url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at
https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-al-green-honors-legacy-president-jimmy-carter-champion-humanity,Congressman Al Green Honors the Legacy of President Jimmy Carter as a Champion for Humanity,2024-12-30,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,TX,Al Green,G000553,algreen.house.gov,algreen,https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"(Houston, TX) — On Monday, December 30, 2024, Congressman Al Green released the following statement on X/Twitter:

Congressman Al Green stated, “Our nation has lost a great citizen. The world has lost a great humanitarian. Humanity has lost a great human being whose life made a difference for many who were among the homeless, the helpless, and the powerless. Rest in peace President #JimmyCarter, you have earned it.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-castro-celebrates-2024-congressional-app-challenge-winner-for-the-20th-district-of-texas,Congressman Castro Celebrates 2024 Congressional App Challenge Winner for the 20th District of Texas,2024-12-30,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,TX,Joaquin Castro,C001091,castro.house.gov,castro,https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"SAN ANTONIO — Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) released the following statement to recognize the achievements of Neha Hariharaprasad, a Brandeis High School freshman who won the 2024 Congressional App Challenge for the 20th District of Texas. Neha’s winning app, “Eczema Ease,” was inspired by her own struggle with eczema and is designed to help users understand and manage their condition.

“Every year, the Congressional App Challenge allows San Antonio students to showcase their tech skills and creativity by building innovative and impactful apps,” said Congressman Castro. “This year’s winner, Neha Hariharaprasad, combined her experience with eczema and her interest in coding to create a practical, useful, and important application. I’m excited to see San Antonio students using their coding skills to advance the public good, and I look forward to seeing Neha’s app displayed in the U.S. Capitol. Congratulations to all the students who participated in this year’s challenge!”

Neha Hariharaprasadand her family. Neha’s older brother Rishi (pictured to the right) won the 2022 Congressional App Challenge with his app “Disabled Health,” which helps people with disabilities search for online information about at-home injuries.

“Growing up with eczema has been challenging, not just physically but emotionally as well. However, what made it even more challenging was the uncertainty surrounding the condition—trying various treatments, visiting numerous doctors, and still not having a clear, consistent way to manage the symptoms. Over the years, my family and I have tried countless treatments, from prescription medications to home remedies. While some provided temporary relief, nothing seemed to offer a long-term solution,” Neha wrote in her application, “Eczema Ease was born out of the desire to make life easier for people like me who live with eczema. I wanted to create an app that not only educates users about their condition but also empowers them to take control of their health.”

Established in 2013, the Congressional App Challenge is a nationwide competition designed to encourage middle and high-school students to develop and apply their computer science skills. Winners from each Congressional District will have their apps featured on a display in the U.S. Capitol and are invited to attend a #HouseOfCode Demo Day Reception in Washington, D.C.

Congressman Castro’s Congressional App Challenge is judged by a nonpartisan panel of subject matter experts. This year’s competition was judged by Dr. Gregory White, Professor Emeritus, Center for Infrastructure Assurance and Security Director, Computer Science at the University of Texas at San Antonio, Dr. Christopher Combs, Dee Howard Memorial Endowed Faculty Fellowship in Mechanical Engineering, Graduate Advisor of Record: M.S. Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering at the University of Texas at San Antonio, and Ms. Marcae Bryant Omosor, an Air Force veteran and software developer at AT&T.

All middle and high school students who live or attend school in TX-20 are eligible to participate in the App Challenge for the 20th District of Texas. To learn more about Congressman Castro’s student programs, visit Castro.House.gov/students.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5587,Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher Releases 2024 Annual Report for Texas’ Seventh Congressional District,2024-12-30,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,TX,Lizzie Fletcher,F000468,fletcher.house.gov,fletcher,https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) released her 2024 Annual Report detailing her work representing Texas’ Seventh Congressional District this year. The report highlights some of Congresswoman Fletcher’s work on legislation, events in the district, and constituent matters in 2024.

“I am honored and proud to represent Texas’ Seventh Congressional District, and to bring the voices of those who live and work here to the national conversation about the challenges and opportunities before us,” said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher. “I am glad to share some of the highlights of this work in my 2024 Annual Report, and I look forward to continuing my work for our community and our country in the year ahead.”

Highlights of the 2024 Annual Report include:

Legislation: Congresswoman Fletcher has introduced several bills in the House of Representatives this year, including:

the Pink Tariffs Study Act, H.R. 7927, to require the U.S. Department of Treasury to conduct a study on potential gender bias within the U.S. tariff system;

the Heirs Empowerment and Inheritance Rights (HEIR) Act, H.R. 8117, to allow heirs’ property owners to use alternate forms of documentation to prove property ownership to receive disaster aid; and

the LNG Coordination Act of 2024, H.R.7556, to establish a working group to improve the safety of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facilities and to make federal oversight of LNG facilities more efficient.

Constituent Advocacy: This year, Congresswoman Fletcher’s office resolved more than 2,000 constituent matters before federal agencies, and reached the milestone of resolving more than 15,000 constituent matters since she assumed office in 2019.

Community Funded Projects: The Community Funded Projects process in Congress allows members of Congress to request funding for specific projects in their districts through a transparent process. Congresswoman Fletcher secured nearly $16 million in project funds this year. These include:

$5,782,558 for the Southwest Houston Redevelopment Authority’s Southwest Community Campus for redevelopment of a community senior center, expanding the existing facility and laying the groundwork for future work that promotes health and resiliency;

$1,000,000 for renovations to the City of Houston Metropolitan Multiservice Center for People with Disabilities on West Gray;

$963,000 for the City of Houston Forensic Science Center’s Forensic Evidence Data System to meet the volume of requests for evidence analysis and to improve the collection, tracking, management, and processing of forensic evidence through the criminal justice system.

To view the full 2024 Annual Report, click here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://sylviagarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-sylvia-garcia-statement-on-the-passing-of-president-jimmy-carter,Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia Statement on the Passing of President Jimmy Carter,2024-12-29,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,TX,Sylvia R. Garcia,G000587,sylviagarcia.house.gov,sylviagarcia,https://sylviagarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"HOUSTON, TX – Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (D-TX-29) issued the following statement on the passing of former President Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States:

“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of President Jimmy Carter. President Carter was a statesman in the truest sense, with his greatest gifts to this country and the world coming after his term. He found his true calling not as a public official, but as a private citizen, where he continued the mission he started in the White House to bring peace, dignity, love, and justice to every corner of the earth.

“As City Controller of Houston, I had the honor of traveling with President Carter as part of the official U.S. delegation to return the Panama Canal to the people of Panama. On that trip, I saw firsthand that man he was: a champion of human rights, democracy, international partnership, and prosperity for the poor. He proved that doing the right thing pays off in the end and that peace must always be our goal. In later years, he won the Nobel Prize as his foundation, the Carter Center, played a key role in rooting out deadly parasites and dictatorships across the globe.

""His passion for service to others continued by building homes with Habitat for Humanity, understanding the security and stability a home provides. With his decision to enter hospice care, he showed us that the end of our lives can be gentler and fuller, sparking many family discussions across the country on this profound subject.

“President Carter and his wife Rosalynn, his thought partner for decades, embodied the teachings of Jesus, focusing on justice and love. Our world is kinder, safer, and humbler because of his leadership. My prayers are with the Carter family, their community of Plains, and all those around the world who mourn his passing but find hope in his legacy as he is reunited with his beloved Rosalynn Carter in heaven.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-al-green-joins-c-span-discuss-federal-spending-deadline-and-issues,Congressman Al Green Joins C-SPAN to Discuss Federal Spending Deadline and Issues Impacting the 2024 Election,2024-12-27,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,TX,Al Green,G000553,algreen.house.gov,algreen,https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"(Washington, D.C.) — On December 19, 2024, Congressman Al Green discussed the federal spending deadline, issues impacting the 2024 election, and the congressional news of the day on C-SPAN's Washington Journal with host Mimi Geerges. You can access C-SPAN’s online streaming of the news segment by clicking here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-al-green-issues-statement-recent-shootings-sunnyside-resulting,"Congressman Al Green Issues Statement on the Recent Shootings in Sunnyside, Resulting in the Loss of Lives",2024-12-24,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,TX,Al Green,G000553,algreen.house.gov,algreen,https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"(Houston, TX) — On Monday, December 23, 2024, Congressman Al Green issued a statement regarding the recent shootings as reported by news sources that resulted in the death of two men on Sunday night in Sunnyside, located in Congressman Green's district.

Congressman Al Green stated, ""I am saddened by the loss of life in our community and extend my deepest sympathies to the victims’ families during this tragic time. We must prioritize the safety and security of our neighborhoods by taking action to hold those responsible for this brutality accountable, while also enhancing our efforts to prevent any future occurrences of violence. My heart goes out to the families of the many lives lost to gun violence during this holiday season, it will not be as enjoyable as it could have been. Violence that impacts any one of us directly has an adverse impact upon all of us indirectly. This indirect impact is evidenced in the need for more law enforcement, greater security infrastructure, and the need for more physical and mental health resources. We must unite to end gun violence.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://doggett.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-doggetts-statement-avoiding-musk-trump-shutdown,Rep. Doggett’s Statement on Avoiding a Musk-Trump Shutdown,2024-12-21,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,TX,Lloyd Doggett,D000399,doggett.house.gov,doggett,https://doggett.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Contact: Alexis.Torres@mail.house.gov

Washington, D.C.—U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-Austin) released the following statement:

“Good news that Congress approved legislation to maintain government funding instead of permitting another damaging shutdown as happened three times during the last Trump Administration. It’s also great that Musk and Trump failed in their attempt to force Congress to take action now to facilitate their planned tax bill, which would provide even more benefits to America’s billionaires.

“With 34 Republicans voting against the resolution, a shutdown was avoided because of a unanimous Democratic vote. The government is funded only through mid-March when we will likely experience another threatened government shutdown. Happy holidays but a challenging New Year ahead.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://doggett.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-doggett-reacts-samsung-receiving-billions-chips-science-act-funds,Rep. Doggett Reacts to Samsung Receiving Billions in CHIPS & Science Act Funds,2024-12-20,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,TX,Lloyd Doggett,D000399,doggett.house.gov,doggett,https://doggett.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.—Today, U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-Austin) released the following statement:

""Having joined the Chamber of Commerce's successful effort long ago to encourage Samsung to bring its first American fab to Austin, I have appreciated Samsung as a creator of great products and great jobs. Now, through this significant federal investment, Samsung is expanding in both Austin and Taylor. For both our local economic prosperity and our national security, the Chips & Science Act is a win for America. Congratulations to all those who have made Samsung such a success.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://escobar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1755,"Congresswoman Escobar, El Paso County, Community Leaders and Partners Announce DWI Rideshare Webpage",2024-12-20,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,TX,Veronica Escobar,E000299,escobar.house.gov,escobar,https://escobar.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Following the roundtable the Congresswoman convened last month, today, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16), County Judge Ricardo Samaniego, and community leaders announced the launch of a new webpage aimed at preventing DWIs and promoting responsible celebrations during the holiday season.

“The risk and danger created by people who have had too much to drink and make the decision to get behind the wheel is not a new challenge for El Paso,” said Congresswoman Escobar. “As El Pasoans go out and celebrate the holidays over the next two weeks, we know that this risk will only grow. As the stakeholders I recently convened continue meeting and discussing solutions, I’m thrilled about this webpage that includes vouchers for El Pasoans to act responsibly after celebrating during the holiday season.”

“This County resource page is intended to serve as destination where El Pasoans can go to utilize vouchers for safe transportation and get information on how to celebrate responsibly,” said El Paso County Judge Ricardo A. Samaniego. “Drinking and driving is dangerous and always preventable. I encourage El Pasoans to set an example this holiday season and plan ahead.”

""As the holiday season approaches, this webpage is an important step in keeping drunk drivers off the road,"" said Oscar Ugarte, El Paso County Sheriff-Elect. ""Drunk driving is preventable, and offering sober ride options gives everyone a chance to celebrate responsibly. I'm committed to doing everything I can to keep our community safe.""

“The DA office’s grant in partnership with TxDOT provides ride share vouchers to people who download them. There are a limited number of $20 vouchers available every month, and it is important for people to plan to use them and decide not to drive after drinking any amount of alcohol,” said James Montoya, District Attorney-Elect.

“As a distributor of alcoholic beverages, we take our part in drinking and driving prevention seriously. While we understand that our beverages will be a part of celebrations and friendly gatherings, it is never okay to drink and drive. That is why we are proud to stand behind Anheuser-Busch’s ‘Decide to Ride’ program with Uber,” said Lisa Piesen, L&F El Paso Managing Partner.

""It’s incredibly important that we all do our part to ensure El Pasoans are celebrating the holidays responsibly. We’re proud to join the coalition of leaders in our community to ensure we all do our part to make sure El Pasoans have other options than to get behind the wheel after a night out,"" said Johnny Escalante, Managing Partner for J&K Hospitality.

“Statewide, 26% of fatal crashes involve alcohol. During the holidays that number is 28%, and TxDOT urges drivers to plan ahead for a sober ride. Drunk driving is 100% preventable,"" said Tomas Trevino, El Paso District Engineer for TxDOT.

The DWI Rideshare webpage can be found here. It was one of the proposed solutions that arose from a roundtable and press conference convened by Congresswoman Escobar on November 26th. Participants at her roundtable included local leaders from all parts of the El Paso government, Fort Bliss leadership, law enforcement, and more.

As she continues to convene this group, Congresswoman Escobar encourages El Pasoans to share this webpage and spread the word. If you have ideas or suggestions you’d like for her and the group to consider, please submit them at her website: https://escobar.house.gov/contact/",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://escobar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1756,Congresswoman Escobar Votes to Avoid Government Shutdown Ahead of the Holidays,2024-12-20,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,TX,Veronica Escobar,E000299,escobar.house.gov,escobar,https://escobar.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16), released the following statement after casting her vote to continue funding the government through March 2025:

“I’m proud to have cast a vote to continue funding the government and ensure our 20,000 federal employees in El Paso and the 90,000 soldiers and their families at Fort Bliss are paid for the next three months and ahead of the holidays.

“Republicans have set a dangerous precedent by allowing an unelected billionaire to spread misinformation and hijack weeks of negotiations to fund our government.

“Although the latest version of the funding bill does not include many of the critically needed funding provisions that were in the original bill, a bipartisan agreement was reached.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5578,Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher on Potential Government Shutdown,2024-12-20,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,TX,Lizzie Fletcher,F000468,fletcher.house.gov,fletcher,https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) released the following statement ahead of a potential government shutdown.

“Shutting down the government is not governing,” said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher. “Earlier this week, House and Senate leaders agreed on a bipartisan spending deal to keep the government funded and functioning that included more than $100 billion in disaster relief funding and assistance programs to help people across the country, including in Texas’ Seventh Congressional District. House Republicans abandoned their own agreement, and they chose to bend to the will of Elon Musk and President-elect Trump. This is no way to govern. And it raises deeply troubling issues about how the Republican majority will try to govern next year. This was entirely avoidable and is not a responsible way to govern.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://gonzalez.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-gonzalez-votes-avoid-government-shutdown,Congressman Gonzalez Votes to Avoid Government Shutdown,2024-12-20,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,TX,Vicente Gonzalez,G000581,gonzalez.house.gov,gonzalez,https://gonzalez.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) released a statement following his vote on the second continuing resolution:

“This continuing resolution is not perfect,” said Congressman Gonzalez. The new plan laid out by House Republicans still does not include bipartisan agreements on crucial funding for cancer research initiatives or provisions to further lower prescription drug pricing.”

“However, federal government shutdowns negatively impact the lives of South Texans and millions of people in our country. They harm working families and our national security alike. This stopgap bill keeps our government open, delivers a vital $100 billion in supplemental emergency aid throughout our country, extends the 2018 Farm Bill, and provides economic assistance to our farmers until Congress can pass a new Farm Bill.”

“After House Republicans took back their word on the previously agreed upon funding bill our trust is damaged. It is my hope that in this next Congress, we are able to rebuild that trust and work together in a bipartisan manner to deliver for our constituents.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://veasey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-veasey-releases-statement-averting-government-shutdown,Congressman Veasey Releases Statement on Averting Government Shutdown:,2024-12-20,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,TX,Marc A. Veasey,V000131,veasey.house.gov,veasey,https://veasey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Veasey, Vice Chair of the New Democrat Coalition, released the following statement after the House of Representatives voted to avert a government shut down:

“Democrats once again acted in good faith to prevent a government shutdown, ensuring that tens of thousands of workers, veterans, service members, seniors, and farmers receive their pay and benefits this holiday season,” said Congressman Veasey. “But make no mistake, this was a Democratic effort to keep food on the table for the American people. Republicans, however, went back on their word at the behest of an unelected oligarch, Elon Musk. They stripped funding for children's cancer research, slashed resources for the opioid epidemic, dropped measures that would have made prescription drugs more affordable, and abandoned initiatives that would have saved taxpayers billions. Despite the broken promises, Democrats did the right thing—we voted to put food on families’ tables. However, in the new year and new Congress we (Democrats) will continue to fight for the average American and the critical measures Republicans left behind.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-castro-celebrates-268-million-grant-for-via-funded-by-the-infrastructure-investment-and-jobs-act,Congressman Castro Celebrates $268 Million Grant for VIA Funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act,2024-12-19,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,TX,Joaquin Castro,C001091,castro.house.gov,castro,https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) released the following statement to celebrate a $268 million grant he secured from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to support the VIA Green Line project – the first Advanced Rapid Transit corridor in the region, which is expected to deliver convenient, high-frequency service by late 2027.

“Over the last four years, Democrats in Congress and the White House have invested billions of dollars to build the great infrastructure that San Antonio deserves. This grant – which is one of the largest investments in public transit in South Texas – will make huge strides to reduce traffic and congestion, improve our air quality, and help San Antonians get where they need to go. My office was proud to help VIA make the case for this funding, and I’m excited to see the benefits that the new Advanced Rapid Transit corridor will bring to San Antonio,” said Congressman Joaquin Castro.

“I want to thank Congressman Castro for his steadfast support of VIA Metropolitan Transit. His work was instrumental in finalizing and signing the Capital Investment Grant with the Federal Transit Administration. The VIA Rapid Green Line will revolutionize transit in San Antonio and Bexar County,” said Jeff Arndt, President & CEO VIA Metropolitan Transit.

In 2021, Congressman Castro voted for the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to fund major transit projects, including San Antonio’s Green Line project. Over the last several years, he has led several letters of support to the Federal Transit Administration to advocate for additional resources to support VIA’s expansion in the San Antonio area.

As part of his efforts to support public transit investments in San Antonio, Congressman Castro has also led Congressional efforts to secure annual appropriations for the FTA Capital Investment Grants Program, commonly known as New Starts, Small Starts, and Core Capacity, to support the projects under construction or in the CIG pipeline, with a special focus on resources for VIA’s ART North/South corridor and ART East/West corridor. On Wednesday, his office joined leaders from the FTA and VIA for a signing ceremony to formalize the $268 million grant announcement.

The Green Line project is designed to improve transportation options for the nearly 54,000 residents and 108,000 jobs located in the 10.35-mile corridor. The grant represents the largest federal investment in VIA’s history. The project will connect riders from the San Antonio International Airport, through Downtown, and south to the historic Missions area.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://crockett.house.gov/media/press-releases/oversight-democrats-demand-briefing-after-texas-maternal-mortality-committee,Oversight Democrats Demand Briefing After Texas Maternal Mortality Committee Abandons Review of Pregnancy-Related Deaths Amid Abortion Ban,2024-12-19,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,TX,Jasmine Crockett,C001130,crockett.house.gov,crockett,https://crockett.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Rep. Jamie Raskin, Ranking Member of the Committee on Oversight and Accountability, Rep. Ayanna Pressley, and Rep. Summer Lee sent a letter demanding answers from the Texas Department of State Health Services after the state’s maternal mortality committee decided not to review pregnancy-related deaths between 2022 and 2023—the period after Texas imposed a strict abortion ban. The Members raised concerns that the state is abandoning this data review as fewer Texas women have access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare in the wake of the state’s abortion ban, and amid public reporting on several tragic and preventable maternal deaths in Texas.

“We write to express our deep concerns regarding the Texas Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee’s (MMMRC) recent decision to forgo a review of pregnancy-related deaths between 2022 and 2023, contrary to Texas state law. In September 2021, Texas enacted a law—Senate Bill 8—that effectively banned abortion after six weeks gestation followed by an even stricter ban in June 2022 in the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. We are concerned that the MMMRC is choosing to forego data review for the period after Texas imposed these restrictions on abortion due to a chilling effect on reproductive care in Texas that means fewer women are able to access emergency, life-saving reproductive health care services,” wrote the Members.

""Josseli Barnica. Navaeh Crain. Porsha Ngumezi. These are just a few of the names of Texas women who would be alive today if not for Texas' abortion ban. These three women—some who were already mothers, and one who was only 18 years old at the time of her death—could have been saved if they were treated with the proper medical care. But rather than repeal the law and save lives, Texas legislators decided to bury the truth and silence these family's stories and losses, said Rep. Crockett. ""Texas Republicans know there is nothing “pro-life” about the stories of these women and the broken families they leave behind. I and my fellow House Oversight Democrats will not allow Texas Republicans to hide the consequences of their deadly law. Today, we are demanding the Texas Department of State Health Services explain its reasoning behind its decision to stop reviewing maternal mortality deaths in the years following their abortion ban. The people of Texas deserve the truth.""

Access to abortion care has sharply declined due to abortion restrictions upheld and enabled by the U.S. Supreme Court in the wake of the Dobbs decision, which stripped Americans of the constitutional right to abortion. In September 2021, Texas enacted an abortion ban that prohibited abortion after approximately six weeks and incentivized private citizens to sue those who seek or provide abortions. Immediately following the Dobbs decision in 2022, Texas enacted a sweeping “trigger law” that prohibits nearly all abortions and makes providing an abortion a felony punishable by up to life in prison.

Over the past two decades, maternal deaths—particularly in Texas and other states with severe restrictions on abortion care—have risen. According to MMMRC’s most recent report, in 2020 the number of women in Texas who experienced a pregnancy-related death rose sharply to the highest numbers since Texas began tracking maternal deaths in 2013, jumping from 17.2 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2019 to 27.7 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2020.

While MMMRC refuses to analyze pregnancy-related deaths from 2022 to 2023, surveys of obstetricians and gynecologists, as well as patient stories, illuminate how strict abortion restrictions in Texas are a barrier to necessary care. More than 70% of practicing Texas obstetricians and gynecologists reported that Texas’ laws negatively affected their work and prohibited them from providing high quality, evidence-based care for their patients. Amid these challenges, Texas is also experiencing an exodus of reproductive healthcare providers leaving the state.

MMMRCs are critical to helping understand the drivers of maternal mortality. As the first and largest state to implement a strict abortion ban, Texas can offer important insight into the effect of abortion bans. Given this urgent importance, the Members called on the Texas MMMRC to provide a staff-level briefing to the Committee by January 2, 2025.

Click here to read the letter.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://doggett.house.gov/media/press-releases/doggett-delauro-whitehouse-and-coalition-urge-removal-trade-provisions-abused,"Doggett, DeLauro, Whitehouse and Coalition Urge for Removal of Trade Provisions Abused by Corporations Against Sovereign Nations",2024-12-19,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,TX,Lloyd Doggett,D000399,doggett.house.gov,doggett,https://doggett.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Contact: Alexis.Torres@mail.house.gov

Washington, D.C.—Today, Representatives Lloyd Doggett (D-TX-37), Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03), and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) led 34 of their colleagues in urging Trade Ambassador Katherine Tai to proceed with reported plans to address ongoing harms attributable to investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) mechanisms in U.S. free trade agreements. Specifically, the members call for the elimination, or drastic reduction, of the ability of powerful multinational corporations to use ISDS tribunals to extract unlimited sums from sovereign countries over laws, actions, or court rulings that allegedly conflict with corporate investments.

The ISDS mechanism is a private, undemocratic extrajudicial arbitration system that allows corporations to sue foreign governments serving as U.S. trading partners, often resulting in high costs to a country’s taxpayers and weakened human rights and policy regulations.

In the bicameral letter, the lawmakers write, “We commend your efforts to address ongoing ISDS liabilities in existing U.S. trade and investment agreements. We appreciate that throughout your tenure you have upheld the Biden administration’s commitment to exclude ISDS from all U.S. trade negotiations. Taking further action now would build on the Trump administration’s elimination of the North American Free Trade Agreement’s (NAFTA) ISDS regime between the United States and Canada and significant scale-back of NAFTA ISDS with respect to Mexico.”

Through a pressure campaign to obstruct progress on removing the ISDS mechanism from new and existing trade agreements, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce recently released two Freedom of Information Act requests to assert a disconnect between Congress and the executive branch. Yet, ISDS reform has generally experienced bipartisan support, with reform efforts spanning several administrations.

“However it is implemented, we support extending to other countries the approach taken by the U.S. government with Canada in the context of the 2020 U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which was to eliminate ISDS tribunals’ authority to override the views of signatory countries,” wrote the lawmakers. “We have witnessed ISDS tribunals ignore countries’ Interpretive Notes, such as that issued by the NAFTA Commission in 2004, and thus request robust safeguards to prevent ISDS tribunals from disregarding any immediate-term efforts the United States may be considering with willing trade partners to ensure that ISDS tribunals enforce views jointly endorsed by countries through an exchange of formal letters so as to reduce the damage of ongoing ISDS cases.”

Since May 2023, Congressional lawmakers have requested intervention on the ISDS mechanism in existing U.S. trade deals including, on behalf of the people of Honduras in a case brought forth by U.S. company Honduras Próspera seeking almost $11 billion, or nearly two-thirds of the country’s national budget; the use of all tools like the Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity (APEP) framework to coordinate with regional foreign partners; and, the removal of such provisions from the Central America-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR).

