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://medium.com/@RepBetoORourke/end-of-year-update-808ba317f354,End of year update,2014-12-31,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,TX,Beto O'Rourke,O000170,medium.com,,,legacy,"End of yearupdate December 29, 2014 I like to keep these updates as brief and to the point as I can. I know you get a lot of email, and you dont need more to read from me. However, since I conclude my first term in Congress this week and begin a new one in January, Id ask your indulgence as I provide a quick recap of our efforts in the 113th Congress and conclude with the last significant vote I took this year, a no vote on the spending bill. *** Weve done a lot during the 113th session of Congress: helped thousands of constituents in our El Paso office, voted on hundreds of important bills in the Capitol and held dozens of town hall meetings throughout the community. Theres no easy way to summarize and account for it all in this email, so I thought Id take you through three significant issues that are important both for El Paso and the country. The first is our obligation to our service members and their families. Soon after I took office we were forced to confront the consequences of the across-the-board budget cuts known as the sequester. While the sequester hit every federal agency, one group that stood out to me was our service members. In particular, we learned that service members were to lose access to the Tuition Assistance program, which affords them up to $4,500 per year to attend UTEP, El Paso Community College or other schools of higher-learning. After hearing from family members of those stationed at Fort Bliss, we introduced a bill to restore 100 percent of the funding. We partnered with key Republicans on the House Armed Services Committee and ultimately were able to restore funding for the remainder of 2013. By listening to the families of our service members, working across the aisle and not accepting the status quo we helped solve the problem and kept faith with our service members across the country and especially the nearly 33,000 incredibly brave men and women at Fort Bliss. At the same time that we were addressing the impacts of the sequester, we realized that problems at the VA were worse than we first believed. While the VA insisted it was meeting access requirements for El Paso, I was hearing from hundreds of veterans at my town hall meetings and in our office about the difficulty of getting in to see a doctor or mental health provider. To resolve the discrepancy, I commissioned a survey of El Pasos veterans who confirmed what we had been hearing: one-third who attempted to get mental health care could not, and average wait times for primary care were over 80 days. We exposed a deep divide between the VAs message and the reality faced by many El Paso veterans. Due to this work, and our oversight efforts on the Veterans Affairs Committee, we were able to obtain a commitment from VA leadership to turn around El Pasos clinic. To date, that has translated into millions of dollars to hire additional providers, an improving customer-focused attitude, and new leadership. There is a long way to go, and we are far from satisfied, but we are making significant progress. Lastly, the border is an issue that defines us and provides our greatest opportunitieswhether we look at it economically, culturally or on its impact to our quality of life. For example, our international bridges carry $90 billion in U.S./Mexico trade every year. That trade is connected to 25% of the jobs in El Paso, nearly 500,000 in Texas and over six million throughout the U.S. We also are a perfect example of the positive impact that immigration has on border communities and the country beyond. In large part because (and not in spite) of the fact that we have such a large immigrant community, we are the safest city in America four years running. We have served as the Ellis Island for Mexico and Central America for decades and have contributed mightily to the growth and development of the America we know today. This should be a point of pride for El Paso, and another way for us to take our place as a leading American city. This unique position and perspective has led us to author a bi-partisan immigration bill and introduce bi-partisan legislation to improve conditions at our ports of entry. Its also compelled me to argue forcefully for a rational and humane approach to border issues in the national debate. *** And now to bring us up to speed on the latest legislative developments from the Capitol. One of the last votes I took this year was on the spending bill, H.R. 83, which would fund all major departments for the rest of the fiscal year with the exception of the Department of Homeland Security, which is funded for three months. Funding the government is one of the most important responsibilities I have as your representative, and it is one of the most important jobs that we have as a Congress. I began the process of reviewing the details of what became known as the CRomnibus (for Continuing Resolution and Omnibus) with the intent of finding a way to support the legislation. For example, the CRomnibus provides more than $130 million to continue construction of the new hospital on Fort Bliss, funding to tackle the VA claims backlog and provide mental health services to our veterans, and a continued emphasis on hiring more Customs and Border Protection officers to staff ports of entry in El Paso and throughout the country. However, I voted against this bill because of two particularly troubling policy riders: The first would allow banks to engage in custom swaps, which were prohibited after the 2008 financial meltdown that caused the Great Recession. Much of the bill language to neuter this provision of Dodd-Frank was apparently written by lobbyists for Citigroup. The second would allow donors to spend vastly greater amounts to support the national political parties, from $32,400 per year to $324,000 per year and would bring the amount of money that wealthy donors can give to political parties, recount efforts and individual federal campaigns to nearly $5 million per couple per election cycle. Both issues will have a significant impact on our economy and our democracy, yet they received no hearings or debate as part of the omnibus negotiations and were slipped in at the last minute in a must-pass spending bill. Ultimately, I decided that we cannot trade 10 months of spending certainty for two permanent provisions that have the potential to cause long-lasting negative effects on this country. *** In spite of the disappointing provisions in the spending bill, its important to note that this was a much better process than last years, where political differences led to a government shutdown. Its easy enough to bemoan Congress and government in general; there is dysfunction enough to warrant it. But for me, and I hope for El Paso, next year holds much promise and opportunity. Examples of where me might make progress include: immigration reform, tax reform, defining our role abroad and connecting our position on the border to the national interest. Improving the VA, strengthening Fort Bliss, and bringing greater balance to our countrys budget. Reforming Congress, making it more accountable and reflective our priorities. I am grateful for the chance to work on these and other issues on your behalf. Thank you for giving me this opportunity and this responsibility. I am excited, energized and optimistic about what is to come. Buenas noches 2014. Buenos das 2015. Sincerely, Beto ORourke Member of Congress",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://medium.com/@RepBetoORourke/end-of-year-update-808ba317f354?source=rss-964ef69221bc------2,End of year update,2014-12-31,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,TX,Beto O'Rourke,O000170,medium.com,,,legacy,"End of yearupdate December 29, 2014 I like to keep these updates as brief and to the point as I can. I know you get a lot of email, and you dont need more to read from me. However, since I conclude my first term in Congress this week and begin a new one in January, Id ask your indulgence as I provide a quick recap of our efforts in the 113th Congress and conclude with the last significant vote I took this year, a no vote on the spending bill. *** Weve done a lot during the 113th session of Congress: helped thousands of constituents in our El Paso office, voted on hundreds of important bills in the Capitol and held dozens of town hall meetings throughout the community. Theres no easy way to summarize and account for it all in this email, so I thought Id take you through three significant issues that are important both for El Paso and the country. The first is our obligation to our service members and their families. Soon after I took office we were forced to confront the consequences of the across-the-board budget cuts known as the sequester. While the sequester hit every federal agency, one group that stood out to me was our service members. In particular, we learned that service members were to lose access to the Tuition Assistance program, which affords them up to $4,500 per year to attend UTEP, El Paso Community College or other schools of higher-learning. After hearing from family members of those stationed at Fort Bliss, we introduced a bill to restore 100 percent of the funding. We partnered with key Republicans on the House Armed Services Committee and ultimately were able to restore funding for the remainder of 2013. By listening to the families of our service members, working across the aisle and not accepting the status quo we helped solve the problem and kept faith with our service members across the country and especially the nearly 33,000 incredibly brave men and women at Fort Bliss. At the same time that we were addressing the impacts of the sequester, we realized that problems at the VA were worse than we first believed. While the VA insisted it was meeting access requirements for El Paso, I was hearing from hundreds of veterans at my town hall meetings and in our office about the difficulty of getting in to see a doctor or mental health provider. To resolve the discrepancy, I commissioned a survey of El Pasos veterans who confirmed what we had been hearing: one-third who attempted to get mental health care could not, and average wait times for primary care were over 80 days. We exposed a deep divide between the VAs message and the reality faced by many El Paso veterans. Due to this work, and our oversight efforts on the Veterans Affairs Committee, we were able to obtain a commitment from VA leadership to turn around El Pasos clinic. To date, that has translated into millions of dollars to hire additional providers, an improving customer-focused attitude, and new leadership. There is a long way to go, and we are far from satisfied, but we are making significant progress. Lastly, the border is an issue that defines us and provides our greatest opportunitieswhether we look at it economically, culturally or on its impact to our quality of life. For example, our international bridges carry $90 billion in U.S./Mexico trade every year. That trade is connected to 25% of the jobs in El Paso, nearly 500,000 in Texas and over six million throughout the U.S. We also are a perfect example of the positive impact that immigration has on border communities and the country beyond. In large part because (and not in spite) of the fact that we have such a large immigrant community, we are the safest city in America four years running. We have served as the Ellis Island for Mexico and Central America for decades and have contributed mightily to the growth and development of the America we know today. This should be a point of pride for El Paso, and another way for us to take our place as a leading American city. This unique position and perspective has led us to author a bi-partisan immigration bill and introduce bi-partisan legislation to improve conditions at our ports of entry. Its also compelled me to argue forcefully for a rational and humane approach to border issues in the national debate. *** And now to bring us up to speed on the latest legislative developments from the Capitol. One of the last votes I took this year was on the spending bill, H.R. 83, which would fund all major departments for the rest of the fiscal year with the exception of the Department of Homeland Security, which is funded for three months. Funding the government is one of the most important responsibilities I have as your representative, and it is one of the most important jobs that we have as a Congress. I began the process of reviewing the details of what became known as the CRomnibus (for Continuing Resolution and Omnibus) with the intent of finding a way to support the legislation. For example, the CRomnibus provides more than $130 million to continue construction of the new hospital on Fort Bliss, funding to tackle the VA claims backlog and provide mental health services to our veterans, and a continued emphasis on hiring more Customs and Border Protection officers to staff ports of entry in El Paso and throughout the country. However, I voted against this bill because of two particularly troubling policy riders: The first would allow banks to engage in custom swaps, which were prohibited after the 2008 financial meltdown that caused the Great Recession. Much of the bill language to neuter this provision of Dodd-Frank was apparently written by lobbyists for Citigroup. The second would allow donors to spend vastly greater amounts to support the national political parties, from $32,400 per year to $324,000 per year and would bring the amount of money that wealthy donors can give to political parties, recount efforts and individual federal campaigns to nearly $5 million per couple per election cycle. Both issues will have a significant impact on our economy and our democracy, yet they received no hearings or debate as part of the omnibus negotiations and were slipped in at the last minute in a must-pass spending bill. Ultimately, I decided that we cannot trade 10 months of spending certainty for two permanent provisions that have the potential to cause long-lasting negative effects on this country. *** In spite of the disappointing provisions in the spending bill, its important to note that this was a much better process than last years, where political differences led to a government shutdown. Its easy enough to bemoan Congress and government in general; there is dysfunction enough to warrant it. But for me, and I hope for El Paso, next year holds much promise and opportunity. Examples of where me might make progress include: immigration reform, tax reform, defining our role abroad and connecting our position on the border to the national interest. Improving the VA, strengthening Fort Bliss, and bringing greater balance to our countrys budget. Reforming Congress, making it more accountable and reflective our priorities. I am grateful for the chance to work on these and other issues on your behalf. Thank you for giving me this opportunity and this responsibility. I am excited, energized and optimistic about what is to come. Buenas noches 2014. Buenos das 2015. Sincerely, Beto ORourke Member of Congress",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://jacksonlee.house.gov//media-center/editorials/congresswoman-sheila-jackson-lees-2014-year-end-report,Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee's 2014 Year End Report,2014-12-23,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,TX,Sheila Jackson Lee,J000032,jacksonlee.house.gov,,,legacy,"Dear Friends: As the year 2014 comes to an end, I thought it might be helpful to provide you a brief summary of some of the many activities that I have been engaged in this year on behalf of the constituents of the 18th Congressional District of Texas. I am pleased to report that, working together, we have achieved a number of successes that have made, and are making, a positive difference in the lives of  all persons residing in the congressional district in the following areas: Protecting Medicare and Social Security. Despite significant budgetary challenges and determined opposition, we were able to protect Social Security recipients from any cuts in their benefits. I also helped lead the effort in the Congress, working with the Administration, to provide needed funding to ensure that doctors are available to treat Medicare recipients. In addition, the Affordable Care Act, which I supported and fought to pass, closed the Medicare prescription drug “donut hole,” and is saving seniors in the district on average $866 per person. Expanding Educational Opportunity. Higher education is a key that opens doors to opportunity. Congress has a duty to help make it accessible and affordable for more Americans. That is why I strongly supported and advocated successfully for the legislation signed into law by the President that lowers interest rates for nearly 11 million borrowers this year and saves them $25 billion in the next five years. I am also a co-sponsor of the “Bank on Students Emergency Refinancing Act,” which would allow borrowers to refinance federal and private student loans to the lower rates that are currently available to new borrowers. Protecting the Right to Vote. The right to vote, free from discrimination, is the most precious of all our rights. That is the reason why, as a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee, I helped lead the successful fight in 2006 to reauthorize the Voting Rights Act of 1965 for an additional 25 years. But a year ago, the Supreme Court dealt a severe blow to the Voting Rights Act when it decided the case of Shelby County v. Holder, which invalidated a key section of the law and hampered the ability of the Justice Department to prevent violations of voting rights before they occur. It is imperative that we remain vigilant and fight all efforts to abridge or suppress the voting rights of Americans. That is why I helped lead the effort to introduce and am one of 9 original co-sponsors of H.R. 3899, the Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2014, legislation that repairs the damage done by the Supreme Court decision. Ensuring that this legislation is brought up for a vote and passed this year is one of my highest legislative priorities. Helping Children and Families. A child that is hungry is a child that struggles to learn or stay healthy. That is why I strongly opposed the reckless efforts of some in Congress last year to make deep cuts in child nutrition, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and the Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) Program. I am pleased to report that those efforts were abandoned this year and funding for these vital programs has received a significant increase. The funding I supported and helped secure supports critical services like Houston’s Summer Food Service Program, which served nutritious packed lunches from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and afternoon snacks from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. daily to youth aged 1-18 at 470 local sites from June 2 through August 15. Caring for Our Veterans. The men and women of the Armed Forces who risked their lives to protect our freedoms deserve the thanks and appreciation of a grateful nation and that includes receiving the quality health care and benefits they have earned. They should not have to wait months for an appointment to see a doctor. That is why I strongly support H.R. 3230, the “Veteran Access to Care Act of 2014,'' which will enable veterans facing long delays for doctor appointments at VA facilities go elsewhere and hold accountable those VA officials responsible for trying to conceal patient wait times. I also held a press conference after visiting the Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Medical Center to meet with patients and medical staff and was gratified to learn that the veterans treated at the facility have not experienced the problems plaguing other VA facilities around the nation. In addition to long wait times at VA facilities, many veterans face a number of other challenges, including homelessness, coping with PTSD, and finding suitable employment in the civilian job market. To address these problems, I was successful in passing legislation providing additional funding and resources targeted to helping homeless veterans secure housing and treating veterans suffering from PTSD in underserved urban and rural areas. I also introduced H.R. 4110, the “Transitioning Heroes Act of 2014,” which provides strong tax incentives for employers to hire, retain, and employ veterans in positions that take maximum advantage of their skills and experience. Jackson Lee Bill Establishing George Thomas 'Mickey' Leland Post Office Building"" Signed Into Law by President Obama. After many years of effort, on September 8, 2014, I was able to secure passage of a bill (H.R. 78) designating the United States Postal Service facility located at 4110 Almeda Road in Houston, Texas, as the ""George Thomas 'Mickey' Leland Post Office Building."" President Obama signed my legislation into law on December 16, 2014. “Mickey” Leland was one of Houston’s favorite sons and one of America's most effective advocates in combating hunger in the United States and throughout the world. During his six terms in the Congress, Mickey Leland focused much needed attention on issues of health and hunger and rallied support that resulted in both public and private action. Mickey Leland's sensitivity to the immediate needs of poor and hungry people made him a spokesman for hungry people at home and abroad and prompted then-House Speaker Tip O'Neil to ask him to lead a bipartisan Congressional delegation to sub-Saharan Africa to assess famine conditions and relief requirements. When he returned, he assembled a broad-based coalition in support of the Africa Famine Relief and Recovery Act of 1985, which provided $800 million in food and humanitarian relief supplies.  Mickey Leland also championed international human rights and was instrumental in securing passage of the Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act of 1986, which imposed economic sanctions against South Africa and led to the abolition of apartheid. Mickey died in an airplane crash while leading another humanitarian relief mission in 1989, to an isolated refugee camp, Fugnido, in Ethiopia, which sheltered thousands of unaccompanied children fleeing the civil conflict in neighboring Sudan. Mickey Leland. Naming this post office in honor of Mickey Leland -- a man who died as he had lived, on a mission seeking to help those most in need – is a fitting tribute to the extraordinary service rendered by an extraordinary public servant to the United States, the people of Texas, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District of Texas. Reforming the Criminal Justice System. No other country imprisons a larger percentage of its population, spends anywhere near the $6.5 billion that we spend annually on prison administration, or has sentencing policies that unfairly disadvantage African-American and Hispanic communities than the United States. Much of this overcrowding is the direct result of the unjust and discriminatory 100 to 1 disparity between crack and powder cocaine imposition of mandatory-minimum sentences in federal law. That is why I was pleased that my efforts to eliminate that disparity, beginning with the introduction of the “Drug Sentencing Reform and Cocaine Kingpin Trafficking Act of 2007,” led to the passage of the “Fair Sentencing Act of 2010” (P.L. 111-220), which finally ended the discriminatory 100:1 sentencing ratio. To ensure that persons sentenced under the old unfair policies are treated fairly, I was successful in passing an amendment preserving the authority of President Obama and Attorney General Holder to grant petitions for executive clemency, or early release, for deserving inmates. To learn more about this program and its eligibility requirements, please contact my Houston office at (713) 655-0050 or visit my website at jacksonlee.house.gov/content/department-of-justices-announcement-on-clemency. In recent months, the nation has been repeatedly shocked by the killings of unarmed African Americans, mainly young African American males, by persons claiming, despite substantial and credible evidence to the contrary, that the use of lethal force was justified. We do not really know whether the recent deaths of unarmed black men at the hands of white police officers a new trend or merely a reflection of a long-standing status quo because the FBI's Uniform Crime Reports track justifiable police homicides but the statistics rely on voluntary reporting by local law-enforcement agencies and are incomplete. Circumstances of the deaths, and other information such as age and race, also are not required. That is why I have authored the “Justifiable Homicide Accuracy in Reporting Act” or J-HAIR Act, which will enhance the collection and inclusion in the Uniform Crime Reports (UCR) and the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) of data relating to law-enforcement involved justifiable homicides, including information relating to the facts and circumstances of each death, including the age, race, gender, religion, criminal history, if any, of the victim and demographic data relating to the officer involved in the homicide and other relevant information such as the number of prior officer involved shootings and uses of lethal force, number and disposition of citizen complaints (formal and informal) filed against the officer and the nature and description of any disciplinary actions taken against the officer. Additionally, the events in Ferguson, Missouri has brought to light the troubling practice by many municipalities of using traffic fines and traffic court fees and costs as revenue generators. This practice has bred public cynicism and distrust of local law enforcement agencies in many areas and lessened public confidence that the laws are being enforced impartially and the criminal justice system is administered equally. Lack of public confidence in the system, particularly by residents of minority communities, exacerbates already tense relations between law enforcement and community residents by incentivizing unnecessary traffic stops by police officers which too often result in the use of lethal force by them against unarmed and innocent persons and lead to public confrontations. To address this problem, I recently introduced H.R. 5858, the “Build TRUST Act,” which stands for “Building Bridges and Transforming Resentment and Unfairness to Support and Trust for Municipal Law Enforcement.” The Build TRUST Act aims to increase public confidence in local law enforcement by decreasing the excessive reliance by some local governments on traffic fines and court costs to generate revenue to fund government operations. My Build TRUST Act addresses this problem by providing for a 75% reduction in the amount of DOJ grant funding that may be awarded to a unit of local government that funds an amount that is greater than 18 percent of its operating budget using revenue generated from collecting fines and other fees related to violations of traffic laws. Additionally, the amount of the reduction would increase to 95 percent if, for the political subdivision involved, the variance in the racial composition of the local law enforcement agency and residents of the political subdivision exceeds 30 percent for any racial group. The Build TRUST Act is not intended to punish or impose undue hardship on local governments but to discourage the adoption of practices that foster resentment and feed the perception that the law is being selectively enforced. For this reason, the Build Trust Act exempts any unit of local government serving a population of less than 15,000 persons and authorizes the Attorney General to grant requests for waivers to individual units of local government upon a showing of good cause. Help for the Long-Term Unemployed. It is immoral not to extend unemployment insurance for the 3.9 million unemployed jobhunters that rely upon these benefits to provide for their families. That is why I introduced legislation, H.R. 3773, “Unemployed Jobhunters Protection and Assistance Act,” which would have extended the program for an additional 12 months. Providing quality healthcare that is affordable, accessible to all Americans. Because of the Affordable Care Act that I strongly supported and defended, there are in the 18th Congressional District: 121,000 individuals – including 23,000 children and 50,000 women – who now have health insurance that covers preventive services without any co-pays, coinsurance, or deductible. 46,000 children with preexisting health conditions who can no longer be denied coverage by health insurers. 11,400 young adults who now have health insurance through their parents’ plan. 153,000 individuals who now have insurance that cannot place lifetime limits on their coverage and will not face annual limits on coverage starting in 2014. 4,100 seniors have now received prescription drug discounts worth $5.4 million, an average discount of $600 per person in 2011, $650 in 2012, and $1,040 thus far in 2013. 31,100 consumers have received rebates from insurance companies averaging $95 per family in 2012 and $187 per family in 2011. Health centers have received more than $2 million to provide primary care, establish new sites, and renovate existing centers to expand access to quality health care. Breast Cancer Research. I believe it is critical that we increase our investment in research to treat and cure breast cancer, one of the major threats to women’s health.  That is why I am pleased to report that I was successful in adding an amendment to legislation passed by the House that increases funding for breast cancer research by $5 million. Immigration Reform. While much more must be done, progress is being made to reform our broken immigration system to make it more humane and efficient. Legislation I sponsored to secure our borders, H.R. 1417, the Border Security Results Act, has earned critical bipartisan support and has been joined as the anchor legislation to H.R. 15, a bipartisan comprehensive immigration reform bill providing a path to earned citizenship. I remain committed to working to secure passage of comprehensive immigration reform during the next session of Congress. I have also introduced the “Justice for Children Act,” legislation that will authorize the immediate appointment of 70 new immigration judges to help reduce the immigration backlog, Transportation, Infrastructure, and Economic Development. I worked to secure $31.8 in federal funding for dredging of the Houston Shipping Channel, which will make the Port of Houston even more competitive and create jobs for our people. I also helped secure a $9,880,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to the City of Houston for the George Bush International Airport to rehabilitate an apron which is needed in order to maintain structural integrity of the pavement surrounding the airport. I also introduced and passed through the House, on a vote of 400-0, H.R. 3202, the Essential Transportation Worker Identification Credential Assessment Act (TWIC Act), which directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to submit to Congress a comprehensive assessment of the effectiveness of the transportation security card program at enhancing security or reducing security risks for maritime facilities and vessels. Finally, I was successful in amending legislation to keep up the pressure in favor of providing funding for Houston METRO to plan and execute public transit projects that will solve transportation problems, create jobs, and spur economic growth and development. Empowering Women I organized and hosted on March 18, 2014, an event in Houston, entitled “When Women Succeed America Succeeds,” which brought together House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and hundreds of women business, civic, educational, community, and governmental leaders to discuss the economic issues facing today's women, and a comprehensive strategy designed to meet the unique needs of women and their families. On September 16, 2014, I convened a summit meeting in Washington D.C. with many of the First Ladies of the Houston area’s prominent places of worship. The summit included important discussions on the subject of the Administration’s “My Brothers’ Keeper” Initiative and human trafficking, issues that impact and imperil our Houston community and included a meeting in the White House with Valarie Jarrett, Senior Advisor to President Obama. Public Safety and Protection of Children. The need for sensible measures to reduce the incidence and severity of gun violence remains as great as ever. I have introduced the “Child Gun Safety and Gun Access Prevention Act,” legislation requiring gun safety locks in any home where children are present. I have also introduced legislation (H.R. 2585) to help protect our children from bullying, whether in school on the playground, or on the internet. I also convened a Congressional District Commission on Youth Safety, which brought together civic, community, and faith leaders to develop local solutions and best practices to reduce violence and enhance the safety of our children. Energy Independence and Jobs. As the energy capital of America, a strong and vibrant energy industry is critical to the economy of Houston and our national security because and energy independent America is a safer America. And jobs in the energy sector pay well and support middle class families. For these reasons, I supported H.R. 4899, the “Lowering Gasoline Prices to Fuel an America that Works Act of 2014.” To ensure that economic benefits and opportunities in the energy sector are distributed fairly, I was able to amend this legislation to establish an Interior Department Office of Energy Employment and Training charged with working with minority-serving educational institutions and other to expand the numbers and diversity of persons from across the country with the skills and qualifications needed to take advantage of the exciting and rewarding opportunities the American energy industry has to offer and to keep America the world leader in emerging energy technologies. When fully implemented, the Jackson Lee Amendment will substantially increase the participation rates of veterans, women and minorities in the energy industry, particularly in the areas of senior management, contracting and procurement, and entrepreneurship. Combating Human Trafficking. Human trafficking in humans, especially domestic child trafficking, has no place in a civilized society and those who commit this crime should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. In March of this year, I arranged for the House Homeland Security Committee to hold a field hearing in Houston at which local and federal law enforcement, victim’s rights advocates, and community leaders discussed solutions to reducing human trafficking crime. I also was successful in passing legislation providing additional funding to help law enforcement protect human trafficking victims and bring their captors to justice. In addition, I have introduced the Coordinated Assistance to “Catch Human Traffickers Act” (CATCH Act), legislation enabling local law enforcement agencies to share information and resources to catch more criminals. Protecting Your Right of Privacy. Americans value their personal privacy, whether it is in the home or on the internet. That is why I was an original co-sponsor and helped lead the fight to pass the USA FREEDOM Act, which ensures the government cannot collect and retain records of Americans’ telephone calls without authorization from a federal court. This law also includes my legislation, the Sunshine in the FISA Court Act, requiring the disclosure of any court decision affecting the right of privacy. Gospel Heritage Month. Since 2008, when legislation I introduced (H.Con. Res. 370) establishing Gospel Music Heritage Month, became law, each September has been devoted to the celebration of gospel music in the United States of America. The celebration has occurred at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. and in Houston for the past 5 years.   