url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at http://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=5539,Sen. Cruz: This Year Highlighted the Resilience of Texas and the Vigor of the American Spirit,2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,TX,Ted Cruz,C001098,www.cruz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"HOUSTON, Texas - In a year marked by unique challenges, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) proudly fought for more economic opportunity for millions of Texans, security for America and her allies, and freedom for all Americans to live, work, and worship as they choose. WATCH: Sen. Cruz: This Year Highlighted the Resilience of Texas and the Vigor of the American Spirit Reflecting on the past year, Sen. Cruz said: ""Texans are strong and resilient and the American spirit has always been marked by courage and generosity. That spirit was on full display throughout this year as we dealt with the massive economic and public health crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic. We dealt with enflamed racial division and a polarized political environment. ""Despite all of these difficulties, Texans and Americans alike rose to the challenge to help our neighbors and those in need by supporting our brave health care workers, first responders, grocery store clerks, and other critical workers on the front lines of this crisis, truly making a difference in our communities. People across this great nation exercised their fundamental rights to further the promises this nation was founded upon - freedom and equality. I am confident that we will come out of these troubled times stronger, more united, and renewed in pursuit of freedom and opportunity for every American. ""As we look ahead to 2021, I am deeply honored to continue representing the great state of Texas, and I will continue fighting to reopen our economy and to get millions of Americans safely back to work, back to school, to strengthen America's national security, and to protect the religious liberty and the constitutional rights of each and every American."" Sen. Cruz's 2020 Highlights: Combatting the Coronavirus Pandemic SIGNED INTO LAW: Helped secure passage of three coronavirus emergency response packages to address the public health crisis and deliver real relief for the American people. Launched the #CombatCOVID19Challenge, a social media challenge to encourage Americans to continue supporting their communities as we all work to combat this pandemic. Sen. Cruz kicked off the challenge by delivering food to the Houston Police Officers' Union. Introduced the Reinvigorating the Economy, Creating Opportunity for every Vocation, Employer, Retiree & Youth or RECOVERY Act, a comprehensive legislative package designed to help small businesses re-hire their employees and create jobs, help kids get back to school safely, allow Americans to catch-up on their retirement savings, and help find cures for COVID-19 while increasing testing. Introduced the Creating Capacity for Communities in Need Act, legislation to increase healthcare capacity and to speed up FDA approval for certain vaccines and therapeutics. PASSED THE U.S. SENATE: Led the fight to pass legislation to enhance partnerships between companies in the United States and Israel to develop innovative medical projects aimed at detecting, treating, and curing COVID-19. Introduced the Equal Access to Care Act and the Right to Test Act, legislation to expand healthcare access and make testing more available. Introduced the Bring Entrepreneurial Advancements to Consumers Here In North America or BEAT CHINA Act to incentivize pharmaceutical, medical device, and supply manufacturers to relocate to the United States. Introduced the Ending Chinese Medical Censorship and Cover Ups Act, legislation to sanction Chinese officials involved in the ongoing suppression of medical experts, journalists, and political dissidents, amid Chinese censorship of its citizens that helped fuel the coronavirus pandemic. Introduced the Coronavirus Emergency Education Grants Act, legislation designed to empower all families with the resources needed to provide for their children's public, private, or homeschool education during the COVID-19 pandemic. Introduced the COVID-19 Vaccine Protection Act to prevent the Communist Chinese Party (CCP) from stealing or sabotaging American COVID-19 vaccine research. Introduced the Addressing Missed-savings Opportunities for Retirement due to an Epidemic or AMORE Act to allow individuals facing financial challenges and who are unable to make contributions to their tax-advantaged retirement accounts in 2020 to make ""catch-up"" contributions to these accounts in the coming years. Delivering for Texas INFLUENCED THE ADMINISTRATION: Protected small and independent refiners facing bankruptcy because of the pandemic by working with the administration to make sure these energy producers had access to critical capital. Sen. Cruz also worked to ensure that banks were not discriminating against energy producers so that they could keep their wells producing, their doors open and their employees on the payroll. INFLUENCED THE ADMINISTRATION: Successfully pushed for the Federal Reserve to establish a new lending facility to provide immediate emergency liquidity for oil and gas businesses, a request they granted by altering their Main Street Lending Program to allow energy companies to qualify for much-needed relief. INFLUENCED THE ADMINISTRATION: Led the fight in the Senate to help secure an agreement for Saudi Arabia and Russia to significantly cut oil production amid this emergency. These efforts held Saudi Arabia and Russia accountable for engaging in predatory oil pricing during the pandemic, which greatly impacted Texas energy producers. SIGNED INTO LAW: Worked to secure passage for the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) which was signed by President Trump, a decisive victory for farmers, ranchers, businesses, and manufacturers to ensure greater economic opportunities for all Americans. This trade agreement puts American jobs first, including the 2.2 million jobs in Texas directly dependent on international trade. PASSED THE U.S. SENATE: Led the fight as chair of the Aviation and Space Subcommittee to unanimously pass in the Senate the NASA Authorization Act, legislation that gives NASA the resources it needs to face a new era of space exploration and enhances our presence in low-Earth orbit. The bill will also help Americans safely return to the moon and will bring us closer to an American taking the first step on the surface of Mars. In addition, Sen. Cruz's legislation to permanently protect the Apollo landing sites on the moon also passed the House and Senate. Led efforts to urge the U.S. Air Force to designate Port San Antonio and Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA) as the location for the U.S. Space Command Headquarters (USSPACECOM HQ). SIGNED INTO LAW: Led efforts in the Senate to pass legislation authorizing the Daughters of the Republic of Texas to establish a memorial commemorating the Republic of Texas Legation in Washington D.C. which was signed into law in December. Boosting Jobs, Jobs, Jobs Confirming Constitutionalist Judges and Protecting Our Independent Judiciary As a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Sen. Cruz led the fight to confirm Judge Amy Coney Barrett to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, the third Supreme Court justice he has helped confirm since 2017. Justice Barrett is a principled constitutionalist with impeccable credentials and her confirmation was a great victory for every American who cares about the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and our fundamental liberties. In 2020, the Senate confirmed 48 federal judges, while celebrating the 200th federal judicial nominee confirmed by the Senate since the election of President Donald J. Trump. These 234 judges will faithfully interpret and apply the law as part of an independent judiciary, and their addition to the federal courts will benefit all Americans who value the Constitution and individual liberties for decades to come. Led the fight in the Senate to preserve the integrity and independence of the Supreme Court by introducing two proposals, including the ""Keep Nine"" constitutional amendment, to maintain the number of justices on the bench and protect Americans' constitutional liberties. Standing with the Brave Men and Women of Law Enforcement Took a stand against Antifa and introduced the Restitution for Economic losses Caused by Leaders who Allow Insurrection and Mayhem or RECLAIM Act, legislation to hold state and local officials liable when rioters establish lawless autonomous zones' and officials abdicate their duty to protect their citizens. Sen. Cruz also delivered a speech on the Senate floor condemning the violent groups that hijacked the peaceful and just protests honoring George Floyd, and calling for strong leadership to stop the riots and restore law and order. Signed Heritage Action's Police Pledge to reaffirm his support for the men and women of our nation's law enforcement and his commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our communities. Introduced legislation to rename the U.S. Border Patrol Station in Rocksprings to honor Agent Donna M. Doss, who proudly served in the U.S. Border Patrol for more than 15 years and was killed in the line of duty. Chaired a hearing titled ""The Right of the People Peaceably to Assemble: Protecting Speech by Stopping Anarchist Violence,"" examining how groups like Antifa and other anti-American anarchists exploit peaceful protests and engage in political violence. Took action to protect Americans by re-introducing Kate's law, legislation to impose a mandatory minimum prison sentence on illegal aliens with serious felony convictions who illegally reenter the country. Introduced the National Child Identification Act, legislation that would authorize the use of federal grant funds from the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 to provide child identification kits to local law enforcement for distribution to parents of children who attend kindergarten or elementary school. These kits remain with parents, who may provide the kit to law enforcement in the tragic event that their child is missing. SIGNED INTO LAW: Led efforts to rename a U.S. Post Office in Houston, Texas the ""Deputy Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal Post Office Building,"" to serve as a lasting tribute to Deputy Dhaliwal's trailblazing legacy for Sikh Americans and religious minorities in law enforcement. This legislation passed the U.S. Senate and was signed into law in December. Holding Big Tech Accountable Fought to subpoena both Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey and Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee on political censorship and election interference and questioned them at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing. Called for a criminal investigation into Twitter for violating our laws prohibiting Americans from providing services to sanctioned Iranian individuals. Sent two letters - one to Google and one to Facebook - slamming the companies for their separate announcements regarding their decisions to limit or block election advertising. Joined Parler, a pro-free-speech social media platform. Questioned the CEOs of Twitter, Facebook, and Google at a Senate Commerce Committee hearing regarding Big Tech's repeated political censorship and their attempts to interfere in the 2020 election, as well as the need to reform Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. Protecting Our Religious Freedom Introduced the Safeguarding Americans from Coronavirus and Religious Exercise Discrimination or SACRED Act, legislation that would block federal funding for COVID relief to state and local governments that discriminate against religious individuals or institutions, violating their First Amendment rights. INFLUENCED THE ADMINISTRATION: Called on the Department of Justice to investigate state and local officials who target and discriminate against religious communities under the guise of protecting public health, which resulted in a rebuke of New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio. Sent a letter urging the Secretary of Defense to protect religious freedom within the Department of Defense after reports that the Army has censored military chaplains and harmed their ability to provide religious services during the coronavirus pandemic - access that is not only essential for many service members, but also mandated by the Constitution. Joined an amicus brief on behalf of 34 Senators supporting the Capitol Hill Baptist Church's lawsuit against Muriel Bowser, the Mayor of Washington, D.C., after she permitted and participated in several mass protests but issued COVID-19 regulations prohibiting a religious gathering of more than 100 individuals outdoors. Penned an op-ed warning against the dangers of ""pandemic authoritarianism"" and urged state and local leaders to protect Americans' civil liberties as we all work together to combat COVID-19. Protecting Life Sent a letter to the Small Business Administration (SBA) requesting a full investigation into the 37 Planned Parenthood affiliates who applied for and improperly received a total of $80 million in loans from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Called on the administration to maintain pro-life protections during the search for COVID-19 treatments and cures. Urged the FDA to classify the abortion pill Mifeprex as a hazard to public health. Honoring Our Veterans Introduced the Limiting and Enabling Gathering Awards Commemorating Yesteryear or LEGACY Act to facilitate the repatriation of medals, including the Congressional Medal of Honor (MoH), into the United States for display in museums and for educational purposes. Cosponsored the National Purple Heart Honor Mission Commemorative Coin Act, legislation that would direct the Treasury Department to issue $5 gold coins, $1 silver coins, and half-dollar clad coins in 2022 honoring Purple Heart recipients and the work of the National Purple Heart Honor Mission. SIGNED INTO LAW: Led efforts in the Senate to pass legislation that would give the president authority to award posthumously the Medal of Honor to Texas's own Sergeant First Class (SFC) Alwyn Cashe. This legislation was signed into law in December. SIGNED INTO LAW: Led efforts to rename a U.S. Postal Office located in Castroville, Texas as the ""Lance Corporal Rhonald Dain Rairdan Post Office,"" as a memorial to Lance Corporal Rairdan and his fellow soldiers who fell in the line of duty. This legislation passed the U.S. Senate and was signed into law in December. Defending Our Second Amendment Rights Urged the ATF to ensure that law-abiding citizens are not deprived of their constitutional right to keep and bear arms during the coronavirus pandemic. Raised concerns to the Attorney General and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) about the ATF's practice of relying on non-public standards in its regulation of the importation of ArmaLite Rifle (AR) styled pistols and pistol stabilizing braces. Standing Up to America's Enemies and Adversaries While Standing With Her Allies Russia PASSED THE U.S. SENATE: Led a congressional push to halt construction of Vladimir Putin's Nord Stream 2 pipeline by clarifying and expanding sanctions. If completed, the Nord Stream 2 pipeline would reward Russia's aggressive expansionism and economic blackmail, hold our European allies' energy security hostage to Russia, and undermine America's national security interests. These efforts passed the U.S. Senate. INFLUENCED THE ADMINISTRATION: Led the fight for the United States to exit from Cold War-style treaties that constrain American capabilities while providing advantages to Russia or China, such as the Open Skies Treaty and outdated nuclear treaties. Middle East Attended the White House signing