Additional signers of today’s letter include Representatives Judy Chu (CA-28), Danny K. Davis (IL-07), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), John Garamendi (CA-08), Brad Sherman (CA-32), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Cori Bush (MO-01), Greg Casar (TX-35), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Raúl Grijalva (AZ-07), Johnathan L. Jackson (IL-01), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Marcy Kaptur (OH-06), Dan Kildee (MI-08), Summer Lee (PA-12), Barbara Lee (CA-12), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Jerry Nadler (NY-12), Donald Norcross (NJ-01), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Nydia Velázquez (NY-07), Alexandia Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Veronica Escobar (TX-16and Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://escobar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1753,"Congresswoman Escobar Announces $2,000,000 Transportation Award",2024-12-19,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,TX,Veronica Escobar,E000299,escobar.house.gov,escobar,https://escobar.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has awarded $2,000,000 in funding to the City of El Paso for innovation and development at the six international ports of entry in the El Paso through the Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) Grant program.

Congress provided $100 million annually for SMART grants in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Congresswoman Escobar was the only Representative in the region to vote in favor of this historic piece of legislation.

“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continues to send millions of much-needed federal dollars into our community,” said Congresswoman Escobar. “I am so proud to have fought to secure this critical investment as our community focuses on upgrading our outdated infrastructure with particular care given to innovation and customer service. So many El Pasoans – including businesses – use our land ports of entry, I’m glad the federal government is putting money toward their improvement.”

The SMART Grant Program was established to fund public infrastructure projects focused on advanced smart community technologies and systems in order to improve transportation efficiency and safety.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5574,"Following Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher’s Advocacy, Congress Orders Completion of  Buffalo Bayou and Tributaries Resiliency Study",2024-12-19,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,TX,Lizzie Fletcher,F000468,fletcher.house.gov,fletcher,https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"The bipartisan Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024, S. 4367, which authorizes water infrastructure studies and projects across the country, passed the U.S. Senate. This bill includes language to instruct the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to complete the Buffalo Bayou and Tributaries Resiliency Study (BBTRS) that Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (D-TX-07) and Congressman Wesley Hunt (R-TX-38) requested. The completion of the BBTRS will allow for the full evaluation of an underground water conveyance tunnel concept to alleviate the potential for flooding around the Addicks and Barker reservoirs and along Buffalo Bayou. Last week, S.4367 passed the U.S. House of Representatives on a bipartisan basis, by a vote of 399-18. After the bill’s favorable passage through the Senate today, it now heads to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law.

“Since my first term in Congress, I have prioritized protecting our community from flooding by supporting water infrastructure studies and projects—including the Buffalo Bayou Tributaries and Resiliency Study (BBTRS),” said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher. “This study is an important opportunity to find a project that aligns with community objectives, minimizes adverse environmental and community impacts, and prioritizes resilience. I am glad that after years of advocating for the completion of this study and collaborating with community leaders across Texas’ Seventh Congressional District and with Congressman Wesley Hunt, the Water Resources Development Act of 2024 will include language to complete the BBTRS so that the identified solution in the study can be authorized in the future, and I was glad to vote for this bipartisan legislation.”

Since her first term in Congress, Congresswoman Fletcher has advocated for the completion of the BBTRS. Following her advocacy, language that instructs USACE to complete BBTRS was included in WRDA package that passed the House in July. In January of this year, she testified before the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure and urged the Committee to include language to complete the BBTRS.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5577,Congress Votes To Protect  Social Security and Ease Burdens on Working Families,2024-12-19,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,TX,Lizzie Fletcher,F000468,fletcher.house.gov,fletcher,https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"This week, the Senate passed the Social Security Fairness Act, H.R. 82, which repeals the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO)—both of which reduce or eliminate Social Security benefits for millions of Americans, including teachers, firefighters, police officers, and federal employees. Congresswoman Fletcher is a co-sponsor of H.R. 82 and recently supported a measure to force a vote on this bill in the U.S. House of Representatives. H.R. 82 passed the House by a vote of 327-75-1.

“The Social Security Fairness Act rectifies unfair parts of Social Security law that are long overdue,” said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher. “For decades, public servants in Texas’ Seventh Congressional District and across our country who contributed to Social Security throughout their careers and began second careers have been stripped of their retirement benefits. Those who pay into Social Security should be guaranteed their full benefits upon retirement, but the WEP and GPO created offsets and penalized workers. That is why I am glad to have helped pass the Social Security Fairness Act to protect Social Security and ease burdens on working families.”

Currently, the WEP reduces the earned Social Security benefits of an individual who also receives a public pension from a job not covered by Social Security. For example, educators who do not earn Social Security in public schools but who work part-time or during the summer in jobs covered by Social Security have reduced benefits, even though they pay into the system just like others. Likewise, the GPO affects the spousal benefits of people who work as federal, state, or local government employees — including police officers, firefighters, and educators — if the job is not covered by Social Security. The GPO reduces by two-thirds the benefit received by surviving spouses who also collect a government pension.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://gonzalez.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-gonzalez-votes-against-republican-attempt-hurt-south-texas,Congressman Gonzalez Votes Against Republican Attempt to Hurt South Texas Families and Older Americans,2024-12-19,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,TX,Vicente Gonzalez,G000581,gonzalez.house.gov,gonzalez,https://gonzalez.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) released a statement following his vote on the continuing resolution:

“It is the job of elected officials to cooperate, collaborate, and compromise on the important issues our constituents care about. Over the past 24-hours, we have seen the opposite from the Republican House Majority,” said Congressman Gonzalez.

“I am incredibly disappointed with my Republican colleagues’ sloppy and insincere attempt at the 11th hour to abandon a bipartisan deal that would have provided vital emergency aid to disaster-stricken areas, delivered for our farmers and included bipartisan provisions to lower prescription drug pricing, fund important cancer research initiatives, and maintain vital healthcare funding for our older Americans while protecting their nutrition programs, caregiver support, and in-home services.”

“This new version raises drug prices for hardworking families and cruelly hurts our older Americans. We must do better to deliver for South Texans and the American people. That is why I voted against tonight's continuing resolution.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://veasey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cardenas-leads-introduction-bipartisan-care-behavioral-health-act-2024,Cárdenas Leads Introduction of Bipartisan CARE for Behavioral Health Act of 2024,2024-12-18,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,TX,Marc A. Veasey,V000131,veasey.house.gov,veasey,https://veasey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Tony Cárdenas (CA-29), Congressman David Schweikert (AZ-1), Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33) and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1) introduced the bipartisan Crisis Care Access and Response Expansion for Behavioral Health Act or the CARE for Behavioral Health Act of 2024. As we continue the vital work of addressing our nation’s mental health needs, this bill is a crucial next step for improving the delivery of behavioral health services.

This legislation would create a pilot program through Medicare for the provision of crisis stabilization services. Currently, crisis response facilities face fractured funding mechanisms that deter expansion and investment in community-based crisis response services and result in increased burden on emergency departments. This program lays the groundwork for expanding the crisis care continuum and bringing the vital behavioral health services these facilities provide to those in need.

""In the fight for mental health parity, the CARE for Behavioral Health Act of 2024 is a crucial and necessary step to address our nation's ongoing mental health crisis,"" said Congressman Cárdenas. “During my time in Congress, I have remained committed to finding effective solutions for those in crisis in their moment of need. I have been inspired by the growth and strengthening of the crisis care continuum in America, which is why I am proud to introduce this bipartisan effort to build on that progress and further improve access to critical mental health care. Families across the country deserve access to essential behavioral health services, and we have a responsibility to break down the barriers they face.”

“Arizona continues to be a leader in combating the mental health crisis,” said Congressman Schweikert. “I am grateful to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle who remain committed to expanding access to care— especially for those who need it most.”

“As our nation grapples with an ongoing mental health crisis, the CARE for Behavioral Health Act of 2024 represents a critical first step in ensuring that every American in crisis has access to the care they need,"" said Congressman Veasey. ""This bipartisan legislation will lay the foundation for a stronger, more effective and accessible crisis care continuum. I am proud to join my colleagues to advance this effort to deliver compassionate, community-based behavioral health care to those who need it most.”

“Our nation is in the midst of an escalating mental health crisis, and we cannot afford to stand idle. Bold, decisive action is needed to ensure those in crisis receive the compassionate, effective care they deserve,” said Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1), Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Mental Health & Substance Use Disorder Task Force. “The bipartisan CARE for Behavioral Health Act of 2024 is a critical part of my ongoing efforts to tackling this crisis head-on. It will expand access to lifesaving crisis response services, ease the burden on overstrained emergency departments, and provide high quality, specialized care for my PA-1 community and beyond.”

“This pilot will dramatically improve access to behavioral health crisis care, help prevent unnecessary trips to hospital Emergency Departments and reduce overall spend and strain on our healthcare and legal systems. We applaud the co-sponsors for ensuring the program evaluates the effectiveness of crisis systems across the country while also measuring how it improves behavioral health outcomes and satisfaction with care. We look forward to working with them on its enactment” said Connections Health Solutions CEO Colin LeClair.

“The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline has been a lifesaving resource for those in crisis for more than two years, but more resources are needed to bring to life the full vision of a crisis care continuum nationwide. The National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors (NASMHPD) strong supports the leadership of Congressman Cárdenas, Congressman Veasey, Congressman Schweikert, and Congressman Fitzpatrick to ensure that Medicare recipients have access to crisis receiving and stabilization services.” – Brian Hepburn, M.D., Executive Director, NASMHPD

“On behalf of Recovery Innovations, we applaud the introduction of the CARE for Behavioral Health Act of 2024. All individuals in crisis should have access to appropriate services no matter their insurance coverage, and we proudly support this bill which establishes access to community-based crisis stabilization centers for Medicare recipients.”—David Covington, LPC, MBA, CEO & President, Recovery Innovations

“As we build out 988 and the crisis continuum, it is critical that we ensure those in crisis have access to the appropriate level of services. This legislation is an important step forward in strengthening the behavioral health system and connecting people to life-saving care.” Jonah C. Cunningham, President and CEO, the National Association of County Behavioral Health and Developmental Disability Directors (NACBHDD).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://veasey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-veasey-releases-statement-funding-government,Congressman Veasey Releases Statement on Funding the Government,2024-12-18,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,TX,Marc A. Veasey,V000131,veasey.house.gov,veasey,https://veasey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Marc Veasey has released the following statement following news that Elon Musk and President Elect Trump have urged Republicans shut down the government:

""Democrats have, in good faith, worked across the aisle to ensure that tens of thousands of workers get paid, while providing real support for farmers and veterans this holiday season and beyond,"" said Congressman Marc Veasey. ""Yet, without considering the far-reaching consequences this would have on the lives of everyday Americans, Elon Musk and President-Elect Trump have disrespected the needs of the average worker by urging Republicans to reject the agreed-upon bill. Musk, an unelected and out of touch oligarch, has shown time and again that he is a threat to both the democratic process and the well-being of Americans across the country.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://casar.house.gov/media/press-releases/news-casar-leads-20-members-congress-calling-administration-withhold-offensive,"NEWS: Casar Leads 20 Members of Congress Calling for the Administration to Withhold Offensive Weapons from the Israeli Government, Follow Own Standards",2024-12-17,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,TX,Greg Casar,C001131,casar.house.gov,casar,https://casar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representatives Greg Casar (D-Texas) and Summer Lee (D-Penn.), along with 18 other Members of Congress, are calling on the Biden Administration to adhere to and uphold U.S. law by suspending offensive military transfers to the Israeli government.

The letter follows the Biden Administration’s Oct. 13, 2024 letter to Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant and Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer that correctly identified steps the Israeli government must take in order for continued transfers of offensive weapons to be in accordance with U.S. law and policy. The Israeli government has failed to meet those humanitarian standards. Casar, Lee, and their colleagues ask U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin to follow their own standards that they publicly established.

“We believe continuing to transfer offensive weapons to the Israeli government prolongs the suffering of the Palestinian people and risks our own national security by sending a message to the world that the U.S. will apply its laws, policies, and international law selectively,” the members wrote. “Furthermore, a failure to act will put Israeli lives in danger by prolonging Netanyahu’s war, isolating Israel on the international stage, and creating further instability in the region… While Israel made nominal progress in some areas, it overwhelmingly failed to meet the minimum standards laid out in the Administration’s own letter.”

“We urge your Administration to adhere to and uphold U.S. law by suspending offensive military transfers to Netanyahu and his government. Failure to do so not only risks our leverage in ceasefire negotiations, it undermines our country’s own national security and weakens America’s commitment to human rights as a cornerstone of our foreign policy,” the members continued. “We remain committed to saving Palestinian and Israeli lives. This means doing everything possible to prioritize the release of hostages, secure a lasting ceasefire deal, and move toward long term peace.”

Standards in the Oct. 13, 2024 letter included:

Humanitarian Aid Trucks:

U.S. demand: “Enable a minimum of 350 [humanitarian aid] trucks per day to enter Gaza.”

Reality: Since then, an average of 42 aid trucks have entered Gaza daily, with as few as six trucks on some days.

Humanitarian Pauses:

U.S. demand: “Institute adequate humanitarian pauses across Gaza as necessary to enable humanitarian activities.”

Reality: The third phase of Gaza’s polio vaccination campaign was delayed in moving forward because of escalating violence. When the vaccinations did begin, medical professionals were not provided with access to northern Gaza and a vaccination center was attacked by the Israeli military during a humanitarian pause.

End the Isolation of Northern Gaza

U.S. demand: Reaffirm “that there will be no Israeli government policy of forced evacuation of civilians from northern to southern Gaza” and ensure “humanitarian organizations have continuous access to northern Gaza.”

Reality: The leading humanitarian organizations reported last month that not only did the Israeli government fail to meet the Biden Administration’s criteria, but that it “concurrently took actions that dramatically worsened the situation on the ground, particularly in northern Gaza.” According to the United Nations, the Netanyahu government has denied 82 out of 91 attempts since Oct. 6, 2024 to deliver aid to cut-off areas in northern Gaza. During the 30-day time period provided to Israel, roughly 100,000 people were displaced from northern Gaza.

“Simply put, the Netanyahu government has not complied with the United States’ repeated requests to allow humanitarian aid to be delivered safely to innocent people. Under U.S. law, the United States government must suspend offensive weapons to any nation that fails to meet these basic standards,” the members wrote.

The letter is authored by U.S. Representative Greg Casar (TX-35), co-led by U.S. RepresentativeSummer Lee (PA-12), and signed by U.S. Representatives Jamaal Bowman (NY-16), Cori Bush (MO-01), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Al Green (TX-09), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Jim McGovern (MA-02), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12).

The full letter can be viewed here.

###

Congressman Greg Casar represents Texas’s 35th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives, which runs down I-35 from East Austin to Hays County to the West Side of San Antonio. A labor organizer and son of Mexican immigrants, Casar serves as the Whip of the Congressional Progressive Caucus for the 118th Congress. He also serves on the Committee on Oversight and Accountability and the Committee on Agriculture.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-castro-celebrates-the-addition-of-five-new-latino-led-films-to-the-national-film-registry-at-the-library-of-congress,Congressman Castro Celebrates the Addition of Five New Latino-Led Films to the National Film Registry at the Library of Congress,2024-12-17,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,TX,Joaquin Castro,C001091,castro.house.gov,castro,https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), the former chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and a longtime advocate for Latino representation in media and entertainment, released the following statement to celebrate the addition of five new Latino-led films – including four of his nominations – to the National Film Registry at the Library of Congress:

“For thirty-five years, the National Film Registry at the Library of Congress has worked to preserve movies with an enduring impact on American society. During this year’s nomination process, my office received hundreds of suggestions from movie fans who were excited to share their favorite films. I’m thrilled that four of our nominations: Mi Familia (1995), American Me (1992), Up in Smoke (1978), and Spy Kids (2001) have been included among this year’s inductions.

“I’m also pleased that the National Film Preservation Board selected Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982), which features the iconic Latino actor Ricardo Montalbán. Earlier in his career, Montalbán, who was dismayed by widespread stereotypical depictions of Latinos on screen, founded Nosotros, an organization that since the 1970s has argued for greater Latino representation in media and entertainment.

“The new Latino-led films added to the National Film Registry tell complex and sometimes difficult stories, featuring Latinos as heroes and villains, hard-working immigrants and goofballs, space travelers and so much more. Together, these films represent a unique cross-section of Latino contributions to American cinema and showcase the talent Latinos bring to the screen.

“2024 is a record-breaking year for Latinos and the National Film Registry, with the most inductions of Latino and Hispanic-led films in the Registry’s history. Overall, the National Film Preservation Board’s 2024 selections are commendably diverse, showcasing a wide array of American communities and experiences.

“Congratulations to all the inducted filmmakers, cast, and crew for this prestigious acknowledgement of their work, and thank you to the Librarian of Congress, Library staff, and members of the National Film Preservation Board for their dedication to American history and culture.”

Background

Since 1989, the National Film Registry at the Library of Congress has worked to preserve films with cultural, historic, or aesthetic significance to life in the United States. Films, which must be at least ten years old to be considered, are chosen by the National Film Preservation Board with input from media leaders and members of the public. Twenty-five additional films are added on an annual basis.

As chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Congressman Castro successfully advocated for the Selena Quintanilla biopic Selena (1997) to be added to the National Film Registry, arguing that the film “has become a beloved icon of Latino culture and has found widespread mainstream success, proving once and for all that Latino stories are American stories.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://crockett.house.gov/media/press-releases/crockett-edwards-moskowitz-introduce-tax-bill-incentivize-businesses-hire,"Crockett, Edwards, Moskowitz Introduce Tax Bill to Incentivize Businesses to Hire Disaster Victims",2024-12-17,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,TX,Jasmine Crockett,C001130,crockett.house.gov,crockett,https://crockett.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congresswomen Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11), and Rep. Jared Moskowitz (FL-23) introduced a bill, the HIRE CREDIT Act, aimed at easing the difficulties faced by victims of federally-designated disasters who are forced to temporarily relocate and find work outside of their community or state. Specifically, this bill would create a new category under the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (“WOTC”) for “displaced disaster victims”—a class of individuals who have, and will continue to, face significant barriers to employment in the aftermath of federally declared disasters. Businesses that hire individuals who satisfy the requirements of this new category will be eligible to receive a tax credit of up to 40% of up to $6,000 of wages paid to this new employee.

“In the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, hundreds of thousands of Americans across the Southeast have been displaced – including 375,000 households in North Carolina alone. As a Texan, I have seen that the pain of being forced to flee your home during a disaster goes far beyond structural damage – even if you are lucky enough to be able to rebuild, you are still forced to scrape out a living for weeks or even months away from home, often far away from your workplace and without easy access to transportation,” said Rep. Crockett. “Our HIRE CREDIT Act addresses this problem by incentivizing businesses to hire temporarily displaced workers in the communities providing them refuge, easing the burden on disaster victims while simultaneously boosting local economies.”

“Hurricane Helene destroyed homes, businesses, and jobs across Western North Carolina. Now, as we look to pick up the pieces, it’s become clear that finding a job to replace the one folks have lost from hurricane damage is historically more difficult to do,” said Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11). “The HIRE Credit Act will give employers in our mountains a tax credit to hire dislocated hurricane survivors, giving businesses the federal support they need to hire new staff during this difficult time while keeping our people in our mountains.”

“As Florida’s former emergency management director, I know that one of the biggest challenges faced by communities impacted by hurricanes is finding work when businesses are destroyed or damaged,” said Rep. Moskowitz. “This commonsense legislation will incentivize companies to hire people whose lives have been upended by disasters. The HIRE CREDIT is a necessary step toward helping these communities get back on their feet, and I’m proud to be supporting it with Congresswoman Crockett.”

WHAT THE HIRE CREDIT DOES

Creates a new eligible class of persons “displaced disaster victims” under the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (“WOTC”) for part-time employment by an employer.

WOTC is an established tax credit program that provides employers with a federal tax credit available for hiring and employing certain American job seekers who have consistently faced barriers to employment.

To qualify as a “displaced disaster victim” an individual must be certified by the designated local agency as:

Having a principal residence (as defined in section 1033(h)(4)) in a qualified disaster zone which was rendered uninhabitable as a result of the qualified disaster with respect to such qualified disaster zone,

Being employed (immediately prior to the incident period with respect to such qualified disaster) at a location in such qualified disaster zone which was rendered inoperable as a result of such qualified disaster, and

Being in a period of unemployment.

The term “qualified disaster zones” are areas where:

a major disaster was declared by the President, on or after January 1, 2024, under section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, and

was determined by the President, on or after January 1, 2024, to warrant individual or individual and public assistance from the Federal Government under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act by reason of the qualified disaster with respect to such disaster area.

Employers will be eligible to receive a tax credit for a certain amount of money based on the wages paid to the employee:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://crockett.house.gov/media/press-releases/crockett-releases-statement-smirnov-guilty-plea-false-allegations-against,Crockett Releases Statement on Smirnov Guilty Plea for False Allegations Against Bidens,2024-12-17,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,TX,Jasmine Crockett,C001130,crockett.house.gov,crockett,https://crockett.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congresswomen Jasmine Crockett (TX-30) released the following statement responding to news that ex-FBI informant and Russian agent Alexander Smirnov had pleaded guilty to providing false information to federal authorities about Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden months before the 2020 presidential election.

""For nearly two years, House Republicans have used the false testimony of a Russian foreign agent, Alexander Smirnov, as a way to try and improve their electoral prospects by spreading lies about President Joe Biden and his family. Smirnov—whom the U.S. government itself has described as someone with 'an amalgam of otherwise unremarkable business meetings and contacts,'— began this political smear job by going to the FBI and spreading disinformation, which was then recorded on an FBI FD-1023 form. The extent of his lies was wide ranging. He lied about his wealth, his profession, his background, and importantly, he lied about purported illegal and corrupt actions involving President Biden and his son Hunter Biden—none of which ever occurred.

""In spite of the attempts by my Democratic colleagues and I to verify the information given by Smirnov, Republicans used the uncorroborated claims in the document as their smoking gun to justify impeaching President Biden. Our concerns into the claims’ veracity turned out to be well-founded: in February 2024, after thorough investigations by lawyers, the FBI, and the Department of Justice, Alexander Smirnov, the so-called confidential human source behind the false Biden corruption story, was arrested, criminally charged, and has entered a plea of guilty for providing false statements to the FBI and creating a false and fictitious record. Unfortunately for democracy and the American people, the damage was already done. By platforming and broadcasting these unfounded and baseless accusations against our President from within the House Oversight Committee, House Judiciary Committee, and House Ways and Means Committee, Republicans wasted millions of taxpayer dollars to fund an outright lie propagated by Smirnov and praised by our Russian adversaries.

""With yesterday’s guilty plea, Mr. Smirnov is admitting what Democrats have been spelling out for months: these claims are lies and there is no basis for impeachment of President Biden. This was nothing more than an attempt by Russia and other foreign adversaries to undermine President Biden and tip the scales of the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election. The success of Russia’s efforts to advance Mr. Smirnov’s work tarnishing an honorable, law-abiding president in favor of Putin’s dictator-loving, 34 felony-indicted close friend, Donald Trump, should alarm everyone. For nearly two years leading up to one of the most influential presidential elections in modern history, House Republicans quickly spread Russian-sourced misinformation about an American President and his family—an American President that has been steadfast in his firm opposition to Russia’s war in Ukraine and who has tirelessly worked to strengthen America’s commitment and partnership to our NATO allies, to the displeasure of America’s foreign adversaries.

""This is not the first time we have seen foreign countries attempt to infiltrate our political process, and based on recent statements by the incoming President and his administration officials, I am worried this will not be the last. As we anxiously brace for the devastating implications of a second Trump presidency with a Republican-controlled Congress rubber stamping his every whim, it is vital that every American—regardless of party—remember that American national security must be placed above partisan politics. If this ordeal has taught us anything, it is that we must enact stronger guardrails to stop malicious foreign agents from influencing those at top levels of our government. To do that, we need accurate answers to the following questions before it is too late: How did not a single House Republican or their staff catch the significant inconsistencies and lies within Mr. Smirnov’s story in nearly two years of congressional investigations? And if they did indeed know Mr. Smirnov’s account was fraudulent, why did they allow it to guide their work and influence their judgement for so long?

""What this entire facade has proven is that if we are to effectively oversee the federal government, it is incumbent on us to oversee how we as members of Congress do our jobs—because the level of due diligence conducted by the Republican leadership these last two years has clearly failed the American people.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://crockett.house.gov/media/press-releases/crockett-leads-letter-calling-clemency-americans-convicted-federal-crack,Crockett Leads Letter Calling For Clemency for Americans Convicted On Federal Crack Cocaine Offenses,2024-12-16,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,TX,Jasmine Crockett,C001130,crockett.house.gov,crockett,https://crockett.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congresswomen Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), Senator Raphael Warnock (D-GA), and 18 members of the House Democratic Caucus sent a letter to President Joseph R. Biden calling for him to use his clemency power to commute those individuals serving longer sentences due to the crack cocaine versus powder cocaine sentencing disparity that was established during the 1980’s “War on Drugs.”

""With roughly one and half months left in your administration, we call on you to continue the progress of your administration and use your constitutional clemency power on individuals impacted by misguided sentencing disparities between crack cocaine and powder cocaine who are serving sentences that would be substantially lower if sentenced today. Specifically, we urge you to commute the sentences of individuals convicted of crack cocaine offenses to sentence lengths had they been charged with powder cocaine offences,"" wrote the members.

""The heightened sentencing for crack was premised on the belief that crack cocaine was more chemically dangerous than powder cocaine, and that crack users were more violent. However, medical research as early as the 1990s has shown that the physiological and psychoactive effects of cocaine are the same, regardless of the form. Additionally, 2020 U.S. Sentencing Commission data showed more federal offenders charged with powder cocaine offenses carried weapons, 490, than those charged with crack cocaine offenses, 468—meaning those convicted of powder cocaine offences were more likely to have weapons and be violent thank crack cocaine offenders,"" continued the members.

