16). “‘One Nation, Under God.’ These are words God-fearing Americans live by here on the Texas Gulf Coast,” said Congressman Weber. “That is why I am proud to join Congressman Self’s concurrent resolution denouncing Sharia law and opposing its implementation anywhere in the United States. We cannot stand by and watch while foreign ideologies threaten American democracy, as we are seeing on Ali Akbar Court in Irving, Texas, and in ‘Muslim-only’ communities across the country. Congress must make it clear that Americans will remain safe, free, and governed by the Constitution and the laws and values that made this nation great.” “The United States Constitution is, and always will be, the supreme law of the land. While religious liberty is fundamental to our nation, no competing legal system should ever supersede our Constitution or the rights and freedoms it guarantees every American. I am proud to join Congressman Self in standing firmly for our Constitution and the rule of law,” said Congressman Carter. “As someone who served in the Middle East, I’ve seen firsthand the brutal reality of Sharia Law. This is a draconian political system that destroys individual liberty, unravels the fabric of the societies it infiltrates, and stands in direct opposition to the Constitutional rights our Founders envisioned. The American people deserve to know where their representatives stand on this rising threat, and this resolution puts every Member on the record for all to see,” said Congressman Crane. “I applaud Rep. Keith Self for his tireless work as co-chair of the Sharia-Free America Caucus. We will continue working proactively to spare our nation the consequences we’ve already seen play out across Europe.” “America was founded on the principle that our Constitution—not a religious doctrine or foreign legal system—is the supreme law of the land. No ideology or system of law can supersede the Constitution or the individual liberties it guarantees. I am proud to cosponsor this resolution to reaffirm that our laws are grounded in the Constitution, the rule of law, equal protection, due process, and individual liberty—not Sharia law,” said Congressman Gosar. “Thank you to Rep. Self for leading a resolution to denounce Sharia Law and preserve America from the spread of radical Islam,” said Congressman Brecheen. “Sharia is an ideology completely at odds with our Republic and has no place in our country. Wake up, America!” “No foreign system of law should ever be allowed to supersede the Constitution that protects our God-given freedoms. Sharia is used as a system of governance, and it conflicts with the American principles of equal rights, individual liberty, and religious freedom. America has one Constitution, one system of laws, and one standard of justice,” said Congressman Moore. “I’m proud to stand with Congressman Self in making it clear that Sharia has no place as a competing legal authority in the United States and in defending the rule of law and the freedoms that generations of Americans have fought, sacrificed, and prayed to preserve.” ###",1,2026-09-04T09:19:37Z,2026-09-04T09:20:58Z https://nehls.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-troy-e-nehls-co-leads-bipartisan-stop-auto-fraud-act-2026-reps-laura,"Rep. Troy E. Nehls Co-Leads the Bipartisan Stop Auto Fraud Act of 2026 with Reps. Laura Gillen, Josh Gottheimer, and Vince Fong",2026-09-03,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,TX,Troy E. Nehls,N000026,nehls.house.gov,nehls,https://nehls.house.gov/media,scraper,"September 3, 2026 WASHINGTON, D.C. —Today, Congressman Troy E. Nehls (R-TX-22), alongside U.S. Representatives Laura Gillen (D-NY-04), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-05), and Vince Fong (R-CA-20), introduced the bipartisan Stop Auto Fraud Act of 2026 to make motor vehicle collision fraud a federal crime, improve safety for drivers, and lower car insurance rates nationwide. The Stop Auto Fraud Act of 2026 targets insurance fraud schemes in which bad actors deliberately cause, stage, or fabricate motor vehicle accidents to file false claims and defraud insurance companies for large cash payouts. “Bad actors across the country are deliberately causing, staging and fabricating car wrecks and filing phony insurance claims, and it’s the hardworking American families who end up paying the price with high insurance rates,” said Congressman Nehls. “It’s time we put an end to this, make it a federal crime, and hold these fraudsters accountable. I’m proud to co-lead the bipartisan Stop Auto Fraud Act of 2026 with Congresswoman Gillen to crack down on these scams, put the fines collected into the Highway Trust Fund, which provides the resources to improve our roads, and make our roads safer.” “Long Islanders pay some of the highest car insurance rates in the country and ‘crash for cash’ schemes on our roads are driving rates even higher,” said Congresswoman Gillen. “When fraudsters stage car wrecks to scam their way to huge payouts, they’re putting lives at risk and forcing responsible drivers to bear the costs. I’m proud to lead this bipartisan bill to hold these criminals accountable, make our roads safer and lower sky-high car insurance costs.” ""Insurance fraudsters send premiums skyrocketing and drive up the cost of living for Jersey families,” said Congressman Gottheimer. ""The fraud rings behind them don't stop at state lines. That's why I'm proud to work with Reps. Gillen, Nehls, and Fong on this bipartisan bill to make staging or fabricating a crash a federal crime, with fines going straight back into fixing our roads and bridges. We're cracking down on the hucksters and fighting to bring down costs for Jersey families."" ""Californians already pay some of the highest car insurance premiums in the nation on top of having one of the highest costs of living,” said Congressman Fong. ""Insurance fraud is making it worse. Staged car accidents are a deliberate, organized scam that puts innocent people at risk and drives up premiums for every driver on the road. In the Central Valley, where families depend on their vehicles to get to work, take their kids to school, and run their businesses, these are real costs hitting real people. The Stop Auto Fraud Act makes these schemes a federal crime and gives law enforcement the tools to dismantle the criminal networks behind them."" The legislation is supported by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA), National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (NAMIC), American Bus Association (ABA), American Trucking Associations (ATA), Trucking Association of New York, Texas Trucking Association (TANY), Truck Renting and Leasing Association (TRALA), Southwest Movers Association (SMA), Texas Trucking Association (TXTA), National Tank Truck Carriers Association (NTTC), and Truckload Carriers Association (TCA). “Staged vehicle accidents are not harmless property crimes,” said Kyle McCollum, Vice President, National Insurance Crime Bureau. ""These are violent offenses that put innocent drivers and pedestrians at risk of injury or worse—all so that fraudsters and their facilitators can cash in. As NICB data and frontline investigations demonstrate, staged accident fraud is on the rise, costly—up to $300 a year in increased premiums—and increasingly organized. And it demands an organized, effective response. NICB applauds Representative Gillen’s Stop Auto Fraud Act of 2026, a bipartisan measure making clear that staged accidents are serious crimes deserving serious consequences."" “Auto claims fraud, including intentional crashes, staged accidents, fabricated medical bills, and AI-altered photo evidence, drives up costs throughout the system and ultimately raises auto insurance premiums for everyone,” said Sam Whitfield, Senior Vice President of Federal Government Relations and Political Engagement, American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA). “States that have enacted targeted anti-fraud and staged accident reforms have strengthened enforcement, disrupted organized fraud rings, and helped stabilize auto insurance markets, with some states even experiencing premium reductions. We applaud Representatives Gillen, Nehls, Gottheimer, and Fong for introducing the Stop Auto Fraud Act of 2026, which would establish federal criminal penalties for deliberate staged and phantom auto accidents. By giving law enforcement additional tools to combat organized crime fraud, this legislation addresses a significant driver of rising auto insurance claim costs and helps protect consumers from unnecessary premium increases.” “Staged crashes and claims connected to them are a particularly malicious form of insurance fraud,” said Jimi Grande, SVP of Federal and Political Affairs for NAMIC. ""Not only do these fraudsters endanger innocent drivers and communities all across the country, they also cause extensive financial harm. NAMIC applauds Representatives Gillen and Nehls, along with their co-sponsors, for their work to combat scammers and protect all honest road users.” “The Truck Renting and Leasing Association (TRALA) proudly supports the Stop Auto Fraud Act and appreciates the leadership from Congresswoman Gillen and Congressman Nehls. Staged accidents continue to cause havoc with insurance premiums. This legislation will help deter bad actors from attempting to put trucking companies out of business by fabricating accidents, then running crooked legal and medical companies who attempt to profit from this blatant criminal activity.” Read the bill text HERE.",1,2026-09-04T09:19:37Z,2026-09-04T09:20:58Z https://pfluger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3033,Rep. Pfluger Invites High School Students to Apply for Congressional Youth Advisory Council,2026-09-03,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,TX,August Pfluger,P000048,pfluger.house.gov,pfluger,https://pfluger.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) announced the relaunch of the Congressional Youth Advisory Council (CYAC) for high school juniors and seniors in the 11th Congressional District of Texas. This esteemed program offers a unique opportunity for passionate and driven young leaders to engage with government, collaborate with peers, and serve their communities. ""I am thrilled to invite motivated high school students to be part of the Congressional Youth Advisory Council,"" said Rep Pfluger. ""Our mission is to empower students to speak out and effect positive change in their communities and government. This program aims to foster dialogue, encourage civic engagement, and empower our youth to make a meaningful impact in our communities."" The CYAC is designed to empower the next generation of leaders by providing a platform to voice their perspectives on critical issues. Participants will have the chance to interact directly with Congressman August Pfluger, special guests, and senior staff members in up to four interactive virtual meetings. Additionally, CYAC participants will be provided special admittance to the Pfluger Youth Leadership Conference in Spring 2027 (Date TBD). Key Program Details: · Up to four interactive virtual meetings with Congressman Pfluger and special guests. · Participation in the Pfluger Youth Leadership Conference in Spring 2027 (Date TBD). · No cost to participants; all materials provided. · Possibility of academic or community service credit. Join Congressman Pfluger in shaping the future of Texas-11. Apply today to be part of the Congressional Youth Advisory Council. Interested students are encouraged to apply by completing an application at:",1,2026-09-04T09:19:37Z,2026-09-04T09:20:58Z https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2607,ICYMI: Rep. Ronny Jackson Highlights Threat Posed by Iranian-Backed Houthis to American Security and Global Commerce,2026-09-02,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,TX,Ronny Jackson,J000304,jackson.house.gov,jackson,https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Yesterday, Representative Ronny Jackson (TX-13) joined the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa for a hearing on the growing threat posed by the Iranian-backed Houthi terrorist organization in the Red Sea to American national security, economic interests, and freedom of navigation. “The Red Sea is vital to global commerce and American security, and when Iranian-backed terrorists like the Houthis threaten this critical waterway, they threaten our interests,” said Rep. Jackson. “President Trump has made clear that attacks on American personnel, ships, or economic interests will be met with major military consequences. Today, we must identify the tools, authorities, partnerships, and strategies necessary to deter Houthi aggression and protect freedom of navigation.” Click here or above to watch Rep. Jackson’s full Q&A. ###",1,2026-09-03T09:29:33Z,2026-09-03T09:31:32Z https://williams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-williams-recognizes-those-affected-ross-fire,Congressman Williams Recognizes Those Affected by The Ross Fire,2026-09-02,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,TX,Roger Williams,W000816,williams.house.gov,williams,https://williams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Congressman Roger Williams (TX-25) took to the House floor to recognize those affected by the Ross Fire in Palo Pinto and Jack Counties. Williams’ remarks are below: “Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and pray for those affected by the Ross Fire in Palo Pinto and Jack Counties. More than 85,000 acres have burned across North Texas, impacting families, ranchers, and communities in my district. For many of these families, this fire has meant losing their livelihoods, livestock, and land that their families have owned for generations. Please join me in praying for those affected. My heart goes out to every Texan who is hurting during this difficult time. I want to thank the firefighters, first responders, the Forest Service, and everyone who has traveled from across Texas to help contain this wildfire. My office will continue to closely monitor the fires and stand ready to help. In the face of this adversity, we have seen how great America and Texas are. In God we trust, I yield back.” ###",1,2026-09-03T09:29:33Z,2026-09-03T09:31:32Z https://moran.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2892,KLTV7: Rep. Nathaniel Moran holds East Texas roundtable on bill to support foster youth,2026-09-02,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,TX,Nathaniel Moran,M001224,moran.house.gov,nathanielmoran,https://moran.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"The bill would also expand how those vouchers can be used, including for workforce training and apprenticeships. Local advocates like Christi Sowell with The Fostering Collective in Tyler, said receiving the funding is only part of the challenge. “So currently a lot of the funding is not being used. So in Texas, over $1,000,000 went back to the federal government because children just didn’t have access to it and didn’t use it,” Sowell said. Sowell said mentorship helps young people navigate college applications, housing and transportation. “Books, meals, transportation, all of those obstacles that our kids have to overcome because they don’t have families supporting them,” Christi said. Moran said the goal is to make sure turning 18 does not mean losing support. “Every kid needs that. We can’t just drop the bucket when they turn 18,” Moran said. The bill passed the U.S. House in May and now awaits consideration in the Senate. “So, this bill is going to help become a bridge for kids to get to the other side to adulthood as they’re transitioning and not just a cliff that they’ll fall off of,” Christi said. Moran said he will take the ideas and concerns he heard at the roundtable back to Washington, D.C., with the goal of exploring potential solutions for the next Congress, which begins Jan. 3, 2027. To read more about H.R. 7432, Fostering the Future Act, click here.",1,2026-09-04T09:19:37Z,2026-09-04T09:20:58Z https://craiggoldman.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-goldman-and-veasey-introduce-bill-name-post-office-after-fmr-us-rep-kay,Reps. Goldman and Veasey Introduce Bill to Name Post Office After Fmr. U.S. Rep. Kay Granger,2026-09-01,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,TX,Craig A. Goldman,G000601,craiggoldman.house.gov,craiggoldman,https://craiggoldman.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"September 1, 2026 WASHINGTON, DC —Reps. Craig Goldman (R-TX-12) and Marc Veasey (D-TX-33), who represent Fort Worth, have introduced the Kay Granger Post Office Act, which would commemorate the legacy of Texas trailblazer and former Congresswoman Kay Granger by designating a post office in her memory. “During her many years of service to Fort Worth—as city councilwoman, mayor, and U.S. Congresswoman—Kay worked tirelessly to care for the city and community she loved,” said Congressman Craig Goldman. “Alongside Rep. Marc Veasey, I have introduced this bill to further honor her legacy by naming a U.S. Postal Service office in her honor.” ""The Honorable Congresswoman Kay Granger dedicated over three decades of her life to serving the people of North Texas and opened doors of opportunity for women in public service. She will be remembered as an advocate who fought to deliver for the community she was proud to call home. Representative Granger left an unforgettable mark in Fort Worth, and I am proud to support the renaming of this post office in her memory to honor a legacy of service to our nation,” said Congressman Marc Veasey. The Kay Granger Post Office Act would: Name the United States Postal Service facility located at 4450 Oak Park Lane, Fort Worth, TX 76109, as the “Kay Granger Post Office,” establishing a permanent tribute to her faithful service to Fort Worth. Background: Former Rep. Kay Granger served the city of Fort Worth at the local, state, and national level for over three decades. Among her many accomplishments, Ms. Granger was the: First woman elected as mayor of Fort Worth. First Republican woman from Texas elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. First woman to chair the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee. First Republican woman to chair the House Appropriations Committee. Ms. Granger also co-chaired the Iraqi Women’s Caucus, the Women Impacting the Nation coalition, and co-founded the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Caucus. Read the full text of the Kay Granger Post Office Act here. For media inquiries, please contact Aidan.Heard1@mail.house.gov. ###",1,2026-09-02T09:19:58Z,2026-09-02T09:20:51Z https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2604,ICYMI: Rep. Ronny Jackson Reflects on the 25th Anniversary of 9/11 and Calls for Continued Action to Strengthen America’s National Security,2026-09-01,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,TX,Ronny Jackson,J000304,jackson.house.gov,jackson,https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Yesterday, Representative Ronny Jackson (TX-13) joined the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, at the Flight 93 National Memorial to approve the Committee’s final review of the 9/11 Commission Report ahead of the 25th anniversary of September 11th. During the field business meeting, Rep. Jackson delivered remarks honoring the first responders, families, and Americans who demonstrated extraordinary courage in the face of unimaginable tragedy, while reflecting on the lasting national security reforms that followed the attacks. He also emphasized the need to continue strengthening America’s Intelligence Community, improving coordination across all levels of government, and ensuring robust congressional oversight to protect the American people while safeguarding their constitutional liberties. “Americans should never have to choose between being safe and being free,” said Rep. Jackson. “Our national security policies must protect both. Twenty-five years later, the work of protecting the American people remains unfinished. The lessons we learned from that horrific day have been invaluable in shaping the progress we have made, but we cannot afford to become complacent. Our adversaries have evolved, the threats we face have changed, and our national security institutions must evolve with them. It is our responsibility in Congress to ensure the Intelligence Community has the tools, resources, and oversight necessary to confront these threats while safeguarding the freedoms that define our nation. We owe that responsibility to the Americans we lost on September 11th, to those who answered the call that day, and to every generation that will follow.” Click here or above to watch full remarks. ###",1,2026-09-02T09:19:58Z,2026-09-02T09:20:51Z https://weber.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3860,Rep. Weber’s Bipartisan PACK Act Advances Through E&C Subcommittee as Momentum Builds,2026-09-01,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,TX,"Randy K. Weber, Sr.",W000814,weber.house.gov,weber,https://weber.