url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at
http://veasey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-marc-veasey-s-two-terms-in-review,Congressman Marc Veaseys Two Terms in Review,2015-12-30,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,TX,Marc Veasey,V000131,veasey.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.  Today, U.S. Congressman Marc Veasey, TX-33, released the following statement reviewing his key legislative accomplishments since being sworn into office in 2013 and work he has done on behalf of the residents in the 33rd Congressional District:
As 2015 draws to a close, I would like to take some time to reflect on some of the key legislative goals we have accomplished for the 33rd Congressional District since 2013.
After hearing your concerns regarding affordable and reliable transportation for seniors through Handitran in Arlington, I offered an amendment to the long-term transportation and infrastructure bill which was approved by 363-64 vote to reinstate funding for transit services for the elderly and disabled. Transit providers that offer paratransit service in our community, like Handitran, ensure that our elderly and disabled neighbors can remain independent by giving them access to employment, education, healthcare, shopping, and the other services they need.
Of great importance to the DFW Metroplex is the recent passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This legislation is very important to the local economy as it will fund vital security programs and increase funding for Lockheed Martins F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft.
As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I was a key author of the NDAA that passed through Committee and the full House on a bipartisan basis. The passed bill included six of my amendments, including my amendment that evaluated how recent Executive Actions regarding the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Program and prosecutorial discretion for undocumented immigrants currently residing in the U.S. impact our nations military readiness if these individuals are made eligible for enlistment.
As a strong advocate for North Texas Families, I voted in favor of the two-year Bipartisan Budget Deal and FY2016 Omnibus to help grow our economy and build economic security by investing in job training programs, advanced manufacturing, education, and research.
As your U.S. Congressman, I serve as your liaison to the federal government. If you have an issue or problem with a federal government agency, my staff and I are ready to assist you. As of December 18, 2015 my staff and I have helped 1,359 DFW residents cut through the red tape and we will continue to provide services to assist you.
As the nations economy continues to rebuild, I continue to fight to sustain and create well-paying jobs right here in our community. Since 2013, I have visited 167 businesses in the Metroplex and have invited local businesses that are actively hiring to participate in my annual job fair. This years 3rd Annual Job Fair on November 20, 2015, brought over 80 participating companies actively hiring for 3,000 positions. I look forward to hosting many more.
I am proud to represent the 33rd Congressional District but we can only be as successful if we work together. I welcome your calls, letters, and emails so I can learn how to improve the daily lives of Texans. There is still much to accomplish, including passing comprehensive immigration reform, ensuring well-paying jobs by raising the wage for many hard-working families, and ensuring that all Texans have quality affordable health care. I look forward to working hard on behalf of the DFW Metroplex in the future.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://algreen.house.gov/press-release/congressman-al-green%E2%80%99s-statement-concerning-christmas-day-fire-savoy-mosque,Congressman Al Greens Statement Concerning the Christmas Day Fire at the Savoy Mosque,2015-12-26,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,TX,Al Green,G000553,algreen.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Houston, TX)--On Saturday, December 26, 2015, Congressman Al Green (TX-09) released the following statement concerning the Christmas Day fire at the Savoy Mosque (also known as the Wilcrest Masjid operated by the Islamic Society of Greater Houston):
I received a phone call from a concerned constituent informing me of the fire that occurred at the Savoy Mosque on Christmas Day, December 25, 2015. The Savoy Mosque is located in our highly-diverse Ninth Congressional District with a commendable Muslim population. We appreciate our diversity, and we are proud to live in Houston.
We are always concerned (especially in light of recent comments and events regarding the Muslim community) when an unexplained fire occurs at a place of worship: be it a chapel, church, mosque, synagogue, temple, or other place of worship. Hence, we join all people of good will in encouraging a thorough investigation. We also request that information concerning the cause of the fire be made public as soon as is feasible, so as to thwart mounting speculation. My thoughts and prayers are with the Savoy Mosque worshippers and the Muslim community during this difficult time.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399393,Rep. Cuellar Announces Additional $26.8 Million in Federal Funding for Bridge I Renovations,2015-12-22,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28) announced the awarding of $26.8 million for long-awaited renovations to the Gateway to the Americas International Bridge, also known as Convent Avenue Bridge I in Laredo. In June of 2015, Congressman Cuellar announced a $62 million in federal funding for renovations to the Jurez-Lincoln International Bridge, also known as Bridge II. The combined funding for renovations to both bridges in Laredo are approximately $88.8 which Congressman Cuellar secured during the U.S. House Appropriations Committee Fiscal Year 2014 Budget. A press conference will be held in Laredo in the near future.
Long overdue, the current Bridge I is 70 years old and is the oldest of Laredos four ports. Its last major renovation was more than 25 years ago. This new funding will allow for a complete internal renovation of the main building to optimize the space to improve pedestrian flow through the port.
Currently, the bridge has 8 pedestrian booths (three indoor, five outdoor) and 4 automobile booths. U.S.-bound traffic statistics for 2014 show Bridge I had approximately 3.5 million pedestrian crossings and 1.3 million automobile crossings, with an estimated 2.5 million estimated automobile passengers. The facility is in need of an updated design to improve wait times, waiting conditions and accessibility for visitors with disabilities or other physical impartments.
As part of this project, improvements will be made to increase the number of pedestrian processing lanes to 14 and add a dedicated bicycle lane, reconfigure the primary car inspection lanes, upgrade and modernize the secondary area for further inspection, modernize security systems so drivers and pedestrians can flow through the port faster and renovate the pedestrian canopy to shade them from the sun while waiting in line.
All of these improvements will make the process of moving pedestrians and automobile passengers faster, safer and more efficient. This should reduce peak automobile wait times from 33 to 15 minutes, and peak pedestrian wait times from 49 to 21 minutes.
The renovations for Bridge I will begin in April 2016 and will last approximately 22 months. Mexico-bound traffic, along with U.S.-bound bicycle and pedestrian traffic will not be affected during this process. However, all U.S.-bound automobiles will be re-routed to the Jurez-Lincoln Point of Entry (Bridge II), for an estimated 14-18 months.
Construction for the $62 million Bridge II renovation began in September 2015 and is expected to be completed by Spring 2018.
Bridge II ranked as the busiest crossing for bus passengers in Fiscal Year 2014, with an average of 2,796 passengers per day (125-150 bus crossings per day). The layout of Bridge II is outdated, which contributes to long wait times. Currently, bus processing occurs in an outdoor area that is ill-equipped for the massive bus traffic the port receives. Both the bus and automobile inspections currently occur in exterior spaces, which subjects travelers to uncomfortable and extreme temperatures common to our area. The new design will include a new bus and automobile inspection canopies and the construction of a new combined bus and passenger vehicle inspection facility, which will improve the flow and processing of bus and automobile traffic. It will also provide a very positive first impression of Laredo and the United States for travelers while providing for their safety and national security. The improved bus configuration is expected to reduce peak transit times from 160 to just 40 minutes.
Laredo is strategically located between two great powerhouses for commerce. This project, along with the current improvements that are already underway at the Jurez-Lincoln International Bridge, represents an enormous $88.8 million federal investment in our community, Congressman Cuellar said. These international bridges provide a vital service to our area by increasing commerce and tourism and connecting families across the border. By enhancing traveler experience, shortening wait times and increasing both efficiency and security at our ports, we are investing heavily in a more modern and business-friendly Laredo that will aid us tremendously in our future growth. Families, travelers and businesses will be able to soon reap the benefits of these newly-improved layouts with state-of-the-art technology.
Sylvia Hernandez, the Regional Administrator for the General Services Administration stated, GSA is pleased to announce the award for the modernization of the Convent Avenue Bridge in Laredo. The project will increase efficiency and improve safety and security for both vehicular and pedestrian traffic. It will also help CBP to accomplish its mission to safeguard Americas borders.
I thank Sylvia Hernandez, GSA Regional Administrator, and David Higgerson, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Director of Field Operations for the Laredo Field Office, for their tremendous work on these projects, as well as Mayor Pete Saenz, City Manager Jesus Olivares, and the Laredo City Council for their support continued Congressman Cuellar. In addition, we will work with the City of Laredo, the City of Nuevo Laredo, CBP, Mexican Customs and the private sector to minimize disruption to the flow of traffic and surrounding businesses during construction.
  

    
        
            
            
            An artist rendering (above) shows the point of view of U.S.-bound automobile traffic on the Gateway of the Americas International Bridge. (Images courtesy of GSA)
            
        
    



    
        
            
            
            A wider view of the north-bound traffic with images of the pedestrian walkway on the right. (Images courtesy of GSA)
            
        
    




    
        
            
            
            Inside the automobile traffic processing booths at the Gateway of the Americas International Bridge. (Images courtesy of GSA)
            
        
    



    
        
            
            
            A view of the proposed bicycle lane at Gateway of the Americas International Bridge. (Images courtesy of GSA)
            
        
    

  


    
        
            
            
            A view of the pedestrian passageway in between CBP offices at the Gateway of the Americas Port of Entry and La Posada Hotel. Once clearing customs, pedestrians will use this passageway which leads to an exit on Convent Street in downtown Laredo. (Images courtesy of GSA) 
            
        
    




    
        
            
            
            A remodeled customs building at the Gateway to the Americas Port of Entry will allow for more efficient processing of pedestrian traffic, while allowing providing protection from intense heat and other elements. (Images courtesy of GSA)
            
        
    



    
        
            
            The Plaza de Amistad, seen here from Convent Street in downtown Laredo, will provide an inviting presence and design for travelers crossing through the Gateway of the Americas Port of Entry. (Images courtesy of GSA)
            
        
    
  


    
        
            
            A map shows the current automobile, pedestrian and bicycle traffic flow of the Gateway to the Americas Bridge. (Images courtesy of GSA)
            
        
    




    
        
            
            
            
            A map shows the new proposed design for automobile, pedestrian and bicycle traffic flow at the Gateway of the Americas International Bridge. (Images courtesy of GSA)
            
            
        
    

  


    
        
            
            
            A rendering shows an exterior view of an improved bus and passenger vehicle processing center at the Jurez-Lincoln International Bridge. (Images courtesy of GSA)
            
        
    



    
        
            
            
            An interior view of the new bus and passenger vehicle inspection facility at the Jurez-Lincoln International Bridge. (Images courtesy of GSA)
            
        
    

  


    
        
            
            
            An aerial view of the newly-renovated Jurez-Lincoln International Bridge, as seen from downtown Laredo, Texas. (Images courtesy of GSA)
            
        
    


###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://jacksonlee.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/texas-justice-fails-sandra-bland,TEXAS JUSTICE FAILS SANDRA BLAND,2015-12-22,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,TX,Sheila Jackson Lee,J000032,jacksonlee.house.gov,,,legacy,"HOUSTON, TEXAS  Today, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security and Investigations, released the following statement after a Texas grand jury returned no indictments in the jailhouse death of Sandra Bland:
I was deeply saddened by the death of Sandra Bland, a 28 year old woman who died in Waller County Jail in Hempstead, Texas. The facts and circumstances of Ms. Blands death shocked the nation, warranting independent investigations by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Department of Justice. Too many questions remain surrounding the death of this young, vital and dynamic woman, who was stopped for allegedly failing to signal a lane change, arrested for allegedly being uncooperative, and is then found hanging in her jail cell three days later.
It is disappointing that the local officials have not produced answers that Ms. Bland family and the rest of this country expect and deserve. The Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation must take a closer look. At a minimum, the practices and policies that have led to the deaths of multiple persons in custody at Waller County Jail call for immediate and thorough corrective action.
Additionally, we cannot forget the deep racial divides that exist in Hempstead, Texas and the continued concern over racially discriminatory practices that may exist in the Waller County Sherriffs Office. In particular, I am urging the Department of Justice to conduct a thorough and vigilant investigation into the operations of the Waller County Sherriffs Office. Racism has no place in law enforcement and should not be tolerated at any level or under any circumstances.
We have an obligation to the American people to maintain transparency in our federal system and to respond appropriately when citizens raise questions. I remain hopeful that justice will prevail in exposing and uprooting any and all bad actors, policies, practices, or cases that have resulted in unlawful and unjust loss of liberty and life. I continue to express my condolences to the family and will continue to keep them in my thoughts during this very difficult time.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://jacksonlee.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-sheila-jackson-lee-to-present-the-purple-heart-to,CONGRESSWOMAN SHEILA JACKSON LEE TO PRESENT THE PURPLE HEART TO CONSTITUENT AND VIETNAM VETERAN EARL. J. BARNES AND SHE WILL ALSO HONOR THE U.S. SOLDIERS THAT WERE RECENTLY KILLED IN AFGHANISTAN,2015-12-21,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,TX,Sheila Jackson Lee,J000032,jacksonlee.house.gov,,,legacy,"HOUSTON, TX  Congresswoman Jackson Lee today will present the Purple Heart to Vietnam Veteran and Constituent Earl J. Barnes. The Purple Heart is awarded to members of the armed forces of the U.S. who are wounded by an instrument of war in the hands of the enemy and posthumously to the next of kin in the name of those who are killed in action or die of wounds received in action. It is a combat decoration. The Congresswoman released the following statement:
The award known as the Purple Heart has a history that reaches back to the waning days of the American Revolution. It is one of the most recognized and respected medals awarded to members of the U.S. armed forces. Introduced as the Badge of Military Merit by General George Washington in 1782, the Purple Heart is also the nations oldest military award. In military terms, the award had broken service, as it was ignored for nearly 150 years until it was re-introduced on February 22, 1932, on the 200th anniversary of George Washingtons birth. The Continental Congress had forbidden General George Washington from granting commissions and promotions in rank to recognize merit. Yet Washington wanted to honor merit, particularly among the enlisted soldiers.
On August 7, 1782, from his headquarters in Newburgh, New York, General George Washington wrote: ... The General ever desirous to cherish virtuous ambition in his soldiers, as well as to foster and encourage every species of Military merit directs whenever any singularly meritorious action is performed, the author of it shall be permitted to wear on his facings, over his left breast, the figure of a heart in purple cloth or silk edged with narrow lace or binding.
This award was open only to enlisted men and granted them the distinction of being permitted to pass all guards and sentinels as could commissioned-officers. The names of the recipients were to have been kept in a ""Book of Merit"" (which has never been recovered). At the present time there are three known recipients of the Badge of Military Merit: Sergeant Elijah Churchill, 2nd Continental Dragoons; Sergeant William Brown, 5th and Sergeant Daniel Bissel, 2nd Connecticut Continental Line Infantry.
Washington stated that the award was to be a permanent one, but once the Revolution ended, the Badge of Merit was all but forgotten until the 20th century. General John J. ""Blackjack"" Pershing suggested a need for an award for merit in 1918, but it was not until 1932 that the Purple Heart was created in recognition of Washington's ideals and for the bicentennial of his birth. General Order No.3 announced the establishment of the award:
On May 28, 1932, 137 World War I veterans were conferred their Purple Hearts at Temple Hill, in New Windsor, NY. Temple Hill was the site of the New Windsor Cantonment, which was the final encampment of the Continental Army in the winter of 1782-1783. Today, the National Purple Heart continues the tradition begun here in 1932, of honoring those who have earned the Purple Heart.
Today we honor Sergeant Earl J. Barnes in the same vain and purpose as General Washington did 1782. Sgt. Barnes service to this nation and his valor on the battlefield is most deserving of this prestigious honor. He sacrificed his body so that the body of our Constitution could live on. It took four years for him to recover from his combat wounds and our nation will forever be grateful for his service. As General Washington did in 1782, I am most pleased to confer the Purple Heart to Sergeant Earl J. Barnes on this the 21st day of December 2015 in the year of our Lord. Again thank you for your service to the greatest nation on earth and we wish you well as you fight yet another battle. May God Bless You! May God Bless America.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://veasey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-veasey-and-texas-democrats-urge-obama-administration-to-protect,Rep. Veasey and Texas Democrats Urge Obama Administration to Protect Access to Quality Healthcare Providers,2015-12-21,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,TX,Marc Veasey,V000131,veasey.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.Congressman Marc Veasey, TX-33, led the Texas Democratic Delegation letter to Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) Acting Administrator Andrew Slavitt urging the agency to intervene and protect Medicaid beneficiaries ability to receive care from Planned Parenthood centers in Texas. Recently, Governor Abbotts administration announced their intention to ban Planned Parenthood from participating in the states Medicaid program. According to Medicaids freedom of choice provision, states are prohibited from restricting access to qualified healthcare providers. Violating this provision places Texas at risk of losing federal funding for Medicaid. Planned Parenthood is a critical healthcare provider that allows thousands of women to access crucial preventative and reproductive care services, including breast or cervical cancer screenings, HIV tests, and birth control. According to a July 2015 CMS report, approximately 13,000 Texas residents choose Planned Parenthood as their healthcare provider. One of my top priorities in Congress is ensuring that low-income residents have access to quality and affordable healthcare. By blocking Planned Parenthood from Texas Medicaid program, Governor Abbott is once again placing unnecessary obstacles that prevent poor residents in my district and across the state from securing the healthcare services they need, Congressman Veasey said. Instead of creating unnecessary obstacles to quality healthcare, federal and state officials should be working together to ensure residents have access to the resources they need to live healthy lives regardless of zip code or income. A copy of the letter is found below.
###
December 8, 2015

Andrew Slavitt
	Acting Administrator, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
	Department of Health and Human Services
	Hubert H. Humphrey Building, Room 445-G
	200 Independence Avenue, SW
	Washington, DC 20201
Dear Mr. Slavitt: As members of the Texas delegation, we are deeply concerned by Texas Governor Greg Abbotts recent decision to terminate Planned Parenthood from the Texas Medicaid Program. As you know, Medicaid provides much needed health coverage for low-income families, pregnant women, parents of dependent children, and individuals with disabilities. Currently, over four million Texans are utilizing this program, with approximately 13,000 receiving care from Planned Parenthood centers. If the Abbott administration moves forward with plans to end contracts with Planned Parenthood, it will have extremely harmful effects for this population, but will be particularly damaging for low-income women. The current state of healthcare delivery in Texas is troubling. Even after reforms brought by the passage of the Affordable Care Act, through which 1.2 million Texans have signed up for health insurance via the federally-facilitated marketplace, Texas still leads the country in uninsured residents. Despite mounting evidence of the merits of doing so, Texas continues to refuse to expand Medicaid, leaving over 948,000 Texans without health care coverage. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, this political posturing has caused an increase in healthcare costs of 6.9 percent, which is placed on the shoulders of Texas taxpayers. Removing a qualified provider from the Medicaid program would only further restrict access to care and could cause costs to rise even further, which is why we request swift federal action. Despite our strong opposition and documented harmful impact on Texas women, the state has continued to deny women access to reproductive health care. Just a few months ago, the legislature passed a budget measure to exclude Planned Parenthood and similar providers from participating in a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) breast and cervical cancer screening programcutting thousands of women off from their regular cancer screenings. Unfortunately, this callous decision was just another move in a long line of attacks on womens health. In 2011, Governor Rick Perry banned Planned Parenthood from the Texas Womens Health Program, resulting in the loss of significant federal support for the program. The consequences of this have reverberated throughout the state. According to state reports, 30,000 fewer women received care and Medicaid claims decreased by 26 percent. These results cannot be repeated. According to federal statute, the Medicaid program provides special protections for beneficiaries access to family planning. Previously, in 2011, CMS rightfully intervened to protect beneficiary accessrefusing to approve Texass new policy for Medicaid, which violated federal law. Non-compliance with Medicaid law places Texas at risk of losing more federal funds for the program. Given that this would only exacerbate Texas dismal healthcare outlook, we respectfully request that your department explore all options available at the federal level to swiftly rectify this issue. While we are aware three additional statesAlabama, Arkansas, and Louisiana made efforts to cut Planned Parenthood out of their states Medicaid programs and were blocked from doing so in federal court, we fear the time-consuming process of litigation is a luxury that Texas low-income women cannot afford. Of the 38 Planned Parenthood centers in the state of Texas, 18 are in a rural or medically underserved area. For the sake of Texas women and families and low-income residents, we urge you to work with us to quickly resolve this issue and defend Texas Medicaid beneficiaries against these unlawful state actions in order to continue expanding access to care for all Texans. We look forward to your prompt response on this issue.
Sincerely,
				Marc Veasey
					Member of CongressLloyd Doggett
					Member of CongressGene Green
					Member of CongressSheila Jackson Lee
					Member of CongressBeto O'Rourke
					Member of Congress
			
			
				Joaquin Castro
					Member of CongressAl Green
					Member of CongressRuben Hinojosa
					Member of CongressEddie Bernice Johnson
					Member of CongressFilemon Vela
					Member of Congress",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://algreen.house.gov/press-release/congressman-emanuel-cleaver-and-congressman-al-green-secure-225-million-body-cameras,Congressmen Al Green and Emanuel Cleaver Secure $22.5 Million for Body Cameras in Omnibus,2015-12-18,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,TX,Al Green,G000553,algreen.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  Congressman Al Green (D-TX) and Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) are pleased to announce that the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016, more commonly referred to as the omnibus spending bill, includes $22.5 million for police body cameras.
This inclusion of funding comes on the heels of H. Res. 295, passed by the House in June 2015, which Congressman Al Green sponsored and Congressman Cleaver was an original cosponsor. The Resolution is in support of local law enforcement agencies and their continued work to serve our communities, specifically supporting their use of body-worn cameras. These body cameras serve to promote transparency to protect both citizens and officers. In January 2015, Congressman Cleaver wrote a letter to President Obama urging him to promote funding for body cameras as a result of the continual unrest in Ferguson, Missouri, and alleged police misconduct across the country. Full text of that letter is available here.
I am proud that the legislation that Congressman Cleaver and I filed to fund police body-worn cameras is having a positive impact. I thank Congressman Cleaver for his support and encouragement on the issue of police body-worn cameras. We have worked closely together on H.Res 295, to support the use of police body-worn cameras, which passed the House in an overwhelming bipartisan majority vote of 421 to 6. Recent events have demonstrated to us that while there is more work to be done on the issue of transparency and accountability in law enforcement, police body-worn cameras are a positive development, Congressman Al Green said. I believe these funds are a significant step in the right direction that will assist many of our local law enforcement agencies and allow communities to better evaluate alleged police misconduct. I am enthused and welcome the inclusion of additional funding for body-worn cameras in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016. I will continue my work to ensure our peace officers have all the tools necessary to build police-community relations, improve transparency, and maintain legitimacy.
Congressman Al Green, a veteran civil rights activist, has made accountability and transparency in police-community interactions top priorities in the 114th Congress. As the original sponsor of H.Res 295, he understands the importance of police body-worn cameras to guard against and expose false accusations. Congressman Al Green understands that although the eye of the camera may not prevent questionable circumstances from occurring, it can provide additional empirical evidence of what occurred and over time act as an additional deterrence.
I want to thank Congressman Green for his leadership on this effort. From the death of Michael Brown last year in Ferguson, to the tragic murder of Walter Scott in North Charleston, South Carolina, and the death of Freddie Gray in Baltimore this spring, now more than ever, the public has called for reform and accountability, said Congressman Cleaver. Body cameras will serve to increase transparency. Both the police and the public benefit when the police have the best tools and training to fulfill their mission. Body cameras are one part of a much broader solution in police reform.
Congressman Cleaver has made policing reform a core goal in the 114th Congress, and he is pleased that bipartisan leaders have realized the importance of allowing police officers to utilize body cameras as they work to keep our communities safe and promote accountability.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/castro-statement-on-passage-of-government-funding-legislation,CASTRO STATEMENT ON PASSAGE OF GOVERNMENT FUNDING LEGISLATION,2015-12-18,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,TX,Joaquín Castro,C001091,castro.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) released the following statement after voting in favor of the Senate Amendment to H.R. 2029, the FY2016 Omnibus Appropriations Bill:  
	  
	""Today, the House of Representatives did its job and voted to fund the federal government through FY2016. This package will provide the American people, the U.S. economy, and our nation's allies with confidence that the federal government will not resort to additional short-term funding measures or shut down this year due to lack of congressional action.  
	  
	""I was glad to see that a number of items for which I had advocated made it into the legislation:
 ""Most notable is $135 million for a new San Antonio federal courthouse to replace the current unsafe, inadequate building. Over the past few years, I've worked with every member of the San Antonio delegation to secure federal funding for the construction of a new courthouse, even introducing legislation that would provide emergency funding for the new building. The San Antonio federal courthouse is one of the busiest in the nation, and this substantial allocation will provide our city with the facility it needs and deserves.
	""In November, I led a letter requesting $10 million be allocated towards national trauma research, a request that is reflected in the $10 million set aside for a Trauma Clinical Research Program in today's legislation. With the National Trauma Institute headquartered in San Antonio, the availability of these funds is a win for our city and the crucial research it houses for both our military and civilian populations.
	""Earlier this year, an amendment of mine passed the House of Representatives that increased funding for the Department of Justice's Body Worn Camera Partnership Program to $25 million. Nearly all of that additional funding is included in today's legislation. This substantial increase is a great victory considering the original legislation funded this program at $15 million. As tragic encounters between law enforcement and community members continue to occur across our country, these funds and the technology they afford police departments will help increase officer accountability, mend police-community relations, and improve the safety of American cities and towns.
	""In 2015 I also introduced an amendment that would expedite the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' (USACE) release of promised reimbursements to state, local, regional and municipal entities like Bexar County. The San Antonio River Authority (SARA) previously used Bexar County funds to carry out the Mission Reach project with the understanding that Bexar County would be eligible for reimbursement for the federal share of the authorized and constructed civil works project. Today's funding package includes language that supports efforts to reimburse Bexar County funds for projects like Mission Reach.
	""America's development work overseas reduces poverty, improves global health, and fosters international stability. Recognizing these significant benefits, last month I introduced legislation that authorizes and augments the capabilities of the U.S. Agency for International Development's (USAID) Global Development Lab. Language very similar to what's included in that legislation made it into today's package and allows the Lab to use 'innovation incentive awards,'a pay-for-success model that enables the Lab to harness the best ideas available, regardless of their source.
 ""All of these aforementioned measures matter to the people of Texas'20th District, and their inclusion is a victory for San Antonio.  
	  
	""This sizeable package included additional positive measures worth noting, including a pay raise for Department of Defense military and civilian employees, the reauthorization of a federal healthcare program for September 11 first responders, and a nearly $850 million increase in funding for federal child nutrition programs, including the School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program.  
	  
	""The legislation also includes provisions that set the United States up for a more secure energy future. Fortunately, lifting of the crude oil export ban is coupled with the inclusion of extensions for wind and solar renewable energy tax credits. I've long called for a more balanced approach to energy policy, and I'm pleased to see that negotiators achieved a compromise that prepares the United States for a sustainable energy future. Extending renewable energy tax credits will incentivize the increased use and development of forward-looking technology. Further innovation will help prepare our nation to meet its energy needs when our finite fossil fuel reserves are depleted. By including the extension of these targeted tax credits, we are enhancing not only Americas energy security, but also our national security, for generations to come.  
	  