ceremony for the Abraham Accords, historic agreements to normalize relations between Israel and its Arab neighbors, the achievement of which validated Sen. Cruz's long-running advocacy that unapologetically standing with Israel would unite our allies across the region. INFLUENCED THE ADMINISTRATION: Led the fight to end the catastrophic Obama-Iran nuclear deal, including by revoking the remaining civil-nuclear waivers stemming from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and calling for the deal to be ended once and for all by invoking UN snapback sanctions, restoring all international sanctions on Iran and preventing the United Nations Arms embargo on Iran from expiring. Introduced the Muslim Brotherhood Terrorist Designation Act, a bill that urges the U.S. State Department to use its statutory authority to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. Introduced the Stop Sending American Taxpayer Money To Governments Controlled By Terrorists Act aimed at creating accountability related to the use of American funds in Hezbollah-controlled Lebanon. PASSED THE U.S. SENATE: Following the successful mission that killed Qasem Soleimani, the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force and a designated terrorist, Sen. Cruz introduced and the Senate passed in February an amendment recognizing and applauding the president and the brave men and women involved in the mission. Fought against and introduced a resolution condemning the International Criminal Court for unjust, politicized prosecutions against American and Israeli citizens. China Sen. Cruz's leadership against the CCP's human rights atrocities and political oppression led to his being repeatedly sanctioned, something he calls ""a badge of honor."" Led efforts to end U.S. dependence on China for rare earth elements and other critical minerals by introducing the Onshoring Rare Earths or ORE Act, legislation that would establish a supply chain in the U.S. for minerals used to manufacture defense technologies and other high-tech products. INFLUENCED THE ADMINISTRATION: Led the fight to combat the CCP's propaganda by introducing the Blocking Evasive Attempts to Manipulate Signals or BEAMS Act, legislation to prevent the CCP from exploiting Federal Communications Commission (FCC) loopholes to propagandize to Americans from radio stations in Mexico or Canada, including through stations entangled with Chinese state-owned media outlets such as Phoenix TV. This legislation resulted in the Trump Administration blocking the license to these stations. Introduced the Stopping Censorship, Restoring Integrity, Protecting Talkies or SCRIPT Act, legislation cutting off Hollywood studios from assistance they receive from the Department of Defense if those studios censor their films for screening in China. Introduced the Sanctioning and Highlighting Authoritarian Medicine and Eugenics or SHAME Act, legislation sanctioning CCP officials for systematic ethnic cleansing, including through forced abortions and other coercive population control measures in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. Introduced the Strongly and Unambiguously Sanctioning Proliferators Exploiting Nuclear Diplomacy or SUSPEND Act, legislation imposing sanctions on the defense sectors of China and Russia unless those countries reverse violations of their obligations under international arms control treaties. Introduced the Protecting America from Spies Act, legislation that would allow the Department of State to deny visas to individuals who have committed acts of espionage or intellectual property theft against the United States. Stood with our friends in Taiwan by introducing the Taiwan Symbols of Sovereignty Act, allowing diplomats and service members in the Taiwanese military to display their flag and wear their uniforms while in the United States on official businesses, and fighting against the exclusion of Taiwan from international forums such as ICAO at the behest of Communist China. Western Hemisphere Fought to ensure deep and robust relations between the United States and our Mexican partners, including working with the Trump administration to protect supply lines running between the two countries and recently calling on the Departments of State and Justice to prevent the Mexican government from undermining our countries' security and law enforcement relationship. Introduced a bipartisan resolution to rename the street outside the Cuban Embassy in Washington D.C. as ""Oswaldo Pay Way,"" casting a light on the Cuban regime's human rights atrocities. Introduced a bipartisan resolution expressing support for the people of Nicaragua. Continued working to bring home Americans unjustly held by the Maduro regime in Venezuela, including calling for sanctions against officials involved in the imprisonment of the CITGO 6. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=video&id=5538,Sen. Cruz: This Year Highlighted the Resilience of Texas and the Vigor of the American Spirit,2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,TX,Ted Cruz,C001098,www.cruz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Central TX (512) 916-5834 300 E 8th Suite 961 Austin, TX 78701 Email North TX (214) 599-8749 Lee Park Tower II 3626 N. Hall St. Suite 410 Dallas, TX 75219 Email Southeast TX (713) 718-3057 The Mickey Leland Federal Building 1919 Smith Street Suite 9047 Houston, TX 77002 Email South/Cen. TX (210) 340-2885 9901 IH-10W Suite 950 San Antonio, TX 78230 Email East TX (903) 593-5130305 S. Broadway Suite 501 Tyler, TX 75702 Email South TX (956) 686-7339 200 S. 10th St Suite 1603 McAllen, TX 78501 Email Washington, D.C. (202) 224-5922 127A Russell Washington, DC 20510 Contact",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=5537,"Sen. Cruz Condemns Jailing of Chinese Journalist Who Documented Wuhan Coronavirus Outbreak, Vows to Reintroduce Sanctions Bill Against Chinese Medical Censorship",2020-12-30,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,TX,Ted Cruz,C001098,www.cruz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"HOUSTON, Texas - U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today issued the following statement in response to reports that China will jail journalist Zhang Zhan for four years, in retaliation for Zhan's efforts in early 2020 to document the emergence and spread of COVID-19, and announced his intention to reintroduce the ""Ending Chinese Medical Censorship and Cover Ups Act,"" legislation to sanction Chinese officials involved in the ongoing suppression of medical experts, journalists, and political dissidents trying to disseminate medical information: ""In the early days of the pandemic, the Chinese Communist Party did everything it could to cover up the severity of the outbreak, from lying about the origin of the virus and how it was being transmitted, to destroying evidence, to silencing the brave whistleblower doctors, scientists, journalists, and activists who tried to warn the world and prevent a global public health crisis. Had the CCP acted responsibly, there's a very real possibility the coronavirus could have been contained as a regional outbreak. Almost a year later, the CCP is continuing and deepening its repression of those whistleblowers. ""The consequences of this censorship continuing are deadly - not just for those in China but for Americans and people around the world. That's why at the start of the next Congress I will reintroduce a version of my bill from the 116th Congress, the Ending Chinese Medical Censorship and Cover Ups Act, legislation to impose visa bans and asset blocks on those who punish or censor Chinese citizens for reporting accurate information about a disease. COVID-19 went global because of this sort of malign behavior, and it is imperative that those who conduct it are held accountable."" Sen. Cruz has been leading the charge in the Senate to fundamentally reassess the U.S.-China relationship and counter Chinese censorship in the wake of the CCP coronavirus coverup. In May, Sen. Cruz first introduced the ""Ending Chinese Medical Censorship and Cover Ups Act"" after he delivered remarks on the Senate Floor highlighting the acute need to counter Chinese propaganda and hold China accountable for the types of medical and political censorship that helped fuel the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. Additionally, since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, Sen. Cruz has: Led efforts to end U.S. dependence on China for rare earth elements and other critical minerals by introducing the Onshoring Rare Earths or ORE Act, legislation that would establish a supply chain in the U.S. for minerals used to manufacture defense technologies and other high-tech products. Introduced the Blocking Evasive Attempts to Manipulate Signals or BEAMS Act, legislation to prevent the CCP from exploiting Federal Communications Commission (FCC) loopholes to propagandize to Americans from radio stations in Mexico or Canada, including through stations entangled with Chinese state-owned media outlets such as Phoenix TV. This legislation resulted in the Trump Administration blocking the license to these stations. Introduced the Stopping Censorship, Restoring Integrity, Protecting Talkies or SCRIPT Act, legislation cutting off Hollywood studios from assistance they receive from the Department of Defense if those studios censor their films for screening in China. Introduced the Sanctioning and Highlighting Authoritarian Medicine and Eugenics or SHAME Act, legislation sanctioning CCP officials for systematic ethnic cleansing, including through forced abortions and other coercive population control measures in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. Sen. Cruz's leadership against the CCP's human rights atrocities and political oppression led to his being repeatedly sanctioned, something he calls ""a badge of honor."" READ: Sen. Cruz on FoxNews.com: China Is Expanding Its Malign Influence All Over the World ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://burgess.house.gov/blog/?postid=403002,Burgess: Presidents should be in command of our troops,2020-12-29,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,TX,Michael Burgess,B001248,burgess.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), a member of the House Rules Committee and Republican Leader of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, released the following statement after voting against overturning President Trump's veto of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The President of the United States is the Commander in Chief and should have the ability to bring our troops home. President Trump committed to America that he would end the endless wars our country has been fighting. Over the last four years, he has kept his promise. The NDAA placed restrictions on the President's ability to bring troops home from commitment overseas. Rather than restrict the President's authority, Congress should do more to see how we can support our troops as they defend this great country while evaluating how to swiftly remove them from harm's way, said Burgess.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://burgess.house.gov/blog/?postid=403003,Burgess: Vote puts Americans First,2020-12-29,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,TX,Michael Burgess,B001248,burgess.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), a member of the House Rules Committee and Republican Leader of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, released the following statement after voting in support of the CASH Act. Americans are hurting. This Coronavirus has affected more than our physical health. Americans have suffered from job and financial losses. When putting together the appropriations for this year and the next COVID-19 response legislation, the priority should have been to help the American people. Congress should have gone through each of the appropriation bills in a bipartisan way so that we were not left at the end of the year having to cram everything in one bill. When Speaker Pelosi decided to combine the two bills, there should have been cuts to other parts of our budget to ensure we could have included more money going directly to Americans first. Through this pandemic, Congress' focus should be America's needs, said Burgess.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://gohmert.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399897,Rep. Gohmert Issues Statement on Pence Lawsuit,2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,TX,Louie Gohmert,G000552,gohmert.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Louie Gohmert (TX-01) released the following statement regarding the lawsuit filed against the Vice President: The 2020 presidential election was one we'd expect to see in a banana republic, not the United States of America. In fact, the rampant fraud and unconstitutional actions that took place were so egregious that seven contested states-- Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, New Mexico, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin all sent dueling slates of electors to Congress. This puts Vice President Mike Pence in a position where some argue he has to choose between morality and the law. That is not the case. It is also critical to note that as many formerly in the mainstream media, now the Alt-Left media, continue to say that every court has said there is no evidence of fraud. That is disingenuous, deceitful, and flat out dishonest. The truth is that no court so far has had the morality and courage to allow evidence of fraud to be introduced in front of it. We continue to hold out hope that there is a federal judge who understands that the fraud that stole this election will mean the end of our republic, and this suit would insure that the Vice-President will only accept electors legitimately and legally elected. There must be an opportunity for a day in court when fraud was this prevalent. It is for this reason that I and other plaintiffs have filed a complaint for expedited declaratory and emergency injunctive relief to seek judgement from the court on the Vice President's authority when presiding over the Senate during the Joint Session of Congress. We are asking the court to uphold the powers laid out in the United States Constitution which grant the Vice President the exclusive authority and sole discretion in determining which electoral votes to count. As outlined in the filing, the Electoral Count Act is unconstitutional because it directs Vice President Pence to legitimize electoral votes in violation of the Electors Clause and limits or eliminates his Twelfth Amendment authority to determine which slates of electors should be counted and which, if any, may not be counted. This is fundamental because no statute can constitutionally supply rules to the extent that such statute violates the U.S. Constitution. Thanks to spineless politicians, corrupt state officials and a coordinated effort to undermine the will of the American people in favor of business as usual in the D.C. swamp, we now find ourselves in a place where a stolen election becomes just another one of the miscarriages of justice this town refuses to remedy. The D.C. elites want to sweep these electoral injustices under the rug, just as they have done with countless other scandals such as the Russia-collusion hoax, the Biden-Ukrainian quid-pro quo, and Hillary Clinton's mishandling of classified information, to mention only a few. For the sake of the future of our Republic, come January 6th, Vice President Pence must be authorized to uphold the legal votes of millions of Americans and preserve our nation's great experiment in self-governance.