""The disparate impact of the higher sentencing for crack cocaine users for communities of color is also telling. After analyzing data by the Bureau of Prisons from January 2024, the U.S. Sentencing Commission estimates there are 5,351 individuals federally incarcerated for crimes which crack cocaine was the primary or only drug involved. The U.S. Sentencing Commission estimates that, of that number, roughly ‘97.8 percent’ or ‘5,234’individuals would be eligible for a reduced sentence, and ‘62.5 percent’ or ‘3,268’ individuals would be eligible for immediate release if crack cocaine was sentenced the same as powder cocaine. Today, those currently serving crack cocaine sentences are roughly 78.9% Black, 14.3% Hispanic, and 6.4% White—meaning that the majority of those serving longer sentences because of this crack cocaine distinction are people of color,"" the members continued.

The members conclude, ""Given the misguided and disproven theories surrounding the antiquated sentencing disparity between crack cocaine and powder cocaine, as well as the disproportionate harm this disparity has had on communities of color, we respectfully request that you use your clemency power to commute the sentences of individuals convicted of crack cocaine offenses to sentence lengths had they been charged with powder cocaine.""

A full copy of the letter can be found here, with text appearing below.

Dear President Biden:

We first write to extend our gratitude for your tireless work in addressing longstanding inadequacies within our federal criminal justice system. Since taking office, your administration has implemented several new policies that have created positive changes for countless citizens.

Whether it was advancing effective, accountable policing and criminal justice practices to enhance public trust and safety, or pardoning thousands of individuals convicted of simple use or possession of marijuana, your administration has dedicated itself to rectifying systemic wrongs which have impacted certain communities for countless decades. Now, with roughly one and half months left in your administration, we call on you to continue the progress of your administration and use your constitutional clemency power on individuals impacted by misguided sentencing disparities between crack cocaine and powder cocaine who are serving sentences that would be substantially lower if sentenced today. Specifically, we urge you to commute the sentences of individuals convicted of crack cocaine offenses to sentence lengths had they been charged with powder cocaine offences.

As our country began to wage a “war on drugs” in the 1980’s, Congress sought to address the rise in drug addictions, overdoses, and deaths through legislation. Its solution, the Anti-Drug Abuse Act, contained several provisions, including establishing mandatory minimum sentences for crack cocaine and powder cocaine. Specifically, the law set forth a minimum 5-year prison sentence for possession of 5 grams crack cocaine compared to a 5-year minimum prison sentence for every 500 grams of powder cocaine. Reports at the time noted that “public officials and government agencies [were] reacting to crack and cocaine use in the United States”—but these “politicians recognize[d] that antidrug statements and actions [we]re unlikely to be scrutinized or challenged by opponents, for no one in public life th[o]se days wants to appear soft on drugs.” Hence, Congress differentiated crack cocaine and powder cocaine, suggesting that crack, compared to powder cocaine, “[wa]s easily obtained,” and given its “accessibility and affordability, . . . crack threatened to tear apart the nation’s social fabric.” Members also argued that crack cocaine, unlike powder cocaine, led to greater violence and therefore stronger sentences were needed. Accordingly, Congress sought to go “beyond saying that we are going to get tough. . . . We have very strong penalties, mandatory sentences for the use of crack in small amounts; we distinguish crack and make it one of the most dangerous drugs.”

Yet, as early as the 1990’s, scientific and medical research questioned the assumed different physiological and psychotropic effects of crack cocaine compared to powder cocaine that helped justify the sentencing disparity at its time of creation. For example, a prominent medical study in 1996 showed that the “physiological and psychoactive effects of cocaine are similar regardless of whether it is in the form of cocaine [powder] or crack cocaine.”10 Then in 2002, the U.S. Sentencing Commission (“USSC”) issued a report to Congress noting that “[c]cocaine, in any form produces the same physiological and psychotropic effects. . . . [Also,] [t]he negative effects of prenatal crack cocaine exposure are identical to the negative effects of prenatal powder cocaine exposure and are significantly less severe than previously believed.” Thus, what became evidently clear was that “[s]ome of the information available to Congress in

retrospect proved not to be empirically sound.”

Despite this mistaken understanding, the continual application of this policy caused disproportionate harm to communities of color. As USSC’s 2002 report noted, the “overwhelming majority of offenders subject to the heightened crack cocaine penalties [we]re black . . . [which] contributed to a widely held perception that the current penalty structure promote[d] unwarranted disparity based on race.”13 In fact, demographic sentencing data for federal crack cocaine offenses showed that in 1992, 91.4% of individuals sentenced were Black and 3.2% were White—in 2000, 84.7% were Black and 5.6% were White. Concerned about the impact of this trend, USSC stated that “even the perception of racial disparity problematic because it fosters disrespect for and lack of confidence in the criminal justice system.”

It was not until 2010 that efforts to have defendants “sentenced for what he or she actually did, not [because] the form of cocaine involved” achieved partial success.16 Under the Fair Sentencing Act which President Obama signed into law, the 100-to-1 sentencing disparity for crack cocaine offenses was reduced to 18-to-1.17 When debating the bill, Congress reiterated what many already knew—that “there is no pharmacological difference between the two forms of cocaine” and that at that time, “80 percent of the crack defendants [we]re black.” Although the bill codified the new sentencing requirements for those sentenced after its passage, the bill’s 18-to-1 ratio did not apply to individuals already sentenced under the 1986 disparity. Following legal challenges and proactive efforts by USSC promoting retroactive application, Congress in 2018 passed a sweeping criminal justice reform bill—the First Step Act19—which codified retroactive application of the 18-to-1 sentencing standard for those previously sentenced under the 100-to-1 regime.20 Roughly five years after its passage, the impact of the law was nothing short of astounding. USSC reported that between the enactment of First Step Act to September 30, 2021, 4,226 incarcerated persons received retroactive reductions, of which 3877 were Black (92.0%), 170 were Hispanic (4.0%), 131 were White (3.1%).

While the 2010 and 2018 laws have produced positive change in our criminal justice system, efforts to completely eliminate the crack versus powder disparity continue to grow with broad support. In 2021, Congress introduced legislation establishing 1-to-1 sentencing for crack cocaine and powder cocaine. This bill overwhelmingly passed out of the House of Representatives with broad bipartisan support, 361-66. Bipartisan consensus for change also been seen in the U.S. Senate. During a 2021 Senate Judiciary Hearing, both Republicans and Democrats noted that the current sentencing disparity is unmerited and that it has disproportionately impacted communities of color. Republican Governor of Arkansas Asa Hutchinson testified before the committee, noting that “the sentencing disparity between crack cocaine and powder cocaine was fundamentally unfair and caused disproportionate harm, particularly in communities of color. . . . Congress now has the opportunity to build on the bipartisan successes of the Fair Sentencing Act and the First Step Act by eliminating the

sentencing disparity between crack cocaine and powder cocaine once and for all. The strength of our justice system is dependent on the perception of fundamental fairness.” One Republican senator also stated that “I think there is widespread agreement on this committee that the disparity is difficult to defend.” The Democratic Chairman repeated this sentiment, stating that although the 2010 and 2018 laws have addressed “inequities in our criminal justice system . . . the task that now lies before us is finishing the job we started, by eliminating this disparity, altogether. It has no basis in science. It’s done nothing to make us safer. It serves only to undermine trust in our system of justice, especially, among Black Americans, who are six times . . . more likely to be imprisoned on drug charges than white Americans, even though the drug use is at a similar rate between them.” Senators also dispelled the notion of greater violence acts by crack cocaine offenders compared to powder cocaine offenders when one Democratic senator, citing USCC data, noted that “more federal offenders charged with powder cocaine offenses carried weapons, 490, than those charged with crack cocaine offenses, 468. . . . The data shows that powder cocaine folks are more likely to have weapons.”

It is also telling that even your administration has also called for eliminating the crack versus powder disparity equal sentencing. Indeed, in 2022, Attorney General Merrick Garland issued a department memorandum that addressed the crack versus powder sentencing disparity. In it, Attorney General Garland stated that the “Justice Department supports elimination of the crack-to-powder sentencing disparity . . . ‘First, the crack/powder disparity is simply not supported by science, as there are no significant pharmacological differences between the drugs: they are two forms of the same drug, with powder readily convertible into crack cocaine. Second, as documented by the Sentencing Commission, the crack/powder sentencing differential is still responsible for unwarranted racial disparities in sentencing. Third, the higher penalties for crack cocaine offenses are not necessary to achieve (and actually undermine) our law enforcement priorities, as there are other tools more appropriately tailored to that end.’” In an effort to “promote the equivalent treatment of crack and powder cocaine offense,” Attorney General Garland then set forth guidance for prosecutors to use to achieve this goal, such as supporting “variance[s] to the guidelines range that would apply to the comparable quantity of

powder cocaine.”

While Congress today works to pass the EQUAL Act to establish equal sentencing for

crack cocaine and powder cocaine, we recognize the unique power vested to you that can right the wrongs of our criminal justice system and build on your legacy of ensuring equitable and restorative justice. In analyzing data by BOP from January 2024, USSC estimates there are 5,351 individuals federally incarcerated for crimes which crack cocaine was the primary or only drug involved. USSC estimates that of that number, roughly “97.8 percent” or “5,234” individuals would be eligible for a reduced sentence, and “62.5 percent” or “3,268” individuals would be eligible for immediate release if crack cocaine was sentenced the same as powder cocaine.

Today, those currently serving crack cocaine sentences are roughly 78.9% Black,

14.3% Hispanic, and 6.4% White—meaning that the majority of those serving longer sentences because of this crack cocaine distinction are people of color.

Over the last three years, you have exercised your constitutional clemency power for

individuals who have had certain drug-related federal and D.C. convictions. In issuing these pardons and reprieves, you emphasized the need to address these wrongs given that communities of color “have been arrested, prosecuted, and convicted at disproportionate rates,” compared to others.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://gonzalez.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-gonzalez-passes-legislation-honoring-local-fallen-hero-first,"Congressman Gonzalez Passes Legislation Honoring Local Fallen Hero, First Lieutenant Andres Zermeño",2024-12-16,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,TX,Vicente Gonzalez,G000581,gonzalez.house.gov,gonzalez,https://gonzalez.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass Congressman Vicente Gonzalez’s (TX-34) legislation, H.R. 6244, to rename the U.S. Post Office located at 1535 East Los Ebanos Boulevard, Brownsville, Texas, in honor of fallen soldier and Brownsville native, First Lieutenant Andres Zermeño.

First Lieutenant Andres Zermeño answered the call to serve in 2008 by commissioning into the United States Army where he served overseas during “Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF)”. In 2011, First Lieutenant Zermeño was tragically killed in action while on patrol in Shekhabad, Afghanistan, from injuries suffered from a rocket-propelled grenade. He is survived by his wife and two children.

“It was my honor to introduce H.R. 6244 and pay tribute to Lieutenant Zermeño’s extraordinary legacy. He is the true definition of an American hero who bravely laid down his life to protect his family, his hometown, and his country,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “May this legislation serve as a lasting reminder to South Texans of his sacrifice and courage.”

During his funeral mass at St. Mary’s University, Lieutenant Zermeño’s friends, family, and colleagues remembered him as a true leader, a caring friend, and a devoted family man. He was laid to rest at Fort Sam Houston.

Congressman Gonzalez took to the House floor urging his colleagues to support passage of the bill, which can be viewed here.

H.R. 6244 currently awaits Senate action.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://sylviagarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-sylvia-garcia-introduces-bill-to-protect-intersex-children-in-the-foster-system,Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia Introduces Bill to Protect Intersex Children in the Foster System,2024-12-16,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,TX,Sylvia R. Garcia,G000587,sylviagarcia.house.gov,sylviagarcia,https://sylviagarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia (D-TX-29) introduced the Protect Intersex Children Act to prohibit medically unnecessary surgeries on intersex children under six years old in the foster care system.

Approximately 1-2% of newborns are born intersex. These children—those born with natural variations in physical sex characteristics—are often subjected to medical interventions to modify their bodies to conform to typical male or female genitalia. As many as two-thirds of these irreversible surgeries occur on infants under the age of two, before they are old enough to understand the implications or give consent. They often result in long-term physical and emotional harm, including chronic pain, loss of function, and psychological trauma.

“Every child deserves to grow up feeling safe, loved, and valued for who they are—not subjected to unnecessary medical procedures that take away their autonomy and identity,” said Congresswoman Garcia. “This is about protecting children from harm and ensuring they have the chance to make decisions about their own bodies when they’re ready. This legislation is a crucial first step toward empowering intersex children and supporting an often-overlooked community.""

""Children in state care who are born with variations in sex characteristics are frequently subjected to medically unnecessary cosmetic genital surgeries intended to define their gender, often without their consent or involvement in the decision,"" said The Houston Intersex Society co-founders and TX-29 constituents Mo Cortez and Koomah. ""This was our experience as children in state care and the consequences of these procedures are devastating. We commend Congresswoman Garcia for her continued dedication to these impacted communities and her unwavering advocacy.""

""Children with intersex variations have never had sufficient legal protection against violations of bodily autonomy. Currently, they are arguably at greater risk than ever as states that ban transgender youth from accessing necessary, affirming care are simultaneously encouraging unnecessary and harmful surgeries on intersex infants and young children through the same legislative instruments,"" said InterACT Legal and Policy Director Sylvan Fraser Anthony. ""Federal action is needed to preserve bodily self-determination against these deplorable abuses of state power.""

The Protect Intersex Children Act would require that states receiving federal funding for foster care and adoption assistance programs to prohibit specified surgeries from being performed on foster children under the age of six who are born with variations in the development, appearance, or function of their physical sex characteristics, unless required to address a life-threatening medical emergency.

A growing number of medical and human rights organizations, including the World Health Organization and the United Nations, have condemned these early interventions. In 2017, three former US Surgeon Generals that served in both Republican and Democratic administrations issued a statement calling for a moratorium on medically unnecessary surgeries on intersex children too young to participate in the decision.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://sylviagarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-sylvia-garcia-leads-24-colleagues-in-bicameral-call-for-usps-to-protect-the-safety-of-mail-order-medications-from-extreme-temperatures,Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia Leads 24 Colleagues in Bicameral Call for USPS to Protect the Safety of Mail-Order Medications from Extreme Temperatures,2024-12-16,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,TX,Sylvia R. Garcia,G000587,sylviagarcia.house.gov,sylviagarcia,https://sylviagarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia (D-TX-29) led 24 colleagues in the House and Senate in sending a bicameral letter to Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, United States Postal Service (USPS) leadership, and the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) urging immediate action to address the risks extreme temperatures pose to the efficacy of mail-order medications.

This letter comes after alarming reports detailing how unsafe temperature conditions during delivery compromise the safety of medications that millions of Americans depend on.

The letter, citing investigative reporting and research, highlights the vulnerability of essential medications—such as insulin, epinephrine injectors, and rescue inhalers—to extreme heat or freezing conditions during shipping.

""Receiving medications by mail is a crucial lifeline for many, particularly for those who are homebound, elderly, or living in rural areas. As extreme temperatures continue to affect communities across the United States, these patients receiving essential medications via mail are increasingly at risk of receiving compromised products,"" wrote the members to Postmaster General Louis DeJoy.

The letter further raises concerns over the lack of consistent temperature monitoring and oversight during the delivery process, pointing out that delivery trucks can reach temperatures of up to 150 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer months. The lawmakers also reference cases where patients faced life-threatening consequences from receiving damaged medications.

The letter outlines specific questions for USPS and PRC leadership to address, including:

How many complaints has the Postal Service received related to patients experiencing harm, serious injury and/or death resulting from complications linked to prescriptions delivered that were outside of their safe temperature zones?

How does the agency ensure that medications are monitored for temperature exposure during shipping, and what protocols are in place to identify and replace compromised products?

What actions is your agency taking to ensure the safe storage and transportation of perishable medications? What regulations, guidelines, or protocols does your agency have in place for perishable prescriptions? How does your agency enforce these regulations?

The lawmakers have requested a detailed response by January 17, 2025, and urged USPS to take immediate steps to mitigate the risk to public health by mail-order medications that are exposed to extreme temperatures. The effort is part of Congresswoman Garcia's continued commitment to combatting the effects of extreme temperatures on communities across the nation and ensuring all Americans have access to reliable and safe healthcare services.

Joining Congresswoman Garcia as cosigners on the letter are Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Jeffrey A. Merkley (D-OR), as well as Reps. Melanie Stansbury (D-NM-01), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI-12), Kweisi Mfume (D-MD-07), Jasmine Crockett (D-TX-30), Greg Casar (D-TX-35), Raul M. Grijalva (D-AZ-07), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL-25), Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY-09), Dan Goldman (D-NY-10), Henry C. Johnson, Jr. (D-GA-04), Nanette Diaz Barragan (D-CA-44), Dwight Evans (D-PA-03), Barbara Lee (D-TX-12), Nikema Williams (D-GA-05), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ-12), Jared Huffman (D-CA-02), Steve Cohen (D-TN-09), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA-07), Val Hoyle (D-OR-04), Sean Casten (D-IL-06), and Erica Lee Carter (D-TX-18).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://veasey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-veasey-releases-statement-school-shooting-abundant-life-christian,"Rep. Veasey Releases Statement on School Shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin",2024-12-16,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,TX,Marc A. Veasey,V000131,veasey.house.gov,veasey,https://veasey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Marc Veasey has released the following statement regarding the news coming out of the Abundant Life Christian School in Madison Wisconsin after the shooting that has occurred on December 16, 2024:

""Today's tragic news of the shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin is deeply Distressing,"" said Congressman Marc Veasey. ""There are no words that can fully capture the pain of those affected or begin to health the trauma experienced by the victims, their families, and all those who risk their lives to protect us. Moving forward, it is critical that we take every necessary step to ensure that our schools remain safe spaces for learning and growth.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-al-green-and-congresswoman-sylvia-garcia-host-press-conference-0,Congressman Al Green and Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia Host Press Conference to Address Mail Delays and Fatal Shooting After Touring USPS North Houston Regional Processing Center,2024-12-13,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,TX,Al Green,G000553,algreen.house.gov,algreen,https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"(Houston, TX)—On Friday, December 13, 2024, Congressman Al Green and Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia will host a press conference after touring the United States Postal Service (USPS) North Houston Regional Processing Center. During the press conference, they will discuss issues related to mail delivery delays and concern about the upcoming holiday rush, including a test letter and check sent by the Congressman that has not yet been delivered to its intended recipient. They will also discuss the lack of security leading to the recent fatal shooting of a postal service employee at the Missouri City facility on December 9, 2024. The press conference will take place at Iglesia Cristiana Pan De Vida located at 4623 Aldine Bender Road, Houston, Texas 77032 at 12:30 p.m. CT.

""For far too long, Representative Green and I have been visiting our processing facilities to demand action and accountability from USPS. Every day these facilities aren't fully operational means prescriptions are delayed, checks are lost, and gifts go missing—that is unacceptable for our families,” said Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia. “USPS has tried to dodge responsibility, but let me be clear: we're not letting up. North Houston has installed new sorting machines to help with processing, but the real test is just around the corner this holiday season. We're holding their feet to the fire until every issue is fixed, sealed, stamped, and ready to go.""

“In light of the tragic shooting involving a postal service employee, my heart goes out to their family and friends during this incredibly difficult time. I am deeply saddened by the loss of life and the impact it is having on our community. This incident raises serious concerns about security at our facilities, especially at the South Houston Distribution Center,” stated Congressman Al Green. “I had a visit scheduled at the South Houston facility on this Friday, December 13, 2024. However, out of respect for those grieving, it has been postponed to a later date to be announced. Instead, I and Congresswoman Garcia will meet with high level postal officials, and thereafter hold a press event following the tour at the North Houston Regional Processing Center on Friday, December 13, 2024, to discuss postal issues, including the shooting.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5572,Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher Delivers Winter Wishes to Senior Citizens in Texas’ Seventh Congressional District,2024-12-13,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,TX,Lizzie Fletcher,F000468,fletcher.house.gov,fletcher,https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) delivered holiday cards to senior citizens across Texas’ Seventh Congressional District. Local students, teachers, and Seventh District constituents created and delivered more than 1,257 cards to Congresswoman Fletcher’s Houston office this month to be shared with area seniors.

“I was thrilled to deliver holiday cards to seniors across our district on behalf of our community members,” said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher. “We had an incredible response from our TX-07 community, and I am grateful to everyone who participated and helped spread holiday cheer.”

Congresswoman Fletcher started the Winter Wishes program in 2021. This is her fourth year delivering Winter Wishes in TX-07, and she visited Brookdale Galleria and Tarrytowne Estates.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://crockett.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-crockett-applauds-biden-admin-clemency-nearly-1500-americans-including-tx,"Rep. Crockett Applauds Biden Admin for Clemency of Nearly 1500 Americans, Including TX-30 Constituent",2024-12-12,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,TX,Jasmine Crockett,C001130,crockett.house.gov,crockett,https://crockett.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Today, December 12, Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (TX-30) released the following statement in response to the news that the Biden Administration has granted clemency for nearly 1500 Americans, including her constituent and Arlington resident, Lashundra Tenneal Wilson.

“I applaud President Biden’s actions today in granting clemency for nearly 1,500 individuals, including 39 pardons for individuals who had been convicted of non-violent offenses. One of the individuals who has received a second chance is Lashundra Tenneal Wilson, a 49-year-old constituent of Texas’ 30th congressional district who has turned her life around after a non-violent conviction as a teenager.

“Since then, Lashundra has dedicated herself to her community. She has pursued her education, has worked in healthcare, and volunteers at health fairs and raises funds for nonprofit organizations. Lashundra’s story is a powerful reminder of our ability for growth and redemption, and is living proof that we are not defined by our past but rather how we live our lives when we get a second chance.

“As a former public defender and civil rights attorney, I know firsthand how rare it is for people to receive these types of life changing pardons and clemencies. President Biden’s actions today illustrate a commitment to restorative criminal justice through rehabilitation and reintegration into society. With close to one month left in his administration, I urge President Biden to build on this legacy and continue to utilize his presidential pardon power in these last few weeks in office.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://escobar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1749,"Congresswoman Escobar Votes to Bolster Quality of Life for our Servicemembers, Pass FY 25 NDAA",2024-12-11,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,TX,Veronica Escobar,E000299,escobar.house.gov,escobar,https://escobar.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) member of the House Armed Services Committee, voted for the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (NDAA). This bipartisan legislation significantly increases quality of life improvements for our servicemembers and their families in El Paso and beyond, invests historic amounts in Fort Bliss, strengthens our national security, and advances our leadership in the world.

While the FY25 NDAA is not a perfect piece of legislation and reflects the realities of a divided government, it was heavily guided by the final report of the Quality of Life panel. Congresswoman Escobar was privileged to be one of only eight members of Congress to serve on the bipartisan Quality of Life panel, which focused on pay and compensation, housing, health care, childcare, and spousal support, in an effort to ensure the United States continues to recruit and retain the most talented military and civilian workforce in the world. All the recommendations in her report were adopted in the FY25 NDAA.

Throughout 2023, the Congresswoman held listening sessions on Fort Bliss to inform her work on the panel and ensure servicemembers and their families had their voices heard in the NDAA process. The result is a 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted servicemembers and a 4.5% pay raise for all other servicemembers. Moreover, it authorizes over $17.5 billion in military construction projects, to include $44 million to complete the Rail Yard at Fort Bliss (which Fort Bliss leadership and Congresswoman Escobar have been working toward for years), and an additional $2.5 million for Minority Serving Institutions like UTEP to partner with the military services. This comes after Congresswoman Escobar and Under Secretary of the Army, Gabe Camarillo, announced a new initiative to create an expanded talent Pipeline with UTEP, a commitment of over $6.5 million to link El Paso students with Army opportunities in 2022.

“Having had the privilege to serve as one of only eight members on the Quality of Life panel, I’m proud to share that the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 is a truly bipartisan culmination of the nearly two-year long effort spearheaded by our panel for the men and women of our military and their families,” said Congresswoman Escobar. “The provisions we included invest in our military’s most critical asset - its people. From compensation, military spouse support, and childcare to housing and healthcare, we’re ensuring our military can recruit and retain the best our country has to offer.

“I’m also excited to announce that we’ve built on our work of securing $74 million for the Fort Bliss rail yard last year by bringing an additional $44 million to fully fund that project in this year’s budget.”

Below is an overview of some key FY25 NDAA provisions authored and championed by Congresswoman Escobar:

Invests in Fort Bliss and El Paso

Authorizes allocation of $44M to Complete the Rail Yard at Fort Bliss in addition to the $74 million the Congresswoman secured last NDAA.

Authorizes $10 million over the President’s Budget request for Low-Cost Missile Systems Development in collaboration with El Paso Makes

Allows the Secretary of the Army to convey land to El Paso Water for the purposes of stormwater flood control for Fort Bliss and the surrounding areas.

Invests in People

Pay and Compensation

14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted service members (E-4 and below) and 4.5% basic pay increase for all other service members.

Requires the evaluation of the current calculation methods for Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) to ensure that it offsets the costs of service members’ meals.

Raises the threshold for the Basic Needs Allowance (BNA) to 200% of federal poverty guidelines.

Reevaluates how cost-of-living allowances are calculated so they include the appropriate costs of location-specific items such as food, tolls, and other fees that may be charged in the continental United States or outside the continental U.S.

Allows service members and families to ship and store up to two privately owned vehicles during a permanent change of station move to certain overseas locations.

Allows civilian employees to stay in their positions overseas longer than the previous limitation of 5 years.

Expands the Junior Reserves Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) program.

Health Care

Eliminates co-pays for TRICARE beneficiaries for for contraceptives acquired through retail pharmacies and the national mail-order pharmacy.

Directs the Joint Service Committee on Military Justice to conduct a review and make recommendations to enhance patient privacy protections as it relates to diagnoses and treatment information, especially important for victims of sexual assault and violence.

Continues the expansion and oversight of DoD’s Defense Warfighter Brain Health Initiative.

Expands efforts to mitigate and treat blast overpressure-related injuries.

Expands license portabilty for health care providers who provide medical services to reservists.

Establishes a program to prevent and manage perinatal mental health conditions.

Improves medical recruiting through an increase in the Health Professions Scholarship bonus.

Housing

Requires toe DoD’s annual budget to identify the cost to fully fund the Facility Sustainment, Restoration, and Modernization (FSRM) accounts – which provide the funds to keep DoD facilities in working order – and reduce the backlog of required maintenance.