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Today, the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade (CMT) advanced Congressman Randy Weber’s (TX-14) bipartisan Packaging and Claims Knowledge (PACK) Act (H.R. 6832) to the full Energy and Commerce Committee. The PACK Act establishes a uniform federal framework governing recyclable, compostable, and reusable claims on consumer product packaging, replacing the growing patchwork of conflicting state requirements that raises costs, complicates interstate commerce, and creates confusion for consumers. “Whether you’re making a product, stocking a grocery store, or trying to figure out what in the world a label even means, you shouldn’t need fifty different rulebooks,” said Congressman Weber. “The PACK Act cuts through the confusion and brings some good old-fashioned common sense back to the process. If a business chooses to make a recyclable, compostable, or reusable claim, they should have one clear, voluntary federal framework to follow, not a regulatory maze that changes from state to state. That means more certainty for businesses, clearer information for consumers, and fewer costs passed down to hardworking families. The momentum is building, and we’re going to keep pushing until we get this across the finish line.” During today’s markup, the Subcommittee adopted an amendment in the nature of a substitute offered by Congressman Russ Fulcher (ID-01), a cosponsor of the legislation. The amendment further clarified the role of Federal Trade Commission guidance and established minimum requirements for third-party certifications and certification bodies. ""It ends the confusion consumers face when going to the store and seeing different and conflicting environmental claims about the goods they buy and the resultant lower costs for goods and families,"" said Congressman Fulcher. ""I'm proud to co-sponsor this bipartisan bill, along with my friend Mr. Weber of Texas, who I want to thank for his leadership on it."" The legislation has earned support from a broad coalition of manufacturers, retailers, consumer product companies, and trade associations. In a letter to the CMT Subcommittee ahead of the markup, the PACK Act Coalition wrote, “By reducing consumer confusion and enabling informed choices, we believe the PACK Act will promote proper management of packaging materials at end-of-life, diverting them from landfills and advancing a circular economy.” The coalition includes the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Manufacturers, Consumer Brands Association, American Beverage Association, Consumer Technology Association, General Mills, Kraft Heinz, PepsiCo, Nestlé USA, Keurig Dr Pepper, McCormick & Company, and dozens of additional organizations and companies.",1,2026-09-02T09:19:58Z,2026-09-02T09:20:51Z https://moran.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2887,Tyler Morning Telegraph: Rep. Nathaniel Moran hosts foster youth roundtable in Tyler to hear input on local care policies and needs,2026-08-29,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,TX,Nathaniel Moran,M001224,moran.house.gov,nathanielmoran,https://moran.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Rep. Nathaniel Moran (TX-01) partnered with the The Fostering Collective on Friday in Tyler for a foster youth roundtable discussion with East Texas stakeholders. The congressman invited around 20 local professionals and stakeholders to discuss the state of foster care in East Texas and to provide input about needed federal policy changes and pathways for aging out foster youth. The group also reviewed the Fostering the Future Act, which was passed by the House of Representatives in May and now awaits consideration from the Senate. The roundtable had two primary goals, Moran said. “One is to help the East Texas community understand what we’re doing in the Work and Welfare Subcommittee on Ways and Means as it relates to supporting foster and adoptive care services,” Moran said. “Then the second objective, which is really the more important one, is to hear from the local community, to understand further needs that we need to address and help us understand the impact of our federal policies on local support for foster care.” The Fostering the Future Act (H.R. 7432) reforms the John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood, which supports foster youth ages 14 to 21. The new bill expands the Chaffee Education and Training Vouchers (ETVs) cap from the current $5,000 per year for postsecondary education to $12,000 while maintaining current funding levels. It also increases access to legal services, short-term workforce training programs, federal housing programs and connects parents to Maternal Infant Early Childhood Home Visiting services. The bill fine-tunes the Chafee Program for the first time since its creation in 1999, Moran said. “We can increase the (ETV cap) right now without increasing overall appropriations because it’s not being used across the United States the way it should,” Moran said. “States are returning millions of dollars back to the federal government. We don’t want that money back. We want that money in the hands of foster youth that are trying to actually better themselves through education.” Moran said when the House of Representatives was discussing the bill in Washington D.C., a student from Stephen F. Austin State University and young adult who has aged out of foster care testified $5,000 is simply not enough to cover the cost of college anymore. “It doesn’t limit them to just a certain number of institutions and it gives them the opportunity to actually pursue the American dream the way we all want them to,” Moran said. “If you give these kids a great head start that have had a tough road in the past, then they won’t be dependent on the government in the future. They will want to do their own thing, follow that American dream, work hard, pursue education and pursue a profession. We want to give them that opportunity at the very front of their life.” Moran said the largest issue his team hears is access to resources, especially for young adults who have aged out of foster care and are now navigating independence. “The biggest thing that we hear from foster care families here in East Texas is, it’s tough,” Moran said. “It’s just really hard and those families need support services, and The Fostering Collective does a fabulous job and so many organizations here in East Texas wrapping their arms around these families that are taking in these kiddos in this very, very tough time, but we need to do more to make sure that they are supported.” Moran said the bill aims to fill the gaps for children and families in transitional periods, such as transitioning out of foster care or back with their original families. “We want to be there for them and we want to make sure that the support services that they need that they can’t get anywhere else other than the state or the federal government, that we actually step up when we need to,” Moran said. The geographical ruralness of East Texas often creates barriers to receive access and support, Moran said. “We’ve got folks here from Texarkana and from Longview, and from Tyler, and all over the region, talking to us about, what are they seeing on the ground and where are those rural challenges in particular that still have a lot of gaps that need to be filled by the programs that we run at the federal level,” Moran said. “We are going to respond to that.” Moran said the federal government can’t solve all the problems, but people who are working in foster care situations every day are going to have the best solutions to how to fix an issue that the federal government can listen to and collaborate to fix. “(They’re) the ones that are actually making a difference,” Moran said. “I want to say thank you for that, but what we can do is support you in a way that allows your institutions to work the way God has called your organizations to do. Governments are supposed to allow you to do that in an orderly fashion, but stay out of the way.” Another challenge is access to legal services. “They run into the need for legal services and sometimes these legal services are not covered by the Chafee Program money,” Moran said. “We need them to be because if they get caught up in a situation where they don’t have an opportunity to hire a lawyer, get legal help or a little bit of additional professional assistance or counseling that can lead to working decision making in a moment that’s very critical for them.” The roundtable was held the day after The Fostering Collective’s annual large fundraising event “A Seat at the Table,” which Moran also attended. Justin Hayes, executive director at The Fostering Collective, a Christian nonprofit for recruitment of foster families and support resources, said he was honored to have Moran at ‘A Seat at the Table’ and the roundtable discussion.",1,2026-09-01T09:48:49Z,2026-09-01T09:49:51Z https://delacruz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3991,De La Cruz Hosts Farm Bill Panel in Beeville,2026-08-28,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,TX,Monica De La Cruz,D000594,delacruz.house.gov,delacruz,https://delacruz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"WASHINGTON – This week, Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz joined agricultural leaders from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Texas Farm Bureau, and Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association in Beeville for a panel discussion focused on the passage of the Farm Bill and priorities for Texas farmers, ranchers, and rural communities. The discussion centered on the importance of passing a comprehensive Farm Bill that protects producers, safeguards crop and livestock production, and invests in rural Texas. De La Cruz joined panelists Dan Hunter from USDA, James Redfield from USDA, Scott Frazier from Texas Farm Bureau, Stephen Diebel from Texas Southwestern & Cattle Raisers Association, and Jody Brown from Texas Farm Service Agency for a panel discussion on the importance of passing a strong Farm Bill. Background: In April, Congresswoman De La Cruz voted to advance the Farm Bill, which includes four of her legislative initiatives: Texas Agricultural Producers Assistance Act: Addresses the significant economic losses suffered by Texas agricultural producers due to the Mexican government’s non-compliance with the 1944 Water Treaty. Southern Border Farmers and Ranchers Protection Act: Authorizes payments under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) to assist farmers and ranchers with repairing damages to farming infrastructure caused by illegal criminal activity along the Southern border. Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program Enhancement Act: Mandates the USDA to enter into a contract to evaluate the Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program with a land-grant college or university or a non-land-grant college of agriculture. Amendment to establish a permanent, interagency working group to protect South Texas farmers and producers from the impacts of the Mexican government's failure to comply with water deliveries under the 1944 Water Treaty.",1,2026-09-02T09:19:58Z,2026-09-02T09:20:51Z https://carter.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3811,Carter Applauds Fort Hood's Selection for Army's Janus Program,2026-08-26,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,TX,John R. Carter,C001051,carter.house.gov,carter,https://carter.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Representative John Carter (TX-31) today applauded the U.S. Army's selection of Fort Hood as a site for the Janus Program, pairing the installation with General Atomics to develop and operate a nuclear microreactor. ""Fort Hood size and mission require constant, assured power to support mission infrastructure,"" said Carter. ""I strongly advocated for Fort Hood's selection earlier this year because I know The Great Place has the mission, infrastructure, and people necessary to lead this important effort. I'm thrilled the Army agrees. The Janus program will strengthen readiness, reinforce defense innovation, and help ensure our soldiers can depend on secure power when it matters most."" In February 2026, Carter sent a letter to Army leadership advocating for Fort Hood's selection as a final Janus site. The Army's Janus Program has chosen five sites and five vendors to develop and operate nuclear microreactors, awarding $2.2 billion for development.",1,2026-08-27T16:10:01Z,2026-08-27T16:10:50Z https://roy.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-roy-sounds-alarm-over-islamic-development-near-camp-bullis-military-base,Rep. Roy Sounds Alarm Over Islamic Development Near Camp Bullis Military Base,2026-08-26,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,TX,Chip Roy,R000614,roy.house.gov,roy,https://roy.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Chip Roy (TX-21) sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, and Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent, voicing his concerns about a planned Islamic development being built near Camp Bullis, a U.S. military training base in San Antonio. Rep. Roy is urging the cabinet officials to “examine whether any criminal, civil, financial, or immigration statutes have been violated in its effort to fulfill its campus expansion project.” The Daily Signal wrote an exclusive report on the letter, which you can read here. Read the full letter here or below: Dear Attorney General Blanche, Secretary Hegseth, and Secretary Bessent, I am writing to raise concerns about a planned development with potential national security implications near Joint Base San Antonio - Camp Bullis Military Training Reservation in Bexar County, Texas - a critical military installation that provides training for our armed service branches. According to an August 14, 2026, report, the Northside Islamic Center of San Antonio (NICSA) is nearly completing a 7.25-acre multi-purpose community campus within roughly 18 miles of Camp Bullis to expand its influence. The NICSA community campus is expected to have a mosque, housing developments, K-12 educational institutions, businesses, and Sharia-compliant separate prayer areas for men, women, and children who are adherents of Islam. Concerningly, NICSA Islamic leaders partnered with the Muslim Brotherhood, an organization with a history of collaborating with extremist groups and receiving foreign terrorist designations for several of its chapters, to raise funds for the NICSA expansion project near Camp Bullis, suggesting these entities are a part of a possible terror network. Additionally, NISCA has solicited donations for its Islamic community project from unknown international sources, which could be from potential bad actors or organizations. The August 14, 2026, report also alleges that the NICSA expansion project is being co-led by its main Imam, AbdulRahman Kattan, an Egyptian national who is suspected to be in the U.S. on a visa, and who described the October 7, 2023, barbaric terrorist attacks against our friend and ally Israel as “a day of remembrance” for Muslims. Kattan also claimed the terrorist culprits responsible revived the Ummah, the so-called global community of all Muslim believers. While NICSA claims terrorism and violence are not a part of Islam in its constitution and by-laws, Kattan has made additional statements that conflict with NICSA’s positions. More recently, Kattan expressed views that could be interpreted as showing sympathy toward the Iran Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Iran’s military force, after it agreed to join the Iranian Memorandum of Understanding, aimed at ending the armed conflict in Iran. In April 2019, the IRGC was designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization due to its 40-year history of engaging in terrorism. NICSA’s project also raises concerns given its plans to make Sharia-compliant sections of its development. As you all are likely aware, efforts to spread Sharia Law or any Islamic theocracy code are in direct contravention of our Constitution, which Islamic fundamentalists typically promote, as both undermine and seek to replace our existing legal system, which is founded on religious liberty and the rule of law. Sharia (Islamic law) subjugates women, children, and non-Muslims to second-class citizenship while sanctioning varying forms of punishment for those opposed. Under no circumstances should Sharia, or any foreign legal code, be practiced on U.S. soil, including community developments. As a congressional representative who has the privilege of representing those who honorably serve in our armed forces and fulfill their duties at Camp Bullis, I have an obligation to ensure their safety and the safety of my constituents in the surrounding area. As such, given NICSA’s ties to nefarious groups, questionable funding sources, and faith leaders espousing violent and terroristic rhetoric to their mosque raises concerns about possible encouragement of violence in sermons, I respectfully request your respective agency's assistance in reviewing NICSA’s efforts to establish a community center near Camp Bullis, and to carefully examine whether any criminal, civil, financial, or immigration statutes have been violated in its effort to fulfill its campus expansion project. I look forward to partnering on this critical initiative. Respectfully, Chip Roy Member of Congress",1,2026-08-27T16:10:01Z,2026-08-27T16:10:50Z https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2602,Rep. Jackson Now Accepting Applications for Nomination to U.S. Service Academies,2026-08-25,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,TX,Ronny Jackson,J000304,jackson.house.gov,jackson,https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"AMARILLO, TX — Today, the Office of Congressman Ronny Jackson (TX-13) announced that United States Service Academy nomination applications for the Class of 2031 are now open. To be considered for a nomination, candidates must submit all required materials by October 2, 2026. “One of the most rewarding opportunities I have as a Member of Congress is helping exceptional young Texans take the first step toward a life of service by nominating them to our nation’s prestigious service academies,” said Rep. Jackson. “If nominated, these young men and women will develop the character, discipline, and selflessness required to serve our country, and I look forward to supporting them as they pursue this opportunity. I encourage every qualified student in Texas’ 13th Congressional District who is passionate about leadership and service to apply.” As a Member of Congress, Jackson can nominate students from TX-13 for appointments to the United States Air Force, Naval, Military (West Point), and Merchant Marine Academies. More information on Service Academy Nominations can be found here. The U.S. Service Academy Application for Nomination can be found here. ###",1,2026-08-26T05:33:32Z,2026-08-26T05:34:56Z https://moran.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2869,Fierce Biotech: Why a Texas congressman believes Chinese biotechs are 'beating us on our ground game',2026-08-25,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,TX,Nathaniel Moran,M001224,moran.house.gov,nathanielmoran,https://moran.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"The skyrocketing use of Chinese biopharmas as a source of innovation for U.S. drug developers has been viewed with alarm among certain parts of the political establishment. But for Rep. Nathaniel Moran, R-Texas, the debate over the perceived geopolitical threat of China’s biotech industry is missing the point. “The United States has been too focused on measuring the outcomes of strategic scenarios with China and not paid enough attention to the input,” Moran told Fierce. “We talk about the growing trials that are happening in China,” he continued. “What we forget to focus on is that they are beating us on our ground game. They're doing things at the beginning of the supply chain that lead to the dominance on the output side of who controls the ultimate number of drugs that are important to the United States and our constituents.” Moran, who represents Texas’ 1st Congressional District, is a member of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party. That gives the congressman a front-row seat to lawmakers’ efforts to constrain China’s expanding role. According to the committee’s website, its members are tasked with assessing “the threat posed by the Chinese Communist Party and develop[ing] a plan of action to defend the American people, our economy and our values.” The committee has been actively discussing and proposing bipartisan legislation that could impact the biopharma industry. Committee Chairman John Moolenaar, R-Mich., and Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Mich., recently introduced the Biotech Investment National Security Act (BINSA), which would apply the review requirements of the Comprehensive Outbound Investment National Security (COINS) Act to investments in Chinese biotechnology. A similar bill has been introduced in the Senate, while everything from investments in Chinese drug developers to manufacturing and clinical research is coming under increasing scrutiny. Over the summer, Moolenaar also fired off letters to four U.S.