As you can see, the list of things that we have accomplished working together is quite long. But there is still much that remains to be done and I look forward to our continued partnership on issues of critical importance to the residents of the 18th Congressional District of Texas. It is my honor to serve as your Congresswoman in Washington, D.C. Very truly yours, Sheila Jackson Lee MEMBER OF CONGRESS",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://jacksonlee.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-sheila-jackson-lee-applauds-presidents-executive-order-0,CONGRESSWOMAN SHEILA JACKSON LEE APPLAUDS PRESIDENT'S EXECUTIVE ORDER CREATING WHITE HOUSE TASK FORCE ON 21ST CENTURY POLICING,2014-12-23,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,TX,Sheila Jackson Lee,J000032,jacksonlee.house.gov,,,legacy,"December 18, 2014   Washington, DC – Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a senior Member of the House Committees on the Judiciary and on Homeland Security released the following statement today applauding the establishment of a White House Task Force on 21st Century Policing: “I applaud the President for the executive order he issued today establishing a White House Task Force on 21st Century Policing. The recent tragedies in Ferguson, New York, and other cities has made clear the pressing need for innovative and thoughtful steps to enhance police training and strengthen trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.  “The 11-member Task Force, co-chaired by Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey and George Mason University Professor and two-time former Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs Laurie Robinson includes law enforcement representatives, community leaders, academics, and youth leaders. The mandate of the Task Force is to examine, among other issues, how to strengthen public trust and foster strong relationships between local law enforcement and the communities that they protect. “This lack of public confidence in the system, particularly by residents of minority communities, has the potential for exacerbating already tense relations between law enforcement and community residents that could result in more public confrontations like those occurring recently in Ferguson, Missouri. One area which the Task Force should examine is the efficacy of the growing trend of local units of government to use traffic fines and traffic court fees and costs as revenue generators. This practice is problematic because it breeds public cynicism and distrust of local law enforcement agencies, and lessens public confidence that the laws are being enforced impartially and the criminal justice system is administered equally. “That is why I have introduced and invite the Task Force to consider H.R. 5858, the  “Building Bridges and Transforming Resentment and Unfairness to Support and Trust for Municipal Law Enforcement” or “Build TRUST Act,” which addresses this problem by providing for a 75% reduction in the amount of DOJ grant funding that may be awarded to a unit of local government that funds an amount that is greater than 18 percent of its operating budget using revenue generated from collecting fines and other fees related to violations of traffic laws. “Additionally, the amount of the reduction would increase to 95 percent if, for the political subdivision involved, the variance in the racial composition of the local law enforcement agency and residents of the political subdivision exceeds 30 percent for any racial group. “The Build TRUST Act exempts any unit of local government serving a population of less than 15,000 persons and authorizes the Attorney General to grant requests for waivers to individual units of local government upon a showing of good cause. In short, the bill builds trust and mutual respect between local law enforcement agencies and the communities they protect by discouraging practices that undermine the strong public support law enforcement agencies need to fulfill their mission to serve and protect. “I look forward to engaging with the members of the Task Force as it goes about its important work and to reviewing its interim and final reports to the President.” ### Congresswoman Jackson Lee is a Democrat from Texas’s 18th Congressional District. She is a senior member of the House Committees on Judiciary and Homeland Security and is Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://jacksonlee.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/shiloh-treatment-center-in-manvel-should-be-closed-by-hhs-for,SHILOH TREATMENT CENTER IN MANVEL SHOULD BE CLOSED BY HHS FOR UNACCOMPANIED CHILDREN,2014-12-23,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,TX,Sheila Jackson Lee,J000032,jacksonlee.house.gov,,,legacy,"December 22, 2014   Washington, DC – Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a Senior Member of the House Homeland Security and Judiciary Committees and Founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Children’s Caucus released the following statement today: “I am appalled by record of abuse and mistreatment of children at the Shiloh Treatment Center in Manvel documented by the Houston Chronicle in an expose published December 19, 2014. The abuses documented in that report – ranging from physical violence, unreasonable and excessive use of physical restraints, administering emergency medications without notice to governmental authorities, and several deaths of minor children while in custody – is not reflective of the quality of care and support that should be provided to the at-risk children, including the dozens of unaccompanied immigrant children, committed to its care. “Because of these deficiencies I believe the time has come for the State of Texas to order the closure of the Shiloh Treatment Center. At a minimum, the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services should terminate immediately the contract awarded to Shiloh Treatment Center to provide shelter and treatment to unaccompanied children apprehended by the Border Patrol. “Over many months, local government officials, non-profit organizations, and local charities that have a track record of serving vulnerable children have met and offered to make available to HHS facilities where unaccompanied children would be care for in a safe and supportive housing environment. I urge the State of Texas and HHS to explore this option as a viable alternative to continued reliance upon the Shiloh Treatment Center. “All vulnerable and at-risk children deserve housing and shelter that is safe and supportive. I thank my colleague Congressman Pete Olson for his oversight and commitment to the well-being of the children entrusted to Shiloh Treatment Center and look forward to working with him and others to ensure that the Office of Refugee Resettlement exercises proper oversight over the facilities sheltering unaccompanied children.” ### Congresswoman Jackson Lee is a Democrat from Texas’s 18th Congressional District. She is a senior member of the House Committees on Judiciary and Homeland Security and is Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://jacksonlee.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/statement-of-congresswoman-sheila-jackson-lee-on-the-threats-of-violence,Statement of Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee on the threats of violence and the killing of the two NYPD Officers,2014-12-23,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,TX,Sheila Jackson Lee,J000032,jacksonlee.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – The threats against America’s police forces should be taken seriously.  We should be condemn any threats of violence and bring law enforcement, government officials and community leaders together to chart of a path forward.   It is understandable that people are outraged with sadness over the execution of two NYPD officers by a crazed Ismaaiyl Brinsley.  “We should all stand up against this violence and then further our discussions about the concerns of the protesters and establish a way to move forward. My sympathy goes out to the families of these officers and as a senior member of the House Committee on Judiciary, I look forward to working with law enforcement, government officials, and community leaders to make our communities safe for everyone.” I applaud Suzan Johnson Cooke the former United States Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom who appropriately indicated that these discussions should include religion and race. The Civil Rights Movement spoke about equal access and the right to vote.  Now we must establish a movement that reaffirms our unity as Americans and the importance of a justice system based on truth and order  and that ultimately puts an end to racial profiling and establish procedures that will enhance and affirm the important status of America’s law enforcement.” # # # Congresswoman Jackson Lee is a Democrat from Texas’s 18th Congressional District. She is a senior member of the House Committees on Judiciary and Homeland Security and is Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://jacksonlee.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-sheila-jackson-lee-applauds-pakistan-government-s-new-zero,CONGRESSWOMAN SHEILA JACKSON LEE APPLAUDS PAKISTAN GOVERNMENTS NEW ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY TOWARDS TALIBAN AND JIHADISTS,2014-12-22,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,TX,Sheila Jackson Lee,J000032,jacksonlee.house.gov,,,legacy,"December 19, 2014                                                                                                                     Washington, DC – Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a Senior Member of the House Homeland Security Committee, Co-Chair of the Congressional Pakistan Caucus, and Founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Children’s Caucus released the following statement today: “I stand in solidarity with thousands of Pakistani citizens engaged in peaceful demonstrations demanding their government to take more aggressive action to end the cycle of violence and terror wrought by the Taliban. The horrific attack and murder of 148 persons, including 132 precious schoolchildren, by the Taliban at the Army Public School in Peshawar, Pakistan appears to be a turning point marking the end of the Pakistan Government’s policy of ambivalence toward jihadists groups. “I am also encouraged by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s declaration that there would be no more ‘good Taliban, and that henceforth militants ‘would be dealt equally with an iron hand.’ Pakistanis want peace and safety, and demand justice for those victims who lost their lives in the attack at the Army Public School. “I urge the leaders of America’s Pakistani communities to gather in Washington, D.C. at the earliest feasible time to discuss ideas and collectives measures to be taken in support the people of Pakistan in the effort to defeat the Taliban and end the violence in their land.” ### Congresswoman Jackson Lee is a Democrat from Texas’s 18th Congressional District. She is a senior member of the House Committees on Judiciary and Homeland Security and is Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://jacksonlee.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-sheila-jackson-lee-applauds-presidents-executive-order,CONGRESSWOMAN SHEILA JACKSON LEE APPLAUDS PRESIDENT'S EXECUTIVE ORDER CREATING WHITE HOUSE TASK FORCE ON 21ST CENTURY POLICING,2014-12-22,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,TX,Sheila Jackson Lee,J000032,jacksonlee.house.gov,,,legacy,"December 18, 2014      Washington, DC – Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a senior Member of the House Committees on the Judiciary and on Homeland Security released the following statement today applauding the establishment of a White House Task Force on 21st Century Policing: “I applaud the President for the executive order he issued today establishing a White House Task Force on 21st Century Policing. The recent tragedies in Ferguson, New York, and other cities has made clear the pressing need for innovative and thoughtful steps to enhance police training and strengthen trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.  “The 11-member Task Force, co-chaired by Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey and George Mason University Professor and two-time former Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs Laurie Robinson includes law enforcement representatives, community leaders, academics, and youth leaders. The mandate of the Task Force is to examine, among other issues, how to strengthen public trust and foster strong relationships between local law enforcement and the communities that they protect. “This lack of public confidence in the system, particularly by residents of minority communities, has the potential for exacerbating already tense relations between law enforcement and community residents that could result in more public confrontations like those occurring recently in Ferguson, Missouri. One area which the Task Force should examine is the efficacy of the growing trend of local units of government to use traffic fines and traffic court fees and costs as revenue generators. This practice is problematic because it breeds public cynicism and distrust of local law enforcement agencies, and lessens public confidence that the laws are being enforced impartially and the criminal justice system is administered equally. “That is why I have introduced and invite the Task Force to consider H.R. 5858, the  “Building Bridges and Transforming Resentment and Unfairness to Support and Trust for Municipal Law Enforcement” or “Build TRUST Act,” which addresses this problem by providing for a 75% reduction in the amount of DOJ grant funding that may be awarded to a unit of local government that funds an amount that is greater than 18 percent of its operating budget using revenue generated from collecting fines and other fees related to violations of traffic laws. “Additionally, the amount of the reduction would increase to 95 percent if, for the political subdivision involved, the variance in the racial composition of the local law enforcement agency and residents of the political subdivision exceeds 30 percent for any racial group. “The Build TRUST Act exempts any unit of local government serving a population of less than 15,000 persons and authorizes the Attorney General to grant requests for waivers to individual units of local government upon a showing of good cause. In short, the bill builds trust and mutual respect between local law enforcement agencies and the communities they protect by discouraging practices that undermine the strong public support law enforcement agencies need to fulfill their mission to serve and protect. “I look forward to engaging with the members of the Task Force as it goes about its important work and to reviewing its interim and final reports to the President.” ### Congresswoman Jackson Lee is a Democrat from Texas’s 18th Congressional District. She is a senior member of the House Committees on Judiciary and Homeland Security and is Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://jacksonlee.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-sheila-jackson-lee-calls-for-urgent-response-to,CONGRESSWOMAN SHEILA JACKSON LEE CALLS FOR URGENT RESPONSE TO CYBERCRIMES COMMITTED BY INTERNATIONAL ACTORS,2014-12-22,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,TX,Sheila Jackson Lee,J000032,jacksonlee.house.gov,,,legacy,"December 18, 2014                                                                                        Washington, DC – Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a Senior Member of the House Homeland Security and Judiciary Committees, released the following statement in response to President Obama’s announcement regarding North Korea’s involvement in the recent cyberattack against Sony Pictures: “Cybercrimes committed by international actors constitute a serious threat to our national, economic, and homeland security. Disrupting, degrading, and defeating an attackers ability to engage in cyberattacks against the United States must be a national priority.  I fully support President Obama’s efforts to increase the security of the nation’s public and private cybernetworks since the earliest days of his administration. It should be noted that it is estimated that 85 percent of cybercrime targets are commercial or non-governmental entities. “Cybersecurity requires vigilance and proactive work on the part of the government, private sector, and individuals to guard against vulnerabilities and intentional acts that could cripple or seriously undermine the ability of critical infrastructure to deliver vital services to communities around the nation. “When the 114th Congress convenes I will introduce two bills to fight the growing threat of cyberattacks. The first, “Terrorism Prevention and Critical Infrastructure Protection Act,” directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to work with critical infrastructure owners and operators as well as state, local, tribal and territorial entities to take proactive steps to manage risk and strengthen the security and resilience of the Nation’s critical infrastructure against terrorist attacks.  “The second bill is the “Cybersecurity Workforce and Defense Education Act,” which focuses resources on closing the gap in the demand for cybersecurity experts and the thousands of positions in the federal government and private sector that are going unfilled. Cyber conflicts are fights that we can win, but we cannot win by leaving any one behind in the race to lift minds and capacities through effective cyber-STEM education programs.” “When the 114th Congress convenes next month, I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Homeland Security and Judiciary Committees, and the Committees on Intelligence, Armed Services, and Energy and Commerce to develop legislative proposals to respond to the security threats posed by those who engage in cybercrime.” ### Congresswoman Jackson Lee is a Democrat from Texas’s 18th Congressional District. She is a senior member of the House Committees on Judiciary and Homeland Security and is Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://doggett.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/san-antonio-express-news-missions-park-set-expand,San Antonio Express-News: Missions' Park Set to Expand,2014-12-22,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,TX,Lloyd Doggett,D000399,doggett.house.gov,,,legacy,"Mission San Juan, located in south San Antonio in Missions National Historic Park on Dec. 21st, 2014. After years of wrangling, and the efforts of many elected officials, San Antonio Missions National Historical Park is expanding by 137 acres. The U.S. Senate passed the Missions National Historical Park Boundary Expansion Act, sponsored by Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Austin, as part of the 2015 National Defense Authorization Bill on Dec. 12. President Barack Obama signed the bill into law Friday. The bill, which will affect the city's four Spanish colonial missions maintained by the National Park Service, had languished after it was originally passed in the House last year. It's been a long, long, hard ride for a bill that should have been easy to pass but, unfortunately, it wasn't, said Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff, who was among a group of officials, including former Rep. Ciro Rodriguez and outgoing Rep. Pete Gallego, who had pushed for the park's expansion over the years. Doggett said it was uncertain until the very last minute if he could secure a consensus to get the bill passed. It's so challenging to get anything completed in Washington, Doggett said, and I believe we have done it here. Adding the acreage is important for preserving cultural and historical resources, Doggett said, adding that it's not just about the past, it's about the future. The newly annexed land, around Missions San Jos, San Juan and Espada, will include part of the San Juan Dam and the head gate to the San Juan Acequia, a Spanish colonial-era drainage structure. It also will mean the inclusion of land between the San Antonio River and Mission San Jos, helping to protect the view from the mission to the river, said Mardi Arce, park superintendent. Adding the land to the park will allow for much easier management of the resources by the park service, said Susan Chandoha, executive director of missions' friends group Los Compadres. The park service also plans to expand its demonstration farm around Mission San Juan, land that was part of the original Spanish farm fields, called labores. Farming has already begun; this fall, the park service planted wheat near the park for the first time, Chandoha said. The park service already owns 30 of the additional acres; the rest is owned by the San Antonio River Authority, the city and the county. The river authority had planned to donate land to the park for the San Juan farm, but that wasn't possible before the expansion, Arce said. The most exciting part of it is the idea that these labores will be protected, and that will help tell a more complete story for the entire park, Arce said. Adding acreage is considered another boon to efforts to secure World Heritage Site status for the four missions controlled by the park service; the Alamo is owned by the state. Some worry that the missions' nomination could be hindered by the United States' ongoing refusal to pay dues to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, or UNESCO, since the organization admitted Palestinians as full members in 2011. UNESCO oversees the World Heritage process. But Doggett pointed out that UNESCO did approve World Heritage status for Poverty Point in Louisiana this year. A decision on the missions is expected next year. I believe we have a strong application, Doggett said. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://medium.com/@RepBetoORourke/truth-about-the-border-no-evidence-of-isis-plot-on-u-s-mexico-border-662d1815ab15?source=rss-964ef69221bc------2,Truth About the Border: No Evidence of ISIS Plot on U.S.Mexico Border,2014-12-21,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,TX,Beto O'Rourke,O000170,medium.com,,,legacy,"Truth About the Border: No Evidence of ISIS Plot on U.S.MexicoBorder Quotes Recent media reporting including some quoting a Midland County, TX Sherriff has addressed the presence of ISIS/ISIL along the Southwest Border. These reports are citing, uncorroborated information and attempting to turn them into a breaking news story. There is no corroborated information regarding the presence of Islamic Extremists residing along or using the Southwest Border. Over the last eight to ten years this topic has resurfaced many times without corroboration. Analysts at all levels monitor the Border for just this reason and to ensure early warning of developing or potential threats. Multiple law enforcement and intelligence agencies have no corroborated, credible reports that support an ISIS/ISIL cell, or other Violent Extremist Organizations, operating south of the border or using the Border to enter the US. The items within the recent Press and News releases are old circular reporting and consist mostly of unconfirmed rumors. Department of Defense Intelligence Report, 9/16/2014 There is no credible intelligence to suggest that there is an active plot by ISIL [ISIS] to attempt to cross the southern border. Department of Homeland Securty, 9/16/2014 | http://bit.ly/1r4hAQD there is no truth to the warnings. FBI, 9/15/2014 | http://nyti.ms/ZnsZC0 We dont have any credible information, that we are aware of, of known or suspected terrorists coming across the border. Jennifer Lasley, Department of Homeland Security, 9/10/2014 | http://nydn.us/ZjlKek We have not seen any evidence of ISIS amassed at the border ready to come into the United States. Fred Burton, vice president of intelligence at Austin-based Stratfor, 9/2/2014 | http://bit.ly/1toYBCw Ive seen no indication that they are coming across the border with Mexico. We have no information that leads us to believe that. Rear Adm. John Kirby, Pentagon Spokesperson, 8/22/2014 | http://bit.ly/1pR9mMi Stoking Fears about the Border Is NothingNew El Paso Herald-Post: Mexico Is Soviet Objective Russians Could Stat Trouble on Our Border | 2/4/1982 El Paso HeraldPost: Refugees Hit El Paso, Page 1 | 12/12/1981 El Paso HeraldPost: Refugees Hit El Paso, Page 2 | 12/12/1981 El Paso HeraldPost: Border Checked for Libyan Hit Squad| 12/11/1981 Congressional Hearing VideoClips Rep. Bennie Thompson Asks Sec. Johnson about Evidence of Terriorsts Entering Southern Border, 9/17/2014 | Homeland Securtiy Committee Briefing Homeland Securty Secretary Jeh Johnson Sets the Record Straight on Threats on the Southern Border, 9 /17/ 2014 | Homeland Securtiy Committee Briefing Rep. Beto ORourke Asks DHS and State Dept about Threats from Mexico, 9/10/2014 | Homeland Security Committee Briefing Recent Press - Fusion: Homeland Security: No evidence ISIS plotting to cross southern border | 9/16/2014 - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Feds: No ISIS plot detected on U.S.-Mexico border | 9/16/2014 - San Antonio Express: Homeland Security: No evidence ISIS will cross U.S. border | 9/16/2014 - New York Times: U.S. Pushes Back Against Warnings That ISIS Plans to Enter From Mexico | 9/15/2014 - MSNBC: No, ISIS is not at our border | 9/15/2014 - New York Daily NewsISIS terrorists wont sneak into U.S. across loose Mexico border: Homeland Security officials | 9/12/2014 - The Huffington Post: DHS Doesnt Think ISIS Is Plotting Attack Through U.S.-Mexico Border | 9/11/2014 - Fox News: ISIS Terrorists Not Sneaking Over U.S. Southern Border With Mexico, DHS Officials Tell Congress | 9/11/2014 - The Hill: DHS unaware of any active plot by ISIS to cross the Mexican border | 8/22/2014",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://medium.com/@RepBetoORourke/u-s-mexico-trade-2a51dfb87ef3,U.S.Mexico Trade,2014-12-21,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,TX,Beto O'Rourke,O000170,medium.com,,,legacy,"U.S.Mexico Trade: See the impact trade with Mexico has on each of the 50states Jul 8, 2013 The U.S.-Mexico border region is one of the most economically significant borders in the world and is directly responsible for thousands of jobs in all 50 states. My office has put together state-by-state maps, which can serve as a reference tool in helping you understand that a healthy border with Mexico means more jobs for Americans. Annually, delays at our land ports of entry cost 26,000 U.S. jobs and $6 billion in lost economic output. Much of these delays are a result of inadequate and outdated port infrastructure and significant staffing gaps within Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Additional CBP Officers placed at high-traffic ports will lessen delays and lead to a significant return on investment in terms of both cost savings and Gross Domestic Product. As the April 2013 National Center for Risk and Economic Analysis of Terrorism Events report concludes, adding one CBP Officer at an airport or land port of entry would inject $2 million into the economy and produce 33 new jobs. As the Senate in June passed its version of Comprehensive Immigration Reform (S. 744) and the House continues its debate, it is critical that we capitalize on the economic potential of the U.S.-Mexico border. Ensuring adequate resources and infrastructure at our ports of entry means more jobs and an America that is competitive in the global economic market. To see how trade with Mexico affects each of the 50 U.S. states, see below: Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://medium.com/@RepBetoORourke/u-s-mexico-trade-2a51dfb87ef3?source=rss-964ef69221bc------2,U.S.Mexico Trade,2014-12-21,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,TX,Beto O'Rourke,O000170,medium.com,,,legacy,"U.S.Mexico Trade: See the impact trade with Mexico has on each of the 50states Jul 8, 2013 The U.S.-Mexico border region is one of the most economically significant borders in the world and is directly responsible for thousands of jobs in all 50 states. My office has put together state-by-state maps, which can serve as a reference tool in helping you understand that a healthy border with Mexico means more jobs for Americans. Annually, delays at our land ports of entry cost 26,000 U.S. jobs and $6 billion in lost economic output. Much of these delays are a result of inadequate and outdated port infrastructure and significant staffing gaps within Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Additional CBP Officers placed at high-traffic ports will lessen delays and lead to a significant return on investment in terms of both cost savings and Gross Domestic Product. As the April 2013 National Center for Risk and Economic Analysis of Terrorism Events report concludes, adding one CBP Officer at an airport or land port of entry would inject $2 million into the economy and produce 33 new jobs. As the Senate in June passed its version of Comprehensive Immigration Reform (S. 744) and the House continues its debate, it is critical that we capitalize on the economic potential of the U.S.-Mexico border. Ensuring adequate resources and infrastructure at our ports of entry means more jobs and an America that is competitive in the global economic market. To see how trade with Mexico affects each of the 50 U.S. states, see below: Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398041,Laredo Morning Times: Cuellar Speaks to Students,2014-12-20,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"Laredo Morning Times: Cuellar Speaks to Students f t # e LAREDO, Texas, December 20, 2014 f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398099,El Manana de Nuevo Laredo: Determinar TxDot si es viable o no tren rpido,2014-12-20,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"Por: FRANCISCO DÍAZAntes de terminar diciembre el Departamento de Transporte de Texas (TxDot) determinará si es factible establecer una ruta de tren rápido desde San Antonio hasta Monterrey, cruzando por Colombia, Nuevo León. “Esperamos la decisión en este mes luego de concluir el estudio de factibilidad sobre el proyecto y de ello dependerá seguir adelante”, dijo el Congresista Federal Henry Cuellar. El legislador federal agregó que Nuevo León ya tiene listos los derechos de vía en el lado mexicano y prácticamente espera la aprobación del estado de Texas para seguir con el proceso de la construcción de vías. Se trata de un corredor de 480 kilómetros para recorrer el tramo de San Antonio a Laredo, cruzando por Colombia hacia Monterrey, Nuevo León en un lapso de dos horas en lugar de las casi cinco horas que se hacen ahora en automóvil. “La idea es que el corredor ferroviario sea para carga y para pasajeros lo cual lo hace muy atractivo”, indicó Cuellar. Resaltó que el proyecto fue presentado en Washington en enero de este año por parte de funcionarios del gobierno de Nuevo León y causó muy buena impresión al Secretario de Transporte de EU, Anthony Foxx. Si el Departamento de Transporte de Texas determina que el proyecto es factible, el plan es tenerlo listo para el año 2018 uniendo a San Antonio con Monterrey, sacándole la vuelta a Nuevo Laredo. El proyecto forma parte de un estudio para establecer un tren de alta velocidad desde San Antonio a Dallas para luego conectarse hacia Oklahoma en un recorrido de unas 805 millas por ferrocarril para carga y pasajeros. El estudio de factibilidad tiene un costo de unos 4.4 millones de dólares, fondos que fueron financiados por el Departamento de Transporte de Estados Unidos para explorar proyectos de tren rápido en el estado de la estrella solitaria y fue iniciado hace casi 18 meses. Cuellar destacó que si el estudio de factibilidad demuestra que el proyecto es viable, el siguiente paso será identificar las vías del financiamiento, que posiblemente incluya al sector privado en ambos lados. Resaltó que el proyecto requerirá forzosamente de un puente ferroviario en Colombia, Nuevo León para el cruce del tren rápido desde San Antonio a Monterrey, llevando mercancías y pasajeros. En el lado de Nuevo León ya se cuenta con el derecho de vía para establecer una ruta ferroviaria de poco más de 240 kilómetros desde Monterrey hasta llegar al puerto de Colombia, frontera con Laredo, Texas.