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=5536,Sen. Cruz Applauds Trump Administration for Providing Emergency Learning Scholarships,2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,TX,Ted Cruz,C001098,www.cruz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today issued the following statement applauding the administration's move to expand educational opportunity: ""With far too many Democrat officials flexing their authoritarian instincts, millions of families across the country are hurting right now. Arbitrary shutdowns of public and private K-12 schools have left a generation of students behind. I'm grateful the administration has taken this step to provide emergency learning scholarships for students, empowering parents with the resources they need to support their children's education during these unprecedented times. I'll continue working with my colleagues to reopen the economy, and get Americans safely back to work and school."" Read the executive order here. Sen. Cruz has fought to provide American families with the resources needed to provide for their children's public, private, or homeschool education during the COVID-19 pandemic. In July, Sen. Cruz introduced the School Choice Now Act with Sens. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), legislation that ensures all students will return to their pre-pandemic educational institutions. In September, three of Sen. Cruz's education proposals were included in the Senate Republicans' targeted COVID-19 relief bill. Throughout his career, Sen. Cruz has led the fight to expand school choice and educational opportunities for American students. Learn more about his efforts here and here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://crenshaw.house.gov/2020/12/crenshaw-carbon-capture-bills-signed-into-law,Crenshaw Carbon Capture Bills Signed Into Law,2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,TX,Dan Crenshaw,C001120,crenshaw.house.gov,crenshaw,https://crenshaw.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC - Two bills introduced by Representative Dan Crenshaw (R-TX) to boost research and development for carbon capture technology were signed into law as part of a year-end spending bill. The LEADING Act and the New Energy Frontier aim to advance carbon capture, a proven technology that helps reduce emissions while protecting American energy independence. ""Americans are tired of being offered a false choice of inaction or economy-crushing regulations when it comes to climate change,"" said Crenshaw. “Texas is already leading the way in carbon capture and these bills allow this innovation to take off across the country, so we can market this technology to the world. These bills are grounded in the fundamental principle that innovation is our best tool to combat climate change while protecting American energy jobs and our economy."" Background Carbon capture uses technology to capture carbon from power plants, allowing cleaner energy production without increasing electricity costs for consumers. Texas companies have already put this technology to productive use.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://crenshaw.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=388,Crenshaw Carbon Capture Bills Signed Into Law,2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,TX,Dan Crenshaw,C001120,crenshaw.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC - Two bills introduced by Representative Dan Crenshaw (R-TX) to boost research and development for carbon capture technology were signed into law as part of a year-end spending bill. The LEADING Act and the New Energy Frontieraim to advance carbon capture, a proven technology that helps reduce emissions while protecting American energy independence. ""Americans are tired of being offered a false choice of inaction or economy-crushing regulations when it comes to climate change,"" said Crenshaw. Texas is already leading the way in carbon capture and these bills allow this innovation to take off across the country, so we can market this technology to the world. These bills are grounded in the fundamental principle that innovation is our best tool to combat climate change while protecting American energy jobs and our economy."" Background Carbon capture uses technology to capture carbon from power plants, allowing cleaner energy production without increasing electricity costs for consumers. Texas companies have already put this technology to productive use. TheLEADING Actdirects the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish a program to award competitive grants to certain entities for the capture of carbon dioxide produced during the generation of natural gas-generated power. Under Crenshaw's bill, the DOE must accelerate the development of commercially viable carbon capture technologies to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, enter into cooperative agreements with certain entities to construct and operate carbon capture facilities for natural gas plants, and identify any barriers to the commercial development of carbon capture technologies. The New Energy Frontiertakes this a step further by creating a first of its kind Carbon Innovation Center that will examine solutions to carbon utilization.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://crenshaw.house.gov/press-releases?ID=96D17022-B9FB-49BF-9563-AAE3AB6690CA,Crenshaw Carbon Capture Bills Signed Into Law,2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,TX,Dan Crenshaw,C001120,crenshaw.house.gov,,,legacy,"Facebook Icon Google Plus Icon Instagram Icon LinkedIn Icon Twitter Icon YouTube Icon Vimeo Icon Clients Icon Email icon Map Icon Print Icon Quote Icon icon_share Carousel Arrow - Left Carousel Arrow - Right Home Media Press Releases Print",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kaygranger.house.gov/press-releases?ID=D4EB0681-02ED-4A64-8390-A453EFB8796D,Granger Statement on the National Defense Authorization Act,2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,TX,Kay Granger,G000377,kaygranger.house.gov,,,legacy,"Facebook Icon Google Plus Icon Instagram Icon LinkedIn Icon Twitter Icon YouTube Icon Vimeo Icon Clients Icon Email icon Map Icon Print Icon Quote Icon icon_share Carousel Arrow - Left Carousel Arrow - Right Home Media Press Releases Print",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kevinbrady.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=404981,Brady: President Trump puts Americans first with relief and reforms,2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,TX,Kevin Brady,B000755,kevinbrady.house.gov,,,legacy,"Brady: President Trump puts Americans first with relief and reforms f t # e Washington, December 28, 2020 Ways and Means Republican Leader Kevin Brady (R-TX-08) released the following statement on the President's signing of thecoronavirus relief package along with the annual spending bill: ""After months of Speaker Pelosi stalling Covid relief ahead of the election, I applaud President Trump's decision to sign this long-overdue relief. This bipartisan bill will succeed in protecting both lives and livelihoods, with more money for small businesses through the Paycheck Protection Program, hundreds of billions of dollars in tax cuts for families, and reforms to our unemployment system. ""I am proud that he is also protecting patients by banning surprise medical bills which the Ways & Means Committee has led on, and making permanent the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act medical expense deduction that makes it easier to write off high medical bills. ""With his signature, President Trump is delivering on his promise to put Americans first."" f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://roy.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-roy-statement-voting-against-cash-act,Rep. Roy statement on voting against the CASH Act,2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,TX,Chip Roy,R000614,roy.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Chip Roy (TX-21) issued the following statement after voting against H.R. 9051 (the CASH Act) on Monday evening: Today, I voted against the CASH Act because it will saddle our children and grandchildren with an additional $463 billion in debt with payments that are not targeted to those in need nor offset with cuts in unnecessary spending. This does nothing to help small businesses, which have been shutdown by the tyrannical lockdowns of local governments, keep their doors open or their workers employed. Giving checks to those whose income has not been affected is an affront to those whose livelihoods have been been destroyed by government, and it will not change the need to safely reopen America's economy.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://roy.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-roy-statement-voting-sustain-president-trumps-ndaa-veto,Rep. Roy statement on voting to sustain President Trump's NDAA veto,2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,TX,Chip Roy,R000614,roy.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Chip Roy (TX-21) issued the following statement after voting to sustain President Trump's veto of the National Defense Authorization Act Monday evening: As I said when I first voted against this bill, it is a blueprint for a military that serves the swamp first and America and her troops last. This bill perpetuates the war in Afghanistan, hamstrings the president's reduction of American troops elsewhere, maintains the status quo of undeclared wars all over the globe, prohibits the reduction of wasteful military spending overseas. It pushes radical leftist social engineering on our warfighters by the creation of a ""Chief Diversity Officer"" at the Pentagon. Our military should be focused on defending the American people and defeating our enemies, not catering to the diversity mob. To make matters even worse, this bill contains potentially ruinous regulatory burdens and mandates for small businesses at a time when they're already being put through the wringer by lockdown orders across the country. Small business owners are already being destroyed by tyrannical lockdowns, adding more destructive regulations from Washington will only make the problem worse. Troop pay raises and bonuses are a good thing, as are helping military families, supporting critical research and vital projects.That's exactly why we owe to our men and women in uniform to pass legislation that gives them what they've earned. Our service members deserve a clear mission focused on destroying America's enemies. Instead, this NDAA perpetuates a status quo that gives them a raw deal. We could debate and vote on all these things like we're supposed to, but the last time we had an open amendment vote on the House floor was 2016. That's unacceptable. President Trump was absolutely right to veto this legislation and I was happy to vote against overriding his veto. Congress should go back to the drawing board and fix this. America's troops and America's taxpayers deserve better than this.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/content/news/cornyn%E2%80%99s-20-texas-priorities-water-infrastructure-bill-signed-law,Cornyn’s 20 Texas Priorities in Water Infrastructure Bill Signed into Law,2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,TX,John Cornyn,C001056,www.cornyn.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTONU.S. Senator John Cornyn released the following statement after twenty Texas priorities he advocated for in the Water Resources Development Act of 2020 were signed into law by the President as a part of the omnibus funding bill: We can't prevent natural disasters, but we can prepare for them, said Sen. Cornyn. With the President's signature, twenty different Texas projects will move forward, further protecting Texans from severe flooding and catastrophic storms. Sen. Cornyn's priorities that were included in theWater Resources Development Act of 2020 and are now law are as follows: Authorizes the Houston Ship Channel Expansion Improvement Project. Authorizes the Jefferson County ecosystem restoration project. Authorizes the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, Brazos River Floodgates, and Colorado River Locks navigation project. Authorizes the Matagorda Ship Channel Improvement Project in Port Lavaca. Authorizes the Chacon Creek flood risk management project. Authorizes a new feasibility study for the Port Arthur and Orange County flood risk management project, including construction of improvements to interior drainage. Authorizes a feasibility study for the Chocolate Bayou flood risk management project. Authorizes project modifications for the Houston-Galveston Navigation Channels project. Authorizes a feasibility study for thePort of Victoriaflood risk management project. Expedites the completion of the Buffalo Bayou feasibility study for flood risk management. Requires the Secretary of the Army to provide a written status update on efforts to address flooding at Wilson Creek and Sloan Creek in Fairview, Texas. Authorizes project modifications for the Port of Corpus Christi Channel Improvement project. Expedites completion of the Lake Whitney Reallocation Study for the reallocation of water supply storage. Expedites completion of the Aquilla Lake Reallocation Study for the reallocation of water supply storage. Expedites the completion of the Lower Rio Grande River feasibility study for flood risk management, ecosystem restoration, and water supply. Authorizes the USACE to participate in the repair and restoration of the eroding embankment at Lake Waco. Directs the USACE to assist El Paso County with a proposal to modify the authorized funding level for a water related infrastructure project. Assists Harris County Flood Control District in streamlining benefit-cost analyses for projects. Directs the USACE to identify specific engineering and maintenance deficiencies for levees across Texas and the nation, and to describe recommended remedies to correct each deficiency to ensure that critical levee performance is being achieved. Reauthorizes of theRio Grande Environmental Management Programin Texas, New Mexico, and Colorado through 2029.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/content/news/cornyn%E2%80%99s-energy-innovation-bill-now-law,Cornyn’s Energy Innovation Bill Now Law,2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,TX,John Cornyn,C001056,www.cornyn.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement after his Launching Energy Advancement and Development through Innovations for Natural Gas (LEADING) Act was signed into law as a part of the omnibus funding bill: Rather than regulate energy providers into the ground, this law will encourage industry innovation, said Sen. Cornyn. The LEADING Act will lower energy bills for Texans and protect them from the massive costs of alternative energy plans like the Green New Deal, all while protecting our environment long-term. Background on the LEADING Act: The LEADING Act would incentivize research and development of carbon capture technology for natural gas to ensure a reliable, affordable, and environmentally sound energy supply. The LEADING Act will promote the continued use of natural gas so we can keep energy bills low, maintain U.S. energy security, and protect the environment all at the same time. By increasing the use of natural gas and other innovative resources, the United States is leading the world in emissions reduction. Natural gas is now the main source of energy in the United States, generating 35.1% of our electricity in 2018. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) expects this number to continue to rise for the foreseeable future as more natural gas power plants come online. Natural gas emits 50 to 60 percent less carbon dioxide when combusted in a natural gas power plant compared with other sources. Natural gas supports the deployment of renewable energy, and natural gas power plants can quickly and safely ramp up and down to combat the volatility of renewables. Developing cost-effective carbon capture technology for natural gas power plants will help the United States continue to lower emissions while creating jobs and supporting domestic energy production and security. The Launching Energy Advancement and Development through Innovations for Natural Gas Act would require the Secretary of Energy to establish a program for the research, development, and demonstration of commercially viable technologies for the capture of carbon dioxide produced during the generation of natural gas-generated power. Specifically, the bill would: Require the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to establish a program to develop cost-effective carbon capture technologies for use by natural gas-generating power facilities. By incentivizing research and innovation, the goal is to accelerate development and commercial application of natural gas carbon capture technologies and create a partnership with the private sector for demonstration projects. Encourage DOE to include the participation of National Laboratories, universities, and research facilities, including the National Carbon Capture Center. Require DOE to solicit applications for demonstration projects and submit a report to Congress detailing legislative recommendations, applicant evaluation method, expected goals for technology development, estimations of project costs, and timelines for project construction.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/content/news/cornyn%E2%80%99s-latino-smithsonian-become-reality,Cornyn’s Latino Smithsonian to Become a Reality,2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,TX,John Cornyn,C001056,www.cornyn.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Today U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement after his legislation he's worked on for years to authorize the Smithsonian Institution to create a museum honoring American Latinos, the National Museum of the American Latino Act, was signed into law. For decades, Texans have advocated for greater representation of American Latino stories in our nation's capital, and I'm proud to announce that together, we have ensured the National Museum of the American Latino will become a reality, said Sen. Cornyn. Because the President has signed my bill into law, future generations that travel to Washington will be able to learn about the incredible American Latinos who helped build this nation. The National Museum of the American Latino Act builds on nearly 26 years' worth of work in laying the foundation for the establishment of a future museum. Following a 1994 report entitled Willful Neglect' showing the Smithsonian Institution's failure to include the story of the American Latino, the first Congressional bill was introduced in 2003 to study the creation of a museum. In 2008, with Presidential and Congressional leadership, a 23-member Commission was established to study the viability of a museum. In 2011, the Commission's work culminated in a final report that detailed that the creation of a museum on the National Mall was indeed feasible. In 2020, this legislation will act on the Commission's report and put into motion the process of establishing a Latino Museum, similar to those that established other Smithsonian museums.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/content/news/cornyn-bill-blocking-e-cigarette-sales-children-signed-law,Cornyn Bill Blocking E-Cigarette Sales to Children Signed Into Law,2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,TX,John Cornyn,C001056,www.cornyn.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement after the Preventing Online Sales of E-Cigarettes to Children Act, which would block online sales of electronic cigarettes to children, was signed into law: Children's use of electronic cigarettes has been linked to an increased risk of contracting COVID-19, and this legislation would help curb their access to these products, said Sen. Cornyn. Now that this is signed into law, we can help keep young Americans from developing unhealthy addictions while stopping the spread of the coronavirus. The Preventing Online Sales of E-Cigarettes to Children Act will require e-cigarette online retailers to: Verify the age of customers for all purchases. Require an adult with ID to be present for delivery. Label shipping packages to show they contain tobacco products. Comply with all state and local tobacco tax requirements. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 3 million high schools students used electronic cigarettes in 2018, a 78 percent increase over the previous year. Today, one in five U.S. high school students report using e-cigarettes, which have become the most commonly used tobacco product by youth in the United States. A recent survey published in the American Journal of Health Promotion found that 32 percent of underage e-cigarette users reported purchasing products online, making online sales the single largest source of purchases for underage users. In addition to Senators Cornyn and Feinstein, the bill is cosponsored by Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Kamala Harris (D-CA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Susan Collins (R-ME), David Perdue (R-GA), John Boozman (R-AR), Michael Enzi (R-WY), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Edward Markey (D-MA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Martha McSally (R-AZ), Jack Reed (D-RI), and Pat Roberts (R-KS). The bill is supported by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American Lung Association, Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum, California Physicians Alliance, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, Children's Health Fund, Go2Foundation for Lung Cancer, National Alliance for Hispanic Health, National Association of Convenience Stores and Society of Independent Gasoline Marketers of America.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/content/news/cornyn-klobuchar-relief-bill-independent-live-music-venues-signed-law,"Cornyn, Klobuchar Relief Bill for Independent Live Music Venues Signed Into Law",2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,TX,John Cornyn,C001056,www.cornyn.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) released the following statements after the Save Our Stages Act, legislation they authored to provide Small Business Administration grants for independent live music venues, live performance arts organizations, or motion picture theatres affected by COVID-19 stay-at-home orders, was signed into law. These grants would provide financial support necessary to keep venues afloat, pay employees, and preserve a critical economic sector for communities across America. Texas' entertainment venues have endured nearly ten months of lost revenue and empty seats, and they have passionately led the fight to save live music from becoming a thing of the past, said Sen. Cornyn. I'm grateful to my colleagues for helping these cultural landmarks be able to reopen their doors once again, and I'm looking forward to seeing future generations of Texans learn our history through music at the world-class venues and dance halls that call the Lone Star State home. Independent venues were some of the first establishments to close down and will likely be some of the last to open. I refuse to sit by and let the music die, which is why I was proud to introduce the bipartisan Save our Stages Act, Sen. Klobuchar said. This funding will get small entertainment venues the help they need to make ends meet and serve our communities for generations to come. Background: Small live music and entertainment venues have been hard-hit during the coronavirus pandemic, with 90 percent of venue owners, promoters, and bookers reporting they are at risk of closing without additional financial assistance and an estimated $9 billion in losses should ticket sales not resume until 2021. The Save Our Stages Act would: Narrowly define eligibility to ensure only small shuttered and at-risk venues qualify for federal grant funding Direct the SBA to make grants to eligible venues equal to the lesser of either 45 percent of operation costs from calendar year 2019 or $10 million Permit recipients to use grants for essential expenses incurred during the COVID pandemic Require recipients to return remaining funding after one year from the date of disbursement Permit recipients to use grants for rent, utilities, mortgage obligations, PPE procurement, payments to contractors, regular maintenance, administrative costs, state and local taxes, operating leases, and capital expenditures related to meeting state, local, or federal social distancing guidelines Authorize the appropriation of $15 billion for the grant program",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/es/es/content/news/cornyn-el-museo-smithsonian-para-latinos-se-convertir%C3%A1-en-una-realidad,Cornyn: El Museo Smithsonian Para Latinos se Convertirá en una Realidad,2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,TX,John Cornyn,C001056,www.cornyn.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Hoy el senador John Cornyn (R-TX) emiti la siguiente declaracin despus de su proyecto de ley en la que ha trabajado durante aos para autorizar a la Institucin Smithsonian a crear un museo para honrar a los latinoamericanos, La Ley del Museo Nacional del Latinoamericano, se convirti en ley. Durante dcadas, los Texans han abogado por una mayor representacin de las historias de los latinoamericanos en la capital de nuestra nacin, y me enorgullece anunciar que juntos, nos hemos asegurado de que el Museo Nacional del Latinoamericano se convierta en una realidad, dijo el sen. Cornyn. Debido a que el Presidente ha firmado mi proyecto de ley, las generaciones futuras que viajen a Washington podrn aprender sobre los increbles latinoamericanos que ayudaron a construir esta nacin. La Ley del Museo Nacional del Latinoamericano se basa en casi 26 aos de trabajo para sentar las bases para el establecimiento de un futuro museo. A raz de un informe de 1994 titulado Willful Neglect que mostraba el fracaso de la Institucin Smithsonian para incluir la historia del latinoamericano, se introdujo el primer proyecto de ley del Congreso en 2003 para estudiar la creacin de un museo. En 2008, con el liderazgo presidencial y congresal, se establece una comisin de 23 miembros para estudiar la viabilidad de un museo. En 2011, el trabajo de la comisin culmin en un informe final que detallaba que la creacin de un museo en el National Mall era realmente viable. En 2020, este proyecto de ley actuar sobre el informe de la comisin y pondr en marcha el proceso de establecer un museo latinoamericano, como los que establecieron otros museos de la Institucin Smithsonian.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://williams.house.gov/media-center/newsletters/a-season-of-hope,A Season of Hope,2020-12-24,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,TX,Roger Williams,W000816,williams.house.gov,,,legacy,"Though we've faced tough years in American history and this one is certainly no different, we have always celebrated Christmas and the meaning of this season. It is a time to thank the Lord for His blessings during the year and a time to remind ourselves we're a nation of Judeo-Christian principles that our founders fought to secure deep in our foundation. Often during the usual hustle and bustle of the season, we forget the true meaning of Christmas that was brought to earth on a holy night over two thousand years ago:the gift of Hopewas given to mankind to save us for all eternity. One of my favorite verses in the Bible is Luke 6:38, which says, Give, and it shall be given unto you."" The word ""give"" is active; Jesus is telling us that when we are generous toward those around us, we will in turn reap reward, similar to what is known as the 'Golden Rule.' We have an opportunity every day to do better than the one before, and it is our responsibility to strive to imitate the goodness and love of our Savior toward our neighbors. I can think of no better year in recent memory when we have the distinct opportunity to share the message of hope through our generosity or simply giving of our time, whether virtually or in person. We also look toward this next year filled with the hope of recovery and new growth. While the challenges we face may seem insurmountable,the bond that unites us as Americans will always prevail. To all of our military servicemen and women and their families, thank you for protecting our communities so we can sleep safe at night. Our prayers are with you as you celebrate this season away from home. To our front line workers who will spend these days healing and caring for patients, we thank you for your selflessness. My goal as your Congressman is to represent the 25th District of Texas to the very best of my ability and I look forward to serving you in this next year. I pray you all have a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! In God we trust, Roger Williams Member of Congress",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://burgess.house.gov/blog/?postid=403000,Burgess: Trump granted the Slough familys Christmas wish,2020-12-23,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,TX,Michael Burgess,B001248,burgess.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), a member of the House Rules Committee and Republican Leader of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, put out the following statement after President Trump issued a pardon for TX-26 resident Paul Slough. This is a Christmas miracle for the Slough family, said Burgess. Paul, along with three other team members, were sentenced to a mandatory minimum of thirty years in prison after being found guilty of firearms offenses under 18 U.S.C. 924 (c), a statute enacted in the 1980s to reduce violence during the height of the war on drugs. It is unthinkable that civilian contractors, who are required to carry weapons by the U.S. government to protect U.S. personnel overseas, have faced unintended consequences of this statute.In 2007, Paul Slough and his team members, employed as State Department contractors during Operation Iraqi Freedom, were escorting a U.S. diplomatic convoy through Baghdad when an oncoming suspicious vehicle failed to stop. The team opened fire to defend the convoy, unfortunately resulting in 14 Iraqi deaths after engaging in a fire fight. These brave men were sentenced for discharging their firearms under a statute that was never meant to apply to U.S. federal government employees defending Americans overseas. To ensure this never happens again, I introduced legislation to exempt overseas federal contractors from mandatory minimum sentencing requirements under 18 U.S.C. 924(c).I appreciate President Trump for righting this wrong, and I hope that Congress will take up my legislation to ensure this doesn't happen to other Americans.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://burgess.house.gov/blog/?postid=403001,Burgess introduces legislation to promote U.S. energy leadership,2020-12-23,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,TX,Michael Burgess,B001248,burgess.house.gov,,,legacy,"Burgess introduces legislation to promote U.S. energy leadership Washington, D.C. Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), a member of the House Rules Committee and Republican Leader of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, introduced the American Nuclear Leadership Commission Act. Consumers are seeking energy sources with lower emissions, and nuclear power must be part of that mix. Right now, America's leadership in civilian nuclear power is being challenged by Russia and China who want to corner the market. Burgess said. This legislation will create a bipartisan commission to examine the future of the civilian nuclear power industry in the United States and investigate the challenges ahead. I believe this commission will shine a spotlight on those challenges and provide the answers necessary to ensure our nation's continued leadership in nuclear energy.Bill Summary: This legislation creates a bipartisan commission within the Department of Energy (DOE) to study the status of the civilian nuclear power industry today and in the future. The bill directs the commission to explore: How a nuclear reactor is brought from development to commercialization Potential market opportunities for advanced reactors The problems of the nuclear fuel cycle from beginning to end The industrial capacity of the US to design and build nuclear reactors The competitiveness of US nuclear reactors in export markets How advanced reactor designed may be able to reduce the cost of nuclear power The environmental benefits of civilian nuclear power What regulations and laws exist that limit the expansion of civilian nuclear power This commission will be chaired by the DOE Secretary, requires evenly split party membership, and would last up to 2 years. Once the commission completes its study, it will provide a report to Congress on its findings and provide policy recommendations to address obstacles to America's nuclear leadership in the 21st Century.