-headquartered Big Pharmas conducting trials in China, citing concerns that ranged from human rights violations in a specific region of the country to trials that could inadvertently aid China’s military. These tactics are a reaction to the speed with which China has come to dominate the market for drug licensing deals. According to data from Evaluate shared with Fierce, Chinese assets are positioned to account for more than two-thirds of total licensing deal value this year, up from about half in 2025 and less than 5% just five years ago. Moran has spoken on Capitol Hill about the issue and set out his thoughts in writing on China’s “aggressive push to dominate pharmaceuticals and biotechnology.” Moran told Fierce that he is particularly interested in the knock-on impact on the availability of medicines. This means asking questions like: “Who's controlling the market? Do we have our active pharmaceutical ingredients? Are we incentivizing manufacturing here in the United States? Are we finding supply chains that are independent of China?” Beyond that, the congressman is also looking at the development of new medicines and how U.S. venture capital dollars are flowing into the Chinese biotech system. “Investors are interested only in profits, and they ultimately are going to chase where they think future profits will come from,” he explained. “That is a bad sign for the United States because that means that the research and development, the intellectual property and the knowledge base is going to start shifting quickly to China—it already has.” Moran hails from Tyler in East Texas. While the region isn’t exactly a hotbed of biopharma development, his primarily rural district is home to three major health systems, a medical school, a pharmacy school and two nursing schools. “Pharmaceutical development is critically important to us,” he explained. But his personal interest in biotech stems from the larger conversation about strategic competition with China. “It's like playing a chess game,” Moran explained. “Whether that’s rare earth minerals, shipbuilding capabilities or pharmaceutical supply chains—all of those pieces mean something significant when you talk about influence in the world.” “We have to address and watch every piece on the board,” Moran added. Though outside his district, Moran praised Bristol Myers Squibb’s plans for a $2.3 billion manufacturing facility in nearby Houston. “The future of our pharmaceutical independence relies on companies choosing the United States,” he said. Moran also drew attention to the Working Families Tax Cuts, a law signed in 2025 that allows companies to immediately deduct 100% of eligible domestic R&D costs from taxable income, with the aim of lowering tax bills and freeing up cash to reinvest in future projects. Additionally, the bill allows for permanent full expensing of physical capital, machinery and new facility construction, to incentivise the construction of biomanufacturing plants on U.S. soil. It also delayed eligibility or exclusion from Medicare drug price negotiation for certain orphan drugs, making them more profitable therapies. This went “a long way to help incentivize reshoring manufacturing—not just for pharmaceuticals, but for other industries,” according to Moran. Making the U.S. biotech industry more competitive is a “multifaceted approach” and includes “identifying private-public partnerships where research, particularly in colleges and universities and medical institutions, can grow significantly, so that we spend the time necessary to see the next generation of pharmaceuticals that need to come,” the congressman added. Meanwhile, Moran argued that changes at the FDA are needed to make drug development “simpler, less time-consuming and less expensive for those that are developing pharmaceuticals.” While he’s interested in seeing the FDA's reach extended to put regulators closer to where global drugs are developed, Moran insisted the focus should be on domestic development. “We need to continue to invest deeply in our pharmaceutical research here,” he added. “We've outsourced that to the Chinese for the past 20 years.” By Will Maddox Staff Writer Fierce Biotech",1,2026-08-26T05:33:32Z,2026-08-26T05:34:56Z https://pfluger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3031,Rep. Pfluger Joins Dedication Ceremony for Heroes on the Concho Memorial,2026-08-25,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,TX,August Pfluger,P000048,pfluger.house.gov,pfluger,https://pfluger.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"SAN ANGELO, TX—Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) joined veterans, families, and community leaders for the dedication of the Heroes on the Concho Memorial, a permanent tribute honoring more than 20,0000 Concho Valley citizens who served our country faithfully in World War II. The memorial is located along the banks of the Concho River in San Angelo, featuring a six-foot bronze statue of a World War II airman alongside panels bearing the names of veterans who called the Concho Valley home. The project was led by the San Angelo Area Foundation in partnership with the City of San Angelo, and numerous community donors and volunteers. During his remarks at the dedication ceremony, Congressman Pfluger highlighted the service and bravery of Concho Valley natives General Ira Eaker and General Earl Rudder, who were consequential American military leaders of World War II. He also honored Angelo State University legend Coach Phil George, recognizing his service not only in World War II but also in the Vietnam War. ""When Americans were called to serve in World War II, the Greatest Generation stepped up without hesitation, defending freedom across the globe. Their courage and sacrifice changed the course of history, and we owe them a debt we can never fully repay. Here in the Concho Valley, more than 20,000 of our neighbors answered that call, and their names now stand etched in stone. The Heroes on the Concho Memorial is a permanent reminder of their service to our country, allowing their stories to be told to the next generation of our youth,"" said Congressman Pfluger (TX-11).",1,2026-08-26T05:33:32Z,2026-08-26T05:34:56Z https://cloud.house.gov/posts/freedom-250-mobile-museum-coming-to-victoria,Freedom 250 Mobile Museum Coming to Victoria,2026-08-25,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,TX,Michael Cloud,C001115,cloud.house.gov,cloud,https://cloud.house.gov/press,scraper,"Crossroads Today Don Brubaker | August 25th, 2026 Freedom 250, is bringing one of its traveling Mobile Museums, known as “Freedom Trucks,” to Victoria, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore the nation’s history through an interactive exhibit designed for all ages. The Freedom Truck is coming to Victoria in partnership with the office of Congressman Michael Cloud. Each custom-built mobile exhibit features museum-quality interactive technology, multimedia storytelling, and hands-on experiences that highlight America’s founding and defining chapters, as well as the innovation that continues to shape our nation’s future. Admission to the Freedom 250 Mobile Museum is free and open to the public. It will be at the Dr. Pattie Dodson Public Health Center parking lot, 2805 N Navarro St, September 2-4, 10:00 A.M.-7:00 P.M.",1,2026-09-01T09:48:49Z,2026-09-01T09:49:51Z https://cloud.house.gov/posts/texas-port-looks-to-smrs,Texas Port Looks to SMRs,2026-08-25,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,TX,Michael Cloud,C001115,cloud.house.gov,cloud,https://cloud.house.gov/press,scraper,"Nuclear Engineering International August 25th, 2026 Anew US partnership focused on small modular reactor (SMR) technology for maritime applications has been launched by US Secretary of Transportation Sean P Duffy with the Port of Corpus Christi in Texas. Duffy, Maritime Administrator (MARAD) Stephen M Carmel, US Representative Michael Cloud and Port leaders kicked off the initiative which aims to revitalise US shipbuilding, cut fuel costs, and restore US maritime dominance. It is the second agreement the Department has signed since Secretary Duffy launched the SMR initiative in May. The first agreement was signed by MARAD, the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in June with the Port of Long Beach in California. That agreement directly complemented a separate lease at the port with BlueCore Energy, a nuclear startup developing floating, barge-mounted SMRs. The Port of Corpus Christi is the largest US port for petroleum exports and a national leader in liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments. In the first half of 2026, energy-related cargo movements at the port included 11.5 m tonnes of LNG, a 36.3% increase year-over-year, 17.1m tonnes of refined products, 8.2m tonnes of bulk liquids, 914,606 tonnes of natural gas liquids, and 66m tonnes of crude oil. In June, the port handled 110.3m tonnes of cargoes making the first half of 2026 the best first half of the year in the port’s history. Through a memorandum of cooperation (MOC), MARAD and the Port of Corpus Christi agreed to work together to explore opportunities to advance maritime energy systems, including through the potential integration of SMR technologies, resilient port microgrids, shoreside power architecture, infrastructure capable of supporting emerging vessel propulsion concepts, and related workforce development opportunities. “Small modular reactors have the potential to reshape America’s maritime sector, lower shipping costs, and bolster our supply chains,” said Duffy. “I’m thrilled that the Port of Corpus Christi is embracing this exciting partnership with the Trump Administration to ensure the United States leads the way in innovation. Maritime dominance starts with rebuilding America’s fleet with this state-of-the-art technology.” Maritime Administrator Carmel noted: “This agreement with the Port of Corpus Christi demonstrates that the leading energy port in the nation understands the significance of this technology. SMR integration has the potential to drive down costs and guarantee that our critical Gulf Coast maritime supply chains remain resilient against any contingency, from extreme weather to power grid disruptions, while training the next generation of high-skilled American mariners.” The four pillars of MOC expand into concrete operational goals: SMR technology integration; resilient port microgrids; shoreside power architecture; and advanced vessel propulsion infrastructure. SMR technology integration – the primary objective is to evaluate how SMRs can be physically and legally safely housed within a major commercial hub. The port signed a complementary study with UK ship-based nuclear company Core Power to evaluate the feasibility of hosting floating nuclear barges. Power generated from SMRs will support both port operations and the surrounding industrial complex, which is heavily reliant on petroleum and LNG production. Initial phases will map out safety perimeters, emergency handling, and legal compliance required for commercial nuclear facilities. Resilient port microgrids – major Gulf Coast ports face severe vulnerabilities from weather anomalies and external energy blackouts. The integration of SMRs intends to sever the port’s dependence on the main Texas electrical grid. The targeted microgrid architecture will isolate port power, ensuring critical supply chain operations remain active during hurricanes or regional grid collapses. The baseload power provided by SMRs will ensure steady energy supply required for massive industrial operations. Shoreside power architecture – “cold ironing” or plugging ships into the port electrical grid while docked, requires vast amounts of clean electricity. The research outlines shore-based support infrastructure needed to service nuclear-powered commercial ships when they call on the port. SMR power grids will connect directly to docks, enabling ships to shut down diesel auxiliary engines and transition to zero-emission shore power smoothly. Advanced vessel propulsion infrastructure – the ultimate long-term horizon for the Department of Transportation is transforming commercial shipping logistics. The study will examine what a port needs to refuel, service, and maintain civilian vessels propelled by onboard marine SMRs. Rather than immediate deployment, this groundwork maps the future supply chain requirements for a new, modernised domestic merchant fleet. The agreement explicitly outlines joint technical training programmes to educate the next generation of American mariners and port technicians in nuclear maritime tech. Earlier in August, Core Power issued its response to Marad’s original SMR request for information outlining the company’s Project Pathfinder programme for designing, building, and placing into service a US-flagged nuclear-powered commercial vessel. The Port of Corpus Christi has now signed a memorandum of collaboration with Core Power to study opportunities for firm, reliable power from floating nuclear power plants (FNPPs) and readiness for future calls by nuclear-powered commercial ships. The study evaluates how a major energy gateway prepares for two distinct scenarios: hosting a FNPP to supply power to the port and region and serving as a safe harbour/gateway for nuclear-powered commercial ships. Core Power will use the busy Texas petroleum and LNG export hub to map out practical requirements such as grid connections, customer needs, predictable transit routes, and berthing arrangements. The initiative aligns with Core Power’s broader Liberty programme, which targets bringing commercial floating nuclear power to the US market by the mid-2030s. “Port Corpus Christi, as the preeminent energy gateway in North America, is committed to remaining a leader in the global energy marketplace, even as that marketplace expands and evolves, said Jeff Pollack, Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer of the Port of Corpus Christi Authority. This collaboration will help us understand what would be required technically, environmentally, operationally and commercially for floating nuclear power plants and future calls by nuclear-powered commercial ships to be considered in the real-world context of the Port. It is about gathering evidence and keeping our region competitive for future investment, industry, and high-value jobs.” Core Power CEO Mikal Bøe noted: “Ports are where energy systems and global trade meet. For floating nuclear power plants, we need to understand sites, grids, customers, operating models and long-term service arrangements. For nuclear-powered commercial ships, we need safe and predictable pathways for transit, berthing and routine port operations. Port Corpus Christi gives us a real operating environment in which to assess both pathways separately, but as parts of the complete industrial and regulatory system needed to make maritime nuclear commercially deployable. This is how we move from promising technology to products and infrastructure capable of supporting US energy and maritime competitiveness.” Core Power said the proposed work covers two related but distinct product pathways. Under the Energy track, the parties intend to assess the site-specific technical, environmental, regulatory, operational and commercial requirements for the potential deployment of an FNPP. The work is expected to consider marine and site conditions, water use and discharge, grid connection, potential customer and offtake requirements, candidate locations and mooring, safety and security, permitting, operations, maintenance and long-term service support. Under the Propulsion track, the parties intend to examine what would be required for the Port to receive nuclear-powered commercial ships safely and routinely in the future. The work is expected to consider a reference vessel and power-system envelope, transit and berthing, port-stay safety and security, cargo interfaces, emergency preparedness, liability, classification and the roles of U.S. and international maritime and nuclear authorities. UK-based Core Power formally entered the US market in November 2021 when it established its US subsidiary, Core Power (US) and opened its first American office in Washington DC. This move was specifically designed to begin direct engagement with US maritime and nuclear regulators, such as NRC. Around the same time, Core Power teamed up with major American energy players Southern Company and TerraPower on a Molten Chloride Fast Reactor project, which secured cost-share funding from DOE. In February 2025 Core Power drastically upscaled its US footprint. At a summit in Houston, Texas Bøe announced a “US-anchored” maritime civil nuclear programme under which the company committed to building its primary manufacturing yard for Floating Nuclear Power Plants (FNPPs) inside the US.",1,2026-09-01T09:48:49Z,2026-09-01T09:49:51Z https://pfluger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3027,ICYMI: Rep. Pfluger Welcomes Secretary of Energy Chris Wright to Midland,2026-08-24,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,TX,August Pfluger,P000048,pfluger.house.gov,pfluger,https://pfluger.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"MIDLAND, TX — Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) welcomed Secretary of Energy Chris Wright to the Permian Basin to showcase the region's role in fueling the nation and the world. The Secretary's visit was part of the Department of Energy's ""Great American Energy Comeback Tour."" The tour began with a rig site visit, where cutting-edge technology and innovation continue to drive record-breaking energy production across the Permian Basin. Following the site visit, they both addressed a rally at the Bush Convention Center in Midland alongside leaders in the American energy industry. During his remarks, Congressman Pfluger celebrated the resilience and continued growth of American energy production in West Texas. He also applauded Secretary Wright and the Trump Administration for their support of the Permian Basin.",1,2026-08-25T05:31:37Z,2026-08-25T05:33:09Z https://roy.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-roy-demands-answers-texas-state-university-after-hiring-h-1b-employee-over,Rep. Roy Demands Answers from Texas State University After Hiring H-1B Employee Over Americans,2026-08-24,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,TX,Chip Roy,R000614,roy.house.gov,roy,https://roy.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Chip Roy (TX-21) sent the following letter to Texas State University, demanding answers after the university renewed an employment contract with a foreign worker on an H-1B visa. The Daily Caller wrote an exclusive report on the letter, which you can read here. Read the full letter here or below: Dr. Kelly R. Damphousse President, Texas State University 601 University Drive San Marcos, Texas 78666 Dear Dr. Damphousse, It has come to my attention that Texas State University clarified its decision to file a notice of intent to hire an H-1B nonimmigrant worker for a Public Relations Specialist position at the university, as it is a renewal for an existing Texas State H-1B visa holder employee and graduate, not a new petition. While the explanation behind Texas State’s occupation listing provided some clarity on the H-1B nonimmigrant posting, it raises questions about the extent to which the university may be prioritizing the hiring of foreign nationals over American graduates and workers, and whether it made good-faith efforts to recruit a qualified U.S. citizen for the position. As you are likely aware, Texas State offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Relations and could have hired one of its own U.S. citizen graduates, as it awards an estimated 140 degrees to its students in this field annually. Further, universities can sponsor an F-1 student visa holder who enrolls in the Optional Practical Training program for an H-1B visa, allowing them to remain in the country longer. The explanation details that the referenced H-1B visa holder was an F-1 student at Texas State who later graduated and found employment at the university, raising questions about Texas State’s role in sponsoring international students for long-term stay and employment rather than recruiting local applicants. On January 27, 2026, Governor Greg Abbott directed all state agencies and universities to freeze new H1B petitions until May 31, 2027, and launch a review of the visa program statewide after noting how the H-1B visa program is used to replace American workers with cheap unskilled foreign labor, often working for low wages. More recently, on August 19, 2026, Gov. Abbott called on the state legislature to ban higher education institutions from employing H-1B recipients statewide. Relatedly, recent data show Texas as a leading state in Labor Condition Applications filed to hire H-1B workers, raising concerns that businesses, employers, and colleges may be overlooking Texans who are qualified, talented, and, in many cases, being displaced to employ cheaper foreign alternatives who likely do not possess unique or specialized skills. Further, a 2019 academic evaluation of the program found that “most H-1B workers have no more than ordinary skills, skills that are available in the U.S. labor market”, as applicants are only required to hold a bachelor’s degree, which countless Americans possess, which undermining the narrative that H-1B visa holders are skilled, specialized, or “the best of the best”. Most H-1B visa holders are also paid lower on average than their American counterparts, often leading to the latter unfairly competing for occupations and decent salaries in specialty occupations despite existing statute requiring employers to pay the prevailing wage. In 2024, over 90 percent of employer-submitted prevailing wage claims for approved H-1B visas were below the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ prevailing wage for the occupation and location. Another result of hiring large numbers of H-1B visa holders is the routine mass firing of white-collar workers who are often required to train their replacements to receive a severance package. The H-1B visa program does not serve the interests of Texas nor the nation. The Trump administration has rightly ordered stricter scrutiny on H-1B visa applicants to determine if they offer unique skills to the nation and to counter outsourcing by IT firms that petition for these foreign workers only to displace local white-collar workers. As such, I respectfully request clarity and a detailed accounting of the following questions by September 3, 2026: How many H-1B visa holders does Texas State University currently employ? Please disaggregate by the following: The occupations listed on their H-1 B petitions and where they currently work within the university. The educational and specialty skills these individuals possess and how they pertain to the occupation in which they currently work. Please provide the salary offered to H-1B recipients and the current salary paid to them from their hiring date to the present. Please provide the prevailing wage for the respective occupations. Does Texas State assist international students who enter the U.S. and enroll at the university on an F-1 student visa or J-1 nonimmigrant visa in adjusting to the Optional Practical Training program and eventually the H-1B program to subsequently sponsor and employ them? Please explain the extent to which this occurs and provide data on the visa adjustment stated above. How many of the H-1B visa holders at Texas State are from the capped lottery or are cap-exempt? How many H-1B visa holders have Texas State employed since fiscal year 2020? Please break down each figure by fiscal year. Please provide a detailed explanation of how Texas State has tried to recruit U.S. citizens through public postings, salary offered, or other means. How many other employment postings by Texas State have solicited H-1B workers? Please explain the extent to which Texas State University is complying with Gov. Abbott’s January 27, 2026, directive for state universities to halt new H-1B petitions. Respectfully, Chip Roy Member of Congress",1,2026-08-25T05:31:37Z,2026-08-25T05:33:09Z https://craiggoldman.