	""All in all, today's bipartisan funding measure is a responsible development that moves us away from the recent harmful, indiscriminate sequester spending limits. I'm glad the House reached this sensible compromise that includes several provisions I fought hard to achieve for San Antonians and folks across our great nation.""  
	  The Senate amendment to H.R. 2029 passed the House of Representatives by a bipartisan vote of 316 to 113.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399363,Reps. Barton and Cuellar: The Most Substantial Energy Policy in a Generation,2015-12-18,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"Reps. Barton (R-TX) and Cuellar (D-TX) commend the House for passing H.R. 2029, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, which includes lifting the ban on crude oil exports. Barton and Cuellar have worked in a bipartisan and bicameral capacity to carry this crucial policy fix across the finish line. At a time when legislators so rarely cross the aisle figuratively or the floor of the Capitol rotunda to the other chamber physically, Barton and Cuellar did both and demonstrated the power of Congress to work for the benefit of all Americans.Barton introduced legislation (H.R. 702) to lift the antiquated ban on crude exports in February; he also introduced the same bill in the previous Congress. Support for this bill grew very quickly and gained the approval of leadership and key stakeholders. In October, the House passed H.R. 702. Since passage, both Reps. Barton and Cuellar have worked to include legislation to lift the ban in any major bill that came to the house floor. The window finally opened in the omnibus last week as both Barton and Cuellar worked with colleagues in the House and Senate for inclusion. This represents the most substantial energy policy enacted in a generation, stated Barton. Of the remaining scarcity energy policies from the 1970s, lifting the ban on exports was the last vestige of unnecessary government overreach from the time. We have given all Americans a big Christmas present- one that will provide hundreds of thousands of jobs, bolster our economy, and keep the energy revolution in America alive and well. The inclusion of a repeal of the crude oil export ban in the omnibus appropriations package is a key step toward strengthening the U.S. economy, Congressman Cuellar said. The crude oil export ban comes from a time of oil scarcity when Americans waited in gas lines to fill up their tanks. But today, the resurgence of the domestic oil industry has made this ban a hindrance to economic prosperity. As the Representative for the active Eagle Ford Shale, I understand the positive impacts lifting this ban will have in my district and across the country. Lifting this ban will create hundreds of thousands of jobs, increase our GDP by $134 billion, raise government revenues by $29 billion and lower gas prices by up to 12 cents. Repealing this ban will also enhance our national security by allowing the U.S. to compete against OPEC and limit Russia and Irans hold on the global oil market. I would like to thank Congressman Barton for his leadership and for his commitment to this important cause.
  
Barton added, Lifting the ban will have an immediate impact on all Texans. As rig counts have been down, we must keep the energy boom alive. At a time of global unrest, energy security is one of the surest ways to maintain and grow our influence in volatile areas around the world. Today, the American people won and with US crude on the world market, the world is a better place.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399364,Reps. Barton and Cuellar: The Most Substantial Energy Policy in a Generation,2015-12-18,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"Reps. Barton (R-TX) and Cuellar (D-TX) commend the House for passing H.R. 2029, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, which includes lifting the ban on crude oil exports. Barton and Cuellar have worked in a bipartisan and bicameral capacity to carry this crucial policy fix across the finish line. At a time when legislators so rarely cross the aisle figuratively or the floor of the Capitol rotunda to the other chamber physically, Barton and Cuellar did both and demonstrated the power of Congress to work for the benefit of all Americans.Barton introduced legislation (H.R. 702) to lift the antiquated ban on crude exports in February; he also introduced the same bill in the previous Congress. Support for this bill grew very quickly and gained the approval of leadership and key stakeholders. In October, the House passed H.R. 702. Since passage, both Reps. Barton and Cuellar have worked to include legislation to lift the ban in any major bill that came to the house floor. The window finally opened in the omnibus last week as both Barton and Cuellar worked with colleagues in the House and Senate for inclusion. This represents the most substantial energy policy enacted in a generation, stated Barton. Of the remaining scarcity energy policies from the 1970s, lifting the ban on exports was the last vestige of unnecessary government overreach from the time. We have given all Americans a big Christmas present- one that will provide hundreds of thousands of jobs, bolster our economy, and keep the energy revolution in America alive and well. The inclusion of a repeal of the crude oil export ban in the omnibus appropriations package is a key step toward strengthening the U.S. economy, Congressman Cuellar said. The crude oil export ban comes from a time of oil scarcity when Americans waited in gas lines to fill up their tanks. But today, the resurgence of the domestic oil industry has made this ban a hindrance to economic prosperity. As the Representative for the active Eagle Ford Shale, I understand the positive impacts lifting this ban will have in my district and across the country. Lifting this ban will create hundreds of thousands of jobs, increase our GDP by $134 billion, raise government revenues by $29 billion and lower gas prices by up to 12 cents. Repealing this ban will also enhance our national security by allowing the U.S. to compete against OPEC and limit Russia and Irans hold on the global oil market. I would like to thank Congressman Barton for his leadership and for his commitment to this important cause.
  
Barton added, Lifting the ban will have an immediate impact on all Texans. As rig counts have been down, we must keep the energy boom alive. At a time of global unrest, energy security is one of the surest ways to maintain and grow our influence in volatile areas around the world. Today, the American people won and with US crude on the world market, the world is a better place.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399377,Congressman Cuellar Helps Secure $5.5 Million in Additional Federal Funding for Combating Citrus Greening,2015-12-18,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28) announced he had worked with representatives from other citrus-growing regions, including California and Florida, to secure $5.5 million in additional federal funding in the proposed government funding package to tackle citrus greening disease and aid the citrus industry in Texas, Florida and California. The funding will come in a combination of a one-time funding increase and a previously approved allocation of $2 million.Huanglongbing (HLB), also known as citrus greening disease, greens ripe citrus and misshapes the fruit, making it bitter and unmarketable. The effect of this disease on the $11.2 billion U.S. citrus industry has been damaging, especially in the Rio Grande Valley and Florida. The federal governments main response to citrus greening disease is implemented by two groups: the HLB Multi-Agency Coordination task force (MAC) and the Citrus Health Response Program (CHRP). Both groups are under the jurisdiction of the federal government but also work with state departments of agriculture and the citrus industry to combat the disease. Through the proposed government funding package, Congressman Cuellar secured an additional $5.5 million for control and management of the disease across the country through September 2017. This money is a one-time allocation on top of the $50 million announced this summer for a total of $55.5 million. Dale Murden of Texas Citrus Mutual, a non-profit trade association representing Texas citrus growers, owns a citrus grove in the Rio Gande Valley and has personally seen the effects of the disease since it was first positively identified in the Valley in 2008. It is becoming a very wide-spread problem in the Valley as serious the situation in Florida already is, Murden said. Can you imagine the Rio Grande Valley without citrus trees? Because thats what could happen. Quite frankly, it can wipe this industry out and well never have citrus here again until theres a cure, and there is no cure, he added. Citrus greening is beginning to become a real problem for Texas citrus and has devastated citrus groves across the country, Congressman Cuellar said. The $55.5 million in federal funding is crucial for the fight to save the citrus industry and protect the livelihoods of citrus growers in my district and across the Rio Grande Valley. We must do everything we can to protect citrus in Texas. I would like to thank my House colleagues, including Ruben Hinojosa (D-TX-15), Filemon Vela (D-TX-34), David Valadao (R-CA-21) and Thomas Rooney (R-FL-17), for their commitment to combating the citrus greening disease and for their assistance in securing these funds in the government funding package.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399378,Congressman Cuellar Announces $265 Million to Help Reimburse States and Border Counties in Assisting with Border Security,2015-12-18,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"The recently passed omnibus appropriations bill provides $210 million for the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program and $55 million for Operation Stonegarden grantsToday Congressman Cuellar (D-TX-28) announced the inclusion of $265 million in the federal government funding package to assist states and localities that incur costs for incarcerating undocumented criminals and assist with border security. The omnibus appropriations act which provides government funding through September 2016 includes $210 million for the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program (SCAAP). This is an increase of $25 million over Fiscal Year 2015 funding, Congressman Cuellar said. The SCAAP provides grants to reimburse local entities for the costs they incur when incarcerating an undocumented criminal foreign national. In 2013, the latest year for which statistics are available, 3.8 percent of individuals incarcerated in state prisons were noncitizens. To give a sense of the size of the undocumented population this affects, in Fiscal Year 2014, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) removed 177,960 individuals who were previously convicted of a crime and in Fiscal Year 2015, ICE removed approximately 235,000 individuals. Of these removals, almost two-thirds were convicted criminals. While immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility, our state and local law enforcement play a unique role in improving border security. The omnibus appropriations bill also provides $55 million in funding for Operation Stonegarden grants. These grants support enhanced cooperation and coordination between Department of Homeland Security agencies and local, tribal, and state law enforcement to help secure our borders. These SCAAP and Stonegarden grants play an important role in helping states and localities recoup at least some of the funds they expend carrying out a federal responsibility. I thank our border Sheriffs, who locally administer and carry out the Stonegarden program, for their hard work and cooperation in the joint mission of keeping our communities secure and I thank all of our law enforcement personnel in communities along the border for their support and efforts. I would also thank Congressman John Carter (R-TX-31), chairman of the House Appropriations Homeland Security Subcommittee; and Congressman John Culberson (R-TX-7), Chairman of the House Appropriations Commerce, Justice, and Science Subcommittee; for their support of these important grant programs. 
###

Congressman Henry Cuellar is a member of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee. Previously, he served as a Texas State Representative and Texas Secretary of State.

Sign up to receive Congressman CuellarsE-mail Newsletters  
Click here for Congressman Cuellar'sFacebook,Twitter Feed, orYouTube Channel",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://jacksonlee.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-sheila-jackson-lee-applauds-president-obama-s-use-of,CONGRESSWOMAN SHEILA JACKSON LEE APPLAUDS PRESIDENT OBAMAS USE OF CLEMENCY,2015-12-18,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,TX,Sheila Jackson Lee,J000032,jacksonlee.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC  Today, House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security and Investigations Ranking Member Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) released the following statement after the White House announced President Obama granted commutations to 95 individuals, including 11 from Texas:
I am encouraged by President Obamas commutation of sentences of 95 individuals today  who were all victims of unjust sentencing. Many of these men and women would have been released and contributing back to society already had they been convicted under todays laws or reform proposals.
I welcome and applaud the commutations of the sentences of these individuals. Incarcerating people for unwarranted lengths of time serves no constructive purpose. The President has recognized this, as has Attorney General Loretta Lynch, and I urge the Administration to take additional action to provide much needed relief to the multitude of deserving individuals locked away for inappropriate, and often inhumane, periods of time.
Of course, the need to engage in such a broad review of sentences exists largely because our sentencing laws and policies, particularly for drug offenses, urgently need to be changed. In November, the House Committee on the Judiciary took a step in this direction when we voted to send the Sentencing Reform Act of 2015 to the full House for consideration. I am heartened by the bipartisan collaboration between myself, Chairman Goodlatte, and Ranking Member Conyers on this reform measure, and optimistic that this effort will bear meaningful fruit.
But make no mistake, there is still much more to be done. In the New Year, we will introduce and hope to move bipartisan legislation reforming our federal prisons, youth justice, policing methods, civil asset forfeiture laws, and criminal procedures. But even after we get these measures to the Presidents desk, much more work will remain.
The United States incarcerates nearly 25 percent of the worlds inmates, even though it only has 5 percent of the worlds population. Thirty years ago, there were less than 30,000 inmates in the federal system; today, there are nearly 216,000, an increase of 800 percent! African Americans and Hispanics comprise more than 6 in 10 federal inmates incarcerated for drug offenses. And African American offenders receive sentences that are 10 percent longer than white offenders for the same crimes and are 21 percent more likely to receive mandatory-minimum sentences than white defendants according to the U.S. Sentencing Commission.
There is no shortage of stories about the damage done to the lives of thousands of individuals and their families, such as Sharanda Jones, by our nations draconian sentencing laws and War on Drugs. Increased use of executive clemency power by the President plays an essential role in reforming our criminal justice system and reducing taxpayer expense on an inefficient system. As we take bipartisan steps to reform the system, it is my sincere hope that the President continues to give the deserving individuals within that system both a second look and a second chance.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://jacksonlee.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-sheila-jackson-lee-votes-for-omnibus-appropriations-bill,"CONGRESSWOMAN SHEILA JACKSON LEE VOTES FOR OMNIBUS APPROPRIATIONS BILL, THAT WILL CREATE JOBS AND GROW THE ECONOMY WITH KEY INVESTMENTS IN AMERICAS PRIORITIES AND GLOBAL SECURITY",2015-12-18,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,TX,Sheila Jackson Lee,J000032,jacksonlee.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC  Today, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee a Senior Member of House Judiciary Committee and House Homeland Security Committee, voted to adopt, by a vote of 316 to 113, the FY 2016 Omnibus Appropriations bill. This measure funds the government for FY 2016. The Congresswoman released the following statement:
Today I voted to avert a disastrous Republican government shutdown and to make vital investments in the future of Americas working families. The bill implements the Bipartisan Budget Agreement that was adopted by Congress in October. The bill is not perfect; it is a bipartisan compromise. It is not the bill I would have written, but it is huge victory for working families over the Republican Congresss special interest priorities.
In this Omnibus package, Democrats won enormous improvements over the destructive FY 2016 appropriations bills Republicans wrote earlier this year. For most of this year, Republicans have been trying to make devastating cuts to our investments in the future of our hard-working American families  cuts that would kill jobs and weaken our economic growth. For example, the House GOP bill would have slashed education initiatives by $2.5 billion below 2015 and also cut HHS funding below the 2015 level. In stark contrast, this final bill makes strong investments in areas that will create jobs and grow the economy, such as renewable energy, education, research, and infrastructure.
I was happy that this bill included language I authored that directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to provide Congress with a report on the feasibility of producing a risk-informed plan to address critical infrastructure failures that may have cascading effects on a range of critical infrastructures. The section is intended to inform Congress on the real-world implications of multiple failures of critical infrastructures because of their interdependence such as electric power and its relationship to clean drinking water, port operations and refinery production.
The Omnibus also contains measures and initiatives which I championed which will provide the following: 
 $8.9 billion in international security as we continue to fight the war on terror and secure our world as recommended in my bill H.R. 528-The Victims of Terror Support Fund; 
  $5.6 billion in the protection of victims of terror at our countrys embassies across the globe;
  $408 in funding for the Terrorist Victims Compensation Fund to recover and reintegrate victims of terror as recommended in my bill H.R 528;
  $20 million providing religious freedom, championed in my religious freedom bill, H.R. 290- Calling for the Global Repeal of Blasphemy Laws;
  $8.5 billion in global health programs, measures which I championed in the house; and 
  $16.3 billion for the promotion of Democracy and the Rule of Law as encapsulated in my 2015 briefing series, Women Peace and Security.
 The bills investments in priorities include the following:
Law Enforcement: The bill provides $187 million for COPS hiring grants, $7 million above the 2015 level and $187 million above the House GOP bill, which had eliminated the hiring grants. The bill also provides $80 million for the Community Policing Initiative, including $22.5 million for body-worn cameras and $15 million for Byrne Criminal Justice Innovation grants, an increase over the House bill.
Infrastructure: Through my leadership TIGER grants have benefited Houston, Texas. The popular TIGER grants are being used across the country to repair infrastructure and contribute to economic growth. The House GOP bill had slashed TIGER grants by 80 percent, killing jobs, but this bill restores the funding to the 2015 level of $500 million.
Renewable Energy: Provides a major boost to renewable energy by extending the wind Production Tax Credit for five years (through 2019), and extending the solar Investment Tax Credit for five years (through 2021), while phasing both credits down somewhat over time. Extending the solar tax credit is estimated to create 61,000 jobs in 2017 alone. It is also estimated that the wind industry will grow to over 100,000 jobs over four years with the renewed wind tax credit.
Energy Efficiency and Clean Energy R&D: Provides an 8 percent increase over 2015 for R&D activities in the pursuit of new clean energy and energy efficiency technologies.
Overall Education: The bill restores the $2.5 billion cut in education that the GOP had proposed and also makes critical additional investments of $1.4 billion above 2015, in such areas as Title I that serves 24 million at-risk students.
Early Learning: Investing in Head Start produces results  and this bill invests nearly $400 million more than the House GOP bill and nearly $600 million more than 2015 in this vital initiative. The bill also provides $250 million for Preschool Development Grants, assisting 18 states across the country.
Medical Research: Medical research at NIH has been underfunded for the last several years. This bill provides $900 million more than the House GOP bill and $2 billion more than 2015 for this life-saving research.
The measure also does not include numerous GOP ideological riders that would have had damaging impacts on Americas women, consumers, workers, and children. The damaging GOP poison pill riders that were removed from the final bill include:
 GOP riders that would have limited womens access to the full range of comprehensive health care services, including by defunding Planned Parenthood.
	GOP riders that would have gutted the Dodd-Frank provisions that hold big Wall Street banks accountable.
	GOP riders that would have undermined the Clean Water Act and the Clean Air Act, jeopardizing the health of our children and working families.
	GOP riders that would have blocked moving forward on addressing climate change and reducing damaging carbon emissions.
	GOP riders that would have blocked protections that allow workers to form unions and help them save for retirement.
 Finally, the Omnibus includes several other important provisions:
 Reauthorizes the key James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, making the Health Program permanent and reauthorizing the Victims Compensation Fund for five years;
	Delays the so-called Cadillac tax, a tax on employer-provided health plans worth over a certain threshold, for two years  from 2018 to 2020;
	Includes the provisions of the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act, which addresses issues raised by the terrorist attacks in Paris with reforms to the program; and
	Reauthorizes the Land and Conservation Fund, which is one of our countrys most successful outdoor recreation and conservation programs and which Republicans allowed to expire on September 30.
 By passing this bill, Congress has ended the specter of a possible Republican government shutdown that the country has been facing all fall. I hope that the Republicans will now abandon their practice of creating one manufactured crisis after another and join Democrats in developing bipartisan legislation that creates jobs, strengthens the middle class, and enhances our national security. The enactment of this bill today can be one step in moving the country forward.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://veasey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-veasey-helps-family-owned-tortilla-tamale-business-prep-for,Congressman Veasey Helps Family-Owned Tortilla & Tamale Business Prep for Holiday Season,2015-12-18,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,TX,Marc Veasey,V000131,veasey.house.gov,,,legacy,"Dallas, TX On Monday, December 21, 2015, Congressman Marc Veasey, TX-33, will be prepping a Dallas institution for the busy holiday season during his December Marc Means Business workday at Dallas Tortilla & Tamale Factory. Veasey will be rolling up his sleeves to help make the Mexican holiday staple by learning to make tamales and tortillas, packing and sealing tamales, tostadas, and chips for distribution, and manning the cash register.
For Texans, and especially the Mexican-American community, nothing says the holidays quite like tamales. Im eager to not only learn how to make a Texas holiday staple, but also how Congress can support small family-owned businesses like Dallas Tortilla & Tamale factory. My Marc Means Business workdays help me learn directly from small business owners about the tools they need to expand their business and create jobs in our community, Veasey said.
For six decades, Dallas Tortilla and Tamale Factory has provided authentic Mexican cuisine for the DFW Metroplex. From its humble beginnings as a small tortilla factory, the family-owned and operated business has expanded to three locations in the Dallas area.
Since March 2014, Rep. Veasey has spent a day each month working at a different job in his district to learn firsthand about the challenges his constituents face in their daily lives. He has worked with the housekeeping staff at Holiday Inn Express & Suites, learned to make pastries at a Mexican bakery, and practiced fire safety drills with the Fort Worth Fire Department.
WHAT:
Congressman Marc Veasey, TX-33, will work at Dallas Tortilla & Tamale Factory as a part of his Marc Means Business workday.

WHEN:
Monday, December 21, 2015 from 9:00 A. M. to 1:00 P.M. CT

WHERE: 
Dallas Tortilla & Tamale Factory
309 N. Marshalls Ave.
Dallas, TX 75203

MEDIA:
This event is open to the press. Media is invited to accompany the Congressman throughout his workday from 9 A.M.  1:00 P.M. The work day begins at 9:00 AM at Dallas Tortilla & Tamale Factory
located at 309 N. Marshalls Ave., Dallas, TX 75203. To RSVP, please contact Paloma Perez at, Paloma.Perez@mail.house.gov or 202-225-9897.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://veasey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/veasey-statement-on-fiscal-year-2016-omnibus,Veasey Statement on Fiscal Year 2016 Omnibus,2015-12-18,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,TX,Marc Veasey,V000131,veasey.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  Congressman Marc Veasey, TX-33, released the following statement on the Consolidated Appropriations Act, a long-term funding bill for the 2016 Fiscal Year:
After a series of tough negotiations, House Republican Leadership finally presented House Democrats with a long-term funding bill that reflects the bipartisan two-year budget deal enacted in November. While the bill is not perfect, it is a bipartisan compromise that I voted in favor of as it will benefit thousands of North Texas residents and over 24 million working and middle-class families each year. This legislation will help grow our economy and build economic security by investing in job training programs, advanced manufacturing, education and research.
A $326 million increase in Child Care and Development Block Grants will make affordable childcare more accessible for working families and an additional $579 million increase for Head Start will prepare students from all backgrounds for success in the classroom. New funds for Summer EBT grants, WIC and Section 8 Rental Assistance will ensure that hardworking families have access to the resources they need to feed and house their loved ones. The bill also restores the $2.5 billion in Republican proposed education cuts and makes critical investments in Title I funds for over 20 million at-risk students. Finally, $187 million in COPS hiring grants and $80 million for the Community Policing Initiative will help hire more qualified police officers and purchase body-worn cameras to help build trust between law enforcement and their communities.
As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I advocated to eliminate sequestration cuts that harm our military and the industries that support them. Consistent with funding levels in this years NDAA Conference Report, our military personnel will receive an overdue pay raise and additional funding will be allocated for the F-35 Joint Fighter aircraft and the V-22 Osprey to ensure their continued production.
I commend House Democratic leaders for their dedication during the omnibus negotiation process. House Republicans have shown that they are willing to risk the economic security of the American people to advance their partisan agenda. I remain committed to fighting for North Texas families and ensuring that their priorities are represented during the next session of the 114th Congress.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://medium.com/@RepBetoORourke/vote-explanation-for-h-r-644-1a93dba9f4a6?source=rss-964ef69221bc------2,Vote Explanation for H.R. 644,2015-12-18,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,TX,Beto O'Rourke,O000170,medium.com,,,legacy,"Vote Explanation for H.R.644 12/18/2015 Last week the House voted to approve a bill to authorize Customs and Border Protection (CBP), H.R. 644. The bill had many positive attributes, including establishing CBP in statute for the first time and giving Customs new tools, training, and resources to ensure illicit goods arent entering our country. But the bill also prevents the U.S. from taking action to curb greenhouse gas emissions. For that reason, I opposed the bill. As the U.S. negotiates trade agreements with countries around the world, we use economic benefits to encourage potential trade partners to change their laws for the better. This can include stronger protections against child labor, reducing overfishing in our worlds oceans, and curbing human trafficking, among many others. H.R. 644, however, would prohibit the U.S. from entering into trade agreements with other countries when those agreements would require the U.S. to address climate change and reduce the amount of greenhouse gasses domestically. Coming off the heels of the United States inclusion in the Paris Climate agreement, I believe H.R. 644 sends the wrong signal on our countrys willingness to address climate change. From the perspective of El Paso, whose economy is significantly dependent on international trade, I want to support policy that enhances our ability to grow our trading opportunities in a responsible way. Barring the United States from addressing climate change in our trade agreements does not meet that test. The bill passed the House by a vote of 256158 and now must be approved by the Senate.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://medium.com/@RepBetoORourke/vote-explanation-for-the-tax-extenders-portion-of-the-fy-2016-omnibus-4c10b40104ee?source=rss-964ef69221bc------2,Vote Explanation for the Tax Extenders portion of the FY 2016 omnibus,2015-12-18,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,TX,Beto O'Rourke,O000170,medium.com,,,legacy,Vote Explanation for the Tax Extenders portion of the FY 2016omnibus 12/18/2015 Last night Congress voted to pass $622 billion dollars worth of tax breaks. I voted against these tax breaks because they would raise the national debt by $2 trillion over the next 20 years with no plan to pay for them. Congress should focus on the making the tax code simpler and fairer. We should be making the tough but necessary decisions to ensure future generations dont have to clean up our fiscal mess. The House passed this bill by a vote of 318 to 109.,1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://algreen.house.gov/press-release/congressman-al-green-responds-those-who-would-use-fake-privacy-concerns-prevent,Congressman Al Green Responds to Those Who Would Use Fake Privacy Concerns to Prevent Defrauded Consumers from Receiving Justice in the Form of Restitution,2015-12-17,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,TX,Al Green,G000553,algreen.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, DC)--On Thursday, December 17, 2015, Congressman Al Green issued a statement addressing attempts by those who would eviscerate or emasculate the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), under the guise of fake consumer privacy concerns, by damaging the reputation of the important agency that returns money to consumers who have been ripped off:
This is what I would expect from those who seek to replace the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau with a Corporate Financial Protection Bureau, subject to the influence of synthetic grassroots organizations like the fictitious US Consumer Coalition.
The CFPB is prevented by law from collecting personally-identifiable information, except for the purposes of returning money to defrauded consumers. The CFPB uses this data to identify consumers who have been ripped off and ensure that they receive restitution.
Since the CFPB opened its doors, it has helped return over $11 billion dollars to defrauded American consumers. I would like to think that the millions of defrauded Americans who have had their hard-earned money returned to them by the CFPB would disagree with the sentiment that the CFPB is invading their privacy.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/castro-announces-27-million-for-job-training-in-san-antonio,CASTRO ANNOUNCES $2.7 MILLION FOR JOB TRAINING IN SAN ANTONIO,2015-12-17,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,TX,Joaquín Castro,C001091,castro.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. - Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) today announced $2.7 million in federal grants from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to support job training and poverty reduction in San Antonio. The San Antonio Housing Authority (SAHA) will receive the funding through HUD's Jobs Plus Pilot program. The purpose of the Jobs Plus Pilot program is to develop locally-based, job-driven approaches to increase earnings and advance employment outcomes through work readiness, employer linkages, job placement, educational advancement, technology skills, and financial literacy for residents of public housing.  
	  
	""The Jobs Plus Pilot program grows the talent pool available to San Antonio employers while also fostering a culture of employment in public housing communities,"" said Rep. Castro. ""This is the kind of innovative, holistic federal initiative that can make real progress in expanding the local workforce, reducing poverty, and satisfying the needs of our city's growing economy. By providing targeted resources and programming tailored to the specific needs of both job seekers and employers in San Antonio, HUD is increasing opportunity and transforming lives in our community for the better.
The place-based Jobs Plus Pilot program addresses poverty among public housing residents by incentivizing and enabling employment through income disregards for working families, and a set of services designed to support work including employer linkages, job placement and counseling, educational advancement and financial counseling. Ideally, these incentives will saturate the target developments, building a culture of work and making working families the norm. 
Approximately 570 residents at SAHA's Cassiano Homes community are eligible to participate in the program and receive employment support. The vast majority of eligible residents are women with children, and supportive services will be tailored to their needs accordingly.""
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399353,WAOI:End of Crude Oil Export Ban Seen as Boost to Texas,2015-12-17,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congress has agreed up drop the crude oil export ban, but experts say we should not expect the price at the pump to go down any further.""Right now, there is such an oversupply worldwide, I dont think there is going to be a demand for U.S. oil exports,"" Bud Weinstein at SMU's Maguire Energy Institute tells Newsradio 1200 WOAI. Long term, what it does, he thinks is cement the stability in the market.E  
""The Middle east doesn't matter,"" he explains. ""In the past, there was a huge spike in oil prices every time there was a dust up. That's just not the case anymore."" House Republicans announced a deal this week on a trillion-dollar, year-end tax and spending package that will fund the government through the end of the fiscal year. Congressman Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo, championed the end of the crude oil ban, saying it increase America's political clout. ""Look what control Russian has over Ukraine and a lot of the western European countries,"" he says. ""This will allow us to have an influence over foreign policy."" He says the four decade old ban handcuffed our political influence. The deal includes a five year extension of solar and wind power tax credits, which Weinstein says is a mistake. ""We've been subsidizing solar to the tune of $200 billion and we've been subsidizing wind to the tune of $150 billion, and I think it's time to put those technologies to the market test.""  
 