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://gohmert.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399894,CJWC Members Celebrate President Trumps Pardons for the Biden Four,2020-12-23,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,TX,Louie Gohmert,G000552,gohmert.house.gov,,,legacy,"**For Immediate Release** December 23, 2020 Contact: Lauren McLaughlin Lauren.McLaughlin@mail.house.gov CJWC Members Celebrate President Trump's Pardons for the Biden Four Members of the Congressional Justice for Warriors Caucus released the following statements in light of the wonderful news of President Trump's pardons for U.S. veterans and former government security contractors Dustin Heard, Evan Liberty, Nick Slatten and Paul Slough: President Donald J. Trump has delivered the most wonderful Christmas gift in the form of pardons for the members of the Biden Four. These decorated veterans served their country honorably and put themselves in harm's way to defend U.S. diplomats only to be repaid by our government with a corrupted judicial process and prison sentences. I am so thankful that President Trump exercised his superb judgment in granting relief for these menan action that I do not think any other president would have had the political or moral courage to do. To Dustin, Evan, Nick and Paul: I wish you the most blessed and merriest of Christmases as you are reunited with your loved ones. -Rep. Louie Gohmert (TX-01), Chairman The Obama Administration, in its zeal to attack America first, railroaded four of our Iraq warriors, Dustin Heard, Evan Liberty, Nick Slatten, and Paul Slough. Convicted by perjurious witnesses and corrupt prosecutors, they were each granted full pardons by President Donald J. Trump. These decorated veterans will now get to spend Christmas at home with their families. Welcome home boys. -Rep. Paul Gosar (AZ- 4) The Congressional Justice for Warriors Caucus advocates for unjustly convicted and confined servicemembers and military contractors who made split second decisions in combat situations and found themselves second guessed by unscrupulous and over-zealous prosecutors. The Biden Four are among the most egregiously maligned and abused of all. They are all military veterans and were serving as Blackwater security teams. Forty-two Blackwater security personnel were killed protecting high value targets, yet Blackwater never lost a single person under their protection. Four of the 42 were killed on the road to Umm Qasr where they had escorted me the day before. I remember their faces to this day. It pains me that the Biden Four have been put through so much by second-guessing politicians like Biden and Hillary who persecuted them and ginned up additional prosecutions. We as Americans think of our warriors as always going on offense, but in this case, they were attacked and acted in self-defense. Unfortunately, they were aggressively prosecuted by overzealous government prosecutors, and then by Hillary and Biden. If ever there was a justifiable set of pardons, President Trump has delivered it tonight. God Bless President Trump for righting these egregious wrongs and Merry Christmas to the Biden Four! -Rep. Steve King (IA-4) I commend President Trump for his action tonight to pardon the Biden Four-- Dustin, Evan, Nicholas, and Paul. Following a firefight that resulted in the tragic death of a number of Iraqis, the media shamelessly portrayed these men as killers. Yet, the corruption and prosecutorial misconduct that has since been uncovered paints a very different picture. These Americans were abandoned by their own government after an emergency response to secure the safe return of an American diplomat turned deadly. Looking forward, I hope the Congressional Justice for Warriors Caucus will continue to work on behalf of unfairly convicted patriots like the Biden 4 and others who should have the same Constitutional protections that are available to every other American."" -Rep. Bill Flores (TX-17) Thank you, President Trump, for standing up for these four veterans and righting this wrong. I am thrilled they can now be with their families for Christmas. We owe our military and veterans a debt we can never repay. -Rep. Daniel Webster (FL-11)",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=5535,"Sen. Cruz: 'The Prince of Peace, Born in Bethlehem, Came So That We May Know Him and His Enduring Love, Joy, and Redemption'",2020-12-23,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,TX,Ted Cruz,C001098,www.cruz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"HOUSTON, Texas - U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) issued the following statement in advance of Christmas Day: ""This Christmas, as so many families grapple with the challenges posed by the coronavirus, it is more important than ever to find renewed hope in celebrating the birth of Jesus. The Prince of Peace, born in Bethlehem, came so that we may know Him and his enduring love, joy, and redemption. May this Christmas be a joyous and hopeful season where we reflect on the promise of salvation. ""Heidi and I wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year. May God continue to bless the great state of Texas and the United States of America."" ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kevinbrady.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=404980,A Win for the American People,2020-12-23,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,TX,Kevin Brady,B000755,kevinbrady.house.gov,,,legacy,"A Win for the American People House Republicans ensure more help for families, workers and small businesses f t # e Washington, December 23, 2020 This week, after months of delay by Speaker Pelosi and House Democrats, Congress finally passed a much-needed COVID-19 relief package. Even though Republicans have been negotiating in good faith for months, Speaker Pelosi admitted she delayed passage in order to score political points. But now, thanks to hard work by House Republicans, more help is on the way! This package willprovide a lifeline to workers and small businesses, help reopen the economy, make Operation Warp Speed vaccines available, and much more. Highlights from the COVID Relief Deal This bill will Provide $325 billion to extendthe successful Paycheck Protection Program and support small businesses. Provide $28 billion in funding for vaccine production and distribution. Include $82 billion for the Education Stabilization Fund to help schools safely reopen. Provide $13 billion in direct assistance for farmers and ranchers. Distributedirect payments to the American people. Ban surprise medical bills. Includetax relief for American families. Assist local hospitals and doctors and provide funding for rural healthcare providers. Protect against unemployment fraud. Provide funds for substance abuse and mental health services. Help to support struggling airlines and the thousands of furloughed airline workers. Includepro-life provisions to ensure taxpayer dollars are not used for abortions or abortion services. f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://burgess.house.gov/blog/?postid=402999,Burgess: Congress can do better,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,TX,Michael Burgess,B001248,burgess.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), a member of the House Rules Committee and Republican Leader of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, released the following statement after Congress passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. The U.S. Constitution grants Congress the power of the purse. It is our responsibility to ensure the federal government is funded, but we must do so thoughtfully, said Burgess. Yesterday afternoon when I entered the Rules Committee for what was to be the only hearing on the combined appropriations and relief bills, I was shocked there was not a copy of the legislation available for the Majority or Minority Members. This was a 5,500 page bill that we were going to vote on in less than five hours. There were many parts of the bill - in fact some policies I have fought for, for decades - which were reasonable, and I could support. I am grateful for the diligent work by members and staff who put in long hours to get a reasonable result, but ultimately the process was so flawed that I could not support the final product. There were also several items that could have had a deleterious effect on our doctors and health professionals. The labors of our front-line medical personal should not be rewarded with reduction of reimbursement, but I was concerned this would be the inevitable result. In my 20 years in Congress, I have watched additions to legislation at the last minute that ultimately prove detrimental. The 26th District of Texas sent me here to represent them, and I need to ensure that what I am voting on does just that. My hope is that with the beginning of a new year and a new Congress, legislators will get back to the business of legislating through regular order. It is irresponsible to push off our work on behalf of the American people to the point that we are scrambling at the end of the year.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://flores.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401353,Congressman Bill Flores Statement Regarding Consolidated Appropriations Act,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,TX,Bill Flores,F000461,flores.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Representative Bill Flores (R-Texas) issued the following statement regarding the passage of H.R. 133, the Consolidated Appropriations Act to fund the government through fiscal year 2021 and provide relief to hardworking American families and businesses who have been adversely affected by COVID-19:Despite delays and distractions by Democrats, H.R. 133 is a clear victory for Republicans and President Trump. It is also a stunning defeat for Nancy Pelosi, who held up aid to small businesses and workers, delayed funding for vaccine procurement and development, all in an effort to hurt President Trump. Her strategy backfired instead, Republicans were able to secure almost all of our priorities in this legislation, while denying Democrats their socialist defund, dismantle, and destroy wish list. Some of the major accomplishments in this legislation include: $900 billion in total COVID-19 relief for Americans. This includes an extension of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), the extremely successful program created by Congress which has saved an estimated 50 million jobs nationwide. Allows businesses that previously received a PPP loan to apply again, while making it easier for businesses to deduct the expenses paid with loan proceeds. Improves the distribution of vaccines approved as a result of Operation Warp Speed. It includes $20 billion for the purchase of vaccines to ensure that any American who wants a COVID-19 vaccination can get one for free. Includes $48 billion for vaccine development, and an additional $20 billion to assist states with COVID-19 testing. Continues increased unemployment benefits through March of next year and includes a stimulus payment of $600 each to Americans making below $75,000. Fully funds our military and domestic programs, including a 3 percent pay raise for our troops, and $1.375 billion in new funding for the border wall to keep our country safe and secure. Protects American families from surprise medical billing. Includes 21st-Century Energy provisions, providing for affordable energy and reduced emissions. Preserves pro-life protections and other conservative provisions that Democrats tried to remove, such as prohibiting federal funds from being used to pay for abortions. Finally, it blocks Democrat demands to bust earlier bipartisan budget-cap and spending agreements. The legislation also includes provisions and/or funding to address over 60 of my priorities to help the 17th Congressional District of Texas, including the following key examples: Report language and funding to provide for the Army Corps of Engineers to cooperate with the City of Waco to make crucial repairs to Lake Shore Drive. The Army Corps of Engineers, despite owning the land around Lake Shore Drive, did not have clear statutory authority to make repairs to avoid potentially catastrophic damage to this road and surrounding area. Continued levels of enhanced funding for the Biomedical Advanced Research Development Authority (BARDA) which is responsible for accelerated pandemic vaccine manufacturing resources and activities at Texas A&M University. Increases in funding for basic research to assist our research-oriented universities including those in Central Texas and the Brazos Valley. The bipartisan Advanced Nuclear Fuel Availability Act, which establishes a public-private solution to develop, manufacture, and transport High Assay, Low Enriched Uranium (HALEU) the next generation fuel required to power the advanced nuclear reactors of tomorrow. These important advancements will ensure that zero-emission nuclear power continues to provide a meaningful portion of our country's always-on, baseload' electricity used in our homes and businesses. Report language instructing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to assist counties and communities, such as eastern McLennan County, meet revised EPA clean water standards. $390 million for new Multi-Mission Vessels for Texas A&M University Galveston and other state maritime academies to train our next generation of maritime workers and improve safety in the Gulf of Mexico. Finally, just as important as what's in the bill is what was not included. It does not include hundreds of billions of dollars to bail out blue states who have mismanaged their budget for decades to pay off their union bosses, checks for illegal immigrants, or a massive federal prisoner release. It eliminated a potential slush fund to states by preventing the Federal Reserve from providing emergency lending by future White House administrations. Finally, it did not include Democrat demands for more abortions on-demand, decreased funding for our servicemen and women, and efforts to defund police.Despite the many wins, the legislation we voted on yesterday is an example of continuing dysfunction in Washington. Legislative relief for Americans who are struggling because of COVID should have passed months ago. Unfortunately, Nancy Pelosi decided that she would rather withhold the aid to hurt President Trump. Because of this strategy, tens of thousands of Americans have lost their jobs, their livelihoods, their businesses, and their lives. Americans should never forget how Speaker Pelosi and her Democrat colleagues deemed that their families and paychecks were less important than the election of a Democrat President. Nancy Pelosi's deliberate obstruction also forced Congress to compress a legislative timeline that would normally take months into a matter of days right before Christmas. Facing a government shutdown, Congress had to pass multiple critical pieces of legislation that were rolled into a huge package and negotiated behind closed doors, with no chance for debate or amendment. This is the Washington Swamp that disgusts every American. It forces Members of Congress to vote on legislation that was finalized only hours earlier. The rushed process also means that there may be critical errors and mistakes that will have to be addressed moving forward.