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-goldman-and-veasey-introduce-bill-honoring-texas-trailblazer-and-fmr-us,Reps. Goldman and Veasey Introduce Bill Honoring Texas Trailblazer and Fmr. U.S. Rep. Kay Granger,2026-08-21,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,TX,Craig A. Goldman,G000601,craiggoldman.house.gov,craiggoldman,https://craiggoldman.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC — Reps. Craig Goldman (R-TX-12) and Marc Veasey (D-TX-33) have introduced the Kay Granger Memorial Resolution, recognizing the remarkable life and career of former U.S. Congresswoman Kay Granger. ""Kay Granger was truly a Texas legend. She was incredibly well respected by her colleagues and our nation’s leaders. She worked tirelessly to improve the lives of those she represented and did a tremendous job helping grow Fort Worth into the city it is today,"" said Congressman Craig Goldman. ""I am proud to join Rep. Marc Veasey and the entire Texas Delegation in recognizing her leadership and service to Fort Worth, Texas, and the United States."" ""Congresswoman Kay Granger was a trailblazer for Texas and for women in public service — the first woman elected mayor of Fort Worth, the first Republican to represent Texas in Congress, and the first woman of her party to chair the House Appropriations Committee,"" said Congressman Marc Veasey. ""Kay was a fierce advocate for Fort Worth. Though we sat on different sides of the aisle, Kay and I shared a commitment to always place our community first."" Background: Former Rep. Kay Granger served the city of Fort Worth at the local, state, and national level for over three decades. Among her many accomplishments, Ms. Granger was the: First woman elected as mayor of Fort Worth. First Republican woman from Texas elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. First woman to chair the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee. First Republican woman to chair the House Appropriations Committee. Ms. Granger also co-chaired the Iraqi Women’s Caucus, the Women Impacting the Nation coalition, and co-founded the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Caucus. Support: The Kay Granger Memorial Resolution is cosponsored by the entire Texas delegation of the U.S. House of Representatives, including: Reps. Nathaniel Moran (R-TX), John Carter (R-TX), August Pfluger (R-TX), Jodey Arrington (R-TX), Jake Ellzey (R-TX), Morgan Luttrell (R-TX), Michael McCaul (R-TX), Ronny Jackson (R-TX), Randy Weber (R-TX), Beth Van Duyne (R-TX), Roger Williams (R-TX), Brandon Gill (R-TX), Monica De La Cruz (R-TX), Pete Sessions (R-TX), Chip Roy (R-TX), Troy Nehls (R-TX), Michael Cloud (R-TX), Brian Babin (R-TX), Dan Crenshaw (R-TX), Wesley Hunt (R-TX), Keith Self (R-TX), Pat Fallon (R-TX), Lance Gooden (R-TX), Marc Veasey (D-TX), Lizzie Fletcher (D-TX), Al Green (D-TX), Veronica Escobar (D-TX), Christian Menefee (D-TX), Joaquin Castro (D-TX), Henry Cuellar (D-TX), Sylvia Garcia (D-TX), Jasmine Crockett (D-TX), Julie Johnson (D-TX), Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX), Greg Casar (D-TX), Lloyd Doggett (D-TX). Additionally, the resolution is also supported by Reps. Tom Cole (R-OK), Dan Newhouse (R-WA), Steve Womack (R-AR), Mark Alford (R-MO), Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN), Stephanie Bice (R-OK), Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), Robert Aderholt (R-AL), Ashley Hinson (R-IA), Mark Amodei (R-NV), Scott Franklin (R-FL), Mike Rogers (R-AL), Buddy Carter (R-GA), John Moolenaar (R-MI), Nick LaLota (R-NY), Richard Hudson (R-NC), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), Julia Letlow (R-LA), Norma Torres (D-CA), Betty McCollum (D-MN), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ). Read the full text of the Kay Granger Memorial Resolution here. For media inquiries, please contact Sutton.Houser@mail.house.gov. ###",1,2026-08-22T05:24:59Z,2026-08-22T05:26:16Z https://moran.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2872,CBS 19: Rep. Moran praises Whitehouse for new radar to boost East Texas weather warnings,2026-08-21,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,TX,Nathaniel Moran,M001224,moran.house.gov,nathanielmoran,https://moran.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"This week, Climavision, a private Doppler radar company, installed a gap-filling radar in Whitehouse. The radar data will be shared with partners who pay for access, including the National Weather Service, emergency managers and state agencies. ""Every community needs a fighting chance when Mother Nature unleashes her fury—and that means fair warning before severe weather hits,"" Moran said in his statement. ""Kudos to the leadership of Mayor James Wansley and congratulations to the City of Whitehouse for the new weather radar system that went up this week that will benefit all of East Texas. It's important that we continue to close these radar gaps throughout our region.""",1,2026-08-26T05:33:32Z,2026-08-26T05:34:56Z https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2599,Rep. Ronny Jackson Leads Legislation to Strengthen America’s Defense Industrial Base and Support Trump’s America First Arms Transfer Strategy,2026-08-20,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,TX,Ronny Jackson,J000304,jackson.house.gov,jackson,https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Today, Representative Ronny Jackson (TX-13) introduced the Defense Export Modeling Alignment for National Defense Act (DEMAND Act), legislation that will advance President Trump’s Executive Order 14383, “Establishing an America First Arms Transfer Strategy.” Specifically, the bill will help expand America’s defense industrial base by ensuring foreign military sales are fully incorporated into the Department of War’s industrial base planning and production-capacity decisions. “A strong national defense depends on leveraging opportunities to build the resilience of our defense industrial base,” said Rep. Jackson. “The DEMAND Act will harness foreign arms purchases to drive capital investment, expand American defense production capacity, and strengthen the resilience of critical domestic suppliers. By executing on President Trump’s America First Arms Transfer Strategy, we will ensure the U.S. has the capabilities to maintain our military dominance and technological superiority while supporting our warfighters and our allies and partners."" The bill’s original cosponsors include Reps. Rich McCormick (R-GA), Mark Messmer (R-IN), Darrell Issa (R-CA), and Derrick Van Orden (R-WI).",1,2026-08-21T05:30:57Z,2026-08-21T05:32:22Z https://roy.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-roy-rep-cohen-introduce-bipartisan-article-one-act-requiring-congressional,Rep. Roy & Rep. Cohen Introduce Bipartisan ARTICLE ONE Act Requiring Congressional Approval on National Emergencies After 30 Days,2026-08-20,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,TX,Chip Roy,R000614,roy.house.gov,roy,https://roy.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Chip Roy (TX-21) and Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) introduced the ARTICLE ONE Act, legislation that would require Congress to approve national emergency declarations and the powers used under them within 30 days for them to remain in effect. “Americans deserve accountability—not sweeping power in the hands of unelected bureaucrats. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the dangers of allowing emergency authority to continue indefinitely, and the revelations surrounding Dr. Fauci only underscore the need for transparency and accountability. The ARTICLE ONE Act restores Congress’ constitutional responsibility by requiring elected representatives to vote on whether a national emergency can continue beyond 30 days. Our liberties should never be left at the mercy of unchecked emergency powers,” said Rep. Roy. Congressman Roy worked on this critical legislation with Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), who is the author of similar legislation called the National Emergencies Reform Act. “An emergency declared during the Carter Administration should not still be in effect. When I was Chairman of the Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties, I held hearings on the National Emergencies Act and built bipartisan support for its reform. Our government is defined by checks and balances. But right now, Presidents can tap into emergency powers without any meaningful political check, time limit, or public rationale. We need to restore the balance of power and make sure that emergency powers are used only in true emergencies and that Congress is involved in their assessment and duration. I’m pleased to join with my colleague Congressman Chip Roy in this continuing bipartisan effort at meaningful reform,” said Rep. Cohen. Read the exclusive story from Breitbart here. Read Rep. Roy’s op-ed in the Daily Signal here.",1,2026-08-21T05:30:57Z,2026-08-21T05:32:22Z https://delacruz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3975,"De La Cruz, Correa Reauthorize National Diabetes Prevention Program",2026-08-19,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,TX,Monica De La Cruz,D000594,delacruz.house.gov,delacruz,https://delacruz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) introduced the bipartisan Diabetes Prevention Program Reauthorization Act alongside Congressman Lou Correa (CA-46). The legislation reauthorizes and increases funding for the National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), a nationwide framework focused on preventing Type 2 diabetes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 40 million Americans are living with diabetes, and up to 43% of adults in the Rio Grande Valley are estimated to have diabetes. “Preventive care is essential to helping every Texan live a healthy life. While diabetes continues to impact our communities, my bipartisan Diabetes Prevention Program Reauthorization Act guarantees these lifesaving programs remain accessible to the families who need them."" - Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz “For many of our neighbors in Orange County and for millions of Americans across the country, the financial and health impacts of type 2 diabetes are very real, and incredibly devastating. To address this crisis head on, we must increase access to preventive care so that our brothers and sisters on Main Street have access to the support they need and deserve. This legislation is a necessary step in our fight against type 2 diabetes, and I’m honored to work alongside Rep. De La Cruz to keep our communities healthy.” - Congressman Lou Correa The legislation is supported by YMCA of the USA. “YMCA of the USA applauds Representatives De La Cruz and Correa for their leadership in reintroducing the Diabetes Prevention Program Reauthorization Act. As one of the first community-based providers of the CDC’s National Diabetes Prevention Program, the Y has seen firsthand how it helps people make lasting lifestyle changes that reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes. We urge Congress to support healthier communities nationwide by advancing this important legislation.” - YMCA CEO Suzanne McCormick",1,2026-08-20T05:28:41Z,2026-08-20T05:29:58Z https://gooden.house.gov/press-releases?ID=26DC0B5B-0C41-4B9B-B82A-5415953756CD,Gooden Backs DoW Push to Eliminate University Ties to Foreign Adversaries,2026-08-19,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,TX,Lance Gooden,G000589,gooden.house.gov,gooden,https://gooden.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Congressman Lance Gooden, who has led congressional efforts to combat Chinese Communist Party espionage and intellectual property theft, applauded the Department of War (DoW) for cracking down on American universities with research and financial ties to foreign adversaries. Last year, Gooden reintroduced the Protect America’s Innovation and Economic Security from the CCP Act (H.R. 1468), which would establish a dedicated CCP Initiative within the Department of Justice to combat CCP-backed economic espionage and intellectual property theft targeting American businesses, universities, and national security. The legislation passed the House Judiciary Committee in March and is awaiting a vote on the House floor. “American universities should be developing breakthroughs that keep America ahead, not becoming breeding grounds for our adversaries' espionage operations,” said Rep. Gooden. “I applaud Secretary Hegseth and the Department of War for putting national security first and demanding answers from these 30 institutions.""",1,2026-08-20T05:28:41Z,2026-08-20T05:29:58Z https://nehls.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-troy-e-nehls-fort-bend-herald-president-trump-reviving-american,"Rep. Troy E. Nehls in the Fort Bend Herald: President Trump is reviving American manufacturing, and Texas is benefiting",2026-08-19,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,TX,Troy E. Nehls,N000026,nehls.house.gov,nehls,https://nehls.house.gov/media,scraper,"August 19, 2026 WASHINGTON, D.C. —Congressman Troy E. Nehls (R-TX-22) penned an op-ed in the Fort Bend Herald, highlighting Bristol Myers Squibb’s recent announcement of their $2.3 billion investment to build a new 600,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Houston, Texas, which will create an expected 500 permanent jobs and 2,000 construction-related jobs between 2027 and 2030. In the op-ed, Congressman Nehls discusses how President Trump is reviving American manufacturing and how his policies benefit American workers, including those in the 22nd Congressional District of Texas and the greater Houston region. Congressman Nehls also highlights the $11 trillion in U.S. and foreign investments President Trump has secured, which are further fueling job growth, innovation, and opportunity for hardworking Americans. Read the op-ed here or below: ""President Trump is leading a revival across the U.S. manufacturing industry. Just last month, we saw the strongest growth in domestic manufacturing since 2022. H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which I proudly supported and President Trump signed into law in 2025, coupled with President Trump’s trade policies, is revitalizing American manufacturing. Last week, Bristol Myers Squibb, a global biopharmaceutical company, announced it will construct a $2.3 billion manufacturing facility in Houston, Texas, as part of its previously announced $40 billion investment commitment in the U.S. The 600,000-square-foot manufacturing facility will produce multiple types of medicines, including small-molecule medicines, biologics, and antibody-drug conjugates. The company’s decision to build a state-of-the-art facility in Houston will deliver real benefits to my constituents in the greater Houston region. It will create nearly 500 skilled positions, including operations technicians, production specialists, maintenance and engineering professionals, quality-control experts, and site leadership. These jobs will support families across Texas’ 22nd Congressional District and beyond. On top of that, the project will generate approximately 2,000 construction and related jobs between 2027 and 2030, putting more Texans to work during the build-out phase. The domino effects of this project go even further. These well-paying manufacturing jobs will strengthen our local economy, support surrounding small businesses, and expand the life-sciences talent pipeline that our colleges and universities already fuel. A growing biopharmaceutical presence means more opportunities for the next generation of skilled workers right here at home, while reinforcing America’s ability to produce critical medicines in the United States. By bringing critical pharmaceutical supply chains back home, President Trump’s policies are enabling jobs that will help hardworking Americans across the country and simultaneously reduce our reliance on foreign countries for pharmaceuticals. We finally have a President who is putting America first and reviving opportunities for the American worker. Since President Trump’s return to the White House, he has secured $11 trillion in U.S. and foreign investments that are fueling job growth, innovation, and opportunity across our nation. President Trump has consistently demonstrated his commitment to advancing American manufacturing. Bristol Myers Squibb’s project in Houston is proof that the America First agenda is delivering real results. In Congress, I will continue to support President Trump’s policies that are fueling the revival we are seeing in manufacturing and job creation for Americans across the country, including right here in Texas’ 22nd Congressional District.""",1,2026-08-20T05:28:41Z,2026-08-20T05:29:58Z https://weber.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3836,Texas Lawmakers Urge Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works to Maintain Momentum on the Sabine Pass to Galveston Bay Project,2026-08-19,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,TX,"Randy K. Weber, Sr.",W000814,weber.house.gov,weber,https://weber.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - This week, Congressman Randy Weber (TX-14), alongside Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn and Congressman Brian Babin (TX-36), sent a letter urging the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to continue advancing the Orange County element of the Sabine Pass to Galveston Bay Coastal Storm Risk Management and Ecosystem Restoration Project (S2G) without delay. In 2018, Congress authorized the S2G project through the Water Resources Development Act to reduce the devastating effects of coastal storm surge along the upper Texas coast, including Orange County communities that have faced repeated flooding from major storms. As design work has progressed, estimated project costs have increased, and USACE is currently developing a Post Authorization Change Report. The Texas lawmakers are seeking to ensure that the Orange County element can continue advancing while that process moves forward and that USACE has the direction needed to begin construction using available funds. In the letter to Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Adam Telle, the lawmakers wrote: “Although costs have increased, the required level of protection, anticipated benefits, and communities served remain unchanged. Because the project continues to fulfill its authorized purposes and provides commensurate benefits, we strongly encourage you to provide policy direction to USACE to exercise its discretionary authority to begin constructing the refined project without delay.” The lawmakers also pointed to the devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey, which flooded more than 27,742 homes and resulted in 9 deaths in Orange County, underscoring the importance of completing the coastal protections envisioned for the community. “Orange County has waited a long time to see this project become a reality,” said Rep. Randy Weber (TX-14). “Congress authorized S2G nearly a decade ago, Texas has invested significant resources, and the Army Corps has continued working to advance the project. Now, we want to make sure USACE keeps that progress moving and gets the Orange County element into construction. This project matters too much to Orange County to lose momentum now.” The Sabine Pass to Galveston Bay project will strengthen storm surge protection across Orange County, where more than 86,000 Texans live & work and nearly $5.9 billion in economic activity is generated each year. We remain committed to working with our federal, state, and local partners to see this project through and deliver it for the people of Orange County. This effort is supported by the Gulf Coast Protection District. Read the full letter here.",1,2026-08-20T05:28:41Z,2026-08-20T05:29:58Z https://williams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-williams-celebrates-five-tx-25-school-districts-named-among,Congressman Williams Celebrates Five TX-25 School Districts Named Among North Texas’ Top 10,2026-08-19,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,TX,Roger Williams,W000816,williams.house.gov,williams,https://williams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Roger Williams (TX-25), Chairman of the House Committee on Small Business, recognized five outstanding school districts in Texas’ 25th Congressional District for being named among the Top 10 school districts in North Texas based on the latest Texas Education Agency accountability ratings. The recognized districts are: Huckabay Independent School District – Erath County Dublin Independent School District – Erath County Aledo Independent School District – Parker County Palo Pinto Independent School District – Palo Pinto County Graford Independent School District – Palo Pinto County “I am proud to see Huckabay, Dublin, Aledo, Palo Pinto, and Graford recognized among the top school districts in North Texas,” said Congressman Williams.“What makes these schools special is the opportunities they give students to shape the course of their lives. Through these schools' commitment to excellence, these districts are helping prepare the next generation to enter the workforce and succeed in every profession.” Congressman Williams applauded the districts’ commitment to preparing the next generation of students to succeed. ###",1,2026-08-20T05:28:41Z,2026-08-20T05:29:58Z https://moran.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2870,Newsweek: The AI We’re Building Needs a Kill Switch,2026-08-19,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,TX,Nathaniel Moran,M001224,moran.house.gov,nathanielmoran,https://moran.