Read More: http://www.woai.com/articles/woai-local-news-sponsored-by-five-119078/end-of-crude-oil-export-ban-14210272#ixzz3uahE1DhO",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399354,E&E News:Landmark exports deal was months in the making,2015-12-17,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"After years of legislative gridlock on energy policy, Congress is on the verge of approving a historic compromise giving both parties key wins in what has become a ceaseless war of attrition between fossil fuels and renewable interests.The blockbuster omnibus and tax package that could be signed into law as early as this weekend would repeal the 40-year-old ban on crude oil exports, while also extending for five years the renewable production and investment tax credits for wind and solar -- sectors that are booming in response to climate change and falling costs but have been slowed by uncertainty over their on-again, off-again tax credits (E&E Daily, Dec. 15). Other issues, including policy riders and extending the popular Land and Water Conservation Fund, were also part of the horse-trading that led to this week's deal, but a swap that would repeal the exports ban in exchange for green tax credits has been the foundation of the quid pro quo for months. Getting to an agreement was anything but easy and was driven by a small group of lawmakers who methodically pressed the exports issue for more than a year, laboring patiently to sell the idea to skeptical colleagues. Leading the charge was Senate Energy and Natural Resources Chairwoman Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), who raised the issue in a speech at a high-profile industry conference in March of 2014. ""That was before it was safe for anyone to be talking about lifting the ban and rather than try to muscle through a bill, we tried to build the case,"" she told E&E Daily yesterday. ""We encouraged the different think tanks to come up with the reports so that people could have a comfort level"" with the idea of repeal, which made many lawmakers squeamish over fears of facing political attacks for supporting exports if gasoline prices later increased. For much of the next year, Murkowski pressed the issue, urging the Obama administration to use its existing authority to ease the export restrictions passed in the wake of the oil embargoes of the 1970s. In August of last year, Sen. Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.) publicly called for lifting the ban during an Energy Department meeting in her home state, which had seen its economy boom from the fracking bonanza. During the fall of 2014, Heitkamp quietly began meeting with European officials and her Senate Democratic colleagues to press the issue, she recounted in an interview with E&E Daily in her office yesterday. ""We started with the facts,"" said Heitkamp. ""We started with why this policy is a bad policy for domestic development, why it's a bad policy for employment in the country, and why it's a bad policy for international stability and energy security of our allies."" At that point, export proponents did not see a legislative repeal in the cards, but that began to change as a series of rosy predictions from think tanks, consultants, as well as independent federal agencies, including the Energy Information Administration and the Government Accountability Office, showed that allowing exports had positive economic impacts. Significantly, the various analyses predicted that U.S. exports could actually lower domestic gasoline prices. Heitkamp said the growing body of evidence in support of exports ""opened the door"" to talks on a legislative repeal by deflating lawmakers' fears over political retribution of exports. That effort was helped by the fact that gasoline prices continued to fall. ""As prices went down it got easier to make that argument,"" Heitkamp said. While cheap gas is good for consumers, it began to hurt the domestic drilling industry, which suddenly faced a growing glut of crude oil. Layoffs began to follow, adding urgency to efforts to repeal the ban. ""The political conditions depend to some extent on the market conditions,"" said Rep. Joe Barton (R-Texas), the former Energy and Commerce chairman who became the House's point on exports, in an interview yesterday. ""You had a historic drop in the price that has cost hundreds of thousands of jobs. It's not just oil jobs, it's transportation jobs, it's manufacturing jobs, it's computer programming jobs. It's not just in Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma, it's all over the country. So when you have that kind of what I call catastrophic change, the people who are affected start to petition for redress from the Congress."" Buoyed by positive economic forecasts, Murkowski and Heitkamp earlier this year decided the time was right to draft legislation to end the ban. Because of overlapping jurisdiction between the Energy and Banking panel -- on which Heitkamp sits - the pair used hearings to draw attention to the issue before eventually moving both bills through committee before the August recess. At that point, they had already begun private conversations with individual senators on exports. Additionally, the pair began to file their exports bills as amendments to other matters before the Senate, to raise the profile of the issue and get their colleagues thinking about it. In the House, Barton had secured the help of fellow Texas Democrat Henry Cuellar and was working to build bipartisan support for exports in that chamber. Barton yesterday credited Cuellar and Heitkamp for sticking their necks out an issue that raised the risk of a backlash from environmentalists. ""I didn't take any political risk by coming out for this, they did,"" he said. Heitkamp explained how the efforts began to bear fruit with her Democratic colleagues. ""We started making the arguments and I think we got to the point where so many of our colleagues said 'I get it, I just want to know what I get for it,'"" she said. ""That's politics. So then we move into the political realm and start having discussions with people who showed a willingness to actually negotiate."" Barton said a further boost was provided when then-Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) publicly came out in favor of repeal. ""We didn't have to convince them,"" he said. ""We just had to show them that we had the support."" A political opportunity Murkowski said she knew they had turned a corner on exports when she began to field questions on the issue from unlikely Democratic senators. ""I knew we were really starting to gain traction when people who clearly are not from producing states would come up to me and say, 'so this whole issue of oil exports, talk to me a little bit about it. And have you guys considered this aspect of it,'"" she recounted yesterday. ""That's when I knew that the shift had happened."" By then, quiet discussions over a potential deal had begun in earnest, boosted by the support of a central figure -- Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.). In an interview in Las Vegas in August, Reid told E&E Daily that he thought there was an opportunity for a deal on exports provided Democrats received extensions of renewable credits (Greenwire, Aug. 25). Heitkamp said that Reid saw an opportunity to renew green tax credits and finally provide some certainty to an industry that was rapidly growing in his home state. She was already speaking regularly with top White House officials about exports -- including an August conversation with President Obama -- and said it was clear that a repeal of the ban would have to be accompanied by something else to get exports signed into law. ""I knew that the White House would never sign a standalone piece,"" Heitkamp said. ""The linchpin of getting this done was renewable tax credits."" Working with renewable industry groups, Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), and others, Heitkamp said the contours of a possible agreement began to emerge. In the meantime, other export backers continued to press for a legislative opening. Sen. John Hoeven (R-N.D.) made a serious push to see a repeal included in the multi-year highway bill that was signed into law last month, and while it fell short, he said yesterday it helped create momentum for the eventual omnibus deal. ""It put pressure on people on both sides of the aisle to get it done this year,"" he said. Murkowski said the highway push made other senators realize the train was leaving the station. ""That was the real clear signal that something is going to happen this year,"" she said. When omnibus talks began in earnest later in the fall, the negotiations were kicked up to the most senior levels of Congress and the White House. At that point, Murkowski, Heitkamp, Barton and other export proponents weren't at the table but were privately and publicly optimistic that a deal was within reach. For all the partisanship on energy policy, Barton said the exports push shows the potential of Congress when it's able to break through ideological divisions. ""Democracy works when you work at making it work and this is an example,"" he said. Heitkamp offered a similar assessment. ""Leading with the public policy argument first and then doing the politics at the end when you have to cut the deal, it makes tremendous sense,"" she said. ""When policy meets with a political opportunity, we ought to be able to do it and get it done here.""  
Read More:http://www.eenews.net/stories/1060029639",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399356,Texas Insider: Congressman Cuellar Announces More than $897 Million for Mexico and Central America in Government Funding Bill,2015-12-17,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"Texas Insider: Congressman Cuellar Announces More than $897 Million for Mexico and Central America in Government Funding Bill
  
    
      
      
  
    
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        Washington,
        December 17, 2015 | 
      Gil Rodriguez
       
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
      
      
      Today Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28) announced that the Fiscal Year 2016 government funding bill includes more than $897 million worth of support for Mexico and Central America, provisions that he and Kay Granger (R-TX-12), chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, have fought for.
The omnibus includes $750 million in funding to implement the United States Strategy for Engagement in Central America (attached) in support of the Plan of the Alliance for Prosperity in the Northern Triangle of Central America (attached) which if successfully implemented will help reduce illegal immigration to the United States and bolster regional governance, prosperity, and security.
We continue to play defense on our goal line when it comes to the issue of illegal immigration, Congressman Cuellar said. Ive repeatedly said that to stop illegal immigration here at home, we must provide strategic investment abroad. To that end, the omnibus appropriations bill includes a significant investment in Central America to assist with the fight against those elements that are causing thousands of children and families to flee their homes. As I reported earlier this month, in October and November we saw double the number of unaccompanied minors and family units arrive at our southern border from Central America than we did at the same time last year. This puts us on track to see more illegal crossings of Central Americans than we did in 2014, when there were a staggering 68,541 unaccompanied children and families apprehended at the border. This influx has caused the Department of Health and Human Services, the federal agency tasked with caring for the unaccompanied children from El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras, to request 6,400 temporary beds which costs will far exceed the standard $219 a child per day.
As a member of the House Appropriations Committee and a member representing our southern border, this is an issue of particular concern. Last summer I traveled with Kay Granger, Chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, to Central America to see first-hand the situation facing these children and families and to discuss with the leaders of these countries ways in which the U.S. can provide support. Id like to thank Chair Granger and Ranking member of the Appropriations Committee, Nita Lowey, for their efforts on this issue and for including this $750 million to support the Plan of the Alliance for Prosperity in the Northern Triangle of Central America, as well as including $100 million to assist Mexico with international narcotics control and law enforcement which is intended to support border security along their southern border with Guatemala and Belize. Between October 2014 and April 2015, Mexico deported more than 92,000 Central Americans. This will help us take the fight against illegal immigration to the front lines, instead of continuing to play defense here at our border.
Here at home, Ive continually stated that if a migrant does make it into the United States, we must treat them humanely and we must treat these unaccompanied children as if they were our own. That is why Ive supported increased transparency at our nations immigration detention facilities to ensure those apprehended are treated fairly and are provided appropriate nourishment and medical care. In addition, Ive obtained 55 new federal immigration judges to help reduce the backlog of cases and reduce bottlenecks in dealing with the surge in illegal immigration. Both of these provisions were included in the omnibus package.
In addition to efforts to fight illegal immigration stemming from Central America, Ive fought for increased funding and provisions to support economic development, educational opportunities, and law enforcement in Mexico and Central America, to include (see attachment for detailed language):
 Access to a $265 million pool for a microenterprise and microfinance program to promote economic development in Mexico and Central America.
 $39 million to Mexico under the Economic Support Fund designed to promote a civil and just society.
 An expansion of and increase to US-Mexico academic exchanges at the high school, college, and post graduate level.
 Encouraging educational and cultural exchange programs with Mexico and Central and South America to enhance cross cultural understanding.
     Establishment of a working group between the United States and Mexico to help facilitate and ease commerce across the border.
     Conducting a study on what standards or protocols are needed for passenger and freight high-speed rail between the United States and Mexico to increase tourism and commerce.
 Not less than $1.5 million for International Military Education and Training with Mexico.
     $100 million to Mexico for International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement to promote safety and border security in Mexico.
 $7 million in foreign military grants to Mexico.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399357,SA Express News:Funding for courthouse up for a vote,2015-12-17,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"Sen. John Cornyn expressed confidence Thursday that a federal spending bill that includes funding for a new federal courthouse in San Antonio will pass the full Congress.The $1.1 trillion omnibus bills language was made public this week and is slated for a vote by the House and Senate on Friday, according to Cornyn, R-Texas. After a lobbying effort by federal judges, city and business leaders, Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo, and Cornyn helped tuck $948 million into the bill to build eight new courthouses around the country, including in San Antonio, and to finish three in cities where construction had begun. I think it will pass. It has to pass, Cornyn, the Senate majority whip, said during a conference call with members of the San Antonio Express-News Editorial Board. President Barack Obama has said he plans to sign the bill if passed. Court officials eagerly await the vote so they can renew design plans for the new building, which had stalled because there was no money for construction. The new building must follow design requirements of the U.S. Administrative Office of the Courts, U.S. District Judge Xavier Rodriguez said. . We will have a secured sally port where prisoners will safely be brought into the facility, he said. Were actually losing a courtroom in the new courthouse project. As a part of budget tightening, were expected to engage in courtroom sharing, So even though our work needs are growing and the number of judges we have in the building are growing, well make that work. Judges say the current courthouse, built as a theater for HemisFair 68, is woefully outdated, has security issues and has had recurring heating and air-conditioning woes, foundation problems, flea infestations, flooding from broken pipes and contaminated drinking water. Rodriguez said some tenants of an eight-story federal building next to the current courthouse will move into the new building, including employees in the headquarter offices of the court clerk for the Western District of Texas, federal marshals, and officers with pretrial services and probation. The federal building houses other agencies and is not part of a land-swap deal with the city that will locate the new courthouse at the citys 6.5 acres where its police headquarters once stood at Santa Rosa and Nueva streets. That site will be traded for the land occupied by the current courthouse and an adjacent federal training center. The buildings will likely be demolished as plans proceed for redevelopment of Hemisfair Park. Rodriguez estimated it could take up to four years before the new courthouse opens.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399358,Washington Examiner: Bill seeks to slow ozone rules,2015-12-17,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington Examiner: Bill seeks to slow ozone rules
  
    
      
      
  
    
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        Washington,
        December 17, 2015 | 
      KYLE FELDSCHER
       
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
      
      
      A bipartisan group of lawmakers wants to delay by two years the start of new ozone standards announced by the Environmental Protection Agency earlier this year.
The bill would require the EPA to delay implementation of the new standards for two years so the agency can study how foreign pollution affects ozone levels in areas that would not be in compliance with the new standards. Ozone is the primary ingredient in smog.
The bill also would require the EPA to review ozone standards every eight years, instead of the current five, and allow the agency to consider the feasibility of new standards when officials draft a new ozone rule.
""The EPA, when releasing new standards, must ensure that they are achievable, and do not cause significant harm to our economy,"" said Rep. Bob Latta, R-Ohio.
On Oct. 1, the EPA announced it would lower the amount of ozone allowed in the atmosphere from 75 parts per billion to 70 parts per billion. States have between 2020 and 2037 to meet the standard, depending on the state.
EPA officials estimate that many areas not in compliance currently will meet the standard, without changing any of their practices, by 2025.
The agency projects the cost of implementing the regulation will be about $1.4 billion, while the health benefits between $2.9 billion and $5.9 billion.
Latta introduced the bill with Rep. Pete Olson, R-Texas, Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick, D-Ariz., and Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas.
The bill is intended to be the first in a series of legislative measures on the ozone standard. According to Latta, future legislation will help local authorities transition to new ozone standards handed down by the EPA.
Titled the Clean Air Implementation Act, the bill would require the EPA and the National Academy of Sciences study how much impact foreign pollution has on ozone levels in the United States. The implementation of the 70 parts per million standard would be delayed until the study is done.
Cuellar called for a slower implementation process to help businesses.
""I know the negative impact that rapidly implementing the EPA's new ozone standard could have on economic development in my district,"" he said. ""We need to find a way to balance the need for environmental protection with the feasibility of implementing these standards in an economically viable way.""

    
  
  
  
    
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http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399370,Overnight Energy: Oil exports stoke Dem angst over omnibus,2015-12-17,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"Overnight Energy: Oil exports stoke Dem angst over omnibus
  
    
      
      
  
    
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        Washington,
        December 17, 2015 | 
      Timothy Cama, Devin Henry 
       
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
      
      
      The oil exports provision in Congress' omnibus is shaping up to be Democrats' biggest problem with the massive spending bill.
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said she's not sure if her conference can provide enough votes for a majority to pass the bill in Friday's vote.
""No,"" she said when asked Thursday if she's confident Democrats would give the bill enough votes. ""We're talking it through.""
Pelosi said the oil provision was ""incredible,"" but that she's trying to reassure Democrats that it caused the party to be able to fight off many more harmful provisions, including those to block environmental rules. She also noted the bill includes renewable energy provisions Democrats have wanted.
""The fact that the Republicans wanted Big Oil so desperately really argues voting for the bill because they were willing to concede so much,"" she said. ""This was their raison d'tre.""
The vote Friday will come down to whether Democrats think the extensions of the wind and solar power tax credits outweigh the environmental harm from oil exports.
""I feel that what we did in the bill more than 10 times offsets the damage that exporting crude oil does,"" Pelosi said.
Read more here.
NOAA RESPONDS TO SUBPOENA: Federal officials have handed over a series of emails and documents related to climate science research in response to a subpoena from a House committee.
The National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration gave about 100 documents to the House Science Committee this week, the agency said Thursday.
The information -- which consists mostly of staff-level discussions officials said -- is in response to a subpoena from Rep. Lamar Smith (R-Texas), the House Science Committee chairman. Smith is investigating the agency's climate science research, specifically a study that concluded there has not been a 15-year ""pause"" in global warming. 
Smith and other skeptics of the science behind climate change say NOAA's research was overly political. He has looked to get information from the agency about what went into the study.
""The documents include discussions that show NOAA front office staff was aware that the study was particularly noteworthy and would likely be the focus of scrutiny and debate,"" NOAA spokeswoman Ciaran Clayton said. 
""At the same time, there is nothing in these materials that would support the notion that substance or timing of the paper was politically motivated.""
In a statement of his own, Smith said he was ""encouraged"" by NOAA's response to the subpoena.
""I am also glad to see that NOAA has committed to produce additional items as they are identified,"" he said. ""We will carefully review these documents and expect additional productions from NOAA.""
Read more here.
MOVER, SHAKER: Marvin Fertel will retire at the end of next year as the president of the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI), the group announced Thursday.
Fertel has been at NEI since it started in 1994, and has led the group since 2009.
In that time, Fertel has seen the domestic response to the Fukushima disaster in Japan and efforts on the state and local level to increase the profile of nuclear power, among other developments.
NEI's executive committee is leading the effort to find a new executive for the group.
NEW BIPARTISAN OZONE BILL: House lawmakers this week introduced a bipartisan bill to weaken the current law on ozone pollution.
The legislation would require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to consider how foreign pollution affects domestic ozone levels before enforcing the new standard, increase the time period between reviews for a potential standard to eight years from the current five and authorize the EPA to take feasibility into account when it changes ozone rules.
""The EPA, when releasing new standards, must ensure that they are achievable, and do not cause significant harm to our economy,"" Rep. Bob Latta (R-Ohio), a sponsor of the bill, said in a statement.
Latta and Rep. Pete Olson (R-Texas), who have both sponsored numerous bills in the past to crack down on ozone regulations, introduced the bill with centrist Democratic Reps. Ann Kirkpatrick (Ariz.) and Henry Cuellar (Texas).
ON TAP FRIDAY: The House and Senate will look to pass their final spending bill and tax package. The omnibus spending bill, which the House debated on Thursday, would lift the 40-year-old ban on crude oil exports and extend tax credits for wind and solar energy. The House is scheduled to vote on the bill Friday, while the Senate will take up both packages.

    
  
  
  
    
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http://jacksonlee.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-sheila-jackson-lee-congratulates-taiwan-on-its-positive,CONGRESSWOMAN SHEILA JACKSON LEE CONGRATULATES TAIWAN ON ITS POSITIVE STEPS THEY HAVE TAKEN IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA,2015-12-17,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,TX,Sheila Jackson Lee,J000032,jacksonlee.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC - Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a Senior Member of the House Homeland Security Committee released the following statement regarding the Taiwanese governments newly constructed Lighthouse and renovated wharf on the Taiping Island:
On December 12, 2015, the government of the ROC (Taiwan) inaugurated the opening of a renovated wharf and newly constructed lighthouse on Taiping Island, demonstrating Taiwans commitment to making Taiping Island a hub of humanitarian assistance, disaster relief and emergency rescue to passing vessels in the South China Sea.
Earlier in May this year, Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou proposed the South China Sea Initiative, calling on countries in the region to shelve disputes, promote joint resource development, and respect the principles and spirit of all relevant international law. I welcome Taiwans peaceful implementation and commitment and look forward to working together to transform the South China Sea into a Sea of Peace and Cooperation.
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https://medium.com/@RepBetoORourke/vote-explanation-for-h-res-536-144b4f01eccb?source=rss-964ef69221bc------2,Vote Explanation for H.Res.536,2015-12-17,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,TX,Beto O'Rourke,O000170,medium.com,,,legacy,"Vote Explanation for H.Res.536 12/17/2015 Yesterday the House passed H.Res.536 Supporting freedom of the press in Latin America and the Caribbean and condemning violations of press freedom and violence against journalists, bloggers, and individuals exercising their right to freedom of speech. I voted for this resolution because a free and independent press is essential to the development and success of this hemisphere. El Pasos own Alfredo Corchado has written about this and even been invited to the House of Representatives to testify about the dangers reporters face. Click this link to read more http://goo.gl/iDE0yh. In Mexico alone, at least 50 journalists have been killed or have disappeared since 2007. This resolution: Expresses the Houses support for a free press in Latin America and the Caribbean and condemns violations of press freedom and violence against journalists; Calls on the U.S. Agency for International Development and U.S. Department of State to help media outlets in closed societies to promote an open and free press; Urges countries in Latin America and the Caribbean to condemn violations of press freedom, violence against journalists;and Urges members of the Organization of American States (OAS) to implement recommendations from the OAS Office of the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression. This resolution passed the House by voice vote.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://medium.com/@RepBetoORourke/vote-explanation-for-red-river-private-property-protection-act-66cc5d5d171a?source=rss-964ef69221bc------2,Vote Explanation for Red River Private Property Protection Act,2015-12-17,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,TX,Beto O'Rourke,O000170,medium.com,,,legacy,"Vote Explanation for Red River Private Property Protection Act 12/17/2015 Last week the House voted on the Red River Private Property Protection Act. I voted against it. This bill would remove the Bureau of Land Managements (BLM) authority to survey the Red River between Texas and Oklahoma, and instead turn that authority over to the State of Texas. The BLM is the federal governments surveyor of record and is the authority to conduct this survey. This bill would set a dangerous precedent in how we settle land disputes by undermining federal supremacy. The bill passed the House.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://algreen.house.gov/press-release/congressional-alert-congressman-al-green-speak-today-honor-american-jewish-committee,CONGRESSIONAL ALERT: Congressman Al Green to Speak Today in Honor of the American Jewish Committee (AJC),2015-12-16,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,TX,Al Green,G000553,algreen.house.gov,,,legacy,"CONGRESSIONAL ALERT: Congressman Al Green to Speak Today in Honor of the American Jewish Committee (AJC)                                           
              Dec 16, 2015      		        	    
      	            
                    
                                            
          
        
        
          
  
    
    
    (Washington, DC)--On Wednesday, December 16, 2015, Congressman Al Green (TX-09) will host a Special Order Session of the House of Representatives honoring and praising the American Jewish Committee. In November 2015, Congressman Al Green introduced a resolution honoring and praising the AJC on its 109th anniversary.
WHO: Congressman Al Green (TX-09)
WHAT: Special Order Session Honoring and Praising the American Jewish Committee
WHERE: Floor of the House of Representatives
WHEN: Beginning approximately 3:00pm-4:00pm CST, Wednesday, December 16, 2015
HOW TO WATCH: C-SPAN",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399342,Congressman Cuellar Announces Inclusion of Crude Oil Export Ban Repeal in Government Funding Package,2015-12-16,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28) made the following statement upon the release of the Omnibus Appropriations act for Fiscal Year 2016. Congressman Cuellar fought to have a provision included that would repeal the longstanding ban on the export of U.S. crude oil.The omnibus appropriations package includes a provision I have been advocating for to lift the 1975 prohibition on the export of U.S. crude oil. This policy comes from a different era and now hurts our economy. By including this provision in the appropriations language, we can move toward a more prosperous U.S. energy sector. As the representative for the active Eagle Ford Shale, I understand the importance of the energy industry to my district, the state and the nation as a whole. The United States is now one of the worlds leading energy producers, and the domestic benefits of lifting this ban are numerous. They include creating hundreds of thousands of jobs, increasing our GDP by $134 billion, raising government revenues by $29 billion and likely lowering gas prices. Repealing this ban will also benefit our national security by providing another tool in our foreign policy arsenal to allow the U.S. to compete against OPEC and prevent Russia and Iran from claiming an outsize market share among our allies. I would like to give special thanks to Congressman Joe Barton (R-TX-6) and Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) for their leadership and support on this issue. I would also like to thank the bipartisan group of representatives and senators who have supported us in our efforts to end this decades-old ban.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://jacksonlee.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-sheila-jackson-lee-joins-fight-to-remove-weapons-of-war,CONGRESSWOMAN SHEILA JACKSON LEE JOINS FIGHT TO REMOVE WEAPONS OF WAR FROM OUR COMMUNITIES,2015-12-16,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,TX,Sheila Jackson Lee,J000032,jacksonlee.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC - Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a Senior Member of the House Homeland Security Committee and the House Judiciary Committee where she is the Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations, today joined U.S. Rep David N. Cicilline (D-RI) and other gun violence prevention advocates to introduce the Assault Weapons Ban of 2015 and prohibit the sale, transfer, production, and importation of new military-style weapons and high-capacity magazines. The Congresswoman issued the following statement:
Assault weapons and high-capacity magazines are the weapon of choice for mass shooters in the United States. We cannot continue to stand by as these weapons of war are bought and sold freely. I am proud to be an original co-sponsor of the Assault Weapons Ban of 2015. This bill will save lives and reduce the toll of gun violence in our country. The Assault Weapons Ban of 2015 will prohibit the sale, transfer, production, and importation of:
 Semi-automatic rifles and handguns with a military-style feature that can accept a detachable magazine;
 Semi-automatic rifles and handguns with a fixed magazine that can hold more than 10 rounds;
 Semi-automatic shotguns with a military-style feature;
 Any ammunition feeding device that can hold more than 10 rounds;
 And 157 specifically-named and listed firearms.
The bill also sets new standards to prevent default proceeds  the standard that allows firearms dealers to complete a sale if a buyers background check is not completed within three days. Under the proposed law, the background check period will be extended to 14 days for the sale or transfer of an existing assault weapon. If it is determined that a gun was sold to a prohibited individual, the FBI will be required to notify federal, state, and local law enforcement so the weapon can be retrieved as quickly as possible and the buyer can be held accountable for violating federal law.
For over 10 years in many sessions of Congress I have introduced many bills dealing with gun violence and how we can prevent acts such as this. I have been an advocate for more gun safety laws in America since I have arrived here in Congress. In one year on average, almost 100,000 people in America are shot or killed with a gun. Over a million people have been killed with guns in the United States since 1968. U.S. homicide rates are 6.9 times higher than rates in 22 other populous high-income countries combined, despite similar non-lethal crime and violence rates. In order to promote safety for our children it is imperative that this Congress brings to the House floor NOW the following gun safety laws:
This Congress must rise above partisan politics and now come together to pass important gun safety laws. The safety of America should be at the forefront when it comes to making these gun safety laws. The politics of outside groups like the NRA should not play a factor when we consider the safety of our citizens. We must also look at gun violence in other cities too such as Chicago where over the last few years a number of school age kids have been killed with guns.
Assault weapons were used in attacks last month in San Bernardino and Colorado Springs. Shooters also used them to commit mass murder at Sandy Hook Elementary School, a movie theatre in Aurora, Colorado, and a community college in Roseburg, Oregon. When an assault weapon or a high-capacity magazine is used in a shooting, the number of victims who are killed increases by 63%.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://doggett.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/source-drug-prices-spike-and-action-called,The Source: Drug Prices Spike and Action is Called For,2015-12-16,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,TX,Lloyd Doggett,D000399,doggett.house.gov,,,legacy,"by: Paul Flahive

	The big story, the one that made news directors perk up their ears, made congressmen call hearings, and made jaws drop across the country was the story about a 62 year-old drug - a senior citizen of a drug - called Daraprim that overnight went from $13.50 a tablet to $750 a tablet. A 5000% increase for no other reason than a company called Turing Pharmaceuticals bought the drug and raised the price because it could. The drug is used to treat malaria, HIV, and other infections.