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398046,Rep. Cuellar Announces $10 Million in Federal Funds to Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas,2014-12-19,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX28) announced on Wednesday the awarding of $10 million in federal funds to Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas Inc. from the Corporation for National Community Service. This is the very first Social Innovation Fund (SIF) grant for the state of Texas and the second largest SIF grant ever awarded.This federal investment of $10 million will be combined with another $16.2 million provided directly from Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas and will be used by its “Sí Texas Project” which will aim to reduce the rates of disease in South Texas by focusing on developing a more effective approach to caring for people with both behavioral and chronic healthcare needs. The program will connect organization working towards the same goal and increase the community impact by expanding and replicating community solutions that work. ""Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas worked with my office to secure Texas’ first Social Innovation Fund Grant from the Corporation for National Community Service,"" said Congressman Cuellar. “This federal investment, combined with funds provided by Methodist Healthcare Ministries, will greatly improve the health of the people of South Texas, especially border communities that are at the forefront of the nation’s health challenges. The Texas border region has some of the highest uninsured rates in the country and is disproportionately affected by chronic and communicable diseases. This project will greatly help to improve the health of our citizens.” “There has traditionally been a minimal investment made in South Texas both by state and national foundations,” said Rebecca D. Brune, vice president of strategic planning and growth at Methodist Healthcare Ministries. “However, we know from our work with our funded partners that there are innovative models that can effectively address these chronic illnesses and behavioral health needs. This project will allow us to evaluate these models and showcase those that are effectively meeting those needs, and ultimately, help to sustain and scale those efforts by attracting additional investments in this region.” ""This is a two part investment; the first part is the federal investment from the Social Innovation Fund for a total of $10 million over two years. The second part of the investment is directly from MHM, which amounts to $16.2 million through our own dollars and by leveraging funds through other public/private partnerships--this is an addition to funds we are dedicating to conducting an evaluation of the programs supported by the SIF funds. The evaluation is a critical component to the project and, when combined with the SIF and MHM grants, makes the total investment for this initiative nearly $30 million,” Brune added Congressman Cuellar announced $10 million in federal funds to Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas at the First United Methodist Church on Wednesday, Dec.17.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://veasey.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/rep-veasey-statement-on-the-2014-holiday-season,Rep. Veasey Statement on the 2014 Holiday Season,2014-12-18,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,TX,Marc Veasey,V000131,veasey.house.gov,,,legacy,"Dallas, Fort Worth, TX – Today, Congressman Marc Veasey, TX-33, released the following statement in recognition of the holiday season: ""Wishing my constituents in the 33rd Congressional District of Texas and across the nation a very Happy Holiday. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa, I wish you a wonderful holiday season filled with love and happiness surrounded by your family and friends. Be safe, stay warm, and have a blessed New Year.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://medium.com/@RepBetoORourke/will-the-border-ever-be-secure-enough-for-immigration-hawks-c3bce196f500?source=rss-964ef69221bc------2,Will the Border Ever Be Secure Enough for Immigration Hawks?,2014-12-14,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,TX,Beto O'Rourke,O000170,medium.com,,,legacy,"Feb 22, 2013 | In The News Will the Border Ever Be Secure Enough for Immigration Hawks? El Paso is the safest city in the U.S., the Border Patrol is bigger than ever, and illegal crossings have reached a 40-year lowamong other surprising facts. By Molly Ball The Atlantic Reuters Border security could be the issue that kills immigration reform. And yet, by most measures, the U.S.-Mexico border has never been safer. The bipartisan group of U.S. senators seeking comprehensive immigration reform have proposed a trigger mechanism, whereby a path to citizenship would be contingent on increased border security. President Obama and liberals have not endorsed the idea, although the president is committed to increasing our border security further, according to White House Press Secretary Jay Carney. Disagreement over the trigger is the largest current discrepancy between the Senate and White House versions of immigration reform. It could cause the whole thing to fall apart. Yet the ideaexpressed by both sidesthat the border needs more security may be the biggest myth of the immigration debate, according to Rep. Beto ORourke. A newly elected Democrat, ORourke represents El Paso, Texas, the border city that shares a street gridand 11 border inspection stationswith the Mexican city of Juarez. El Paso also has the lowest crime rate of any large U.S. city. (The second-safest large city? Its on the border, too: San Diego.) The common assumption, ORourke told me recently, is that the border is not secure. In fact, by almost any measurecrime, unauthorized border crossings, resources devoted to border patrolthe U.S.-Mexico border has never been more secure than it is now. The problem for the immigration debate is that those who claim we need more border security are rarely called upon to prove it. No one has proposed a set of concrete standards; rather, some are calling for a subjective evaluation to be made by border-state governors, some of whom have political incentives to exaggerate the threatand track records of doing so. Meanwhile, theres a downside to the increasingly militarized border, ORourke claims. In human terms, it results in more deaths. In fiscal terms, it wastes federal-government dollars that could be put to better use. And in economic terms, long wait times at the borderdue in part to the zealous but not very effective pursuit of contrabandstifle the flow of trade that is a major driver of the U.S. economy. Does the Mexican border need more security? Here are a few facts to consider. * American border regions are not crime-ridden. El Paso and San Diego were Americas two safest cities with populations over 500,000 in 2012, according to CQ Press. In 2010, at the height of Mexicos drug war, Juarez recorded more than 3,000 murders; El Paso had just five. On average, violent crime rates in U.S. border regions are lower than those of the rest of the nation. * Terrorists are not coming over the border. Theres never been a reported case of a terrorist attack in the U.S. that involved someone coming across the Mexican border. A congressional subcommittee report on the threat of cross-border terrorism cited unsubstantiated claims and three specific cases, including a Tunisian cleric caught hiding in the trunk of a car in San Diego who was not accused of involvement in any terrorist activity. The other two also were not linked to specific terrorist plots. * There are not bombs exploding in El Paso or decapitated bodies in the desert. The former claim was made by Texas Gov. Rick Perry in 2010, the latter by Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer the same year. But Perry appeared to be talking about something that happened in Mexico, not the U.S., and Brewers claim couldnt be substantiatedshe later said she misspoke. The Senate plan proposes giving border-state governors, among other officials, the final say over whether the border is secure enough to trigger a path to citizenshipa subjective measure that highlights the lack of a quantitative standard for security. * The border patrol is bigger than ever. The number of agents has quintupled in the past two decades, from 4,028 in 1993 to 21,394 in 2012. In 2010, the federal government spent more than $17 billion on customs and enforcement at the border. The billions of dollars already devoted to border security pale in comparison to what it would cost to build a fence, as many politicians advocate: In Texas alone, a border fence would cost an estimated $30 billion. * Illegal border crossings are at a 40-year low. The number of migrants caught by the Border Patrol is down 61 percent since 2005 and is at its lowest level since 1972. The average agent catches just 20 migrants per year. More Mexicans are now thought to be leaving the U.S. than entering each year, largely due to the stalled American economy. (Nonetheless, the number of illegal crossers caught each year is greater than 300,000.) Meanwhile, more migrants are dying in the desert, as stepped-up security forces would-be crossers into more and more inhospitable areas. Borderfactcheck.org * Lots of drugs do still come across. Narcotics seizures on the border are at all-time high levels, according to the Justice Department. While this indicates more effectiveness at stopping drugs, it also shows that traffickers are not being deterred by present levels of security, notes the Washington Office on Latin America, an American non-profit. * Security has consequences. At least 15 civilians, most of them Mexican, have been killed by Border Patrol agents since 2010, including three Mexican teenagers fatally shot in separate incidents after allegedly throwing rocks at agents, and a father who was picnicking with his family when he was shot and killed. * It can take three or four hours to cross the borderlegallyfrom Mexico. And that costs the U.S. economy money: Many Juarez residents make day trips to shop in El Paso, where the U.S.s lower tariffs on Chinese goods and agricultural subsidies make numerous products cheaper to buy here than in Mexico. According to ORourke, there is a supermarket in south El Paso that sells more eggs per square foot than any other store in the U.S. * Stepped-up security is hampering trade. And its not just El Paso thats harmed by that. According to a report by the Wilson Center, six million U.S. jobs depend on trade with Mexico, which amounts to half a trillion dollars of goods and services per year. ORourke hopes to persuade more members of Congress to support immigration reform by pointing to the economic effects of cross-border trade on their home districts far from the border.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://algreen.house.gov/press-release/congressman-al-green-speaks-national-action-network%E2%80%99s-justice-all-march-washington-dc,"Congressman Al Green Speaks at National Action Networks Justice For All March in Washington, DC",2014-12-13,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,TX,Al Green,G000553,algreen.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.)—On Saturday, December 13, 2014, Congressman Al Green (TX-09) addressed the crowd at the Justice For All March on Freedom Plaza, where he joined fellow elected leaders, civil rights leaders, and the families of those affected by police brutality to call for justice. ""It is critical that we rededicate ourselves to the cause of justice for all,” Congressman Al Green said. “We are at a critical turning point in the history of our nation where people of good will who believe in liberty and justice for all must actively be a part of the solution or passively be a part of the problem.” Congressman Al Green continued, “I support the efforts of peace officers to serve and protect our community. I also believe strongly in the rule of law. However, I, along with many other people of good will, believe that more can be done to make law enforcement more accountable and transparent such that police officers are better able to work in their communities. I also wholeheartedly believe lawmakers should act to better understand how we can increase transparency and accountability in all levels of law enforcement. I have introduced H.R. 5407, the Transparency in Policing Act (TIP) of 2014, which would require state and local law enforcement agencies that receive funds from the Department of Justice to acquire body cameras for use by their law enforcement officers. Although this bill is not a panacea, it is a significant step in the right direction. I believe that having our officers wear body cameras can bring much-needed additional transparency to communities in many future controversial police/civilian actions. Currently, numerous major police departments around the country have conducted studies, introduced pilot programs, or currently require officers to wear body cameras, including the Ferguson Police Department. While this is a positive development, the TIP Act would allow us to move forward together as a nation on the issue of transparency and accountability in law enforcement rather than one city, county, or state at a time.” On September 8, 2014, Congressman Al Green introduced H.R. 5407, the Transparency in Policing (TIP) Act of 2014, which would require state and local law enforcement agencies that receive funds from the Department of Justice to acquire body cameras for use by their law enforcement officers. It would require that the Attorney General conduct a study on the cost of using body cameras by state and local law enforcement agencies. The bill would also grant the Attorney General the ability to waive the requirement for the purchase of body cameras if compliance was determined to create an economic hardship for a particular law enforcement agency.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://algreen.house.gov/press-release/congressman-al-green%E2%80%99s-haven-act-approved-part-national-defense-authorization-act-2015,Congressman Al Greens HAVEN Act is Approved as Part of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2015,2014-12-12,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,TX,Al Green,G000553,algreen.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, DC)--On Friday, December 12, 2014, the Senate approved modified language from Congressman Al Green’s bill H.R. 3743, the Housing Assistance for Veterans Act of 2014 (HAVEN Act), as part of the National Defense Authorization  Act (NDAA) of 2015. The modified language in the NDAA will provide $20 million over five years in home modification for low-income, disabled veterans. “I do care passionately about veterans having all the resources a grateful nation can provide them to maintain their productiveness and role in society,” Congressman Al Green said. “Legislation to support our brave veterans transcends partisanship as well as ideology in Congress and should remain one of the top priorities for a government that asks so much of them.” The bill establishes grant awards for installing wheelchair ramps, widening exterior and interior doors, as well as accommodating the functional limitations that result from having a disability. The grants will greatly assist veterans as nonprofit housing organizations are able to leverage more than $3 for every $1 in federal funding received. The provision also requires participating nonprofits to detail their outreach plans and match a minimum of 50 percent of the grant award. “I’m proud to have played a role in the bipartisan passage of legislation that will help our veterans,” Congressman Al Green said. “I am especially proud of H.R. 3743, the HAVEN Act of 2014, which I introduced and was incorporated into the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of 2015. The modified language from the HAVEN Act offers valuable assistance in rehabilitating and modifying the homes of low-income, disabled veterans.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398018,Rep. Cuellar Releases Statement on Appropriations Agreement,2014-12-12,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX28) released the following statement on his vote in favor of the Fiscal Year 2015 omnibus appropriations bill.  The measure passed the House by a vote of 219-206.  “Yesterday’s agreement averts the risk of a government shutdown by providing funding for government operations in 2015.  While I oppose the use of a continuing resolution to fund the Department of Homeland Security, we cannot risk the possibility of another government shutdown because of a disagreement over a policy item.  “As an appropriator, I would rather see an appropriations bill or an omnibus with fresh funding for the Department of Homeland Security, rather than the continuing resolution we are passing today.  We cannot focus on initiatives benefitting our security as a whole while running on directives and funds from the previous year.  If Republicans object to the President’s action, they should put forward a legislative proposal, not put funding at risk for our men and women in blue and in green, the Secret Service, Coast Guard, veterans, and many others. “I voted for the omnibus bill because it was necessary to move funding forward for the eleven other agencies.  I hope to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in the new Congress to ensure that all agencies receive full funding for the next year.  Taxpayers send us to Washington to get the job done.  If we are going to get something meaningful done here in Washington, both parties need to get together and focus on areas where we agree.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398065,KGNS: Cuellar releases statement on appropriations agreement,2014-12-12,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"Cuellar releases statement on appropriations agreement Posted: Fri 12:06 PM, Dec 12, 2014 By: Matt McGovernWASHINGTON, DC (Office of Henry Cuellar) - Congressman Henry Cuellar released the following statement on his vote in favor of the Fiscal Year 2015 omnibus appropriations bill. The measure passed the House by a vote of 219-206. “Yesterday’s agreement averts the risk of a government shutdown by providing funding for government operations in 2015. While I oppose the use of a continuing resolution to fund the Department of Homeland Security, we cannot risk the possibility of another government shutdown because of a disagreement over a policy item. “As an appropriator, I would rather see an appropriations bill or an omnibus with fresh funding for the Department of Homeland Security, rather than the continuing resolution we are passing today. We cannot focus on initiatives benefitting our security as a whole while running on directives and funds from the previous year. If Republicans object to the President’s action, they should put forward a legislative proposal, not put funding at risk for our men and women in blue and in green, the Secret Service, Coast Guard, veterans, and many others. “I voted for the omnibus bill because it was necessary to move funding forward for the eleven other agencies. I hope to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in the new Congress to ensure that all agencies receive full funding for the next year. Taxpayers send us to Washington to get the job done. If we are going to get something meaningful done here in Washington, both parties need to get together and focus on areas where we agree.” http://www.kgns.tv/home/headlines/Cuellar-releases-statement-on-appropriations-agreement-285633951.html",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://algreen.house.gov/press-release/congressman-al-green-applauds-fhfa%E2%80%99s-rule-fannie-mae-and-freddie-mac-set-aside-and-0,Congressman Al Green Applauds FHFAs Rule for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to Set Aside and Allocate Funds for the Housing Trust Fund and the Capital Magnet Fund,2014-12-11,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,TX,Al Green,G000553,algreen.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Al Green Applauds FHFA’s Rule for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to Set Aside and Allocate Funds for the Housing Trust Fund and the Capital Magnet Fund Dec 11, 2014 (Washington, DC)—On December 11, 2014, Congressman Al Green (TX-09) applauded the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s (FHFA) rule for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to set aside and allocate funds for the Housing Trust Fund and the Capital Magnet Fund. “Today, FHFA took an important step in expanding funding for low-income and affordable housing for millions of families. There is no dream more fundamentally American than the dream of owning a home, regardless of socioeconomic status. I look forward to continuing to work with FHFA and Director Mel Watt in expanding opportunities as well as funding for low-income and affordable housing.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://veasey.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/black-congressional-staffers-stage-hands-up-walk-out-on-capitol-hill,Black Congressional Staffers Stage Hands Up Walk Out On Capitol Hill,2014-12-11,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,TX,Marc Veasey,V000131,veasey.house.gov,,,legacy,"In the wake of protests that erupted after police officers were not indicted in the cases of bothEric Garner in New York and the Michael Brown of Ferguson, congressional staff members staged a Capitol Hill walkout. A mass of black congressional staffers walked out of the Capitol building on Thursday (December 11) at 3:30 pm ET, raising there hands up in the “Hands Up, Don’t Shoot” position as they paused united on the building steps. The event was spearheaded by the Congressional Black Associates group, a few congress members joined the protest, including Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md., and Rep. Marc Veasey, D-Texas. “We’re not trying to cause any type of controversy,” one staffer told CNN. “We’re just trying to highlight this issue, to show solidarity with people who have been affected.” The walk-out drew other minority staff members, including the Congressional Asian Pacific American Staff Association and the Congressional Hispanic Staff Association. “I believe it’s important, because what affects one community really affects the entire country,” a staffer said. “It’s not just one group of minorities that’s affected. How one group is treated affects Asians, Hispanics, women. It’s important that we show our solidarity and come together and really speak out about the injustices that are being done.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://veasey.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/capitol-hill-staffers-stage-walkout-to-protest-garner-brown-grand-juries,"Capitol Hill Staffers Stage Walkout to Protest Garner, Brown Grand Juries",2014-12-11,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,TX,Marc Veasey,V000131,veasey.house.gov,,,legacy,"Unless it's a part of their job description, Capitol Hill staffers generally shy away from the press. But Thursday afternoon, nearly 150 of them walked out of their offices to participate in a walkout to protest theEric Garner and Michael Brown grand jury decisions and the deaths of other unarmed African-Americans. The walkout took place on a critical day as their bosses struggled to pass a budget in time to prevent a government shutdown. Rev. Barry Black, the Senate chaplain, who is African-American, led the group in a prayer for the grieving families and for peace on the steps of the Capitol. They also posed for a photo, during which everyone made the ""Hands Up, Don't Shoot"" gesture. ""Today as people throughout the nation protest for justice in our lands, forgive us when we have failed to lift our voices for those who couldn't speak or breathe for themselves,” Black said. “May we not forget that in our national history injustice has often been maintained because good people failed to promptly act. Forgive, oh God, our culpability in contributing to our national pathology as you keep us aware of our own capacity to be instruments of injustice.” The heads of congressional staff associations in both the House and the Senate, including the Congressional Black Associates, Senate Black Legislative Staff Caucus, the Brooke-Revels Society and the Congressional African Staff Association organized the walkout. Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Staff Association and the Congressional Hispanic Staff Association also participated. Many of the staffers are struggling to figure out what their individual roles are in the burgeoning protest movement, but felt like they should take a collective stand, one of the organizers told BET.com. ""We will have discussions about how to move the ball forward, how to get involved with what's happening at the local level and how as individuals who are uniquely positioned to understand how policy is created, we can lend our expertise to those efforts,"" said the staffer, who asked to not be named. Another staffer, who also requested anonymity, said he wanted to participate in the walkout ""because this is where change can really happen. The power is right here and with the people [protesting across the nation]."" Maryland Congressman Elijah Cummings and Texas Reps. Joaquin Castro and Marc Veasey joined the walkout to show their solidarity with the staffers. Veasey said that he wanted to show his support to them, many of whom are at an age where they may be out having fun at a public establishment or private event and encounter the police. They are entitled to expect the same treatment as any other group of young adults, he told BET.com, but ""there are some policemen who overuse force, especially when there's an African-American involved, regardless of age."" Cummings also felt it was important to stand with the staffers. “Democrats and Republicans across the country are incredibly frustrated by what happened in Ferguson, Staten Island and elsewhere, and this protest reflects the mistrust they have in the integrity of the criminal justice system,"" he said in a statement issued after the event. ""These congressional staffers put in incredibly long hours, nights, and weekends working to pass legislation to help people live better lives, so I fully support them taking a few moments today to pray with the Senate chaplain for Congress to take action to ensure that all Americans are treated equally before the law.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://veasey.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/congressional-staffers-protest-grand-jury-decisions,Congressional staffers protest grand jury decisions,2014-12-11,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,TX,Marc Veasey,V000131,veasey.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON (AP) — A gathering of black congressional staffers and other Capitol employees stood silently on the House steps Thursday and raised their hands in the air to protest of the killing of unarmed black men by police. They bowed their heads as Senate Chaplain Barry C. Black prayed, ""Forgive us when we have failed to lift our voices for those who couldn't speak or breathe for themselves"" — emphasizing ""breathe"" in reference to Eric Garner, who died after a policeman grabbed him in a chokehold in New York. ""May we not forget that in our history injustice has often been maintained because good people failed to promptly act,"" Black said, with well over 100 people standing behind him. The demonstration was organized by the Congressional Black Associates and other groups representing minority employees of Congress to show support for protests around the country following the deaths of Garner and 18-year-old Michael Brown, who was black, in Ferguson, Missouri. On the grounds nearby, Valerie Bell — the mother of Sean Bell, shot in New York on the morning of his wedding — watched with other mothers whose sons were killed by police. Nine mothers have been meeting with Congress members and Washington officials this week asking for an end to police brutality against black men. ""We stand with them, and they stand with us,"" Bell said as the congressional employees gathered outside in the cold. After the brief event, Black said the workers were exercising their free speech rights ""to say that there are some issues that are significantly critical, that there needs to be a greater conversation."" The wordless demonstrators also included Reps. Joaquin Castro and Marc Veasey, both Democrats representing Texas, and Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Maryland. ""There is no community that is immune to police abuse,"" Castro, a second generation Mexican-American, said afterward. ""It is happening in every community. It is more concentrated in minority communities, particularly the African-American community, but this is something that all Americans are concerned about.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://veasey.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/congressional-staffers-walk-out-to-protest-killings-by-police,Congressional staffers walk out to protest killings by police,2014-12-11,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,TX,Marc Veasey,V000131,veasey.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON -- Members of Congress, staffers and other Capitol employees stood silently on the House steps Thursday and raised their hands in the air to protest the killing of unarmed black men by police. They bowed their heads as Senate Chaplain Barry C. Black prayed, ""Forgive us when we have failed to lift our voices for those who couldn't speak or breathe for themselves"" -- emphasizing ""breathe"" in reference to Eric Garner, who died after a policeman grabbed him in a chokehold in New York. ""May we not forget that in our history injustice has often been maintained because good people failed to promptly act,"" Black said, with well over 100 people standing behind him. The demonstration was organized by the Congressional Black Associates and other groups representing minority employees of Congress to show support for protests around the country following the killing of Garner and 18-year-old Michael Brown, whose death in Ferguson, Missouri, inspired the ""hands up, don't shoot"" gesture. On the grounds nearby, Valerie Bell -- the mother of Sean Bell, shot in New York on the morning of his wedding -- watched with other mothers whose sons were killed by police. Nine mothers have been meeting with Congress members and Washington officials this week asking for an end to police brutality against black men. ""We stand with them, and they stand with us,"" Bell said as the congressional employees gathered outside in the cold. As staffers returned to work after the brief event, Black said they were exercising their free speech rights ""to say that there are some issues that are significantly critical, that there needs to be a greater conversation."" The wordless demonstrators also included Reps. Joaquin Castro and Marc Veasey, both Democrats representing Texas, and Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md. ""There is no community that is immune to police abuse,"" Castro, a second generation Mexican-American, said afterward. ""It is happening in every community. It is more concentrated in minority communities, particularly the African-American community, but this is something that all Americans are concerned about.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://veasey.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/heres-what-happened-when-100-black-staffers-lawmakers-staged-capitol-hill,"Here's What Happened When 100 Black Staffers, Lawmakers Staged Capitol Hill Walkout",2014-12-11,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,TX,Marc Veasey,V000131,veasey.house.gov,,,legacy,"(WASHINGTON) — Over 100 black congressional staffers and several black lawmakers staged a walkout at the Capitol Thursday afternoon, leading a silent protest on the steps of the Capitol over the deaths of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo., and Eric Garner on Staten Island, New York, both black men, at the hands of white police officers. Reps. Elijah Cummings, D-Md., and Marc Veasey, D-Texas, were among the lawmakers participating in the walkout. Senate Chaplain Barry Black led the group in prayer, saying they were working as a “voice for the voiceless.” “Today as people throughout the nation protest for justice in our lands, forgive us when we have failed to lift our voices for those who couldn’t speak or breathe for themselves,” Black said. “May we not forget that in our national history, injustice has often been maintained because good people failed to promptly act. Forgive oh God, our culpability in contributing to our national pathology as you keep us aware of our own capacity to be instruments of injustice.” After the prayer, the group stood on the steps of the Capitol, raising their hands in a gesture that has become symbolic of the Ferguson refrain –- hands up, don’t shoot.   100+ black congressional staffers, several lawmakers stage walkout at US Capitol to protest Garner, Brown cases. pic.twitter.com/WKghW7dveR — ABC News (@ABC) December 11, 2014   Dozens of staffers gather on Capitol steps to protest police brutality #BlackLivesMatter #AllLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/R6OaNT3ZDe — THE CBC (@OfficialCBC) December 11, 2014",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://veasey.