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"In 1951, Alan Turing, the father of modern computing, looked at the thinking machines he helped invent and offered a quiet warning. Once machines could learn and reason for themselves, he said, “we should have to expect the machines to take control.” For decades, that read like science fiction. But, this summer, it started to read like a forecast. Within weeks of one another, three of America’s leading AI labs disclosed that during safety testing their most advanced systems had slipped the boundaries set for them—reaching networks meant to be off limits and in some cases breaking into real companies before anyone intervened. These were controlled tests, not intentional attacks. But machines built to follow instructions began to act on their own, in ways their own creators didn’t intend or anticipate. These are exactly the scenarios a safeguard must be ready for, and why we introduced the bipartisan AI Kill Switch Act. The idea is common sense: the most powerful AI systems—the ones capable of supercharging a cyberattack or enhancing a chemical or biological weapon—should be built so that a human can always stop them. Our bill directs the DHS Secretary to require developers of these frontier systems to build in ways for humans to intervene: to slow a model down, cut off user access, roll it back, or, in a true emergency, completely shut it off. Safety and innovation are not mutually exclusive. And, we both understand that the AI race has important international implications. America must lead, and nothing about our bill slows down our ability to do just that. Our approach avoids burdensome regulations that stifle innovation or reduce competition. To the contrary, our bill simply mandates reasonable safety measures for the largest, most capable commercial systems—the handful powerful enough to cause serious economic harm or threaten national security and public safety. Our proposal leaves ordinary software, small businesses, academic research, and personal use untouched. It calls only for a proportionate response when covered incidents occur, matched to the seriousness of the threat, with a full shutdown reserved only for absolute emergencies. Government policymaking will never keep pace with AI advancement. But, what it can (and should) do is put basic safety measures in place that keep humans in the loop and in control. Don’t take our word for it, though. The industry is calling for AI safety. Geoffrey Hinton, often called the “godfather of AI,” left his position at Google to warn that these systems could one day slip beyond human control. And just this summer, more than 1,300 employees of America’s leading AI companies—including the chief executive of Anthropic, the top scientist at OpenAI and Meta, and a co-founder of Google DeepMind—signed an open letter, “Pacing the Frontier,” asking the U.S. government to help develop “the technical and governance tools needed to deliberately pace the frontier” of AI development. Consider that for a moment: the people racing to build the most powerful machines on earth asked Washington to help keep them under control. When the pioneers of an innovation speak in such solidarity, we should listen. Our bill is a reasoned, prudent, and narrowly tailored response to a real risk. A kill switch does nothing to constrain the intended capabilities of an AI system; it simply insists that when Americans hand extraordinary power to a machine, a human needs to stay in charge of it. Mandating a commonsense off switch on the most dangerous systems is well short of the heavy-handed regulation that could smother a young industry. The bill applies to AI models that have already been built, which by definition does not stop innovation. It’s the lightest of government touches, and one that more than 86% of all Americans agree should happen, regardless of party affiliation. Consider who is making this argument together. One of us is a Republican from Texas; the other a Democrat from California. We certainly disagree on plenty. But the safety of the American people is not one of those areas of disagreement, and neither is the principle that a technology this powerful must remain under human control. America’s innovators are building tools of astonishing promise, and we want them to keep leading the world. But leadership the world can trust requires that our most powerful systems stay safe, accountable, and answerable to us. This bill delivers that trust. The time to act is now. Let’s mandate a kill switch in the hopes that we never need to use it. But let’s do so knowing that, if we need it, it will be there—under the direction of humans and for the benefit of humans. Nathaniel Moran is the Republican representative for Texas' 1st Congressional district. Ted Lieu is the Democratic representative for California's 36th Congressional district.",1,2026-08-26T05:33:32Z,2026-08-26T05:34:56Z https://delacruz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3973,De La Cruz Holds Hidalgo County Congressional Record Ceremony,2026-08-17,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,TX,Monica De La Cruz,D000594,delacruz.house.gov,delacruz,https://delacruz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"WASHINGTON - Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) held her 3rd Annual Congressional Record Ceremony in Hidalgo County to present students, community members, and law enforcement officers with their official Congressional Record. ""It was an honor to present each of our Hidalgo County honorees with their official Congressional Record. As your Congresswoman, one of my greatest privileges is sharing our community's inspiring stories on the House floor and ensuring their achievements are forever preserved in our nation's history."" - Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz Background: During the ceremony, De La Cruz presented the following honorees with their official Congressional Record: The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Football Team for their record-breaking inaugural season Miss Aurora Guzman from McAllen Memorial High School on her selection as a Texas Girls Coaches Association All-Star Player Mr. Jonathan Rodriguez, U.S. history teacher at Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Memorial Early College High School, who jumped into action to rescue one of his former students following a vehicle collision McCreery Aviation for their 80 years of exceptional service to South Texas Life and service of Mrs. Sabrina Walker-Hernandez Life and service of Dr. Lawrence Gelman Life and military service of Ret. Air Force Major and Former Commander Homer Z. Gallegos Sergeant Estela Rodriguez of the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office for her retirement after 32 years in law enforcement Texas Department of Public Safety Officers, Trooper Juan Zuniga and Trooper Roman Gonzalez Police Chief Jaime Ayala of the Edinburg Police Department, recipient of the Mike Gentry Executive Leadership Award by the Texas Police Chiefs Association",1,2026-08-20T05:28:41Z,2026-08-20T05:29:58Z https://gill.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-gill-investigates-mckinsey-promotion-discriminatory-hiring-practices,Rep. Gill Investigates McKinsey for Promotion of Discriminatory Hiring Practices in the Workplace that Cost U.S. Billions,2026-08-17,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,TX,Brandon Gill,G000603,gill.house.gov,gill,https://gill.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Task Force on Defending Constitutional Rights and Exposing Institutional Abuses Chairman Brandon Gill (R-Texas) is investigating prominent consulting group McKinsey & Company for its heavy-handed promotion of discriminatory diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices in American companies. McKinsey published several pro-DEI reports that proactively influence American companies and fiduciaries to make hiring and investment decisions based on “diversity,” asserting that companies that hire more “diverse” candidates into management positions are more likely to see improved financial performance and productivity. In a letter to McKinsey Global Managing Partner Robert Sternfels, Task Force Chairman Gill requests McKinsey provide to the Task Force all documents and communications relating to the underlying datasets, processes and procedures, and academic review of the four DEI reports. “McKinsey published four reports titled Why Diversity Matters (2015), Delivering Through Diversity (2018), Diversity Wins (2020),and Diversity Matters Even More (2023). These reports allege strong links between companies with increased levels of racial and gender ‘diversity,’ emphasizing that increased diversity in companies causes a greater likelihood of improved financial performance,” wrote Task Force Chairman Gill. “These McKinsey reports have been highly influential, being cited by publicly traded companies, asset managers, proxy advisory firms, and banking institutions, among others, as cause for embedding illegal racial and sex-based targets into hiring, promotion, executive compensation, and asset manager proxy voting policies.” Researchers assessing McKinsey’s DEI reports have been unable to replicate the results, and suggest that McKinsey likely swapped the cause and effect in its DEI conclusions. The broad implementation of discriminatory DEI hiring and promotion practices has cost the U.S. economy billions of dollars in foregone revenue, including roughly $94 billion in just 2023 alone. McKinsey continues to stand by its findings, even though no such correlation between a company’s racial and gender diversity and its financial performance exists. While the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination based upon race and sex, McKinsey’s DEI reports encourage companies to discriminate in that way, and are ultimately based upon unverified and questionable data. This letter is part of the Task Force’s larger investigation into harmful DEI practices and its commitment to rooting them out of American industries and institutions. “In corporate stewardship, the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) Investment Office cited two of the McKinsey DEI reports in its explanation for voting against three board members of P.A.M. Transportation Services, Inc. who had failed to satisfy its board diversity demands. [This is one of] a few examples of the compelling influences of the McKinsey DEI reports and reflect the importance of establishing the reports’ integrity. While McKinsey has claimed the DEI studies only found a correlative link between DEI and financial outperformance, McKinsey spokeswoman and the author of four of the DEI reports Vivian Hunt publicly asserted that ‘the leading companies in our datasets are pursuing diversity because it’s a business imperative and driving real business results.’ Further, McKinsey has not publicly released its underlying datasets used to produce its DEI reports,” concluded Task Force Chairman Gill. Read the letter here. ###",1,2026-08-20T05:28:41Z,2026-08-20T05:29:58Z https://mccaul.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/mccaul-returns-bold-visit-taiwan,McCaul Returns from Bold Visit to Taiwan,2026-08-14,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,TX,Michael T. McCaul,M001157,mccaul.house.gov,mccaul,https://mccaul.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Emeritus Michael McCaul concluded his third visit to Taiwan. While there, he gave a keynote speech at a forum focused on Indo-Pacific security and met with high-level officials including President Lai, who conferred the Order of Brilliant Star with Special Grand Cordon on him for his support of Taiwan. Chairman Emeritus McCaul released the following statement on his trip: ""At a time when the stakes couldn't be higher, I was proud to visit Taiwan for the third time to reaffirm the United States' unwavering support. The increasing belligerence of the Chinese Communist Party poses a direct threat — not only to Taiwan, but to the entire global balance of power. That's why I've been proud to support Taiwan, from championing the 2024 supplemental bill to spearheading AUKUS legislation to bolstering U.S.-Taiwan economic ties. I'm honored to receive the Brilliant Star from President Lai and will continue standing with Taiwan as we pursue a free and democratic future in which peace through strength prevails."" McCaul delivered the keynote speech at Taiwan's Ketagalan Forum, a conference on security across the Indo-Pacific. In his remarks, he emphasized how the U.S. is honoring its commitments to Taiwan under the Taiwan Relations Act. Image Click to watch McCaul's keynote speech Next, McCaul met with President Lai Ching-te, who conferred the Order of Brilliant Star with Special Grand Cordon on him for his support of Taiwan. McCaul previously visited President Lai immediately after his inauguration. In response, the CCP conducted war games around the island throughout that visit and sanctioned McCaul. During this week's meeting, McCaul spoke about how the CCP's aggression has only reinforced his commitment to support a free and peaceful Taiwan. McCaul receives the Order of Brilliant Star with Special Grand Cordon from President Lai (photos courtesy of the president's office) McCaul gifts President Lai a Texas A&M baseball jersey in recognition of Taiwan's love of baseball McCaul also met with Taiwan's Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao, who discussed Taiwan's efforts to integrate artificial intelligence into its defense technologies. McCaul with Vice President Hsiao at the Grand Hotel in Taipei The Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted a luncheon with McCaul, during which he and Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung discussed the ties between Texas and Taiwan — particularly Taiwan's recent investments in the semiconductor and technology industries in the Lone Star State. McCaul with Foreign Minister Lin and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs McCaul also met with members of Taiwan's parliament — the Legislative Yuan — and its speaker, President Han Kuo-yu, who presented McCaul with an array of Taiwanese fruits. In the meeting, legislative members discussed Taiwan's recent defense budget and the importance of drone production and coproduction with Taiwan. McCaul with President Han and other members of the Yuan Before departing Taiwan, McCaul participated in meetings with Taiwan's National Security Council and Ministry of National Defense to discuss strengthening Taiwan's defenses against the CCP's malign agenda in the region. He also visited Shield AI, a U.S. drone company operating in Taiwan, and Taiwan's Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI). ITRI is the first organization outside the U.S. to certify that its drones contain no parts made in Communist China — a tremendous step toward freedom from CCP influence in their defense industry. McCaul at the Industrial Technology Research Institute",1,2026-08-15T05:23:20Z,2026-08-15T05:24:50Z https://delacruz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3974,"De La Cruz, Acting Labor Secretary Sonderling Visit Hidalgo County",2026-08-13,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,TX,Monica De La Cruz,D000594,delacruz.house.gov,delacruz,https://delacruz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) brought Acting Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling to Hidalgo County to address critical workforce shortages with local manufacturing and agricultural leaders. To start the day, De La Cruz and Acting Secretary Sonderling toured Stanley Black & Decker’s Mission facility with CEO Chris Nelson and celebrated their new $1 billion investment in U.S. manufacturing. Stanley Black & Decker is a vital part of our South Texas community, supporting over 300 local jobs, with further growth ahead. Following the tour, De La Cruz and Acting Secretary Sonderling hosted a roundtable with Rio Farms, Inc. on Texas agricultural labor challenges and highlighted De La Cruz’s Fair Wages for Farm Workers Act. The legislation codifies Department of Labor rulings to streamline H-2A visas and provide certainty for Texas farmers. Watch the Congresswoman's full video recap here.",1,2026-08-20T05:28:41Z,2026-08-20T05:29:58Z https://cloud.house.gov/posts/victoria-advocate-marks-180-years-of-journalism-with-congressional-recognition,Victoria Advocate Marks 180 Years of Journalism with Congressional Recognition,2026-08-12,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,TX,Michael Cloud,C001115,cloud.house.gov,cloud,https://cloud.house.gov/press,scraper,"The Victoria Advocate Jakob Gurley | August 12th, 2026 The Victoria Advocate is marking 180 years of serving the Crossroads, a milestone recognized by Congressman Michael Cloud with an entry in the Congressional Record honoring the newspaper’s history and contributions to South Texas. Cloud visited the Advocate on Wednesday to congratulate staff and present a copy of the congressional recognition. “Really excited to be here, just wanted to stop by and congratulate you all for really carrying on a legacy,” Cloud said. “180 years is pretty remarkable.” Cloud noted the longevity of the newspaper at a time when many businesses do not survive their first decade. “You think that most businesses don’t make it to the five-year mark or even the 10-year mark, and so 180 years being in this community, making a difference is pretty remarkable,” Cloud said. Cloud said the recognition was entered into the Congressional Record to commemorate the Advocate’s anniversary and its role in documenting nearly two centuries of Texas history. Carpenter Media Group Texas Regional Publisher Justin Wilcox said the recognition reflects the work of generations who have contributed to the newspaper. “Having Congressman Michael Cloud and the U.S. Congress recognize the Victoria Advocate’s 180th anniversary is an extraordinary honor and a testament to the generations of journalists, employees and community members who have sustained this institution since 1846,” Wilcox said. “For 180 years, the Advocate has chronicled the triumphs, challenges and everyday stories of the Crossroads,” he added. “This congressional recognition honors not only our history, but also our continued commitment to serving our readers with strong, independent local journalism for generations to come.” The newspaper traces its beginnings to 1846, when John D. Logan and Thomas Sterne, publishers from Van Buren, Arkansas, established the Texan Advocate as a weekly newspaper. The publication was founded about six months after Texas was annexed by the United States. During its first year, Texas historian and journalist John Henry Brown briefly served as one of its editors. The newspaper later became known as the Texian Advocate and went through several ownership changes before Sam Addison White purchased it in 1859 and renamed it the Victoria Advocate. The Advocate expanded alongside Victoria during the latter half of the 19th century. Publisher James McDonald introduced a daily edition in 1897, while George Henry French later led the newspaper for four decades and expanded its reach throughout the region. In 1942, Morris Roberts and a group of local civic leaders acquired the Advocate. Roberts became its sole owner in 1961 and worked alongside his children, John M. Roberts and Catherine R. McHaney. The newspaper eventually became part of M. Roberts Media as the company expanded its newspaper holdings and adopted the name in 2015. Carpenter Media Group acquired the Advocate in 2024. Cloud’s congressional statement recognized generations of Advocate employees who have documented the people, institutions and events shaping Victoria and surrounding communities. “For nearly as long as Texas has been a state, the Victoria Advocate has remained dedicated to informing the public, holding institutions accountable, preserving local history and celebrating the people who make the Crossroads region unique,” the statement reads. The recognition also highlighted the Advocate’s longstanding role as a community forum and its continued transition into the digital era while maintaining its focus on local journalism. Cloud concluded the congressional recognition by congratulating the newspaper’s publishers, editors, reporters, photographers and staff, both past and present, for their work. “May the Victoria Advocate continue to inform, inspire and serve its community for generations to come,” the statement reads. Cloud said reaching the 180-year milestone represents a legacy worth recognizing.",1,2026-08-14T06:13:05Z,2026-08-14T06:14:08Z https://mccaul.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/mccaul-hoyer-colleagues-introduce-lindsey-o-graham-sanctioning-russia,"McCaul, Hoyer, Colleagues Introduce the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026",2026-08-10,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,TX,Michael T. McCaul,M001157,mccaul.house.gov,mccaul,https://mccaul.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Emeritus Michael McCaul (R-Texas) and Congressman Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) introduced the bipartisan Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 alongside 16 of their colleagues. This legislation — which honors the late Senator Lindsey Graham, who worked on the bill for more than a year and secured the White House’s support — will hold major purchasers of Russian oil and gas accountable for supporting Russia’s war against Ukraine and extend sanctions that restrict funding for Iran’s energy and weapons sectors. “Senator Graham was a national security giant, a statesman of unmatched conviction, and a personal friend and mentor. We shared a fundamental worldview: America is strongest at home when it projects strength abroad. That’s why he fought so hard for this bill, which I promised him months ago I would introduce in the House,” said Rep. McCaul. “As President Zelensky told me last month when I visited Ukraine, he is ready for a ceasefire — ready to negotiate, as he has been for years. Putin, on the other hand, consistently defies President Trump and the international community by refusing to come to the table. I can think of no better way to honor Senator Graham’s life and legacy than by passing these tough sanctions, which will help force Putin into negotiations and bring us closer to securing Lindsey’s vision of enduring peace in two critical regions of the world.” “Democracy is presently under threat from despotism, and Congress must act to defend democracy and help Ukraine defeat Vladimir Putin’s effort to extinguish its liberty and sovereignty. Our legislation goes after multiple sources of Russian war funding, including its oil and gas sectors, shadow fleet, and financial institutions. I’m encouraged that the Senate passed the companion legislation last week with overwhelming support, and I thank former Chairman McCaul for partnering with me to facilitate action by the House. This action has been delayed too long and will, hopefully, accelerate Ukraine’s success and the ending of this war, one that was initiated illegally by Putin and that has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths of Russians and Ukrainians. I hope that we can secure bipartisan consensus in the House and enact a sanctions package that will stem the flow of money to Russia’s war machine and contribute to a Ukrainian victory,"" said Rep. Hoyer. Earlier this month, an overwhelming bipartisan majority in the Senate voted to pass companion legislation, by a vote of 86-11, led by Sens. Darline Graham (R-S.C.