	

	Overnight the story of the cost surges in drugs was no longer about new drugs, but about all drugs, even old ones. A long known problem with drug pricing practices had coalesced around a single action.

	The murky world of drug pricing lacks transparency and according to Congressman Lloyd Doggettit lacks many elements of what make up a free market.

	""The problem is we don't have a free market, we have a monopoly market,"" says Doggett. ""What we need is more competition and more information for consumers.""

	The congressman has launched a task force to investigate the high prices, something that the U.S. Senate has also done. These kinds of investigations can often shed some light how decisions are made and how an industry is run.

	Congressional investigations and hearings are nothing new to the pharmaceuticalindustry. In fact, 50 years ago a Kentucky Democrat named Estes Kefauverheld several hearings that had incredible impact says Medical historian Jeremy Greene

	""It was really an amazing and eye-opening investigation. He used the power of the subpoena to bring executivesof pharmaceutical companies as well as the head of the AMA and FDA and the U.S. patent and trademark office into the congressional hearings,"" says Greene. ""Previously obscure pricing and marketing practicesof the industry became visible to the American people to then act upon""

	What can we do today to reign in drug costs?

	Guests:

	Rep. Lloyd Doggett, U.S. Congressman from Texas' 35th district

	Leigh Purvis, Director of Health Services Research at AARP

	Katie Verb, Associate Director of Policy & Government Relations for the Hemophilia Federation of America

	Dr. Jeremy Greene, Associate Professor of Medicine and the History of Medicine

	Stephen W. Schondelmeyer, Head of the Department of Pharmaceutical Care and Health Systems at the University of Minnesota.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://algreen.house.gov/press-release/congressional-alert-congressman-al-green-stands-solidarity-muslim-community-justice,CONGRESSIONAL ALERT: Congressman Al Green Stands in Solidarity With the Muslim Community for Justice,2015-12-15,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,TX,Al Green,G000553,algreen.house.gov,,,legacy,"CONGRESSIONAL ALERT: Congressman Al Green Stands in Solidarity With the Muslim Community for Justice                                           
              Dec 15, 2015      		        	    
      	            
                    
                                            
          
        
        
          
  
    
    
    (Washington, DC)On Tuesday, December 15, 2015, Congressman Al Green will give a floor speech on standing in solidarity with the Muslim Community for justice.
WHO: Congressman Al Green (TX-09)
WHAT: Congressman Al Greens Floor Speech on the Topic of Standing in Solidarity With the Muslim Community for Justice
WHERE: Floor of the House of Representatives
WHEN: Beginning approximately 11:00am-12:00pm CST, Tuesday, December 15, 2015
HOW TO WATCH: CSPAN",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://veasey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/veasey-statement-on-short-term-continuing-resolution,Veasey Statement on Short-Term Continuing Resolution,2015-12-11,2015,2015-12,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 Veaseys 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
http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399321,SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS: Normalize immigration for Cubans,2015-12-10,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"Express-News Editorial Board
 Published 6:28pm, Thursday, December 10, 2015 
Photo: JERRY LARA /San Antonio Express-News
Michael Fuentes, 24, adjusts his cap while outside the Cubanos en Libertad house in West Laredo last week. The house provides rest and food for Cuban refugees who enter the U.S. at the Laredo Port of Entry. But the so-called wet-foot, dry-foot policy, which makes eligible for permanent residency Cubans who enter the U.S. by land, has fallen under scrutiny in recent weeks.
The case Rep.Henry Cuellarmakes on ending the preferential treatment for Cubans in immigration is straightforward enough  and entirely correct.
First, the United States has normalized or is normalizing relations with Cuba. Second, though the Cuban government remains repressive in many respects, it appears that most Cubans coming here have the earmarks of being more economic refugees than political ones. They often come here through Texas border with Mexico.
In any case, other governments are as repressive as Cuba, if not more, and people fleeing those countries are not treated as generously. And we note also that even Gov.Greg Abbottis on the normalization bandwagon, talking about increasing trade with that country.
So lets normalize immigration policy toward Cuba as well.
Cuellar, a Laredo Democrat, in a recentTexas Tribunearticle, says the U.S. immigration policy toward Cubans is a relic of the Cold War and that it is outdated. We agree.
The existing policy consists of allowing Cubans who get here to automatically stay here, allowing them a coveted green card signifying legal residency after theyve been in this country for a year.
A recent Express-News article byAaron Nelsenexplained that nearly 44,000 Cubans requested asylum in the 2015 fiscal year that ended Sept. 30. That represents an increase of about 24,000 from a year before. And though the flow coming across the South Texas border with Mexico has slowed, that might be because of actions in other countries that make it harder for Cubans to use them as launching pads into the U.S. Now, even Ecuador requires them to get visas to get there.
Our hearts go out to anyone fleeing desperate situations. But that description of desperate straits fits a lot of people in a lot of other countries.
And we contrast the continuing welcome for Cubans against the rhetoric targeting Syrian refugees  fleeing war in which the U.S. has a hand  and Central Americans who have also come under harsh criticism and pushback. They flee murderous gangsters and too little rule of law in their own countries.
That kind of anger is inappropriate for anyone wishing to come to this country. We are simply suggesting fairness, given how other refugees are treated. We are suggesting, essentially, that Cubans be treated much as Mexicans are.
No, not as in howDonald Trumptreats them, but how the law does. Its a law that needs reform in how it treats everyone, but carving out an exception for Cubans makes little sense today.

http://www.mysanantonio.com/opinion/editorials/article/Normalize-immigration-for-Cubans-6690237.php",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://doggett.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-doggett-meets-san-marcos-leaders-0,Rep. Doggett Meets with San Marcos Leaders,2015-12-10,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,TX,Lloyd Doggett,D000399,doggett.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Lloyd Doggett met with several San Marcos leaders to discuss federal relief following multiple devastating floods, including Mayor Daniel Guerrero, Mayor Pro Tem John Thomaides, Kristi Wyatt, City Manager Jared Miller, Ken Bell, City Council Members Lisa Prewitt, Melissa Derrick, and Scott Gregson.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399315,Congressman Cuellar Issues Statement on Increase In Unaccompanied Children Arriving at Southern Border,2015-12-09,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28) issued the following statement in response to the announcement by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that they will begin the process of expanding their temporary capacity to house unaccompanied children.
As I have warned repeatedly, we must not take our eye off the ball on the issues of curbing the flow of undocumented crossings of unaccompanied minors and families from Central America at our southern border. In October and November we saw 10,588 undocumented unaccompanied minors apprehended at the border, along with 12,505 family units -- more than double the number we saw in the same two months last year (5,129 and 4,577, respectively). Generally, over the last few years, the number of apprehensions decreases after the summer. However, this year, there has been a steady uptick in illegal crossings, causing concern that this year may be worse than 2014, when we saw 68,541 apprehensions of unaccompanied children at the southern border.
The Department of Health and Human Services, the federal agency tasked with caring for these children, who are mostly from the Central American countries of El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras, before they are seen by an immigration judge, has announced that they have begun the process of requesting temporary shelters to house these children should this increasing trend continue. HHS is currently requesting an additional 6,400 temporary beds. The normal cost per day per child for a bed is $219; however, these temporary facilities will exceed that figure. According to HHS, of the children referred to the agency recently, a third have been from Honduras, a third from Guatemala, a third from El Salvador, and a small remainder from all other countries. The number of apprehended children referred to the agency has increased over the past several months. In July, 3,745 were referred, followed by 4,314 in August, 4,173 in September, 4,603 in October, and 5,555 in November. According to HHS, most years see a decrease in the number of referred children after August and September, but this years increases have led to the preparation of temporary shelters.
I have stated that we must provide assistance to our Central American friends who are leaving their homes. To that end, and in my capacity as a member of the House Appropriations Committee, Ive requested an increase in funding, over Fiscal Year 2015 levels, to assist Central America in their fight against criminal gangs, drug traffickers and organized crime, and to increase their own border security and combat human smuggling and trafficking. I thank Kay Granger, chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, and Nita Lowey, ranking member of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee, for their assistance in seeking this increase in funding.
Here at home, Ive called for increased transparency at our nations immigration detention facilities to ensure those apprehended are treated humanely and are provided appropriate nourishment and medical care. I have also requested 55 new federal immigration judges to reduce the backlog of cases and reduce bottlenecks in dealing with the surge in illegal immigration. All of which was included in the House of Representatives Appropriations bills and Im calling to be included in the omnibus package.
To see the latest Unaccompanied Children Statistics as reported by CBP, click here.
To see the latest Family Unit and Unaccompanied Children apprehension numbers as reported by the U.S. Border Patrol, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://green.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/telephone-town-hall-poll-results,Telephone Town Hall Poll Results,2015-12-09,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,TX,Gene Green,G000410,green.house.gov,,,legacy,"Thank you to everyone who was able to participate in our most recent telephonetown hall, and asked questions. Although we werent able to get to all the questions, we got through a lot and responded to everyone that left a voicemail.
Many of you participated in our poll questions, which helped us get an idea where you stand on an issue. You can read the poll questions and see the results below.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://medium.com/@RepBetoORourke/vote-explanation-for-the-visa-waiver-program-improvement-and-terrorist-travel-prevention-act-h-r-e18543d7d9b?source=rss-964ef69221bc------2,Vote Explanation For The Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act (H.R.,2015-12-09,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,TX,Beto O'Rourke,O000170,medium.com,,,legacy,"Vote Explanation For The Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act (H.R.158) 12/09/2015 Yesterday I voted for the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act (H.R. 158). This bipartisan legislation is a smart way to help protect Americans from terrorism by strengthening security weaknesses in our Visa Waiver Program. At present the program allows passport holders from 38 countries around the world to travel to the United States for up to 90 days, without a visa. These countries are mainly in Europe and include our closest allies, including the United Kingdom, Italy, and France. It has been positive for our economy, especially in the tourism industrycreating $190 billion in economic output and supporting a million jobs here at home. For all its economic benefits, there are security problems we must fix. For example, some of these 38 countries are not sharing counterterrorism information as fast as wed like. Also, most of the travelers from these countries are not thoroughly screened through INTERPOL (an international policing organization that helps track criminals and terrorists around the world). Even more concerning, there are an estimated 5,000 Europeans from Visa Waiver Program countries that have gone to fight in Syria and Iraq. This legislation helps fix these problems by: - Requiring foreigners traveling to America to have a fraud resistant E-Passport. These passports are tougher to fake, and will make it harder for terrorists to enter the United States; - Denying Visa Waiver Program status to travelers who have gone to places like Syria, Iraq and other nations that attract terrorism and terrorist groups. They would have to go through a much more rigorous process at one of our consulates to apply for a standard visa; - Denying Visa Waiver Program status to travelers with dual nationality in said countries; - Ends the Visa Waiver Program for countries that dont screen travelers with the INTERPOL and terrorism databases; and - Ending the Visa Waiver Program with countries that dont share counterterrorism information with us. This bill passed the House by a large majority.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/castro-statement-on-passage-of-enhanced-security-measures-for-the-visa,CASTRO STATEMENT ON PASSAGE OF ENHANCED SECURITY MEASURES FOR THE VISA WAIVER PROGRAM,2015-12-08,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,TX,Joaquín Castro,C001091,castro.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. -Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), a member of the House Foreign Affairs and Armed Services Committees, released the following statement after voting in favor of H.R. 158, the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act:
""To fulfill its responsibility to keep the American people safe, Congress must diligently update our nation's polices that affect security here at home. As the tragic San Bernardino attack demonstrated, increased vigilance is needed to protect U.S. communities. Today I joined my colleagues in the House to pass legislation that addresses potential vulnerabilities in our current Visa Waiver Program and helps prevent individuals who pose a threat to our safety from entering our borders. By strengthening our passport requirements and increasing information sharing with other Visa Waiver Program countries, we're making it more difficult for would-be terrorists to gain entry to the United States. This legislation is an important component of our nation's effort to combat terrorism and protect Americans.""
H.R. 158 passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 407 to 19.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://ebjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-eddie-bernice-johnson-hosts-a-panel-conversation-on-the,Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson Hosts a Panel Conversation on the Syrian Refugee Crisis as the Fifteenth Installment of A World of Women for World Peace,2015-12-08,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,TX,Eddie Johnson,J000126,ebjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Johnson speaks to the attendees of the conference 

Washington, DC - (Tuesday, December 8, 2015) - Today, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson hosted A World of Women for World Peace for the fifteenth time in her congressional career. This years event included an expert panel on the Syrian Refugee Crisis and took place in the Rayburn Gold Room of the Rayburn House Office Building.
During the conference, Congresswoman Johnson said, Todays conference, focusing on the Syrian Refugee Crisis, will allow us to build upon the past success of the A World of Women for World Peace initiative and help shape the dialogue as we welcome Syrian refugees into our communities. Though todays discussion centers on the international communitys response, we must also think of what we can do domestically and locally. I am fully committed to welcoming Syrians into the Dallas community in any way I can. I sincerely hope that my colleagues will join me in tempering the hateful rhetoric and providing the necessary services for those displaced by war and conflict. Thank you to our expert panelists for providing such vital information to us today.
The expert panel consisted of: Manal Omar, the Acting Vice President for the Middle East and Africa at the United States Institute of Peace; Mona Yacoubian, Deputy Assistant Administrator for the Middle East at the United States Agency for International Development; Chiara Cardoletti-Carroll, Deputy Regional Representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees; Tim Eydelnant, Syrian Coordinator of the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration at the U.S. Department of State; and Ghada Mukdad, Founder of the Zain Foundation, Board Member of the Syrian Civil Coalition, and current Dallasite.
The expert speakers widely agreed that the Syrian Refugee Crisis is colossal in scopethe biggest humanitarian crisis since World War II and the most expensive aid and resettlement process in the modern era. This panel addressed the nature of this crisis, including the plight of child refugees who lack access to education; the suffering of women who are forced into unwanted marriages or into practicing survival sex; the need for development in and respect for countries that host refugees; the need for a more uniformed response across Europe, as well as the complicated and escalating violence in Syria that causes these refugees to leave. Across the board, the panelists agreed that the international community, as a whole, needs to act swiftly and decisively to help these victims.
Congresswoman Johnson began the A World of Woman for World Peace initiative in 2001 to recognize and empower women to facilitate peace-building, peacemaking, and peace-keeping activities across the world. Today's conference helps us to re-emphasize the necessity of peace and diplomacy across the globe.


View pictures from the conference here: https://goo.gl/RXM223
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://veasey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/veasey-demands-a-vote-on-sensible-gun-legislation,Veasey Demands a Vote on Sensible Gun Legislation,2015-12-08,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,TX,Marc Veasey,V000131,veasey.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  Congressman Marc Veasey, TX-33, released the following statement after joining House Democrats discharge petition to force a vote on the Denying Firearms and Explosives to Dangerous Terrorists Act:
House Republicans voted three times last week to block the House from debating H.R. 1076, Republican Congressman Peter Kings 'Denying Firearms and Explosives to Dangerous Terrorists' Act. Today, I joined my House Democratic colleagues in support of a discharge petition to force a vote on commonsense and bipartisan legislation that will keep guns out of the hands of terrorists. This disgraceful loophole currently allows a suspected terrorist on the FBIs Terrorist Watchlist to enter a store and leave with a dangerous weapon. If an individual is too dangerous to fly, then they are also too dangerous to own a gun.
According to a report by the Government Accountability Office, since 2004, more than 2,000 suspects on the FBIs Terrorist Watchlist have successfully purchased weapons in the United States. More than 90 percent of all suspected terrorists who attempted to purchase guns in the last 11 years walked away with the weapon of their choice, with just 190 rejected because of their dangerous histories.
On Sunday evening, President Obama addressed the nation and asked Congress to support his mission to keep the American people safe. In the wake of the latest mass shooting in San Bernardino, I stand with President Obama in supporting sensible gun legislation. Too many American families have lost loved ones to gun violence and we should honor those lost by taking action to prevent future tragedies. It is time we enact reasonable legislation that keeps weapons out of the hands of dangerous criminals and review how easy it is for people to buy powerful assault weapons.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://doggett.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/san-antonio-express-news-rep-doggett-tracks-why-drug-costs-are-soaring,San Antonio Express-News: Rep. Doggett Tracks Why Drug Costs are Soaring,2015-12-07,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,TX,Lloyd Doggett,D000399,doggett.house.gov,,,legacy,"By Bill Lambrecht, Washington Bureau

	December 6, 2015

	

	WASHINGTON  Citing Texans' complaints of soaring prescription costs, U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett is leading an effort in Congress seeking causes and remedies.

	

	Doggett, D-Austin, has formed an entity called the Prescription Drug Pricing Task Force, and one of the initial efforts is pressuring the Obama administration to use its authorities to stem an ongoing rise in the costs of pharmaceuticals.

	

	Recent cases of dramatic price increases  like the $84,000 hepatitis C treatment  are drawing attention. But Doggett and allies point to price boosts for many drugs, evidenced in a government study last week showing a 12.2 percent increase last year in prescription drug spending. That was a five-fold increase over the 2013 rate.

	

	Exorbitant drug prices are not just about one company or one outlier, not just about generics or one brand. They're about a pervasive, systemic problem that is a pocketbook issue for American families, especially for seniors on a fixed income, Doggett said.

	

	Critics point to several causes, among them a shortage of innovation and the wave of mergers and acquisitions that have reduced competition.

	

	The effects are being felt not just by consumers but in Medicare and Medicaid programs paying for many prescriptions.

	

	Leigh Purvis, director of Health Services Research at AARP's Public Policy Institute, has been studying drug pricing since 2004.

	

	This is a long-term trend that shows no signs of slowing. It's just reaching a point when people can't afford their medicines, she said in an interview.

	

	She added: There's nothing in the U.S. health care system to stop it.

	

	House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., referred to Doggett last week as a champion on this issue. She remarked on a shortcoming of the new health insurance law with regard to prescription medicine.

	

	When we passed the Affordable Care Act, the idea was that these drugs would be available to people in ACA. That doesn't seem to be the case, she said.

	

	Pelosi was speaking at a hearing arranged by Doggett's task force, an initial achievement since a handful of members started meeting quietly this fall. The new entity now includes about 10 members, all Democrats.

	

	Their group is filling a vacuum in the Republican-run House, where leaders have declined to conduct hearings or use subpoena power to investigate the pricing trend.

	

	The Senate is a different story. In a bipartisan investigation, the Senate Finance Committee released emails last week showing that executives of California-based Gilead Sciences were keenly aware of potential public outrage when they set the $84,000 cost for a 12-week treatment of Sovaldi, a potent new drug for hepatitis C.

	

	Likewise, the Senate's bipartisan Special Committee on Aging is investigating the decision by Turing Pharmaceuticals, formed recently by hedge fund manager Martin Shkreli, to raise the price of the anti-infection drug Daraprim by 5,000 percent  from $13.50 a pill to $750.

	

	The committee, which is holding its first hearing this week, is looking into price spikes for several other prescriptions, among them a tuberculosis drug that shot up 2,000 percent to nearly $11,000 a bottle and a pill to prevent kidney stones that went from $1.50 to $30.

	

	Big fixes, such as allowing re-importation of cheaper drugs from approved pharmacies in Canada, have proved elusive over the years. The White House has been criticized for not making imports a bargaining chip when engineering the Affordable Care Act in 2010.

	

	With prospects for legislation remote in the near-paralyzed House, Doggett is turning his attention to pressuring the Obama administration.

	

	He said that he and other Democrats intend to focus on the National Institutes of Health, a principal funder of research into new medicines.

	

	If a drug is developed out of NIH research, I think taxpayers have a stake in what kind of prices are being charged for it, he said.

	

	Doggett said he also will be looking at Affordable Care Act programs for potential relief while pressing the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, part of Health and Human Services, for more transparency related to negotiated drug prices.

	

	We need to use every part of the federal government we can to address this crisis, he said.

	

	Dr. Jeremy Greene of Johns Hopkins University, a physician and drug historian, said efforts like Doggett's can bring attention to the problem.

	

	But in order for Congress to make effective progress, it requires bipartisan action, Greene said in an interview. The complexities of the off-patent drug marketplace that distort this market cannot be understood without the ability to shine a bright light on pricing and distribution practices. And that really requires subpoena power.

	

	He added: The frequency and the severity of shortages and prices of off-patent drugs have been increasing dramatically over the last few years. If nothing changes, why wouldn't we see more and more companies deploying these tactics?

	

	Meanwhile, prescription costs are a growing burden, especially for people with serious illnesses.

	

	Heather Block, who is dealing with stage 4 breast cancer, returned to the East Coast recently from Austin, where she underwent lengthy treatment.

	

	For injections of Faslodex, used to combat metastatic breast cancer, she was billed between $5,000 and $6,000 a month. Elsewhere, she's seen costs as high as $9,800 for the same dosage of the same drug.

	

	Hopefully I'll live awhile, she said in an interview. I'm never going to beat it. But the longer I live, the more expensive it is. That's the Catch-22, and it's a scary Catch-22.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399320,Congressional Advisory,2015-12-05,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressional AdvisoryRenters with Storm Damage May Apply for Disaster Assistance Renters displaced from their homes or apartments by the October storms may be eligible for federal disaster assistance, which may include grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). FEMA grants for eligible renters may include funds to cover the cost of renting another place to live. Renters may also be eligible for Other Needs Assistance (ONA). ONA grants help survivors with uninsured or underinsured expenses and serious needs caused by the disaster, including:  Child care  
 Heating fuels  
 Moving and storage expenses   
 Disaster-related funeral and burial expenses  
 Disaster-related dental and medical expenses, such as wheelchairs, canes and prescriptions  
 Repair or replacement of personal property lost or damaged in the storm, including furniture and appliances, as well as job-related tools and equipment required by the self-employed  
 Primary vehicles, approved second vehicles and modified vehicles damaged by the disaster SBA offers low-interest disaster loans to help renters repair or replace disaster-damaged personal property, including automobiles. Survivors may be eligible to borrow up to $40,000, depending on their losses. Texans in the following counties may register for disaster assistance for damage or losses sustained during the period Oct. 22 to Oct. 31: Bastrop, Brazoria, Caldwell, Comal, Galveston, Guadalupe, Hardin, Harris, Hays, Hidalgo, Liberty, Navarro, Travis, Willacy and Wilson. Survivors can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by phone (voice, 711 or relay service) at 800-621-3362. TTY users should call 800-462-7585. The toll-free lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. All FEMA disaster assistance will be provided without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment), religion, national origin, age, disability, limited English proficiency, economic status, or retaliation. If you believe your civil rights are being violated, call 800-621-3362 or 800-462-7585(TTY/TDD).
FEMAs mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. 
The SBA is the federal governments primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover losses not fully compensatedby insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For more information, applicants may contact SBAs Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBAs website at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.
Visit www.fema.gov/texas-disaster-mitigation for publications and reference material on rebuilding and repairing safer and stronger.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/castro-statement-on-department-of-defense-decision-to-open-all-combat,CASTRO STATEMENT ON DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE DECISION TO OPEN ALL COMBAT JOBS TO WOMEN,2015-12-03,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,TX,Joaquín Castro,C001091,castro.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement after Secretary of Defense Ash Carter announced that the Department of Defense would allow women to serve in all combat positions:  
	  
	""The removal of these outdated restrictions will broaden the pool of talent available to the Department of Defense and strengthen our Armed Forces. The Pentagon's decision comes after nearly five years of extensive review. Permitting women to serve in all combat jobs allows the military to fill each position with the most qualified person possible, regardless of gender. From the service academies to the battlefield, American women have proven their grit, their skills, and their patriotism. As a representative of Military City USA, I welcome this change, and am proud that our great nation will now allow qualified women to bravely serve their country in these roles.""
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/castro-statement-on-passage-of-long-term-transportation-infrastructure,CASTRO STATEMENT ON PASSAGE OF LONG-TERM TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING,2015-12-03,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,TX,Joaquín Castro,C001091,castro.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) released the following statement after voting in favor of H.R. 22, the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, which guarantees federal transportation infrastructure funding for the next five years:
""Today, after years of inadequate, short-term measures, the House finally passed multi-year transportation infrastructure funding legislation. Thousands of construction projects can now proceed with certainty that federal funding will not dry up in the next five years, and hundreds of thousands of workers can rest easier knowing their jobs are no longer on the chopping block. 
""A strong, safe transportation infrastructure is vital for our entire nation, but it's particularly important for Texas, one of the fastest growing states in the country. Our roads and bridges need to have the capacity and structural soundness to support our increasing population and expanding economy. If Texas, and San Antonio in particular, hope to continue attracting booming businesses and the best and brightest talent the United States has to offer, our infrastructure must be up to the job. We can't let deficient bridges and crumbling roads stymie our state's success. The measure passed in the House today equips Texas with $18 billion in federal highway funding to ensure motorists' safety and support upticks in economic activity for the next five years.
""An added benefit of this bill is its four-year reauthorization of the Export-Import (Ex-Im) Bank, an agency that helps more than 1,600 Texas exporters compete with businesses overseas. More than 135,000 Texas workers can breathe a sigh of relief that their employers will continue to receive the vital financing assistance the Ex-Im Bank provides. 
""The FAST act is a smart, much-needed investment in America's future prosperity. I look forward to working on additional long-term solutions to strengthen and grow our nation's infrastructure and economy.""
H.R. 22 passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 359 to 65.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399269,"Rep. Cuellar Helps Establish Freight Corridors, Border Infrastructure through Highway Funding Bill",2015-12-03,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, the House agreed to the Fixing Americas Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, H.R. 22, the bill that offers a five-year $305 billion reauthorization of federal-aid highway and transit programs. The House voted 359-65 to accept the legislation, paving the way for Senate passage and sending the bill to the Presidents desk. The legislation will allocate an average of $3.67 billion per year for the next five years for Texas transportation projects.

Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28) has consistently advocated to secure transportation and infrastructure dollars for Texas 28th Congressional District and the Texas border region and was successful in including language that would make the important change of including stretches of road from border ports of entry in the national Primary Freight Network.

The current Primary Freight Network misses key portions of our nations interstate system with its cap of 27,000 miles, Congressman Cuellar said. However, this bill will increase the cap to 41,518 miles and absorb key stretches of road from border ports of entry, including Interstate Highway 35 from Laredo to San Antonio.

In addition, Congressman Cuellar, along with Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) and Congressman Will Hurd (R-TX-23), successfully advocated for language that would provide border states with the flexibility to reserve certain federal highway funds for qualified border infrastructure projects. 