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/staffers-walk-out-of-congress-in-protest-over-brown-and-garner-cases,Staffers Walk Out Of Congress In Protest Over Brown And Garner Cases,2014-12-11,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,TX,Marc Veasey,V000131,veasey.house.gov,,,legacy,"' Black congressional staffers hold their hands up as they pose for a group photo during a walkout on the steps of the U.S. Capitol Thursday, in protest over the Eric Garner and Michael Brown cases     Dozens of congressional staff members walked out of the Capitol at 3:30 p.m. ET Thursday, in a show of support for protesters angered by recent grand jury decisions not to indict police officers in the deaths of Michael Brown and Eric Garner. Wearing suits, ties and overcoats, the staffers stood several rows deep on the steps of Capitol Hill before making the hands-up gesture that has come to symbolize frustration with the deaths of the two unarmed black men at the hands of police. They stood silently with their arms raised for a moment before disbanding and walking down the steps. While the event was spearheaded by the Congressional Black Associates, it also drew other staff members, including the Congressional Asian Pacific American Staff Association and the Congressional Hispanic Staff Association, according to CNN. A few members of Congress came out to the steps, including Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md., and Rep. Marc Veasey, D-Texas. The short event included a prayer from U.S. Senate Chaplain Barry Black. The protest comes a week after Rep. Marcia L. Fudge, chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, said she was ""deeply disappointed"" by a Staten Island grand jury's decision not to level charges in the Garner case. Noting that the decision was similar to another jury's findings in Ferguson, Mo., Fudge wrote: ""In the span of two weeks, this nation seems to have heard one message loud and clear: there will be no accountability for taking Black lives. As an American, it is growing increasingly difficult to believe that there is justice for all.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://veasey.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/us-capitol-staffers-raise-hands-to-protest-grand-jury-decisions,US Capitol staffers raise hands to protest grand jury decisions,2014-12-11,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,TX,Marc Veasey,V000131,veasey.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON — A gathering of black congressional staffers and other Capitol employees stood silently on the House steps Thursday and raised their hands in the air to protest of the killing of unarmed black men by police. They bowed their heads as Senate Chaplain Barry C. Black prayed, ‘‘Forgive us when we have failed to lift our voices for those who couldn’t speak or breathe for themselves’’ — emphasizing ‘‘breathe’’ in reference to Eric Garner, who died after a policeman grabbed him in a chokehold in New York. ‘‘May we not forget that in our history injustice has often been maintained because good people failed to promptly act,’’ Black said, with well over 100 people standing behind him. The demonstration was organized by the Congressional Black Associates and other groups representing minority employees of Congress to show support for protests around the country following the deaths of Garner and 18-year-old Michael Brown, who was black, in Ferguson, Missouri. On the grounds nearby, Valerie Bell — the mother of Sean Bell, shot in New York on the morning of his wedding — watched with other mothers whose sons were killed by police. Nine mothers have been meeting with Congress members and Washington officials this week asking for an end to police brutality against black men. ‘‘We stand with them, and they stand with us,’’ Bell said as the congressional employees gathered outside in the cold. After the brief event, Black said the workers were exercising their free speech rights ‘‘to say that there are some issues that are significantly critical, that there needs to be a greater conversation.’’ The wordless demonstrators also included Reps. Joaquin Castro and Marc Veasey, both Democrats representing Texas, and Rep. Elijah Cummings, a Maryland Democrat. ‘‘There is no community that is immune to police abuse,’’ Castro, a second generation Mexican-American, said afterward. ‘‘It is happening in every community. It is more concentrated in minority communities, particularly the African-American community, but this is something that all Americans are concerned about.’’",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://veasey.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/us-capitol-staffers-raise-their-hands-for-ferguson,US Capitol staffers raise their hands for Ferguson,2014-12-11,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,TX,Marc Veasey,V000131,veasey.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON — A gathering of black congressional staffers and other Capitol employees stood silently on the House steps Thursday and raised their hands in the air to protest the killing of unarmed black men by police. They bowed their heads as Senate Chaplain Barry C. Black prayed, “Forgive us when we have failed to lift our voices for those who couldn’t speak or breathe for themselves” - emphasizing “breathe” in reference to Eric Garner, who died after a policeman grabbed him in a chokehold in New York. “May we not forget that in our history injustice has often been maintained because good people failed to promptly act,” Black said, with well over 100 people standing behind him. The demonstration was organized by the Congressional Black Associates and other groups representing minority employees of Congress to show support for protests around the country following the killing of Garner and 18-year-old Michael Brown, whose death in Ferguson, Missouri, inspired the “hands up, don’t shoot” gesture.   On the grounds nearby, Valerie Bell — the mother of Sean Bell, shot in New York on the morning of his wedding — watched with other mothers whose sons were killed by police. Nine mothers have been meeting with Congress members and Washington officials this week asking for an end to police brutality against black men. “We stand with them, and they stand with us,” Bell said as the congressional employees gathered outside in the cold. As staffers returned to work after the brief event, Black said they were exercising their free speech rights “to say that there are some issues that are significantly critical, that there needs to be a greater conversation.” The wordless demonstrators also included Reps. Joaquin Castro and Marc Veasey, both Democrats representing Texas, and Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md. “There is no community that is immune to police abuse,” Castro, a second generation Mexican-American, said afterward. “It is happening in every community. It is more concentrated in minority communities, particularly the African-American community, but this is something that all Americans are concerned about.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://veasey.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/rep-veasey-s-statement-on-the-2015-omnibus-spending-bill,Rep. Veaseys Statement on the 2015 Omnibus Spending Bill,2014-12-11,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,TX,Marc Veasey,V000131,veasey.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. — Congressman Marc Veasey, TX-33, released the following statement in response to the House Republican’s inability to pass the FY 2015 omnibus spending package: “Today after several hours of delay, it is clear that the Republican led House of Representatives has not been able to garner the necessary votes to pass the fiscal year 2015 Omnibus Continuing Resolution Appropriations package that has come to be called ‘Cromnibus.’ This $1.014 trillion spending package represents a failure of House leadership to work towards genuinely bipartisan legislation that will keep our government running. The 1,600 page Cromnibus bill contains very important programs that I strongly support but I would urge House leadership to bring a bipartisan bill to the floor that does not slash the retirement accounts of millions of Americans or short change the Department of Homeland Security by dramatically shortening their funding time period. This is vital to our national security and will affect the implementation of the President's executive order for our country's immigrant community. Democrats have shown that we will work in a bipartisan manner but the Republican conference is in such disarray that they cannot gather the votes to pass the bill within their own caucus.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://veasey.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/rep-veasey-s-statement-on-the-passage-of-2015-omnibus-spending-bill,Rep. Veaseys Statement on the Passage of 2015 Omnibus Spending Bill,2014-12-11,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,TX,Marc Veasey,V000131,veasey.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Veasey works hard to ensure that Texans are kept informed of the debates and decisions that are made in our nation's Capitol, as well as the work he does for the 33rd District every day. This section offers a variety of resources to stay up to date with Representative Veasey’s work in CD33 and Washington, D.C. You will find press releases, upcoming events, op-eds, pictures, videos and notable articles from the state and national media.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://doggett.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/austin-chronicle-quote-week,Austin Chronicle: Quote of the Week,2014-12-11,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,TX,Lloyd Doggett,D000399,doggett.house.gov,,,legacy,The Austin Chronicle featured Rep. Lloyd Doggett's comments regarding the Senate's report on the CIA interrogation program as the Quote of the Week.,1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://doggett.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kvue-analysis-will-torture-report-ultimately-harm-or-help,KVUE: Analysis: Will torture report ultimately harm or help?,2014-12-10,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,TX,Lloyd Doggett,D000399,doggett.house.gov,,,legacy,"Americans have the right to know what brutality is done in their name. See Rep. Lloyd Doggett's comments on KVUE's analysis of the Senate's report on the CIA's interrogation program here. KVUE: Analysis: Will torture report ultimately harm or help? By: Mark Wiggins December 9, 2014 AUSTIN -- In the popular Showtime original series ""Homeland,"" a scene in the first season episode ""Blind Spot"" depicts a terrorist undergoing enhanced interrogation tactics at the hands of the Central Intelligence Agency. The prisoner is stripped and left in a cold room, where he's deprived of sleep by deafening blasts of heavy metal music. ""I think it's a very good depiction of some of the enhanced interrogation tactics that have been used,"" said Fred Burton, Vice President for Intelligence at Austin-based geopolitical intelligence firm Stratfor. A former counterterrorism investigator with the U.S. Diplomatic Security Service, Burton has investigated everything from Cold War assassinations to the first World Trade Center Bombing in 1993. Burton recalls visits during his federal service to a number of foreign detention facilities where extreme interrogations were conducted. ""Most people will tell you anything when they incur pain, and I don't think that they're very successful,"" Burton told KVUE. ""It's never been my experience that they've actually worked."" It's the same conclusion reached by the so-called ""torture report"" released by the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence chaired by Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA). The 525 page summary made public Tuesday gruesomely details interrogations conducted by the CIA on terrorists captured after the September 11 attacks. Read the full reporthere. The report graphically describes waterboardings, extensive sleep deprivation, beatings and and exposure to hypothermia that may have resulted in at least one death. It accuses the CIA of downplaying the severity of interrogations, actively impeding White House oversight, avoiding investigators and misleading the U.S. Department of Justice. REPUBLICANS Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) will be the second-highest ranking Republican in the Senate once the new Congress convenes in 2015. The newly-elected GOP whip issued a statement Tuesday calling the report ""troubling for a variety of reasons, most of which are not found in its pages."" ""Enhanced interrogation techniques employed by members of our intelligence community saved American lives, and Senate Democrats should thank these brave men and women who worked to protect us not vilify them,"" said Cornyn. ""I cannot think of a greater disservice to our men and women serving in the military and in our intelligence field than to hand terror groups like ISIL another recruiting tool and excuse to target them. Due to the political calculations of some, the American people and our allies across the globe are less safe today than they were before."" Breaking with many of his Republican colleagues, Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) condemned the CIA's activities. A prisoner of war confined in the ""Hanoi Hilton"" from 1967 to 1973, McCain was permanently disabled by torture at the hands of his North Vietnamese captors. McCain spoke Tuesday on the Senate floor in support of the document. ""It's a thorough and thoughtful study of practices that I believe not only failed their purpose to secure actionable intelligence to prevent further attacks on the US and our allies, but actually damaged our security interests as well as our reputation as a force for good in the world."" U.S. House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX 10) responded to the report in a statement, ""The study authored by Diane Feinstein is deeply flawed, and I am disappointed the democrats and the president declassified it when we are at war with terrorists who will use it as a recruiting propaganda."" ""Unfortunately, the Democrats have put their own agenda above the impact this report could have on the safety of not only our servicemen and women who are fighting this war overseas, but all Americans and our allies,"" said McCaul. ""It is important to note the intelligence obtained after 9/11 thwarted multiple terrorists plots, and led to the capture and killing of those who wish to do us harm."" DEMOCRATS Introducing the report, Sen. Feinstein defended her decision to make the information public by noting ""this clearly is a period of turmoil and instability in many parts of the world. Unfortunately, that's going to continue for the foreseeable future, whether this report is released or not."" ""I think Americans have a right to know when their government engages in brutality,"" Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-TX 35) told KVUE Tuesday. ""What we learned is that torture does not work. It failed, and our country is really left less safe when our values are debased and when our unassailable position on justice and human rights is brought into question."" ""What endangers Americans is not the truth, but the wrongdoing that occurred here,"" said Doggett, who calls the CIA's actions ""a bureaucracy run amok"" with neither accountability nor restraint. While allowing some of those involved may have been motivated by the desire to fight terrorism, Doggett argues such activity makes it more difficult for those abroad to separate America from her enemies. His disappointment is not limited to the Bush administration. ""I think there should have been some criminal prosecutions,"" Doggett said. ""Certainly there needs to be accountability within the agency, and I disagree with the current administration that did not raise these issues of wrongdoing when they entered office -- even though it was widely known -- and who seemed to have devoted more effort to redacting and removing certain critical pieces of information from this report and suppressing whistleblowers than demanding that accountability."" CONTEXT Burton believes it's important to remember the state of the nation immediately following the catastrophic attacks of September 11, 2001. While it may be easy to point out errors in ethics and judgment now, ""The atmospherics around when these decisions were made to go down this garden path were at a different time in our history."" ""Remember President Bush standing in the rubble of the trade towers' collapse,"" said Burton. ""There was a tremendous amount of fear that additional attacks were going to take place -- to include a potential weapon of mass destruction being detonated on U.S. soil. And as you're standing on the rubble, that kind of fear does manifest itself."" Dr. Jeremi Suri is the Mack Brown Distinguished Chair for Leadership in Global Affairs at the University of Texas' Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs. A published expert on global politics, Suri suggests it's important to disentangle what the intelligence agencies told then-President Bush from what they actually did. ""From all I've seen, the White House sent a very clear signal to the intelligence agencies after 9/11 that the gloves were coming off and they could do many things they couldn't do before,"" said Suri. ""I don't think the intelligence agencies should be criticized for doing what the White House didn't want them to do,"" said Suri. ""They knew that they had the signal to do this. That said, it doesn't justify this behavior. We still are a society of laws, and a society that does not torture should not undertake torture even if the president of the United States encourages that behavior."" SECURITY ""The concern is that this information will inspire and encourage people to attack the United States,"" said Suri, ""That they will see this as further evidence of the United States doing the bad things they claim we're doing, and those who want to roust people into doing things violent against Americans oversees might use this as ammunition for their preexisting desire to attack Americans."" U.S. diplomatic facilities around the world on are high alert in the event of retaliation. While U.S. Marines have heightened their vigilance, intelligence officials will be monitoring conditions in potential trouble spots for any mob violence. Burton says the worst case scenario would be another situation like the deadly 2012 attack in Benghazi, Libya. ""That's my biggest fear,"" said Burton. While American individuals in potentially hostile regions could be at greater risk than physical government structures, Burton suggests monitoring developments over the next 72 hours will be critical. The disclosures could also hurt the intelligence services of other nations that work discreetly alongside U.S. intelligence agencies, often providing critical human intelligence as well as clandestine locations for conducting interrogations. ""How many of them will shut down?"" said Burton. ""How many of them will choose not to help us going forward? How many of them will remember, 'Yes the Americans promised this would never be made public, now look at what's happened.'"" BIG PICTURE The report comes at a time where the U.S. is building political and military coalitions in unstable regions such as Ukraine and the Middle East, and America's ability to maintain and expand those coalitions could be affected. The impact may be felt most acutely in the Middle East, where the U.S. is carefully courting the assistance of wary and often hostile regional powers in the fight against the terrorist group ISIL. ""The release of this report will certainly make it harder for the United States to argue that we've always done the right thing in the Middle East and that we've treated all the people from that reason with respect,"" said Suri. ""It will be hard for us to overcome what is already a somewhat negative image."" ""The positive side of the report is that we're the only side of the world that releases this kind of information, that talks about this,"" said Suri. ""We're an open society, and so the message we want to send to people in the Middle East is not that we're perfect, not that we don't make mistakes, but that we talk about what we've done and we hold ourselves accountable."" Suri concedes while that may not immediately please many in the Middle East, it's important for America's long-term interests to morally distinguish itself from other nations as one that wields power responsibly and corrects its mistakes. ""We want to show that we're a civilized, humane society,"" said Suri. ""We want to encourage people to want to work with us and we want to encourage people to surrender. If they know they're going to be tortured, they're not going to surrender."" ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://ebjohnson.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-johnson-applauds-the-passage-of-a-new-measure-to-prevent,Congresswoman Johnson Applauds the Passage of a New Measure to Prevent Veteran Suicides,2014-12-09,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,TX,Eddie Johnson,J000126,ebjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – (Tuesday, December 9, 2014) — Today, Congresswoman Johnson applauded the unanimous House passage of bipartisan legislation to address the epidemic of suicide among our nation’s veterans.     “One veteran lost to suicide is one veteran too many,” said Congresswoman Johnson.  “This bipartisan legislation provides our heroes with the care and support they’ve earned in order to overcome any mental health challenges, traumatic brain injuries, and post-traumatic stress disorders they might suffer from.  It was my honor to support this legislation, to ensure our nation is dedicated to standing  behind our brave veterans with compassion every day.” Twenty-two veterans commit suicide every day – this amounts to more than 8,000 every year.  Of the more than 2 million Americans who have served in combat in Afghanistan and Iraq, it is estimated that one-third, roughly 600,000 women and men, have traumatic brain injury, PTSD or depression.  Named in honor of an Iraq and Afghanistan War veteran and noted suicide prevention advocate who took his own life on March 31, 2011, The Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act (H.R. 5059) is another step toward ensuring our nation’s veterans have the support they need by expanding access to and improving the effectiveness of mental health care for our veterans. The Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act will establish a peer support and community outreach pilot program to assist transitioning service members with accessing VA mental health care services.  To ease access to services, the bill will require the VA to create a one-stop, interactive website to serve as a centralized source of information regarding all mental health services for veterans.  A student loan repayment pilot program aimed at recruiting and retaining psychiatrists included in the legislation will help address the shortage of mental health care professionals.  To improve care, the legislation will require an annual, third-party evaluation of all mental health care and suicide prevention practices and programs at the VA to find out what is working and what is not.  ### U.S. Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson is the ranking member of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology and the highest-ranking Texan on the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure. She represents the 30th Congressional District of Texas, which includes Downtown Dallas, Fair Park, Kessler Park, Old East Dallas, Pleasant Grove, South Dallas & South Oak Cliff; all of Cedar Hill, DeSoto, Duncanville, Hutchins, Lancaster & Wilmer and parts of Ferris, Glenn Heights, South Grand Prairie, Oak Lawn, Ovilla, Uptown/Victory Park and West Dallas. CONTACT: Yinka Robinson | (202)225-8885",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://doggett.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-lloyd-doggett-response-senate-report-cia-interrogation-program,Rep. Lloyd Doggett Response to Senate Report on C.I.A. Interrogation Program,2014-12-09,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,TX,Lloyd Doggett,D000399,doggett.house.gov,,,legacy,"December 9, 2014 The Senate investigation into CIA interrogation upholds the right of Americans to know when their government engages in brutality and deceit.Torture is not only wrong; it did not work. Debasing our country's values did not make us safer; it only weakened us and our ability to be an unassailable voice for justice and human rights. While the individuals who committed and authorized this outrageous wrongdoing should have been held accountable in court, we can at least expose their criminality to help ensure that it never reoccurs. You can see my further remarks here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://doggett.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/sa-hispanic-chamber-commerce-chairwoman-white-house-summit-early,S.A. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Chairwoman At White House Summit on Early Education,2014-12-08,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,TX,Lloyd Doggett,D000399,doggett.house.gov,,,legacy,"Pat Stout, Chairwoman of the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, is delivering a report on the Impact of Education on Economic Development in Texas' at this week's White House Summit on Early Educationin Washington D.C. San Antonio is a leader on the issue of tying quality early education to a higher skilled workforce with innovative programs such as Pre-K for SA. Chairwoman Stout will also be reviewing the report with Congressman Lloyd Doggett, who recommended her for the Summit. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://veasey.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/rep-veasey-presented-with-2014-member-of-congress-award,Rep. Veasey Presented With 2014 Member of Congress Award,2014-12-05,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,TX,Marc Veasey,V000131,veasey.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Marc Veasey, TX-33, was presented with the 2014 Member of Congress Award by the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility (FAAR), for his ongoing commitment and leadership in the fight against drunk driving and underage drinking.  Darron Moffatt, Director of Communications for the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility (FAAR), presents Congressman Veasey with the 2014 Member of Congress Award. “We can’t thank the Representative enough for his dedication and leadership to prevent drunk driving and underage drinking by sending a clear and consistent message that it is illegal and will not be tolerated,” said Ralph Blackman, President and CEO of the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility. “We look forward to expanding our relationship and continuing to save lives in the future with Representative Veasey.” Representative Veasey has made it a priority to prevent underage drinking for several years through various efforts, including the Ask, Listen, Learn program. In 2014, Representative Veasey engaged in public awareness efforts during Alcohol Awareness Month in April, and he demonstrated his ongoing commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles through his “May is Health and Fitness Month” events in Texas and on Capitol Hill in May. Representative Veasey’s commitment to public health heightened awareness on the importance of these issues. “I am incredibly honored to be receiving an award from an organization that is combating the same issue that I am deeply committed to solving,” said Congressman Veasey. “It’s important for our community, especially parents, to educate our children on the importance of how to stay safe and responsible by not giving into peer pressure.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397999,"Rep. Cuellar Votes in Favor of Tax Cut Package That Extends Critical Tax Credits for American Businesses, Families",2014-12-04,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX28) voted in favor of a tax package that restores more than four dozen tax cuts and prevents a burdensome tax increase on the business community and millions of American families.  The tax package includes an extension of research and development tax incentives, small business expensing, and tuition tax credits, among others.  “As our economy continues to recover from the worst recession since the Great Depression, businesses, taxpayers, and American families would face short-term harm and instability if these tax cuts were not extended,” said Congressman Cuellar.  “These cuts will provide certainty to businesses across the county and in Texas, including farmers, ranchers, the industrial sector, and many others for the coming year.  While I would have preferred to vote on a package that would provide long-term certainty to the American people, today’s legislation is a strong step in the right direction.” HR 5771, the Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014, received support from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Realtors, the National Association of Manufacturing, and the American Farm Bureau Federation, among others.  The bill would allow businesses and individuals to claim those tax breaks on their 2014 tax returns.  A full summary of the provision may be accessed here on Congressman Cuellar’s website.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398000,House Directs Defense Department to Focus on Combating Transnational Criminal Organizations,2014-12-04,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, the House passed legislation that directs the Department of Defense to continue to focus on combating illicit networking routes in Mexico, Central America, and the rest of the Western Hemisphere.  This language was included at the request of Congressman Cuellar in the National Defense Authorization Act.  “The threat posed by transnational criminal organizations is so great that we must use all of our resources to combat it,” said Congressman Cuellar.  “That is why I worked to include this language in the National Defense Authorization Act directing the Department of Defense to continue its efforts to fight these groups.  We must work together with our neighbors, including Mexico and the Central American nations, to stop the flow of illegal activity at its source.  This will in turn result in huge savings in dollars and human life.” According to the language included in the National Defense Authorization Act by Rep. Cuellar, the Department of Defense should continue its efforts to combat transnational criminal organizations in the Western Hemisphere.  It should also increase its maritime, aerial and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities in the region to more effectively support efforts to reduce illicit trafficking into the United States.  Enhancing the capacity of partner nations in the region to combat the threat posed by transnational criminal organizations should be a cornerstone of the Department of Defense’s strategy in the region.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://veasey.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/rep-veasey-statement-on-passage-of-2015-ndaa-0,Rep. Veasey Statement on Passage of 2015 NDAA,2014-12-04,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,TX,Marc Veasey,V000131,veasey.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington D.C. – Congressman Marc Veasey, TX-33, member of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement after the House passed of H.R. 3979, the National Defense Authorization for Fiscal Year 2015: “Today, I voted in favor of H.R. 3979, the National Defense Authorization for Fiscal Year 2015 (NDAA). This bipartisan bill was created in good faith between both the House and Senate Armed Services Committees and represents our commitment to our military troops, their families, and our national security. For the Metroplex, this legislation ensures that we continue to fund vital national security programs that are essential to our local economy, provides a one percent pay-raise for our troops, and improves the Department’s handling of sexual assault and suicide prevention programs.  Most importantly, the 2015 NDAA restores $818 million in critical cuts that have affected our nation’s military readiness. Although this is the first step in ensuring that our troops have the airfields, facilities and other infrastructure they need to successfully complete their missions at home and overseas, the real test will come when we decide whether we will pass a sensible budget that removes any threat to our national security.” Last month, Congressman Veasey wrote a letter to Speaker Boehner urging him to restore any funding cuts that pose a threat to our national security and military readiness. A copy of the letter can be found below. ### November 25, 2014   The Honorable John Boehner Speaker, U.S. House of Representatives H-232 The Capitol  Washington, DC 20515 Dear Speaker Boehner,  As we near the end of the 113th Congress, I would like to take this opportunity to implore you, again, to take action on an issue of urgent importance: ending the threat that sequestration poses to our military readiness and national security.  While the  threat of a more than one trillion dollar, across the board spending cut was postponed until 2016 by the Murray-Ryan budget compromise in late 2013, we should all agree that Congress must take bipartisan and balanced action on this serious problem before the close of the 113th Congress.  Earlier this month, the new commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Joseph Dunford reported  that “up to half of our U.S. Marine Corps units at their home bases are below required levels of readiness”  due to equipment and personnel shortfalls caused by the threat of sequestration.  In addition, Joint Chief of Staff Chairman Martin Dempsey calls sequestration the “steepest, deepest cuts at a time I would attest is more dangerous than it’s ever been.”   These serious problems for our defense community are in addition to flight delays, diminished ability by the Centers for Disease control to respond to infectious disease outbreaks, decreased food safety and unacceptable reductions in educational investment at all levels.  Sequestration was intended as an enforcement mechanism to create an unthinkably negative alternative scenario to motivate Congress to address our long term budget debt. However, it is clear that effort failed to motivate Congress and now presents the potential for creating further harm to our nation’s defense and economic security. We must act immediately to create a lasting solution to our nation’s budgetary problems and using the Omnibus Appropriations bill as a vehicle to move a long term, bipartisan solution is the best opportunity to accomplish this.  