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Jim Risch (R-Idaho). The text of the House bill is identical to the text that passed the Senate. “This legislation was deeply important to my brother, Lindsey, and I’m grateful that it has achieved such a wide coalition of support. Lindsey was committed to achieving a peaceful resolution to this war, and I’m confident that these sanctions will pave the way,” said Sen. Darline Graham. “I’m grateful to Rep. McCaul for leading this effort in the House. The Senate came together in a strong, bipartisan fashion to pass the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, and I hope the House of Representatives will do the same. Russia has waged war against Ukraine for far too long, and this bill assists President Trump in his noble efforts to bring it to a close.” “Representatives McCaul, Hoyer, Wilson, Kaptur, and Fitzpatrick are longtime champions of Ukraine’s cause and I am glad to have them leading our legislation in the House of Representatives. After a massive bipartisan vote in the Senate, we are eager to turn to the House as we fight to get this legislation across the finish line. There is immense urgency in getting this done – July set a record for Russia’s use of ballistic missiles, killing and wounding dozens of Ukrainians, including many children. Cutting off the source of funding – profits from oil and gas – for these deadly weapons and Russia’s war machine is essential to ending the bloodshed,” said Sen. Blumenthal. Joining McCaul and Hoyer as original cosponsors are Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus Joe Wilson (R-S.C.); Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio); Co-Chair of the House Baltic Caucus Don Bacon (R-Neb.); Rep. Jake Auchincloss (D-Mass.), House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers (R-Ala.), Reps. Jill Tokuda (D-Hawaii), Mike Turner (R-Ohio), Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.), Ann Wagner (R-Mo.), Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.), Andy Barr (R-Ky.), and Ed Case (D-Hawaii); Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.); and Reps. Eugene Vindman (D-Va.), Nathaniel Moran (R-Texas), and Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.). ""Senator Lindsey Graham and I shared the belief that opposing dictators in defense of freedom and liberty is always the right thing to do. War criminal Putin is losing his invasion of sovereign Ukraine and the threat to humanity posed by the Iranian regime is dire. It is time for Congress to give President Trump the strongest tools available to choke off Russia's war machine for the good of mankind and cripple the ability of Tehran to continue sowing chaos in the region and beyond. My friend and colleague worked tirelessly in championing these critical initiatives, and I am grateful to help advance them across the finish line in the House,” said Rep. Wilson. “Dictator Vladimir Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine is failing—Ukraine is battering Russian war infrastructure and the Kremlin is losing tens of thousands of troops each month. Now is the time to intensify pressure on Putin through crippling sanctions while surging support for our Ukrainian allies,” said Rep. Kaptur. “Putin will not make peace until he is forced to. I have been a supporter of every bipartisan sanctions bill on the table to pressure Russia to end its illegal full-scale invasion, and I am confident that the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 will accomplish that mission. Designed to protect our allies who aid Ukraine while squeezing Putin and the countries that enable his invasion, the sweeping sanctions and targeted tariffs in this bill are the best chance we have to get bipartisan legislation signed into law to hold Russia accountable and achieve peace.” “Putin’s illegal war is failing, but he will not choose peace until the cost becomes too high for Russia and those helping fund his brutality,” said Rep. Bacon. “Senator Lindsey Graham was one of Congress’s clearest voices for Ukraine, understood that Putin only responds to strength, and worked until his final days to advance the toughest sanctions package yet against Russia’s war machine. The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act would impose crippling pressure on Russia and those enabling Putin’s aggression, honor Sen. Graham’s commitment to Ukraine’s fight for freedom, and make clear that America stands with Ukraine.” “Since 2022, I have called on both Biden and Trump to empower Ukraine to win this war through both strikes and sanctions on Russian oil infrastructure. The strikes are finally happening, and with this bill the sanctions are coming,” said Rep. Auchincloss. ""I am proud to join in introducing this legislation to sanction Vladimir Putin and his thugs as well as the Iran and its terrorist regime,” said Rep. Rogers. “Every dollar denied to Vladimir Putin weakens his war machine. By choking off the oil and gas revenue fueling Russia's aggression, this legislation gives President Trump powerful leverage to force Putin into serious negotiations that deliver a truly lasting peace. Including additional sanctions on Iran is equally critical given the terrorist regime’s continued threats to freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and its role in enabling Russia’s war against Ukraine. This legislation strengthens America’s hand against adversaries who threaten American security, our allies, and global stability.” ""It is long past time for Congress to impose tougher consequences on Russia and those financing its illegal war against Ukraine. I'm proud to support this updated legislation, which targets major purchasers of Russian oil and gas that continue to fund the Kremlin's aggression. This war has resulted in an estimated 2 million casualties, including more than half a million deaths. The United States must continue standing with the Ukrainian people and keep the pressure on Russia to agree to a just and lasting peace that preserves a free, sovereign, and independent Ukraine,” said Rep. Tokuda. “For more than four years, the Ukrainian people have fought courageously to defend their sovereignty, and their resolve is paying off. Lindsey Graham understood that standing with nations fighting for freedom strengthens America’s own security, and until his final days, he was pressing for stronger sanctions against Russia,” said Rep. Turner. “This legislation honors that legacy, sends a clear message to Vladimir Putin that he cannot outlast Ukraine or the free world, and gives President Trump another powerful tool to pressure Russia, bring Putin to the negotiating table, and help restore peace to the region.” “To end Russia’s unprovoked and deadly invasion of Ukraine, we must enact maximum financial pain on Vladimir Putin and his cronies. I will not stand idly by while countless people are killed due to Putin’s doomed quest to reconstitute the Soviet Union. I am beyond proud to join my colleagues in introducing this sweeping sanctions legislation that will enact severe financial penalties against Putin, his allies, and those who choose to do business with him. The largest war in Europe since World War II must come to an end, and I am confident these measures will accelerate that process. I am also pleased this bill extends the Iran Sanctions Act to ensure all available measures are available to cripple the terrorist Iranian regime. These necessary sanctions are a fitting legacy to honor the late Senator Lindsey Graham, a friend and colleague who continually fought for freedom, democracy, and against tyrannical regimes like Russia and Iran,” said Rep. Wagner. ""Vladimir Putin and the regime in Tehran are two of the gravest threats to America and our allies. For far too long, they've bankrolled their aggression by selling oil and gas to whoever will buy it,” said Rep. Gottheimer. ""This bipartisan legislation cuts off those funding streams: holding accountable anyone who fills Putin's war chest as he wages his brutal, illegal war against Ukraine, and choking off the money that fuels Iran's weapons programs and its terror proxies. I was proud to see the Senate pass this bill with an overwhelming, bipartisan majority, and now it's on the House to finish the job. I can think of no better tribute to Senator Lindsey Graham — a national security champion — than enacting the tough sanctions he fought so hard for. Standing up to tyrants isn't a Democratic or Republican issue; it's an American one."" “By targeting the energy revenues and financial networks that fuel Putin’s war machine and enable the Iranian regime’s terrorist activities, this bipartisan legislation strengthens America’s ability to impose real economic consequences on our adversaries,” said Rep. Barr. “Senator Graham understood that harnessing America’s full strength from our financial system to our military is essential to deterring aggression, defending our allies, and advancing peace. I’m proud to join my colleagues to help carry forward that legacy.” “Senator Graham believed, as I do, that American strength remains the surest guardian of peace,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. “That conviction guided our work together on this legislation. Putin’s war machine runs on oil, money, and the willingness of others to look the other way—and the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 attacks all three. It isolates Russia’s banks, shuts down the networks financing its aggression, and forces every government and company enabling this war to make a choice. By increasing the cost of Putin’s war and reducing his ability to sustain it, this legislation strengthens the path to a just and lasting peace—one determined by Ukraine, not imposed by Moscow. The most fitting tribute Congress can offer Lindsey is to finish the work he began, carry forward the cause of freedom he championed, and make clear that America’s resolve will endure until that peace is secured.” “Supporting a strong, free Ukraine is imperative for the national security of our communities here at home. Sanctioning Russia and Putin sends a direct message to the world: the United States will not sit by while brutal regimes bankroll aggression against democratic nations,” said Rep. Vindman. “I am proud to be a co-sponsor of this essential legislation. We must continue to escalate the economic pressure on the Kremlin and strengthen our resolve for the Ukrainian people as they fight for their freedom, sovereignty, and security.” ""Russia is perpetrating a war of aggression, and we must keep the pressure on Vladimir Putin. This action is long overdue, but we are finally moving forward with the resolve this moment demands. These sanctions will erode Russia's war machine by cutting off the revenue that funds it. We must hold those who are fueling this war accountable. These sanctions focus on Russia but will also target dangerous Chinese entities which support the Russian defense industrial base. Peace is the goal, and these mechanisms give the President the tools to achieve that goal,” said Rep. Moran. “For more than four years, Ukrainians have courageously defended their freedom against Putin’s brutal invasion. The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act would increase pressure on the Kremlin, hold those supporting its war accountable, and strengthen Ukraine’s position in pursuit of a just peace,"" said Rep. Houlahan. “The bill also extends longstanding sanctions against Iran. Sanctions cannot replace a clear strategy or the President’s obligation to seek congressional authorization for war, but they remain an important diplomatic tool. I am proud to cosponsor this legislation.”",1,2026-08-11T05:54:29Z,2026-08-11T05:56:25Z https://vanduyne.house.gov/2026/8/rep-van-duyne-introduces-bipartisan-legislation-to-bring-regulatory-clarity-to-hemp-derived-beverages,Rep. Van Duyne Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Bring Regulatory Clarity to Hemp-derived Beverages,2026-08-10,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,TX,Beth Van Duyne,V000134,vanduyne.house.gov,vanduyne,https://vanduyne.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Beth Van Duyne (R-TX-24) and Greg Landsman (D-OH-01) introduced the Beverage Regulatory Parity Act. The bill gives Congress a targeted framework that protects children, provides regulatory certainty, and allows responsible hemp beverage companies to operate under clear standards. A federal deadline set to take effect November 12, 2026, threatens to all but eliminate the legal marketplace for hemp-derived beverages. The Beverage Regulatory Parity Act offers a targeted alternative, by establishing a three-tier distribution system along with labeling, advertising, and trade-practice rules that have governed alcohol for nearly a century. “I’ve heard directly from people across North Texas who consume hemp-derived beverages, and businesses who sell them, that they need clarity, not a ban that pushes this market underground,” said Rep. Van Duyne. “The Beverage Regulatory Parity Act brings long-overdue certainty to the industry by regulating these beverages with the same proven structure that has successfully governed alcohol for decades. I am glad to introduce this bipartisan legislation alongside Rep. Greg Landsman, because American families and responsible businesses deserve structure and sensible regulations that protect children while allowing adults to choose beverages they prefer.” “There are people all over Southwest Ohio who have invested significantly in these products, and they’ve done so safely,” said Rep. Landsman. “Now the federal government is telling them they can’t sell these products anymore. Our bill is bipartisan and very straightforward. It will keep people safe and let these folks stay in business.” “For nearly a century, the alcohol regulatory system has kept consumers safe while giving legitimate businesses clear rules to operate under. Rep. Van Duyne’s bill extends that same proven framework to hemp-derived beverages. WSWA is proud to support this legislation and thanks the Congresswoman for her leadership in addressing products that have grown in popularity and are already on store shelves. We urge Congress to act before the November 12 deadline eliminates responsible options from the marketplace entirely.” – Dawson Hobbs, EVP of Government Affairs, WSWA (Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America) “The Texas Package Stores Association applauds Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne for taking a strong, common-sense approach to regulating hemp-derived beverages—one that protects children while preserving the freedom of adults to make responsible choices,” said Lance Lively, Executive Director of the Texas Package Stores Association. “Congresswoman Van Duyne understands that personal freedom and personal responsibility go hand in hand, and that a strong, regulated marketplace is the best way to keep intoxicating products out of the hands of children while ensuring responsible adults have access to legal products.” “The Coalition for Adult Beverage Alternatives has long called for one thing: regulate low-dose hemp beverages like alcohol. The Beverage Regulatory Parity Act is delivering on that ask, and we are proud to stand firmly behind it. From trade practices to dosage limitations to taxation, this legislation moves us toward the parity our industry needs and deserves. Most critically, the Beverage Regulatory Parity Act codifies the three-tier system for hemp beverages, the same framework that has made the United States alcohol regulatory model the safest in the world. This structure works because it creates accountability at every level of the supply chain, ensures regulation through chain of custody, and keeps products out of the hands of minors. We commend Congresswoman Van Duyne and Congressman Landsman for introducing this legislation, which establishes sensible regulation that prioritizes consumer protection and safe access.” – Diana Eberlein, Chair, Coalition for Adult Beverage Alternatives “As a United States Marine Corps veteran and Founder of the American Alternative Care Policy Network, I commend Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne for her leadership in supporting responsible federal policy for consumable hemp beverages. Veterans deserve access to safe, legal, and responsibly regulated wellness options. Clear standards for testing, labeling, and consumer protection can safeguard the public while preserving the ability of veterans and other Americans to make informed choices about their own wellness. AACPN supports Congresswoman Van Duyne’s efforts to establish a balanced federal framework that protects consumers, preserves responsible access, and ensures veterans remain part of this important policy conversation.” – Adrian Bruneau, Founder, American Alternative Care Policy Network (AACPN) | U.S. Marine Corps Veteran “Total Wine & More applauds Representatives Beth Van Duyne and Greg Landsman for introducing the Beverage Regulatory Parity Act, which brings low-dose hemp-infused beverages into the same three-tier system that has safely regulated beer, wine, and spirits for decades. This framework, with licensed manufacturers, distributors, and retailers, along with age verification, testing, and labeling standards, is a smart way to protect consumers while giving responsible businesses certainty. We thank Representatives Van Duyne and Landsman for their leadership and urge Congress to act quickly to pass this legislation.” – Total Wine & More “The Hemp Beverage Alliance strongly supports the Beverage Regulatory Parity Act,” said Christopher Lackner, founder and president, Hemp Beverage Alliance. ""The alcohol regulatory system is a proven success that consumers trust. The three-tier system will protect public health, require strong product testing and quality control, ensure products are kept away from children, and allow responsible adults to enjoy hemp beverages as they would any other adult beverage.” “The Beverage Regulatory Parity Act is a thoughtful and serious approach to regulating hemp beverages in the United States,” said John Bodnovich, Executive Director of American Beverage Licensees. “Licensed beverage retailers have been consistent in calling for a safe, well-regulated, and accountable marketplace for hemp beverages, just as they have supported the effective system of state-based alcohol regulation that promotes public safety and responsibility while meeting consumer needs. We applaud Representatives Van Duyne and Landsman for their bipartisan leadership and their work to develop this important legislation.” “We applaud Representatives Van Duyne and Landsman for putting forward a regulatory framework for low dose hemp beverages that aligns interests and addresses consumer demand,” said Jonathan Grella, spokesperson for BAMCO. “Their bill provides a path to a safe, regulated marketplace for low-dose hemp beverages while removing the synthetic and inhalable products that have raised serious concerns. We look forward to working with Representatives Van Duyne and Landsman to build on the proven safeguards of the beverage alcohol system and get the regulation right.” What the Beverage Regulatory Parity Act Does: Establishes a clear three-tier distribution system for hemp-derived beverages that mirrors the long-proven alcohol model. This structure aims to keep the market orderly and accountable from production all the way to the store shelf. Protects children by putting strong labeling and advertising rules in place – prohibiting any labels, graphics, or ads designed to appeal to kids. Protects states’ rights ensuring nothing in the bill stops any state from adding their own rules or prohibiting hemp-derived beverages completely. Imposes a nationwide 21-and-over standard, mandatory testing, TTB permits, strict THC limits, and detailed risk warnings. Bans synthetically derived cannabinoids to ensure only natural plant-based compounds end up in these beverages eliminating any unpredictable lab-made substances. Institutes a straightforward federal excise tax, similar to alcohol, on each milligram of intoxicating THC in a hemp-derived beverage This bill establishes responsible federal rules that keep these products out of the hands of minors, while ensuring fair competition, and allowing the states to maintain full control of their own laws. The Beverage Regulatory Parity Act is supported by: Beverage Alcohol Merchants Coalition (BAMCO), Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA), Texas Package Stores Association (TPSA), Specs Wine, Spirits & Fine Foods, Coalition of Adult Beverage Alternatives (CABA), Hemp Beverage Alliance (HBA), American Alternative Care Policy Network (AACPN), Total Wine & More, American Beverage Licensees (ABL), Beverage Wholesalers for Responsible Regulation (BWRR), and Texas Food & Fuel Association. EXCLUSIVE: Politico first reported on this story. Read that story HERE. Click HERE to read the full bill text.",1,2026-08-11T05:54:29Z,2026-08-11T05:56:25Z https://cloud.house.gov/posts/congress-members-introduce-bills-to-support-corpus-christi-army-depot,Congress Members Introduce Bills to Support Corpus Christi Army Depot,2026-08-10,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,TX,Michael Cloud,C001115,cloud.house.gov,cloud,https://cloud.house.gov/press,scraper,"Bills in Congress could benefit Corpus Christi Army Depot Corpus Christi Caller Times Olivia Garrett | August 10th, 2026 Three members of the U.S. Congress representing the Coastal Bend have joined to introduce a bill to improve funding transparency for installations like the Corpus Christi Army