Sets a statutory minimum level of investment for each military department to ensure adequate investment in facilities maintenance, sustainment, restoration, and modernizations.

Adds $177 million in military construction design funds to accelerate replacement of poor and failing vacant housing and barracks.

Childcare

Fully funds childcare fee assistance programs to eliminate fee assistance wait lists for eligible families.

Authorizes $50 million for local educational agencies with military dependent students and $20 million for local educational agencies eligible to receive payment for children with severe disabilities.

To recruit and retain DoD childcare personnel the FY25 NDAA:

Ensures pay for childcare staff at DoD childcare centers is competitive with private industry.

Implements additional benefits for childcare providers, including requiring all military services to provide free childcare to the first child of a childcare provider in a DoD Child Development Program and authorize the services to cover up to 100% of childcare fees for any additional children.

Requires local educational agencies to provide military recruiters with the same access provided to any prospective employer, institution of higher education, or other recruiters.

Spousal Support

Extends the Military Spouse Career Accelerator Pilot which provides employment support to military spouses through a paid fellowship with employers across various industries.

Permanently grants authority to DoD to make transferring professional licenses between states easier for military spouses.

Expands eligibility for DoD Child Development Programs – both on and off installation – for unemployed military spouses actively seeking employment.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://gonzalez.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-gonzalez-secures-key-wins-south-texas-water-resources-development,Congressman Gonzalez Secures Key Wins for South Texas in Water Resources Development Act,2024-12-11,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,TX,Vicente Gonzalez,G000581,gonzalez.house.gov,gonzalez,https://gonzalez.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. –Yesterday, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) voted to pass S. 4367, the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act of 2024(WRDA), which contains two key provisions for the 34th Congressional District of Texas.

The first provision authorizes $40 million for the City of Brownsville for water and wastewater infrastructure development. While funding has yet to be allocated, this marks a significant step forward in addressing the city’s infrastructure needs.

The second provision highlights the importance of Resaca Restoration in Brownsville and directs the Secretary of the Army to evaluate state and local partners’ ability to pay for key projects.

“Passing the Water Resources Development Act will create a safer and more resilient South Texas,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “Our region faces frequent flooding and persistent droughts. The provisions in the bipartisan WRDA bill are an important step in helping Brownsville address these issues.”

""We are grateful for the passage of the Water Resources Development Act of 2024, which will improve our water and wastewater infrastructures,"" said Marilyn D. Gilbert, General Manager & CEO of the Brownsville Public Utilities Board (BPUB). ""We thank Congressman Vicente González for his leadership in securing essential funding as well as federal support for projects like the Resaca Restoration and Falcon Lake, to make certain we can better serve the greater Brownsville area for generations to come.’’

Earlier this year, Congressman Gonzalez submitted the provisions through the Member priority provisions process for the Water Resources Development Act. This system allows Members of Congress to directly advocate for their districts’ unique needs.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://sylviagarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-sylvia-garcia-statement-on-vote-against-fy-2025-national-defense-authorization-act,Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia Statement on Vote Against FY 2025 National Defense Authorization Act,2024-12-11,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,TX,Sylvia R. Garcia,G000587,sylviagarcia.house.gov,sylviagarcia,https://sylviagarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia (D-TX-29) issued the following statement following passage of the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act:

""Tonight, the House voted on the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). I am proud the bill secured a historic 14.5 percent pay raise for junior enlisted servicemembers and 4.5 percent pay raise for all other servicemembers. It also included many other provisions I've long supported—like eliminating copayments for contraceptives and making critical improvements in housing, health care, childcare, and spousal support.

""Ultimately, with profound disappointment, I voted against the NDAA. The bill failed to include a single mention of combatting sexual assault in our armed forces, following the progress we made with the I Am Vanessa Guillen Act. This NDAA also failed to include my SAYFE Act, which would require the Department of Defense to provide annual sexual abuse prevention training for high school students participating in the military's JROTC program.

""And to add insult to injury, Speaker Johnson and MAGA Republicans injected partisan politics into what should be a unifying, bipartisan piece of legislation by adding a provision to deny healthcare for transgender children of our servicemembers. This poison pill is unnecessary and divisive. On top of that, the bill also fails to address key priorities like expanding access to IVF treatment. Our defense policy should focus on supporting those who serve and their families, not fueling partisan culture wars at the expense of our military readiness and national security.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://veasey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-veaseys-statement-national-defense-authorization-act-ndaa,Rep. Veasey’s Statement on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA),2024-12-11,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,TX,Marc A. Veasey,V000131,veasey.house.gov,veasey,https://veasey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Marc Veasey voted against the passage of the National Defense Authorization Act on December 11, 2024. In the past, Congressman Veasey has worked in a bipartisan manner to put forward an NDAA free of partisan influence, one that ensures national security while also addressing the needs of the nation’s servicemembers. With the recent politicization of the National Defense Authorization Act by the current Speaker, Congressman Veasey released the following statement regarding the NDAA:

“Ever since President Harry Truman integrated the military, our country’s armed services have been a place that welcomes families of all backgrounds. My ‘No’ vote today reflects a growing concern I have had since last year that the NDAA is becoming a venue for fighting the so-called ‘culture war.’ That presents a national security concern for me, and therefore, I voted ‘No,’” said Congressman Veasey. “The bill undermines the readiness of our troops by drawing political lines in what should be an apolitical process. It is not DEI that harms our national security; it is the politicization that targets minority members of our military that does.”

Democrats worked tirelessly in a bipartisan manner to craft an initial version of the bill that would provide for our national security and improve the quality of life for our servicemembers. The bill that was presented today on the floor achieved neither.

The Congressman will always support our nation’s servicemembers and seek ways to improve their quality of life. He strongly condemns the politicization of the NDAA, in which Speaker Johnson treats our servicemembers like pawns. Congressman Veasey urges his colleagues across the aisle to work in a bipartisan manner on future bills to that focus solely on the nation’s security rather than becoming a battleground for a culture war.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://veasey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-watson-coleman-veasey-wagner-and-miller-meeks-send-letter,"Reps. Watson Coleman, Veasey, Wagner and Miller-Meeks Send Letter Encouraging HHS to Expand Access to Colorectal Cancer Screenings",2024-12-11,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,TX,Marc A. Veasey,V000131,veasey.house.gov,veasey,https://veasey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Wasshington, D.C. – Reps. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Marc Veasey (TX-33), Ann Wagner (MO-02), and Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) sent a joint letter to Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra encouraging the Department to take steps to expand access to colorectal cancer screenings.

“We are writing to urge you to ask the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) to commence an expedited review and update process of its 2021 colorectal cancer screening guidelines to reflect the availability of new, innovative FDA approved non-invasive colorectal cancer tests,” the Members write in their letter. “USPSTF should already have initiated its colorectal cancer screening guideline update process; however, there is no indication as to when the agency will begin this important work.”

Colorectal cancer is the deadliest cancer for men under the age of 50, and the second-deadliest for women in the same age group, according to the American Cancer Society. More than 53,000 Americans are expected to die from colorectal cancer in 2024.

“Fortunately, colorectal cancer can be prevented through regular screenings, but unfortunately tens of millions of eligible Americans go unscreened often due to limited access or reluctance to undergo invasive methods including colonoscopies,” write the Members.

USPSTF-recommended treatments must be covered by insurance, which significantly improves access to life-saving preventative care.

“New, innovative, and accessible screening tests are essential to increase colorectal cancer screening rates – across the eligible population – with a particular need among Americans aged 45-49 and individuals from underserved and rural communities,” the letter continues. “However, due to the way the 2021 recommendation test categories were framed, without an update or amendment, these new tests fall outside the guidelines and might not be covered by insurers.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-al-green-issues-statement-fatal-shooting-united-states-postal,Congressman Al Green Issues Statement on Fatal Shooting at the United States Postal Service (USPS) Facility in Missouri City,2024-12-10,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,TX,Al Green,G000553,algreen.house.gov,algreen,https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"(Houston, TX) — On Tuesday, December 10, 2024, Congressman Al Green issued the following statement regarding the recent fatal shooting at the United States Postal Service (USPS) South Houston Distribution Center in Missouri City, Texas, located within his congressional district:

“In light of the tragic shooting involving a postal service employee, my heart goes out to their family and friends during this incredibly difficult time. I am deeply saddened by the loss of life and the impact it is having on our community. This incident raises serious concerns about security at our facilities, especially at the South Houston Distribution Center,” stated Congressman Al Green. “I had a visit scheduled at the Missouri City facility on this Friday, December 13, 2024. However, out of respect for those grieving, it has been postponed to a later date to be announced. Instead, I and Congresswoman Garcia will meet with high level postal officials, and thereafter hold a press event at the North Houston Regional Processing Center on Friday, December 13, 2024, to discuss postal issues, including the shooting.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-castro-secures-full-ecosystem-restoration-for-martinez-creek-on-san-antonios-westside,Congressman Castro Secures Full Ecosystem Restoration for Martinez Creek on San Antonio’s Westside,2024-12-10,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,TX,Joaquin Castro,C001091,castro.house.gov,castro,https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) released the following statement on the House passage of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), which includes language he secured to authorize a full aquatic ecosystem restoration of Martinez Creek on San Antonio’s Westside.

“Decades ago, San Antonio paved over miles of creeks in an effort to prevent deadly floods on the Westside. Today, modern urban planning and design techniques make it possible to restore the creeks without the flood risks we faced generations ago. Today’s passage of the Water Resources Development Act will allow San Antonio to fully restore Martinez Creek – revitalizing the aquatic ecosystem and creating beautiful outdoor spaces for families to enjoy. The underserved neighborhoods surrounding Martinez Creek deserve a larger share of our community investments and I’m proud to bring this progress to the Westside,” said Congressman Castro.

In 2021, Congressman Castro voted to pass the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which provided $75 million to fund the federal share of the design and subsequent construction of the Westside Creeks Ecosystem Restoration Project. The project aims to transform 11 miles of Alazán, Apache, Martinez, and San Pedro Creeks by restoring the aquatic ecosystems with native grasses, wildflowers, and trees. When completed, the project will improve environmental and water quality conditions in densely populated urban areas, promoting comprehensive watershed management, advancing neighborhood transportation safety, providing access to outdoor recreation activities in the Westside core, and reconnecting residents to urban creekway systems through an outdoor living classroom for students.

In 2022, members of the San Antonio delegation secured an additional $2,340,000 in federal funding to support the project. Under the language included in the WRDA, Martinez Creek will be eligible for the full range of restoration measures that are currently available for Alazán, Apache, and San Pedro Creeks.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://escobar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1746,Congresswoman Escobar Leads Letter on Removal of Downed Pigs to Protect Public Health,2024-12-10,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,TX,Veronica Escobar,E000299,escobar.house.gov,escobar,https://escobar.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) led eight of her colleagues in sending a letter to President Joe Biden urging him to implement regulatory policy to remove downed pigs from the food supply. This reform would protect the public and farm, slaughterhouse, and meatpacking workers from contact with zoonotic diseases.

The lawmakers wrote: “As members of the United States House of Representatives with a vested interest in the health, safety, security, and effectiveness of our nation’s food system, we write to respectfully urge you to implement regulatory protections for nonambulatory, or “downed,” pigs, and to require their removal from the food supply. As you may recall, on June 29, 2023, a coalition of 45 nonprofit organizations, farms, businesses, and veterinarians sent you a letter with the same request. We seek to reiterate and strongly affirm the contents of that letter.

“We cannot emphasize enough that the slaughter of downed pigs for human consumption constitutes a significant food safety and public health hazard. A study of data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that each year, pork containing pathogens leads to about 525,000 infections, 2,900 hospitalizations, and 82 deaths in humans. Downed pigs are more likely to be infected than ambulatory ones… Because downed pigs are unable to rise, they are held for long periods in these filthy pens, making exposure to harmful pathogens more likely. Currently, consumers have no way to determine whether the pork products they consume originated from downed pigs. This is increasingly important considering the 2024 transmission of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) from poultry to dairy cattle, dairy milk, and dairy workers, and recently swine (this being the first detection of HPAI in swine in the U.S.).

“In addition to protecting the public from contaminated pork products, removing downed pigs from the food system will also reduce farm, slaughterhouse, and meatpacking workers’ risk of contact with zoonotic diseases. These workers already face serious workplace hazards, with reported rates of illness and injury higher than those in manufacturing overall,” the lawmakers continued. “But to make matters worse, studies show that pig slaughter plant workers have a higher risk of infection from zoonotic pathogens, such as H1N1 and MRSA. Humans have little to no immunity against the common flu viruses that spread among pigs, as exemplified by the 2009 H1N1 swine flu pandemic, which is thought to have originated in pigs raised for food and killed between 151,700 and 575,400 people in its first year.

“Given the serious public health threats discussed above, it is prudent to take action now to address the problem of nonambulatory pigs. If we wait, this country could soon face another crisis like the one that occurred in 2003 with the first detection of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in North America, which caused mass panic and cost the cattle industry an estimated $6 billion. Or the crisis in 2008, when footage of downed cow abuse at Westland/Hallmark Meat Company, due to inadequate food safety inspection, resulted in the nation’s largest beef recall ever. USDA must get ahead of the problem and prevent future pandemics by applying the same rules to downed pigs as it has done to downed cows.

They concluded: “As President, you have the distinct opportunity to implement this regulatory policy during your final months in office to protect our nation’s food system. We respectfully request that you use your power to listen to American voters and ensure your administration addresses this important issue.”

In addition to the Congresswoman, the letter was signed by Representatives Julia Brownley (CA-24), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Henry “Hank” Johnson (GA-04), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12) and Mike Quigley (IL-05) and was endorsed by Mercy For Animals, Animal Legal Defense Fund, Animals Are Sentient Beings Inc, Chilis on Wheels, Church Women United in New York State, Farm Forward, Farm Sanctuary, Food System Innovations, FOUR PAWS USA, GMO/Toxin Free USA, Humane Farming Association, New Yorkers for Clean, Livable, and Safe Streets, Our Honor, Pasado's Safe Haven, Social Compassion in Legislation, Voters For Animal Rights, Animal Welfare Institute, Crate Free USA, New Roots Institute, and American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://gonzalez.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-gonzalez-announces-over-1-million-additional-federal-funding,Congressman Gonzalez Announces Over $1 Million in Additional Federal Funding for Valley International Airport in Harlingen,2024-12-10,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,TX,Vicente Gonzalez,G000581,gonzalez.house.gov,gonzalez,https://gonzalez.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"HARLINGEN, TEXAS –Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34)announced $1,128,000 in additional federal funding from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the ongoing replacement of the ADA-compliant air traffic control tower at Valley International Airport (VIA).

This follows two additional federal funding awards for VIA that Congressman Gonzalez announced earlier this year, totaling over $7 million in federal funding for this project.

Funding for this grant comes from the FAA Contract Tower Competitive Grant Program funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Congressman Gonzalez supported. The grant will fund portions of interior construction of the new contract tower to ensure facilities and workspaces are accessible for air traffic controllers and other personnel.

“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is continuing to deliver results for South Texas,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “The construction of this tower is a critical investment not just for Valley International, but for South Texas, as it will allow our region to meet today’s commercial travel demands while preparing for the future.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/castro-casar-and-warren-urge-military-to-improve-access-to-medical-debt-relief-for-civilian-patients,"Castro, Casar, and Warren Urge Military to Improve Access to Medical Debt Relief for Civilian Patients",2024-12-09,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,TX,Joaquin Castro,C001091,castro.house.gov,castro,https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"“We are deeply concerned the proposed rule inappropriately restricts DoD’s authority to waive these [debts], as intended by Congress.”

Text of Letter (PDF)

WASHINGTON – Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Congressman Greg Casar (TX-35), and Senator Elizabeth Warren (MA) have submitted a comment letter urging the Defense Health Agency (DHA) to strengthen a proposed rule to create a Military Health System Modified Payment and Waiver Program that would limit costs for civilian patients at military hospitals, including at San Antonio’s Brooke Army Medical Center.

Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) is one of two Level I Trauma Centers in San Antonio. The facility treats thousands of civilians annually under a special agreement with the Bexar County Hospital District designed to allow military providers to strengthen their battlefield medical skills through hands-on trauma care. Despite this agreement, BAMC’s payment systems have not been optimized to work with civilian insurers, and the hospital does not maintain a charity care program for patients in need. As a result, civilian trauma patients in San Antonio have faced five-, six- and seven-figure medical bills after treatment at BAMC.

In response to these concerns, Congressman Castro and Senator Warren authored a 2020 amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to provide the Department of Defense (DOD) with the authority to waive civilian medical bills incurred at BAMC or other military hospitals. Despite this authority, a 2022 report from the nonpartisan Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that military hospitals do not consistently use or communicate options for financial relief for civilian emergency patients. To address these concerns, Congressman Castro secured an additional amendment to the FY2023 NDAA requiring DHA to implement a modified payment plan based on a sliding-scale discount program for patients. The comment letter released today urges DHA to strengthen the proposed implementation of this FY2023 amendment, expressing concerns that the current iteration of the proposed rule would “improperly narrow [DOD’s] authority to provide relief to civilians, contrary to Congressional intent.”

In the letter, lawmakers specifically press DHA to:

Amend the proposed rule to prioritize debt waivers, expand debt relief options for civilians, and reduce bureaucratic hurdles that prevent patients from receiving financial relief.

Align DOD financial assistance programs with state-level programs by providing free care for patients with income at or below the 300% federal poverty line (FPL) and reduced fees for patients with income up to 600% FPL, while simplifying the process for patients to request and receive financial aid.

Suspend collections of debt while patient relief applications are pending and continue debt suspension during the rule implementation process.

Work with the Treasury Department to prevent patient medical debt from being considered taxable income.

The lawmakers note that waiving patient fees would be more cost-effective for DOD. Currently, the DOD is required to refer delinquent bills to the Treasury Department, which has historically recovered just one percent of such debts.

Once finalized, the proposed rule will apply to non-beneficiary patients who received medical care provided on or after June 21, 2023.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://doggett.house.gov/media/press-releases/more-unacceptable-faa-delays,More Unacceptable FAA Delays,2024-12-09,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,TX,Lloyd Doggett,D000399,doggett.house.gov,doggett,https://doggett.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.—Today, U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-Austin) released the following statement:

“Yesterday, the FAA implemented another ground delay at Austin Bergstrom-International Airport (ABIA) on short notice, which affected numerous flights. Inbound flights on Sunday were delayed as much as two and a half hours. Travelers returning home and Central Texans meeting incoming passengers at the airport can expect more FAA-mandated delays during this busy holiday season. Best to check ahead as much as possible.

“As a frequent traveler, while I am concerned about the inconvenience caused by such persistent delays, I am even more concerned about the traveling public’s safety at an airport that has experienced six near-catastrophes in the past two years.

“Over a year ago, the FAA Administrator sat in my Washington office and stated that Austin’s understaffing of air traffic controllers was, ‘as bad as it gets.’ Yet as I told the Administrator today, despite my continued efforts to seek action and answers, our situation is worse. The number of air traffic controllers at the AUS control tower has decreased, not increased, as the tower struggles to keep staffing at even half the level recommended by the FAA.

“Until it prioritizes action to expand Austin’s controlled airspace and staff our understaffed and overworked airport control tower with an adequate number of air traffic controllers, the FAA continues to expose ABIA travelers to an inadequate margin of safety. Reports of near-catastrophic incidents like the small Cessna plane coming within 350 feet of a packed American Airlines flight in October have happened too often. I continue urging the FAA to act before lives are lost.”

Background on near catastrophes at ABIA:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://sylviagarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-sylvia-garcia-statement-on-the-tragic-death-of-milby-high-school-student-in-southeast-houston,Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia Statement on the Tragic Death of Milby High School Student in Southeast Houston,2024-12-09,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,TX,Sylvia R. Garcia,G000587,sylviagarcia.house.gov,sylviagarcia,https://sylviagarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Houston, TX – Today, Congresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia (D-TX-29) issued the following statement after a Milby High School student was hit and killed by a Union Pacific train this morning at 2000 Broadway Street near Galveston Road:

""I am deeply saddened by the tragic death of a student near Milby High School this morning. My heart goes out to the family, friends, and community as they grieve this devastating loss. Please keep them in your prayers.

""I am closely monitoring the situation and have been in contact with Mayor Whitmire and officials at the local, state, and federal levels, including the Federal Railroad Administration.

""I am calling for a full investigation to understand what led to this tragedy and to identify ways to enhance safety in our communities.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://casar.house.gov/media/press-releases/news-greg-casar-elected-congressional-progressive-caucus-chair,NEWS: Greg Casar Elected as Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair,2024-12-05,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,TX,Greg Casar,C001131,casar.house.gov,casar,https://casar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Greg Casar (D-Texas) was elected as the Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC), the highest-ranking leadership position for progressives in the U.S. House. CPC Chair Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) has reached her term limit. Term limits were championed by Jayapal and added to the caucus bylaws during her term. The new leadership will begin their terms on Jan. 3, 2025.

“The Members of the Progressive Caucus know how to fight billionaires, grifters, and Republican frauds in Congress. Our caucus will make sure the Democratic Party stands up to corporate interests for working people,” said Chair-Elect Greg Casar (D-Texas). “I’m honored to build on the legacy of Chair Jayapal. I’ve fought back against extremist, egocentric autocrats in Texas for my entire adult life. The Democratic Party must directly take on Trump, and it’ll be CPC Members boldly leading the way and putting working people first.”

VIDEO of the press conference here.

Casar, a former labor organizer, believes that the future of the Democratic Party is dependent on winning back the votes of workers across the country — across race, geography, and ideology — while not letting injustice and oppression go unchecked. Democrats must be able to both hold a political majority and defend all people’s rights.

Casar ran unopposed for the position and will lead the CPC alongside Reps. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) as Deputy Chair and Jesús “Chuy” García (D-Ill.) as Whip. Casar previously served as the CPC Whip for the 118th Congress.

The Congressional Progressive Caucus is composed of nearly 100 members of Congress standing up for progressive ideals in Washington and throughout the country. Since 1991, the CPC has advocated for progressive policies that prioritize working Americans over corporate interests, fight economic and social inequality, and advance civil liberties.

Former Progressive Caucus Chairs include:

1991-1999: Rep. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.)

1999-2003: Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio)

2003-2005: Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.)

2005-2009: Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) - Co-chair

2005-2011: Rep. Lynn Woolsey (D-Calif.) - Co-chair

2009-2019: Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.) - Co-chair

2011-2017: Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.) - Co-chair

2017-2021: Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Wis.) - Co-chair

2019-2025: Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) - Co-chair, then Chair

“It is my great honor to pass the torch to the next class of elected leadership of the Progressive Caucus: my dear friends and trusted colleagues Reps. Greg Casar, Ilhan Omar, and Chuy García,” said Chair Pramila Jayapal. “I was proud to establish term limits when I became Chair in 2018, and have full confidence in the abilities of our new class to lead this Caucus in the fight against the worst of the incoming Trump administration while rebuilding our party with a focus on economic justice for working people. I will be cheering these three new leaders and our new vice chairs at every turn as Chair Emerita come next year, and my heart is very full knowing we will have them at the helm of the CPC.”

Jayapal was elected to serve as CPC Chair in 2018 during her second term in the House representing Washington’s 7th District. She is the first South Asian American woman elected to the House, and the first to lead the CPC. Upon becoming Chair, she implemented new bylaws restructuring the Caucus and a bloc voting strategy that allowed progressives to act as a more cohesive fighting force for working people.

During her tenure, she also created and scaled fundamental new infrastructure to support progressives in elected office through the Congressional Progressive Caucus Center (CPCC) and the Congressional Progressive Caucus Political Action Committee (CPC PAC).

###

Congressman Greg Casar represents Texas’s 35th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives, which runs down I-35 from East Austin to Hays County to the West Side of San Antonio. A labor organizer and son of Mexican immigrants, Casar serves as the Whip of the Congressional Progressive Caucus for the 118th Congress. He also serves on the Committee on Oversight and Accountability and the Committee on Agriculture.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-al-green-questions-witnesses-ais-threat-jobs-and-risk-racial-bias,Congressman Al Green Questions Witnesses on AI’s Threat to Jobs and the Risk of Racial Bias,2024-12-04,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,TX,Al Green,G000553,algreen.house.gov,algreen,https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"(Washington, D.C.) — On Wednesday, December 4, 2024, Congressman Al Green, Ranking Member of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, participated in a Financial Services Hearing entitled, “Innovation Revolution: How Technology is Shaping the Future of Finance.”

You can access and listen to Congressman Al Green’s remarks here. The hearing remarks highlighted are also accessible on various social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly known as Twitter).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/after-pressure-from-texas-democrats-usps-drops-controversial-plan-to-shift-mail-operations-in-south-texas,"After Pressure from Texas Democrats, USPS Drops Controversial Plan to Shift Mail Operations in South Texas",2024-12-03,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,TX,Joaquin Castro,C001091,castro.house.gov,castro,https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) released the following statement after the United States Postal Service (USPS) announced that it would drop a much-criticized plan to shift McAllen mail processing operations to San Antonio:

“As the holiday season begins, this is great news for San Antonio and the Rio Grande Valley. The proposal to move McAllen’s mail processing to San Antonio would have created new burdens for already-overworked letter carriers and slowed mail service across South Texas. Earlier this year, I led a push with other Texas lawmakers to make sure USPS understood how mail delays would hurt our constituents. Texas families rely on USPS for everything from paychecks to holiday cheer, and they deserve on-time mail delivery. As we look ahead to the new year, I urge the USPS to make similar guarantees to protect reliable mail service in Corpus Christi and across Texas.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://gonzalez.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-gonzalez-celebrates-us-postal-service-decision-continue-processing,Congressman Gonzalez Celebrates U.S. Postal Service Decision to Continue Processing Mail in McAllen,2024-12-02,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,TX,Vicente Gonzalez,G000581,gonzalez.house.gov,gonzalez,https://gonzalez.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"This announcement follows previous proposals by the USPS to consolidate and relocate McAllen and San Antonio mail processing operations to the San Antonio Processing and Distribution Center (P&DC) in 2025 which would have disrupted and delayed mail delivery for South Texans. Congressman Gonzalez, along with Congressmen Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Henry Cuellar (TX-28), and Greg Casar (TX-35), previously urged USPS to reconsider these plans in a letter to Postmaster General Louis DeJoy earlier this year. USPS has not yet made a decision for Corpus Christi relocation plans.