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=5531,"Sen. Cruz: Badly Needed COVID Relief Should Have Passed as Standalone Bill Months Ago, Not in Taxpayer Funded Spending Spree",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,TX,Ted Cruz,C001098,www.cruz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today issued the following statement after voting against the multi-trillion dollar end-of-year spending package: ""Though the mainstream media and lobbyists will hail this legislative monstrosity as a tremendous victory, make no mistake: urgently-needed COVID-19 relief was tied to a $1.4 trillion wasteful end-of-year spending bill and countless pet projects that will escape close scrutiny because three times, congressional Democrats rejected good faith efforts to pass targeted relief. ""With new shutdown orders targeting small businesses and disproportionately affecting minority and low-income workers, many Americans remain out of work and unable to make ends meet. According to one study, one in four small business owners will close their doors if economic conditions don't improve soon. Had this bill been solely focused on re-opening the economy, getting Americans back to work, and jump starting a recovery, it would have had my enthusiastic support. For example, the final COVID-19 package rejects Democrats' misguided attempts to bail out blue states' underfunded pension plans and replenishes the Paycheck Protection Program - which will go a long way in helping small businesses keep their doors open and employees on the payroll. ""It also includes funding for vaccine procurement and distribution, and will support states in their efforts to expand testing. With two vaccines already distributed to Americans across the country, these are meaningful developments as we work to defeat this virus, re-open our country, and continue to grow our economy. But they should have been passed in a standalone bill months ago, instead of in a bloated package thrown together during the annual year-end taxpayer funded spending spree. ""Unfortunately, this behemoth did not end there. ""Generations of Americans are already stuck with a $27 trillion national debt, and Washington politicians are indiscriminately adding to the tab. This nearly 5,600-page spending package fails to make any meaningful spending cuts and instead advances the interests of the radical Left, special interests, and swamp lobbyists, with funding going towards expanding authority for more H-2B visas for foreign workers while a near record number of Americans remain unemployed, as well as laying the ground work for Democrats to implement the Green New Deal' by claiming a need' to meet the power demand in the United States through clean, renewable, or zero-emission energy sources. ""Unfortunately, in addition to badly needed coronavirus relief, Democrats held hostage important national security and military measures to pass their liberal wish list, including support for weapons systems like the F-35 and B-21 bomber programs, which I have consistently fought for, as well as missile defense technologies that we work with our Israeli allies to develop for our mutual safety. Finally, this legislation included several measures related to international diplomacy that I have championed, from ensuring that our allies in Europe, Middle East, and Western Hemisphere have the resources to defend themselves, all the way to requiring that the State Department revisit its guidelines that undermine our Taiwanese allies by, among others things, prohibiting them from displaying symbols of their sovereignty. ""I would have also enthusiastically voted for the Water Resource Development Act, which is critical for the construction of the Port of Houston's ship channel expansion project, a port that supports roughly 3.2 million jobs. ""These are important proposals and they should not have been muddied by this multi-trillion dollar mess. Like I've said before, this haphazard spending process is yet another example of the brokenness of Congress. ""Far too many parents also remain unable to send their children to school. An entire generation of students' education has been put on hold, as children and teachers alike have been left to navigate the challenges of distance learning. And yet this bill does nothing to expand school choice or empower families with the flexibility they need to support their children's education. In fact, just the opposite - in a bad sign for America's kids and the state of the U.S. education system during the pandemic, this bill delays NAEP, the national school assessment testing. ""Simply put, Democrats exploited the need for relief to advance their political agenda instead of working on legislation that puts our nation on the path to recovery. Now more than ever, our focus should be on providing parents and families support for their children's education as they're struggling with school disruptions during this pandemic, empowering small businesses to re-hire their employees and re-open their doors by cutting taxes and rolling back burdensome federal regulations, and reining in out of control spending that further exacerbates the economic challenges we're currently facing. These are the priorities I'll continue to fight for in the Senate, because these are the priorities of the American people."" ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=5532,Sen. Cruz Calls on Trump Administration to Submit Obama-Biden Iran Nuclear Deal & Paris Climate Agreement to Senate as Formal Treaties,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,TX,Ted Cruz,C001098,www.cruz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, this week called on the Trump administration to submit both the Iran Nuclear Deal and Paris Climate Agreement to the Senate as formal treaties. In a letter to President Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Sen. Cruz slammed the Obama-Biden administration for undermining the Senate's constitutional role in both the Iran Nuclear Deal and Paris Agreement negotiations, writing: ""Multiple previous administrations [...] have undermined the Senate's constitutional role by negotiating significant international agreements and then refusing to submit them to the Senate for its advice and consent. Most recently-and most egregiously-President Obama refused to submit either the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (the Iran Deal'), or the United Nations Paris Climate Agreement (the Paris Agreement') to the Senate as a treaty."" He continued: ""These agreements could and should have been submitted as treaties given their sweeping scope and immense implications for American foreign and domestic policy. The Paris Agreement, for example, was lauded as the most ambitious climate change agreement in history.' The Iran Deal, meanwhile, was situated as the most consequential foreign policy debate that our country has had since the invasion of Iraq.'"" He concluded, urging the Trump administration to submit both agreements to the Senate as formal treaties: ""Your administration has rightly changed course as a matter of substantive policy by withdrawing from both the Iran Deal and the Paris Agreement. This was a great accomplishment for the American people. ""I urge you now also to remedy the harm done to the balance of powers by submitting the Iran Deal and the Paris Agreement to the Senate as treaties. Only by submitting them to the Senate will the Senate be able to satisfy its constitutional role to provide advice and consent in the event any future administration attempts to revive these dangerous deals."" Sen. Cruz has led the fight against the Obama-Biden Iran Nuclear Deal since it was first negotiated. Since the U.S. withdrawal, he has pushed for an end to oil waivers, an end to nuclear waivers, and for invoking the U.N. snapback mechanism to restore international sanctions on Iran. In September, Sen. Cruz applauded the Trump administration for enforcing snapback sanctions on Iran and finalizing the end of the Iran Nuclear Deal. Learn more about his fight here. In 2017, Sen. Cruz urged President Trump to act on his campaign promise to ""rip up"" the Paris Climate Agreement in an op-ed on CNN.com, where he wrote, ""We simply cannot afford an agreement that puts thousands of Americans out of work, increases their energy costs and devastates our core industries."" Read Sen. Cruz's op-ed here. Shortly thereafter, President Trump announced the U.S. would withdraw from the agreement. Read the full letter here and below. December 21, 2020 The Honorable Donald J. Trump President of the United States The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, D.C. 20500 The Honorable Michael Pompeo Secretary of State U.S. Department of State 2201 C. Street NW Washington, D.C. 20230 Dear President Trump and Secretary Pompeo, The Constitution grants the Senate a significant, unique, and indispensable role in developing American foreign policy through treaties. Specifically, Article II, Section 2, Clause 2, provides that the President ""shall have the Power, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, to make Treaties, provided two-thirds of the Senators present concur."" Multiple previous administrations, however, have undermined the Senate's constitutional role by negotiating significant international agreements and then refusing to submit them to the Senate for its advice and consent. Most recently-and most egregiously-President Obama refused to submit either the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (the ""Iran Deal""), or the United Nations Paris Climate Agreement (the ""Paris Agreement"") to the Senate as a treaty. These agreements could and should have been submitted as treaties given their sweeping scope and immense implications for American foreign and domestic policy. The Paris Agreement, for example, was lauded as the ""most ambitious climate change agreement in history."" The Iran Deal, meanwhile, was situated as ""the most consequential foreign policy debate that our country has had since the invasion of Iraq."" That is why numerous Senators demanded that the administration submit both agreements to the Senate for advice and consent. Thirty-four Senators co-sponsored a resolution ""expressing the sense of Congress that the President should submit the Paris climate change agreement to the Senate for its advice and consent."" Because Obama refused to do so, Senator Risch, the current Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, later issued a joint statement with Senator Crapo stating: ""There are many reasons the Paris Climate Accord was a bad deal. Not the least of which is that it was agreed to unilaterally by the Obama Administration, violating our Constitution's requirement that all treaties be passed by a two-thirds vote in the Senate."" Similarly, in an interview addressing the Iran Deal, Senator Risch stated that President Obama ""needed to submit it to the United States Senate for ratification under the Constitution. It was a treaty."" The only reason the Obama administration refused to submit these agreements to the Senate as treaties was that it knew that the agreements were deeply unpopular and doomed for defeat. Then-Secretary of State John Kerry was shockingly candid about this end-run around the Senate's Constitutional prerogative. When asked by Rep. Ribble of Wisconsin why the deal was not considered a treaty, he replied: ""I spent quite a few years trying to get a lot of treaties through the United States Senate, and frankly, it's become physically impossible. That's why. Because you can't pass a treaty anymore."" The same was true for the Paris Agreement. The New York Times in 2014 reported that ""the Obama administration is working to forge a sweeping international climate change agreement to compel nations to cut their planet-warming fossil fuel emissions, but without ratification from Congress"" because there was ""no chance"" that the ""Senate [would] ratify a climate change treaty in the near future."" The Obama administration attempted to justify its decision to sideline the Senate by structuring the agreements in a way that allowed it to publicly assert that the agreements were not legally binding and therefore not treaties subject to the Senate's advice and consent-even though an Obama-era State Department legal memorandum determined the Paris Agreement ""does contain legally binding obligations that would apply to the United States,"" and then-President Obama himself contextualized the Iran Deal by saying that ""[a]s was true in previous treaties, it does not resolve all problems."" But this strategic restructuring is itself a significant threat to the separation of powers and the Senate's constitutional role in foreign affairs. As the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service wrote in a canonical 2001 study of the treaty power prepared for the United States Committee on Foreign Relations: The main threat of erosion of the Senate treaty power comes not from the international agreements that are submitted as treaties, however, but from the many international agreements that are not submitted for its consent. In addition to concluding hundreds of executive agreements, Presidents have made important commitments that they considered politically binding but not legally binding. Maintaining the Senate role in treaties requires overseeing all international agreements to assure that agreements that should be treaties are submitted to the Senate. Simply put, a President does great damage to the separation of powers if he arrogates the treaty power entirely to himself by altering the terms of an agreement so that most or all of the provisions are not legally binding, even as they politically and practically commit United States to a course of action opposed by Congress. See 11 F.A.M. 723 (listing criteria for determining whether an agreement is a treaty, including ""the extent to which the agreement involves commitments or risks affecting the nation as a whole"" and the ""preference of the Congress""). Your administration has rightly changed course as a matter of substantive policy by withdrawing from both the Iran Deal and the Paris Agreement. This was a great accomplishment for the American people. I urge you now also to remedy the harm done to the balance of powers by submitting the Iran Deal and the Paris Agreement to the Senate as treaties. Only by submitting them to the Senate will the Senate be able to satisfy its constitutional role to provide advice and consent in the event any future administration attempts to revive these dangerous deals. Sincerely, /s/ ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=video&id=5533,Sen. Cruz: Hong Kong Dissidents' Powerful Stories Need to Be Heard,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,TX,Ted Cruz,C001098,www.cruz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Central TX (512) 916-5834 300 E 8th Suite 961 Austin, TX 78701 Email North TX (214) 599-8749 Lee Park Tower II 3626 N. Hall St. Suite 410 Dallas, TX 75219 Email Southeast TX (713) 718-3057 The Mickey Leland Federal Building 1919 Smith Street Suite 9047 Houston, TX 77002 Email South/Cen. TX (210) 340-2885 9901 IH-10W Suite 950 San Antonio, TX 78230 Email East TX (903) 593-5130305 S. Broadway Suite 501 Tyler, TX 75702 Email South TX (956) 686-7339 200 S. 10th St Suite 1603 McAllen, TX 78501 Email Washington, D.C. (202) 224-5922 127A Russell Washington, DC 20510 Contact",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://arrington.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=430,Arrington Healthcare Reform Bills Pass in Final Week of Congress,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,TX,Jodey Arrington,A000375,arrington.