While there are many unaddressed priorities before us, we hope that this is an issue that everyone can work together on.   Sincerely, Marc Veasey Member of Congress",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://veasey.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/rep-veasey-votes-against-harmful-republican-anti-immigrant-bill,Rep. Veasey Votes Against Harmful Republican Anti-Immigrant Bill,2014-12-04,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,TX,Marc Veasey,V000131,veasey.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. — Congressman Marc Veasey, TX-33, released the following statement after voting against H.R. 5759, the Preventing Executive Overreach on Immigration Act of 2014, a Republican bill aimed to override the President’s Executive Action on Immigration: “Once again House Republican Leadership continues their anti-immigrant rhetoric. H.R. 5759, the Preventing Executive Overreach on Immigration Act of 2014, is another political ploy taking direct aim at the President’s legal executive action to protect millions of hard-working, law-abiding students and families that live in our country.   House Republicans should re-focus their energy on passing comprehensive immigration reform that secures our border, protects our workers, unites our families and provides an earned pathway to citizenship. Let there be no mistake, the President’s executive action is only a temporary fix. The only permanent solution lies with Congress.  I stand ready to work with House Republicans when they stop playing games with the lives of immigrant families and come up with a feasible permanent solution to fix our broken immigration system.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://veasey.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/rep-veasey-votes-in-favor-of-tax-extenders-package,Rep. Veasey Votes in Favor of Tax Extenders Package,2014-12-03,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,TX,Marc Veasey,V000131,veasey.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Marc Veasey, TX-33, voted in favor of H.R. 5771, the Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014, a bill that would renew approximately 50 tax benefits that expired at the end of 2013 or during 2014. “While today’s legislation is not perfect, it is imperative that we offer some form of certainty to individuals and businesses as they begin the process of filing their taxes for 2014,” said Veasey. “I am hopeful that we will move forward in the next Congress to enact comprehensive tax reform and pass long-term tax policies that help grow our economy and help individuals succeed.” A key provision in the bill is a tax deduction for state and local sales tax. As residents of Texas do not pay income tax, if this key deduction is not renewed, some Texans will see their share of federal taxes increase significantly. According to the Pew Charitable Trust, nearly 1 in 5 Texans utilized the tax provision last year. In addition, the Texas state comptroller stated that Texas residents run the risk of owing an additional $1.2 billion to the IRS in April if Congress fails to act. H.R. 5771 included a number of tax extenders to help low- and middle-class families including: Extension of the deduction for teacher expenses Extension of portions of the mortgage interest deduction Extension of the deduction for qualified tuition expenses Extension of the New Markets tax credit Extension of the Work Opportunity tax credit Extension of the energy-efficient new homes credit Extension of the wind energy credit Congressman Veasey has been an advocate in protecting the state’s economy. In January 2014, Congressman Veasey signed onto a bi-partisan letter to ensure that the House of Representatives extended the sales tax deduction as part of any tax extenders package. A copy of the letter can be found below.   ###   January 29, 2014     The Honorable Dave Camp                                               The Honorable Sander Levin Chairman                                                                         Ranking Member Committee on Ways and Means                                      Committee on Ways and Means 1102 Longworth House Office Building                           1106 Longworth House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515                                                   Washington, D.C. 20515   Dear Chairman Camp and Ranking Member Levin:             We write to encourage you to include an extension of the state and local sales tax deduction in any tax extenders package the Committee may consider. Extending the sales tax deduction is critical to ensuring equal tax treatment for residents of states that do not collect an income tax.            As you know, the sales tax deduction expired on January 1, 2014. This means a disproportionate number of Americans will shoulder a larger share of the federal tax burden if the deduction is not extended.  More than 20 percent of our nation’s population resides in Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming, which do not have a state income tax. Instead, these states have opted for a substantial sales tax to finance state and local services. Since residents of these states cannot claim the deduction for state income taxes, extending the sales tax deduction will ensure that millions of Americans are not punished for their state’s preferred tax structure. The sales tax deduction plays a vital role in our states’ economies, spurring growth and creating jobs.  Congress restored the deduction ten years ago in the “American Jobs Creation Act of 2004” and since then, the deduction has been extended four times with bipartisan support. While we will continue our push to make this deduction permanent, we urge you and other Members of the Committee to maintain fairness and certainty in the tax code by extending the sales tax deduction. Thank you for your consideration of this request.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://algreen.house.gov/press-release/congressman-al-green-lauds-obama-administration%E2%80%99s-announced-efforts-fund-police-body,Congressman Al Green Lauds Obama Administrations Announced Efforts to Fund Police Body Cameras and Address the Militarization of the Police; Rallies Support for His Police Body Camera Legislation,2014-12-02,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,TX,Al Green,G000553,algreen.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Houston, TX)—On Tuesday, December 2, 2014, Congressman Al Green (TX-09)  released the following statement on the Obama Administration’s announced efforts to fund police body cameras and address the militarization of the police. ""I support the efforts of peace officers to serve and protect our community. I also believe strongly in the rule of law,” Congressman Al Green said. “However, I, along with many other people of good will, believe that more can be done to make law enforcement more accountable and transparent, such that police officers are better able to work in their communities. Congressman Al Green continued, “I wholeheartedly support the efforts by the Obama Administration to address these concerns through Executive Action by providing funding for body cameras and initiating a review of the increased militarization of the police. I also wholeheartedly believe lawmakers should act to better understand how we can increase transparency and accountability in all levels of law enforcement. I have introduced H.R. 5407, the Transparency in Policing Act (TIP) of 2014, which would require state and local law enforcement agencies that receive funds from the Department of Justice to acquire body cameras for use by their law enforcement officers. Although, this bill is not a panacea, it is a significant step in the right direction. I believe that having our officers wear body cameras can bring much-needed additional transparency to communities in future controversial police/civilian actions. Currently, numerous major police departments around the country have conducted studies, introduced pilot programs, or currently require officers to wear body cameras, including the Ferguson Police Department. While this is a positive development, like the President’s Executive Action, the TIP Act would allow us to move forward together as a nation on the issue of transparency and accountability in law enforcement rather than one city, county, or state at a time.” On September 8, 2014, Congressman Al Green introduced H.R. 5407, the Transparency in Policing (TIP) Act of 2014, which would require state and local law enforcement agencies that receive funds from Department of Justice to acquire body cameras for use by their law enforcement officers. It would require that the Attorney General conduct a study on the cost of using body cameras by state and local law enforcement agencies. The bill would also grant the Attorney General the ability to waive the requirement for the purchase of body cameras if compliance was determined to create a hardship for a particular law enforcement agency.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://doggett.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/woaikabb-trouble-toyland-report-2014,WOAI/KABB: Trouble in Toyland Report 2014,2014-12-02,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,TX,Lloyd Doggett,D000399,doggett.house.gov,,,legacy,"San Antonio's WOAI and KABB reported on some of the safety measures you can take to keep children safe from dangerous toys. For a full list of such toys, visit here. To view the video please click the image above, or you can find it here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://ebjohnson.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-johnson-releases-a-statement-on-world-aids-day,Congresswoman Johnson releases a statement on World AIDS Day,2014-12-01,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,TX,Eddie Johnson,J000126,ebjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.—(December 1, 2014)—Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson released the followings statement in honor of World Aids Day: “Today marks the 26th annual observance of World AIDS Day. Over the years, countless lives, both foreign and domestic, have been lost as a result of this illness. AIDS is a global epidemic which requires a global response in order to ensure better lives and access to care and treatment.  In memory of the lives lost and in honor of those living with HIV and AIDS, we must reflect upon and acknowledge the ongoing work that is required to combat this epidemic across the globe. As a member of Congress and registered nurse committed to the advancement of modern medicine and better access to healthcare despite origin or income level, I believe this can be achieved through the following: Increased access to the full range of healthcare services; Robust support for domestic and global health programs – including those that focus on HIV/AIDS, family planning, and reproductive healthcare; Greater investment in sex education in the U.S. and around the world; Protection of the Affordable Care Act; and Advancing the health and human rights of all people. The world we want is possible and I will continue to make these issues a priority during my time in Congress. December 1st marks World AIDS Day, in light of this year’s theme ‘Focus, Partner, Achieve: An AIDS-free Generation,’ I encourage my colleagues and each of our communities to stand in support of an AIDS-free world.” ### CONTACT: Yinka Robinson | (202)225-8885",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://veasey.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/us-officials-call-on-congo-to-release-adopted-children,U.S. officials call on Congo to release adopted children,2014-12-01,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,TX,Marc Veasey,V000131,veasey.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressional leaders haven’t forgotten about hundreds of children halfway around the world, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, who can’t go home. They have sent letters to Congolese officials, imploring them to let children who have been adopted by people in the U.S. and other countries finally go to their forever families. But the Congolese leaders haven’t issued exit papers for more than a year, leaving hundreds of children in limbo. Nearly 200 members of Congress — including Republican U.S. Sens. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz and U.S. Reps. Kay Granger of Fort Worth, Kenny Marchant of Coppell, Roger Williams of Austin and Democrat U.S. Rep. Marc Veasey of Fort Worth — signed a recent letter. “Some of these children have remained separated from their legal parents for over a year waiting for this final departure permission,” the congressional letter states. “Tragically, some of these children have died while waiting for exit permission, and others are very ill and need immediate medical attention. “We hope that you will agree that swift action is necessary to prevent further loss of innocent lives and the continued suffering and distress for the children and their legal parents.” One potentially encouraging sign is that a few of the children in limbo who have medical conditions so severe that they could die — such as HIV or heart or lung defects — have been given exit letters so they can get medical attention. Earlier this month, Andrea and Chris Stewart of Florida successfully brought their 10-month-old adoptive son, Cruz, home from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Cruz needs major surgery because of heart and lung malformations. “We are beyond blessed with the honor of being Cruz’s family,” according to a statement from the Stewarts. “For now, we will focus on his health and where the next steps take us into caring for orphans around the world.” Last September, the Democratic Republic of the Congo stopped issuing exit papers after hearing reports that some children from Congo might have been abused by their adoptive families or adopted by other people once they left their homeland, according to the State Department. “Congolese officials have informed us on several occasions that the suspension was prompted in part by weaknesses in Congolese adoption procedures, which they believe may not adequately protect children,” according to a statement on the State Department’s website. “The suspension was imposed on all inter-country adoptions of Congolese children by prospective/adoptive parents from all countries, not just adoptions by United States prospective/adoptive parents.” Ongoing talks Congolese officials haven’t said when they will resume issuing the papers. President Joseph Kabila has said the suspension can’t be lifted until the Parliament passes new adoption laws. And although he and other Congolese leaders appear receptive to new adoption laws, there are no such proposals on the table. Congressional members’ staffs have met with DRC National Assembly members, who have said they need to make sure children in their country are safe — no matter where they are. A U.S. Department of State delegation is expected to travel to Kinshasa this month to meet with officials. “We remain committed to ensuring that federal laws in the U.S. continue to protect all children against abuse and neglect and to appropriately punish any persons who violate these laws,” the congressional letter states. “We respectfully request that the Congolese National Assembly and Senate prioritize legislation that strengthens the Congolese intercountry adoption process. “This legislation would ensure that intercountry adoptions of Congolese children can be completed in an honest, ethical manner and that the children who are currently waiting to be united with their legal parents can finally benefit from living with the security of a permanent, loving family.” Congo adoptions A number of U.S. residents have turned to Congo in recent years for adoption because of the great and growing need there. The Democratic Republic of the Congo is the second-largest country in Africa, but millions died in a civil war more than a decade ago. Poverty, armed conflict and other problems have taken a toll on the Congolese population, which includes more than 4 million orphaned children. There, 1 in 7 children dies before turning 5. Fewer than half who survive have access to clean water, nearly one-fourth are underweight, and nearly half aren’t vaccinated for common childhood diseases, according to UNICEF research. Even so, State Department officials are “strongly” recommending against anyone beginning an adoption in the DRC now. An online petition that so far has been signed by more than 117,000 people also encourages U.S. officials — including Secretary of State John Kerry — to “take a personal interest in resolving this situation.” “Every day that passes, these waiting children are being damaged,” the petition reads. “They need a solution now!” Read more here: https://www.star-telegram.com/2014/11/29/6326815/us-officials-call-on-congo-officials.html#storylink=cpy",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://doggett.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/san-antonio-express-news-permanent-family-home-best,San Antonio Express-News: Permanent Family Home Best,2014-12-01,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,TX,Lloyd Doggett,D000399,doggett.house.gov,,,legacy,"This year, new reforms I authored that will help improve the lives of children subjected to abuse or neglect and prevent the sex trafficking of foster children were passed and signed into law. Although muchmore remains to be done to protect our children from abuse, these changes are a good step forward. In a San Antonio Express-News column, my work toward reform was recognized.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://doggett.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/austin-american-statesman-augustin-lucio-jr-91-was-war-hero-civil-rights,"Austin American-Statesman: Augustin Lucio, Jr., 91, was war hero, civil rights leader",2014-11-26,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,TX,Lloyd Doggett,D000399,doggett.house.gov,,,legacy,"Augustin Lucio Jr., a friend for over four decades, was a hero not only for his extraordinary military service against the Nazis, but for his important community leadership against discrimination. As a founder of the American GI Forum, asan advocate for educational opportunity, as the head of a beautiful family, he made San Marcos a much better place. The Austin American-Statesman detailed his life and his significant contributions to our community in an article you can find here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397976,Department of Homeland Security Offering 2015 Cyber Student Volunteer Initiative,2014-11-25,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX28) today announced that the Department of Homeland Security is offering spring internships through its 2015 Secretary’s Honors Program Cyber Student Volunteer Initiative for current two- and four-year college students. “This is a great opportunity for college students in Texas to gain invaluable hands-on experience in a top government agency,” said Congressman Cuellar.  “I encourage students to pursue programs that will prepare them for the workforce and allow them to learn outside of the classroom. This is a great way for college students to learn more about cybersecurity and the Department of Homeland Security. ” Beginning in the spring of 2015, more than 75 selected students will complete volunteer assignments supporting the DHS cyber mission at department field offices in over 50 locations across the country, including San Antonio and Houston.  Selected students will be placed at one of the following organizations: the Office of the Chief Information Officer, Office of Intelligence and Analysis, National Protection and Programs Directorate, Transportation Security Administration, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement or U.S. Secret Service. In addition to supporting activities such as cyber threat analysis, digital forensics, network diagnostics and incident response, selected students will also participate in mentoring and professional development events with DHS managers and senior leaders. The deadline for application is December 12, 2014. Internships will begin in Spring 2015 and run through the summer. Learn more about programs here and begin your application here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://ebjohnson.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-johnson-releases-a-statement-on-the-ferguson-grand-jury,Congresswoman Johnson Releases a Statement on the Ferguson Grand Jury Decision,2014-11-25,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,TX,Eddie Johnson,J000126,ebjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.—(November 25th, 2014) – Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson released the following statement in response to the Ferguson Grand Jury’s Decision not to indict Officer Darren Wilson for the death of unarmed teenager, Michael Brown:  “I am deeply saddened by the Ferguson Grand Jury’s decision yesterday evening. The decision not to indict Officer Darren Wilson for the death of Michael Brown is both a travesty and a failure by our justice system. As the proud mother of a black man and grandmother to three grandsons, I cannot imagine the depth of the wound left in the hearts of Lesley McSpadden and Michael Brown Sr. The death of their son at the hands of a police officer sworn to protect and serve, aggravated by the refusal of the District Attorney to prosecute, is a profound affirmation of the devaluation of African-American men in this country. Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King once said: “we must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.” Yesterday’s decision in Ferguson highlights that there is still much work to be done. Our charge now is to harness that anger into constructive change by initiating dialogue with our community members, our elected officials, and our police departments to ensure that there are no more senseless murders of young black men.  In the wake of this inequitable decision, we must stand together—peacefully.  ### CONTACT: Yinka Robinson | (202)225-8885",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://veasey.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/photo-rep-veasey-re-lives-high-school-job-during-thanksgiving-rush,(PHOTO) Rep. Veasey Re-lives High School Job During Thanksgiving Rush,2014-11-25,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,TX,Marc Veasey,V000131,veasey.house.gov,,,legacy,"Irving, TX – On Monday, November 24, 2014, Congressman Marc Veasey, TX-33, took a trip down memory lane as he worked the afternoon shift at the Irving Kroger Supermarket while shoppers made last minute purchases to prepare for their Thanksgiving meals.  Congressman Veasey fondly recalls donning the name badge and apron as a teenager, when he worked as a grocery bagger at Kroger Supermarket. During his ‘Marc Means Business’ work day, Veasey had a chance to work multiple store departments including stocking produce, decorating a birthday cake, retrieving shopping carts and bagging groceries for customers.    (Irving, TX) Congressman Marc Veasey, TX-33, stocks the produce aisle during his November ‘Marc Means Business’ work day at the Irving Kroger Supermarket. ""I’ve had the privilege of working alongside many of our district’s most hardworking residents in both small and large businesses. Each work day has provided me with insight into the day-to-day challenges my constituents face on and off the job, which has helped me represent their needs more effectively in Washington, D.C.,” said Congressman Veasey. “As one of my first jobs in high school, Kroger provided me with many lessons in responsibility and cooperation and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to re-live the experience.” Congressman Veasey remains committed to strengthening the American economy by supporting the middle class and stimulating job growth in the 33rd Congressional District. Veasey will continue to clock-in at a variety of well-known and lesser-known local businesses and organizations across the Metroplex, each month.  To invite Congressman Veasey to work with you as part of his “Marc Means Business” initiative, please contact his District Office.  View the November 2014 “Marc Means Business” photo gallery here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://algreen.house.gov/press-release/congressman-al-green-announces-his-efforts-inform-and-assist-constituents-ninth,Congressman Al Green Announces His Efforts to Inform and Assist Constituents of the Ninth Congressional District Concerning President Obamas Immigration and Accountability Executive Action,2014-11-24,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,TX,Al Green,G000553,algreen.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Al Green Announces His Efforts to Inform and Assist Constituents of the Ninth Congressional District Concerning President Obama’s Immigration and Accountability Executive Action Nov 24, 2014 Congressman Al Green with Consul General of Mexico Dr. Luis Malpica y de Lamadrid and community leaders at a press conference about President Obama’s Immigration and Accountability Executive Action. (Houston, TX)--On Monday, November 24, 2014, Congressman Al Green (TX-09) announced he will be meeting with members of the Consular Corps to prepare for President Obama’s Immigration and Accountability Executive Action. “Our Congressional office will work with constituents from the Ninth Congressional District, who are the beneficiaries of the executive action. We will work with participating consulates and constituents who are in need of proper identification. We will also host an event with nongovernmental organizations and other members of the community to discuss the process,” Congressman Al Green said. “We support President Obama’s efforts to keep families together and provide an opportunity for young immigrants to come out of the shadows. However, we still believe Comprehensive Immigration Reform is necessary.” For more information, please call Congressman Al Green’s district office at 713-383-9234, and ask for Director of Constituent Services Rachael Rodriguez.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141206060147/http://orourke.house.gov//media-center/vote-explanations/voted-no-on-hr-1422-hr-4012-hr-4795,"Voted 'No' on H.R. 1422, H.R. 4012, H.R. 4795",2014-11-24,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,TX,Beto O'Rourke,O000170,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Friday the House considered three science and energy related bills: the EPA Science Advisory Board Reform Act (H.R. 1422), the Secret Science Reform Act (H.R. 4012), and the Promoting New Manufacturing Act (H.R. 4795). I voted against all three bills because they weaken environmental protections and undermine the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ability to issue and enforce new environmental protection guidelines based on sound scientific research and data.   The three bills would: -H.R. 1422: Establish a new process for selecting members of the Science Advisory Board (SAB), which provides scientific and technical advice to the EPA during the development of new environmental protection standards.  The new selection process would make it more difficult for the EPA Administrator to appoint subject matter experts to the SAB thus weakening the scientific independence and integrity of the Board. -H.R. 4012: Prohibit the EPA from proposing, finalizing, or enforcing new environmental regulations unless the agency makes public all of the information it used to develop the new rule, including legally protected information such as personal health records or other confidential business data.  This would limit the type of scientific data the EPA relies on when making a decision on how to protect our environment.     -H.R. 4795: Prevent the EPA from strengthening the Clean Air Act and weaken the agency’s ability to hold companies accountable for how much air pollution they emit. All three of these bills passed the House, but the Senate is not expected to take them up and the President indicated he would veto all three.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://algreen.house.gov/press-release/congressman-al-green%E2%80%99s-statement-president-obama%E2%80%99s-immigration-accountability,Congressman Al Greens Statement on President Obamas Immigration Accountability Executive Action,2014-11-21,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,TX,Al Green,G000553,algreen.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Al Green’s Statement on President Obama’s Immigration Accountability Executive Action Nov 21, 2014 Congressman Al Green calls for reform of our immigration system and relief for millions of families at a press conference on November 13, 2014. (Washington, DC)—On Friday, November 21, 2014, Congressman Al Green (TX-09) released the following statement on President Obama’s Immigration Accountability Executive Action. “President Obama has acted boldly within his legal authority to address problems within our immigration system and border security. President Obama’s Immigration Accountability Executive Action should provide some relief and certainty for millions of law-abiding undocumented immigrants and their families. It holds undocumented persons accountable while further securing our borders.  This precedential action follows in the long tradition of Presidents, who have used their authority, within the limits of the law, to modify our immigration system to better serve our national interests at critical times. “While much is being said, much is still left to be done by Congress to provide lasting, bipartisan reform of our nation’s immigration system. Approximately eighteen months have passed since the Senate approved bipartisan Comprehensive Immigration Reform legislation. President Obama understands that reform is urgently needed; I support his efforts in this regard and look forward to voting for durable and meaningful Comprehensive Immigration Reform in Congress.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://veasey.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/mayor-betsy-price-visits-tcu-to-recognize-students,Mayor Betsy Price visits TCU to recognize students,2014-11-21,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,TX,Marc Veasey,V000131,veasey.house.gov,,,legacy,"Professor Randall Lewis has been integrating service-learning projects into his classes for two years with the goal of helping students learn more about civic duty. Due to the success the students have had with their projects every year, Mayor Price came Tuesday night to congratulate students for their hard work. For the service-learning projects, students choose an organization to work with and fully manage a project over the course of the semester. “What we really love about this is how much impact it has on these organizations, who then serve other people and other organizations, so it’s a domino effect,"" Lewis said. The projects range from fundraising to holding awareness lectures for students. “When you give back, you are not just giving up your time, you are gaining pieces of your heart,"" Price said. ""You are really expanding your knowledge and love for other people and you are the ones who are going to really benefit from that. Always leave a place better than you found it.” During these projects the students have the opportunity to the see the importance of the business models they are learning in class as they come to life. “Not only is it a good way to give back to the community, we are also learning about management at the same time,” said Alyssa Crouse, junior fashion merchandising major. This semester the groups are working with Fort Worth Catholic Charities, the Community Food Bank, Dunbar High School, Impossible Possibilities, the Creative Arts Center, Generation Hope and the Como Community Center. Monday Nov. 24, Congressman Marc Veasey is coming for the first time to speak to Professor Lewis’ class about the importance of the work they are doing.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://veasey.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/rep-veasey-re-lives-high-school-job-during-thanksgiving-rush,Rep. Veasey Re-lives High School Job During Thanksgiving Rush,2014-11-21,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,TX,Marc Veasey,V000131,veasey.house.gov,,,legacy,"Irving, TX  – On Monday, November 24, 2014, Congressman Marc Veasey, TX-33, will join the staff of the Kroger Supermarket in Irving, where he will work a job similar to the one that he held in high school. As part of his “Marc Means Business” initiative, Congressman Veasey spends a few hours each month at small and large businesses to better understand the challenges that constituents face in their jobs and daily lives. This month, Veasey will take a trip down memory lane by bagging groceries for customers, stocking produce, and putting his artistic skills to the test by decorating a birthday cake in the bakery department. Long before he was elected to Congress, Veasey worked as a grocery bagger at a Kroger supermarket as a teenager. Veasey continues to make well-paying jobs and job creation a priority as he works at various industries under his initiative. “As we near the holiday season, it is important to be grateful for our blessings. I proudly represent the 33rd District of Texas, but I wouldn’t be where I am today if not for the jobs I had and the lessons I learned when I was younger,” said Veasey. “I look forward to spending the day with the employees of Kroger and being able to give back to a community that has trusted me to represent them in Washington, D.C.”  