“This is a win for the Rio Grande Valley,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “Every region of the country deserves efficient and reliable delivery services for their everyday needs, whether that’s sending gifts during the Holiday season or paying their bills, and South Texas is no different. I’m pleased to see the USPS scrap this plan and listen to the people of our region.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://gonzalez.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-vicente-gonzalez-spends-thanksgiving-holiday-us-sailors-stationed,Congressman Vicente Gonzalez Spends Thanksgiving Holiday with U.S. Sailors Stationed in the UAE,2024-12-02,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,TX,Vicente Gonzalez,G000581,gonzalez.house.gov,gonzalez,https://gonzalez.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"[RELEASED ON NOVEMBER 29, 2024] DUBAI, UAE –Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) released a statement following his visit with service members from the U.S. Navy stationed at USO Jebel Ali Port. He was joined by Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13).

“It was my honor to visit our brave servicemembers in the UAE and to express my utmost gratitude for their service,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “During this Thanksgiving season, we cannot forget the immense sacrifices made by our armed forces around the world, and our first responders at home, who make it possible for us to celebrate. On behalf of South Texas, thank you!”

Congressman Gonzalez is the proud son of a Korean War veteran and Merchant Marine. In Congress, he is honored to represent Naval Air Station Kingsville, which trains U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps pilots.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-al-green-joins-congresswoman-sylvia-garcia-honor-former-lulac,Congressman Al Green Joins Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia to Honor  Former LULAC Leader Benny C. Martinez with Post Office Dedication,2024-11-08,2024,2024-11,Democrat,House,TX,Al Green,G000553,algreen.house.gov,algreen,https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"(Houston, TX)— On Friday, November 8, 2024, Congressman Al Green, a proud member of LULAC, joins Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia for a dedication ceremony to rename a Houston post office after Benny C. Martinez, a LULAC social justice leader and U.S. Army Korean War era veteran. Congresswoman Garcia, with Congressman Al Green as a co-sponsor, introduced and successfully passed H.R. 203, which designates the United States Postal Service facility located at 4020 Broadway Street in Houston, Texas, as the “Benny C. Martinez Post Office Building.”

Congressman Al Green stated, ""I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia for her tireless advocacy in renaming the post office in honor of Benny C. Martinez. This dedication recognizes his immense contributions as a social justice leader and U.S. Army Veteran and reinforces the values we cherish in our community. It is an honor to join her in celebrating this significant milestone, the post office, which was formerly located in Congresswoman Garcia’s district, is currently located in my congressional district. Thank you for your hard work and dedication.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:07:06Z
https://sylviagarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-sylvia-garcia-holds-ceremony-to-rename-houston-post-office-in-honor-of-latino-civil-rights-leader-benny-c-martinez-0,Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia Holds Ceremony to Rename Houston Post Office in Honor of Latino Civil Rights Leader Benny C. Martinez,2024-11-08,2024,2024-11,Democrat,House,TX,Sylvia R. Garcia,G000587,sylviagarcia.house.gov,sylviagarcia,https://sylviagarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Houston, TX – Today, Congresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia (D-TX-29) led a heartfelt dedication ceremony to name the post office on 4020 Broadway Street in Houston, Texas after Benny C. Martinez, a beloved veteran, a LULAC (League of United Latin American Citizens) social justice leader for more than six decades, and a fierce advocate for Houston's Latino community.

""Benny's contributions were bold and fearless—from the Little School of 400, which helped lay the groundwork for the Head Start program and our Head Start babies, to standing up for workers' rights through impactful boycotts. His determination led to moments of historic importance, including welcoming President Kennedy to a LULAC gathering in 1963—just a day before the tragedy in Dallas,"" said Congresswoman Garcia.

""Naming this post office after Benny Martinez holds special significance, especially as we continue to see more landmarks honor Latino leaders. It's not only a tribute to Benny's powerful legacy of advocating for social justice, education, and Hispanic representation, but it also reinforces the vital contributions of Latinos across America,"" concluded Congresswoman Garcia.

The dedication ceremony brought together Benny Martinez’s family, local leaders, and community members to honor his lifetime of service and advocacy. Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia was joined by Congressman Al Green, National LULAC Chair Domingo Garcia, keynote speaker Dr. Andres Tijerina, and others, who celebrated Martinez's lasting leadership and contributions.

""Benny didn't come here with a duty. Benny had an obligation to his family to build Houston, to build Harris County, to build the state of Texas, and to build the United States of America,"" said Dr. Andres Tijerina. ""Benny had an obligation and he complied with his obligation. I'm telling you right now: Benny Martinez is the consummate American.""

""I'm proud to be here on behalf of LULAC honoring one of our great LULAC members, our LULAC familia, a president of LULAC Council 60, a guy who not only helped found the school of 400, which started Head Start, but also got president JFK, and every president except one, to meet with LULAC,"" said LULAC Chair Domingo Garcia.

Benny Martinez’s story is one of resilience and conviction. A Korean War combat veteran, Martinez returned home in the 1950s and joined his brothers in supporting LULAC. He went on to become a powerful advocate for educational access, helping launch the “Little School of 400,” which taught Spanish-speaking children essential English words before kindergarten. His work with this initiative inspired President Lyndon B. Johnson to create the Head Start program, now a nationwide model in early childhood education.

In his pursuit of justice, Martinez led boycotts, including a memorable one against Rainbow Bread, which had refused to hire Hispanic workers, and he also helped arrange the first visit of a U.S. President to an official LULAC event. President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy attended a gathering on November 21, 1963, at the Rice Hotel in Houston—a historic event that marked the last celebration of Kennedy’s life before his assassination the following day.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:07:06Z
https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-al-green-expresses-gratitude-ninth-congressional-district,Congressman Al Green Expresses Gratitude to Ninth Congressional District Constituents for Their Support,2024-11-07,2024,2024-11,Democrat,House,TX,Al Green,G000553,algreen.house.gov,algreen,https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"(Houston, TX) — On Thursday, November 7, 2024, Congressman Al Green released the following statement on X/Twitter:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:07:06Z
https://gonzalez.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-gonzalez-announces-5-million-additional-federal-funding-valley,Congressman Gonzalez Announces $5 Million in Additional Federal Funding for Valley International Airport in Harlingen,2024-11-07,2024,2024-11,Democrat,House,TX,Vicente Gonzalez,G000581,gonzalez.house.gov,gonzalez,https://gonzalez.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Congressman Gonzalez secured an initial $4.5 million for phase 1 of the project in February of this year. Funding for both grants were allocated through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s Airport Terminal Program, which Congressman Gonzalez supported in 2021, to improve outdated airport infrastructure. The additional $5 million grant will fund a portion of phase 2, which includes utility relocation and interior construction.

“We’re incredibly grateful to Congressman Gonzalez for always having Harlingen and Valley International Airport’s best interests at heart,” said Norma Sepulveda, Mayor of the City of Harlingen. “This $5 million grant through the FY 2025 Airport Terminal Program is more than just funding - it’s a crucial step in making sure our airport is safe, accessible, and ready for the future. With this support, we can address important issues at the FAA Contract Tower and keep moving forward with construction. This project strengthens not only the airport but also the growth and opportunities for our entire community.” We’re incredibly grateful to Congressman Gonzalez for always having Harlingen and Valley International Airport’s best interests at heart. This $5 million grant through the FY 2025 Airport Terminal Program is more than just funding - it’s a crucial step in making sure our airport is safe, accessible, and ready for the future. With this support, we can address important issues at the FAA Contract Tower and keep moving forward with construction. This project strengthens not only the airport but also the growth and opportunities for our entire community.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:07:06Z
https://gonzalez.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-gonzalez-presents-over-2-million-federal-funding-brownsville,Congressman Gonzalez Presents Over $2 Million in Federal Funding to Brownsville Public Utilities Board to Restore Brownsville’s Resacas,2024-11-07,2024,2024-11,Democrat,House,TX,Vicente Gonzalez,G000581,gonzalez.house.gov,gonzalez,https://gonzalez.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS –On Monday, October 28,Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) presented members of the Brownsville Public Utilities Board with $2,017,000 for the restoration of Brownsville’s historic resacas. This is part of the Congressman’s successful effort to secure a total of $15.5 million for 14 Community Project Funding (CPF) projects throughout South Texas in the Fiscal Year 2024 government funding law.

“Brownsville’s resacas are unique and play a critical role in our region’s environment, economy, and culture,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “This project will restore our historic resacas, improve water quality, and ensure residents have reliable access to water. Resacas enhance property values, attract tourism, and help bring residents closer to nature. Most importantly, they contribute to city’s identity, connecting residents to our city’s history and natural heritage. I am immensely proud to have secured this funding to allow Brownsville to preserve these important environmental features for future generations.”

""This initial funding is crucial for our BPUB Resaca Restoration Program. Since launching this program in 2013, we have worked diligently every day to achieve our goal of restoring and enhancing our vital resaca systems,"" expressed BPUB General Manager & CEO, Marilyn D. Gilbert. ""We appreciate Congressman Gonzalez's commitment to support this program through its multiple phases and we look forward to continuing our collaboration to make our resacas not just a community resource, but a cherished part of Brownsville's landscape.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:07:06Z
https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-al-green-joins-commissioner-rodney-ellis-and-other-elected,Congressman Al Green Joins Commissioner Rodney Ellis and Other Elected  Officials to Hold Press Conference Addressing U.S. Department of Justice’s Decision to Monitor Texas Polling Locations,2024-11-04,2024,2024-11,Democrat,House,TX,Al Green,G000553,algreen.house.gov,algreen,https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"(Houston, TX)— Today, Congressman Al Green and Commissioner Rodney Ellis and other elected officials will hold a press conference to discuss the United States Department of Justice’s decision to monitor polling locations in Harris and other Texas counties. This decision follows a communique sent to Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke, calling for protection of Texan’s voting rights. It was signed by more than 60 Texas officials.

The letter highlights the alarming purge of over 1.1 million individuals from Texas' voter rolls in the 90 days before a federal election, conducted under the National Voter Registration Act. It also raises concerns related to possible efforts by the Texas Attorney General’s office to intimidate a candidate for public office as well as threaten and discourage voter registration activists.

Congressman Al Green stated, “We must assiduously protect the voting rights of all Texans and uphold our democratic process. The monitoring by the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division is a needed step towards ensuring transparency and accountability in our elections. By observing polling locations, we can safeguard against any attempts to suppress the vote or intimidate voters.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:07:06Z
https://doggett.house.gov/media/press-releases/foundation-communities-prepared-help-thousands-central-texans-enroll-health,Foundation Communities Prepared to Help Thousands of Central Texans Enroll in Health Insurance During 12th Open Enrollment Season,2024-11-04,2024,2024-11,Democrat,House,TX,Lloyd Doggett,D000399,doggett.house.gov,doggett,https://doggett.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"AUSTIN, TX – Central Texans have an exciting opportunity to access high-quality, affordable health insurance starting November 1st through HealthCare.gov. The 2025 Open Enrollment period runs from November 1, 2024 to January 15, 2025, offering a wide range of plans with options for as little as $0 a month after subsidies.

Helping to expand access to health insurance and lowering health care costs for Central Texas families is a top priority for local leaders Congressman Lloyd Doggett, Travis County Judge Andy Brown, and District 4 Councilmember José “Chito” Vela, who joined Foundation Communities (FC) and the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians (HAAM) host a press conference, on Wednesday, October 30 to kick off this year’s anticipated 12th Open Enrollment period.

“Thanks to the dedicated and effective team at Foundation Communities, Central Texans can obtain valuable, objective, free help to enroll in the affordable health insurance plan that best meets their needs,” said Rep. Doggett. “In Congress, I continue working to make health care more affordable and to ensure local nonprofits like Foundation Communities are supported in their vital services.”

For 2025, community members in Travis County have hundreds of plans to choose from, provided by multiple insurers. Consumers with existing coverage through HealthCare.gov are also highly encouraged to return and shop to see if another plan better meets their needs at a lower cost.

As Texas remains the most uninsured state and thousands of our neighbors lack health insurance, Foundation Communities is leading the way as a key enrollment resource for the twelfth straight year, helping to connect thousands of people to coverage through the Marketplace. Last year, Foundation Communities successfully helped over 4,600 people enroll in quality health coverage, with 27% of them securing insurance for the first time.

The Prosper Health Coverage team at Foundation Communities will continue their work of guiding consumers through the Marketplace application and securing the maximum financial assistance. As the largest Navigator program in Central Texas, Foundation Communities is poised to help thousands of local community members enroll in affordable health insurance from November 1, 2024 to January 15, 2025.

Health insurance can be complicated, and making sense of which plan is best for individuals and families can be stressful. The experts at Foundation Communities are here to help Central Texans select the best plan and find increased savings on their monthly premiums. Our team of more than 100 Navigators are offering thousands of appointments during Open Enrollment, in- person and by phone. Community members are welcome to schedule an appointment or walk in to one of our two Prosper Centers during program hours:

Foundation Communities helps thousands of Central Texans enroll in health insurance each year and has helped more than 60,000 people enroll in affordable Marketplace health plans since the first Open Enrollment period.

""At Foundation Communities, over 99% of those we assist in enrolling in Marketplace health plans receive financial aid to cover monthly premiums, deductibles, and copayments. Every Marketplace plan guarantees comprehensive, high-quality health coverage,” says Erika Leos, Director of Prosper Programs. “Our expert Navigators are dedicated to making the process easier, guiding you to the plan that best fits your budget and healthcare needs.""

Open Enrollment is the only time of year people can enroll in a health plan unless they have a qualifying life event such as moving, getting married, or having a baby.

""We urge anyone looking for health insurance in 2025 to start with Foundation Communities.” Leos says. “We take the stress out of finding the best insurance plan, helping you secure affordable, comprehensive coverage so you can focus on staying healthy and enjoying the peace of mind that comes with it.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:07:06Z
https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-al-green-and-congressman-brian-fitzpatrick-introduce-annual,Congressman Al Green and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick  Introduce the Annual Bipartisan Original National Domestic Violence  Awareness Month Resolution of 2024,2024-11-01,2024,2024-11,Democrat,House,TX,Al Green,G000553,algreen.house.gov,algreen,https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"(Houston, TX)—On Friday, November 1, 2024, Congressman Al Green proudly introduced the annual bipartisan initiative, the ""Original National Domestic Violence Awareness Month Resolution of 2024,"" co-led by Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1). This significant bipartisan resolution brings attention to the urgent issue of domestic violence and its devastating impact on individuals, families, and communities across the nation. A copy of the resolution can be accessed by clicking here.

The resolution highlights alarming statistics that illustrate the widespread nature of intimate partner violence, which affects people of all backgrounds, regardless of age, race, gender, economic status, or religion. The forms of abuse—ranging from emotional and physical harm to financial exploitation and digital violence—demand immediate action and awareness.

""My colleagues and I remain resolute in our commitment to addressing domestic violence, which is why we are leading the charge to designate October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This initiative serves not only to raise awareness but to convey a vital message to victims and survivors: you are not alone. We must continue to raise awareness, ensure victims and survivors receive the support they deserve, and work tirelessly to drive meaningful change toward a future free of violence."" Said Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:07:06Z
https://sylviagarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-sylvia-garcia-statement-on-the-tragic-death-of-josseli-barnica,Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia Statement on the Tragic Death of Josseli Barnica,2024-10-30,2024,2024-10,Democrat,House,TX,Sylvia R. Garcia,G000587,sylviagarcia.house.gov,sylviagarcia,https://sylviagarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Houston, TX – Today, Congresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia (D-TX-29) issued the following statement based on ProPublica's recent reporting on the death of Josseli Barnica, a 28-year-old mother who lost her life in 2021 due to Texas' extreme abortion restrictions:

“The heartbreaking death of Josseli Barnica is a tragic reminder of how Texas’ extreme abortion restrictions put women’s lives at risk. These laws, pushed by Greg Abbott and his MAGA cronies, don’t just limit choices—they actively endanger Texans by delaying or denying them critical medical care.

""This is not healthcare; it’s a war on women’s rights and their lives. We must fight to repeal these dangerous policies and replace them with compassionate, common-sense laws that ensure women can access the care they need without fear or delay.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://sylviagarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-sylvia-garcia-celebrates-epa-grant-for-port-houston-s-port-shift-initiative,Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia Celebrates EPA Grant for Port Houston's PORT SHIFT Initiative,2024-10-29,2024,2024-10,Democrat,House,TX,Sylvia R. Garcia,G000587,sylviagarcia.house.gov,sylviagarcia,https://sylviagarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Houston, TX – Congresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia (D-TX-29) announced today that Port Houston's innovative PORT SHIFT program has been selected to receive$2,983,457 in funding from the Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Ports Program. This grant, funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, is a critical investment in cleaner air, reduced emissions, and green job opportunities for the region.

“I’m thrilled that Port Houston has been chosen for this Environmental Protection Agency grant, which will bring real, lasting benefits for our environment, economy, and the health of all families in the region. With its ambitious PORT SHIFT program, Houston is taking a bold step toward a cleaner, more sustainable future, and I’m proud to have helped make this possible by voting for the Inflation Reduction Act,"" said Congresswoman Garcia.

""PORT SHIFT is about more than moving cargo—it’s about building a port that’s prepared for the future and a community that’s healthier and stronger. With investments in zero-emission trucks, cleaner cargo handling, workforce training, and community engagement, Port Houston is setting the standard for what ports across America can accomplish. The Inflation Reduction Act is already paying off for the greater Houston region, and I’m excited to see Houston lead the charge toward a sustainable, greener future that benefits all,"" concluded Congresswoman Garcia.

""Port Houston is vital to our local, state, and national economy. This funding from the Environmental Protection Agency will support moving towards a more sustainable way of conducting port operations through the deployment of new zero-emission technology and ensure shore power readiness at all seven wharves at the Bayport Container Terminal,"" said Houston City Council Member Joaquin Martinez.

""More importantly, near port communities will benefit from the grant’s plan to focus on climate and air quality planning. I’m grateful to Congresswoman Garcia for her leadership in securing this funding from the EPA and look forward to our continued partnership towards achieving carbon neutrality by 2050,"" concluded Martinez.

The grant funding announced today will support climate and air quality efforts at Port Houston, including:

Emissions inventory

Emissions reduction strategy analysis including truck route analysis, infrastructure cost assessment, climate action planning, and developing a performance measurement framework

Stakeholder collaboration with communities, trucking industry, and workforce

Resiliency planning

Congresswoman Garcia in May led a letter to EPA Administrator Michael Regan alongside her colleagues, urging support for Port Houston's grant applications. The letter emphasized how PORT SHIFT’s climate and zero-emission technology initiatives would transform the freight sector, reduce diesel pollution, and engage and empower nearby communities, particularly low-income and disadvantaged neighborhoods.

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 allocated $3 billion to the EPA’s Clean Ports Program to fund zero-emission port equipment and climate planning at U.S. ports. This program aims to build a zero-emissions foundation across the port sector, improve public health, and set a new standard for environmental engagement in near-port communities.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-al-green-and-advocacy-leaders-unite-public-address-and-listening,"Congressman Al Green and Advocacy Leaders Unite for a Public Address and Listening Session on Project 2025’s Threats to Immigrants, Civil Rights, and Essential Services for Americans",2024-10-26,2024,2024-10,Democrat,House,TX,Al Green,G000553,algreen.house.gov,algreen,https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"(Houston, TX)—On Saturday, October 26, 2024, Congressman Al Green will lead a public address and listening session, joined by Nicholas Gee, Advocacy Manager of Chinese for Affirmative Action and Stop AAPI Hate, along with esteemed representatives from the Texas Multicultural Advocacy Coalition (TMAC). Together, they will confront Project 2025, which threatens to jeopardize fundamental rights and disrupt critical facets of American life. The public address will take place at FountainLife Center located at 14083 S. Main Street Houston, Texas 77035 at 10:00 a.m. CT. Registration is available online by clicking here.

Congressman Al Green stated, “Project 2025 threatens to reverse the clock on progress in America and undermine the very fabric of our society by threatening the rights and opportunities of immigrants while dismantling hard-won advances in healthcare, education, and civil rights for all. We must unite to safeguard our freedoms and ensure that the promise of a better, more just, future remains within reach for every American.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-al-green-issues-statement-regarding-fascism,Congressman Al Green Issues Statement Regarding Fascism,2024-10-24,2024,2024-10,Democrat,House,TX,Al Green,G000553,algreen.house.gov,algreen,https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"(Houston, TX) — On Thursday, October 24, 2024, Congressman Al Green released the following statement on X/Twitter:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://casar.house.gov/media/press-releases/news-casar-leads-60-members-congress-calling-release-political-prisoners,"NEWS: Casar Leads 60+ Members of Congress Calling for the Release of Political Prisoners in Pakistan, Including Former Prime Minister Imran Khan",2024-10-23,2024,2024-10,Democrat,House,TX,Greg Casar,C001131,casar.house.gov,casar,https://casar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representatives Greg Casar (D-Texas), Jim McGovern (D-Mass.), and Summer Lee (D-Penn.), along with 59 other Members of Congress, are calling on President Joe Biden to center human rights in U.S. policy towards Pakistan following the country’s Feb. 2024 National Assembly elections, and on Pakistani authorities to release political prisoners, including former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan.

This is the first letter from U.S. Members of Congress calling for political prisoners in Pakistan, including Khan, to be released. Casar authored the letter as a follow-up to the nearly unanimous passage of H.Res. 901, which called for the U.S. to support democracy and human rights in Pakistan.

In February 2024, the Pakistani elections saw a historic level of irregularities, including widespread electoral fraud, state-led efforts to disenfranchise voters, the arrest and detention of political leaders, journalists, and activists, and the continued imprisonment of Khan. That month, Casar and 30 other members urgedBiden and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to investigate pre- and post-poll rigging in Pakistan’s parliamentary elections. Many of those concerns are reiterated in today’s letter.

“We echo the calls for Khan’s immediate release and for an end to widespread arbitrary detention of party members and activists in Pakistan,” the members wrote. “We ask your Administration to urgently secure the guarantees from the Pakistani government for Khan’s safety and well-being and urge U.S. embassy officials to visit him in prison.”

“More broadly, developments since the February vote point to a clear turn towards authoritarianism in the country,” the members continued. “The government has intensified its crackdown on social media and the internet as part of a broader effort to suppress political activism, which it deems to be ‘anti-state propaganda’ and ‘digital terrorism.’ These repressive measures [are] an attack on fundamental human rights… In addition, Pakistani authorities are increasingly engaging in transnational repression… We join our Pakistani American constituents, as well as community leaders and elected officials throughout our country and around the world, in standing in solidarity with the people of Pakistan and their struggle to rebuild a genuinely representative democracy.”

The letter is authored by U.S. Representative Greg Casar (TX-35), co-led by U.S. RepresentativesJim McGovern (MA-02) and Summer Lee (PA-12), and signed by U.S. Representatives Don Beyer (VA-08), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Jamaal Bowman (NY-16), Cori Bush (MO-01), André Carson (IN-07), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Judy Chu (CA-28), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Joe Courtney (CT-02), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34), Raúl Grijalva (AZ-07), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Dan Kildee (MI-08), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Greg Landsman (OH-01), John Larson (CT-01), Barbara Lee (CA-12), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Stephen F. Lynch (MA-08), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Frank Pallone (NJ-06), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Jaime Raskin (MD-08), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Linda T. Sánchez (CA-38), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Brad Sherman (CA-32), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Dina Titus (NV-20), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Paul Tonko (NY-20), David Trone (MD-06), Marc Veasey (TX-33), Nydia Velázquez (NY-07), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Maxine Waters (CA-43), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12),and Susan Wild (PA-07).

It is supported by First Pakistan Global, Democracy And Human Rights Alliance, Community Alliance for Peace and Justice - Pakistan Democracy Campaign, and The Coalition to Change U.S. Policy on Pakistan (CUSP).

The full letter can be viewed here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://crockett.house.gov/media/press-releases/crockett-veasey-call-answers-unclaimed-bodies-donated-medical-research-without,"Crockett, Veasey Call For Answers On Unclaimed Bodies Donated for Medical Research Without Consent of Family Members",2024-10-23,2024,2024-10,Democrat,House,TX,Jasmine Crockett,C001130,crockett.house.gov,crockett,https://crockett.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (TX-30) and Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33) sent a letter to the offices of the Dallas County and Tarrant County Medical Examiners following reporting from NBC News regarding unclaimed bodies being provided to medical research facilities without proper notification and consent of next of kin. The lawmakers request the offices respond to a series of questions on the failures laid out in this investigation, including actions to redress the harm caused to the families of the deceased.

From the letter, ""On September 16, 2024, NBC News published findings from its 10-month investigation into the practices of the Dallas County Medical Examiner and Tarrant County Medical Examiner regarding unclaimed bodies. The investigation scrutinized how your offices sent thousands of unclaimed bodies to the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth, Texas for medical training and research, often without the consent or knowledge of the deceased or their relatives.

The letter continues, ""These actions purportedly saved “Dallas and Tarrant counties each . . . half-million dollars a year on burial and cremation” costs,—yet these savings frequently occurred as a result of repeated failures by investigators in Dallas and Tarrant counties, and the Health Science Center, to find and contact relatives of the unclaimed bodies. Indeed, between 2019 to 2023, your offices provided over a thousand unclaimed bodies to the Health Science Center, of which more than 800 were then used for research and study. The report then found that the remains were then cremated, interred at area cemeteries, or scattered at sea, despite the fact that many of these individuals’ families failed to receive notice of the unclaimed remains and “were looking for them.'""