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON On Monday, December 21st, the House and Senate passed several pieces of healthcare reform legislation led by Rep. Arrington. Rural hospital closures and prescription drug pricing are two of the most urgent and consequential issues facing our country, said Rep. Arrington. Patients in rural America deserve the peace of mind that comes with knowing their families can access care in case of an emergency, and seniors should not be rationing food or electricity in order to pay for their medications. Seeing these three pieces of legislation signed into law by President Trump is incredibly humbling, and I believe these policies will truly help patients and families across the nation. ""The new step-down payment model will save hundreds of rural hospitals from closing, including some in West Texas. Hospitals should have the flexibility to offer the services their community needs and tailor care to their patient population, not one-size fits-all, government mandates. Removing these unnecessary and burdensome regulations and giving community hospitals the freedom to choose their services will drive down costs and strengthen access to health care throughout Rural America. ""The Shop RX Act and the Public Disclosure of Drug Discounts Act will offer much-needed transparency into the drug supply chain. For too long, Americans have been kept in the dark on prescription drug pricing and forced to accept skyrocketing costs of medication. These bills crack down on secretive schemes and empower patients to truly understand what they are paying for when they go to the pharmacy. ""Our nation's ability to maintain a safe, affordable, and abundant supply of food and energy relies on a healthy rural America.While our healthcare delivery system is still in need of significant reforms, these three bills are a step in the right direction towards lower costs, higher quality care, and access for all. Healthcare provisions passed in the final days of the 116th Congress include: The Save Rural Communities Act Forty percent of rural hospitals operate in the red and a rash of closures across the country has jeopardized access to basic health care for people living in rural communities. Costly government mandates prevent hospitals from adjusting their services to meet the community's needs and balance their budget. The Save Rural Communities Act would repeal these mandates and give rural hospitals the freedom and flexibility to scale down to an outpatient only, 24-hour emergency care center. This new rural step-down model will be lifesaving to these facilities, which are often the largest employer and only emergency health care provider within 50 miles. The COVID-19 pandemic has unfortunately further exacerbated the hospital closure crisis in rural America, said Alan Morgan, CEO of the National Rural Health Association. Innovative models that enable rural providers to meet the needs of their communities are needed to ensure rural communities prosper. Earlier this year, Representative Arrington announced the introduction of the Save Rural Communities Act at NRHA's Annual Rural Health Policy Institute to provide rural hospitals an innovative path forward. The inclusion of the legislation in the year-end COVID-19 relief package is a win for rural providers and patients. NRHA is proud to work alongside Representative Arrington to champion meaningful legislation on behalf of rural America. ""The new Rural Emergency Hospital Designation included in the upcoming 2020-2021 spending package represents landmark legislation for rural health care,"" Chief Administrative Officer of Covenant Health Steve Beck said. ""Not since 1997 when the Critical Access Designation was passed in the Balance Budget Act has legislation been passed to create innovate models on how to deliver rural health care. With this measure, many of our smaller, rural communities will maintain access to quality health care and not be forced to otherwise close their local hospital doors."" ""We are very pleased to see components of the bill addressing some of the rural hospital and rural health challenges, said Don McBeath, with the Texas Organization of Rural & Community Hospitals. These action will help protect access to care in rural areas. We are also appreciate Representative Arrington who was a driving force behind these provisions."" The Shop RX Act of 2019 For too long, seniors on Medicare have been unfairly subjected to an convoluted and confusing process for buying their prescription drugs. The Shop RX Act will ensure that health insurers with prescription drug plans offer comprehensive, real-time information to Medicare beneficiaries, allowing their doctors to see the cost of a drug and cheaper alternatives before writing a prescription. This commonsense measure will also empower seniors with the information to purchase the right drugs at the right price for their individual needs. ""Real time benefit tools allow patients to know what lower cost prescription drug options are available before they get prescribed and dispensed. This is sorely needed right now. We commend Congressman Arrington for his tireless work to add this provision to the coronavirus package,"" said Joel White, President of the Council For Affordable Health Coverage. ""Giving access to prescription drug benefit information in real-time, at the point of care is an important step for both providers and patients in the ongoing fight to reduce burdens and costs in our healthcare system. HIA applauds Representative Arrington for his successful effort to add this to the new law,"" said Brett Meeks, VP of Health Innovation Alliance. The Public Disclosure of Drug Discounts Act Insurers negotiate drug prices with Pharma, but it's done completely in the dark with no ability to discern if taxpayers and seniors are getting the best deals. The Public Disclosure of Drug Discounts Act shines a light on these negotiations by requiring insurance companies to report when rebates, discounts, and price concessions happen and whether those savings are benefiting seniors and taxpayers or themselves. This legislation will require PBMs to report the totals of rebates, discounts, and price concessions they negotiate with Pharma and then publish the results, bringing much-needed transparency into the drug supply chain. NCPA appreciates Congress including the Public Disclosure of Drug Discounts Act in the Consolidated Appropriations Act for 2021. This provision will bring further transparency to PBMs and the games they play with drug rebates, which can include steering patients to more expensive drugs to the detriment of small business community pharmacies, said Karry K. La Violette, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs & Director of the Advocacy Center, National Community Pharmacists Association. NCPA thanks the bill's original sponsors, Reps. Jodey Arrington, Abigail Spanberger, and Brendan Boyle, for their leadership in addressing this issue and securing its inclusion in this omnibus package. ""Real time benefit tools allow patients to know what lower cost prescription drug options are available before they get prescribed and dispensed. This is sorely needed right now. We commend Congressman Arrington for his tireless work to add this provision to the coronavirus package,"" said Joel White, President of the Council For Affordable Health Coverage. ""Giving access to prescription drug benefit information in real-time, at the point of care is an important step for both providers and patients in the ongoing fight to reduce burdens and costs in our healthcare system. HIA applauds Representative Arrington for his successful effort to add this to the new law,"" said Brett Meeks, VP of Health Innovation Alliance.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://carter.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1498,"Carter Secures $48.7 million for Fort Hood, $60 million for Privatized Housing Oversight in FY21 Appropriations Bill",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,TX,John R. Carter,C001051,carter.house.gov,carter,https://carter.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Representative John Carter (TX-31) today announced $48.7 million for Fort Hood in the fiscal year 2021 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Appropriations bill. The funding includes $32.7 million for a fuel facilities project and $16 million to complete battalion headquarters. The legislation also includes $60 million, as part of a $200 million investment, for privatized housing oversight and support. “As the top Republican on the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee, I’m proud to deliver these victories for the men and women at Ft. Hood,” said Representative Carter. “It’s always been my goal to provide the resources necessary for the soldiers to do their jobs safely and effectively. These additional investments increase quality of life and help maintain readiness of our military.” The fiscal year 2021 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill is included in the FY21 consolidated appropriations bill that is expected to reach the house floor today. Rep. Carter represents Texas District 31, which includes Fort Hood, the largest active duty armored military installation in the free world. He serves as co-chairman of the Congressional Army Caucus and Chairman of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Appropriations. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://gooden.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-lance-gooden-r-tx-urges-texas-senators-cornyn-cruz-object-electoral,Congressman Lance Gooden (R-TX) Urges Texas Senators Cornyn & Cruz: Object to Electoral College Certification on January 6th,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,TX,Lance Gooden,G000589,gooden.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Lance Gooden (R-TX) sent a letter to Texas Senators John Cornyn & Ted Cruz announcing his intention to reject the certification of the Electoral College vote and urging the two Senators to join him in doing so. The vote will be held by a Joint Session of Congress on January 6th, 2021. The letter reads, in part: ""We must stand up for the tens of millions ofAmericans who want answers to the irregularities surrounding this election. It is our duty to ensure the integrity of our election is unwavering, and the American people deserve to feel confident their vote counts."" Congressman Gooden has been a leading advocate for an independent investigation into election irregularities and voter fraud. He led over two dozen House Republicans in calling for the appointment of a special counsel to launch an election probe. He joined numerous efforts asking the Department of Justice and congressional leaders to examine potential wrongdoing, but there has been little action on their part. Read the full letter to Senators Cornyn & Cruz here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://gooden.house.gov/press-releases?ID=CB1F43DD-65AF-4E3D-8182-80672B654EF1,Congressman Lance Gooden (R-TX) Urges Texas Senators Cornyn & Cruz: Object to Electoral College Certification on January 6th,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,TX,Lance Gooden,G000589,gooden.house.gov,gooden,https://gooden.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Lance Gooden (R-TX) sent a letter to Texas Senators John Cornyn & Ted Cruz announcing his intention to reject the certification of the Electoral College vote and urging the two Senators to join him in doing so. The vote will be held by a Joint Session of Congress on January 6th, 2021. The letter reads, in part: ""We must stand up for the tens of millions ofAmericans who want answers to the irregularities surrounding this election. It is our duty to ensure the integrity of our election is unwavering, and the American people deserve to feel confident their vote counts."" Congressman Gooden has been a leading advocate for an independent investigation into election irregularities and voter fraud. He led over two dozen House Republicans in calling for the appointment of a special counsel to launch an election probe. He joined numerous efforts asking the Department of Justice and congressional leaders to examine potential wrongdoing, but there has been little action on their part. Read the full letter to Senators Cornyn & Cruz here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://hurd.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/serrano-hurd-bill-establish-national-museum-american-latino-included,"Serrano, Hurd Bill to Establish National Museum of the American Latino Included in Omnibus Package",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,TX,Will Hurd,H001073,hurd.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON With bipartisan support, Congress yesterday approved a year-end funding package, which included Reps. Jose Serrano (D-N.Y.) and Will Hurd's (R-Texas) legislation, the National Museum of the American Latino Act. The bill takes the first step in establishing the National Museum of the American Latino within the Smithsonian Institution. To fully understand American history, we have to understand all our history. That includes the contributions of the many Latinos, past and present, who have had a tremendous impact on our nation's history and culture, said Hurd. After more than 20 years of work, we were able to get this bill unanimously through the House, and today we reach another milestone with its approval through this year's funding bill. I am proud to be a leader in this effort, and I look forward to the day when the stories of my constituents are forever memorialized for millions of expected visitors from all over the world to see. As lead Republican cosponsor on the bill in the House, Hurd ushered its unanimous passage in July. Hurd has long been a strong proponent of establishing a museum of the American Latino to permanently honor the contributions Latinos have made to our nation. In November, Hurd wrote a letter with Serrano to the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration urging passage of the legislation. Earlier this year, Hurd testified before the Committee on House Administration on the need for a National Museum on the American Latino, and, in September of last year, Hurd penned a column during Hispanic Heritage Month urging passage of this legislation. Once the bill becomes law, it will mark Hurd's 18th piece of legislation signed into law.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://johncarter.house.gov/press-releases/carter-secures-487-million-fort-hood-60-million-privatized-housing-oversight-fy21,"Carter Secures $48.7 million for Fort Hood, $60 million for Privatized Housing Oversight in FY21 Appropriations Bill",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,TX,John Carter,C001051,johncarter.house.gov,,,legacy,,0,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kevinbrady.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=404979,Three Years of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,TX,Kevin Brady,B000755,kevinbrady.house.gov,,,legacy,"Three years ago, House Republicans and President Trump rewrote our nations tax code for the first time in 30 years. I was honored to lead these efforts, and in the three years since theTax Cuts and Jobs Actwas signed into law, weve seen historic economic success. Wages increased, main street optimism reached an all-time high, jobs were brought back from overseas, and the unemployment rate reached record lows. Bottom line theTax Cuts and Jobs Acthelped all Americans, and created record-low unemployment for women, people of color and minorities, and workers without high school degrees. Three years later, tax reform serves as a strong foundation on which to rebuild our economy and it is the smart, pro-growth policies that theTax Cuts and Jobs Actembodied that we must focus on to help our families, small businesses, and workers recover from COVID-19.