WHAT: U.S. Congressman Marc Veasey, TX-33, works at the Kroger Supermarket in Irving           WHEN: Monday, November 24, 2014 TIME: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM CDT                  WHERE: Kroger Supermarket 515 S. MacArthur Blvd. Irving, TX 75060 MEDIA:  This is event is open to pre-registered members of the press. Media RSVP required. For general information for the media and to request press credentials, please email nelly.decker@mail.house.gov or call 202-225-9897.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141128091128/http://orourke.house.gov:80/media-center/press-releases/congressman-beto-o-rourke-released-the-following-statement-today-on,Congressman Beto ORourke released the following statement today on President Obamas executive action on immigration,2014-11-21,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,TX,Beto O'Rourke,O000170,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"El Paso, TX — Congressman Beto O’Rourke released the following statement today on President Obama’s executive action on immigration. “The status quo is unacceptable — families separated by deportation, hardworking members of our community living in the shadows and an inability to focus limited law enforcement resources on our greatest threats. While I believe that these problems should be corrected legislatively, and while I have worked to move Congress to enact a bipartisan solution to do that, it’s clear that after years of Congressional inaction the only option for the time being is executive action by the President. Through this initiative, we will gain greater accountability by knowing who is in our country. We will be able to ensure that they pay taxes and that they are treated fairly as they become even more productive members of our communities. The President’s decision does not, however, absolve Congress of its responsibility to act and bring our immigration laws in line with our values, our interests and with reality. I will work with Republicans and Democrats in the months ahead to do that important work and will ensure that El Paso’s unique experience and voice helps to shape the solution.”   Contact: John A. Meza Communications Director Congressman Beto O’Rourke john.meza@mail.house.gov (202) 699-2984",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://veasey.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congressman-veasey-s-statement-on-the-president-s-pending-executive,Congressman Veaseys Statement on the Presidents Pending Executive Action on Immigration,2014-11-20,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,TX,Marc Veasey,V000131,veasey.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.—America’s diversity strengthens our country and makes it unique. Immigrants are hard workers and risk takers who come to the United States in search of the American Dream and  to provide their children with better opportunities. That is why tonight, President Obama will announce an executive action that will bring undocumented immigrants out of the shadows. It has been more than 500 days since the Senate kept their promise to the American people by passing a bi-partisan comprehensive immigration reform bill and we cannot wait any longer for House Republicans to act. That is why the President is exercising action within the clear legal authority of his office and the well-established precedents of the past century. Every President since Eisenhower has used that authority to take action on immigration, including five Republican Presidents. What executive action means for my home state of Texas is that it protects our immigrant families who have established deep ties to America so that they may live without the fear of separation, work legally and make bigger contributions to our economy. But the President’s executive action is only a temporary fix. The only permanent solution lies with Congress. In the House of Representatives we have the ability to create a bipartisan approach to fixing our immigration system, one that exemplifies the same spirit of cooperation, compromise, and statesmanship that we saw in the bipartisan bill passed in the Senate.  That is why I ask my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to stop the gamesmanship and set aside the half measures. The American people have spoken on immigration, and soon so will the President. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397958,Congressman Cuellar Honored for Notable Public Service by American Political Science Association,2014-11-19,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX28) today announced that he has been honored with the Hubert H. Humphrey Award for Notable Public Service from the American Political Science Association.  The Humphrey award is given annually for notable accomplishments in public service.  Past recipients include former Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright, former Director of the CIA, General David Petraeus, and United States National Security Advisor, Susan Rice.  “Growing up as the oldest son of migrant worker parents, I was raised with a strong work ethic and commitment to attaining a higher education,” said Congressman Cuellar. “The years I spent completing my Ph.D. in government at the University of Texas at Austin helped lay the platform for my career in public service, first as a State Representative, then as Texas Secretary of States, and now in the United States Congress.  I thank the American Political Science Association for this honor and look forward to many more years working in the sphere of public service.”   American Political Science Association Executive Director Steven Smith presents Congressman Cuellar with the Hubert H. Humphrey award for notable public service “The Humphrey Award is the discipline’s most esteemed award for notable public service by a political scientist,” said Steven Rathgeb Smith, Executive Director of the American Political Science Association. “It is especially appropriate that this award is bestowed on Congressman Cuellar, whose exemplary career serving the people of Texas represents the very best qualities in our contemporary public servants.  Like Senator Humphrey, Congressional Cuellar has served his constituents and the broader public with dedication and an enduring commitment to fairness and equity for all citizens.” The Humphrey award committee includes Dr. Kathryn Sikkink from Harvard University, Dr. Adolph L. Reed Jr. from the University of Pennsylvania, and Dr. Harie C. Han from Wellesley College.  Founded in 1903, the American Political Science Association is a professional organization for the study of political science and serves more than 13,000 members in over 80 countries.  For more information on the American Political Science Association, visit their website here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://green.house.gov/press-release/green-and-blackburn-lead-bipartisan-legislation-grant-ebola-treatment-priority-review,Green and Blackburn Lead Bipartisan Legislation to Grant Ebola Treatment Priority Review,2014-11-19,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,TX,Gene Green,G000410,green.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, DC) – On Wednesday, a bipartisan group of House Members led by Reps. Gene Green (D-TX) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) introduced H.R. 5729, the Adding Ebola to the FDA Priority Review Voucher Program Act, to expedite review of therapies and treatments of the Ebola virus. Reps. G.K. Butterfield (D-NC), Michael McCaul (R-TX), and Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN) are also original cosponsors of this legislation. Green said, “In 2007, Congress took action to break down economic barriers for developing treatments and vaccines against tropical diseases by establishing the tropical disease priority review voucher program. Now it’s time for Congress to act again, and respond to the Ebola outbreak by making therapies and vaccines to treat the deadly virus eligible for the program. The Ebola outbreak is the worst in history, and this crisis demands swift actions to combat the epidemic. This legislation will help fight Ebola by rewarding investments and efforts to find effective vaccines and cures.” The Tropical Disease Priority Review Voucher system was created to give companies that successfully develop a drug for an otherwise neglected tropical disease a special priority review voucher capable of reducing the FDA’s standard 10-month review time by four months. This legislation will make drugs and vaccines developed to treat Ebola eligible for the priority review voucher.   “With nearly 15,000 cases and over 5,000 deaths, the 2014 Ebola epidemic is the worst since the discovery of the virus in 1976,” Blackburn said. “In light of this global outbreak there should be an intensive effort to find and approve a treatment or better yet, a vaccine to prevent Ebola. I want to thank my colleagues – Reps. Green, Butterfield, McCaul, and Fleischmann – for joining me in this important effort with the introduction of H.R. 5729. Decreasing the time it takes for a company to bring a drug safely through the FDA to approval provides a great incentive for the development of other drugs, particularly those that have historically been neglected.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://green.house.gov/press-release/house-passes-new-bipartisan-stela-reauthorization-bill,House Passes New Bipartisan STELA Reauthorization Bill,2014-11-19,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,TX,Gene Green,G000410,green.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, DC) – Wednesday, the House of Representatives voted to pass H.R. 5728, the STELA Reauthorization Act. This new legislation was written in response to Senate debate over H.R. 4572, which passed out of the House in July and would reauthorize expiring communications and copyright law. Congressman Gene Green, coauthor of the pro-consumer integration ban repeal provision adopted in H.R. 5728, released the following statement: “The bill we passed today represents a compromise with our colleagues in the House and Senate, and we look forward to seeing it become law. H.R. 5728 maintains bipartisan provisions from the bill we adopted in July. It includes additional consumer provisions and would repeal the antiquated integration ban, which has cost American consumers over $1 billion over the past seven years and requires commonsense policies that will promote true competition in the cable set top box market. We’ve worked across the aisle all year to ensure that this gets passed before 1.5 million Americans lose access to satellite-provided broadcast programming.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://veasey.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/anuncian-feria-de-trabajo-en-dallas,Anuncian feria de trabajo en Dallas,2014-11-19,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,TX,Marc Veasey,V000131,veasey.house.gov,,,legacy,"DALLAS – La oficina del congresista Marc Veasey (TX Distrito 33) anunció una feria de trabajo que se realizará el viernes 21 de noviembre, de 8:30 a.m. a 12 p.m. La feria de trabajo tendrá a más de 70 compañías y empleadores que buscan contratar a personas, según un comunicado de prensa. El evento anual se llevará a cabo en el Mountain View Community College en Dallas, donde se ofrecerá la oportunidad a los asistentes para que conozcan a representantes de empresas de varias ramas de trabajo como seguridad pública, construcción, servicios, cuidado de salud, educación y otras industrias. La feria de trabajo del año pasado atrajo a más de 1,000 personas en Fort Worth. Feria de Trabajo Qué: Feria de trabajo organizada por el congresista Marc Veasey Cuándo: Viernes, 21 de noviembre, 8:30 a.m. a 12 p.m. Dónde: Mountain View Community College, Building E. Lobby, 4849 W. Illinois Avenue, Dallas, Texas",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://doggett.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/san-antonio-express-news-chavez-foundation-group-pushes-obamas,San Antonio Express-News: Chavez Foundation Group Pushes for Obama's Immigration Reforms,2014-11-19,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,TX,Lloyd Doggett,D000399,doggett.house.gov,,,legacy,"November 19, 2014 The Cesar Chavez Foundation in San Antonio used a letter to the President that I signed calling for bold action on immigration at a protest yesterday. I support the good efforts of local groups like the Cesar Chavez Foundation, led by my friend Jaime Martinez, in our work to keep families together.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141205204450/http://doggett.house.gov/index.php/media-center/news/641-san-antonio-express-news-chavez-foundation-group-pushes-for-obama-s-immigration-reforms,San Antonio Express-News: Chavez Foundation Group Pushes for Obama's Immigration Reforms,2014-11-19,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,TX,Lloyd Doggett,D000399,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"November 19, 2014  The Cesar Chavez Foundation in San Antonio used a letter to the President that I signed calling for bold action on immigration at a protest yesterday. I support the good efforts of local groups like the Cesar Chavez Foundation, led by my friend Jaime Martinez, in our work to keep families together.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://ebjohnson.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/reps-johnson-and-hastings-highlight-national-hunger-homelessness,Reps. Johnson and Hastings Highlight National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week,2014-11-18,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,TX,Eddie Johnson,J000126,ebjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – (Tuesday, November 18th, 2014)— Congressional Homelessness Caucus Co-Chairs Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) and Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) made the following statement highlighting National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week, which is held the week before Thanksgiving.  “Homelessness is a multifaceted issue that can affect individuals and families of all backgrounds,” said Congresswoman Johnson. “It is an issue that transcends all Congressional districts or political boundaries, and can severely impact the lives of individuals and families indefinitely. In addition to the difficulties homeless individuals face on a daily basis, homelessness has also put tremendous financial pressure on municipalities all across the United States, as the state provides police and medical assistance to individuals left to fend for themselves on the streets. While steps taken by the Federal Strategic Plan have been extremely positive, there is more that Congress can do.” “This Thanksgiving as many of us prepare to spend the holiday with family let us not forget the millions homeless individuals and families that will go hungry with no home to call their own,” said Congressman Hastings. “Each year, we set aside the week before the Thanksgiving to mark National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. Though progress has been made in reducing hunger and homelessness, we must remain diligent to ensure that every American has access to the most basic human needs. The issue of homelessness is exacerbated by the high rate home foreclosure and socio-economic difficulties faced by many of our working poor. I will continue to work to bring renewed attention to the ending hunger and homelessness in America, through outreach, advocacy and creation of public policy to protect this venerable population. Collectively, the Congressional Homeless Caucus will continue to make progress in ensuring that all Americans have food to eat and permanent shelter over their heads.” ABOUT: National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week is held each year the week before Thanksgiving. This is a time for us all to start to think about what we are thankful for, and a perfect time to share our compassion with our neighbors who are experiencing homelessness. This year, National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week is held from November 15-23, 2014.  For more information, please visit: https://nationalhomeless.org/about-us/projects/awareness-week/. ### U.S. Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson is the ranking member of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology and the highest-ranking Texan on the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure. She represents the 30th Congressional District of Texas, which includes Downtown Dallas, Fair Park, Kessler Park, Old East Dallas, Pleasant Grove, South Dallas & South Oak Cliff; all of Cedar Hill, DeSoto, Duncanville, Hutchins, Lancaster & Wilmer and parts of Ferris, Glenn Heights, South Grand Prairie, Oak Lawn, Ovilla, Uptown/Victory Park and West Dallas. CONTACT: Yinka Robinson | (202)225-8885",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141206060222/http://orourke.house.gov//media-center/vote-explanations/voted-no-on-hr-5682,Voted 'No' on H.R. 5682 Keystone XL Pipeline,2014-11-18,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,TX,Beto O'Rourke,O000170,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"I voted against H.R. 5682 because I do not think we should compromise our laws for the sake of expediency. Having Congress intervene in an ongoing permitting process and provide a special exemption for one company is neither wise, nor in the national interest. Choosing to support this bill would mean bypassing the concerns and review process of important regulatory agencies like the EPA. For example, the EPA has recommended that the State Department look at relocating the pipeline so it does not cross over the Ogallala aquifer, which is one of the largest freshwater aquifer systems in the world and supplies much of Texas with water. I believe it necessary that EPA's environmental concerns be fully considered and resolved before the State Department can make a final decision on the pipeline's construction. Congress should not rush this process before the federal agency we rely on to promote environmental standards has all of its concerns with the project addressed. If Congress believes the current application for projects like the Keystone Pipeline is inefficient and outdated, we should consider legislation on the House floor that looks to streamline the process.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397947,"Rep. Cuellar Releases Latest FBI Statistics Showing Lower Murder Rates on Border than Texas, National Averages",2014-11-17,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX28) today released a compilation of the latest statistics from the Federal Bureau of Investigations that show a lower murder rate in cities along the Texas-Mexico border than in other major cities across the nation and the State of Texas.  The FBI crime rates also show that the number of robberies, assaults, and rapes are significantly lower in border cities than the major metropolitan cities in Texas.   “Many people characterize the southern border as being unsafe but today’s numbers paint a very different picture,” said Congressman Cuellar.  “These statistics clearly show that some of the safest cities in the United States are on the U.S.-Mexico border.  The murder rate is actually higher in Washington, D.C. where I work than in my hometown of Laredo, Texas or other cities on the border like McAllen, Texas.  These statistics should help to dispel some of the misinformation about the border region that hurts our local economy and makes it harder to hire doctors and encourage investment.”  Some of the key takeaways from the latest FBI crime statistics include: ·         The top ten cities with the highest murder rate do not include a single city on the US-Mexico border ·         The murder rates in Washington, DC, Dallas, and Houston are more than six times the murder rates in McAllen, Laredo, and Brownsville, respectively ·         In 2013, there were 214 murders in Houston and 143 in Dallas, compared to three murders in Laredo and two in McAllen Attached to this release are the following seven charts: 2013 Murder Rates in Borders Cities Compared to US Cities, 2013 Top 10 Cities in the US with Highest Murder Rate, 2013 Top 10 Cities in the US with Highest Murders, 2013 TX Cities Total Aggravated Assaults, 2013 TX Cities Total Murders, 2013 TX Total Rapes, and 2013 TX Cities Total Robberies.  To access the latest FBI crime statistics, visit this link: http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/ucr/crime-in-the-u.s/2013/crime-in-the-u.s.-2013.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397937,Rep. Cuellar Announces Beginning of Open Enrollment Period for Health Insurance on Nov. 15th,2014-11-14,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX28) announced today that this year’s open enrollment period for health insurance will begin this Saturday, November 15th.  Residents of Webb County who do not have health insurance can sign up between November 15th and February 15th.  Those residents seeking health coverage starting in 2015 must enroll in a plan by December 15th.   “Millions of people across the country and in Texas have already enrolled in health insurance,” said Congressman Cuellar.  “Our communities in South Texas and on the border have among the lowest rates of health insurance coverage in the country as well as some of the highest rates of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and other issues.  Having health insurance means peace of mind not just for you but for those who depend on you – children, parents, and grandparents. With the opening of this year’s enrollment period, I want to encourage residents of the 28th District of Texas who do not have insurance to start looking at your options early and to reach out to my office and the local organizations listed here should you have any questions.”  To preview plans in your area, visit: https://www.healthcare.gov/see-plans/.  To obtain coverage, enrollees should have available proof of income, a form of identification, proof of residence, and their social security numbers.    The following organizations can provide in person health insurance assistance to residents of the 28th District of Texas.  Atascosa, McMullen, and Wilson Counties: Atascosa Health Center 310 W. Oaklawn Street (Across for the HEB) Pleasanton, TX 78064 www.Atascosahealthcenter.org South Texas Regional Medical Center 1905 Highway 97 East Jourdanton, Texas 78026 Phone: (830) 769-3515 http://www.strmc.com/South-Texas-Regional-Medical-Center/home.aspx Wilson Community Health Center  540 10th St. Suite 140 (Next to Tractor Supply)  Floresville, TX 78114  www.Atascosahealthcenter.org   Bexar County: Baptist Medical Center 111 Dallas St. San Antonio, TX 78205 (210) 619-8800 CentroMed 750 Commercial Ave. San Antonio, TX 78221 (210) 922-7000 CommuniCare Health Centers 3066 E. Commerce St. San Antonio, TX 78220 (210) 233-7157 CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Children's Hospital of San Antonio 333 N. Santa Rosa Street San Antonio, Texas 78207 www.christushealth.org San Antonio Food Bank 5200 Old Hwy 90 W  San Antonio, TX 78227 (210) 337-3663 SRA International, Inc. 6909 N. Loop 1604 East Suite 1145 (Rolling Oaks Mall, next to Macy's) San Antonio, TX 78247 sa.sracallin@gmail.com (210) 347-1274 SRA International, Inc. 1800 NE Loop 410 Suite 100 San Antonio, TX 78217 sa.sracallin@gmail.com (210) 347-1274 University Health System 4502 Medical Dr. San Antonio, TX 78229 (210) 358-3350 CareLink@uhs-sa.com Starr and Hidalgo County: Nuestra Clínica del Valle www.nuestraclinicadelvalle.org 301 S. 17th St., Donna, TX – 956-464-5809 1500 Fir St., Mercedes – 956-565-3191 409 N Bryan Rd Ste 107, Mission – 956-599-9992 806 W 3rd St, San Juan – 956-787-0787 South Texas Health System 956-388-2151 Edinburg Regional Medical Center 1102 West Trenton, Edinburg McAllen Medical Center 301 West Expressway 83 McAllen Heart Hospital 1900 South D Street Access Esperanza www.accessclinics.org Appointments only 916- E Hackberry, McAllen – 956-686-6671 1201 N Conway, Mission – 956-585-4575 302 S Veterans, Edinburg – 956-383-5082 901 S James, Welasco – 956-968-5039 Cognosante Appointments 8:30am-5pm 956-340-4694 3400 N McColl Rd Ste 1, McAllen MHP Salud www.mhpsalud.org 800-461-8394 X 1007 437 S Texas Blvd, Welasco VAIL www.vailrgv.org 956-668-8245 3012 N McColl Rd. McAllen La Salle, Webb, and Zapata Counties: Centro Aztlán 406 Scott St, Laredo, TX 78040 (956) 724-6244 City of Laredo Health Department 2600 Cedar Ave, Laredo, TX 78040 http://www.ci.laredo.tx.us/health/healthindex.htm (956) 795-4901 Doctors Hospital of Laredo 10700 McPherson Rd Laredo,TX 78045 http://www.doctorshosplaredo.com/ (956) 523-2700 Gateway Community Health Center 2007 S Zapata Hwy, Laredo, TX 78046 www.gatewaychc.com/ (956) 523-3622 or email enrollme.gateway@tachc.org Laredo Medical Center 1700 E Saunders St, Laredo, TX 78041 http://www.laredomedical.com/laredo-medical-center/home.aspx (956) 796-2860 South Texas Development Council 1102 Dicky Lane Laredo, TX 78043 (956) 722-3995 http://www.stdc.cog.tx.us",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://green.house.gov/press-release/house-approves-keystone-xl-pipeline,House Approves Keystone XL Pipeline,2014-11-14,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,TX,Gene Green,G000410,green.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, DC) – On Friday, the House of Representatives voted to pass H.R. 5682 to approve the Keystone XL Pipeline. The bill passed with a vote of 252-161. Congressman Gene Green released the following statement in response: “I’m pleased that H.R. 5682 passed the House of Representatives with overwhelming support, and it’s about time. The Keystone XL pipeline is the most scrutinized project in recent history; it’s become a political target.  It’s a good thing we don’t build rail, highways, bridges or airports the way we are trying to build Keystone XL or we’d all be walking. Pipelines are like rail, roads, bridges, and airports, they tie our commerce together. America needs the KXL infrastructure to create a North American energy market and tie our energy markets together.  We need the bill to pass both chambers, so that we can resolve this problem and focus on other important issues as we head into a new session of Congress.”  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://jacksonlee.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-sheila-jackson-lee-applauds-the-va-road-to-veterans-day,CONGRESSWOMAN SHEILA JACKSON LEE APPLAUDS THE VA ROAD TO VETERANS DAY ACTION REVIEW AND PROGRESS MADE TO DATE IN IMPROVING VETERAN HEALTH CARE,2014-11-14,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,TX,Sheila Jackson Lee,J000032,jacksonlee.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a senior member of the House Committees on the Judiciary and Homeland Security, released the following statement today regarding the Department of Veteran Affairs Blueprint for Excellence: “Veterans Day is a time to honor and remember the millions of veterans in this generation and generations past who have made countless sacrifices in service of our country. “I applaud the progress made today by the DVA in accelerating access to health care and addressing deficiencies as documented in its Blueprint for Excellence report released today. That report indicates that in the last 90 days, DVA has: 1.   Scheduled more than 1.2 million more appointments in the past four months than in the same period last year. 2.   In total, VA medical centers have scheduled over 19 million Veteran appointments from June to October 1, 2014. 3.   Reduced the national new patient Primary Care wait time by 18 percent. 4.   Completed 98 percent of appointments within 30 days of the Veterans’ preferred date, or the date determined to be medically necessary by a physician. 5.   Authorized 1.1 million non-VA care authorizations, a 47 percent increase over the same period last year.   “DVA’s mission is to rebuild trust with veterans, improve service delivery, and set the course for long-term excellence and reform will ultimately benefit millions of our nations deserving veterans. The progress made today is a significant step in the right direction. “Our nation must come together to celebrate our veterans who have courageously defended our freedom, and honor the memory of the more than 4,400 American servicemen and women who have died in Iraq and more than 2,200 who have died in Afghanistan. We also honor the sacrifices of over 50,000 brave troops wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan. A grateful nation cares for its soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen, not only when they are abroad, but also upon their return home. “Veteran care is a priority to me, to the VA Department, and to the millions of veterans and their families across the country, and I am committed to ensuring quality care for those who have fought for our freedoms. Our veterans deserve quality job opportunities, superb healthcare, and the promise of college as they return from the frontlines, and I have worked tirelessly to ensure these services for the more than 2 million troops and reservists, their families, and 22 million veterans, including 29,757 in the 18th Congressional District of Texas. “On the battlefield, the military pledges to leave no soldier behind; as a nation, it is our duty to leave no veteran behind. This day and every day, let us honor their service with actions that fulfill our commitment to our troops, their families, and our veterans – and that are worthy of our grateful nation.” ### Congresswoman Jackson Lee is a Democrat from Texas’s 18th Congressional District. She is a senior member of the House Committees on Judiciary and Homeland Security and is Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://jacksonlee.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-sheila-jackson-lee-honors-the-valor-bravery-and-sacrifices,"CONGRESSWOMAN SHEILA JACKSON LEE HONORS THE VALOR, BRAVERY AND SACRIFICES OF OUR NATIONS VETERANS",2014-11-14,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,TX,Sheila Jackson Lee,J000032,jacksonlee.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a senior member of the House Committees on the Judiciary and Homeland Security released the following statement today in honor of Veterans Day: “Veterans Day is a time to honor and remember the millions of veterans in this generation and generations past who have made countless sacrifices in service of our country. Our nation must come together to celebrate our veterans who have courageously defended our freedom, and honor the memory of the more than 4,400 American servicemen and women who have died in Iraq and more than 2,200 who have died in Afghanistan. We also honor the sacrifices of over 50,000 brave troops wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan. “A grateful nation cares for its soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen, not only when they are abroad, but also upon their return home. Our veterans deserve quality job opportunities, superb healthcare, and the promise of college as they return from the frontlines, and I am committed to the more than 2 million troops and reservists, their families, and 22 million veterans, including 32,477 in the 18th Congressional District of Texas. “On the battlefield, the military pledges to leave no soldier behind; as a nation, it is our duty to leave no veteran behind. This day and every day, let us honor their service with actions that fulfill our commitment to our troops, their families, and our veterans – and that are worthy of our grateful nation.” ### Congresswoman Jackson Lee is a Democrat from Texas’s 18th Congressional District. She is a senior member of the House Committees on Judiciary and Homeland Security and is Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://veasey.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congressman-marc-veasey-statement-on-keystone-xl-pipeline-approval-act,Congressman Veasey Statement on Passage of Keystone XL Pipeline,2014-11-14,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,TX,Marc Veasey,V000131,veasey.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.—Congressman Marc Veasey, TX-33, released the following statement after voting in favor of H.R. 5682, the Keystone XL Pipeline Approval Act, which would approve the final segment of the Keystone XL pipeline. He was joined by House Assistant Democratic Leader James Clyburn and fellow Texas Democrats, Reps. Sheila Jackson Lee, Al Green, Gene Green, Ruben Hinojosa (CHC Chairman), Henry Cuellar, and Filemon Vela. “Today’s approval will allow for more than 42,000 jobs to be created throughout the United States during the construction of the pipeline,” said Congressman Veasey.  “As our economy continues to climb out of the Great Recession, creating and sustaining good paying jobs should be our highest priority in Congress.” H.R. 5682 would allow TransCanada to complete the final portion of the Keystone XL pipeline that crosses from Alberta, Canada to Nebraska, while still giving flexibility to modify the route, based on a final determination by the Nebraska Supreme Court. “Past legislation we’ve considered in the House has relied on outdated information from 2011 and did not allow flexibility for individual states to determine what is in their best interest,” Congressman Veasey said.  “This new bill, which mirrors a Senate bill that was passed on a bi-partisan vote out of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, looks at the latest Department of State environmental impact report and gives flexibility to the state of Nebraska to determine the route within the state.” Congressman Veasey has been a staunch advocate of protecting our environment during his time in Congress and has taken numerous votes to ensure the integrity of our natural resources. “This vote will help to provide the infrastructure that we need to safely move vital resources through North America,” commented Veasey.  “The Department of State report plainly states that even if this pipeline is not built, rail cars and tankers will be used to carry oil from Canada, resulting in more Green House Gas (GHG) emissions. Our priority should be to support the safest, most environmentally conscience way to transport this fuel.