The lawmakers shared concern over the case of deceased Dallas-area U.S. Army veteran Victor Honey, whose remains were provided to the North Texas Health Science Center without contacting his next of kin despite Mr. Honey's son living in the Dallas area and sharing his first and last name. The lawmakers note that ""under federal law, veterans and veterans’ dependents are entitled to certain funeral benefits, including, among other things, funds that assist with the costs of burials and funeral services, as well as possible burial locations and relocation to national VA cemeteries. By failing to contact Mr. Honey’s family, he was deprived of the rights he earned by bravely serving our country. This case alone raises serious concerns regarding how Dallas County and Tarrant County investigators attempt to satisfy the 'diligent inquiry' requirement set forth by state law.""

The lawmakers continue, ""We are aware that the NBC investigation sparked widespread and immediate changes including the suspension of the body donation program at the Health Science Center, a temporary moratorium on all out-of-state shipments of cadavers, and the suspension or cessation of multiple contracts between the Health Science Center and various contractors. While we welcome these changes, they do not erase the pain and grief thousands of families are feeling as a result of the failures detailed in the investigation by NBC, nor do they ensure that proper safeguards are now in place to prevent the unapproved cremation of individuals or veterans who may have readily contactable next of kin.""

The letter concludes by asking representatives from both offices to respond to a series of questions regarding the ""policies and practices regarding unclaimed remains of deceased individuals"", including all changes made to these policies following the release of the NBC News investigation. The lawmakers provide a deadline of November 30, 2024 for the offices to respond.

Click here to read the letter, or view the text of the letter below.

Click here to read the NBC News investigation into the use of unclaimed bodies in Tarrant and Dallas Counties for medical research.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://gonzalez.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-gonzalez-and-us-secretary-navy-del-toro-tour-naval-air-station,Congressman Gonzalez and U.S. Secretary of the Navy Del Toro Tour Naval Air Station Kingsville,2024-10-23,2024,2024-10,Democrat,House,TX,Vicente Gonzalez,G000581,gonzalez.house.gov,gonzalez,https://gonzalez.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"KINGSVILLE, TEXAS –Yesterday, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) and U.S. Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro visited Naval Air Station Kingsville (NASK). Together, they toured on-site facilities and spoke with NASK leadership on plans to improve the physical security and well-being of the base and its personnel.

These projects include the construction of a new “Pass & Tag Facility” to improve visitor flow and screening onto the base while reducing strain on security personnel, and the construction of a new fire station training facility to accommodate modern firefighting equipment such as fire trucks. NASK’s only fire station was built in 1956 and is in desperate need of renovation.

“Naval Air Station Kingsville not only provides over 4,000 jobs to the surrounding region and generates over $1 billion for our state’s economy, but it remains a crucial part of our nation’s national defense strategy by training 50 percent of the Navy & Marine Corps' tactical jet pilots each year,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “However, we must secure funding for this critical installation and ensure NASK’s safety and security. That is why I invited Secretary Del Toro to South Texas so that he could see firsthand the need to strengthen NASK’s readiness and operational capabilities.”

“Naval Air Station Kingsville plays a critical role in training so many of our future naval aviators, many of whom earn their wings of gold here,” said Secretary Del Toro. “I want to thank Rep. Gonzalez for supporting this installation and thank all the Sailors, Marines and Navy Civilians who advance its mission.”

Earlier this year, Congressman Gonzalez joined U.S. Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz in sending a bipartisan letter to Secretary Del Toro asking to prioritize the two installation projects when preparing the U.S. Department of the Navy’s 2026 Presidential Budget request. Congressman Gonzalez also introduced two amendments to the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to highlight the importance of these two projects.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://sylviagarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-sylvia-garcia-s-statement-on-specialist-vanessa-guillen-s-legacy,Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia's Statement on Specialist Vanessa Guillén's Legacy,2024-10-22,2024,2024-10,Democrat,House,TX,Sylvia R. Garcia,G000587,sylviagarcia.house.gov,sylviagarcia,https://sylviagarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Houston, TX – Congresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia (D-TX-29) issued the following statement on the life and legacy of Army Specialist Vanessa Guillén, a constituent from Texas’ 29th Congressional District, in response to the publication of today’s article in The Atlantic:

“Vanessa was and always will be an American hero, who inspired the I Am Vanessa Guillén Act. When it was signed into law, it was the most consequential change to the Uniform Code of Military Justice in decades, finally removing the investigation and prosecution of sexual assault and harassment from the military chain of command.

“Today, as we do every day, let’s remember Vanessa for the person she was. She loved her family, her country, and her community. Vanessa’s story helped fuel a movement that has made our country and world a better place. She represents the very best of the Mexican American and Latino community.

“The #IAmVanessaGuillen movement was a tidal wave because she connected with so many, and so many of us saw ourselves in her. Today, the same as every day since April 22, 2020, may we continue to honor and uplift her memory. We must do all we can to ensure the safety and well-being of every servicemember that is currently serving or has served our country.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://sylviagarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-sylvia-garcia-statement-on-the-consumer-financial-protection-bureau-s-rule-to-boost-consumer-rights-and-privacy-0,Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia Statement on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's Rule to Boost Consumer Rights and Privacy,2024-10-22,2024,2024-10,Democrat,House,TX,Sylvia R. Garcia,G000587,sylviagarcia.house.gov,sylviagarcia,https://sylviagarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Houston, TX – Congresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia (D-TX-29) issued the following statement in response to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's final rule implementing Section 1033 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010:

“I’m pleased the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is taking this critical step to strengthen consumer rights, privacy, and competition in the financial services industry. By giving Americans greater control over their personal data, this new rule empowers consumers to switch to better providers without facing unnecessary barriers and fees. This will allow families to make better financial choices.

""But we must do more to include those who have been historically shut out of the banking system. Our most vulnerable communities, including those who rely on Electronic Benefits Transfer cards to access nutritional assistance, deserve the same protections. Expanding this rule to include Electronic Benefits Transfer card users would ensure that everyone, regardless of their financial situation, benefits from these safeguards. I urge the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to work with all appropriate agencies to expand these protections.""

The rule requires financial institutions, credit card issuers, and other financial providers to unlock an individual’s personal financial data and transfer it to another provider at the consumer’s request for free. Consumers will be able to more easily switch to providers with superior rates and services. By fueling competition and consumer choice, the rule will help lower prices on loans and improve customer service across payments, credit, and banking markets.

Today’s rule ensures consumers will be able to access and share data associated with bank accounts, credit cards, mobile wallets, payment apps, and other financial products. It aims to address market concentration that limits consumer choice over financial products and services. Consumers will be able to access, or authorize a third party to access, data such as transaction information, account balance information, information needed to initiate payments, upcoming bill information, and basic account verification information. Financial providers must make this information available without charging fees.

The rule also establishes strong privacy protections, requiring that personal financial data can only be used for the purposes requested by the consumer. It ensures that third parties cannot use consumer data for other purposes that benefit the third party, but that consumers do not want. It also helps move the industry away from “screen scraping,” a still common but risky practice that typically involves consumers providing their account passwords to third parties who use them to access data indiscriminately through online banking portals.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://doggett.house.gov/media/press-releases/52-bipartisan-congressmembers-urge-biden-administration-tighten-russian-oil,52 Bipartisan Congressmembers Urge Biden Administration to Tighten Russian Oil Sanctions and Question Exception Approval,2024-10-21,2024,2024-10,Democrat,House,TX,Lloyd Doggett,D000399,doggett.house.gov,doggett,https://doggett.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Contact: Alexis Torres, Alexis.Torres@mail.house.gov

Washington, D.C.—U.S. Representatives Lloyd Doggett (D-TX-37) and Jake Auchincloss (D-MA-4) led a bipartisan effort to demand a tightening of Russian oil sanctions and to question an exception granted to a U.S.-based company, Schlumberger (SLB). Specifically, the lawmakers are questioning Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Secretary Antony Blinken as to why the Biden administration has permitted SLB to serve as an accomplice to Vladimir Putin.

“We write regarding alarming findings that the U.S.-based company and world’s largest oilfield services firm SLB, widely known as Schlumberger, is expanding in Russia,” wrote the members. “Since Russia’s unjustified and illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, SLB has signed new contracts, recruited hundreds of staff, and imported nearly $18 million in equipment into Russia. This U.S.-based company is keeping Vladimir Putin’s war machine well-oiled with financing for the barbaric invasion of Ukraine. We urge you to continue supporting our Ukrainian allies by pursuing more rigorous oil sanctions to effectively restrict Putin’s profits.”

“My name is on the first sanctions legislation to become law shortly after the Russian invasion,” said Rep. Doggett. “Implementation of that and similar legislation by our allies has not prevented Putin from earning billions from oil exports. And unfortunately, North Korea and Iran are not the only places providing him help. By permitting his exports and permitting continued American company investments in Russia, Americans, and our European allies, are essentially funding both sides of this war. While well aware of concerns about the price of gasoline at the pump, we must stop oiling the Putin war machine to win this war, secure a just peace, and reparations.”

""While Ukrainians fight and die on the front lines of freedom, a U.S. oil company is supporting the enemy,"" said Rep. Auchincloss. ""Oil is the lifeblood of the Russian war economy, which is why the West must stand united in tightening and enforcing oil sanctions. That begins by holding SLB and its collaborators accountable for evading allied sanctions, profiteering from pain, and fueling Putin's ability to wage war.”

Additional signers include Representatives Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Barbara Lee (CA-12), Wiley Nickel (NC-13), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Danny Davis (IL-07), Jim Costa (CA-21), Sean Casten (IL-06), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Adam Schiff (CA-30), Susan Wild (PA-07), Joe Wilson (R-SC-02), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Tom Suozzi (NY-03), Brad Sherman (CA-32), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Nikema Williams (GA-05), Gerry Connolly (VA-11), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Earl Blumenaur (OR-03), Seth Magaziner (RI-02), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Patrick Ryan (NY-18), Chris Smith (R-NJ-04), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Raúl Grijalva (AZ-07), Don Bacon (R-NE-02), Juan Vargas (CA-52), Jerry Nadler (NY-12), Annie Kuster (NH-02), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Frank Pallone (NJ-06), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Ted Lieu (CA-36), John Larson (CT-01), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), David Trone (MD-06), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), Bennie Thompson (MS-02) and Ro Khanna (CA-17).

The full letter can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-al-green-delivers-remarks-2024-houston-stand-down-providing,Congressman Al Green Delivers Remarks at the 2024 Houston Stand Down Providing Essential Resources and Support for Veterans,2024-10-18,2024,2024-10,Democrat,House,TX,Al Green,G000553,algreen.house.gov,algreen,https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"(Houston, TX) — On Friday, October 18, 2024, Congressman Al Green will deliver remarks at the 2024 Houston Stand Down, hosted by the City of Houston. This event aims to provide veterans with essential resources and services, including housing, furniture, clothing, hygiene products, food, haircuts, career readiness assistance, medical benefits, and more. The event will take place at The Zone, located at 10371 Stella Link Rd, Houston, TX 77025 at 9:00 a.m. CT.

Congressman Al Green stated, ""Every individual who has dedicated themselves to serving in our nation’s military deserves access to good healthcare, housing, jobs, and community support. Through initiatives like the Houston Stand Down, we reinforce our commitment to ensuring that our veterans receive the critical resources necessary to successfully acclimate to civilian life, and we honor the profound sacrifices they have made for our country.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://crockett.house.gov/media/press-releases/oversight-democrats-new-report-proves-trump-used-his-dc-hotel-take,"Oversight Democrats’ New Report Proves Trump Used His D.C. Hotel to Take Unconstitutional Domestic Emoluments, Fleecing the Taxpayers",2024-10-18,2024,2024-10,Democrat,House,TX,Jasmine Crockett,C001130,crockett.house.gov,crockett,https://crockett.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"October 18, 2024

Trump Also Accepted Other Corrupt Payments from Federal Job Seekers, and Presidential Pardon Recipients

Today, the Committee on Oversight and Accountability released a new staff report revealing how, while he was in office, Donald Trump used the Trump International Hotel in Washington, D.C. to unlawfully take hundreds of payments from a federal agency—the U.S. Secret Service—and also to take legally and ethically questionable payments from federal and state officials, federal job seekers, and presidential pardon recipients. These payments demonstrate how Donald Trump violated the Constitution’s Domestic Emoluments Clause as he used the Secret Service as his personal ATM and repeatedly took payments that raise the specter of pay-to-play corruption from individuals who sought and, in many cases obtained, favors from the Commander-in-Chief.

The report is based on a limited set of records—hotel guest logs covering just 11 months at a single one of Donald Trump’s more than 500 business entities—produced by Mr. Trump’s former accounting firm, Mazars USA LLP, before Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, working with attorneys for former President Trump, slammed the door shut and blocked Committee Democrats from obtaining additional records pursuant to a Committee subpoena and court-supervised settlement. Giving new meaning to the term “petty cash,” most of the payments made in the time frame discussed in this report were small—and their cumulative total is just over $300,000—but these transactions provide a glimpse into the wide array of unlawful and unethical transactions, including flat-out violations of the Constitution, that characterized Donald Trump’s methodical exploitation of his presidency for moneymaking purposes.

“During the 118th Congress, the Republican-led Oversight Committee systematically obstructed Democrats’ investigation into evidence of unconstitutional wrongdoing and profiteering by former President Trump. And they tried to hide a mountain of evidence documenting how Trump used his hotel to fleece the American taxpayer to line his own pockets in direct violation of the U.S. Constitution’s Domestic Emoluments Clause. The Constitution makes clear: beyond a salary, the president may not receive any additional payments from federal or state governments. This is a non-waivable prohibition against exploiting the office to convert and pocket public funds.

“Despite the tall tale told by Eric Trump that U.S. Secret Service agents ‘stay at our properties for free,’ Donald Trump’s hotel repeatedly fleeced the U.S. Secret Service, charging it far in excess of approved government per diem rates and even many times the rates charged to hundreds of other patrons—including some of the rooms rented by the Qatari royal family and Chinese business interests—for rooms used by agents protecting members of the Trump family.

“Our report also details startling instances in which state and federal officials, as well as individuals actively seeking federal jobs and presidential pardons, used the D.C. hotel as a channel to put money into the Commander-in-Chief’s pocket.

“Mr. Trump has made clear that he will not only refuse to divest from his businesses in a possible future presidency, but he will seek to multiply opportunities to commodify the Oval Office for his personal enrichment by turning thousands of civil service jobs into patronage positions—all with the attendant payoff possibilities from supplicant job-seekers and the prospective blessing of his hand-picked Supreme Court justices.

“While we still do not know the full extent of the unconstitutional payments Trump pocketed while fleecing American taxpayers, one thing is certain: we must put legal barriers in place now to prevent the kind of rip-off corruption our Founding Fathers so strongly opposed. Given the need to enforce the U.S. Constitution against both foreign and domestic emoluments corruption, in the coming days, I will work with my Democratic Colleagues on a legislative fix and hope that my Republican colleagues will join us in this effort,” said Ranking Member Raskin.

A few examples of unconstitutional, illegal and corrupt expenditures revealed in the report:

U.S. Secret Service: Then-President Trump turned the U.S. Secret Service into an ATM for his personal enrichment, frequently charging the agency room rates far above approved government per diem rates and far above the rates charged to hundreds of other private patrons when Secret Service agents were protecting members of the Trump family. For example:

On November 8, 2017, when Donald Trump Jr. stayed at former President Trump’s D.C. hotel, the Secret Service under President Trump approved a room rate of $1,185—more than five times the approved government per diem rate of $201. The room records provided to the Committee by Mazars show that the Secret Service was indeed charged the astounding rate of $1,185 for two rooms that evening. Amazingly, that same night, the Trump International Hotel in Washington, D.C., rented out more than 200 rooms to private parties at just $125 or $170 each.

On November 28, 2017, in conjunction with an apparent stay by Eric Trump and his wife, Lara Trump, the Secret Service approved a waiver for a room rate of $600 when the official per diem for that month was just $201. The room records Mazars produced to the Committee show that, on that very night, the Trump International Hotel in Washington, D.C. rented out more than 80 rooms at rates less than $600 per room, including renting a dozen rooms to the Inner Mongolia Yitai Coal Co., Ltd.—a private corporation headquartered in China—for $338.85 each.

During a February 22, 2018, visit by Eric Trump, then-President Trump’s D.C. hotel charged the Secret Service $895 for at least one room—more than four times the per diem rate of $201. That same night, four of the rooms charged at the D.C. hotel that evening to the “Sheikh Al Thani Family Extended Stay”—Al Thani being the name of the royal family of Qatar—were charged at rates less than $895. As such, Trump charged the taxpayers considerably more for some of his unlawful domestic emoluments that night than he charged foreign royals for some of his unlawful foreign emoluments.

Trump Family: Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner—former President Trump’s daughter and son-in-law who were then serving as senior White House advisors in the Trump Administration—were apparently charged for their Trump hotel stays while Eric Trump, Lara Trump, and Donald Trump Jr.—Trump children not working for the government, were—were apparently not charged at all for their stays. The Committee has been unable to determine whether Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner used taxpayer funds to pay the Trump Hotel for their stays or to obtain an explanation for this discrepancy between members of Trump’s family who served in government and those who did not. But, given everything else we have learned about Trump practices, it seems logical to conclude that this may have been another opportunity to cash in on taxpayer dollars.

Ambassadors: Eight of President Trump’s Ambassadors stayed at his D.C. hotel during their time in office, often while on official business, meaning any payments they made using taxpayer funds directly violated the constitutional prohibition on domestic emoluments. Some of these ambassadors even took it upon themselves to actively steer additional business to their boss’s hotel.

State and Local Government Officials: Two state officials and one delegation of state legislators stayed at Trump’s D.C. hotel while on official or political business, likely violating the Constitution’s Domestic Emoluments Clause, which forbids the President to take money from state governments.

Judgeships: The report identifies four examples of individuals nominated by former President Trump to serve as federal judges who stayed at Trump’s D.C. hotel before they were nominated to their posts or during key steps in their confirmation processes. The Senate confirmed all four of these individuals who now hold lifetime positions. Three of these judges spent money at the President’s hotel while they were sitting state or magistrate judges.

Pardons: At least five people who received pardons from President Trump stayed at his D.C. hotel in just the 11 months for which Committee Democrats were able to obtain records. For example:

Elliott Broidy: Mr. Broidy spent approximately $15,000 on stays at former President Trump’s D.C. hotel in the fall and winter of 2017 and in early 2018. During the Trump Administration, Mr. Broidy violated the Foreign Agents Registration Act for his un-registered lobbying to try to persuade the Administration to drop the DOJ’s prosecutions regarding Malaysia’s 1MDB sovereign wealth fund. Mr. Broidy even stayed at former President Trump’s hotel the day he reportedly lobbied the former President on behalf of the United Arab Emirates to fire Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. President Trump pardoned this repeat customer days before leaving office.

Albert Pirro: Mr. Pirro stayed at then-President Trump’s D.C. hotel for at least four nights in 2018, spending more than $2,000. On his final day in office, Mr. Trump would grant Mr. Pirro, a real-estate lawyer whom Mr. Trump had previously kept on retainer, a pardon for his 2000 conviction on conspiracy and tax evasion charges.

Today’s new report follows the Oversight Democrats’ report detailing former President Trump’s violation of the Constitution’s Foreign Emoluments Clause after pocketing at least $7.8 million from at least 20 foreign governments which sought and often obtained favorable treatment from the Trump Administration while spending money at just four of Mr. Trump’s properties over a two-year period.

Click here to read the report.

Click here for underlying documents.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://sylviagarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-sylvia-garcia-statement-on-the-death-of-yahya-sinwar,Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia Statement on the Death of Yahya Sinwar,2024-10-17,2024,2024-10,Democrat,House,TX,Sylvia R. Garcia,G000587,sylviagarcia.house.gov,sylviagarcia,https://sylviagarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Houston, TX – Today, Congresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia (D-TX-29) released the following statement on the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar:

""Yahya Sinwar, the mastermind behind the brutal October 7 attack on Israel and leader of Hamas, is no longer a threat. The world is now a safer place. This is a new opportunity to end the war in Gaza, free the remaining hostages, and achieve lasting peace, security, and dignity for all Israelis and Palestinians.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-al-green-join-state-senator-molly-cook-elected-officials-and,"Congressman Al Green to Join State Senator Molly Cook, Elected Officials,  and Community Leaders to Address Attacks on Women’s Reproductive Rights in Texas",2024-10-16,2024,2024-10,Democrat,House,TX,Al Green,G000553,algreen.house.gov,algreen,https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"(Houston, TX) — On Wednesday, October 16, 2024, Congressman Al Green will join State Senator Molly Cook,Commissioner Lesley Briones, State Representative Ron Reynolds, and esteemed community leaders in a press conference. They will confront the continued attack on women's control over their bodies and access to reproductive healthcare across all branches of government.

Congressman Al Green stated, ""Women should not be denied the right to control their own bodies. Denying bodily autonomy to control women is antiquated and unacceptable. Since the 2021 ban on abortion care, a September 20, 2024 NBC News article reports a 56% increase in maternal mortality in Texas. In Texas, under Senate Bill 8, it is a criminal offense to assist a woman with an abortion after about six weeks of pregnancy unless the woman is experiencing a medical emergency. We must reinstate reproductive care and address the alarming impact of abortion restrictions on women's health in Texas and nationwide, so as to prevent a woman’s miscarriage after 6 weeks of pregnancy from being viewed as a suspicious event and her body viewed as a crime scene. The long arm of the law has no place in a woman’s womb.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-castro-applauds-faa-plan-to-approve-direct-flights-from-dca-to-sat,Congressman Castro Applauds FAA Plan to Approve Direct Flights from DCA to SAT,2024-10-16,2024,2024-10,Democrat,House,TX,Joaquin Castro,C001091,castro.house.gov,castro,https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"SAN ANTONIO — Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) released the following statement after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced a plan to grant San Antonio International Airport (SAT) one of the ten new direct flights slots from Washington D.C.’s Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA). Castro, a longtime advocate for direct flights from SAT to DCA, worked to secure the additional direct flights as part of the FAA Authorization Act of 2024.

“For years, I’ve been working with my colleagues in the San Antonio delegation to get our city a direct flight to the nation’s capital. Today’s announcement is a long-sought win for travelers, businesses, and the military families that call our city home. When finalized, these direct flights will make it easier for San Antonio’s business sector, including our growing cybersecurity industry, to work directly with the federal government to support job growth and economic development at home. I appreciate the Biden-Harris administration’s decision to bring these flights to San Antonio and I look forward to welcoming new travelers to my hometown.”

Currently, 96 American cities with smaller populations than San Antonio offer direct flights to DCA, including Tulsa, Akron, Cedar Rapids (IA), and Pensacola (FL).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://doggett.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-doggett-leads-members-urging-president-biden-protect-medicare-enrollees,Rep. Doggett Leads Members in Urging President Biden to Protect Medicare Enrollees’ Access to Federal Benefits,2024-10-11,2024,2024-10,Democrat,House,TX,Lloyd Doggett,D000399,doggett.house.gov,doggett,https://doggett.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Contact: Alexis.Torres@mail.house.gov

202-494-4620

Washington, D.C.—Ahead of the 2025 Medicare Open Enrollment period, U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-TX-37), Ranking Member of the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, led a bicameral group of lawmakers in urging President Biden to ensure Medicare Advantage ‘Flex Cards’ do not affect Americans’ access to federal assistance for housing, food, and more.

“Medicare represents a promise to American workers that they will live with dignity and have access to quality health care in times of disability and during their senior years. It is alarming that some consumers are reportedly losing access to other important federal assistance, including affordable housing, food, and more, because of a nominal benefit that is heavily marketed by some private Medicare Advantage plans,” said Rep. Doggett. “President Biden must immediately step in to prevent further harm and ensure consumers do not face difficult decisions on basic necessities.”

“It has come to our attention that there have been multiple instances of consumers being denied their full federal benefits, including rental assistance, access to the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), due to inclusion of Flex Cards in some eligibility calculations,” wrote the lawmakers. “There appears to be a lack of clarity among entities that administer benefits as to whether Flex Cards qualify as an asset or income, resulting in different outcomes for consumers based on the individual determination by a particular agency eligibility worker, landlord, or other party. Low-income consumers relying on these programs do not have additional funds to cover the reduction or total loss of public benefits, and they are facing difficult decisions regarding basic necessities. Medicare Advantage enrollees may also be deterred from seeking out assistance from public benefits to which they might be entitled. It is critical that the Administration issue clarifying guidance that Flex Cards should not be included in the eligibility calculation for any federal benefits.”

Additional signers include Representatives Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Raul Grijalva (AZ-07), Barbara Lee (CA-12), Katie Porter (CA-45), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Raul Grijalva (AZ-07), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Troy Carter (LA-02), Joe Morelle (NY-25), Nikema Williams (GA-05), Al Green (TX-09), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Danny Davis (IL-07), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Jesus “Chuy” Garcia (IL-04), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Mark Takano (CA-39), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Terri Sewell (AL-07), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Shontel Brown (OH-11), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Frederica Wilson (FL-24), Cori Bush (MO-01), André Carson (IN-07), Seth Magaziner (RI-02), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Juan Vargas (CA-52), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20) and Senators Elizabeth Warren (MA), and Sherrod Brown (OH).

Endorsing organizations include LeadingAge, Center for Medicare Advocacy, Medicare Rights Center, Justice in Aging, and The Arc of the United States.

The full letter can be viewed here.

The 2025 Medicare Open Enrollment Period begins October 15 and runs until December 7, 2024. Seniors 65 or older and individuals with disabilities can receive technical assistance and find and compare plans at Medicare.gov.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://casar.house.gov/media/press-releases/news-casar-leads-46-members-congress-demand-epa-bans-use-paraquat-protect,NEWS: Casar Leads 46 Members of Congress to Demand EPA Bans Use of Paraquat to Protect Public Health,2024-10-08,2024,2024-10,Democrat,House,TX,Greg Casar,C001131,casar.house.gov,casar,https://casar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Greg Casar (D-Texas) and 46 other Members of Congress are calling on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to ban the use of an herbicide, Paraquat, in the U.S. to protect public health. Paraquat is already banned in over 70 countries.