The border region has hundreds of billions of dollars in trade flowing in and out. Tens of thousands of trucks cross the border between Texas and Mexico every day.This puts a tremendous strain on our border transportation infrastructure. Under this bill, a border state will be able to set aside up to 5 percent of statewide surface transportation funds for transportation infrastructure projects along our nations borders.This is important as it will allow our border communities more certainty in planning vital infrastructure project.

Congressman Cuellar also worked with Congressman Blake Farenthold (R-TX-27) in designating as a National Highway System High-Priority Corridor Texas State Highway 44 from U.S. Route 59 at Freer, Texas, in the 28th Congressional District, to Texas State Highway 358 in Corpus Christi. This gives Highway 44 from Freer to Corpus Christi the same designation as Route 59, I-35, and Highway 83 coming out of Laredo. This designation provides for the potential of increased federal funding and preferential treatment in applying for project grants. 

The border is a powerhouse for large-scale trade and we need more funding to keep up with infrastructure improvements and that is precisely what I have fought for in this bill, Cuellar added. I would like to thank Chairmen Inhofe and Shuster, Ranking Members Boxer and DeFazio, the members of their committees, and the members of the conference committee for their hard work.

Congressman Cuellar and Congressman McCaul (TX-10) also successfully advocated for language authorizing an intelligent freight transportation system that will connect land ports of entry with current federal-aid highways. 
There is a need to balance security with commerce at the U.S.-Mexico border, and the nation needs improved transportation infrastructure connecting ports of entry to the federal highway system, Congressman Cuellar said. An intelligent freight transportation system will help overcome congestion while enhancing throughput.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399272,"Congressman Cuellar, Texas Members Announce Passage of Border Infrastructure Funding in Long-Term Highway Bill",2015-12-03,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28), Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), Congressman Will Hurd (R-TX-23), Congressman Beto ORourke (D-TX-16) and Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX-10) praised the passage by the U.S. House and Senate of the Fixing Americas Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, a five-year federal highway bill including language to give states more flexibility to invest in border infrastructure. The legislation generates an average of $3.67 billion per year for the next five years for Texas transportation projects.
Introduced in the House by Cuellar, Hurd and McCaul earlier this year as stand-alone bill H.R. 3181,this language will create a Coordinated Border Infrastructure (CBI) Reserve Fund, giving border states more flexibility in how they use federal transportation funds. States like Texas can reserve up to 5 percent of statewide Surface Transportation Funds for qualified border infrastructure purposes, providing funding certainty and allowingstakeholders and border communities to advocate for border infrastructure.
The CBI Fund will undoubtedly benefit border communities across my district and the country by dedicating more money to ports of entry, Congressman Cuellar said. My hometown of Laredo is host to the nations largest inland port, which services over 14,000 daily commercial truck crossings and 1,500 daily rail crossings. The large volumes of traffic passing over the border across South Texas place a tremendous strain on our border transportation infrastructure making it imperative that the infrastructure around our nations ports and trade centers remain in peak condition to ensure our economy keeps moving forward. I would like to thank my colleagues who supported this provision and worked to get it included in the bill.

As the top exporting state in the nation, Texas already transports more than $100 billion in goods to Mexico each year, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs, said Sen. Cornyn. Giving states like ours more flexibility to invest in infrastructure along the border has the potential to facilitate more international trade, boosting jobs and economic growth.

International trade and commerce is not just important for many of the towns in the 23rd Congressional District of Texas  its a vital part of the economy, said Hurd, who has more than 820 miles of international border in his district and was a member of the conference committee for the highway bill. Providingstates theflexibilityto invest in the infrastructure that makes this type of commerce possible not only benefits the families who live along the border, but ultimately boosts trade for the entire state of Texas and the nation.

Wait times at five of the busiest ports of entry along our southern border result in an economic loss of $166 million per minute, added Congressman ORourke.  The passage of this bipartisan bill means states like Texas can direct funds to repair and upgrade infrastructure at our ports of entry, resulting in reduced wait times and increased economic and job growth for communities like El Paso."" 

Our homeland security deserves our utmost attention, and that starts at our border, said McCaul, Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security. By ensuring Texas has the flexibility to invest these funds in border infrastructure, our nation will be safer while paving the way to better American access to global economic opportunities. The inclusion of this provision will also support critical jobs in my district, which exported $11.5 billion worth of goods and services in 2013. By providing this certainty in funding for infrastructure improvements, we will be able to address the problems currently being encountered at the border.""
The provision is receiving support from stakeholders on the border, who understand the importance of having secure and stable routes across the border.
Todays passage of a long-term transportation bill proves that Congress can still accomplish big things and in a bipartisan way, said Jesse Hereford, chairman of the Border Trade Alliance. This legislation is critically important for our countrys border regions, which are struggling to ensure that their infrastructure keeps pace with todays trade volumes. The Border Trade Alliance thanks Sen. Cornyn and Rep. Cuellar, Rep. Hurd, Rep. McCaul and Rep. ORourke for working together to give border states like Texas the flexibility to direct transportation funding to the border region to help alleviate bottlenecks and congestion and promote the safe and efficient movement of freight.
""Safe and efficient cross border trade is central for the economic growth of border communities such as El Paso. We see every day how much people and companies rely on our transportation infrastructure to transport goods and travel for work, said Rolando Pablos, chief executive officer of the Borderplex Alliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving economic prosperity in the El Paso, Ciudad Juarez and Southern New Mexico region. We know current border crossings are not optimal and result in long wait times and the delayed movement of goods for businesses. We applaud Congress for including funding for the coordinated border infrastructure program in the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, which will allow for improvements to our border transportation infrastructure and bolster economic activity and opportunities in this region.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://veasey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/veasey-applauds-long-term-transportation-bill-export-import-bank,Veasey Applauds Long-Term Transportation Bill & Export-Import Bank Reauthorization,2015-12-03,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,TX,Marc Veasey,V000131,veasey.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  Congressman Marc Veasey, TX-33, released the following statement in favor of the Conference Report on H.R. 22, Fixing Americas Surface Transportation Act, and the long-term reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank:
Today, the House passed a bipartisan, long-term transportation bill that responsibly funds our nations infrastructure for years to come. Despite Republican obstruction and a series of temporary extensions, todays bill reflects an improvement over the initial House-passed measure. Along with boosting our economy by creating jobs and facilitating the reliable transportation of goods, the five-year agreement will improve our countrys crumbling roads and bridges, fund our transit systems, and expand its rail transportation network.
For the DFW Metroplex, the long-term funding will ensure that the Texas Department of Transportation can continue to work on projects like the Horseshoe Project near downtown Dallas and Tex Rail. Additionally, it will ensure residents can continue to utilize dependable public transit services like the Fort Worth T and Dallas Area Rapid Transit, which serve thousands in North Texas.
Im proud that the final conference report included my amendment that will allow demand transit providers that offer service exclusively to elderly and disabled populations, like Handitran in Arlington, to use Section 5307 Urbanized Area Transit Formula funds for operating costs. Seniors and disabled persons nationwide can continue to access reliable transportation services that connect them with the resources they need to live independent lives.
The conference report also included a measure to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank for four years. For eight decades, the Ex-Im bank has helped level the playing field for American workers and businesses. Todays vote will ensure that Texas exporters have access to the resources they need to remain competitive in the global economy. 
This past week proves that bipartisanship is possible and I hope this spirit of cooperation continues as we work on next weeks passage of the omnibus bill. I look forward to working with my colleagues across the aisle on behalf of the American people.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://medium.com/@RepBetoORourke/vote-explanation-for-intelligence-authorization-act-for-fy-2016-38a47cec8ef1?source=rss-964ef69221bc------2,Vote Explanation for Intelligence Authorization Act for FY 2016,2015-12-03,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,TX,Beto O'Rourke,O000170,medium.com,,,legacy,"Vote Explanation for Intelligence Authorization Act for FY2016 12/3/2015 A billion here, a billion there, before you know it Espionage by its nature is a clandestine business, but secrecy of mission and accountability of agency are not mutually exclusive. Our nations counter terrorism policies should be smart, effective and constitutionalTuesday I voted against the Intelligence Authorization Act for FY 2016. This bill funds our spy agencies to the tune of $71.8 billion with little oversight or benchmarks as to how to measure the effectiveness and success of our money spent and missions conducted in our name around the world. In addition, this legislation has several classified provisions relating to Syria, the use of drones and other practices by our spy agencies which I was briefed on and I could not support. One unclassified provision prevents the closure of Guantanamo Bay Prison Camp, which is counter productive towards our counter terrorism goals. This bill passed the House by a vote of 36458 and now goes to the Senate.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://medium.com/@RepBetoORourke/vote-explanation-for-s-j-res-23-and-s-j-res-24-fdeeeaff7e34?source=rss-964ef69221bc------2,Vote Explanation for S.J. Res. 23 and S.J. Res. 24.,2015-12-03,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,TX,Beto O'Rourke,O000170,medium.com,,,legacy,"Vote Explanation for S.J. Res. 23 and S.J. Res.24. 12/3/2015 Tuesday the House of Representatives voted on two environmental bills, S.J. Res. 23 and S.J. Res. 24. These bills roll back protections in the Clean Air Act (which since 1970 has reduced air pollution by more than 70%) and stop reductions in carbon pollution from new and existing power plants. In other words, a vote for this bill means a vote for more arsenic, lead, mercury and greenhouse gassesjeopardizing public safety and health. Supporters of the bill say regulations like the Clean Air Act are hurting the economy and jobs. I believe that its a false choice. You can have both a healthy environment and a healthy economy. Since the introduction of the Clean Air Act, Americas economy has tripled in size. I voted against this legislation. The bill passed the House, and the President indicated that he would veto the legislation.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://medium.com/@RepBetoORourke/vote-explanation-for-the-every-student-succeeds-act-essa-s-1177-36b723d08f6b?source=rss-964ef69221bc------2,Vote Explanation for the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) (S.1177),2015-12-03,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,TX,Beto O'Rourke,O000170,medium.com,,,legacy,"Vote Explanation for the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)(S.1177) 12/3/2015 Although well intentioned, No Child Left Behind (NCLB) doesnt work for our students or teachers. While we need accountability at all levels of education, NCLB fails to provide the resources and flexibility our schools need to thrive. The laws focus on test scores and punitive measures for schools that do not improve test scores is short-sighted and counter-productive. We do not need students who do well on standardized tests, we need students who can think creatively and solve problems. We need a more holistic approach. That is why yesterday I voted for the bipartisan conference report for the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) (S.1177). This legislation is the result of a compromise between the House and Senate and, while not perfect, it is the best way forward to reform NCLB in a realistic and bipartisan manner, and has wide ranging support from groups including the American Federation of Teachers, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, National Council of La Raza, the Business Roundtable and the National School Boards Association, among others. This legislation will: - Help states improve poor performing schools by transferring the responsibility from the federal government to states on how to identify and improve bad schools. This allows states the flexibility to find evidence-based solutions rather than take the current one size fits all model, while still keeping high federal standards; - Promote high-quality choices for parents by improving and investing in new charter school models and an magnet school programs; - Improve teacher quality by giving money to states and school districts who create evidence-based professional development programs for teachers; - Adjust the Title II funding formula to ensure that states with more students living in poverty get funding that reflects that; and - Maintain and strengthen programs like after school programming, STEM Education, Arts Education, and Preschool Development Grants. The conference report for the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) (S.1177) passed the House by a vote of 35964.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://medium.com/@RepBetoORourke/vote-explanation-for-the-north-american-energy-security-and-infrastructure-act-of-2015-h-r-8-9097f61b24aa?source=rss-964ef69221bc------2,Vote Explanation for the North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act of 2015 (H.R. 8),2015-12-03,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,TX,Beto O'Rourke,O000170,medium.com,,,legacy,"Vote Explanation for the North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act of 2015 (H.R.8) 12/2/2015 According to former Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, We should worry about Climate Change like we worry about ISIS. And so it is, only a few weeks after the devastating terror attacks in Paris, the City of Lights convened world leaders to meet about one of the worlds most intractable problems, Climate Change. At the same time, my colleagues and I here in Washington voted on a salient piece of environmental legislation that has important national security, and economic implications for El Paso and the nation. I voted against the North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act of 2015 (H.R. 8). because it is a flawed bill that will make Climate Change worse, rather than help shape a clean energy future. This bill: - Undermines existing environmental laws that protect the public, the environment and promote energy efficiency; - Gives subsidies to the coal industry, rather than clean energy alternatives like wind and solar, (two areas where El Paso can be a lead nationally); - Imposes an arbitrary and risky timeline of 90 days for gas pipeline permits, regardless of how complex the application or proposed project; - Eliminates Congressional Review of siting pipelines in National Parks; - Repeals energy efficiency performance standards in federal buildings; and - Creates a net increase in consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. We need to make smart investments in clean energy and efficiency that will improve our environment, our economy, and national security. This bill fails to on a critical issue for our country and planet. This bill passed the House, and the President has indicated he would veto the bill.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/castro-statement-on-passage-of-every-student-succeeds-act,CASTRO STATEMENT ON PASSAGE OF EVERY STUDENT SUCCEEDS ACT,2015-12-02,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,TX,Joaquín Castro,C001091,castro.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) released the following statement after voting in favor of the conference agreement on S. 1177, the Every Student Succeeds Act:
""The reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act is long overdue. This law's intent is to improve our national education system and assist our country's most vulnerable students. I'm glad that today the House voted to increase support for low-income students, for early education programs, and for students from military families. Im also glad that my amendment to improve the college-readiness of homeless youth was included in the final legislation. The bill also expands funding available for pre-kindergarten education, which I've sought to do by introducing the Pre-K for USA Act.
""Still, I am deeply concerned about the dramatic reductions in oversight. In Texas, state leaders have a dismal record when it comes to K-12 education. They have terribly bungled education in our state, and today's legislation vastly increases their authority to set school standards and allocate education funding. Already, Texas ranks near the bottom in education, and I worry that our students' learning could further suffer if state officials shift funds away from our schools, teachers, and students as they have in the past.
""Despite my concerns about this legislation, I supported its passage because of the much-needed assistance it provides to some of America's most vulnerable students. It is my hope that the State of Texas does right by our schools and children with this new education law.""
The conference agreement on S. 1177 passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 359 to 64.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399266,Congressman Cuellar Expresses Support for Every Student Succeeds Act,2015-12-02,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, the House voted 359-64 to adopt the conference report on the Every Student Succeeds Act. This bill reauthorizes the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, the primary source of federal aid to K-12 education,and the conference report, or compromise, between the House and the Senate represents a key step forward for our nations schoolchildren by replacing No Child Left Behind Act policies which have hampered the growth of our students. Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28) issued the following response: 
I am pleased that the House took this necessary bipartisan action to improve the experience of our nations schoolchildren, Congressman Cuellar said. As the son of parents who understood the value of a good education, I pay special attention to the opportunities our schools can create and have fought to improve the educational experience for children in my district and across the country. The conference report adopted today upholds key school accountability provisions while lessening our reliance on standardized tests under the No Child Left Behind Act, which have been shown to be incomplete measures of student success. By eliminating what is known as Adequate Yearly Progress, the compromise instead replaces it with an accountability system that would allow individual states to best identify the needs of struggling schools. 
Importantly, the compromise also includes provisions to help states improve low-performing schools, increase teacher quality and help direct additional funds to low-income and ESL students, support successful charter school programs and increase access to critical academic and extracurricular programs such as afterschool care and increased access to STEM education and arts education.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://veasey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/veasey-statement-on-every-student-succeeds-act,Veasey Statement on Every Student Succeeds Act,2015-12-02,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,TX,Marc Veasey,V000131,veasey.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  Congressman Marc Veasey, TX-33, released the following statement after voting in favor of S. 1177, Every Student Succeeds Act: 
Todays landmark legislation is a major step forward in providing a quality education to every student no matter their background. While the agreement is not perfect, I am confident that schools across the DFW Metroplex will benefit from the flexibility provided to local school districts and the increased funds to identify and address the needs of vulnerable students.""
Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) represents a strong bipartisan compromise that ensures that all students have access to a quality education and that teachers have the resources they need to support all students. It also makes strong investments to improve and expand access to preschool for our youngest learners. This major overhaul of the K-12 education system is meant to correct the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) measures that hurt students, teachers, parents, and minority communities across the country. By replacing those provisions with a statewide accountability system and increasing flexible funds to serve at-risk students, school districts will be able to determine how to allocate their resources to close achievement gaps and intervene to meet their students needs. Along with providing additional resources for at-risk populations like English language learners, ESSA maintains and strengthens critical programs to support important priorities for students in the DFW Metroplex including afterschool programming, science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education, expanded pre-school access, and improving teacher quality.
Every Student Succeeds maintains the federal governments commitment to quality education for all, while giving educators the flexibility they need to address their students unique needs. Access to a quality education is one of the most powerful tools we can offer low-income communities to move into the middle class. We are another step closer to ensuring that the American Dream remains an attainable goal for students regardless of where they live.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/castro-announces-365k-to-support-utsa-mental-health-research,CASTRO ANNOUNCES $365K TO SUPPORT UTSA MENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH,2015-12-01,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,TX,Joaquín Castro,C001091,castro.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. -Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) today announced $365,150 in federal grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to support University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) mental health research. UTSA will receive the funding through the NIH National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Mental Health Research Grants program, which supports research in the understanding of mental illnesses using basic and clinical research. Dr. Carlos Antonio Paladini in UTSA's Department of Biology will lead the research the award funds.  
	  
	""The neuroscience and mental health research being done at UTSA is potentially life-changing for the nearly one in five U.S. adults who experience mental illness in a given year,"" said Rep. Castro. ""Improving our fundamental understanding of these conditions will help us develop treatments that provide affected folks with relief. This funding from NIH and the research it supports right here in San Antonio will allow us to make progress in better addressing mental illnesses that touch so many lives in our nation.""
Each year, an estimated 43.8 million, or 18.5 percent of, American adults experience mental illness.
Specifically, the NIMH grant will support UTSA's research using electrophysiology, cellular imaging, and other techniques to study dopamine neuron activity. Dopamine neurons are associated with reinforcement learning as well as a number of psychiatric diseases and drug addiction. Understanding the fundamental processes of these neurons will clarify their role in reward behavior as well as the pathological states that may arise when these cells are not functioning properly.  
	  
	In FY 2014, NIH received 51,073 competing grant applications, and of those applications, only 9,241 received NIH funding awards. NIMH is the lead federal agency for research on mental disorders and is one of the 27 Institutes and Centers that make up the National Institutes of Health, the nation's medical research agency. 
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://ebjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-eddie-bernice-johnson-celebrates-the-60th-anniversary-of,Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson Celebrates the 60th Anniversary of Rosa Parks Heroic Act,2015-12-01,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,TX,Eddie Johnson,J000126,ebjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC - (Tuesday, December 1, 2015) -  Today, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson released the following statement recognizing the 60th anniversary of Rosa Parks refusal to give up her seat, a move that sparked the Montgomery bus boycott.
Sixty years ago today, Rosa Parks was arrested for refusing to give up her seat to a white passenger on a public bus in Montgomery, Alabama. This single act unwittingly helped build the foundation for a nationwide movement to end the discriminatory policies of segregation. Since her heroic act, this country has come a long way in improving race relations and working towards granting all Americans equal rights and justice under the law. Rosa Parks powerful example has provided a transformative blueprint for civil rights movements around the world.
Congresswoman Johnson commemorated this anniversary by serving as the keynote speaker at Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) ceremony that installed two honorary plaques at DARTs Rosa Parks Plaza in Downtown Dallas. As part of the celebration, the front seat of more than 500 DART buses will be reserved today, in honor of the 60th anniversary. A sign will be displayed to remind all passengers of Rosa Parks decision to take a stand by taking a seat.