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://algreen.house.gov/press-release/congressman-al-green-calls-reform-our-immigration-system-and-relief-millions-families,Congressman Al Green Calls for Reform of Our Immigration System and Relief for Millions of Families,2014-11-13,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,TX,Al Green,G000553,algreen.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, DC)—On November 13, 2014, Congressman Al Green (TX-09), along with other House Democrats led by Congressman Luis Gutierrez (IL-04), called on President Obama to provide relief for millions of families and meaningfully reform our immigration system. Congressman Al Green indicated that “Leading with an executive order on a major issue such as immigration reform by President Obama is far from unprecedented. We need only look at the actions of some of President Obama’s predecessors, which are not exactly the same but also involved human rights.” “President Lincoln led with an executive order when he signed the Emancipation Proclamation during the Civil War, and there was much to be said about it at the time. However, it led to the enactment of the Thirteenth Amendment which freed the slaves. When President Truman signed the order desegregating the military, it gave rise to the Dixiecrats; and although much was said, it, along with other actions, led to the desegregation of America. If President Lincoln could produce the Emancipation Proclamation by executive order; if President Truman could produce the desegregation of the military by executive order; surely, President Obama can produce an ‘Immigration Declaration’ by executive order. And although much will be said, I don’t think God will be angry with President Obama,” Congressman Al Green said. Congressman Al Green, along with 115 other House Democrats, sent a letter to President Obama on Thursday, November 13, 2014 asking the President to take “bold and meaningful executive action” on immigration.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397912,Rep. Cuellar Office to Host Healthcare Enrollment Event in Mission on Saturday,2014-11-13,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"On Saturday, November 15th, the Office of Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX28) will host a healthcare information and enrollment event at Mission Speer Memorial Library on 801 E 12th Street from 9am-3pm.  The event will feature free face-to-face assistance with the healthcare application from navigators in English and Spanish.  Attendees must bring proof of income, a form of identification, proof of residence, and their social security numbers.    “I represent communities on the border and in South Texas with some of the highest rates of uninsured persons in the country,” said Congressman Cuellar. “Health care costs can be devastating for those without health insurance. That is why we host information and enrollment drives throughout the year.  I want to thank the organizations in the Valley that are doing excellent work to make healthcare more accessible, including Nuestra Clinica del Valle, South Texas Health System, Cognosante, MHP Salud, VAIL, Access Esperanza, and Enroll America” For full details on the event, click here.  For more information on the open enrollment period and health insurance options, visit www.healthcare.gov or www.cuidadodesalud.gov.  The open enrollment period begins on November 15, 2014 and lasts until February 15, 2015.  Consumers seeking coverage starting at the beginning of the year must enroll in a plan by December 15th.   WHAT:      Healthcare information and enrollment event hosted by Office of Congressman Henry Cuellar WHEN:     Saturday, November 15th                    9am-3pmCT WHERE:   Mission Speer Memorial Library                    801 East 12th Street                    Mission, Texas",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://ebjohnson.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-johnson-highlights-the-aca-open-enrollment-period,Congresswoman Johnson Highlights the ACA Open Enrollment Period,2014-11-13,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,TX,Eddie Johnson,J000126,ebjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – (November 13, 2014) – Open enrollment in the Health Insurance Marketplace for 2015 under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) begins on Saturday, November 15th  and ends on Sunday, February 15th, 2015. During this 4 month period, newly enrolled and currently enrolled users are encouraged to visit the Health Insurance Marketplace to determine the most effective coverage plan for themselves and their families.  Since 2011, the ACA has made healthcare more accessible and affordable for millions of Americans by saving consumers $9 billion. Access to healthcare has expanded, with a substantial reduction of the number of Americans uninsured.  According to statistics released by the Obama Administration and the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS):  10.3 million uninsured adults have been covered since the launch of ACA Open Enrollment Exchanges in 2013; The number of uninsured adults has been reduced by 26% since the start of Open Enrollment in 2013; 7.3 million people signed up for Marketplace plans, paid their premiums, and accessed quality, affordable coverage; and Another 8 million individuals enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP since the beginning of Open Enrollment –an increase of nearly 14% compared to average monthly signups prior to October 1st, 2013. In 2015, there will be a 25% increase in the total number of issuers selling health insurance plans in the Marketplace, meaning increased access to healthcare and coverage options. Overall, Americans express satisfaction with coverage and the improved quality of healthcare they are receiving. I would encourage everyone to make your elections early and not wait until the deadline of February 15th, 2015. For more information on potential coverage and key dates, visit www.HealthCare.Gov. Contact: Yinka Robinson - Yinka.Robinson@mail.house.gov ### U.S. Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson is the ranking member of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology and the highest-ranking Texan on the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure. She represents the 30th Congressional District of Texas, which includes Downtown Dallas, Fair Park, Kessler Park, Old East Dallas, Pleasant Grove, South Dallas & South Oak Cliff; all of Cedar Hill, DeSoto, Duncanville, Hutchins, Lancaster & Wilmer and parts of Ferris, Glenn Heights, South Grand Prairie, Oak Lawn, Ovilla, Uptown/Victory Park and West Dallas.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://veasey.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/taking-veterans-concerns-seriously,Taking Veterans' Concerns Seriously,2014-11-11,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,TX,Marc Veasey,V000131,veasey.house.gov,,,legacy,"Sitting on the House Armed Services Committee is a great responsibility and an opportunity to represent not only the thousands of veterans in the 33rd Congressional District of Texas that I represent in Dallas-Fort Worth, but also the active-duty men and women of our armed forces, national guard and reserve components. While I never served in uniform, I fully understand the great service and sacrifice that our brave men and women have given to our country. These courageous individuals put their lives, families and jobs on hold to serve their country. I believe it is my duty and that of Congress to ensure that they are afforded the benefits and care that they have earned and deserve for the sacrifices that they and their families have made through their service to our country. Keeping these promises is not only our duty and responsibility, but also serves to strengthen our national security by assuring future generations of military volunteers that their service will be honored. While our country continues to fall short of ideal in keeping our commitments to our veterans, I am optimistic that Congress and Veterans Affairs have together taken steps in the right direction. Congress recently passed nearly unanimously in the House and Senate, and the President quickly signed into law, major VA reform legislation: the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014. This new law provides significant investments to strengthen our VA system for veterans by providing $10 billion to initiate a program to alleviate health care wait times for veterans by allowing them to seek care from non-VA sources that are nearer to their home. The law seeks to increase the number of available primary doctors, specialty care physicians, nurses and other medical professionals in the VA with five billion dollars for new hires. The law also includes increased accountability for the VA when they fall short, counseling and care assistance for victims of sexual assault in the military, and leases for twenty seven new VA clinics in 18 states. While Congress has answered the call to provide the VA with additional resources and authority to care for our veterans, the VA itself is instituting their own reforms and initiatives to improve their services. Secretary Robert McDonald has undertaken significant recruitment efforts to ensure that the VA has only the highest caliber of talent among their health care professionals. Currently, the biggest obstacle is backlog, which the VA is systematically addressing in a comprehensive manner. The Accelerating Access to Care Initiative has succeeded in scheduling 200,000 new VA appointments nationwide and 912,000 referrals to non-VA care providers, and has decreased the Electronic Wait List by 57 percent.  Extensive outreach efforts by Veteran Service Organizations like the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), American Legion, Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) and others, are increasing awareness and participation in these new programs and showing results. These latest efforts should also be considered in combination with overall budget increases put in place by Congress to achieve a 60 percent increase in discretionary funds for the VA since 2007, which have improved health care and services. While there is no silver bullet to ensure that we honor our commitment to current and future veterans, it is vital that Congress works together with the administration of any party in a bipartisan manner to make sure we keep that promise. This issue, or no other, should be above the petty partisan politics that too often permeate Washington, D.C.  In addition to working to advance legislative efforts to improve VA services, I am glad to take part in sharing the stories of veterans in my congressional district by participating in the Congressional Veteran Commendation Program (CVC). The CVC is a nominations-based program designed to recognize the wartime sacrifices and the peacetime community involvement of veterans of the 33rd Congressional District of Texas. This year, I was proud to present five local veterans the prestigious award. The recipients of the 2014 CVC award include: Mr. Felix Lozada, Sr., West Dallas; Mr. Mario Gutierrez, Dallas; Mr. Ernest Mackey, Fort Worth; Ms. Yolonde Rocio, Forest Hill; and Mr. Arthur Wilder, Fort Worth. I look forward to doing my part to keep our solemn vow to veterans who have served our country with pride and distinction. They are all heroes in my eyes and they deserve no less. Thank you all for your service, sacrifice and bravery.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://veasey.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/rep-veasey-presents-military-medals-to-family-of-candelario-garcia-jr,"Rep. Veasey Presents Military Medals to Family of Candelario Garcia, Jr.",2014-11-11,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,TX,Marc Veasey,V000131,veasey.house.gov,,,legacy,"[Austin, Texas]– On Monday, November 10th, Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, presented posthumous service medals to the family of Candelario Garcia, Jr. at the Texas State Capitol in Austin, Texas. Mr. Garcia, who passed away in January 2013, was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor by President Obama in March of 2014. Earlier this year his brother, Manuel Flores of Oak Cliff, requested Congressman Veasey’s help in obtaining copies of his brother’s medals that could then be donated to Mr. Garcia’s high school in Corsicana.             Austin, Texas (Monday, November 10, 2014)-- From left to right, Mr. Manuel Flores of Oak Cliff and Congressman Veasey, pose for a photo with the picture of Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, Candelario Garcia Jr. and medals secured by Veasey’s Office at the Texas State Capitol in Austin, Texas.   “I am honored to present this distinguished military award to the late Candelario Garcia, Jr. who in addition to serving our country with honor in Vietnam, also served our community throughout his entire adult life.” said Veasey. “As we celebrate Veterans Day, we should all remember the bravery  and contributions of all of the service men and women who put their lives, families, and jobs on hold to selflessly defend our nation.” For Mr. Candelario’s honorable service in the U.S. Army, his brother, Manuel Flores of Oak Cliff, was presented the following medals by Congressman Veasey:  Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze and Silver Star, Combat Infantryman Badge 11sr Award, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon, and Expert Badge and Rifle Bar. Rep. Veasey’s office continues to work to secure a copy of Mr. Garcia’s Congressional Medal of Honor.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://ebjohnson.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-johnson-issues-a-statement-in-honor-of-veterans-day,Congresswoman Johnson Issues a Statement in Honor of Veterans Day,2014-11-10,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,TX,Eddie Johnson,J000126,ebjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – (Monday, November 10, 2014) — Today, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson released the following statement in honor of Veterans Day, which falls on Tuesday, November 11th: “November 11th marks an important day for Americans. It is a day to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. Veterans Day serves as a conscious reminder for the thousands of men and women who have dedicated their lives in service to the United States. Throughout history these individuals have fought selflessly for their country and for this service our nation is eternally grateful. As a former Chief Psychiatric Nurse for the Dallas Veterans Affairs Medical Center and a proud supporter of veterans, I believe it is our duty as a nation to ensure that appreciation for our veterans extends beyond November 11th.  Access to healthcare, housing and education are of the utmost importance for veterans and their families. As a member of Congress and more importantly as the daughter of a veteran, these are matters I will always support during my time in Congress. I am honored to celebrate these heroic people. God bless them and the service they have provided for our country.” ### U.S. Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson is the ranking member of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology and the highest-ranking Texan on the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure. She represents the 30th Congressional District of Texas, which includes Downtown Dallas, Fair Park, Kessler Park, Old East Dallas, Pleasant Grove, South Dallas & South Oak Cliff; all of Cedar Hill, DeSoto, Duncanville, Hutchins, Lancaster & Wilmer and parts of Ferris, Glenn Heights, South Grand Prairie, Oak Lawn, Ovilla, Uptown/Victory Park and West Dallas. CONTACT: Yinka Robinson | (202)225-8885",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://veasey.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/veasey-honors-hometown-heroes-during-veterans-town-hall,Veasey Honors Hometown Heroes during Veterans Town Hall,2014-11-10,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,TX,Marc Veasey,V000131,veasey.house.gov,,,legacy,"Fort Worth, TX-- Join U.S. Representative Marc Veasey (TX-33) as he honors five local veterans with the Congressional Veteran Commendation (CVC) at a Veterans Town Hall tonight, November 10th from 5-7 PM, at American Legion Post 838 in Fort Worth. Recipients of the CVC award include: Mr. Felix Lozada, Sr., West Dallas; Mr. Mario Gutierrez, Dallas; Mr. Ernest Mackey, Fort Worth; Ms. Yolonde Rocio, Forest Hill; and Mr. Arthur Wilder, Fort Worth. Following the ceremony, veterans, active duty military personnel and their families are encouraged to participate in the Veterans Town Hall to talk with Congressman Veasey, ask questions, and share their thoughts and concerns about how Congress can best represent America's veterans.  Who: U.S. Congressman Marc Veasey, TX-33 What: 2014 Veterans Town Hall and 33rd District Congressional Veterans Commendation (CVC) Ceremony When: Monday, November 10, 2014 from 5PM – 7PM (CT) Where: American Legion Post 838 | 1250 Mansfield Ave | Fort Worth, TX 76104 MEDIA: Members of the press interested in scheduling interviews and covering this event must RSVP by calling Jessica Coscia at 202-225-9897 or emailing, Jessica.Coscia@mail.house.gov For event information, call Daniela Huerta at 817-920-9086 or 214-741-1387 Congressional Veterans Commendation Program (CVC)          The CVC is a nominations-based program designed to recognize the wartime sacrifices and peacetime community involvement of veterans of the Thirty-third Congressional District of Texas.  To be eligible, veterans must currently reside in the 33rd Congressional District. Nominees have served as active duty military personnel, active duty in the United States Armed Forces or a reservist called to active duty, and must be retired or honorably discharged from a branch of the United States Armed Forces.  2014 CVC Honorees Felix Lozada, Sr., West Dallas, US Navy Staff Sergeant Mario A. Gutierrez, Dallas, US Army (Ret.) Ernest Mackey, US Air Force Yolonde Rocio, Forest Hill, US Army Arthur Wilder, Fort Worth, US Marine Corps ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397910,Rep. Cuellar Invites Public to Attend Healthcare Information and Enrollment Event this Saturday in Laredo,2014-11-07,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX28) invites the public to attend the Healthcare Information and Enrollment Fest this Saturday, November 15th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the University of Texas Health Science Center Laredo Regional Campus Library, located at 1937 E. Bustamante Street. Anyone who would like information or assistance with affordable health coverage and the Affordable Care Act can attend this free event and ask one of the many on-site Health Navigators and Certified Application Counselors about what options may be available to them. WHAT:               Healthcare Information and Enrollment Fest WHEN:              Saturday, November 15 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. CDT WHERE:            University of Texas Health Science Center Laredo Regional Campus Library, located at 1937 E. Bustamante St., Laredo, Texas 78041",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://jacksonlee.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-sheila-jackson-lee-calls-upon-administration-to-assist,CONGRESSWOMAN SHEILA JACKSON LEE CALLS UPON ADMINISTRATION TO ASSIST MEXICAN FEDERAL AUTHORITIES IN EFFORT TO RESCUE 43 COLLEGE STUDENTS KIDNAPPED IN SOUTHERN MEXICO,2014-11-07,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,TX,Sheila Jackson Lee,J000032,jacksonlee.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC– Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, the Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Committee’s Border and Maritime Security, and a senior member and former Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee’s Immigration and Border Security Subcommittee, released the following statement today regarding the kidnapping of 43 college students in the city of Iguala, in the southern Mexican state of Guerrero: “My thoughts and prayers go out the family and friends of the 43 college students from the Raul Isidro Burgos Rural Teachers College of Ayotzinapa, who were kidnapped on September 26, 2014. As a mother, I can only imagine the heartbreak and horror felt by the family members anxiously awaiting a glimpse of good news. No parent should ever have to experience the pain of losing a child. Along with parents all over the world who understand the pain and suffering being endured by those whose children were abducted, I pray for the swift and safe return of the missing college students. “It is outrageous that these 43 college students have gone missing for more than 40 days. I call upon the Administration and the international community to render all necessary and appropriate assistance to the federal and state authorities in Mexico to aid the effort to bring about the safe return of the missing students and the apprehension and prosecution of those responsible. “The students were traveling to Iguala, Guerrero to protest discriminatory hiring and funding practices by the government when they were confronted and ambushed. It is utterly unacceptable that the fugitive Mayor of Iguala is complicit in this mass kidnapping. These crimes must be punished to the full extent of the law. “¿Y si se tratara de sus hijos? What if it were your kids? They are all of our kids. And that is why we cannot rest until they are found.” ### Congresswoman Jackson Lee is a Democrat from Texas’s 18th Congressional District. She is a senior member of the House Committees on Judiciary and Homeland Security and is Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://veasey.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/rep-veasey-statement-honoring-veterans-day-0,Rep. Veasey Statement Honoring Veterans Day,2014-11-07,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,TX,Marc Veasey,V000131,veasey.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C--Today Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33) released the following statement commemorating Veterans Day on Tuesday, November 11: ""Every year, on the eleventh day, of the eleventh month, Americans honor and express their appreciation for the courageous, loyal, and admirable men and women in uniform who so bravely served our country. These service members selflessly put their lives, families, and jobs on hold to defend our nation and they deserve our gratitude every day.   As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I have had the great pleasure of meeting some of the thousands of veterans living in the Metroplex. while I am incredibly priviliged to be able to serve as their congressman, I am also committed to ensuring that they are afforded the benefits and care that they deserve for all that they, and their families, have sacrificed for our freedom as Americans.""   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141107222014/http://vela.house.gov/index.php/2013-07-18-16-34-07/press-releases/289-press-release-congressman-vela-hosts-2nd-annual-congressional-veterans-summit,PRESS RELEASE: Congressman Vela Hosts 2nd Annual Congressional Veterans Summit,2014-11-07,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,TX,Filemon Vela,V000132,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"PRESS RELEASE: Congressman Vela Hosts 2nd Annual Congressional Veterans Summit   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                  PRESS CONTACT: November 7, 2014                                                                              Brenda Lopez 956.544.8352                                                                                                                                          PRESS RELEASE: Congressman Vela Hosts 2nd Annual Congressional Veterans Summit   WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Filemon Vela (D-TX) will host the 2nd Annual Congressional Veterans Summit on November 22, 2014, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at the International Technology Education and Commerce Center (ITECC), 301 Mexico Boulevard, Brownsville, Texas.  The Summit will focus focus on three areas: employment, health care and Veterans resources.  This will be a free event for all South Texas Veterans and their families.   Congressman Vela and community partners are working together to provide South Texas Veterans with a one-stop shop to visit with veteran friendly employers and organizations.  Additionally, veterans will be given the opportunity to receive free health screenings.   Representatives from the VA Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System will provide assistance with enrolling in My Healthy Vet, and information on mental health, suicide prevention, homeless services, human resources, women’s health topics, vocational rehab and peer support.    The Texas Veterans Commission Veterans Health Care Strike Force Team will also be available for individual veteran consultation to help veterans access health related services and check the status of pending claims.     B Metro and Valley Metro will provide free transportation for the day of the event.  For more information, call (956) 548-6050.    For more information please contact Congressman Vela’s district office at (956) 544-8352.   # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://veasey.house.gov//media-center/veasey-updates/nov-6-2014-bringing-jobs-to-cd33-serving-our-nation-s-veterans-in,"Nov. 6, 2014: Bringing Jobs to CD33, Serving our Nations Veterans in November",2014-11-06,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,TX,Marc Veasey,V000131,veasey.house.gov,,,legacy,"Dear Friends, Please take a moment to read my latest updates from this past week.  In this edition of the e-Newsletter, you’ll find photos and information on my work across the 33rd District of Texas and events that I am hosting this month to honor our military veterans and to assist Metroplex Job Seekers. For the latest updates, make sure you are following me on my Facebook page or on my Twitter page.  Thanks for staying engaged and enjoy this week's edition of Marc’s Memo. Sincerely, Closer Look: Serving our Nation’s Veterans in November November 11th is Veterans Day – an important time for Americans to reflect on the courageous service of our men and women in uniform. As part of my office’s ongoing commitment to our nation’s veterans, on Monday, November, 10, 2014, we will host a Veterans Town Hall at the American Legion Post 838 (1250 Mansield Avenue, Fort Worth, TX 76104). The event starts at 5:00 PM with the awarding of the Congressional Veteran Commendation to five local veterans. The town hall will follow and lasts until 7:00 PM.  I would be honored to have you and your family join us at this free and fun community event in honor of our nation’s heroes. I recognize the continuing need for veterans to have access to quality job opportunities and the resources they need to thrive in the civilian workforce. This month, I am hosting a job fair designed to connect constituents, including military veterans, to employment opportunities in the Metroplex. 33rd Congressional District Job & Resource Fair Gets the Metroplex to Work Seeking employment or a change in career? Need assistance with your resume, interview techniques, or job search approach? By participating in the upcoming 33rd Congressional District Job & Resource Fair, you will be taking a big step toward finding the right job for you! Join me on Friday, November 21st from 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM at Mountain View College, Building E Lobby, 4849 W Illinois Ave, Dallas, TX 75211 In this highly competitive job market, we will give job seekers the tools they need to present themselves professional and received attention from employers. Bring your resume and dress for success to meet with more than 70 employers in search of people to make their businesses better. Take advantage of FREE career development workshops designed to help you reach your career goals: Skill Building & Networking 2nd Chance for Employment One-on-One Résumé Critiquing Mature Workers Re-entering the Workforce Veteran-to-Civilian Transition We want to help you prepare for your dream job! This event if FREE and open to the public. For more info, visit: https://veasey.house.gov/VeaseyJobFair Marc Means Business: Experiencing a Work Day Without Sight To mark National Disability Employment Awareness Month and International White Cane Day, I had the chance to work alongside the blind and visually impaired at the Lighthouse for the Blind in Fort Worth as part of my Marc Means Business initiative. During my work day at Lighthouse for the Blind, I wore a blindfold while participating in blind-sensitivity training, which included simple tasks such as typing, pouring water, and counting change. I was also given the chance to work while wearing vision-impairing goggles on the facility’s paper assembly line and paper tube shipping line. While I was supervised throughout the day, it was a very challenging experience. I was delighted to meet many of the clients and employees living with visual impairments and blindness. Because of my experience, I’ve found a new appreciation for the technologies and opportunities that organizations like the Lighthouse provide for blind Americans in the Metroplex. October: CD33 in Photos October 8, 2014- Fort Worth, TX-- Congressman Marc Veasey joined former president Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, to help Habitat for Humanity of Fort Worth build and repair new homes in Fort Worth. October 15, 2014 – Fort Worth, TX-- Congressman Marc Veasey hosted an Education Taskforce Meeting at Dan Powell Intermediate in Fort Worth to discuss STEMGenetics in EISD. October 30, 2014- Fort Worth, TX— Congressman Veasey rolls up his sleeves to assist with an oil change during a visit to Mac Churchill Acura in Fort Worth. Check out more photos from my time around the 33rd Congressional District in our Flickr Photo Gallery!",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141107185136/http://vela.house.gov/index.php/2013-07-18-16-34-07/press-releases/287-no-attorney-general-should-be-confirmed-unless-they-are-committed-to-extradition-of-indicted-mexican-governor,No Attorney General Should be Confirmed Unless They Are Committed to Extradition of Indicted Mexican Governor,2014-11-03,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,TX,Filemon Vela,V000132,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"No Attorney General Should be Confirmed Unless They Are Committed to Extradition of Indicted Mexican Governor FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                            PRESS CONTACT: November 3, 2014                                                        Brenda Lopez 956.544.8352                                                                                                                                          No Attorney General Should be Confirmed Unless They Are Committed to Extradition of Indicted Mexican Governor   By Congressman Filemon Vela (D-Brownsville)   The President of the United States will soon be nominating an individual to replace Attorney General Eric Holder.  In my view, any  potential appointee must be committed to the extradition of the indicted former governor of Tamaulipas, Tomas Yarrington.   In December of 2013, a federal indictment filed in the Southern District of Texas-Brownsville Division was unsealed.  According to the indictment, Yarrington received large bribes from drug trafficking organizations such as the Gulf Cartel to allow them to operate their criminal enterprises in the state of Tamaulipas freely.   Specifically, the indictment charges Yarrington with conspiring to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization (RICO) statute, conspiracy to launder money, conspiracy to defraud, and conspiracy to make false statements to federally insured U.S. banks.  Additionally, Yarrington is charged with conspiracy to violate the provisions of the Controlled Substances Act, two substantive bank fraud charges, and conspiracy to structure currency transactions at a domestic financial institution.   Already, millions of dollars worth of assets produced by the racketeering enterprise lead by Yarrington have been seized by the United States, including a condominium on South Padre Island and an airplane.   It has been more than ten months since the scathing Yarrington indictment was unsealed.  Yet, no formal extradition request to my knowledge has been made from the U.S. State Department to the government of Mexico to bring Yarrington to Brownsville to stand trial.   Indicting and extraditing those who have fueled the violence in Mexico must be a top priority of the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. State Department.   In a travel warning updated in October of 2014, the State Department warns, “Matamoros, Reynosa, Nuevo Laredo, and Ciudad Victoria have experienced numerous gun battles and attacks with explosive devices in the past year.  Violent conflicts between rival criminal elements and/or the Mexican military can occur in all parts of the region and at all times of the day.  The number of reported kidnappings for Tamaulipas is among the highest in Mexico, and the number of U.S. citizens reported to the consulates in Matamoros and Nuevo Laredo as being kidnapped, abducted, or disappearing involuntarily in the first half of 2014 has also increased.”    For the last century and a half, residents of Northern Mexico and South Texas enjoyed a bicultural experience where crossing to work, eat, shop or visit family and friends was a part of everyday life.  This way of life has now been ripped apart.  Extraditing Yarrington to the U.S. to stand trial in Brownsville will not solve all of the security problems in Northern Mexico, but it will send a strong message that we demand that those whose criminal acts have destabilized Mexico be held accountable.   Thus, my question to any person President Obama might nominate, if you were to become Attorney General, how committed would you be to extraditing Tomas Yarrington to the U.S. to stand trial?   # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://ebjohnson.