The Members of Congress released a letter today urging EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan to protect farm workers, rural Americans, and the environment from the harmful effects of Paraquat and ban the use of the herbicide in the U.S. Exposure to the herbicide is linked to life threatening diseases like Parkinson’s disease and thyroid cancer, and linked to an increase in soil and water pollution.

“Paraquat is a toxic substance linked to life threatening diseases and grave impacts on the environment — it has been banned in dozens of countries and should be banned in the United States,” the members wrote. “We urge the EPA to change course and deliver critical protections for farmworkers, agricultural communities, and the environment by banning Paraquat.”

The EPA has already banned Paraquat for areas such as golf courses and recreational areas. If Paraquat is too dangerous for golfers, it is too dangerous for farm workers and rural Americans. Nearly 70 countries have banned or discontinued the use of Paraquat, including China, Brazil, the European Union, and Canada.

The letter is led by U.S. Representative Greg Casar (TX-35), and signed by U.S. RepresentativesAlma Adams (NC-12), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Earl Blumenauer (OR-03), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Jamaal Bowman (NY-16), Cori Bush (MO-01), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Judy Chu (CA-28), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Jesús G. “Chuy” García (IL-04), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Al Green (TX-09), Raúl Grijalva (AZ-07), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson (GA-04), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Barbara Lee (CA-12), James P. McGovern (MA-02), Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Katie Porter (CA-47), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Deborah Ross (NC-02), Raul Ruiz (CA-25), C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (MD-02), Linda T. Sánchez (CA-38), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Mark Takano (CA-39), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Bennie Thompson (MS-02), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Nydia Velázquez (NY-07), Maxine Waters (CA-43), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Jennifer Wexton (VA-10), and Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24).

It is endorsed by the Alianza Nacional de Campesinas, American Sustainable Business Network, Beyond Pesticides, the Brian Grant Foundation, Center for Biological Diversity, Center for Food Safety, the Davis Phinney Foundation, Earthjustice, Ecological Landscape Alliance, Environmental Working Group, Friends of the Earth, Green New Deal Network, HEAL (Health, Environment, Agriculture, Labor) Food Alliance, GreenLatinos, Laborers’ Health & Safety Fund of North America, Laborers' International Union of North America (LiUNA!), League of Conservation Voters, the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, Parkinson Association of Alabama, Parkinson Association of Northern California, PD Avengers (Global Alliance to End Parkinson's Disease Assn.), Pesticide Action and Agroecology Network (PAN), Pesticide Action Network, Power for Parkinson's, Power Over Parkinson's, the Rachel Carson Council, Re:wild Your Campus, Rural Coalition, United Farm Workers (UFW), and the United Farm Workers Foundation (UFWF).

“The people who feed us should not face twice the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease,” said Geoff Horsfield, policy director for the Environmental Working Group (EWG). “President Biden’s EPA should put the people who feed us ahead of the profits of a pesticide company that hid the risks of paraquat for decades. Seventy countries have banned paraquat, so we know that farmers have plenty of safer options. We are grateful to Rep. Casar for his leadership in protecting farmers and farmworkers.”

“More than 1 million people in the U.S. live with Parkinson’s disease, the second most common and fastest growing neurodegenerative disease in the world,” said Ted Thompson, senior vice president of public policy at The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. “With only about 30 percent of Parkinson’s risk explained by genetics, we know that other factors — including environmental risks like exposure to toxic chemicals — can play a role in the development of the disease. We appreciate Representative Casar’s efforts to ensure that the Environmental Protection Agency is doing all it can to protect Americans from the harms associated with exposure to these toxins.”

“Every day across America, farm workers, as well as their families and communities, are exposed to Paraquat – a dangerous chemical known to cause severe health impacts,” said Teresa Romero, president of UFW. “We commend Congressman Casar for fighting to ensure that every worker is safe on the job and we call on the EPA to listen to the concerns of the people who put food on all of our tables.”

“The UFW Foundation supports the banning of Paraquat, a chemical whose exposure puts the lives of hundreds of thousands of farm workers at risk,” said Erica Lomeli, interim chief executive officer of the UFW Foundation. “Farm workers deserve a safe environment free from harmful substances that can impact not only their health but also the well-being of their families. Not only is Paraquat dangerous for farm workers, but it also poses significant risks to consumers who may ingest produce treated with this pesticide.”

“We thank Rep. Casar and his colleagues for their leadership in urging the EPA to finally remove this dangerous chemical from the market,” said Lorette Picciano, executive director of the Rural Coalition. “We have heard from far too many farmers, ranchers and workers in communities we serve who have developed Parkinsons and other diseases. The devastating cost to their lives and health, families and communities far outweigh any possible benefit of Paraquat's continued use.”

The full letter can be viewed here.

Learn more at banparaquat.org

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://sylviagarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-sylvia-garcia-applauds-biden-harris-administration-final-rule-to-replace-lead-pipes-within-10-years-new-funding-to-deliver-clean-drinking-water,"Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia Applauds Biden-Harris Administration Final Rule to Replace Lead Pipes Within 10 Years, New Funding to Deliver Clean Drinking Water",2024-10-08,2024,2024-10,Democrat,House,TX,Sylvia R. Garcia,G000587,sylviagarcia.house.gov,sylviagarcia,https://sylviagarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"HOUSTON, TX – Today, Congresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia (D-TX-29) released the following statement in response to the Biden-Harris Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) final rule requiring drinking water systems across the country to identify and replace lead pipes over the next decade:

“I commend the Biden-Harris Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency for heeding the call of my colleagues and I urging them to finalize the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI). This decisive action will help tackle the serious issue of lead contamination in our drinking water and will help protect the health and safety of our communities, especially in my district and across Texas.

""Lead in drinking water irreparably harms the health of children and adults and disproportionately impacts lower-income communities. This rule requires that lead pipes be located and replaced within the next 10 years, which is a crucial step toward making sure that every family, regardless of where they live, has access to clean, safe drinking water. It will also strengthen testing requirements to help prevent future harm and ensure families are informed about both the risks they face, and the steps being taken to address them. Safe drinking water should never be in question—it’s a basic human right,"" said Congresswoman Garcia.

Alongside the LCRI, EPA announced $2.6 billion in newly available drinking water infrastructure funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Congresswoman Garcia proudly voted for. Additionally, 49% of the funding must be provided to disadvantaged communities as grant funding or principal forgiveness that does not have to be repaid.

The LCRI will also require more rigorous testing of drinking water and a lower threshold for communities to take action on lead in drinking water to protect people from lead exposure.

In September, Congresswoman Garcia signed onto a letter with her colleagues calling on the Biden-Harris Administration to finalize the LCRI to immediately and urgently remove the estimated nine million service lines across the country that contain lead.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-al-green-host-press-conference-united-states-postal-service-usps,Congressman Al Green to Host Press Conference on United States Postal Service (USPS) Failure to Repair Potentially Dangerous Potholes at  Almeda Post Office,2024-10-07,2024,2024-10,Democrat,House,TX,Al Green,G000553,algreen.house.gov,algreen,https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"(Houston, TX) — On Tuesday, October 8, 2024, Congressman Al Green will host a press conference to address the ongoing issue of potholes in the parking lot of the Almeda Post Office, which has been a cause of concern for his constituents. Despite reporting the potholes to the United States Postal Service (USPS) and receiving assurances of action, there has been a lack of proper repairs. Congressman Al Green has taken the initiative to address this issue by sending a communique to Peter Pastre, USPS Vice President of Government Relations and Public Policy. A link to access the letter is available here, and you can view photos of the potholes by clicking here.

The complaint regarding the potholes was initially reported on February 8, 2023, and despite numerous follow-ups, there has been no resolution. The USPS initially acknowledged the pothole service request and stated that there would be an inspection and repairs, however, further complaints have not yielded tangible results. The lack of proper repairs from USPS has prompted Congressman Green to take this additional action.

Congressman Al Green stated, “I am deeply concerned about the lack of action by the United States Postal Service to repair potentially dangerous potholes. It is unacceptable that there has been no resolution despite following up several times. The safety and well-being of our community is an issue, and we cannot afford to allow this condition to continue.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://casar.house.gov/media/press-releases/news-congressman-greg-casars-statement-oct-7,NEWS: Congressman Greg Casar's Statement on Oct. 7,2024-10-07,2024,2024-10,Democrat,House,TX,Greg Casar,C001131,casar.house.gov,casar,https://casar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Greg Casar (D-Texas) released the following statement:

“October 7th is a dark and horrific day for Israelis and Jewish people across the world. More Jewish people were killed at once than any day since the Holocaust, and Hamas still holds Americans and scores of Israelis hostage. In the days after October 7th, tens of thousands of innocent Palestinians have been killed by the Israeli government’s bombardment of Gaza and operations in the West Bank. Over two thousand Lebanese people have been killed, and more than a million have been displaced. The region is on the brink of what could be an even more massive war. Hardly a soul is safer or more free.

“We must change course toward peace. We must stop this cycle of violence by all parties before it consumes even more innocent families across the region and across the world. Israel should stop its bombing, Iran and Hezbollah should stop their bombing, Hamas should return the hostages, and the United States should be brokering peace, rather than further contributing to the devastation by shipping weapons. Let us honor the dead by protecting the living.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5507,Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher Hosts  Military Service Academy Day for Students and Families in Texas’ Seventh Congressional District,2024-10-07,2024,2024-10,Democrat,House,TX,Lizzie Fletcher,F000468,fletcher.house.gov,fletcher,https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"On Sunday, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) held a military service academy resource fair for high school students and their families in Texas’ Seventh Congressional District.

“Nominating outstanding young Houstonians to the United States military service academies each year is a privilege and a pleasure,” said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher. “I am inspired by the many bright young students who wish to serve our country in our armed forces, and honored and proud to represent them and their families. I am grateful to the representatives from the service academies who attended Sunday’s resource fair for sharing information for our students and their families.”

Representatives from the following U.S. military service academies attended the resource fair:

U.S. Air Force Academy (Colorado Springs, CO)

U.S. Coast Guard Academy (New London, CT)

U.S. Naval Academy (Annapolis, MD)

U.S. Military Academy (West Point, NY)

U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (Kings Point, NY)",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://sylviagarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-sylvia-garcia-statement-on-the-one-year-anniversary-of-the-october-7th-attacks-in-israel,Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia Statement on the One Year Anniversary of the October 7th Attacks in Israel,2024-10-07,2024,2024-10,Democrat,House,TX,Sylvia R. Garcia,G000587,sylviagarcia.house.gov,sylviagarcia,https://sylviagarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Houston, TX – Today, Congresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia (D-TX-29) released the following statement on the one-year anniversary of the horrific October 7th attacks in Israel:

“A year ago today, Israel was the target of a heinous terrorist attack carried out by Hamas—the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust. Today, I stand with Israel as it marks this somber moment.

""I pray for every innocent person killed and those still being held hostage by Hamas. May we all come together today to reaffirm our commitment to a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict that ensures stability and security for Israel, Gaza, and all throughout the Middle East.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://sylviagarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-sylvia-garcia-statement-on-the-biden-harris-administration-s-decision-to-discontinue-the-chnv-parole-program,Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia Statement on the Biden-Harris Administration's Decision to Discontinue the CHNV Parole Program,2024-10-05,2024,2024-10,Democrat,House,TX,Sylvia R. Garcia,G000587,sylviagarcia.house.gov,sylviagarcia,https://sylviagarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Houston, TX – Congresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia (D-TX-29) issued the following statement after the Biden-Harris Administration's decision not to extend the CHNV parole program that's providing temporary legal status for hundreds of thousands of migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela:

“The Biden administration should be working to expand legal pathways of migration to help reduce pressures at our border and help manage our immigration challenges. It is deeply disappointing that the administration is deciding to discontinue the CHNV parole program that has provided those fleeing Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Haiti with a critical lifeline.

""We can both secure our border and provide relief to immigrants who need our help. These are not mutually exclusive goals. They should not leave the more than 500,000 individuals who have benefited from this program in limbo. The Biden administration should reconsider this decision.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://escobar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1735,"Congresswomen Escobar, Strickland, and Jacobs introduce the Access to Contraception for Servicemembers and Dependents Act of 2024",2024-10-04,2024,2024-10,Democrat,House,TX,Veronica Escobar,E000299,escobar.house.gov,escobar,https://escobar.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), and Congresswoman Sara Jacobs (CA-51) introduced the Access to Contraception for Servicemembers and Dependents Act of 2024. The Senate companion has been introduced by Senator Jeanne Shaheen.

Studies have shown that servicemembers face unique challenges accessing contraception and family planning counseling, especially when deployed. With that in mind, the Access to Contraception for Servicemembers and Dependents Act of 2024:

Requires that all people enrolled in TRICARE have coverage of contraceptives without cost-sharing, the same as civilians;

Requires the Department of Defense to develop a comprehensive family planning education program for all servicemembers, ensuring that military families have the information necessary to make informed decisions; and

Guarantees access to emergency contraception for survivors of sexual assault upon their request.

Permanently alleviating these challenges is particularly important at a time when our military continues to confront recruitment and retention challenges.

“The Department of Defense provides health care to nearly 1.62 million women of reproductive age, but many military dependents face co-pays on birth control when their civilian counterparts don’t,” Congresswoman Escobar said. “No military family should have fewer rights than those they serve to protect. That’s why I’m proud to join my colleagues, Sara Jacobs and Marilyn Strickland, in introducing a long overdue, commonsense piece of legislation to ensure military families have access to the care they need.”

Rep. Sara Jacobs said: “Given all that we ask from our service members and their families, it’s absolutely shameful that they can be forced to pay more than civilians for contraception – an essential part of health care. Research tells us that even small copays of contraception can prevent people from getting the care they need, pushing some to forgo contraception completely, choose less effective methods, or use it inconsistently. That’s an unacceptable risk for our service members and endangers our military readiness. I’m proud to co-lead the Access to Contraception for Servicemembers and Dependents Act to fix this glaring oversight and ensure that our military can get the contraception they need.”

“Answering the call to serve often means making a great number of sacrifices for your country, and being able to start a family should not be one of them,"" said Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10). ""All Americans deserve access to contraceptives.”

“At this critical moment for reproductive health access, we are grateful for the introduction of this bill by Representatives Escobar, Jacobs, and Strickland to lift barriers to birth control for service members and their families,” said Jackii Wang, Senior Legislative Analyst for Reproductive Rights & Health at the National Women’s Law Center. “Being able to decide if, when, and how to become a parent is a decision that everyone should have, including those in the Armed Forces. The Access to Contraception for Servicemembers and Dependents Act is critical to ensuring that service members have the freedom to control their own futures.”

“Service members and their families deserve access to the full range of sexual and reproductive health care — including birth control,” said Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO, Planned Parenthood Action Fund. “They should have the freedom to control if, when, and how they build their families. This should not be up for debate. To truly support our service members and military families, we must protect and expand their access to the health care they need, when they need it. Thank you to Reps. Escobar, Strickland, and Jacobs for reintroducing this bill.”

Reproductive Freedom for All President and CEO Mini Timmaraju said: “With reproductive freedom under attack like never before, it is more urgent than ever that our lawmakers take bold action to safeguard and expand access to contraception for members of our military and their families. We are grateful to Reps. Escobar, Jacobs, and Strickland for fighting to ensure that everybody, including servicemembers, has the freedom to make their own decisions about their bodies, families, and futures.”

""Servicemembers deserve equal and affordable access to comprehensive contraceptive services for themselves and for their families,"" said Freya Riedlin, Senior Federal Policy Counsel at the Center for Reproductive Rights. ""With the vast majority of servicemembers being of reproductive age, the need to ensure comprehensive access to contraception and family planning services couldn’t be clearer. We commend Congresswomen Escobar, Strickland, and Jacobs for championing this vital bill.”

""Every person deserves to be able to determine if, when and how they build their families, including our service members and veterans. As physicians, we understand that access to contraceptive care is a key part of safeguarding our basic human right to bodily autonomy. We applaud the steps this bill takes to ensure that servicemembers and their families have meaningful access to the full spectrum of contraceptive care through the Access to Contraception for Servicemembers & Dependents Act,"" Dr. Jamila Perritt, President & CEO of Physicians for Reproductive Health and ob/gyn in Washington DC, said.

“Everyone deserves access to the contraceptive method they want and need without cost being a barrier. The fact that this is not possible for all of our servicemembers and their families right now is deeply unfair and disrespectful of what they give to our country,” said Dr. Raegan McDonald-Mosley, CEO of Power to Decide. “As a practicing OB-GYN, it is so frustrating to see patients on TRICARE, counsel them about contraception and then not know whether they will be able to access the method they need. Thank you to Representatives Escobar, Jacobs, and Strickland for your leadership—it’s time to fix this.”

“Birth control and contraception are essential health care,"" said Jocelyn C. Frye, President of the National Partnership for Women & Families. ""Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, health plans for non-military families must cover contraceptives with no cost sharing. This bill would provide our service members and their dependents with the same benefits, allowing them to make decisions about their health and reproductive care without worrying about the costs they will incur. We appreciate Rep. Escobar's leadership on this issue to ensure service members faithfully serving our country get the high-quality health care they deserve.”

Although the Affordable Care Act (ACA) guarantees that employer-sponsored and marketplace health plans cover preventive services without cost sharing, including all Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved, granted, or cleared contraceptive methods, counseling, and related services, these protections do not apply to coverage through TRICARE, a health care program for uniformed servicemembers and their families.

In July 2022, the Department of Defense took a critical action in eliminating copayments for medical contraceptive services (i.e., intrauterine devices, birth control shot, birth control implant, and diaphragm measurement and fitting), and effective January 2023, certain TRICARE beneficiaries will no longer face cost-sharing or copayments for tubal ligation (surgical sterilization) services when obtaining care through a civilian provider. However, congressional action is needed to completely eliminate copayments for prescription contraceptives and ensure that servicemembers and their loved ones have equitable access to all methods of contraception.

Congresswomen Escobar, Jacobs, and Strickland are joined by co-sponsors Ro Khanna (CA-17), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Elissa Slotkin (MI-07), Patrick Ryan (NY-18), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Marc Veasy (TX-33), James McGovern (MA-02), Lori Trahan (MA-03), James Himes (CT-04), Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Annie Kuster (NH-02), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), Frederica Wilson (FL-24), Greg Landsman (OH-01), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Juan Vargas (CA-52), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Shelia Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Susan Wild (PA-07), Haley Stevens (MI-11), Andy Kim (NJ-03), Scott Peters (CA-50), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), John Larson (CT-01), Susan Wild (PA-07).

The Access to Contraception for Servicemembers and Dependents Act of 2024 is endorsed by Endorsements: National Partnership for Women & Families, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Center for Reproductive Rights, Reproductive Freedom for All (formerly NARAL Pro-Choice America), Physicians for Reproductive Health, National Women’s Law Center, Power to Decide, Service Women’s Action Network.

Bill text can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://sylviagarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-sylvia-garcia-joins-bipartisan-effort-calling-for-a-disaster-aid-supplemental-funding-package,Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia Joins Bipartisan Effort Calling for a Disaster Aid Supplemental Funding Package,2024-10-04,2024,2024-10,Democrat,House,TX,Sylvia R. Garcia,G000587,sylviagarcia.house.gov,sylviagarcia,https://sylviagarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"HOUSTON, TX – Today, Congresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia (D-TX-29) joined her colleagues in the Texas Congressional Delegation in a letter urging House of Representatives Leadership and House Appropriations Committee leaders to bring a disaster supplemental aid package to the House of Representatives as soon as possible, noting the great need from recent storms, including Hurricane Helene, which recently hit the Southeast United States, and Hurricane Beryl, which hit Texas in July.

“As Americans struggle to recover from Hurricane Helene, another devastating hurricane this season, we write to urge you to bring a supplemental disaster funding bill to the floor as soon as possible,” the letter reads. “It is important to all those affected across multiple states that we work to provide critical assistance to individuals and businesses recovering from multiple recent natural disasters, including in our home state of Texas after a derecho followed by Hurricane Beryl, both Presidentially declared disasters.”

“This is the second year in a row that FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund has run out of funding before the end of hurricane season,” the letter continues. “These funds are critical to ensuring FEMA can continue to help our community and others across the country recover from past disasters and mitigate future events. Earlier this year, FEMA took measures to conserve and redirect remaining funds to lifesaving missions, pausing assistance with recovery and rebuilding missions for prior disasters, which is an equally important part of FEMA’s goal. Already more than 650,000 Harris County residents have requested FEMA assistance, which is more assistance requests received than after any other disaster in the county’s recent history. While we are glad to see that FEMA lifted the pause after the passage of the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025, H.R. 9747, with hurricane season still ongoing, additional funding is necessary to meet the unprecedented needs of our community.”

""We request that these relief funds be allocated directly to jurisdictions to the maximum extent possible so that local communities can deploy the funds quickly,"" the letter concludes.

Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), Congressman Wesley Hunt (TX-38), Congressman Colin Allred (TX-32), Congressman Brian Babin (TX-36), Congressman Dan Crenshaw (TX-02), Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28), Congressman Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Congressman Al Green (TX-09), Congressman Morgan Luttrell (TX-08), Congressman Troy Nehls (TX-22), and Congressman Randy Weber (TX-14) also signed the letter.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5505,Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher and  Congressman Wesley Hunt Lead Bipartisan Effort Calling for a Disaster Aid Package,2024-10-03,2024,2024-10,Democrat,House,TX,Lizzie Fletcher,F000468,fletcher.house.gov,fletcher,https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) and Congressman Wesley Hunt (TX-38) led 10 of their colleagues in the Texas Delegation in a letter urging House of Representatives Leadership and House Appropriations Committee leaders to bring a disaster supplemental aid package to the House of Representatives as soon as possible, noting the great need from recent storms, including Hurricane Beryl.

“As Americans struggle to recover from Hurricane Helene, another devastating hurricane this season, we write to urge you to bring a supplemental disaster funding bill to the floor as soon as possible,” the letter reads. “It is important to all those affected across multiple states that we work to provide critical assistance to individuals and businesses recovering from multiple recent natural disasters, including in our home state of Texas after a derecho followed by Hurricane Beryl, both Presidentially declared disasters.”

“This is the second year in a row that FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund has run out of funding before the end of hurricane season,” the letter continues. “These funds are critical to ensuring FEMA can continue to help our community and others across the country recover from past disasters and mitigate future events. Earlier this year, FEMA took measures to conserve and redirect remaining funds to lifesaving missions, pausing assistance with recovery and rebuilding missions for prior disasters, which is an equally important part of FEMA’s goal. Already more than 650,000 Harris County residents have requested FEMA assistance, which is more assistance requests received than after any other disaster in the county’s recent history. While we are glad to see that FEMA lifted the pause after the passage of the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025, H.R. 9747, with hurricane season still ongoing, additional funding is necessary to meet the unprecedented needs of our community.”

Congressman Colin Allred (TX-32), Congressman Brian Babin (TX-36), Congressman Dan Crenshaw (TX-02), Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28), Congressman Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Congressman Al Green (TX-09), Congressman Morgan Luttrell (TX-08), Congressman Troy Nehls (TX-22), and Congressman Randy Weber (TX-14) signed the letter.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-al-green-supports-international-longshoremens-association-and,Congressman Al Green Supports  the International Longshoremen’s Association and Dockworkers on Union Strike,2024-10-02,2024,2024-10,Democrat,House,TX,Al Green,G000553,algreen.house.gov,algreen,https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"(Houston, TX) — Today, Congressman Al Green has issued a statement expressing his support for the recent dockworkers strike by union members of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) at the Gulf and East Coast ports:

“I stand in full support of the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) and the 45,000 port workers they represent with concerns regarding fair wage increases, occupational safety, and job security. The United States Maritime Alliance must engage in fair negotiations with the union members to ensure the productivity of our ports and the continued growth of America's economy.”

“The recent strike by the ILA members has brought to light the significant sacrifices made by these port workers and the potential impacts of disrupted container transport. The backlog of container vessels at U.S. ports highlights the essential role of these workers in maintaining the smooth flow of goods and the potential consequences of disruptions to the supply chain and inflation.”

“In this region, I am particularly concerned about the potential negative impact that could affect the Port of Houston. The Port of Houston, known as the International Port of Texas, holds a pivotal role as the nation's largest port for waterborne tonnage and serves as an essential economic engine for our country. As such, it is imperative that we address this matter promptly to safeguard the interests and stability of our nation's maritime industry.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5498,Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher on Iranian Attack on Israel,2024-10-01,2024,2024-10,Democrat,House,TX,Lizzie Fletcher,F000468,fletcher.house.gov,fletcher,https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) released the following statement after Iran launched an attack on Israel:

“Today, we witnessed Iran—the largest state sponsor of terrorism—fire hundreds of missiles into Israel. For decades, Iran has been a key patron of Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and other militia in Syria and Iraq, and this attack demonstrates Iran’s willingness to escalate efforts on behalf of these terrorist organizations. I strongly condemn this attack. The United States stands with our ally Israel and continues to support Israel’s right to defend itself against Iran.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://gonzalez.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-gonzalez-announces-50-million-award-support-direct-air-capture,"Congressman Gonzalez Announces $50 Million Award to Support the Direct Air Capture Facility Project in Kleberg County, Texas",2024-10-01,2024,2024-10,Democrat,House,TX,Vicente Gonzalez,G000581,gonzalez.house.gov,gonzalez,https://gonzalez.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"KLEBERG COUNTY, TEXAS –Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) announced the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Regional Direct Air Capture Hubs program will provide up to $500 million over time to support the development of the South Texas Direct Air Capture Hub (DAC) in Kleberg County. The project will receive an initial award of $50 million to support the project development phase. Funding will become available as the project progresses over the next two years.

The award is provided through last year’s previously announced $600 million for the South Texas DAC facility made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law-funded Regional Direct Air Capture (DAC) Hubs program.

“I’m grateful that this state-of-the-art-project is on track and that South Texas ingenuity and grit will lead to its completion,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “Thanks to this initial funding and our public-private partnerships, we are creating a healthier planet right here in Kleberg County. I am proud to continue to support the work that we, as South Texans, can achieve in mitigating the harmful effects of carbon dioxide.”