###

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/press-releases/veasey-addresses-syrian-refugee-crisis,Veasey Addresses Syrian Refugee Crisis,2015-12-01,2015,2015-12,Democrat,House,TX,Marc Veasey,V000131,veasey.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33), addressed his House colleagues to share his constituents thoughts and concerns regarding the American SAFE Act. Veasey is committed to supporting Syrian refugees and refugee resettlement while balancing the nations evolving national security needs.
Watch Congressman Veaseys full speech here.
Veaseys remarks, as prepared for delivery, are shared below:
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to respectfully share with my colleagues some of the thoughts concerns shared by those I represent in the 33rd Congressional District.
These are heartfelt views expressed since we last met as a legislative body and passage of the American SAFE Act.
A passionate public discussion is underway about the role the United States should play during one of the greatest humanitarian crises of our time. 
Ive received calls, handwritten letters, emails, tweets and Facebook messages from my fellow Texans back home. 
Many have expressed what they believe updated and enhanced security clearances for Syrian and Iraqi refugees really means for Americas legacy as a nation that cherishes freedom and opportunity.
They have expressed their disappointment  sometimes anger  that we may be allowing concerns for national security trump our nations history of standing for liberty and justice. 
I will take a moment to share their thoughts to ensure that my colleagues also consider their views when making any future decisions about the Syrian refugee crisis. 
An Irving resident stated, voting for a pause in accepting refugees from Iraq and Syria may not slow down the trickle that arrive here, but it is hugely symbolic vote. 
While another Oak Cliff resident felt that The SAFE Act only makes it harder for good people to flee from danger, and being used by ISIL. . . . and his hope that, the Obama Administration is able to provide what Congress needs to do its job, and that good members reconsider the SAFE Act, and dont vote to override the Presidents impending veto.
Other constituents like one of my Arlington residents directly stated, This bill was wrong.
Let me be clear, I did not view the Safe Act as a vote against Syrian or Iraqi refugees or the greater refugee community. 
But the constituents I represent have sent me a strong message that any action that does not effectively balance national security with our national values is off course.
We must remember that the Statue of Liberty is more than just a symbol of freedom. 
It is a symbol that America is committed to welcoming to those who seek and need refuge. 
Many of my Democratic colleagues have joined me in supporting legislation that echoes this sentiment.
Weve sent letters to the Administration and agencies supporting refugees in the past year. 
I have co-signed a letter to President Obama urging him to convene international negotiations to stop the Syrian Civil War. 
I co-sponsored the Protecting Religious Minorities Persecuted by ISIS Act of 2015.
This legislation directs the Secretary of State to establish or use existing refugee processing mechanisms to allow those with a credible fear of persecution by ISIL for gender, religious, or ethnicmembership to apply directly for priority 2 refugee admission to the United States.
But we can do more as a Congress to support the goals of refugee resettlement and keep the American people safe at the same time. 
If we vote to update the refugee resettlement program  we must also allocate the appropriate funds to ensure that the men, women, and children fleeing violence do not get caught in unnecessary bureaucracy. 
As a Congress, we can give legislative teeth to security enhancements to the Visa Waiver program implemented by the Department of Homeland Security earlier this year. 
We can fully fund the Presidents budget request for aviation security. 
And we can support and expedite our efforts to expand the preclearance capability of foreign airports around the world. 
Doing so would provide us with a greater ability to prevent those who should not be flying here from doing so.
I am committed to keeping Americans safe, but I know that doing so is not inconsistent with providing refuge to some of the worlds most vulnerable people. 
To turn our backs on refugees would be to betray our values. 
The United States is a welcoming country that knows that diversity equals strength.
Our resettlement program must continue to reflect this. 
Any legislation that challenges this legacy should be rejected. 
I will continue to keep my constituents thoughts and concerns at the forefront of my decision making and I thank them for reaching out to me over the last week. 
I urge my colleagues across the aisle to do the same. 
I yield back the remainder of my time.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399261,POLITICO: Paris talks kick off,2015-11-30,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"ByERIC WOLFF
11/30/15 10:00 AM EST
With help from Darren Goode, Kalina Oroschakoff, and Alex Guilln
ARE YOU READY FORDECEMBERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR?The Paris Climate talks start in earnest today, and Congress has a stack of energy business, from disapproving of the EPA resolutions to fighting over EPA riders in a spending bill and on to a major energy and infrastructure bill. It's going to be a no-sleep-for-the-wicked kind of run up to the holidays, so let's get to it!
Story Continued Below
NOUS SOMMES ARRIVS  PARIS: World leaders are in Parisgetting down to business today, amid high security and a mood of cautious optimism. President Barack Obama, for whom Paris will be a majortest, has a full day, which started with Chinese President Xi Jinping and includes an individual meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to his official schedule. In addition to face time with leaders from the largest non-U.S. carbon emitters, Obama was scheduled to meet with French President Francois Hollande and participate in the opening of COP21.
20 countries to double clean energy R&D budget: Obama launches the conference today with an announcement, along with 19 other world leaders, of a commitment to double spending on clean energy research and development over five years. Participants include Brazil, China, France, Germany, India and Saudi Arabia, among others. For the U.S., that would mean ramping up low-carbon research to $10 billion, as Pro's Andrew Restucciareports.
Bill Gates brings billions in private sector money to the table:""A separate coalition of 28 private investors will launch on Monday ... [T]he Breakthrough Energy Coalition ... is spearheaded byBill Gates. Investors in the coalition include Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, Facebook Founder Mark Zuckerberg and billionaire environmentalist Tom Steyer.""
Report: U.S. circulating Paris goals:The U.S. wants to eliminate the distinction between developing and developed countries in climate talks, according a negotiating document it has distributed to a few countries, the Business Standard of Indiareportedyesterday. The ""non-paper"" notes a few key features the U.S. would like to see in a final Paris agreement, including allowing each nation to set its own climate target. Such late changes could be explosive after nations worked out the framework for negotiations in the months preceding the talks.
No protest needed for police and protesters to clash:While officially sanctioned climate marches in Paris were canceled due to security concerns, French police detained ""scores"" of protesters yesterday and today and fired tear gas into a crowd of some 200 people who responded by throwing rocks and candles, Reutersreports. At least 174 were taken into custody, and French police invoked emergency powers gained after the recent terror attacks,according to the New York Times. Outside of Paris, some 570,000 people marched at rallies in cities around the world for the Global Climate March, according to organizers. Marchers were calling for leaders to achieve 100 percent renewable energy, eliminate poverty and protect people from worsening climate impacts.
Getting creative:As part of climate action all over the world, protest group Avaaz had displayed thousands of donated shoes in place of the marchers forbidden to walk the streets of Paris. Thousands in the city also joined to form a human chain.
Fiorina was only Sunday show guest to discuss the talks: Republican presidential candidate Carly Fiorina, interviewed on Fox News Sunday, appears to have been the only candidate on the major Sunday shows to even mention the climate talks in Paris. She called Obama delusional for listing climate change as a national security threat and encouraged him to give up on the Paris talks before they began. Asked whether it was ""worthwhile"" for Obama to attend the international summit, she said, ""all those scientists who say climate change is real and manmade, they also tell us that  it would take a concerted global effort over 30 years, costing trillions of dollars. I think the likelihood of that is near zero. So, no, I don't think it's particularly productive.""
Andrew will be in Paris starting tomorrow.Follow him on Twitter @andrewrestucciafor all the news, and bookmark (and refresh often), POLITICO Europe'slanding pagefor the climate talks.
WELCOME TO MONDAY!I'm your host Eric Wolff, and despite years of high school French, it only just hit me that translating ME into MOI totally ruins the ME/me pun. Sadness. Send your tips, quips, and comments toewolff@politico.com, or follow us on Twitter @ericwolff, @Morning_Energy, and @POLITICOPro.
RFS DAY  ETHANOL RULE EXPECTED TODAY:EPA is expected to roll out its controversial new mandates under the Renewable Fuel Standard, and you can expect anything less than the full 15 billion gallons of ethanol to poison the biofuels crowd to the rule. Due today by consent agreement with the oil and refining industries, the rule  which covers 2014-2016 after EPA fell behind in issuing the annual rule  is expected to set corn ethanol levels for next year about half a billion gallons below what Congress targeted. The oil industry says it simply cannot accommodate any more ethanol; biofuels groups say petroleum interests are only trying to protect market share. (Expect the issue to get some attention in Iowa.For a refresher, check out last weeksstoryfrom Alex Guilln and Jenny Hopkinson.)
The rollout starts by lunchtime, with at least one farm group and one biofuels group expecting a call from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack  who consults with EPA on the rule but doesnt make the final call  after noon. The biofuels crowd is also eager to react to the rule; last week, the ethanol group Growth Energy said it will hold a call half an hour after EPA releases the rule  whenever that is. And theres no good excuse for dodging angry calls for EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy, who doesnt head to Paris until next week.
MEANWHILE, BACK ON CAPITOL HILL:House lawmakers will use non-binding resolutions and energy infrastructure legislation to duel over the administrations agenda in Paris. Republicans tomorrow will bring up two Senate-passed resolutions to block the Clean Power Plan, ensuring that theyll be sent to Obama to veto shortly after he returns from Paris. Republicans also are pushing various resolutions calling for a Paris deal to be submitted to Congress for ratification, with votes on those possible as soon as this week. The Congressional Progressive Caucus today plans to counter with introduction of a nonbindingresolutionbacking policies to support a transition to near zero greenhouse gas emissions [and] 100 percent clean renewable energy, among other goals.
The House kicks off two days of debate over its energy bill Wednesday. The legislation, which most Democrats oppose, aims to bolster energy infrastructure and promote liquefied natural gas exports. Republicans are presenting it as part of their alternative vision to the one Obama will stress in Paris. Majority Leader KevinMcCarthy touted support for natural gas in aReuters columnoutlining the GOP message. To this end, Congress will promote the American energy story and reject commitments based on a misguided understanding of our climate, economic progress, and our needs for tomorrow, he wrote.
The Rules Committee meets at 5 p.m. today to set the terms for debate on the Clean Power Plan disapproval resolutions and to debate the energy bill, specifically which of the 74 amendmentsfiledto the energy bill will see a vote. It will set the terms of the debate tomorrow. It's unclear what will make the cut and issues like the RFS tend to cause internal party splits that GOP leaders try to avoid. Among the issues jockeying for attention:
The RFS:Rep. Ron DeSantis introduced a pair of amendments,oneto repeal EPAs renewable fuels standard andanotherrequiring a GAO study.
Oil Exports:Republican Rep. Joe Barton and fellow Texans, including Democrat Henry Cuellar, introduced anamendmentmirroring his bill to lift the 40-year-old export ban. And Reps. Sean Duffy and Joaquin Castro filed anarrower proposalexempting Mexico from the ban and codifying the current exemption for Canada that could provide cover for Democrats facing political pressure over allowing exports.
Cross-border permits:Texas Rep. Gene Green, one of three Democrats to vote for the broader energy bill in committee, introduced anamendmentto set a deadline on permitting decisions for energy infrastructure projects, such as oil and gas pipelines, built across the U.S. border.
Carbon emissions:California Democrat Jared Huffman offered anamendmentthat would require an analysis of the bills net effect on greenhouse gas emissions.
Rooftop solar:Floridas Kathy Castor is seeking a vote on heramendmentto remove restrictions for rooftop solar.
This item has been updated to include the names of the Texas lawmakers who co-sponsored the oil export amendment with Rep. Joe Barton.
** A message from Sunrun:100,000 American workers will lose their jobs if Congress doesnt act to extend the Solar Investment Tax Credit this year. Protect American jobs. Protect energy freedom. Extend the ITC.WeAreTeamSolar.com**
DUELING OP-EDS AT 20 PACES:Republican leaders extended their campaign to undermine the climate talks in op-eds published this weekend. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell,writingin the Washington Post, warned international negotiators in Paris should proceed with caution before entering into an unattainable deal with this administration, because commitments the president makes there would rest on a house of cards of his own making. House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy in Reuters said Obama is poised to repeat his history of weak-handed negotiations on the world stage and should be talking about natural gas development. Democratic Presidential frontrunner Hillary Clintonwrotein Time.com, ""Once again, the world looks to Paris  this time in hope.""
DEMS GAG ON SOME SPENDING BILL RIDERS:Republicans want to use a must-pass spending bill to eliminate the EPA's carbon rules and the Clean Water Rule, but Democrats may view those provisions as unacceptable, POLITICO'S Seung Min Kimreportsthis morning. A stop-gap bill to keep the government running expires Dec. 11, and Republicans, led by new Speaker Paul Ryan, plan to add a long wish-list of riders to an omnibus spending bill. But Democrats are objecting to many of the riders. ""There is concern Republicans are not going to back off of them, a senior Senate Democratic aide told Seung. Democrats are trying to be constructive, but we have said from the beginning we will not accept poison pill ideological riders and we mean that.
TAX EXTENDER DEAL STILL A WORK IN PROGRESS: Congress is inching toward a $700 billion deal to extend a wide variety of tax breaks. On the list: A five-year phase-out of the wind production tax credit, which is presently expired. But hurdles remain high on getting a deal, as Tax Pro Bernie Beckerreports.
ALSO ON THE CONGRESSIONAL DOCKET THIS WEEK:The Paris climate talks make their lone appearance on the week's hearing schedule tomorrow when the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee will discuss the ""pitfalls of unilateral negotiations."" That same day the four remaining FERC commissioners will testify before a subcommittee of House Energy and Commerce Committee. On Thursday, Energy and Commerce will hold a hearing on the nuclear waste fund, while at the same time Space, Science, and Technology will discuss legislation on nuclear energy innovation. The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee will consider the Well Control rule on Tuesday, but otherwise Senate committees do not appear to be focused on energy-related issues.
CARBON TAX IT, BB:Former Energy Secretary Stephen Chu and former Secretary of State George Schultz were among a bipartisan group of luminaries signing aletterasking climate negotiators in Paris to settle on a carbon tax. ""This single policy change ... offers greater potential to combat global warming than any other policy, with minimal regulatory and enforcement costs.""
If it's not a climate tax, it's pap:Earlier this weekend Columbia University climate scientist James Hansen issued aletterscorning any non-carbon tax policy: ""The danger is that Paris will lay a Kyoto. That is the easy way out. Each country promises to do better, but there is no global carbon fee ... In that case President Obama will have sold our children, and theirs, down the river."" He also calls the administration's touting of U.S.-China cooperation on carbon capture research ""unadulterated 100% pure bull***t"" in the eight-page letter.
STATES LAY OUT CHALLENGE TO CARBON RULE FOR NEW PLANTS:North Dakota, the lead state challenging EPAs carbon rule for new power plants, on Fridayoutlinedits five major arguments against the rule, none of them a surprise to those following the development of the rule. Topping the list is the charge that the rule relies in part of carbon capture technology, which the state says has ""not been adequately demonstrated and are not achievable. North Dakota also argues that the CCS facilities EPA relied on in writing the rule won't work in all places; that it should have created a separate category for lignite coal, a type of coal that North Dakota relies on heavily and is generally burned at the same place it is mined; that the rule ""creates an unconstitutional taking of property interests""; and that it violates the Energy Policy Act of 2005, apparently a reference to arguments that some CCS facilities cited by EPA received federal funding and thus should not be eligible as a basis for the rule.
THREE STATES JOIN OZONE LAWSUIT:Kentucky, Utah and Wisconsinhave askedto join the lawsuit over EPA's new ozone standard brought by five other states. The states argue that the new standard will ""stifle  and in some cases eliminate"" growth in key local industries like iron and steel production, pharmaceuticals, breweries, shipbuilding and printing and packaging.
EPA WATCHDOG DOES NOT HOWL ALONE: The EPA Inspector General Arthur Elkins has at times struggled to gain access to the records he needs to adequately do his job. Turns out he's not alone, the New York Timesreportedover the weekend. Many new restrictions came into play after the Justice Department issued rules limiting what its IG could access, ""Agencies facing investigations are now sometimes relying on the Justice Departments opinion as justification for denying records  even records that are not specifically covered in the opinion, officials said.""
ALL KIC 8462852 GOT WAS ROCKS:Rememberthat distant star that seemed to have some huge structure that had to have been built by intelligent aliens? The one structure some people thought might be a huge solar array? It'snot. It's just comets. Ain't it always comets?
QUICK HITS
 How Binding Can an International Climate Agreement Get?, National Journal:http://bit.ly/1NX3vwV
 OPEC Is Ready to Rumble Over Saudi Output, WSJ:http://on.wsj.com/1RfPnEp
 New power cell taps into ""blue-green"" power source, GizMag:http://bit.ly/1OpcN9y
 Dubai To Make Rooftop Solar Mandatory By 2030, Forbes:http://onforb.es/1LH8MXC
THAT'S ALL FOR ME!
Read more:http://www.politico.com/tipsheets/morning-energy/2015/11/morning-energy-wolff-211492#ixzz3szOZ4rmi",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://veasey.house.gov/media-center/veasey-updates/marc-s-memo-november-2015-updates,Marcs Memo  November 2015 Updates,2015-11-30,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,TX,Marc Veasey,V000131,veasey.house.gov,,,legacy,"Dear Friends,
November was another busy month in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and in Washington, D.C. Take a second and see how I spent the month honoring our veterans, fighting to ensure reliable transportation for the elderly and disabled, addressing the Syrian refugee crisis, and welcoming North Texans to my 3rd Annual 33rd Congressional District Job fair.
As always, I invite you to connect with me through myofficial website,Facebook page, andTwitter account to stay informed on what I am working on in the district and in D.C.Dont forget to remind your fellow community members to subscribeto my e-newsletter, so they dont miss out on any updates on my efforts in Washington and in the Metroplex.
Sincerely,
Marc Veasey
Member of Congress

Honoring Our Veterans 
On Tuesday, November 10th, I honored seven local veterans with the 2015 Congressional Veteran Commendation (CVC) for their service at my Veterans Town Hall in Dallas. The 2015 recipients included Mr. David Babbs (Arlington), Mr. Alcee Chriss (Fort Worth), Mr. Trini Garza (Dallas), Ms. Stephanie Hanson (Dallas), Retired Aviation Warfare Specialist First Class Petty Officer Ronnie Mestas (Dallas), Mr. Robert Ramirez (Grand Prairie) and Mr. Charlie Alonzo Valdez (Fort Worth).
Earlier that day, I had the privilege of presenting Mr. Dale Parker with medals he earned during his service as an Engineman Petty Officer First Class with the United States Navy from 1952-1955.I also presented Mr. Michael Killam, a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War, with a proclamation from President Obama commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. I am grateful for the service of these individuals and the other men and women of the 33rd Congressional District who have worn our nations uniform.

Caption: Congressman Veasey honors the recipients of the 2015 Congressional Veteran Commendation. 
Caption: Congressman Veasey presents Mr. Parker the Navy Good Conduct Medal, China Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with two bronze star appurtenances-service stars, United Nations Service Medal, and the Korean Defense Service Medal. 

Caption: Mr. Michael Killiam is presented with a Proclamation from President Obama honoring the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. 

Keeping Reliable Transportation Accessible for the DFWs Metroplexs Senior Community
Earlier this month, I introduced an amendment to secure funding for Handitran and other paratransit services nationwide. The amendment passed as part of H.R. 22, a long-term transportation and infrastructure bill. The continued funding of paratransit providers like Handitran ensures that our elderly and disabled neighbors can remain independent by giving them access to employment, education, healthcare, shopping, and the other services they need.
The full text of my Handitran amendment that passed as part of H.R. 22, DRIVE Act can be found here. 
Caption: Congressman Veasey visited Arlington Handitrans office to learn how they provide reliable transportation for the Metroplexs senior and disabled community. 

Addressing the Syrian Refugee Crisis 
I am committed to providing refuge to some of the world's most vulnerable people. To turn our backs on refugees would be to betray our nation's core values. The United States is a welcoming country with a diverse population and our resettlement program must continue to reflect this key trait of our nations history.
I have supported a number of bills and sent letters to the Administration and agencies supporting refugees, including a letter to President Obama urging him to convene international negotiations to stop the Syrian Civil War, a letter to Secretary Kerry writing to express our deep concern for the hundreds of thousands of Sub-Saharan African refugees seeking refuge and asylum.
I also co-sponsored H.R. 1568, the Protecting Religious Minorities Persecuted by ISIS Act of 2015, which directs the Secretary of State to establish or use existing refugee processing mechanisms in Iraq to allow individuals with a credible fear of persecution by ISIL for gender, religious, or ethnic membership to apply directly to the United States Refugee Admissions Program for priority 2 refugee admission to the United States. I voted in favor of the American SAFE Act to ensure that our countrys resettlement program can reflect evolving national security threats but I believe that we must also demonstrate the compassion that the men, women, and children fleeing the Middle East need during this time.

3rd Annual 33rd Congressional District Job Fair 
On November 20, 2015, hundreds of job seekers from the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex joined me for my 3rd Annual 33rd Congressional District Job fair. Hosting my annual job fairis part of my ongoing effort to promote well-paying sustainable jobs right here in our community. Attendees met face-to-face with 80+ actively hiring companies and took advantage of FREE workshops to market their skills in todays job market. I would also like to personally thank Workforce Solutions of Tarrant County and the City of Forest Hill for their cooperation!
Caption: Job seekers signed in at the Forest Hill Civic & Convention Center before meeting with 80+ actively hiring employers at the 2015 Job Fair. 
Caption: Job seekers meet with representatives from over 80 companies such as AT&T, American Airlines, NPower and many more.

Congressional STEM App Competition 
Are you a student interested in STEM and want to bring your innovative idea to life?
I am proud to host the second annual House Student App Contest for Congressional District 33. Students are invited to compete by creating and exhibiting their software application, or app, for mobile, tablet, or computer devices on a platform of their choice.
To be eligible to participate in the contest, you must be at least 13 years old and attend high school in my district. My office is currently accepting submissions until January 8, 2016. For more information contact Daniela Huerta at Daniela.Huerta@mail.house.gov or by calling 214-741-1387 or 817-920-9086.
Grant Opportunities for 33rd District Organizations 
Help families & children sign up for CHIP
This month the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced $32 million in available funds to support efforts to reach out to families with children eligible for Medicaid and the Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and help get them covered.
The Connecting Kids to Coverage Outreach and Enrollment Grant funds are provided under the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) of 2015.State and local governments, Indian tribes and tribal organizations, certain health care provider organizations, nonprofit organizations including community and faith-based groups, and schools and school districts are eligible to apply. Applicants are asked to target populations likely to be eligible for Medicaid and CHIP, but generally less likely to be enrolled; examples of target populations include teens, Latino children and children in rural areas.
Proposals are due January 20, 2016. For more information, including application requirements, visit www.grants.gov. Information on past Connecting Kids to Coverage grant awards can be found at: https://www.insurekidsnow.gov/professionals/outreach/grantees/.
For more information or questions please contact my Washington, D.C. office at 202-225-9897.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399168,Congressman Cuellar Issues Statement on Election of Rep. Paul Ryan as Speaker of the House,2015-11-29,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today Congressman Cuellar (D-TX-28) issued the following statement on the election of Congressman Paul Ryan (R-WI-1):
I congratulate Congressman Ryan on his election as speaker of the United States House of Representatives, Congressman Cuellar said. What I have always wanted to see in a speaker is someone who can work across the aisle and who can bring about some level of constructive harmony within and between the parties. Based on my experience with Speaker Ryan and his leadership of the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee, I know he has the temperament and the leadership style to bridge the gaps in Congress.
I thank outgoing Speaker John Boehner (R-OH-8) for his nearly five years of service as speaker and his 24 years as a member of Congress. Although we sit on opposite sides of the aisle, I have always respected his work ethic and his commitment to the immense job he had undertaken.
I wish all the best to Mr. Boehner as he resigns his seat in Congress and to Speaker Ryan in his new job. As Speaker Ryan said to the House today, The House is broken. Americans satisfaction with Congress is at an all-time low, and I hope under his leadership, we can bring together both parties to fix it. As Speaker Ryan said this morning, now is the time for members to step up and make a change.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/castro-statement-on-shooting-in-colorado,CASTRO STATEMENT ON SHOOTING IN COLORADO,2015-11-28,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,TX,Joaquín Castro,C001091,castro.house.gov,,,legacy,"San Antonio, TX -Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) released the following statement after yesterday's shooting in Colorado:  
	  
	""I am deeply saddened that yet again our nation has suffered a tragic mass shooting. My prayers are with the victims and their families, and I hope that all those affected can find peace in the wake of such horrible tragedy.  
	  
	""This is not the first time in America that the target of intensely negative rhetoric has become the target of very real violence. For the sake of Americans' safety, we must work to ensure that our dialogue in this country is constructive and not incitement for those who would inflict harm on others and carry out acts of domestic terrorism.""
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://veasey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/veasey-statement-on-thanksgiving-holiday,Veasey Statement on Thanksgiving Holiday,2015-11-26,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,TX,Marc Veasey,V000131,veasey.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  Congressman Marc Veasey, TX-33, released the following statement in recognition of the Thanksgiving holiday: 
Today, we gather with family and friends to celebrate the American tradition of giving thanks and reflect on the blessings of the past year. As we join together at our Thanksgiving tables, we remember those who may be less fortunate and recommit ourselves to working on their behalf. It is an honor to represent the 33rd Congressional District and I wish a happy Thanksgiving to everyone in the DFW Metroplex.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://algreen.house.gov/press-release/congressman-al-green-%E2%80%9Cthank-god-our-unions%E2%80%9D,Congressman Al Green: Thank God for Our Unions,2015-11-25,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,TX,Al Green,G000553,algreen.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Houston, TX)--On Wednesday, November 25, 2015, Congressman Al Green released the following statement regarding his support for the right to collectively bargain:
""There is no doubt that the right to collectively bargain enhances ones opportunity to pursue the American Dream. It is because of unions that we enjoy this right and have so many needed and meaningful benefits, including health insurance, safety protections, standardized work weeks, as well as family and medical leave. Yet, there are many who would try to prevent some of the hardest-working Americans from bargaining for reasonable wages and benefits at a time when the average CEO in the United States makes more in a given day than the average worker makes in a year.
As a Member of Congress, I stand in solidarity with the men and women who work hard every day in pursuit of the American Dream. They ought to know that they are not alone in their fight for just wages, needed benefits, and improved working conditions.
This is why I was proud to be an original cosponsor of and vote for the Employee Free Choice Act. The legislation states that employers cannot intimidate, coerce, or fire employees for attempting to exercise their democratic rights. I believe, along with a great many people of good will, that workers deserve a fair opportunity to enjoy the benefits of unionization.
This is also why I introduced H.R. 122, the Original Living American Wage (LAW) Act of 2015. The Original LAW Act would link the minimum wage to fifteen percent above the federal poverty threshold for a family of four ($23,850) and adjust the minimum wage every four years to ensure that inflation does not erode its purchasing power. We must work for the elimination of poverty wages--raising the wage to a living wage will help us accomplish this.
Yes, there is still great work to be done to ensure hardworking Americans are being treated fairly as they endeavor to make the American Dream a reality. However, I thank God for what unions have done to replace valleys of despair with mountains of hope.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399258,"LOS ANGELES TIMES: New wave of Cuban immigrants reaches U.S., but through Texas, not Florida",2015-11-25,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"Jordanis Perez, 31, center, waits for help at Catholic Charities in Houston with fellow Cuban immigrants.
Molly Hennessy-FiskeContact Reporter
When Jordanis Perez fled Havana this spring for the United States, he decided his best chances weren't by boat to Florida, but by a route increasingly favored by thousands of Cuban migrants by land to Texas.
The number of Cubans arriving at the southern border increased this year after President Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro announced plans last December to normalize relations between the longtime adversaries  a move many Cubans fear could mean the end of the special status that allows them to stay and work here legally if they reach U.S. soil.
 It's going to change, Perez, 31, said of the U.S. law as he sat waiting for help with a dozen other Cuban immigrants at Catholic Charities in Houston on Monday, shivering in donated sweatshirts, unaccustomed to the cold.
NEWSLETTER:Get the day's top headlines from Times Editor Davan Maharaj >>
At least 44,000 Cubans reached the southern U.S. border during the fiscal year that just ended in September, according to Rep. Henry Cuellar, a South Texas Democrat.
Thats more than double the 17,466 Cubans who arrived at the border the previous fiscal year, most through the Laredo area Cuellar represents, according to the Pew Research Center. (U.S. Customs and Border Protection refused to release current figures.)


Why fewer Mexicans are leaving their homeland for the U.S. 
More than 18,000 Cubans crossed into the Laredo area last fiscal year, a 66% increase from the previous fiscal year, according to the Pew analysis of government data. But they are also showing up at crossings in Arizona and California, said Shawn Moran, San Diego-based vice president of the union that represents Border Patrol agents.
Perez headed to Texas after struggling to support his 8-year-old son with a small market. The trip cost him about $4,000  less than the $7,000 he would have paid for the three-hour boat ride to Florida, but a journey fraught with different risks.
Lots of people die, said Rodnaisy Cherilson, 38, a doctor sitting near Perez. She said she survived a kidnapping in Colombia to reach the U.S. We prefer to improve our lives and risk it. We arrived by the grace of God.
At least 27,296 Cubans entered U.S. ports of entry during the first nine months of the fiscal year that ended in September  a 78% increase over the same time last year, when 15,341 Cubans entered, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection data analyzed by the Pew Research Center.
Two-thirds, or 18,397, came through the Laredo Sector in Texas, a 66% increase from the same time the previous fiscal year.
Perez headed to Texas after struggling to support his 8-year-old son with a small market, and the trip cost him about $4,000  less than the $7,000 he would have paid for the three-hour boat ride to Florida, but a journey fraught with different risks.
Lots of people die, said Rodnaisy Cherilson, 38, a doctor sitting near Perez. She survived a kidnapping in Colombia to reach the U.S. We prefer to improve our lives and risk it. We arrived by the grace of God.

Lots of people die. We prefer to improve our lives and risk it. We arrived by the grace of God. - Rodnaisy Cherilson, 38, a doctor Though Texas has become a destination of choice, the number of Cubans caught trying to reach the U.S. by sea also increased last fiscal year to 2,927, up 39% compared with the previous year  and nearly seven times as many as 2010, according to U.S. Coast Guard records.
The numbers have definitely increased pretty sharply in the past couple of years, especially since normalized relations have been announced. I don't know if we've hit the top of that, said Marc Rosenblum, deputy director of the U.S. Immigration Policy Program at the Washington-based Migration Policy Institute.
An increase in Cuban migration to the U.S. followed the announcement of normalized relations in December, with 9,371 Cubans entering from January to March, more than double the 4,296 who arrived at the same time last year.
Before this, Cuban migration to the U.S. came in three major waves: in the early 1960s, after the Communist revolution that brought Fidel Castro to power; in 1980, when Castro released prisoners in what was known as the Mariel boatlift; and a 1994 exodus that resulted in the ""wet foot, dry foot"" policy currently in effect.
The policy, negotiated under the 1966 Cuban Adjustment Act, allows Cubans who reach U.S. shores  or borders  to apply for entry, while those caught at sea are turned away. Once here, Cuban migrants are paroled, or allowed to stay legally, to apply for work permits and green cards.
But with many of the so-called dusty foot migrants fleeing Cuba for economic, rather than political, reasons, some members of Congress congressional Republicans said they wanted to do away with the policy.
If President Obama has normalized relations with Cuba, why would we treat illegal immigrants from that nation any different than those from other countries? said Rep. Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.), who proposed legislation last month to repeal the Cuban Adjustment Act.
Cuellar agreed.
The Cuban policy should be changed, he said. If we do that for them, why not do it for the Central Americans, the Mexicans, and for everyone else?
Dan Stein, president of the conservative Washington-based nonprofit Federation for American Immigration Reform, praised Gosar's proposal, dismissing the law as an outdated relic of the Cold War.
But Cuban American members of Congress, led by Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, a Republican presidential candidate, have argued the act needs to be updated, not repealed.
Secretary of State John F. Kerry said the administration had no plans whatsoever to change the law when he visited Havana in the summer to reopen the U.S. Embassy. Such comments havent slowed the flow into Texas.
Cubans are reasoning as relations are thawing, things will change and they want to get while the getting is good, said Mark Krikorian, executive director of the conservative Washington-based Center for Immigration Studies, although he doesn't expect Washington to take action soon.