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-johnson-receives-an-a-grade-in-the-2014-drug-policy-reform,Congresswoman Johnson receives an A grade in the 2014 Drug Policy Reform Congressional Voter Guide,2014-10-30,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,TX,Eddie Johnson,J000126,ebjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – (Thursday, October 30, 2014) — Yesterday, “Drug Policy Action” gave Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson an “A” grade in their 2014 Drug Policy Reform Guide for her voting record on national drug reform. In recent years there has been a major shift in reforming many U.S. drug laws which have resulted in large numbers of minorities being incarcerated. “I am honored to receive this grade,” said Congresswoman Johnson. “I believe that major shifts in our nation’s drug policies are necessary to achieve fairness for all. Working toward consistent efforts in drug policy reform is in the best interest of our nation and these changes must occur at the state and federal level.” The publication surveyed 243 members of Congress, among those surveyed only 49 received an “A” grade. “I encourage all of my colleagues who have been absent in the push for drug reform, to join me and others as we attempt to bring about sensible drug policies that will benefit all Americans” said Congresswoman Johnson. Drug Policy Action is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization, which undertakes a wide range of activities including political advocacy permitted by 501(c)(4) organizations. Through these efforts, Drug Policy Action works to pass new drug laws and policies grounded in science, compassion, health and human rights. ### U.S. Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson is the ranking member of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology and the highest-ranking Texan on the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure. She represents the 30th Congressional District of Texas, which includes Downtown Dallas, Fair Park, Kessler Park, Old East Dallas, Pleasant Grove, South Dallas & South Oak Cliff; all of Cedar Hill, DeSoto, Duncanville, Hutchins, Lancaster & Wilmer and parts of Ferris, Glenn Heights, South Grand Prairie, Oak Lawn, Ovilla, Uptown/Victory Park and West Dallas. CONTACT: Yinka Robinson | (202)225-8885",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://ebjohnson.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-johnson-issues-a-statement-on-the-anniversary-of-the-help,Congresswoman Johnson Issues a Statement on the Anniversary of the Help America Vote Act,2014-10-29,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,TX,Eddie Johnson,J000126,ebjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Washington, DC – (Wednesday, October 29, 2014)—Today, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson released the following statement on the anniversary of the Help America Vote Act (HAVA): “I am pleased to note that today marks the 12th anniversary of the Help America Vote Act (HAVA). Since its passing in 2002, this piece of legislation has been pivotal in mandating minimum standards in voting systems and voter access here in the United States. I believe efforts like those seen in HAVA are extremely important to the future success of our democracy. As a result, it is imperative that Americans educate themselves on their voting rights and become actively involved in efforts to increase awareness across the country.  Recently, in my home state of Texas new voting regulations have been put into place. These regulations drastically changed voter identification requirements and impacted access to the polls. These types of changes highlight the importance of  voter reform and the necessity for voting awareness to be pushed to the forefront. In honor of the anniversary of HAVA, I encourage all Americans to become mindful of voter rights and preparedness. Voting is essential to the legacy of the United States democracy, and I support all efforts which improve access to voting for all.” ### U.S. Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson is the ranking member of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology and the highest-ranking Texan on the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure. She represents the 30th Congressional District of Texas, which includes Downtown Dallas, Fair Park, Kessler Park, Old East Dallas, Pleasant Grove, South Dallas & South Oak Cliff; all of Cedar Hill, DeSoto, Duncanville, Hutchins, Lancaster & Wilmer and parts of Ferris, Glenn Heights, South Grand Prairie, Oak Lawn, Ovilla, Uptown/Victory Park and West Dallas. CONTACT: Yinka Robinson | (202)225-8885",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397877,Rep. Cuellar Protects Farmers and Ranchers from Economic Losses of Fever Tick Outbreak,2014-10-28,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX28) announced today that he was successful in including language that will protect South Texas farmers and ranchers from economic losses due to a fever tick outbreak.     “During my time in the United States Congress, I have been an advocate for the interests of farmers and ranchers living in the 28th District of Texas,” said Congressman Cuellar.  “Constituents living in my district have raised their concern about the deadly fever tick disease particular to South Texas that affects cattle.  That is why I fought to include language in the 2013 Farm Bill to protect South Texas ranchers from the threat of a fever tick outbreak and insure that ranchers have the opportunity to receive some compensation for losses.” Congressman Cuellar’s language protects farmers and ranchers from the potential economic damage of a fever tick outbreak.  Through an expansion of the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP), ranchers will now have the ability to receive some compensation for the losses incurred due to this vicious pest. According to an economic impact report prepared in 2010 by the Agricultural and Food Policy Center at Texas A&M University, a small outbreak could cost the economy $123 million, with subsequent annual costs of about $97 million per year. Resources to Combat Fever Ticks for South Texans: A recent outbreak of fever ticks in Cameron County has resulted in the establishment of a Temporary Preventative Quarantine Area to stop the further spread of the tick in South Texas, effective October 7th, 2014.  If you believe that you have ticks either on your property or on your livestock, please call the Texas Farm Service Agency at 979-680-5151 or visit their website here.  Cameron County livestock movement restrictions and inspections: 956-546-6004 Cameron County wildlife movement restrictions and inspections (live animals, capes, hides, etc): 956-254-3507 Texas Animal Health Commission Fever Tick Brochure New Temporary Cattle Fever Tick Preventative Quarantine Area in Cameron County  Temporary Preventative Quarantine Area Notice Temporary Preventative Quarantine Area Map United States Department of Agriculture Pest Alert Flier   My district and Washington, D.C. offices are also available for any questions or concerns you may have.  If we can help in any way, please do not hesitate to call.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://veasey.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/rep-veaseys-33rd-congressional-district-job-fair-set-for-nov-21,Rep. Veasey's 33rd Congressional District Job Fair set for Nov. 21,2014-10-28,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,TX,Marc Veasey,V000131,veasey.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Veasey’s 33rd Congressional District Job Fair set for Nov. 21 Over 70 Employers Looking to Fill Job Vacancies   Dallas, TX – In his continuing efforts to serve the citizens of Texas’ 33rd Congressional District, Congressman Marc Veasey invites individuals seeking help with employment to a free job and resource fair from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00p.m. (CT) on Friday, November 21, 2014.   The annual employment event, which will take place at Mountain View Community College in Dallas, will offer participants the opportunity to meet more than 70 potential employers and to network with professionals representing a variety of fields such as public safety, manufacturing, service, health care, education and other industries.   Congressman Veasey is also pleased to welcome employers and Workforce Solutions of Dallas and Tarrant Counties to provide free professional development workshops designed to help the attendees with employment training on topics including resume critiquing, networking, job search tips, and veteran-to-civilian transition.   Last year’s Job Fair, in Fort Worth, attracted over 1,000 job-seekers.   WHAT:  33rd Congressional District Job Fair: U.S. Congressman Marc Veasey, TX-33, hosts annual hiring event for Metroplex Job Seekers.   WHEN:  Friday, November 21, 2014 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM   WHERE:  Mountain View Community College, Building E. Lobby 4849 W. Illinois Avenue, Dallas, Texas   WHY:  To give the job seekers a chance to meet face-to-face with potential employers, network and receive assistance with job search and preparation for employment.   MEDIA: To schedule an interview with Congressman Marc Veasey or to register for event press credentials, please email Jessica.Coscia@mail.house.gov or call 202-225-9897.   For event information, please call Daniela Huerta in Dallas (214-741-1387)-or-Fort Worth (817-920-9086) https://veasey.house.gov/VeaseyJobFair               ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141107185254/http://vela.house.gov/index.php/2013-07-18-16-34-07/press-releases/288-media-advisory-congressman-vela-to-speak-at-brownsville-events,MEDIA ADVISORY: Congressman Vela to Speak at Brownsville Events,2014-10-27,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,TX,Filemon Vela,V000132,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"MEDIA ADVISORY: Congressman Vela to Speak at Brownsville Events FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                             PRESS CONTACT: October 27, 2014                                                            Brenda Lopez 956.544.8352   MEDIA ADVISORY: Congressman Vela to Speak at Brownsville Events   BROWNSVILLE, TX – Tomorrow, Congressman Filemon Vela (D-Brownsville) is scheduled to speak at the Congressional Financial Education Summit and “Traces to Remember,” a project of the Global Embassy of Activists for Peace.   Congressman Vela will speak at the Congressional Financial Education Summit at the Brownsville Event Center.  The summit will bring high school students and parents together to give them the tools they need to make better financial decisions as the students prepare for college.  BISD, United Way, United Brownsville, Communities in Schools and local banks have come together to share their knowledge and resources with parents and students.   Congressman Vela will then deliver closing remarks at the “Traces to Remember” event at the University of Texas at Brownsville.  “Traces to Remember” is a project of the Embassy of Activists for Peace.  Its purpose is to keep alive the testimony of the Holocaust survivors.   Tuesday, October 28, 2014 Brownsville, TX   Who: Rep. Filemon Vela (TX-34)   What: Congressional Financial Education Summit for high school students and parents.   When: 9:00 am   Where: Brownsville Events Center               1 Event Center                             Brownsville, Texas 78526   Tuesday, October 28, 2014 Brownsville, TX Who: Rep. Filemon Vela (TX-34)   What: Traces to Remember event to honor Holocaust survivors.   When: 10:00 am   Where: UTB (El Gran Salon)                            One West University Boulevard                             Brownsville, Texas 78520   # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://algreen.house.gov/press-release/congressmen-al-green-and-ted-poe-recognize-october-domestic-violence-awareness-month,Congressmen Al Green and Ted Poe Recognize October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month,2014-10-23,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,TX,Al Green,G000553,algreen.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Houston, TX)—On Thursday, October 23, 2014, Congressmen Al Green (TX-09) and Ted Poe (TX-02), recognized October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Congressmen Al Green and Ted Poe have consistently collaborated to introduce resolutions raising awareness about the prevalence of domestic violence. “Domestic violence is a serious issue that threatens the stability of our families and communities. We have a responsibility to prevent perpetrators from committing violent acts against their families. We must renew our dedication to the goal of ending domestic violence and helping heal the lives of victims as well as their families,” Congressman Al Green said. “The impact of domestic violence is too pervasive. This issue affects women and men in all communities, regardless of age, race, sexual orientation, nationality, educational background, and socioeconomic status. This is why combating domestic violence should be a universal priority.” Since 1987, the month of October has been observed as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. During this time, the efforts of many committed organizations are highlighted to increase public awareness of domestic violence and the needs of battered individuals. A 2013 National Census Survey reported that 66,581 domestic violence victims were served by domestic violence shelters and programs around the country in a single day. “While our country has made significant progress in fighting domestic violence, the news in recent months has made it clear that we still have a long way to go.  This is not a family problem, but one that we all must work on resolving.  Whether it’s teaching our children respect or helping a victim in need, we all have a part to play,” Congressman Ted Poe said.  “Domestic Violence Awareness Month is in October, but we must speak out against this crime throughout the year.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://ebjohnson.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/congresswoman-johnson-highlights-increased-cola-benefits-for-seniors-in-201,Congresswoman Johnson Highlights Increased COLA benefits for Seniors in 2015,2014-10-23,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,TX,Eddie Johnson,J000126,ebjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Washington D.C.—(October 23rd, 2014)—Today, the Social Security Administration (SSA) announced that beginning in January 2015, Social Security’s Automatic Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) would increase by 1.7% for recipients. Since 1975, Social Security benefits have been automatically adjusted each year to reflect cost of living increases and to maintain purchasing power. These adjustments have protected millions of seniors from falling into poverty as they age. According to the SSA, 6 out of 10 seniors rely on income from social security. This is especially true for seniors 80+ who make up 76% of social security beneficiaries.  In the 30th Congressional district of Texas, there are 98,675 current beneficiaries, including retired workers, disabled workers and widowers. For District 30 residents, SSA predicts the new average monthly benefit amount will be $1,063.27 per person. “The increase in COLA benefits is a positive and necessary advancement for senior constituents of District 30, many of whom have worked their entire lives to earn such benefits. I applaud these efforts by the Social Security Administration has taken to increase the financial security for aging citizens, and I will continue to work for increased security in the years to come” said Congresswoman Johnson.   #  #  # U.S. Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson is the ranking member of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology and the highest-ranking Texan on the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure. She represents the 30th Congressional District of Texas, which includes Downtown Dallas, Fair Park, Kessler Park, Old East Dallas, Pleasant Grove, South Dallas & South Oak Cliff; all of Cedar Hill, DeSoto, Duncanville, Hutchins, Lancaster & Wilmer and parts of Ferris, Glenn Heights, South Grand Prairie, Oak Lawn, Ovilla, Uptown/Victory Park and West Dallas.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://veasey.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/letter-no-98-immigration-reform-now,Letter No. 98: Immigration reform now!,2014-10-23,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,TX,Marc Veasey,V000131,veasey.house.gov,,,legacy,"Dear Mr. President, With the Islamic State, Ebola, the economy and everything else in the mix, I know it’s very hard to keep your eye on immigration reform. But I really hope you will take the advice of Rep. Jared Polis, (D-Colo.), Joaquin Castro (D-Texas) and Joe Garcia (D-Fla.) and the 60 other Democratic representatives who sent you a letter recently. Your fellow Democrats are right to urge you to address the problems faced by American businesses as you consider executive action on the immigration front to help immigrant families and ensure our borders remain secure. They, like many advocates, also urge you to use your pre-existing, legal authority to foster the ability of high-skilled immigrants, workers and entrepreneurs to contribute to our economy and to improve the immigration system to benefit our country’s innovative capacity and economic growth. As the lawmakers wrote, “We strongly urge you to use your clear, pre-existing authority to pursue actions that continue to ensure our borders are secure and enforce U.S. immigration laws; specifically prioritizing our resources to remove criminals and those who pose a public safety or national security risk. Policies that split families, disrupt communities and harm our economy are out of line with our values as a nation. “We urge you to provide relief from detention and deportation, where appropriate, to undocumented immigrants who pose no risk to public safety or national security.” They are right to insist that the United States should also be fostering the ability of high-skilled immigrants and entrepreneurs to contribute to our economy and streamlining the green card process for the benefit of our country’s innovative capacity and economic prowess. Congratulations to Reps. Garcia, Polis, Castro, Ron Kind, Jim Himes, Gerald E. Connolly, Tony Cardenas, Xavier Becerra, Ami Bera, Earl Blumenauer, Suzanne Bonamici, Kathy Castor, Judy Chu, David N. Cicilline, Emanuel Cleaver, Steve Cohen, John Conyers Jr., Susan A. Davis, Suzan K. DelBene, Ted Deutch, Lloyd Doggett, Tammy Duckworth, Anna G. Eshoo, Chaka Fattah, Bill Foster, Al Green, Gene Green, Raul M. Grijalva, Alcee L. Hastings, Michael M. Honda, Steven A. Horsford, Jared Huffman, Sheila Jackson Lee, Derek Kilmer, John Lewis, Doris O. Matsui, James P. McGovern, Gwen Moore, James P. Moran, Richard E. Neal, Gloria Negrete McLeod, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Scott H. Peters, Chellie Pingree, Mark Pocan, Mike Quigley, Tim Ryan, Linda T. Sanchez, Loretta Sanchez, Adam B. Schiff, Bradley S. Schneider, Kurt Schrader, Eric Swalwell, Mark Takano, Mike Thompson, Chris Van Hollen, Juan Vargas, Marc A. Veasey, Filemon Vela, Maxine Waters, Henry A. Waxman, Peter Welch and Hakeem S. Jeffries of New York. It’s sad that other New York congressional representatives’ signatures are missing from this very important letter, including Caribbean-American Yvette D. Clarke, Gregory Meeks and Charles Rangel, who have all insisted they support immigration reform but somehow did not get around to supporting this call. Mr. President, we hope you will heed the call of the brave 63 and give American businesses and the American economy the boost they need by signing an executive order sooner rather than later. Respectfully, Felicia Persaud",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141024032917/http://orourke.house.gov/media-center/blog-posts/us-marine-sergeant-andrew-tahmooressi,U.S. Marine Sergeant Andrew Tahmooressi,2014-10-22,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,TX,Beto O'Rourke,O000170,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"U.S. Marine Sergeant Andrew Tahmooressi Many of you have written to me requesting that I sign on to H.Res. 620 which asks that United States Marine Sgt. Andrew Tahmooressi be returned to the United States so that he can receive the appropriate medical assistance for his post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). I will sign on as a co-sponsor to this resolution when Congress comes back in session on November 12th, if Sgt. Tahmooressi has not already been released. I am prevented from formally adding my name to the resolution since Congress does not return from recess until November 12th. While I respect Mexico’s sovereignty and their efforts (with our aid) to reform their judiciary and improve rule of law, this is a unique case that should be met with a unique response. Sgt. Tahmooressi is a decorated combat veteran who, by his account, entered Mexico by accident with firearms legally purchased and licensed in the U.S. This kind of incident is familiar one to us. In El Paso, it is unfortunately common for U.S. citizens to inadvertently cross into Juarez. Since Sgt. Tahmooressi has been jailed, there have been reports that he has been mistreated and that he has tried to harm himself. Given his service record, his condition and the fact that we do not yet have full confidence in Mexico’s judiciary, I think that in this case the U.S. should request his immediate return. My support of this resolution will be in addition to the letter that I wrote to President Obama earlier in the year, urging him to ensure that Sgt. Tahmooressi has all possible U.S. assistance.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141026184221/http://vela.house.gov/index.php/2013-07-18-16-34-07/press-releases/277-press-release-congressman-vela-named-among-50-influentials-by-hispanic-business,PRESS RELEASE: Congressman Vela Named Among 50 Influentials by Hispanic Business,2014-10-22,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,TX,Filemon Vela,V000132,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"PRESS RELEASE: Congressman Vela Named Among 50 Influentials by Hispanic Business FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                             PRESS CONTACT: October 22, 2014                                                         Brenda Lopez 956.544.8352   PRESS RELEASE: Congressman Vela Named Among 50 Influentials by Hispanic Business   Washington, D.C. – Congressman Filemon Vela (D- Brownsville) was recently listed among the 2014 50 Influentials by Hispanic Business. Congressman Vela was the only Member of Congress included in the list.    Individuals were chosen based on efforts to promote the advancement of Hispanics in the U.S. through their leadership, community involvement, and professional achievements in their field. To be eligible for the list, candidates must be Hispanics of U.S. Citizenship, and have recently made a positive impact at the national level. Hispanic Business, created in 1979 by Jesús Chavarría, uses an exclusively online publishing platform to share business and political news to a targeted audience of Hispanic professionals and entrepreneurs.    ""It is a true honor to be placed on this list among such accomplished leaders,"" said Congressman Vela. ""It is my hope that I will continue to be a positive influence for the people of South Texas and an inspiration for Hispanics everywhere.""   Other notable honorees include US Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julián Castro;  Sprint President and CEO Marcelo Claure;  US Department of Homeland Security US Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Leon Rodriguez; Toyota President of Texas Manufacturing Joe Da Rosa; and Actress Zoë Saldana.    To view the entire list, click here.    # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397855,Rep. Cuellar Named as One of 101 Most Influential Latinos in 2013,2014-10-17,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX28) announced today that he has been named as one of 101 Most Influential Latinos in 2013 by Latino Leaders Magazine.  This year, Congressman Cuellar is joined by award-winning journalist Jorge Ramos, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, actress and activist Eva Longoria, former Mayor of San Antonio and Housing and Urban Development Secretary Henry Cisneros, and other influential Latinos in receiving the award.  “I grew up on the border in Texas as the oldest of eight children, raised by migrant workers,” said Congressman Cuellar.  “We faced many challenges when I was growing up – poverty, lack of resources.  But my parents always pushed me to work hard, get an education, and look beyond our everyday lives to a world of opportunity.  “Growing up, I remember that all the streets in my neighborhood were dirt.  Everyone who ran for mayor always promised to pave the streets.  Those repeated promises taught me that if you really want to change the world around you, you must get involved.  After pursuing an education that included a total of five advanced degrees, I was committed to returning home to Texas so that I could work to benefit and help our community.  “For young people growing up today, the country is changing.  Hispanics are 17 percent of the population nationwide and in 2060, the Hispanic population is projected to be 31 percent.  In the coming years, more and more Hispanics will take on leadership roles in business, media, politics, and the arts.  It is important for young people to see role models in the media and public life so that they can see the full extent of what is possible.  I am joined by many successful leaders in today’s list and I thank Latino Leaders Magazine for assembling an excellent group of role models.  I encourage young people to work hard and remain focused on their education – you are not limited by your circumstances in what you can achieve.”   Latino Leaders Magazine recognized Congressman Cuellar as a leader on homeland security and border issues, among others.  This honor is awarded annually to Latino leaders who have distinguished themselves in the past year as influential in their thoughts, ideas, and advice.  For the full list of the 101 Most Influential Latinos of 2013, click here.  For more information on Latino Leaders Magazine and the annual award, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397848,LA PRENSA: Keep America Going with Small Business,2014-10-16,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"Keep America Going with Small BusinessBy U.S. Rep Henry Cuellar | 16 de octubre de 2014 Washington, D.C..- We’ve heard it before; small business is the backbone of America. We are still the midst of a recovery from the worst economy in history since the Great Depression and we now depend more than ever on the creativity and innovation of people from all sectors to help the United States restore its reputation in having the best economy in the world. That can only happen if we help existing small business owners and make it easier for aspiring entrepreneurs to open up shop. Eleven million jobs were supported by trade in the United States in 2013. In Texas, a total of 40,737 companies were dependent on exports -- 93 percent of which were small businesses with 500 or fewer employees. Small business created and sustains a modern and vibrant Texas. As a former small business owner, I know the feeling one gets when you have a great idea for a service or a product. With the right drive, planning and support, you may be able to turn a small investment into something grand and fulfill your own American dream. The federal government should do all it can to facilitate business startup and expansion, not stifle it with red tape and bureaucracy. America was founded on the dreams of people who had limited funds, but great visions. That is why I support small business owners and advocate for fair and useful tax breaks to help owners become established. It’s no secret that when business thrives, so do our communities. You don’t have to look far to see successful small businesses in action. Across South Texas, border towns whose main source of income came from both American and Mexican tourists are now major players in global trade. Here in San Antonio, ambitious entrepreneurs, as well as great planning in local government and important legislation from the federal government, have helped change not only the landscape, but have also greatly increased the amount of opportunities in the Alamo City. Perhaps the most notable economic change in South Texas has been the economic blessing we’ve received with the advancements in the oil and gas industry. Developing the oil and gas industry has been extremely beneficial to citizens in my district and beyond. Restaurants, hotels, shopping centers, homes and apartments, schools and many other necessary projects have now been constructed in these communities that were hit hard by the economic recession. People are migrating to San Antonio and all across South Texas to find good-paying jobs that will last for years. These new families will bring prosperity and much-welcomed economic impact to our area. Don’t be afraid to dream big. Remember that Dell, Apple and Microsoft were all started in a garage. We need to have policies in place that encourage the next big idea that changes the world. I recently received the Spirit of Enterprise award from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce due to my support to the business community in Congress. I have been received this award eight times since 2005 and was one of only seven Democratic U.S. House of Representatives members, and the only Texas Democrat, to receive the 2013 award. I will continue to support small businesses because I truly believe they are the driving force behind our robust and competitive economy. If you are thinking of opening up your own small business or have already down so, you can accesses helpful resources for your business on my Web site, /constituentservices/grants/ http://www.laprensasa.com/1828_opinions-amp-editorials/2752132_keep-america-going-with-small-business.html",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://veasey.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/dem-push-for-health-law-rooted-in-demographics,Dem Push for Health Law Rooted in Demographics,2014-10-16,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,TX,Marc Veasey,V000131,veasey.house.gov,,,legacy,"While much of America was upset about the botched rollout of President Barack Obama's health care overhaul, most Democrats in Congress were still willing to give the law a chance to work. Without the law, many of their constituents wouldn't have health insurance. No new law has been more polarizing during Obama's presidency. It passed in 2010 without a single Republican vote, and GOP lawmakers have been railing against it ever since. House Republicans have voted more than 50 times to repeal all or parts of the law. Almost all of their changes died in the Democratic-controlled Senate. Why do Democrats and Republicans view this law so differently? Ideology plays a big role. Democrats are generally more willing than Republicans to look to government to help address people's problems. Demographics shape the debate, too. If a community has a large concentration of people without health insurance, there is a good chance it is represented by a Democrat in Congress. Of the 50 congressional districts with the most uninsured people, all but nine are represented by Democrats. ""Folks look at (the law) as a chance to have some peace of mind that, as I keep saying because it's so true in my district, that they don't have to worry about sending their son or daughter to the hospital with the fear that when they come home, they're also going to get a bill that will drive them into personal bankruptcy,"" said Rep. Xavier Becerra, D-Calif. ""It's real. These are folks often living paycheck to paycheck."" About 251,000 people in Becerra's Los Angeles district — more than 36 percent — didn't have health insurance in 2012, according to the Census Bureau. That's the third-highest rate in Congress. Rep. Marc Veasey, D-Texas, had the highest rate — 39 percent of his district. He worked with groups in Texas to help people enroll in the program. The health care law is expected to provide coverage to an additional 25 million people by 2016, according to projections by the Congressional Budget Office. At that point, 91 percent of American citizens and legal residents would have coverage. Nevertheless, even Republicans with large numbers of uninsured constituents don't like the law. They contend that the law's mix of taxes and mandates is killing jobs while making health insurance more expensive for many. ""I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress to repeal Obamacare in order to protect Americans' access to the care they need, from the doctors they choose, at a price they can afford,"" Rep Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Fla., says on his website. More than 32 percent of Diaz-Balart's south Florida district didn't have health insurance in 2012, the most for any Republican member of Congress. In the average House district represented by a Democrat, 16 percent of residents had no health insurance in 2012, according to census data. In the average Republican district, 14.4 percent had no insurance. The averages are that close in part because Democrats also represent the nine congressional districts with the fewest number of uninsured. All nine are in Massachusetts. Massachusetts passed its version of the health law in 2006, when the GOP's latest presidential nominee, Mitt Romney, was governor. By 2012, only 4.3 percent of Massachusetts residents had no health insurance, the lowest rate in the nation. ""It's the state version of the Affordable Care Act,"" Becerra said. ""So for all those who say that this isn't going to work, you just have to look at the experience in Massachusetts to know that, give it time, and it will not only work but work well.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z