The South Texas DAC Hub – one of only two in the nation – is expected to create approximately 2,500 jobs in construction, operations, and maintenance. Once completed, this facility will remove approximately 1 million metric tons of carbon dioxide annually.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://sylviagarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-sylvia-garcia-statement-on-ila-dockworkers-strike-at-east-and-gulf-coast-ports,Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia Statement on ILA Dockworkers' Strike at East and Gulf Coast Ports,2024-10-01,2024,2024-10,Democrat,House,TX,Sylvia R. Garcia,G000587,sylviagarcia.house.gov,sylviagarcia,https://sylviagarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"HOUSTON, TX – Today, Congresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia (D-TX-29) joined members of the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) in Houston as they, along with approximately 45,000 dockworkers across East and Gulf Coast ports, went on strike for better wages and critical job protections.

Image

Below is Congresswoman Garcia's statement on the matter:

""I fully support all the union members of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) in Houston and across all the Gulf and East Coast ports who are on strike demanding a contract with fairer wages and critical job protections.

""The hardworking men and women of the ILA are the backbone of America’s port operations. During the pandemic, they worked tirelessly to ensure that our nation’s commerce did not come to a halt, and they helped fuel our economic recovery. In Houston, they make sure our port remains a crucial player in the global economy—generating over $900 billion in nationwide economic value.

""I, along with the White House and my colleagues in Congress, will continue to monitor the strike as it unfolds at Gulf and East Coast ports, especially for any potential supply chain impacts throughout the country. I believe collective bargaining is the best way for workers and employers to come to a fair agreement and urge the United States Maritime Alliance to negotiate in good faith with the International Longshoremen's Association.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://casar.house.gov/media/press-releases/news-warren-whitehouse-casar-lawmakers-slam-35-companies-paying-their,"NEWS: Warren, Whitehouse, Casar, Lawmakers Slam 35 Companies for Paying Their Executives More Than They Pay in Federal Income Taxes",2024-09-27,2024,2024-09,Democrat,House,TX,Greg Casar,C001131,casar.house.gov,casar,https://casar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Congressman Greg Casar (D-Texas) led their colleagues in slamming 35 major companies that have been paying their executives more than they pay in federal income taxes. The lawmakers, led by Warren and Whitehouse in the U.S. Senate and Casar in the U.S. House, are calling for Congress to finally reform the tax code in 2025 so that big corporations are paying what they owe.

“For decades, big businesses and the wealthy have skirted their responsibility to pay federal income taxes, leaving hardworking Americans to foot the bill,” wrote the lawmakers. “As Congress considers what to do when some provisions of the 2017 law expire next year, it is critical that we ensure that large, profitable businesses are paying their fair share.”

In the first five years following the $2 trillion Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) passed by Republicans and signed by President Trump in 2017, 35 companies raked in $277 billion in domestic profits. These companies then paid an average effective income tax rate of just 14.1%, almost a third less than the 21% statutory rate. Instead of these gains “trickling down” to workers, the corporations paid their executives $9.5 billion – more than they paid in federal income taxes. While executives were making $989,000 per year or more, an average raise of $50,000 per executive, 90% of workers saw no earnings increase.

The most egregious examples of these companies — and the ones the lawmakers wrote to — include: Tesla, TMobile, Netflix, AIG, Ford, NextEra, Darden, MetLife, Duke Energy, First Energy, DISH, Principal Financial, American Electrical Power, Kinder Morgan, Dominion, Oneok, Williams, Xcel Energy, NRG Energy, Salesforce, DTE Energy, Ameren, Sempra Energy, US Steel, Entergy, AmerisourceBergen, PPL, CMS Energy, Evergy, Voya Financial, Atmos Energy, Alliant Energy, Match Group, UGI, and Agilent Tech.

“Next year, Congress has an opportunity to take bigger strides in reforming our tax code – to raise the corporate rate, close loopholes, and hold big businesses to the same standards as everyday working Americans who pay their fair share,” concluded the lawmakers.

In addition to Senators Warren and Whitehouse, and Congressman Casar, the letters were also signed by Senators Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Bernie Sanders (D-Vt.), and Peter Welch (D-Vermont), as well as Representatives Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.), Eleanor Norton (D-D.C.), Mark Pocan (D-Wis.), Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), Hank Johnson (D-Ga.), Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), Delia Ramirez (D-Ill.), and Barbara Lee (D-Calif.).

The full letters can be viewed here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://crockett.house.gov/media/press-releases/crockett-introduces-combatting-housing-supply-shortage-act,Crockett Introduces Combatting the Housing Supply Shortage Act,2024-09-27,2024,2024-09,Democrat,House,TX,Jasmine Crockett,C001130,crockett.house.gov,crockett,https://crockett.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congresswomen Jasmine Crockett (TX-30) introduced the Combatting the Housing Supply Shortage Act. This bill would incentivize the construction of new, affordable housing by increasing the number of Tax-Exempt Private Activity Bonds available in states with high-demand for new housing, such as Texas and California.

Tax-Exempt Private Activity Bonds for multifamily housing were approved by Congress decades ago to facilitate private investment in increasing the housing supply. Unfortunately, a growing number of states are reaching the cap of bonds that they can issue in a given year. Despite this, there are several other states that have surpluses that go unused each year, and under current law expire, unable to be used.

""Every time I come home, the number one issue I hear about from my constituents is the cost of rent and housing. Even as inflation has come down significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic, the cost of housing remains too damn high - and that won't change until we actually start building more affordable housing in the communities where demand is high,"" said Rep. Crockett.

""According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, Texas is short over 675,000 affordable housing units to meet the current demand. Texas is Number 3 in the nation for the number of renters below the poverty line who are spending more than 50% of the monthly income on rent. This is unsustainable and economically disastrous. Our Combatting the Housing Supply Shortage Act would help meet the demand for new housing by making it more affordable for builders to build new units in the places that actually need them, boosting the number of affordable units for rent and lowering housing costs for all.""

For a one-pager on the bill, click here. To read the full bill text, click here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://casar.house.gov/media/press-releases/news-casar-colleagues-introduce-migration-stability-resolution,NEWS: Casar & Colleagues Introduce Migration Stability Resolution,2024-09-26,2024,2024-09,Democrat,House,TX,Greg Casar,C001131,casar.house.gov,casar,https://casar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representative Greg Casar (TX-35), co-founder of the Global Migration Caucus, and U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Jesús G. ""Chuy"" García (IL-04), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), and Juan Vargas (CA-52) introduced a new resolution calling for comprehensive legislation to address the root causes of forced migration and displacement, while affirming the need for a true roadmap to citizenship for immigrants in the United States.

“Democrats can build an orderly, humane, and stable immigration system. We should create more legal pathways for migration and citizenship, while also changing the failed U.S. policies that cause displacement abroad and force people to flee their home countries,” said Congressman Greg Casar (D-Texas), co-founder of the Congressional Caucus on Global Migration. “Let’s tackle the climate crisis. Let’s remove broad-based sanctions that increase poverty. Let’s prioritize policies to support stability abroad while creating a welcoming and predictable immigration process at home.”

“Too many people around the world face violence, poverty, and persecution and see the United States as a beacon of hope,” said Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.). “We must make the immigration system more humane, more orderly, and more effective to welcome immigrants who come to this country rather than turn them away and to recognize not only the contributions they make to this country, but also the moral duty we have to protect people who come here fleeing horrible conditions. We can and must do better for immigrants.”

“Over the past decades, millions of people have been forced to migrate from their homes—and more people are displaced now than ever before. This is the result of converging crises, including climate change, political instability, and violence, some of which are impacted by U.S. policy,” said Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García (D-Ill.). “Yet, our immigration and asylum policies have become more restrictive and punitive, disregarding the role our government has played in creating this crisis. It’s time we acknowledge the ways in which U.S. policy has contributed to forced migration and displacement, and advance reforms that address the root causes of migration.”

“Republicans’ dangerous rhetoric about immigration endangers our immigrant communities and completely ignores the root causes of migration,” said Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove (D-Calif.), co-founder of the Congressional Caucus on Global Migration. “Migration is not just a border issue but a foreign policy issue. With migration on the rise worldwide and conflict, food insecurity, climate change, and political violence driving immigration to the U.S., it’s imperative that we reshape our immigration policy to address these global crises. This resolution calls upon Congress to do just that.”

“Climate instability, democratic backsliding, economic exclusion, sanctions, and human rights violations are just some of the conditions driving unprecedented levels of global displacement and migration,” said Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (D-Ill.), co-founder of the Congressional Caucus on Global Migration. “Stricter border enforcement, harsh asylum laws, and the vilification of immigrants have consistently failed us and our neighbors. Instead, we need to address how our own policies contribute to the crises and adopt a coordinated regional and global strategy to tackle the root causes of displacement.”

“It’s past time for comprehensive immigration reform. And a critical piece to this is addressing the factors that force families to flee their home countries in the first place,” said Rep. Juan Vargas (D-Calif.). “From combating climate change to humanitarian assistance, we need to implement productive policies that address the root causes of forced migration and displacement, while also working to restore faith in our legal immigration system and creating pathways to citizenship.”

Specifically, this resolution calls for comprehensive legislation that:

addresses U.S. policies contributing to forced migration and displacement;

ensures a humane and sustainable immigration system that appropriately addresses the root causes driving migration; and

affirms the need for a true roadmap to citizenship for immigrants in the U.S.

Over the last few weeks, MAGA Republicans have fabricated xenophobic and racist stories about Haitian immigrant families, adding to a long track record of perpetuating false narratives, conspiracy theories, and racist tropes. This MAGA rhetoric has incited physical violence against many migrant families. Now more than ever, it is important to emphasize the value migrants bring to our communities and to call for policies that will make our immigration system more stable and humane.

The resolution is co-led by U.S. Representatives Greg Casar (TX-35), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Jesús G. ""Chuy"" García (IL-04), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), and Juan Vargas (CA-52), and co-sponsored by Nanette Barragán (CA-44), André Carson (IN-07), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Judy Chu (CA-28), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Raúl Grijalva (AZ-07), Jonathan L. Jackson (IL-01), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson (GA-04), Summer Lee (PA-12), James P. McGovern (MA-02), Grace Napolitano (CA-31), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Terri Sewell (AL-07), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), and Nydia M. Velazquez (NY-07).

It is endorsed by ActionAid USA, Ayudemos por una vida mas digna, Border Vigil of Eagle Pass, CASA, Center for Economic Policy and Research, Center for International Policy, Climate Refugees, Eagle Pass Border Coalition, Global Exchange, Justice is Global, Mira Feminisms and Democracies, Movimiento de los pueblos por la paz y la justicia y México negro ac, National Immigrant Justice Center, National Immigration Project, OXFAM America, Public Citizen, Sisters of Mercy of the Americas – Justice Team, Transnational Villages Network/Red de Pueblos, United We Dream, and Win Without War.

“This resolution is the step forward Congress desperately needs to reframe the issue of immigration towards more productive and effective solutions that will ensure migrants' lives take precedence over politics,” saidJuliana Macedo do Nascimento, Deputy Director of Federal Advocacy at United We Dream. “The vast majority of Americans want to see a humane, efficient and fair policies that honor everyone's freedoms to live safely in their homes without being forcibly displaced, whether here or abroad, and provides the opportunity to become citizens in the U.S. Congress has a clear roadmap in front of them with this resolution that proves that safety, humanity, fairness and justice in our foreign policy and immigration system are not contradictory values but instead deeply interconnected.”

“We need to dig in our heels and end the racism and xenophobia that's rampant in our immigration and asylum debates in the U.S.,” said Eric Eikenberry, government relations director for Win Without War. “This new resolution lays the groundwork to do just that: welcome people who want to build their lives here, while ensuring that -- from arms sales to climate policy and beyond -- our government doesn’t create the conditions that force them from their homes and communities.”

“For too long, the U.S. approach to migration has focused on barricading our borders rather than addressing the realities compelling people to leave their homes — including crises exacerbated by U.S. policies. We applaud Congressman Casar and his colleagues for taking this critical step to review and move toward better U.S. policies to address the conditions giving rise to increased migration and displacement,” said Dylan Williams, Center for International Policy Vice President for Government Affairs.

“There's been a lot of talk over the years about ‘root causes’ of migration, but this is the first legislation of its kind to home in on the elephant in the room: U.S. policy and its role in fueling the involuntary migration and displacement of millions of people in the region and the world,” said Alex Main, Director of International Policy at the Center for Economic and Policy Research. “This groundbreaking resolution helps us all better understand how vulnerable communities in the Global South have been devastated by U.S. broad-based sanctions, U.S.-backed trade agreements that put corporate greed over people, U.S. security assistance that props up repressive governments, and lax gun laws that provide criminals with easy access to U.S. weapons. Most importantly, this legislation proposes bold strategies to undo harmful policies and help truly mitigate ‘root causes’ including through far-reaching reforms to US sanctions policy and foreign assistance, the removal of harmful ISDS provisions from US-backed trade agreements, and the provision of robust support to developing countries fighting inequality and climate change, including through new issuances of debt-free IMF Special Drawing Rights. This resolution is long overdue, and we're proud and delighted to be supporting it today.”

“Rather than ‘blaming the victims’—immigrants, it is important to acknowledge how failed U.S. foreign (or economic and military) policies have contributed to the spiraling poverty and violence from which people have been fleeing for their lives,” Jean Stokan, Justice Coordinator for Sisters of Mercy of the Americas. “Forced migration is often the result of U.S. foreign policies that prioritize the interests of foreign investors over those of impoverished populations. Thus, this resolution importantly names U.S. responsibility to address those root causes and the need for justice-based pathways to citizenship.”

“To design a just and humane policy response to immigration, we have to ask the question - why are people moving? As an international development organization, ActionAid USA strongly supports this resolution for acknowledging the root causes of migration, including and especially those for which the United States is directly responsible,” said Brandon Wu, Director of Policy and Campaigns for ActionAid USA. “A human rights-based approach to immigration policy should start with fixing harmful foreign policies, ongoing climate inaction, and unjust international economic systems that all contribute to force people to leave their homes.”

Background:

Washington Post: How four U.S. presidents unleashed economic warfare across the globe

The Guardian: Guns and weapons trafficked from U.S. fueling Haiti gang violence

Oxfam: Refuge from Debt: How the global debt crisis fuels forced migration to New York

International Refugee Assistance Project: Enduring Change - A Data Review of Firsthand Accounts of Climate Mobility Impacts

The resolution text can be found here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://casar.house.gov/media/press-releases/news-congressman-greg-casar-escalating-violence-lebanon,NEWS: Congressman Greg Casar on the Escalating Violence in Lebanon,2024-09-26,2024,2024-09,Democrat,House,TX,Greg Casar,C001131,casar.house.gov,casar,https://casar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Greg Casar (D-Texas) released the following statement:

“Americans do not want to be dragged into another endless war in the Middle East. We cannot continue putting civilians at escalating risk, and we cannot support putting our U.S. service members at risk. Americans and the White House are clear that immediate de-escalation and a ceasefire must be implemented immediately.

“The U.S. must use our significant leverage, including withholding offensive weapons to the Israeli military, to avert a disastrous regional war with Lebanon and end Netanyahu’s bombardment of Gaza. Too many Palestinian, Israeli, and Lebanese civilians have been killed by this violence.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://gonzalez.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-vicente-gonzalez-statement-passage-continuing-resolution,Congressman Vicente Gonzalez Statement on Passage of Continuing Resolution,2024-09-26,2024,2024-09,Democrat,House,TX,Vicente Gonzalez,G000581,gonzalez.house.gov,gonzalez,https://gonzalez.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) issued a statement following last evening's vote in the U.S. House of Representatives on a continuing resolution that keeps the federal government open until December 20, 2024.

“While this continuing resolution will keep South Texans from feeling the adverse impacts of a federal government shutdown, I urge House Republicans - who currently control the House - to govern responsibly and negotiate in good faith. We cannot continue to fund our government with these short-term stopgap solutions — we must address the critical shortfall in veterans’ health care funding and meet the needs of our federal agencies handling disaster relief. We must work in a bipartisan fashion and put the interests of our constituents first, not party politics.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-al-green-emphasizes-how-better-capitalization-would-prevent-bank,Congressman Al Green Emphasizes How Better Capitalization  Would Prevent Bank Runs,2024-09-25,2024,2024-09,Democrat,House,TX,Al Green,G000553,algreen.house.gov,algreen,https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"(Washington, D.C.) — On Wednesday, September 25, 2024, Congressman Al Green, Ranking Member of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, questioned witnesses on the panel in a Financial Services Committee Hearing entitled, “Regulatory Recipe for Economic Uncertainty: The Endless Basel Endgame and an Onslaught of Hurried Rulemaking Undertaken by the Administration.”

You can access and listen to Congressman Al Green’s questions here. The hearing remarks highlighted are also accessible on various social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly known as Twitter).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-foreign-affairs-committee-passes-bipartisan-castro-salazar-bill-to-target-fentanyl-precursors-combat-drug-trafficking-into-the-united-states,"House Foreign Affairs Committee Passes Bipartisan Castro-Salazar Bill to Target Fentanyl Precursors, Combat Drug Trafficking into the United States",2024-09-25,2024,2024-09,Democrat,House,TX,Joaquin Castro,C001091,castro.house.gov,castro,https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — This week, the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee voted unanimously to pass the DISPOSE Act, bipartisan legislation introduced by Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) and Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar (FL-27) that seeks to curb fentanyl trafficking and address the devastating toll of fentanyl addiction. Castro and Salazar are the highest-ranking Democrat and Republican, respectively, on the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere.

“In San Antonio and communities across the world, families have endured unimaginable tragedy as a result of the fentanyl trade,” said Congressman Castro. “The DISPOSE Act is an important step forward to support our neighbors in the Western Hemisphere as they work to curb the trafficking of fentanyl within their own nations. This bill will save lives at home and abroad, and I am honored to work with Chairwoman Salazar and a bipartisan coalition in the House and the Senate as we move this much-needed progress closer to the president’s desk.”

“The fentanyl crisis has become a scourge of the Western Hemisphere,” said Congresswoman Salazar. “By passing the DISPOSE Act, the Foreign Affairs Committee is committing to working with our partners to destroy fentanyl precursor chemicals well before they reach Miami and the rest of the country.”

In 2023 alone, Customs and Border Protection seized over 23,000 pounds of fentanyl at the southern border of the United States. The majority of fentanyl produced in the Western Hemisphere is created using Chinese chemicals that are shipped to the Americas, turned into drugs in clandestine labs, and trafficked into the U.S. by transnational criminal organizations. The DISPOSE Act will address fentanyl trafficking by supporting partner nations in the Western Hemisphere as they work to seize and destroy the precursor chemicals used in fentanyl production.

Specifically, the DISPOSE Act will establish the Precursor Chemical Destruction Initiative to fight drug trafficking with partner nations in the Western Hemisphere. In coordination with international partners, the initiative will:

Increase rates of seizure and destruction of listed chemicals in beneficiary countries.

Alleviate the backlog of seized chemicals and dispose them in an environmentally safe and effective manner.

Ensure that the seized chemicals are not reintroduced into the illicit drug production network within beneficiary countries.

Free up storage space for future chemical seizures within beneficiary countries.

Reduce the chemicals’ negative environmental impact.

Rep. Greg Stanton (D-AZ), an original cosponsor of the bill, was instrumental in advancing this bill through the Committee. Rep. Salazar is working to get this bill passed by the full House of Representatives. The Senate version of the DISPOSE Act is led by Senators Chuck Grassley (IA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and James Risch (ID).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5491,Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher Votes To Avoid a Government Shutdown,2024-09-25,2024,2024-09,Democrat,House,TX,Lizzie Fletcher,F000468,fletcher.house.gov,fletcher,https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) released the following statement after voting for the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025, H.R. 9747, which extends government funding through December 20, 2024.

“Keeping our government funded and functioning is a fundamental responsibility of Congress,” said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher. “Today’s short-term extension of funding provides critical protections and programs that people across our community and country rely on. While I supported this legislation, I hope that, moving forward, House Republicans will work in good faith to fund our government in a responsible manner before the December 20 deadline.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://sylviagarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-sylvia-garcia-statement-on-bipartisan-vote-to-avoid-government-shutdown,Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia Statement on Bipartisan Vote to Avoid Government Shutdown,2024-09-25,2024,2024-09,Democrat,House,TX,Sylvia R. Garcia,G000587,sylviagarcia.house.gov,sylviagarcia,https://sylviagarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia (D-TX-29) issued the following statement after the passage of H.R. 9747, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025:

""Today, I voted to pass a clean, bipartisan continuing resolution without any extreme MAGA Republican poison pills. It will keep the government open and avoid a reckless shutdown that would have hurt my constituents and Americans across the country.

While I’m relieved we reached an agreement to fund the government through December and rejected far-right Republican efforts to sow doubt in our elections, it’s frustrating this deal wasn’t finalized sooner. Speaker Johnson wasted valuable time trying to curry favor with the former president.

House Democrats are continuing to govern in the minority to meet the needs of the American people and defeat MAGA extremism.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-al-green-emphasizes-how-government-shutdown-would-harm-sec-and,Congressman Al Green Emphasizes How Government Shutdown Would Harm SEC and Investors,2024-09-24,2024,2024-09,Democrat,House,TX,Al Green,G000553,algreen.house.gov,algreen,https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"(Washington, D.C.) — On Tuesday, September 24, 2024, Congressman Al Green, Ranking Member of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, questioned SEC Chairman Gensler in a Financial Services Committee Hearing entitled, “Oversight of the Securities and Exchange Commission.”

You can access and listen to Congressman Al Green’s questions here. The hearing remarks highlighted are also accessible on various social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly known as Twitter).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://casar.house.gov/media/press-releases/news-casar-williams-adams-carter-mcclellan-raskin-introduce-resolution,"NEWS: Casar, Williams, Adams, Carter, McClellan, & Raskin Introduce Resolution Declaring Abortion as a Human Right",2024-09-24,2024,2024-09,Democrat,House,TX,Greg Casar,C001131,casar.house.gov,casar,https://casar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05), Alma Adams (NC-12), Troy Carter (LA-02), Greg Casar (TX-35), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), and Jamie Raskin (MD-08) announced the introduction of a Congressional Resolution affirming reproductive freedom as a human right.

“Texas is ground zero in the fight for abortion rights, with many of my constituents now traveling hundreds of miles to get the health care they need,” said Congressman Greg Casar (D-Texas). “Let me be clear: Reproductive rights are human rights. We won’t stop fighting until abortion rights are restored and protected across the U.S.”

“We are seeing the deadly result of abortion bans in Georgia and around the country. Just last week, ProPublica reported on the deaths of two Georgia women, Candi Miller and Amber Thurman, who died because they could not receive the abortion care they desperately needed,” said Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05). “That is why this resolution is important: it affirms that reproductive freedom is a fundamental human right according to the United States’ own law and that state abortion bans are violating federal law and endangering the lives of women.”

“Too many women have already died from Donald Trump’s abortion bans, and even one more is too many,” said Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12). “Abortions are healthcare, and reproductive justice is a human right. I will continue to stand up for women's rights until they are restored nationwide.”

“Access to safe, legal abortion is healthcare. It’s as fundamental as any other medical service,” said Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (LA-02). “I’m proud to support this resolution because it sends a message that no matter where you live in this country, your rights to make decisions about your body and your health should not be up for debate. That’s a matter for you, your doctor, and your family. Not the government.”

“After Trump-appointed Justices on the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, conservative legislatures and judges across the nation have unleashed extreme abortion bans and restrictions to comprehensive reproductive health care,” said Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04). “Reproductive health care is a public health, social justice, economic, civil rights, and human rights issue. I thank Congresswoman Williams for her leadership on this resolution, as we affirm that reproductive rights are part of our obligations under international human rights treaties.”

State and Local Actions

Alexandria, VA enacted a resolution to expand access to abortion on June 28th, 2022.

In Louisiana, House Bills 56, 63, 164, and 293 were introduced in February 2024 to counter the state’s restrictions on reproductive freedom and underscore the human rights concerns with those restrictions.

Mt. Rainier, MD issued a Mayoral Proclamation declaring June 24, 2024, as “Reproductive Rights are Human Rights Day.”

Montgomery County, MD passed a resolution to address the Dobbs decision and introduced a new resolution with unanimous support in 2024 to increase abortion access in the county.

Austin, TX has invested over $400,000 in support for abortion access and introduced a resolution declaring abortion as a human right.

This bill is co-sponsored by Representatives Colin Allred (TX-32), Becca Balint (VT-AL), Nannette Barragán (CA-44), Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Bennie Thompson (MI-02), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Jamaal Bowman (NY-16), Shontel Brown (OH-11), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Cori Bush (MO-01), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Tony Cardenas (CA-29), André Carson (IN-07), Sean Casten (IL-06), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Judy Chu (CA-28), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Gerry Connolly (VA-11), Angie Craig (MN-02), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Diana DeGette (CO-01), Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), Valerie Foushee (NC-04), Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Daniel Goldman (NY-10), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Raúl M. Grijalva (AZ-07), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Jim Himes (CT-04), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Henry “Hank” Johnson (GA-04), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Tim Kennedy (NY-26), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Barbara Lee (CA-12), Summer Lee (PA-12), Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03), Ted Lieu CA-36), Seth Magaziner (RI-02), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Jim McGovern (MA-02), Wiley Nickel (NC-13), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Mary Peltola (AK-AL), Scott Peters (CA-50), Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Katie Porter (CA-47), Delila C. Ramirez (IL-03), Robin Kelly (IL-02), Deborah Ross (NC-02), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Terri Sewell (AL-07), Eric Sorensen (IL-17), Darren Soto (FL-09), Haley Stevens (MI-11), Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Eric Swalwell (CA-14), Dina Titus (NV-01), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Norma Torres (CA-35), Lori Trahan (MA-03), David Trone (MD-06), Juan Vargas (CA-52), Marc Veasey (TX-33), Nydia Velázquez (NY-07), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Susan Wild (PA-07), and FredericaS. Wilson (FL-24).

The resolution text can be found here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z