Cuban migrants sleep outside the border control building in Penas Blancas, Costa Rica, on the border with Nicaragua. Increasing numbers of Cubans have been traveling through Central America and Mexico to reach the United States.
(Esteban Felix / Associated Press)
The migration is enabled by smartphones and social media, which allow Cuban migrants to navigate without relying on smugglers.
Taxi driver Ali Despaigne said that before he left Havana last month in search of work to support his 7-year-old daughter, he bought an $80 smartphone.
We use them to communicate with people in the U.S. who can orient and help us, Despaigne, 40, said as he sat with Perez this week after arriving Nov. 2.
In Cuba, the migrants obtain exit visas to fly to South America, usually Ecuador, and then head north, said Juan Lopez, who runs the Miami-based Cuban/Haitian Entrants program for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
From Ecuador, the most dangerous trip starts through Colombia, Central America and up to Texas, he said. I've heard cases where it has taken them months to get to the border from Ecuador, but I guess they're willing to do that and not risk their lives at sea.
Central America governments have called an emergency meeting on the crisis in El Salvador on Tuesday.
 Last week, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez visited Ecuador and Nicaragua to address a mounting migrant crisis. That same week, more than 2,000 Cuban migrants became trapped Costa Rica after a smuggling ring was uncovered and Nicaraguan authorities refused to let them pass into Nicaragua.
For Perez, who left his family in Cuba, the journey took seven months, ending in Texas on Oct. 29. He worked as he traveled, sending $50 back to his family from Panama.
Migrants are vulnerable to thieves, as well as police, who know Cubans are easy pickings for bribes, Cherilson said.
They call Cubans ATMs because every time, they get money, she said.
In Colombia, she and a friend were kidnapped and had to pay $500 ransom each. Portions of the trip still require boats, and during one stretch through shark-infested waters between Colombia and Panama, a baby fell in, a father dove in after her, and both were lost. The baby's mother later hanged herself in despair, Cherilson said.
Cherilson made the trip with a male friend after failing to reach the U.S. by boat in December. She wanted to leave the city of Camaguey, Cuba's third-largest, to earn more money (she made about $20 a month), but also for greater freedom.
We work like slaves for very little money, she said after arriving in Houston recently. It's a question of rights, of wanting more.
Christopher Galeano, a UC Irvine student who worked at migrant shelters in southern Mexico last summer, said Cubans stood out in part because they were eligible for a legal permit, called an oficio de salida, that allowed them to stay in Mexico up to a month. They could avoid smugglers and travel by bus.
See the most-read stories this hour >> They were not hard to miss if you see them in migrant shelters. The Central Americans would ask, 'Why are the Cubans able to apply for the oficio de salida? What's different about them?'"" Galeano said.
But Cuban migrants were still vulnerable to extortion, he said. Some officials forced a group to pay up to $5,000 for their permits, which are supposed to be free, and by the time the government investigated the migrants had left, Galeano said.
In Texas, the arrival of more Cubans has strained aid agencies already coping with an influx of Central American children and families.
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston had served 1,176 Cuban migrants as of the end of last month, up from 726 last year, according to Wafa Abdin, vice president for immigration legal services and refugee resettlement. Many are walk-ins who show up at their offices near downtown looking for emergency assistance.
We don't have funding for them and we don't know who's coming, so here they are standing at our doors in big numbers, and we're trying to help them find housing, Abdin said.
Unlike Cuban migrants in Miami, those in Texas lack family or friends nearby to meet their immediate needs, help them find jobs, communicate and enroll in English classes. Cuban communities in Texas are small: Of the roughly 1 million foreign-born Cubans in the U.S., only about 11,000 live in the Houston area, according to a Migration Policy Institute analysis of 2013 U.S. census data.
We can help them apply for a work permit, but in the meantime, they need help, Abdin said.
molly.hennessy-fiske@latimes.com
Twitter:@mollyhf
http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-cuba-texas-migrants-20151124-story.html",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399259,NEWS 4 SAN ANTONIO: Lawmakers react to unaccompanied children placed in unsafe situations,2015-11-25,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"Wed, Nov 25 2015, 07:22 PM EST

The disturbing story of children who were supposed to be placed into a safe home, but instead were placed into an abusive situation was brought to you exclusively on News 4 last night. Now, local lawmakers who saw that story are hoping to make a change.
""a situation where there are strong allegations have been made and we are certainly going to make sure that sponsor does not present any risk of abuse or maltreatment or exploitation or even trafficking and we have to make sure that we follow up on any allegations, says, Congressman Henry Cuellar
Congressman Cuellar says his office monitored the situation in 2014 when close to 7500 children made their way into the u-s unaccompanied and with no documents,
He says there is no excuse to not knowing what is next for those children, and there must be a larger follow up from authorities.
Now, recent statistics showing an uptick has him asking for preparation for arrivals.
""We have to make sure that we secure our borders and people come in where they are supposed to, but the moment they are in we have to make sure that these children don't once again become a victim of abuse, maltreatment, and we have to do more to follow up, says, Congressman Henry Cuellar
Congressman Joaquin Castro sent News 4 a statement in reaction to our story revealing children being placed into sweat shops and even sex trafficking, He said, ""These allegations are disturbing and I plan to investigate them further. I'll be calling on Immigration and Customs Enforcement to reassess its placement guidelines for unaccompanied children and determine if those procedures require revision. I ask anyone who has personally experienced or has knowledge of this mistreatment to come forward so we can provide assistance. We must ensure that the young people who come to this nation seeking refuge don't endure further trauma.""
http://news4sanantonio.com/m/news/features/top-stories/stories/Lawmakers-react-to-unaccompanied-children-placed-in-unsafe-situations-236489.shtml#.VlcWy1VOLCQ",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399260,KGNS: Local group offering help for Syrian refugees,2015-11-25,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"LAREDO, TEXAS (KGNS) - Syrian refugees coming to Texas are not receiving a warm welcome.
In light of the Paris terror attacks, refugees who show up at the border are being taken to detention centers, due to the perceived terror threat.
And for those who do make it across, the state is asking community organizations to deny assistance.
From the governor, ""We will be working to ensure that Syrian refugees are not going to be allowed into the state of Texas"", said Governor Greg Abbott.
To state representatives.
""My position is very simple. Before we let anybody else, let's enhance the vetting process. So, whoever comes in, we know exactly who they are"", said Henry Cuellar.
Lawmakers don't agree on whether to help Syrian refugees.
Now the state health and human services office is asking organizations that help immigrants resettle to discontinue services to Syrians.
But in Laredo, Syrian's refugees will still find an open door.
""If anyone that comes here regardless of their nationality or their point of origin and asks for assistance, we will provide them assistance"", said Mike Smith.
Smith is the director at the Holding Institute.
They helped immigrants during the 2014 Central American surge, now they are preparing to do the same.
But this time, they face some opposition.
""They assume that everyone is a terror suspect. My response is, we are preparing as we normally would for any group that comes"", said Smith.
Anyone in need who comes through their doors could receive a meal, clothes, products to help with hygiene and even comfort.
The Holding Institute knows they don't count on state or even federal support.
""We do not receive state dollars. We don't, we haven't' through this entire process. We've receive individual and local support and that has allowed us to stay out of the fray"", said Smith.
Though Syrian refugees have not walked through their doors, Smith says they'll find them open if they do. 
""Everybody will be treated the same, with the same amount of caution and the same amount of respect any individual that walks through these doors"", said Smith.
The Holding Institute didn't tackle the central immigration surge alone.
Smith credits the cooperation from several churches including the diocese of Laredo, and the Bethany House shelter.
Thirteen Syrian refugees who arrived at the border in Laredo last week were taken to detention centers.
Authorities in Washington say resettlement programs are federally funded and involve volunteer and private organizations, meaning states can't dictate policy.
Abbott, though, has pointed to specific language in federal law, arguing it gives states the authority to refuse Syrian refugees.

http://www.kgns.tv/home/headlines/refugee-353909691.html?device=phone&c=y",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://medium.com/@RepBetoORourke/vote-explanation-for-the-fed-oversight-reform-and-modernization-form-act-h-r-3189-b208337ae10?source=rss-964ef69221bc------2,Vote Explanation for the Fed Oversight Reform and Modernization FORM Act (H.R. 3189),2015-11-24,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,TX,Beto O'Rourke,O000170,medium.com,,,legacy,"Vote Explanation for the Fed Oversight Reform and Modernization FORM Act (H.R.3189) 11/24/2015 The Federal Reserve, or Fed for short, is the nations central bank. The Fed is an independent government agency that plays a key role in conducting the nations monetary policy. Its actions impact your bank account, student loans, credit cards, 401k and just about anything else having to do with the economy. Congress creates long-term goals for monetary policy and gives the Fed independence to achieve those goals. This means the Fed is not subject to short-term political pressures and can focus on its mandate by Congress to help create maximum employment and stable prices that help businesses and consumers. On Thursday, the House of Representatives passed the Fed Oversight Reform and Modernization FORM Act (H.R. 3189). This bill attempts to create more transparency and openness at the Fed, something I am for. However, this bill goes about it in a way that would ultimately be harmful to the nations economy, jeopardize the Feds independence and inject politics into our nations monetary policy decision-making process. Specifically this bill would:  Restrict the Feds emergency lending authorities, reducing the Feds ability to act during times of crisis;  Effectively put Congress in charge of reviewing short-term monetary policy decisions, creating a bureaucratic second-guessing and politicization of monetary policy; and  Tie the Fed to an overly simplistic, formulaic approach to setting interest rates, something Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen said, would lead to poor economic outcomes. For those reasons, I voted against this legislation.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://green.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-gene-green-receives-coraz-n-latino-award-greater-houston,Congressman Gene Green Receives Corazn Latino Award from Greater Houston LULAC Council,2015-11-23,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,TX,Gene Green,G000410,green.house.gov,,,legacy,"HOUSTON  On Saturday, November 21st, Congressman Gene Green was presented the Corazn Latino Award from LULAC Council 4967. The Corazn Latino, unique to the Houston chapter, is awarded annually to a non-Hispanic with outstanding dedication to the Hispanic community. Congressman Green is the second person to ever receive the honor.
I am humbled to receive this award from LULAC. We have been working together for many, many years. From education and health, to voting and civil rights, LULAC is dedicated to improving the lives of Hispanics. It is an honor to work with council members, and partner with them to bring more opportunities to our area.
Founded in 1929, LULAC is the oldest Hispanic civil rights organization in the United States. Today, with over 900 councils nationwide, it continues to lead the charge in creating more opportunities for Hispanics with citizenship awareness sessions, sponsoring health fairs and tutorial programs, and raising scholarship money for the LULAC National Scholarship Fund.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://veasey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-veasey-extended-statement-on-american-safe-act,Congressman Veasey Extended Statement on American SAFE Act,2015-11-20,2015,2015-11,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. 4038, the American SAFE Act of 2015, a bill that would not end the current refugee resettlement program, but requires the directors of federal agencies to now certify the vetting process: 
Since yesterdays vote, there has been misunderstanding about the content of the American SAFE Act and what it means for Americas position as the leader of democracy and human rights in the world.
Let me be clear, the American SAFE Act does not end the current resettlement program, send back any refugee who currently resides in the United States, or close our borders. Our current refugee resettlement program is already an extensive process, and this legislation simply enhances the current process by requiring the Director of the FBI to certify to the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Director of National Intelligence that each refugee we accept does not pose a national security risk.
In the wake of the attacks on Paris and ISILs clear intent to bring harm to the United States, it is my number one priority to ensure the safety of the residents I represent and the safety of the American people. We must verify the identity of anyone who enters our country to the best of our ability.
Although yesterdays vote was tough, I voted in favor of the American SAFE Act to ask the Administration to certify that each person admitted through the refugee vetting process does not pose a national security risk and that their identity can be verified to the best of the Administrations ability.
I stand with the Presidents commitment to our countrys tradition of protecting the most vulnerable populations like the women, children and families escaping violence in the Middle East. Any challenge to Americas legacy as a country of immigrants would both taint its history of protecting the vulnerable and impede its future prosperity. We can and must balance the need to protect the homeland while demonstrating the compassion that the men, women, and children escaping any type of persecution desperately need.
To read the full text of the American SAFE Act, please click here.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://medium.com/@RepBetoORourke/vote-explanation-for-the-american-safe-act-h-r-4038-61549509cf4?source=rss-964ef69221bc------2,Vote Explanation for the American SAFE Act (H.R. 4038),2015-11-20,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,TX,Beto O'Rourke,O000170,medium.com,,,legacy,"Vote Explanation for the American SAFE Act (H.R.4038) 11/19/2015 My first and most important priority is the security and safety of the people of the United States. It is with this in mind that I have spent the last week reviewing our refugee screening protocols and meeting with federal law enforcement and intelligence community leadership responsible for protecting our country. I have also sought the counsel of subject matter experts; listened to the questions asked and comments made by my colleagues; and read and listened to the thoughts and concerns of the people I represent. All of this has convinced me that a proposed change to the current refugee screening process (H.R. 4038, aka the American Safe Act) is not only unnecessary; it is counterproductive and will potentially undermine the security of this country. The last two Secretaries of Homeland Security, including Michael Chertoff, who served under President George W. Bush, say that the process that is currently in place is thorough and robust and, so long as it is fully implemented and not diluted, it will allow us to safely admit the most vulnerable refugees while protecting the American people. H.R. 4038 jeopardizes that goal. Our process for reviewing refugee applications is rigorous and effective. It takes 1824 months to review an application, and only a small minority of those who apply are accepted. Of the 23,000 Syrian refugees referred to the United States since 2011 by the U.N. High Commission on Refugees, only 7,000 made it to a second stage of our review process. Of those, only 2,000 were admitted to the U.S. And those were the most vulnerablethe children, the old and the families fleeing brutality and torture. Only 2% of them were single males of working age. The process proposed in todays bill would create unnecessary, duplicative work and processes for U.S. security agencies. This would significantly delay the current rigorous process by up to 2 years, according to the Administration. In effect, it would close the door on refugees during the single greatest humanitarian crisis of our time. In addition, FBI Director James Comey says this legislation is counterproductive to national security. And according to President Obama, this will undermine our coalition in Iraq and Syria and strengthen ISIS by demonstrating that the United States is not willing to accept screened Syrian and Iraqi refugees. It plays into our enemys propaganda as it tarnishes the appeal of our historic ability to safely assimilate the oppressed and persecuted and seems to confirm their misrepresentation of our objectives in the Middle East (that we care nothing for the lives of those affected by this horrific violence). It also weakens our bonds with indispensable allies like Jordan (which has taken in 1.4 million Syrian refugees), Turkey (1.9 million refugees) and France (6,700 refugees so far, though after the Paris attacks President Hollande confirmed their commitment to accept 25,000 more). Whether it is ensuring the safety of our families and communities, delivering on our national security objectives around the world or fulfilling our historic humanitarian mission to safely provide harbor for those in greatest need of the protection and help of the United States, I believe that the current refugee screening process is the best one to achieve our most important priorities.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://medium.com/@RepBetoORourke/vote-explanation-for-the-reforming-cfbp-indirect-auto-lending-guidance-act-h-r-1737-a69f703a2cca?source=rss-964ef69221bc------2,Vote Explanation for The Reforming CFBP Indirect Auto Lending Guidance Act (H.R. 1737),2015-11-20,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,TX,Beto O'Rourke,O000170,medium.com,,,legacy,"Vote Explanation for The Reforming CFBP Indirect Auto Lending Guidance Act (H.R.1737) 11/20/2015 Last time you bought a car you might have noticed an option to finance through the dealership. This is called indirect auto lending. In 2013, a new government agency called the Consumer Protection Financial Bureau (CFPB) issued guidance on indirect auto lending, saying that disparate impact discrimination was evident and that the dealerships should be held responsible for discriminatory lending practices. This CFBP guidance was offered without public comment, review or examination of the data and methods used to decide the extent to which discriminatory lending is occurring. This lack of openness has created uncertainty, criticism of the CFPBs conclusions, and has made loans more expensive to borrowers. In an attempt to fix this, Wednesday the House of Representatives passed the Reforming CFBP Indirect Auto Lending Guidance Act (H.R. 1737). This bill requires more openness and transparency from the CFPB, requiring the agency to give the public a chance to comment and make all data, studies and methods used when offering guidance open to the public. This legislation also makes the CFBP consult with the Justice Department, the Federal Reserve and the Federal Trade Commission to create studies on the cost to consumers and minority and women-owned small businesses before issuing guidance. These changes will make the CFBP more accountable and open to scrutiny when offering guidance.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399244,Congressman Cuellar Releases Statement on U.S.-Bound Syrians Detained in Honduras,2015-11-19,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28) made the following statement upon the news that Honduran police on Wednesday detained five Syrian young men believed to be headed to the United States. 
Honduran police stopped and detained five Syrians trying to enter the Central American nation illegally, Congressman Cuellar said. According to a spokesman for the Honduran Police Investigation Unit, there is reason to believe these young men were going to try to illegally travel to the United States. While there is no evidence, as of today, that these men have ties to terrorism, this shows the important role our friends south of the border play in keeping our own nation safe. 
This is why, as a member of Congress, and also as a member of the House Appropriations Homeland Security Subcommittee, I have been advocating for increased assistance to our Central American friends. Securing the border doesnt start on the border  it begins with cooperation and teamwork with our allies to the south in Mexico and in Central America. I thank Jorge Alberto Milla Reyes, Honduras ambassador to the U.S., and his government, as well as the Mexican government, for their cooperation in keeping both of our nations safe.
The devastation and sheer terror that women, children and families are facing in war-ravaged Syria is a world humanitarian crisis that we cannot simply turn our backs to. However, I believe we do need a very tough screening process for any Syrian refugee who wants to come to the United States and that is why today I voted in favor of the American SAFE Act. This bill requires that, in addition to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) screening, the FBI ensure that each individual receives a background investigation before admission to the U.S.
In addition to the news of the Honduran detentions, DHS also confirmed that it had detained eight Syrians  two men, two women, and four children  who had presented themselves at a port of entry in Laredo on Tuesday. 
Congressman Henry Cuellar is a member of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee. Previously, he served as a Texas State Representative and Texas Secretary of State.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://veasey.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/asian-culture-and-community-veterans-who-served-country-in-korea-vietnam,"Asian Culture and Community: Veterans who served country in Korea, Vietnam honored",2015-11-19,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,TX,Marc Veasey,V000131,veasey.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Marc Veasey recently honored two veterans who served in Asian wars. At his Fort Worth office, Veasey presented Delton Dale Parker of Fort Worth with medals he earned with the Navy from 1952 to 1955 during the Korean War. Parker received the Navy Good Conduct Medal, China Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with two bronze stars, the United Nations Medal and the Korean Defense Service Medal.
Veasey presented Michael Killam, also of Fort Worth, with medals and a proclamation from President Barack Obama commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. Killam served with the Army in Vietnam from 1969 to 1971. He was captured early in his tour and spent four months as a prisoner of war. Killam now serves as program manager at Military Veteran Peer Network in Tarrant County.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://veasey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-veasey-statement-on-the-american-safe-act,Congressman Veasey Statement on the American SAFE Act,2015-11-19,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,TX,Marc Veasey,V000131,veasey.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.  Congressman Marc Veasey, TX-33, released the following statement regarding his vote in favor of H.R. 4038, the American SAFE Act of 2015:
Last weeks tragic attacks in Paris have once again reaffirmed the need to combat terrorism as a global community and stand together against those who wish to endanger innocent lives. The American people are understandably worried and they have a right to know about the process we use to screen refugees. The bill presented today had reasonable and sound security provisions that do not halt the refugee process. Instead, they balance the need for a secure vetting process with our nations reputation for treating vulnerable populations fairly and humanely. While we must remain vigilant about any security threats at home and abroad, we must not allow our resolve to defeat ISIL to develop into misguided xenophobia against any specific religion or nationality.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/castro-introduces-legislation-to-support-pre-k-programs-across-the,CASTRO INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO SUPPORT PRE-K PROGRAMS ACROSS THE NATION,2015-11-18,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,TX,Joaquín Castro,C001091,castro.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. - Yesterday, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) introduced legislation that will help eligible education and government entities across the country access federal prekindergarten (pre-k) funding. The Pre-K for USA Act creates new prekindergarten development grants and provides school districts and local entities with a direct line to federal funding, eliminating their reliance on states to access federal pre-k dollars.  
""Studies show that students who attend high-quality pre-k have better educational outcomes than their peers who lack access to early education,"" said Rep. Castro. ""Despite these proven, long-term benefits, some states, including Texas are slashing funding available for pre-k programs and declining federal aid. The Pre-K for USA Act makes it possible for localities and educational entities to bypass state governments and secure the federal resources they need to lay a solid foundation of learning for our nation's youngest students.""
In recent years, the state of Texas eliminated $200 million in pre-k grants and missed out on more than $118 million of federal prekindergarten funding.
Across the country, cities and counties are implementing their own programs to support prekindergarten, including Pre-K for SA in San Antonio, which has been a model for the nation. The Pre-K for USA Act creates additional avenues for accessing resources that can spur the establishment of new initiatives and help existing programs expand.
Congressman Castro introduced a similar version of the Pre-K for USA Act in the 113th Congress to provide local educational agencies and local government entities a chance to apply for pre-k funding. The current legislation includes comprehensive, thoughtful changes to the original bill in an effort to create even more opportunities for pre-k programs to access federal funds when states fail to act. 
""Increasing access to high-quality prekindergarten programs will improve our students'long-term performance in school and strengthen our future workforce,"" added Rep. Castro. ""When we invest in our kids, America succeeds.""
The First Five Years Fund and Collaborative for Children have offered their support for the Pre-K for USA Act.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://ebjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-eddie-bernice-johnson-urges-compassion-during-syrian,Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson Urges Compassion During Syrian Refugee Crisis,2015-11-18,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,TX,Eddie Johnson,J000126,ebjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC - (Wednesday, November 18, 2015) - Today, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson released the following statement in response to the Syrian refugee crisis:
As a result of horrific terrorist attacks in Paris, France and Beirut, Lebanon last week, many elected officials in the United States are demanding that we stop admitting refugees fleeing Syria. This rhetoric is disheartening and disappointing. We are facing a global refugee crisis that requires a global response. With 60 million people displaced, the United States must do its part to help protect and resettle vulnerable families and children who are fleeing violence and persecution.
In Dallas, we have always shown our compassion to those who seek safety. I refuse to slam the door on a small fraction of the worlds Syrian refugees. In fact, 184 Syrian refugees have already been placed in Texas, and we will certainly welcome more. While we must continue to ensure that screening procedures are able to properly vet those seeking political asylum in this country, I refuse to turn my back on innocent people who are fleeing the atrocities in their homeland. Turning our back on those who fall victim to terror is certainly not the answer to defeating terrorism. Instead, we must show compassion by promoting peace and diplomacy.

###
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://jacksonlee.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-sheila-jackson-lee-statement-on-the-passing-of-hr-3713-the,CONGRESSWOMAN SHEILA JACKSON LEE STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF HR 3713  THE SENTENCING REFORM ACT OF 2015 - OUT OF THE HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE TODAY BY VOICE VOTE,2015-11-18,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,TX,Sheila Jackson Lee,J000032,jacksonlee.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.  Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a Senior Member of the House Judiciary Committee released the following statement regarding the Sentencing Reform Act (H.R. 3713), which passed out of the House Judiciary Committee today by voice vote:
Today we make a significant statement and take action towards reducing and eliminating mass incarceration in this nation. We take leaps of faith to recognize the importance of restoration and rehabilitation. This is not a compromise or best effort. It is actually a reality of laws and provisions that will in fact be placed in the criminal justice system giving added tools to defense counsel and prosecutors to have a fair and even playing field for those nonviolent offenders who have come in the cross hairs of the criminal justice system and need another opportunity. It will be a lifeline for families who have waited for years for their loved ones to be released.
When we began this historic process a few months ago, there were many who doubted our ability to reach an agreement. Consensus is not something we see often in the Halls of Congress. We began our task with the knowledge that truly meaningful sentencing reform requires us to look at every piece of the systemfrom policing, to charging and convicting, and from sentencing, to the collateral consequences awaiting incarcerated individuals.
As such, we set our sights on comprehensive reform that tackles sentencing, prisons, overcriminalization, youth justice, civil asset forfeiture, reentry, policing, criminal procedures, and, the most recent addition, mental illness. Each piece is critically necessary, but we knew that sentencing reform would truly test the seriousness of our commitment to collaboration. That is why we tackled it head on.
With HR 3713 - the Sentencing Reform Act of 2015, we unify to reject a system that is often more effective at creating criminals and collateral damage than actual justice. This legislation is strong and thoughtful and, as shown by the data, it will reduce mass incarceration. Over 11,500 individuals, who are currently incarcerated, will be eligible for retroactive relief. Over 4,000 more will benefit each years. Combined, this is over 50,000 in ten years. These estimates are conservative, as not all the positive reforms can be quantified.
There is something about our legislation that is different, something that gives me hope for our entire reform effort: our bipartisan legislation can get to the President. Our current path is unsustainable. We know the numbers: less than 5% of the worlds population, but 25% of the worlds prisoners; ranked 1st in incarceration with over 2.2 million incarcerated adults, another 4.75 million under supervision, and over 54,000 juveniles in detention; and our federal government is our largest jailer.
The cost of this system is incredibly high, not just in dollars spent, but also in dollars lost. Every person put in a prison, is a person who cannot contribute to a family, community, or society. Worse, this system takes an incredible human toll, with the cycle of incarceration in a constant state of destruction. These costsincluding the cost to our greater sense of humanitybring us to this moment. Enactment of this legislation will not fix the entire criminal justice system, but it will be a first step in the process of unburdening ourselves and our nation of these unbearable costs, repairing the damage we have inflicted, and replacing injustice with justice. I was pleased that an amendment in which I co-sponsored was accepted that would take into effect the mental condition of an offender who would be sentenced.
We stand at a unique moment, where a bipartisan consensus in Congress has emerged around the critical need to improve our criminal justice system, and the White House supports these efforts. We are closer than ever to achieving meaningful criminal justice reform, a legislative priority for President Obama, who has urged Congress to pass this bill. In remarks on criminal justice reform delivered earlier this month, discussing the Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act of 2015 and the Sentencing Reform Act of 2015, the President said: I urgently encourage both the Senate and the House to pass these bills. It will not completely change the system overnight, but it will lock in some basic principles that we understand are going to make us a fairer and safer society over the long term. We should follow the Presidents lead. I look forward to this Bill being signed into law.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://medium.com/@RepBetoORourke/vote-explanation-for-h-r-511-449b8bdc1aec?source=rss-964ef69221bc------2,Vote Explanation For H.R. 511,2015-11-18,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,TX,Beto O'Rourke,O000170,medium.com,,,legacy,"Vote Explanation For H.R.511 11/18/2015 Yesterday the House of Representatives passed the Tribal Sovereignty Act (H.R. 511). I opposed this bill because it strips workers of the basic labor rights afforded to them under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) at businesses owned and operated by the 567 federally recognized tribes. Right now tribes must follow federal labor laws, including the Occupational Safety and Health Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, among others. The NLRA should be no exception. Exempting hotels, casinos and other tribal-run businesses from the NLRA would leave workers unable to collectively bargain for better wages, and improved working conditions. This is even more troubling when you consider that at least 75% of the workers at these businesses are not tribal members. In addition to the cost to workers, this bill could cost the taxpayer as much as a billion dollars in legal bills, according to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office. We should focus our efforts on reforms that achieve tribal self-determination and economic development in a way that is also fair to workers. This bill is now pending a vote in the Senate.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://algreen.house.gov/press-release/congressmen-al-green%E2%80%99s-and-emanuel-cleaver%E2%80%99s-statements-federal-housing-administration,Congressmen Al Greens and Emanuel Cleavers Statements on the Federal Housing Administration Meeting the Minimum Reserve Requirement,2015-11-17,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,TX,Al Green,G000553,algreen.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, DC)On Tuesday, November 17, 2015, Congressman Al Green, Ranking Member of the Financial Services Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee, and Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, Ranking Member of the Financial Services Housing and Insurance Subcommittee released the following statements on the Federal Housing Administration meeting the minimum reserve requirement:
I am pleased to learn that the Federal Housing Administration has met its minimum threshold for its capital reserve ratio. FHA provided a vital service for our economy by providing much needed liquidity to bolster the housing market. I commend FHA and Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro for taking the necessary steps to strengthen FHAs fiscal position and ensure that it can continue to serve our communities, said Congressman Al Green, Ranking Member of the Financial Services Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee. I trust that FHA will now be able to redouble its efforts to help more Americans, who can afford a home, accomplish the American Dream of homeownership.
It is encouraging that the Federal Housing Administration has met its minimum threshold for its capital reserve ratio for the first time since 2009. I applaud the Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro for taking the vital steps to reinforce FHAs fiscal position and taking steps to expand access to qualified borrowers nationwide, said Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, Ranking Member of the Financial Services Housing and Insurance Subcommittee.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/castro-announces-45k-to-support-child-nutrition-in-san-antonio,CASTRO ANNOUNCES $45K TO SUPPORT CHILD NUTRITION IN SAN ANTONIO,2015-11-17,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,TX,Joaquín Castro,C001091,castro.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. - Congressmen Joaquin Castro (TX-20) today announced $45,000 in federal grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to support a healthy eating initiative for San Antonio children. The North East Independent School District (NEISD) will receive the funding through the Farm to School Grants fund, which supports efforts to connect child nutrition programs with local farmers and ranchers through USDA's Farm to School Program.   
	  
	""Understanding where their food comes from and the importance of good nutrition sets up young Americans to live healthier, more engaged lives,"" said Rep. Castro. ""USDA's Farm to School Program not only helps our kids learn to eat nutritionally balanced meals, it connects our region's farmers and ranchers directly with local schools and a reliable market. I look forward to seeing the innovative ways NEISD uses this funding to improve students'long-term health and support the broader San Antonio food community.""  
	  