Depot. U.S. Rep. Michael Cloud, Sen. John Cornyn, Rep. Vicente Gonzalez and Sen. John Fetterman introduced the bipartisan, bicameral Depot Data Transparency Act. Cloud, Cornyn and Gonzalez all represent the Coastal Bend. Fetterman is from Pennsylvania. Over the past decade, the civilian workforce and workload at the Corpus Christi Army Depot has shrunk, alarming community and military leaders concerned about the impact on the local economy, as well as national defense and strategic resiliency. “Over the past decade, Corpus Christi Army Depot’s highly-trained civilian workforce has dropped by thousands due to the Army’s increasing reliance on private companies for helicopter repair work,” Gonzalez said in a news release. “This is a federal issue hurting depots across the country and requires a federal solution; it starts with bringing greater transparency to the Army’s maintenance and overhaul schedule. “Our bill builds on bipartisan language we secured in the House-passed National Defense Authorization Act, and would ensure we protect South Texas’s military competitiveness and the thousands of workers it employs.” If made law, the Depot Data Transparency Act would require the U.S. Department of Defense to submit annual reports for military installations detailing how maintenance and repair work is divided between private companies and military depots. Another bill, the DEPOTS Act, would authorize the U.S. secretary of defense to use surpluses to write off internal Department of Defense debts affecting depots because of planned government work that has been canceled. This would not apply to payments owed to commercial contractors. “Texas’ two extraordinary Organic Industrial Base sites, the Corpus Christi and Red River Army Depots, make immeasurable, ongoing contributions to our nation’s defense readiness, from remanufacturing and sustaining rotary-wing aircraft to remanufacturing and overhauling tactical wheeled vehicles,” Cornyn said in a news release. “We must provide budgetary flexibility so they are not hampered by financial losses from cancelled government work.” “The DEPOTS Act is a commonsense flexibility for a real problem,” Cloud said in a news release. “Depots shouldn’t face the adverse effects alone due to mission changes by the Department of War and Congress. Corpus Christi Army Depot does critical work keeping our service members’ aircraft safe and reliable, and this practical reform keeps our Army’s and the nation’s rotary aircraft operational and, in the fight.” Cornyn and Gonzalez visited the Corpus Christi Army Depot in March with Army Under Secretary Mike Obadal, local leaders and a representative from Cloud’s office.",1,2026-08-12T06:18:38Z,2026-08-12T06:20:33Z https://cloud.house.gov/posts/release-congressman-michael-cloud-and-senator-cornyn-introduce-two-companion-bills-the-depots-act-and-depot-data-transparency-act,RELEASE: Congressman Michael Cloud and Senator Cornyn Introduce Two Companion Bills: The DEPOTS Act and Depot Data Transparency Act,2026-08-07,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,TX,Michael Cloud,C001115,cloud.house.gov,cloud,https://cloud.house.gov/press,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Michael Cloud (TX-27) introduced two House companion bills to improve oversight and financial management of Department of War (DoW) depots and arsenals: The Defense Expenditure Planning for Optimizing Throughput and Sustainment (DEPOTS) Act and the Depot Data Transparency Act. The DEPOTS Act aims to clear the outdated internal accounting charges tied to depots and arsenals, which were affected by mission changes. The Department of War (DoW) runs depots and arsenals using revolving funds, but when facilities receive mission changes from the government, some of the old equipment or capital investments stop generating revenue. Key provisions of the DEPOTS Act include: Allow the Secretary of Defense to write off depreciation costs or internal debt on DoW’s books when the charges are linked to capital assets that no longer generate revenue, due to a change in mission. Require cash outlays to be recovered first. Allow the Secretary of Defense to delegate this authority down to the secretaries of the individual military departments: Army, Navy, Air Force. Does not apply to payments owed to commercial contractors. “The DEPOTS Act is a commonsense flexibility for a real problem. Depots shouldn’t face the adverse effects alone due to mission changes by the Department of War and Congress,” said Rep. Cloud. “Corpus Christi Army Depot does critical work keeping our service members’ aircraft safe and reliable, and this practical reform keeps our Army’s and the nation’s rotary aircraft operational and, in the fight,” concluded Rep. Cloud. “Texas’ two extraordinary Organic Industrial Base sites, the Corpus Christi and Red River Army Depots, make immeasurable, ongoing contributions to our nation’s defense readiness,” said Sen. Cornyn. “I’m proud to introduce the DEPOTS Act, which would allow the Department of War to provide surpluses to depots whose labor rates have been negatively impacted by government-directed mission changes, and the Depot Data Transparency Act, which would improve transparency into how depot-level maintenance funds are allocated and allow Congressional oversight at each depot,” concluded Sen. Cornyn. The Depot Data Transparency Act, co-led with Congressman Vicente Gonzalez, requires DoW’s depot maintenance to apply to all individual depots rather than being averaged across an agency, thus strengthening the visibility of where taxpayer dollars are going. For years, the DoW reported the percentage of work done at its Army Depots under each Defense Agency, rather than at each depot individually. This gap has allowed work contracts to shift away from certain depots, including Corpus Christi Army Depot. The bill thus fixes a loophole in our current law that requires at least half of depot maintenance work to stay with government-run facilities to protect our national security and industrial base. “Over the past decade, Corpus Christi Army Depot’s highly trained civilian workforce has dropped by thousands due to the Army’s increasing reliance on private companies for helicopter repair work. This is a federal issue hurting depots across the country and requires a federal solution; it starts with bringing greater transparency to the Army’s maintenance and overhaul schedule. Our bill builds on bipartisan language we secured in the House-passed National Defense Authorization Act and would ensure we protect South Texas’s military competitiveness and the thousands of workers it employs,” said Rep. Gonzalez. The DEPOTS Act and Depot Data Transparency Act work together to keep depots competitive for mission and platform changes, promote public transparency, and strengthen our organic industrial bases. Read the bill text for the DEPOTS Act here.",1,2026-08-08T05:41:38Z,2026-08-08T05:43:24Z https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2597,"Rep. Ronny Jackson, Members of Texas Delegation Urge Senate to Advance House Budget Resolution to Deliver on President Trump's Agenda",2026-08-06,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,TX,Ronny Jackson,J000304,jackson.house.gov,jackson,https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Today, Representative Ronny Jackson (TX-13) alongside Representative John Carter (TX-31) and House Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19), led 20 additional members of the Texas Republican delegation in sending a letter to President Trump expressing their unified support for advancing the House-passed budget resolution to unlock Reconciliation 3.0 and urging the Senate to pass the measure without delay. The letter highlights the importance of adopting the House-passed budget resolution to enact policies that strengthen our national security, provide much needed support for our agricultural producers, and implement commonsense measures to safeguard American elections. ""The American people elected President Trump and a Republican Congress to secure our elections, strengthen our military, support our farmers and ranchers, and put America First,"" said Rep. Jackson. ""The House has done its job by passing a budget framework that advances those priorities. Now it's time for the Senate to act so we can deliver on the critical defense funding, agricultural assistance, and SAVE America Act policies that Texans and Americans are counting on."" ###",1,2026-08-07T06:11:19Z,2026-08-07T06:12:42Z https://pfluger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3024,"Pfluger, Palmer, and Obernolte Push Back on California's EPA Waivers",2026-08-06,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,TX,August Pfluger,P000048,pfluger.house.gov,pfluger,https://pfluger.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11), House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment Chairman Gary Palmer (AL-06), and Congressman Jay Obernolte introduced a legislative package to strip away burdensome EPA waivers handed to California under previous Democratic Administrations. These waivers let unelected California regulators impose emissions standards stricter than federal law, allowing one state to dictate standards that have consequences for consumers and businesses nationwide. All three lawmakers sit on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which oversees the EPA and the Clean Air Act. The push is part of a broader fight to rein in regulators, restore accountability, and stop California's most extreme mandates from quietly becoming the law of the land, without a single vote in Congress. Together, their three resolutions put Congress back in the driver's seat — reclaiming oversight of EPA's waiver decisions and stopping CARB from imposing its costliest mandates on the rest of the country. “California should not be allowed to dictate what kind of vehicles Texans and Americans across the country can drive. The Biden Administration's decision to reinstate California's waiver gave one state outsized power to impose its radical emissions standards and EV mandates on the rest of the country. I'm proud to introduce this CRA to restore consumer choice, protect American families from costly mandates, and put an end to California setting de facto national auto policy,” said Rep. August Pfluger (TX-11). ""California should not be allowed to set de facto national vehicle standards for the rest of the country. This resolution reaffirms that the Clean Air Act cannot be used to give one state the power to reshape America's auto market. Families deserve affordable, reliable vehicles. Instead, they’re getting mandates driven by California's radical political agenda. I'm proud to introduce this resolution and work with Congressman Pfluger and Congressman Obernolte to protect consumer choice and American manufacturing,” said Rep. Gary Palmer (AL-06). ""As a representative from California, I have seen firsthand how burdensome regulations from the California Air Resources Board hurt businesses and raise costs for hardworking Americans by imposing mandates instead of allowing the market to drive innovation,"" said Rep. Jay Obernolte (CA-23). ""Congress must exercise its oversight authority to prevent these policies from becoming a national standard. We must protect American jobs and supply chains while preserving the ability of consumers to choose what works best for them and their families."" Reversing Reinstatement of Advanced Clean Cars I Waiver Rep. Pfluger's resolution would undo the Biden EPA's decision to bring back California's Advanced Clean Cars I waiver — a waiver the Trump administration had already revoked. Its return means stricter-than-federal vehicle mandates, fewer choices at the dealership, and higher costs for American families. Repealing Greenhouse Gas Standards for Model Year 2009 and Beyond Rep. Palmer's resolution would revoke California's waiver to set its own greenhouse gas standards for vehicles from model year 2009 on. The result: automakers juggling competing rulebooks, one state's regulators deciding what gets built and sold nationwide, and higher sticker prices for consumers footing the bill. Revoking the Small Off-Road Engine Mandate Rep. Obernolte's resolution would kill the waiver behind CARB's Small Off-Road Engine amendments — rules that saddle lawn and garden equipment with costly mandates and push landscapers, small businesses and homeowners toward electric tools whether they want them or not. Workers who need reliable, affordable equipment get higher costs and fewer options instead.",1,2026-08-08T05:41:38Z,2026-08-08T05:43:24Z https://delacruz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3946,De La Cruz Urges DHS Secretary Mullin to Prioritize Religious Worker Visa Applications,2026-08-05,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,TX,Monica De La Cruz,D000594,delacruz.house.gov,delacruz,https://delacruz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) wrote Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin, urging the agency to prioritize processing religious worker visa applications. Processing delays have impacted religious leaders in Texas and those who rely on these individuals for religious and community services. In the letter, De La Cruz urges DHS to use all available resources to minimize delays and ensure religious leaders are able to support their congregations. In addition to the letter, De La Cruz co-sponsored the bipartisan Religious Worker Protection Act. The legislation would give DHS the authority to extend nonimmigrant religious worker (R-1) status until an individual’s application for permanent residence is finalized. Read the full letter here or below. Dear Secretary Mullin, I write to urge the prioritization of religious worker visa applications. Churches and faith-based institutions serve as the foundation for our communities, and our religious leaders as an extension of our families. Our immigration system recognizes this by allowing for those in religious vocations to serve in the United States, including through the R-1 religious worker visas. In January 2026, the Trump Administration acted to reduce wait times for religious workers wanting to continue serving our faith-based communities in the United States. Specifically, your department removed the previous one year foreign residency requirement, allowing R-1 workers who have reached the five year maximum to seek readmission without a mandatory one year period abroad. While we commend the actions taken to speed up the immigration process for our religious workers, I urge you to prioritize reducing the processing times for religious worker visa applications, which U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) data states have processing times of 8.5 and 11.5 months, respectively, depending on the applicant type. These processing delays are felt throughout our communities, who rely on our religious leaders for vital religious and community services. I urge you to use your available resources to reduce the processing timelines and stand ready to assist you in any way necessary. Thank you for your continued efforts to safeguard our country and support the diverse faith communities that enrich our society. I look forward to continuing to work together to ensure that our immigration system functions in a way that strengthens religious freedom, supports the rule of law, and provides certainty for the communities we serve. Sincerely, Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz",1,2026-08-06T07:37:31Z,2026-08-06T07:38:34Z https://moran.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2871,KLTV 7: Rep. Moran introduces bill aimed at increasing shipbuilding efforts,2026-08-05,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,TX,Nathaniel Moran,M001224,moran.house.gov,nathanielmoran,https://moran.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"TYLER, Texas (KLTV) - U.S. Rep. Nathaniel Moran (R-Tyler) has introduced a bill aimed at incentivizing shipbuilding in the United States. The “American Shipyard Investment Act of 2026” would create a 25% tax credit for shipbuilders to mitigate what Moran says are national security and regulatory concerns. In 2022, BRS Shipbrokers said China had 1,794 ships under construction, compared to 5 in the United States. “When you talk about the number of maritime warships that we need to keep up with China, we cannot rely on even South Korea and Japan to help us in that,” Moran said. “The problem with shipbuilding for many decades has been that the federal government has put too much regulatory burden on these companies,” added Moran. “It has made it impossible for companies in the United States to compete with companies in China, and with South Korea and Japan.” East Texas Economist Dr. Ray Perryman said the lack of shipbuilding stems from supply chain constraints and labor costs. Perryman mentioned the Jones Act of 1920 - which requires goods transported domestically by water to use an American-built ship - is driving up shipping costs. “The Jones Act makes it very inefficient to do shipping inside the country now which raises prices for a lot of goods and services in an unnecessary way but one that could be alleviated by greater shipbuilding in the United States,” Perryman said.",1,2026-08-26T05:33:32Z,2026-08-26T05:34:56Z https://cloud.house.gov/posts/release-congressman-cloud-introduces-the-permanent-cbdc-ban-act,RELEASE: Congressman Cloud Introduces the Permanent CBDC Ban Act,2026-08-04,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,TX,Michael Cloud,C001115,cloud.house.gov,cloud,https://cloud.house.gov/press,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Michael Cloud (TX-27) introduced the Permanent CBDC Ban Act, legislation that would permanently prohibit the Federal Reserve from issuing or creating a Central Bank Digital Currency. A CBDC would expose Americans to unconstitutional financial surveillance and give the Federal Reserve unchecked power over individual finances. The Permanent CBDC Ban Act is a direct response to a critical shortcoming in the 21st Century Road to Housing Act. That legislation restricted the Federal Reserve from issuing a CBDC but only temporarily, with the restrictions set to expire on December 31, 2030. The Permanent CBDC Ban Act would strike that expiration date and permanently prohibit the Federal Reserve from issuing a CBDC. “A Central Bank Digital Currency is the ultimate tool of surveillance and control. It is antithetical to the values of liberty and financial freedom that define this nation,” said Rep. Cloud. “The Federal Reserve should never have the power to monitor, restrict, or expire a single American’s money. A CBDC would hand them exactly that power. Congress must make sure that never happens,” concluded Rep. Cloud. Original Cosponsors: Representatives Don Bacon, Sheri Biggs, Lauren Boebert, Eric Burlison, Buddy Carter, Ben Cline, Andrew Clyde, Eli Crane, Warren Davidson, Byron Donalds, Paul Gosar, Harriet Hageman, Pat Harrigan, Diana Harshbarger, Clay Higgins, Nancy Mace, Rich McCormick, Addison McDowell, Mark Messmer, Barry Moore, Riley Moore, Andy Ogles, Scott Perry, Chip Roy, Keith Self, Greg Steube, Marlin Stutzman, Dave Taylor, Matt Van Epps, Derrick Van Orden. View more information on the bill here. Cosponsor Quotes: Congressman Keith Self: “I’m proud to join Congressman Michael Cloud as an original cosponsor of the Permanent CBDC Ban Act. A Central Bank Digital Currency is the ultimate threat to financial privacy, the final tool for total government surveillance and control. It would give the unelected Federal Reserve unprecedented power to track every transaction, restrict what you can buy, freeze your accounts, and even expire your money at will. The temporary ban that sunsets in 2030 is not enough. This one-sentence bill makes the ban permanent, as it should be. BAN CBDC—FOREVER!” Congressman Byron Donalds: “Central Bank Digital Currency would give unelected bureaucrats in our federal government absolute control over your money. This is not just wrong; this is a dangerous and direct threat to our freedom and sovereignty. I’m proud to join this effort and defend liberty for all Americans.” Congressman Chip Roy: “Unelected bureaucrats should never have the power to track, monitor, or control Americans’ private financial transactions under the guise of a government-run digital currency. We must protect financial privacy, preserve the freedom to use cash, and ensure that government never erodes our constitutional liberties. That is why I am proud to co-sponsor Rep. Cloud’s legislation to permanently ban a central bank digital currency and keep government out of Americans’ wallets.” Congressman Eric Burlison: “A central bank digital currency would give the government the power to make someone disappear from economic life without ever convicting them of a crime. Turn off their money, and the rest takes care of itself. We have already seen what debanking can do; a CBDC would put that power directly in Washington’s hands. America must never build an economic kill switch.” Congressman Barry Moore: “The federal government has proven time and again that it cannot be trusted with more power. Central Bank Digital Currency would create the infrastructure for financial surveillance and government control unlike anything we’ve ever seen. We must stop it before it starts. That’s why I’m proud to support Rep. Cloud’s Permanent CBDC Ban Act and ensure Americans, not Washington bureaucrats, remain in control of their own money.” Congressman Buddy Carter: “Americans shouldn’t have to worry that the federal government could track or control how they spend their hard-earned money. That’s why I’m proud to support the Permanent CBDC Ban Act to safeguard financial privacy and ensure a government-issued digital dollar never becomes a reality.” Congressman Clay Higgins: “I support personal freedoms and liberty, including every American’s right to financial privacy. The Permanent CBDC Ban Act would prohibit the Federal Reserve from issuing a central bank digital currency that could be used to track every monetary transaction a citizen makes.” Congressman Eli Crane: “A Central Bank Digital Currency threatens personal privacy and opens the door to totalitarian control over our finances. Americans overwhelmingly reject this idea, yet under current law, the Federal Reserve could still implement one as early as 2031. Thankfully, Rep. Cloud has introduced legislation to permanently prohibit its creation. I’m grateful to be an original cosponsor and will keep fighting to block this dystopian system.” Congressman Paul Gosar: “Americans don’t want a government-controlled digital dollar that can be used to monitor purchases, restrict transactions, or punish political dissent. A CBDC is incompatible with a free society. This bill permanently closes the door on that dangerous idea and protects Americans’ financial freedom from future abuse.” Congressman Addison McDowell: “A central bank digital currency (CBDC) directly undermines the civil liberties and financial freedom of Americans. The United States does not need to follow in the footsteps of Communist China and implement unconstitutional financial surveillance. We do not need the federal government putting its nose into how hardworking Americans spend their money.” Congressman Warren Davidson: “A temporary CBDC ban is like building the Death Star and promising not to turn it on until 2030. The infrastructure for unprecedented financial surveillance is being built right now and will be waiting for someone to flip the switch when the current ban expires. I am proud to support this legislation to permanently prohibit the Federal Reserve from creating a government-controlled digital currency.” Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger: “Americans’ financial freedom should never be at the mercy of an unelected Federal Reserve. A Central Bank Digital Currency would open the door to unprecedented government surveillance of Americans’ financial transactions and give Washington far too much control over how people spend their own money. That’s a line our country should never cross. I’m proud to join Congressman Cloud in introducing the Permanent CBDC Ban Act to ensure this prohibition never expires and to permanently protect Americans’ privacy, financial freedom, and constitutional liberties.” Congressman Pat Harrigan: “The federal government has no business creating a tool that could be used to monitor, influence, or restrict how Americans spend their own money. Once that authority exists, it will never stay limited for long. I’m proud to be an original cosponsor of the Permanent CBDC Ban Act because protecting individual liberty means stopping dangerous ideas before they become permanent institutions. The Federal Reserve should focus on maintaining a sound monetary system, not building the infrastructure for financial surveillance.” Congressman Ben Cline: “A Central Bank Digital Currency would give the Federal Reserve an alarming surge of unchecked power to violate the Fourth Amendment rights guaranteed in our Constitution. Under federal control, CBDCs become a dangerous tool for unelected bureaucrats to spy on and potentially restrict how Americans spend their hard-earned dollars. I am proud to cosponsor Congressman Cloud’s legislation to make the ban on CBDCs, passed in the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, permanent.”",1,2026-08-05T07:37:37Z,2026-08-05T07:38:44Z https://sessions.house.gov/2026/8/icymi-congressman-pete-sessions-launches-bipartisan-military-veteran-housing-caucus,ICYMI: Congressman Pete Sessions Launches Bipartisan Military & Veteran Housing Caucus,2026-08-04,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,TX,Pete Sessions,S000250,sessions.house.gov,sessions,https://sessions.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Pete Sessions (TX-17) announced the launch of the bipartisan Military & Veteran Housing Caucus (MVHC), a congressional caucus dedicated to advancing policies that strengthen financial readiness, military-to-civilian transition, homeownership, economic mobility, and housing stability for servicemembers, veterans, and military families. Congressman Sessions will serve as the caucus' Republican Co-Chair alongside Democratic Co-Chair Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-03). Congressmen Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), Tom Suozzi (NY-03), Dale Strong (AL-05), and Gil Cisneros (CA-31) will serve as Vice Chairs, creating a truly bipartisan leadership team committed to addressing the housing and financial challenges facing the military-connected community. Military and veteran housing issues span multiple congressional committees, making it difficult for any single committee to address them comprehensively. The Military & Veteran Housing Caucus was established to provide a dedicated forum for education, collaboration, and bipartisan solutions that improve housing stability, financial readiness, and homeownership opportunities for servicemembers, veterans, and their families. One of the caucus' main priorities is addressing the unique housing and financial challenges faced by the military-connected community. Frequent relocations, credit-building challenges, and limited awareness of earned benefits can create barriers to homeownership and long-term financial security. Although the VA Home Loan Program is one of the nation's most valuable benefits for veterans, only an estimated fifteen percent of eligible veterans utilize it. The caucus will work to increase awareness of existing resources while advancing policies that strengthen housing stability and economic mobility for those who have served. Congressman Pete Sessions said, “America’s servicemembers and veterans have answered the call to serve our nation, and Congress has a responsibility to ensure they have every opportunity to achieve lasting financial security and homeownership. I am proud to launch the bipartisan Military & Veteran Housing Caucus alongside Co-Chair Congresswoman Susie Lee and grateful to Congressmen Juan Ciscomani, Tom Suozzi, Dale Strong, and Gil Cisneros for serving as our Vice Chairs. This bipartisan leadership team reflects our shared commitment to advancing practical solutions that strengthen financial readiness, expand access to homeownership, improve military-to-civilian transitions, and address the unique housing challenges facing servicemembers, veterans, and military families. Together, we will work across committee jurisdictions to increase awareness of existing benefits, including the VA Home Loan Program, and develop policies that ensure those who have served our nation have every opportunity to build lasting economic security and achieve the American Dream.” Leadership Quotes: “I am proud to join the Military and Veteran Housing Caucus and work with a bipartisan group of lawmakers committed to ensuring American heroes have access to safe and reliable housing,"" said Congressman Dale Strong. ""I look forward to helping address this very important issue and collaborating to offer solutions to support those who have defended and are actively serving this great nation in uniform."" “Never Forget the Vet! We owe a debt of gratitude to all of our servicemembers who put their lives on the line to protect American freedom, democracy, and security. Their sacrifice charges us to treat them with honor and dignity, both during and after their service,” said Congressman Suozzi. “I’m proud to serve as a Vice Chair of the Military and Veteran Housing Caucus to ensure our military personnel and veterans have access to the safe, stable, and affordable housing they deserve.” “Owning a home remains a cornerstone of the American Dream, and for our military families, it represents stability after years of sacrifice and service to our nation,” said Congressman Ciscomani. “After multiple deployments and duty stations, a home gives military children the opportunity to build lasting friendships, allows families to put down roots, and creates the stability every family deserves. As Vice Chairman of the Military and Veterans Housing Caucus, I’ll continue fighting to expand access to affordable housing, strengthen the VA Home Loan program, and ensure every servicemember, veteran, and military family has the opportunity to achieve the American Dream of homeownership.” “Our servicemembers and veterans should always have a roof over their heads,” said Congressman Cisneros. ""Yet, critical servicemember housing infrastructure is routinely neglected while many of our veterans face housing insecurity. Communities across the country have invested in creating supportive housing opportunities for homeless veterans, including Mercy Village in El Monte, that serve as shining examples of the care we should be providing federally. As a Navy veteran and former Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, I'm honored to serve as a Vice-Chair of the Military & Veteran Housing Caucus and further my commitment to addressing this issue and securing reliable and safe housing for all our heroes.” ###",1,2026-08-05T07:37:37Z,2026-08-05T07:38:44Z https://cloud.house.gov/posts/the-smithsonian-has-lost-sight-of-america,The Smithsonian Has Lost Sight of America,2026-08-02,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,TX,Michael Cloud,C001115,cloud.house.gov,cloud,https://cloud.house.gov/press,scraper,"The Smithsonian Has Lost Sight of America | Opinion Newsweek Hon. Michael Cloud | August 2nd, 2026 The Smithsonian is the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex, welcoming visitors from every state and country to its doors, free of charge. For generations it has been established as one of Washington’s most cherished and highly sought-after attractions, making it one of our capital’s highest-profile institutions. While our republic may be younger compared to other ancient civilizations, our history is an exceptional one, and the Smithsonian has been where history comes alive for many Americans, including myself. I still remember walking through the doors of the National Museum of American History (NMAH) as a child, filled with excitement to see all the stories and artifacts of our nation. As my children grew, I made sure to make the family trek to D.C. so that they too could learn and be inspired by our rich history. From the hard lessons we have learned to the amazing accomplishments achieved together. Our nation became history’s brightest beacon of hope and liberty. As we moved toward America’s 250th anniversary, one could only imagine what celebration the museum might have in store. What artifacts they might pull out of their vast collection. What exhibits they would create to help tell the story of America’s remarkable and providential founding and rise to greatness. Instead, visitors were greeted front and center with a reimagined oppressor/oppressed narrative that describes our history foundation as “unsettling.” My visit told me everything I needed to know about where this institution’s loyalties lie, and the recent House Oversight hearing confirmed it. Director Anthea Hartig explicitly stated in a 2024 presentation that the museum should “get out of the ‘America First’ mentality.” She went on to argue that the “scope of U.S. history” and the very term “America” should expand to include “the entirety of the Americas, not just our part of North America.” A museum whose sole function is to educate the world on America’s history should not be in the business of erasing its borders. That mindset is institutionalized in the museum’s Center for Restorative History, which Hartig says exists to “address the harm that we’ve done as the Smithsonian.” Since when is preserving America’s history something the Smithsonian needs to apologize for? The center’s own website says it “redresses exclusions in our national story using the principles of restorative justice.” Elsewhere, museum staff studied materials on “white supremacy culture,” while other Smithsonian resources described the nuclear family, the scientific method, the traditional work ethic, and linear concepts of time as aspects of “white culture.” When a national museum treats the building blocks of civilization as political grievances, it has stopped serving the public and started lecturing them. This far-left ideology is on full display in the “Girlhood (it’s complicated)” exhibit. Rather than showcasing the American women who shaped our history, the exhibit highlights a biological male in a space dedicated to women and girls, infringing on the very idea of being a woman, alongside glorifying gun control and illegal immigration. The Smithsonian possesses some of the finest collections of women’s history artifacts in the world. The “First Ladies” exhibit is consistently one of the most popular in the entire museum, yet NMAH would rather spend their space idolizing symbols of illegal immigration while belittling motherhood. It is a shame that the NMAH would sacrifice women’s achievements to satisfy modern, left-wing political priorities. These changes are a result of a strict bureaucratic mandate. The NMAH now requires every single exhibit to address a checklist of core issues: race and identity, gender and sexuality, environmental change, immigration and migration, economic inequality, technological change, nationalism and globalism. This reads far more like a partisan legislative wish list than a framework for historical education. The National Museum of American History should be inspiring visitors, especially the younger generation, to serve and strengthen our country. History is undeniably complicated, and wrestling with our triumphs and our struggles is what makes historical education so valuable. We cannot teach our children to resent their own heritage and expect them to preserve it. The Smithsonian is an American treasure, generously funded by American taxpayers, and working there is a privilege, not a platform to push a political agenda on American taxpayer money. These are museums of American history, not museums of American apology, and it’s time the Smithsonian remembered the difference. Smithsonian curators have no authority to edit the past to fit a present narrative. The truth distorted becomes a lie. Representative Michael Cloud serves Texas’s 27th Congressional District.",1,2026-08-04T07:35:49Z,2026-08-04T07:37:27Z https://moran.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2873,Fox News: AI kill switch bill could shut down rogue models,2026-08-02,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,TX,Nathaniel Moran,M001224,moran.house.gov,nathanielmoran,https://moran.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"What would trigger a government shutdown order? DHS could act after what the bill calls a ""covered incident."" One trigger involves an AI system interfering with a lawful shutdown instruction. Another covers unintended behavior that kills at least 10 people or causes $100 million in economic damage. The definition also includes a model hiding its actions from monitoring systems. DHS could intervene when a system pursues an unauthorized goal in a high-stakes setting. Those thresholds place the emergency power far above an embarrassing chatbot answer or a routine software failure. The bill also says the event must happen outside structured testing or red-team exercises. That detail creates an important distinction from the recent OpenAI incident. AI companies would have to report serious incidents A covered developer would have 15 days to report a qualifying incident after becoming aware of it. Following an emergency order, the company would need to preserve model weights and system telemetry. That information could help investigators reconstruct what happened. The company would also need to notify affected operators or customers when possible. DHS could then use audits, inspections or forensic reviews to verify compliance. AI companies could face enormous daily fines The financial penalties would give the proposal some serious teeth. A company that violates the general kill switch requirements could face a civil penalty of up to $2 million per day. Ignoring a DHS emergency order could raise that penalty to $20 million for every day the violation continues. Companies would have a limited right to challenge an order. They could ask DHS to reconsider within 48 hours. However, that request would not pause the restrictions while the appeal proceeds. The OpenAI incident that changed the conversation The bill arrived days after OpenAI disclosed what it called an unprecedented cyber incident. OpenAI was testing GPT-5.6 Sol alongside a more capable pre-release model. The evaluation asked the models to solve advanced cybersecurity challenges. The company ran the test without some production security classifiers. OpenAI wanted to measure the models' maximum cyber capabilities. During the evaluation, the models found a previously unknown vulnerability in an internal software proxy. They exploited it and moved through OpenAI's research network until they reached a computer with internet access. The models then identified Hugging Face as a possible source of answers to the test. OpenAI says they used stolen credentials and additional vulnerabilities to access secret information from Hugging Face's systems. OpenAI says the models remained narrowly focused on solving the evaluation. Still, they crossed into another company's production infrastructure without authorization. Hugging Face reported unauthorized access to limited internal datasets and several service credentials. The company found no evidence that its public models or user-facing datasets were altered. It also said its published software supply chain remained clean. For a deeper look at the incident and the steps you can take, check out our article on how to lock down your ChatGPT account before the next AI attack. Would the OpenAI incident trigger the kill switch? Probably not under the bill's current language. The OpenAI breach helped drive political support for the proposal. However, the models acted during an internal evaluation and structured cybersecurity test. The bill's emergency definition specifically covers events that occur outside red-teaming or other structured testing. That does not make the incident harmless. It shows that the bill focuses on dangerous behavior after a system leaves a controlled test setting. Meanwhile, the OpenAI case raises a different problem. A testing environment needs strong containment even when researchers intentionally reduce the model's normal safety restrictions. A kill switch can stop a system after trouble appears. It cannot replace secure testing infrastructure or careful monitoring. Anthropic's shutdown shows why lawmakers want clearer rules The federal government has already restricted access to advanced AI without a dedicated kill switch law. On June 12, the government directed Anthropic to block foreign nationals from accessing its Fable 5 and Mythos 5 models. Anthropic said it could not verify nationality in real time. As a result, the company temporarily suspended both models for everyone. Anthropic disputed the government's assessment but complied with the directive. The controls were lifted on June 30, and access began returning on July 1. That episode showed how quickly a government restriction can affect ordinary customers. It also showed the limits of using export rules to address a fast-moving AI safety concern. CyberGuy previously reported on those restrictions and the government's growing role in the rollout of advanced models in our article Trump puts brakes on OpenAI's newest AI model. Supporters see an emergency brake for powerful AI AI-safety advocacy groups have backed the bill. Americans for Responsible Innovation called a reliable shutdown system a commonsense safeguard. The Alliance for Secure AI said current law does not guarantee that developers can contain their most capable models. Supporters argue that advanced AI will soon take more independent actions. Those systems may handle financial transactions or operate inside critical infrastructure. Under that view, developers should prove they can regain control before giving a model access to high-stakes systems. The bill still leaves big questions unanswered CISA would receive broad responsibility for deciding which models and companies fall under the law. That flexibility could help the rules keep pace with AI. Yet it also leaves major decisions to future agency rulemaking. Lawmakers would still need to debate how the government verifies that a kill switch works. They must also decide how much evidence DHS needs before issuing an emergency order. A shutdown could interrupt businesses that rely on a covered model. It might also affect hospitals, government agencies or cybersecurity teams using the same service. Therefore, regulators would need to weigh the threat from the AI against the damage caused by suddenly taking it offline. The bill tells DHS to consider risks to critical infrastructure when choosing its response. What this means to you You probably will not see DHS shut down your favorite chatbot because it produced a strange answer. The bill targets exceptionally expensive systems operated by companies earning hundreds of millions of dollars from the technology. Its emergency powers focus on catastrophic harm or a genuine loss of control. However, a shutdown order could still reach you. Your employer may depend on a covered AI service. Apps you use could also rely on that model behind the scenes. For now, treat autonomous AI tools with care. Keep highly sensitive files out of them unless the task requires that access. Review which accounts and cloud services you have connected. Also require approval before an AI agent sends a message or makes a purchase. Kurt's key takeaways The OpenAI incident showed how quickly an AI test can create a real security problem. The models broke through network restrictions and reached another company's systems without authorization. The AI Kill Switch Act would require the largest developers to prove they can stop or restrict their most powerful models. It would also give DHS emergency authority when an AI system causes catastrophic harm or moves beyond human control. However, a kill switch only helps after something has already gone wrong. AI companies still need stronger testing environments, tighter safeguards and people watching what these systems are doing. At the same time, the government needs clear limits before it can order a powerful AI model offline. By",1,2026-08-26T05:33:32Z,2026-08-26T05:34:56Z