	USDA's Farm to School Grants fund assists school districts, state and local agencies, tribal nations, agricultural producers, and non-profit organizations in their efforts to increase local foods served through child nutrition programs, teach children about food and agriculture through garden and classroom education, and develop schools' and farmers' capacities to participate in farm to school. Awards ranging from $20,000 to $100,000 are distributed in four different grant categories: Planning, Implementation, Support Service, and Training. The grant USDA awarded NEISD falls in the Planning category.
The North East Independent School District will use the funding to lay the foundation for a thriving farm to school program throughout the entire district of almost 68,000 students. The district will work to identify community partners and sources of fresh, local produce. Project goals include offering a farm to school training for community partners and creating a school garden how-to video and toolkit.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://veasey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/this-friday-rep-veasey-hosts-33rd-congressional-district-job-fair,THIS FRIDAY: Rep. Veasey Hosts 33rd Congressional District Job Fair,2015-11-17,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,TX,Marc Veasey,V000131,veasey.house.gov,,,legacy,"Fort Worth/Dallas, TXThis Friday, November 20, 2015 Congressman Marc Veasey will host his FREE Annual Job Fair from 8:30 AM to noon at the Forest Hill Civic & Convention Center located at 6901 Wichita Street in Forest Hill, Texas.
The annual employment event will offer participants the opportunity to meet more than 80 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 pleased to welcome employers and Workforce Solutions of Tarrant County to provide FREE professional development workshops designed to provide employment training on topics including: resume critiquing, networking, second chance employment, job search tips, and veteran-to-civilian transition.
WHAT:  
	33rd Congressional District Job Fair:  
	U.S. Congressman Marc Veasey, TX-33, hosts annual hiring event for Metroplex Job Seekers. WHEN:  
	Friday, November 20, 2015  
	8:30 AM  12:00 PM WHERE:  
	Forest Hill Civic & Convention Center  
	6901 Wichita Street 76140  
	Forest Hill, Texas MEDIA:  This event is open to the press. Media is invited to interview the Congressman from 8:30 AM 9:45 AM CT. To RSVP, please contact Nelly Decker at Nelly.Decker@mail.house.govor 202-225-9897. For more information about the event, please visit our website at: Veasey.house.gov/VeaseyJobFair.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://veasey.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/reacting-to-abbott,Reacting to Abbott,2015-11-16,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,TX,Marc Veasey,V000131,veasey.house.gov,,,legacy,"Not long after Abbotts announcement, other Texas politicians voiced their support.
U.S. Rep. Marc Veasey, D-Fort Worth, said its important to remember that the people fleeing Syria are forced to abandon their homes due to the extreme violence perpetrated by ISIS, the very same group responsible for the attacks in Paris.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/castro-statement-on-attacks-in-paris,CASTRO STATEMENT ON ATTACKS IN PARIS,2015-11-14,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,TX,Joaquín Castro,C001091,castro.house.gov,,,legacy,"San Antonio, TX - Congressmen Joaquin Castro (D-TX-20), a member of the House Foreign Affairs and Armed Services Committees, issued the following statement on the terrorist attacks in Paris:  
	  
	""The devastating attacks in Paris were an assault on all who cherish freedom and respect the dignity of human life. My prayers go out to the families of the victims and the people of Paris. In this moment of unimaginable tragedy, the United States stands by France, our oldest ally. We remain resolved to combat terrorism and thwart any who would commit such heinous crimes against innocent people.""
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://jacksonlee.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/texas-hb2-law-intrudes-on-the-dignity-liberty-and-personal-decision,"TEXAS HB2 LAW INTRUDES ON THE DIGNITY, LIBERTY, AND PERSONAL DECISION-MAKING OF WOMEN AND IT IS BLATANTLY UNCONSTITUTIONAL",2015-11-13,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,TX,Sheila Jackson Lee,J000032,jacksonlee.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC  Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a Senior Member of the House Judiciary Committee, released the following statement regarding the Supreme Court announcing today that it will hear a challenge to key parts of Texas' 2013 abortion law that pro-abortion rights groups say is one of the strictest in the nation:
For more than forty years, the Supreme Court has said the constitution protects a womans right to make her own decisions about her health and family. Now the Court must reject political schemes to prevent women from acting on these personal decisions.
These laws have been developed by politicians who are sneaking around the constitution to end abortion by preventing women from accessing legal health services. Playing politics with women's health is not just wrong, it is dangerous. Closing clinics in our communities, especially in Texas, will not end the need for abortionit forces women to take matters into their own hands.
We cannot leave our daughters with fewer rights than their mothers and grandmothersit is time the Supreme Court reaffirm our nations commitment to womens basic dignity. When women make their own reproductive choices, they lead healthier lives and are able plan for their career and their livelihoods. Laws, like the one in Texas, that attempt to deprive women of these choices endanger us. For years, anti-choice activists have tried to overturn Roe vs. Wade and strip women of their fundamental rights. Those efforts have failed, because most Americans trust women to make our own decisions about when and with whom we have families. These deceptive laws, designed to close clinics, exist in forty-four states and the District of Columbia, so make no mistake  this is not just about Texas. It is about undermining the fundamental human rights of women all over this country.
Texas is the second largest state in the U.S. in land mass and population, and this law threatens to take the number of clinics down from 19 to just 10 clinics for 5.4 million women of reproductive age. If the Supreme Court fails to act, a woman in El Paso would have to drive more than 500 milesor 7.5 hours roundtrip to San Antonio to get abortion care in her home state.
This case should not exist. The Texas law on which is it based is an outright attack on women and a shameless effort to ban nearly all abortions in Texas. That being said, the Court now has the opportunity to decide whether we will continue to allow elected officials to play politics with womens health. This case represents the greatest threat to womens reproductive freedom since the Supreme Court decided Roe vs. Wade over 40 years ago. Laws like the ones being challenged in Texas are designed to subvert the Constitution and end the right to a safe and legal abortion.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399212,"Rep. Cuellar, City Officials Inaugurate U.S./Mexico Air Cargo Federal Customs Facility at Laredo International Airport",2015-11-12,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Henry Cuellar and representatives from the City of Laredo today inaugurated a brand new, state-of-the-art Bi-National Federal Inspection Services (FIS) facility that will serve as a Mexican Customs pre-clearance facility for air cargo in Laredo, Texas, on Thursday, November 12 at the Laredo International Airport.

The FIS facility currently houses both U.S. and Mexican Customs. Congressman Cuellar worked with the governments of Mexico and the United States to establish this operation at the Laredo International Airport, which allows cargo to be pre-inspected by Mexican customs officers under the Servicio de Administracin Tributaria (SAT) at the Laredo International Airport and arrive in Mexico as pre-inspected cargo. Cuellar also worked with the City of Laredo, which invested $3.3 million, to construct the facility.

On October 15 of this year, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson and Mexicos Finance Minister Luis Videgaray signed the Bi-National Agreement in Mexico City. DHS worked in close coordination with the Mexican Ministry of Finance and Public Credit to develop the Cargo Pre-Inspection Program, which will formally begin operations at the Laredo International Airport. No other airport outside of Mexico is approved by the Mexican government to pre-inspect Mexico-bound air cargo, making Laredo, which already holds the title of the nations largest inland port, the only airport in the United States to have a Mexican customs pre-clearance facility.

The Laredo International Airport is ranked in the top 500 all-cargo airports in the country and is also the only airport on our southern border with a U.S. customs availability 24/7/365, Congressman Cuellar said.

Pre-clearance facilities, such as this one in Laredo, benefit both countries by saving time and costs to the importer, while also increasing the competitiveness of both countries economies. These pre-inspected operations are designed to expedite the delivery of air-cargo to certified Mexican importers in the automotive, auto parts, electronic, electrical and aerospace industries. I thank the City of Laredo and representatives from both the United States and Mexico for working with me to accomplish this historic operation in Laredo, Cuellar added.

Mexican Customs at the Laredo International Airport will expand and solidify the City of Laredo, Texas as the premier commercial port on the southern border, said City of Laredo Mayor Pete Saenz.

The presence of Mexican Customs Pre-Inspection at the Laredo International Airport will resonate throughout Mexicos Industrial sectors, said Jose L. Flores, Manager, Laredo International Airport.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399213,"Rep. Cullar, Ciudad de Laredo Inauguran Instalacin Pre-inspeccin  Binacional de Aduanas en el Aeropuerto Internacional de Laredo",2015-11-12,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"El congresista demcrata por el distrito 28 de Texas, Henry Cullar, y representantes de la Ciudad de Laredo, hoy inauguraron la nueva Instalacin Federal Binacional para Servicios de Pre-inspeccin en el aeropuerto internacional de Laredo. La instalacin de la aduana mexicana en Laredo, Texas, para la pre-inspeccin de mercancas americanas con destino a Mxico, es la primera aduana mexicana que opera fuera de la Repblica Mexicana.

La instalacin ya ocupa ambas aduanas de Estados Unidos y Mxico. El congresista federal de Texas, Henry Cullar, trabaj con los gobiernos de ambos pases para establecer esta operacin en el aeropuerto internacional de Laredo, donde oficiales de la aduana mexicana Servicio de Administracin Tributaria (SAT) inspeccionarn el cargo areo que recibe Laredo de todo Estados Unidos con destino a ciertas lugares en Mxico como cargo pre-inspeccionado. El congresista Cuellar tambin trabaj con la Ciudad de Laredo, quien aport $3,3 millones de dlares para construir la instalacin. 

El 15 de octubre de este ao, el Secretario de Seguridad Nacional de Estados Unidos, (DHS, por sus siglas en ingls), Jeh Johnson, y el Secretario de Hacienda y Crdito Pblico de Mxico Luis Videgaray, firmaron el Acuerdo Binacional en la Ciudad de Mxico. DHS trabaj con la Secretara de Hacienda y Crdito Pblico para desarrollar la Operacin de Pre-Inspeccin para Cargo Areo que ahora est operando de manera formal en esta ciudad. Laredo, Texas, se ubica en la frontera entre Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, y Texas, EE.UU., y es el puerto interior ms grande de Estados Unidos.

El aeropuerto internacional de Laredo est clasificado entre los 500 mejores y ms grandes aeropuertos de cargo en los Estados Unidos. El aeropuerto de Laredo tambin es el nico en todo el pas que tiene disponibilidad de aduana las 24 horas del da, siete das a la semana, 365 das al ao, dijo el congresista Cullar. 

Las instalaciones de pre-inspeccin, como la de Laredo, benefician a ambos pases porque ahorran tiempo y dinero para el importador, mientras que tambin mejora la competitividad de ambos pases. Estas operaciones de pre-inspeccin estn designadas para acelerar la entrega de cargo areo a importadores mexicanos certificados en las industrias de automviles, partes de autos, electro-domsticos y aeroespacial. Agradezco la ayuda de la Ciudad de Laredo y los representantes de Estados Unidos y Mxico por trabajar conmigo para realizar esta operacin en Laredo, dijo Cullar.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://ebjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-eddie-bernice-johnson-warns-constituents-of-changes-in,Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson Warns Constituents of Changes in Affordable Care Act Plans,2015-11-12,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,TX,Eddie Johnson,J000126,ebjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Dallas, TX - (Thursday, November 12, 2015) -  Today, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson issued the following statement in light of changes in health insurance plans that will affect the local constituents and the provider-institutions.
Earlier this month, several major insurance companies eliminated a number of their Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans, affecting patients across the state. Unfortunately, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center will not be able to participate in any ACA plans during the 2016 as a result of the cancellation. UT Southwestern is actively negotiating with the insurance companies to come up with a solution.
As insurance companies narrow their networks across the country to reduce costs, hospitals and patients are left in the dust, said Congresswoman Johnson. I urge my constituents to proactively seek alternatives, so that you and your families can receive the care you need in the unfortunate event that your insurance plan is no longer accepted at your hospital of choice. Unfortunately, UT Southwestern is one of many hospitals in this position.
Patients with ACA coverage are able to continue seeing providers at UT Southwestern, but they will be considered out-of-network providers and costs will be incurred. Patients have the option of seeing providers at Parkland Health and Hospital System, which will be considered an in-network provider due to their partnership

###
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/texas-ready-to-defend-its-military-installations,Texas ready to defend its military installations,2015-11-12,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,TX,Marc Veasey,V000131,veasey.house.gov,,,legacy,"The city rebounded in the next BRAC round in 1993 when Rep. Pete Geren of Fort Worth and other civic leaders secured the creation of Naval Air Station Fort Worth, replacing Carswell with a joint reserve base that now has 40 tenant commands from multiple services. Navy Capt. Michael J. Steffen took over on Aug. 14 as the installations 11th commander.  
	Today, the joint reserve base, established in 1994, is one of the largest employers in North Central Texas, with an on-base workforce of nearly 10,000 and an economic impact of $2.2 billion. The estimate climbs even higher  to $9.26 billion  when coupled with next-door neighbor Lockheed Martin, maker of the F-35 and the F-16.  
	The base received additional jobs in the last round, in 2005, and defenders like Granger and Rep. Marc Veasey, D-Fort Worth, vow protective vigilance if another BRAC round looms.  
	Our Texas delegation will remain watchful and will vigorously support our bases when and if the subject of BRAC is taken up again, Granger said. Veasey said Texas lawmakers will work in a bipartisan manner to make sure were minimally impacted.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://veasey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/news-alert-rep-veasey-hosts-33rd-congressional-district-job-fair-jan-16,Congressman Marc Veasey to Roll-up Sleeves at Arlington Holiday Inn Express,2015-11-12,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,TX,Marc Veasey,V000131,veasey.house.gov,,,legacy,"***MEDIA ADVISORY***
Arlington, TX On Friday, November 13, Congressman Marc Veasey, TX-33, will be rolling up his sleeves at the Arlington Holiday Inn Express & Suites to help prepare the hotel for the busy holiday travel season. As part of his monthly Marc Means Business work day, Veasey will work alongside employees to better understand the challenges they face in their work and daily lives. Veasey will be greeting and checking in guests, serving breakfast, assisting with the daily reporting, and working alongside housekeeping staff to prepare rooms for guests.
The DFW Metroplex welcomes over 40 million visitors each year. Many people travel to DFW to visit family and explore the Metroplexs many attractions and their trip is impacted by the hospitality they receive at Metroplex hotels. Working with the Holiday Inn Express will give me the opportunity to see the positive impact hotels have on the community, including economic benefits, job opportunities for residents and, most importantly, community involvement in the region. It is important that guests not only enjoy their visit, but also are welcomed with a high standard of hospitality. Congressman Veasey said.
Since March 2014, Rep. Veasey has spent a day each month working at a different job in his district. He has repaired military aircraft components at Bell Helicopter, assembled surgical packs with eye care company Alcon, practiced fire safety drills with the Fort Worth Fire Department, and delivered packages with the United Parcel Service.
WHAT:  
	Congressman Marc Veasey, TX-33, will work at Holiday Inn Express in Arlington as a part of his Marc Means Business workday. WHEN:  
	Friday, November 13, 2015 from 9:00 A. M. to 1:00 P.M. CT WHERE:   
	Arlington Holiday Inn Express & Suites  
	2451 East Randol Mill Rd.  
	Arlington, TX 76011 MEDIA:  
	This event is open to the press. Media is invited to accompany the Congressman throughout his workday from 9 A.M.  1:00 P.M. The work day begins at 9:00 AM at Holiday Inn Express & Suites located at 2451 East Randol Mill Rd., Arlington, TX 76011. To RSVP, please contact Paloma Perez at, Paloma.perez@mail.house.gov or 202-225-9897.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://doggett.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/ksat-construction-starts-two-new-housing-developments-southtown,KSAT: Construction starts for two new housing developments in Southtown,2015-11-12,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,TX,Lloyd Doggett,D000399,doggett.house.gov,,,legacy,"Units to be certified by Build San Antonio Green
 

	ByJacob Schmidt

	Posted: 10:05 PM, November 06, 2015

	SAN ANTONIO- Construction is kicking off for two new housing developments in Southtown.

	

	One of the sites was an abandoned hotel and bar, while the other is a former gas station.

	

	The new units are located in the 1500 and 1600 blocks of South Presa Street near Brackenridge High School.

	

	I know that we have a partnership moving this community forward, building on the great family businesses and families that have called this home for decades, District 35 U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett said. But (we) are adding something new that will really be a plus for the community and will set an example for the entire city.

	

	The developments are expected to be completed by the end of next year, and both will be certified by the organization Build San Antonio Green.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://ebjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-eddie-bernice-johnson-presents-cedar-valley-college-with,"Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson Presents Cedar Valley College with Federal Education Grant to Enhance Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Programs",2015-11-11,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,TX,Eddie Johnson,J000126,ebjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Dallas, TX - (Wednesday, November 11, 2015) -  Today, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson participated in the grant presentation to Cedar Valley College from the U. S. Department of Educations Predominantly Black Institutions (PBI) program. The college will receive $2,452,567 over the next five years to focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) programs.
Congresswoman Johnson presented the first installment of the PBI grant to Cedar Valley College at a press conference today in the colleges state-of-the art Math, Science & Allied Health Building.
STEM Education is an issue I care deeply about, and one that I take very seriously, said Congresswoman Johnson. There is a very real possibility that we will lose our competitive edge and our children will no longer have the opportunities that we had, if we do not remain committed to investing in and improving STEM education in this country. I am encouraged by the work Cedar Valley College and entire Dallas County Community College District is doing to get African-American men involved and trained in the STEM fields. This grant will go a long way to continue to support and enhance their efforts in educating African-American men for 21st century careers.

###
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://ebjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-eddie-bernice-johnson-releases-statement-in-honor-of,Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson Releases Statement in Honor of Veterans Day,2015-11-11,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,TX,Eddie Johnson,J000126,ebjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Dallas, TX - (Wednesday, November 11, 2015) - Today, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson released the following statement in recognition and in honor of Veterans Day:
Veterans Day is a time to show our gratitude to our men and women in uniform for their selfless service. We salute those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and remember those who have served our country around the world in the name of freedom and democracy.
We must not limit our gratitude for our veterans to just one calendar day a year. We have an obligation to care for service members when theyre abroad and when they come home. Our veterans face rising conflicts across the globe and mounting issues when they return home. Time and time again, our veterans struggle to navigate the transition into civilian life. As a former Chief Psychiatric Nurse for the Dallas Veterans Affairs Medical Center and the daughter of a veteran, I have seen firsthand the troubles facing some veterans today. All veterans deserve fair employment, access to quality healthcare and affordable housing.
After fighting for our nation overseas, no veteran should have to fight for a job at home. The President, I and my colleagues in Congress have taken steps to help our men and women in uniform find good-paying jobs  ranging from providing tax credits for businesses that hire veterans to creating a Veterans Job Corps that helps veterans find pathways to work.

###
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/press-releases/today-rep-veasey-honors-metroplex-veterans-during-2015-veterans-town,TODAY: Rep. Veasey Honors Metroplex Veterans during 2015 Veterans Town Hall,2015-11-10,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,TX,Marc Veasey,V000131,veasey.house.gov,,,legacy,"Dallas, TX  Join U.S. Representative Marc Veasey (TX-33) as he honors seven local veterans with the Congressional Veteran Commendation (CVC) at a Veterans Town Hall on Tuesday, November 10th from 5-7 PM, at American Legion Post 453 in Dallas. Recipients of the 2015 CVC award include: Mr. David Babbs (Arlington), Mr. Alcee Chriss (Fort Worth), Mr. Trini Garza (Dallas), Ms. Stephanie Hanson (Dallas), Retired Aviation Warfare Specialist First Class Petty Officer Ronnie Mestas (Dallas), Mr. Robert Ramirez (Grand Prairie) and Mr. Charlie Alonzo Valdez (Fort Worth).
Following the ceremony, veterans, active duty military personnel and their families are encouraged to participate in the Veterans Town Hall to voice their thoughts and opinions regarding veteran issues and learn more about what Congressman Veasey is doing for the DFW Metroplex in Congress. WHO:  
	U.S. Congressman Marc Veasey, TX-33 WHAT:  
	2015 Veterans Town Hall and 33rd District Congressional Veterans Commendation (CVC) Ceremony WHEN:  
	Tuesday, November 10, 2015 from 5PM  7PM (CT) WHERE:  
	American Legion Post 453  
	2755 Bachman Dr.  
	Dallas, TX 75234 MEDIA:  
	This event is open to the media. Members of the press interested in covering this event must RSVP by contacting Paloma Perez at 202-225-9897 or by email at, Paloma.Perez@mail.house.gov. For event information, call Daniela Huerta at 817-920-9086 or 214-741-1387. About the 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. 2015 CVC Honorees  
	Mr. David Babbs, Arlington, US Army  
	Mr. Alcee Chriss, Fort Worth, US Marine Corps  
	Mr. Trini Garza, Dallas, US Navy  
	Ms. Stephanie Hanson, Dallas, US Army  
	Aviation Warfare Specialist First Class Petty Officer Ronnie Mestas, Dallas, US Navy (Ret.)  
	Mr. Robert Ramirez, Grand Prairie, US Army  
	Mr. Charlie Alonzo Valdez, Fort Worth, US Army",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://veasey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/veasey-statement-on-5th-circuit-decision-on-president-obama-s,Veasey Statement on 5th Circuit Decision on President Obamas Immigration Executive Actions,2015-11-10,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,TX,Marc Veasey,V000131,veasey.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  Congressman Marc Veasey, TX-33, released the following statement regarding the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit decision to maintain an injunction on the Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and the expanded Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program:
The Fifth Circuits misguided decision has delivered another blow to the millions of immigrant families that continue to live in uncertainty due to our countrys broken immigration system. Last nights decision comes on the heels of the one-year anniversary of President Obamas 2014 executive action announcement that promised a glimmer of hope for millions of families through the expansion of the DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) and the creation of the DAPA (Deferred Action for Parental Accountability) programs.
In July, while the undocumented community was still anxiously awaiting todays decision, I hosted a DACA / DAPA informational forum to prepare DFW Metroplex residents for deportation relief. My hope was that the information attendees received would prepare them to take the next steps that would allow them to fully integrate into the American social fabric. I stillcarry that hope; should the Supreme Court review this case I believe they will find what we all know: President Obamas actions were within the clear legal authority of his office and the well-established precedents that have been set by both Republican and Democratic presidents in the past century.
I urge my Republican colleagues to take todays 5th Circuit Court decision as a challenge to act on the delayed promise of comprehensive immigration reform. Congress must provide a bipartisan and permanent solution to our broken immigration system. It is time for undocumented families across America to be able to live without fear of separation, work legally, and make even bigger contributions to our nations economy.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399194,"Rep. Cuellar, City of Laredo, COMCE Sign Memorandum of Understanding",2015-11-09,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congressman Cuellar witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Laredo and COMCE (Consejo Mexicano de Comercio Exterior) to work together to process, promote and expedite trade through the Port of Laredo.

This historic agreement between the City of Laredo and COMCE will solidify Laredos position as the nations number one inland port and top trade destination for all trade between the United States and Mexico. Congressman Cuellar and the City of Laredo have worked diligently over the past year to secure this agreement with the Mexican trade organization, which is the oldest and most-respected Mexican business association related to foreign trade. 

More than $100 billion in Texas goods are exported to Mexico each year, which supports hundreds of thousands of good jobs for Texans, said Congressman Cuellar. Last year, over two million cargo trucks moved northbound from Mexico to Laredo. Todays memorandum of understanding between the City of Laredo and COMCE is an important step in securing Laredo place as North Americas leader in international trade. I thank Mayor Saenz and the City for their great work in this process.

The corporations that participate in COMCE represent over one fourth of all the exports of Mexican companies to the United States. COMCE Noreste, also part of COMCE, promotes the foreign trade of all those corporations from northeast Mexico, mainly the states of Tamaulipas, Nuevo Len, Coahuila, Durango and Zacatecas. 

The corporations that are part of COMCE Noreste are responsible for at least $40 billion in trade in Mexican exports. The organization provides several services to its membership including advice on: laws and regulations on foreign trade; customs procedures; free trade agreements; import and export requirement information; export promotion government programs; custom laws.

COMCE Noreste developed CASCEM (Cadena Segura del Comercio Exterior Mexicano), the most important private sector program in Mexico promoting compliance with all the import/export secure requirements of the Mexican and U.S. governments.

CAINTRA (Cmara de la Industria de la Transformacin de Nuevo Len), which recently signed an agreement COMCE Noreste to develop joint programs that achieve the objectives and goals of and COMCE Noreste, participated as a witness to the historic signing in Laredo.

CAINTRA is the most respected industry chamber in northern Mexico and one of the two most important industry chambers in the whole Mexico. This chamber represents some of the most important corporations in Mexico. CAINTRA represents over three thousand Mexican corporations from the energy, telecom, cement, glass, beer, food, meat, chemical, software, and environmental industries. CAINTRA has different commissions such as: environmental; transportation; energy; tax; innovation and competitiveness; and young entrepreneurship.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399195,Congressman Cuellar Joins City of Laredo in Hosting Rail Blockage Meeting in Laredo,2015-11-09,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28) hosted a meeting with participants from the Texas Department of Transportation, Federal Railroad Administration, the City of Laredo, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Mexican Customs officials, the Federal Rail Administration, Kansas City Southern Railway Company and Union Pacific Railroad to continue ongoing dialogue and find a solution to rail blockage issues plaguing Laredo. 
Congressman Cuellar has been deeply involved in this issue since 2013, when he initiated an all-parties meeting and began conversation surrounding local rail blockage. In the past year, he successfully included language in the FY2015 House Appropriations bill that requires the Government Accountability Office to assess best practices to decrease rail congestion and reduce blockage of street crossings in Laredo. 
Items discussed today where the possibility of pre-clearing rail cargo, clearing rail staff to operate on both sides of the border, investing in infrastructure and city ordinances for alleviating traffic congestions during certain hours.
Where most U.S. ports of entry have, on average, one incoming train per day, Laredo has 11 incoming and another 11 outgoing trains. We met with city, state and federal agencies today to make sure Laredos rail cargo continues to grow while also looking for solutions to ease traffic congestion within the city that are sometimes caused by rail operations. I thank all the agencies for working together on this effort.",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-increased-resources-and,CONGRESSWOMAN SHEILA JACKSON LEE CALLS FOR INCREASED RESOURCES AND ENHANCED TRAINING FOR TSA TO ENSURE SAFETY AND SECURITY OF AIR TRAVELING PUBLIC,2015-11-09,2015,2015-11,Democrat,House,TX,Sheila Jackson Lee,J000032,jacksonlee.house.gov,,,legacy,"November 5, 2015
Washington, DC  Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a senior member of the House Homeland Security Committee, and Ranking Member on the Judiciary Committees Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Investigations released the following statement regarding the loss of the Russian commercial airliner that crashed in Egypt:
What caused of the crash of the Russian passenger in Egypt remains to be determined conclusively. But we do know that this tragedy illustrates the need for the United States to be more vigilant in securing commercial air travel. The Transportation Security Administration and its thousands of professionals are dedicated to making commercial air travel safe and secure from terrorist threats. Their professionalism, courage, and dedication have taken the nation from a time when people were fearful of flight to millions of people boarding flights every day.
Sequestration, however, is adversely affecting our ability to ensure that TSA personnel have the funding, technological resources, and continuous training needed to anticipate and counter new and emerging threats to safe air travel.
I believe that we must reevaluate how checked baggage is processed at airports and must also take stronger measures to identify and eliminate any vulnerabilities that may exist in cargo areas of commercial airliners. Most importantly we must ensure that TSA has the resources, funding, and support from policy makers needed to get the job done.
###
Congresswoman Jackson Lee is a Democrat from Texass 18th Congressional District. She is a senior member of the House Committees on Judiciary and Homeland Security and is Ranking Member of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z