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://olson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/olson-secures-key-victories-for-texas-in-end-of-year-spending-bill,OLSON SECURES KEY VICTORIES FOR TEXAS IN END OF YEAR SPENDING BILL,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,TX,Pete Olson,O000168,olson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC - Rep. Pete Olson (R-TX) last night voted in support of the FY2021 Omnibus Appropriations Bill that includes many key Olson victories for Texas. Included in the bill was Olson's DSH Cuts and Delays Act, which provides a critical delay in scheduled cuts to Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) payments for three years and allows hospitals to stay open and continue caring for our most vulnerable citizens.The bill also includes two critical priorities Olson fought for on the energy and environment side. One allows the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to address a shortage of regulators to review pending energy infrastructure projects by paying more competitive wages. The bill also includes a hard-fought environmental win that includes a 15 year phase down of the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), coolants primarily used in air conditioning and refrigerators, in favor of more environmentally sound alternatives supported by the manufacturing industry. The package authorizes $1.4 trillion in government funding through September 2021 and provides an additional $900 billion in a second round of COVID stimulus aid for families and businesses struggling in this global pandemic. This package includes five of Olson's bills. I'm relieved that congressional Democrats have finally set their partisan agenda aside to fund the government and provide critical financial relief for struggling American families and businesses. Many of the provisions I was proud to secure in this package were the result of years of hard work and will truly help folks in TX-22 and across America, Rep. Pete Olson said. The healthcare provisions will help ensure quality care for low-income folks across Texas and America. The phase down of HFC's will also improve air quality in America and ensure our manufacturers stay competitive in the global economy. As I depart Congress, I'm proud of the work that my colleagues and I have accomplished in a small, but important way to ensure continued healthcare for some of our most vulnerable neighbors and work in a bipartisan manner to improve our environment and American competitiveness. I'm glad the Senate also passed this package and immediately sent it to President Trump's desk for final passage. Disproportionate share funds (DSH) serve a vital role in funding safety net hospitals such as OakBend Medical Center. Typical of most safety net hospitals, OakBend runs a deficit in more years than not. Without safety net funding such as DSH we would have to shut our doors, leaving the poor and elderly of our community without access to hospital services. We appreciate Congressman Olson's efforts to delay cuts to the DSH program.- Joe Freudenberger, CEO of Oak Bend Medical Center Congressman Olson knows well how much the nation's safety net hospitals rely upon critical supplemental payment programs, such as the Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH), given that providers caring for Medicaid patients are only reimbursed at approximately one-half of the cost of care provided. Our system and providers across the country applaud the Congressman's and his colleagues' tenacity in gaining a three-year delay in the imposition of these cuts, particularly at a time when providers have suffered significant financial impacts responding to COVID-19. Freddy Warner, Chief Government Relations Officer, Memorial Hermann Health System Medicaid DSH payments are critical to children's hospitals. Congress created the Medicaid DSH program to provide financial help to hospitals that treat a large number of Medicaid and uninsured patients. Unfortunately, Medicaid reimburses children's hospitals at an average of only 80% of the cost of providing care, and Medicaid reimbursement to children's hospitals would fall even lower without crucial DSH payments. These DSH payments help children's hospitals sustain specialized pediatric care services and pediatric training programs that benefit all patients. Texas Children's Hospital is grateful for Congressman Olson's leadership to ensure a delay in cuts to a critical funding source for Texas Children's, and all children's hospitals especially as we navigate challenges due to COVID-19. Weldon Gage, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Texas Children's Hospital COVID-19 Relief Package Highlights: Provides over $280 billion to reopen and strengthen the PPP program. Nearly $20 billion for the production of vaccines and therapeutics, covering the cost for everyone who needs it. $8.75 billion for distribution of vaccines. This includes cold chain, advance freezers, and supporting state efforts. $600 stimulus checks per individual/child ($1200 per married couple). $10 billion in Child Care and Development Block Grant Program (CCDBG) Increases the PPP loan amount for Restaurants and Hotels from 2.5x payroll to 3.5x, providing an extra month's worth of payroll support $45 billion in transportation assistance. $13 billion in support to farmers, ranchers, and the agriculture sector Background on TheDSH Cuts Delay Act, H.R. 3054: Reps. Pete Olson and Dan Crenshaw introduced the Improving Low-Income Access to Prescription Drugs Act, which would require a delay to scheduled cuts to Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) payments for two years.Medicaid DSH payments help sustain hospitals that serve a disproportionate number of low-income and uninsured patients. In doing so, these hospitals incur tremendous uncompensated costs. Medicaid DSH payments help make up for those losses and, in turn, allow hospitals to keep their doors open and continue caring for our most vulnerable citizens. This bill provides more time for Congress to develop a more sustainable, permanent solution to enable these hospitals to continue operating. Congressman Olson was able to secure a temporary delay in the CERTS Act of 2020 for the 2020 fiscal year. If these cuts go into effect, 186 Texas hospitals will be affected and will lose an estimated $450 million in state and federal funding. Rep. Olson and Rep. Eliot Engel (D-NY)sent a letter, signed by 300 Members of Congress, to Congressional leaders requesting a delay to Medicaid cuts. Additional Olson Bills Included in the 2021 Omnibus Spending Bill: The AIM Act, H.R. 5544: Reps. Paul Tonko and Pete Olson introduced the American Innovation and Manufacturing Leadership Act, a bipartisan bill that would phase down the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), coolants primarily used in air conditioning and refrigerators, in favor of more environmentally sound alternatives supported by the manufacturing industry. The bill will provide a responsible phase down of HFC's and will stimulate additional economic benefits by creating an additional 33,000 manufacturing jobs, improving the U.S. trade balance in equipment and chemicals by $12.5 billion annually and increasing exports by $5 billion. Studies forecast the overall contribution to the HVACR industry will be 2.5 million jobs and $621 billion in economic output by 2027. The Timely Review of Infrastructure Act, H.R. 1426: Reps. Pete Olson and Mike Doyle introduced the Timely Review of Infrastructure Act, which allows the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to address a shortage of regulators to review pending energy infrastructure projects like the LNG export terminals in Texas and Louisiana. Salary is a critical component in deciding where to work and the private sector can pay significantly higher salaries, leaving a shortage of regulators to review the viability of projects creating a backlog. This bill allows FERC to pay competitive salaries to ensure the oversight and review process can continue in a timely manner. The Shop RX Act of 2019, HR 3408: Reps. Pete Olson and Jodey Arrington introduced the Shop RX Act, which requires prescription drug plans to offer real-time benefit information to Medicare beneficiaries. Real-time benefits allow providers to see the cost of a drug and its alternatives before they prescribe it to their patients. By incorporating price transparency tools, both patients and their providers can have more informed, productive conversations about their health care options. Improving Low-Income Access to Prescription Drugs Act, HR 3029: Reps. Pete Olson, Nanette Diaz Barragan, Kenny Marchant, and John Lewis introduced the Improving Low Income Access to Prescription Drugs Act, which would permanently authorize the Limited Income Newly Eligible Transition (LI NET) Program. This Program provides temporary prescription drug coverage for low-income beneficiaries, eliminating gaps in coverage while they apply for Medicare Part D drug coverage. In 2018, the LI NET Program helped almost 800,000 Americans, including 41,350 Texans. Read the full text of the omnibus spending bill here. ### Media Contact | MacKenzie Morales",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://roy.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-roy-votes-against-5600-age-23-trillion-backroom-spending-bill,"Rep. Roy votes against 5,600-page, $2.3 trillion, backroom spending bill",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,TX,Chip Roy,R000614,roy.house.gov,,,legacy,,0,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://weber.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=630,Rep. Randy Weber (R-TX) Releases Statement on December 2020 COVID Spending Package,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,TX,Randy Weber,W000814,weber.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Tuesday, December 22, 2020 U.S. Rep. Randy Weber (R-TX-14) issued the following statement in response to the December 2020COVID spending package. ""Once again, Nancy Pelosi negotiated a massive spending bill in secret and released the 5,500+ bill text at the final hour. While I believe hardworking American families and businesses deserve additional Payment Protection Program (PPP) funding and stimulus checks, this much-needed relief package was tied to a bloated $1.4 trillion omnibus bill which failed to prioritize American families. Even worse, it created additional financial strain on future generations with its frivolous spending. Some of the most troubling items include: $4 billion in aid to foreign countries $54.3 billion in additional funding for many schools which refuse to open $10 million for gender programs in Pakistan $4 million to kill hornets $10 billion loan relief to USPS $15 billion bailout to the live music and entertainment industries * tax breaks for racehorse owners ""Nancy Pelosi knew what she was doing when she tied the relief package and her bloated spending bills together. She needed the votes to fund her liberal priorities, so she packaged it with the relief priorities that families and small businesses really need. I would have voted for the relief package on its own PPP and stimulus checks. In fact, like President Trump, I would have supported BIGGER stimulus checks for struggling families. ""I voted for all of that when Congress passed the CARES Act in the spring. But, this time she held it hostage to liberal priorities foreign governments, Hollywood and racehorse owners. Americans deserve better.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://wright.house.gov/media/press-releases/wright-issues-statement-rose-bowl-coming-arlington,Wright Issues Statement on Rose Bowl Coming to Arlington,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,TX,Ron Wright,W000827,wright.house.gov,,,legacy,"Arlington, T.X. Today, Congressman Ron Wright (TX-06) issued the following statement: ""There are very few things Texans love more than football, and there is no better place to host the Rose Bowl than AT&T Stadium in Arlington. The fact that California elected officials were not going to allow players' families and loved ones to attend the game is disgraceful, and we can't wait to welcome them to the Entertainment District in January. I want to congratulate Mayor Williams and the entire city of Arlington on this exciting achievement. Finally, I have seen news outlets reporting that this game will take place in Dallas. I want to remind everyone that this game will take place in Arlington, TX, not Dallas, TX. Arlington's Entrainment District is home to AT&T Stadium, Globe Life Park, Six Flags over Texas, and much more. Unfortunately, some news outlets continue to make this same careless mistake over and over again."" ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/content/news/cornyn%E2%80%99s-energy-innovation-bill-passes-senate,Cornyn’s Energy Innovation Bill Passes Senate,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,TX,John Cornyn,C001056,www.cornyn.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement after his Launching Energy Advancement and Development through Innovations for Natural Gas (LEADING) Act passed the Senate as a part of the omnibus funding bill: The LEADING Act gives energy innovators the freedom and resources to revolutionize natural gas power while keeping energy bills low for Texans, said Sen. Cornyn. Rather than an everything-but-the-kitchen-sink regulation approach like the Green New Deal, this bill focuses on enhancing a reliable, affordable, and environmentally-friendly energy supply for the future. Background on the LEADING Act: The LEADING Act would incentivize research and development of carbon capture technology for natural gas to ensure a reliable, affordable, and environmentally sound energy supply. The LEADING Act will promote the continued use of natural gas so we can keep energy bills low, maintain U.S. energy security, and protect the environment all at the same time. By increasing the use of natural gas and other innovative resources, the United States is leading the world in emissions reduction. Natural gas is now the main source of energy in the United States, generating 35.1% of our electricity in 2018. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) expects this number to continue to rise for the foreseeable future as more natural gas power plants come online. Natural gas emits 50 to 60 percent less carbon dioxide when combusted in a natural gas power plant compared with other sources. Natural gas supports the deployment of renewable energy, and natural gas power plants can quickly and safely ramp up and down to combat the volatility of renewables. Developing cost-effective carbon capture technology for natural gas power plants will help the United States continue to lower emissions while creating jobs and supporting domestic energy production and security. The Launching Energy Advancement and Development through Innovations for Natural Gas Act would require the Secretary of Energy to establish a program for the research, development, and demonstration of commercially viable technologies for the capture of carbon dioxide produced during the generation of natural gas-generated power. Specifically, the bill would: Require the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to establish a program to develop cost-effective carbon capture technologies for use by natural gas-generating power facilities. By incentivizing research and innovation, the goal is to accelerate development and commercial application of natural gas carbon capture technologies and create a partnership with the private sector for demonstration projects. Encourage DOE to include the participation of National Laboratories, universities, and research facilities, including the National Carbon Capture Center. Require DOE to solicit applications for demonstration projects and submit a report to Congress detailing legislative recommendations, applicant evaluation method, expected goals for technology development, estimations of project costs, and timelines for project construction.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/content/news/cornyn-bill-blocking-e-cigarette-sales-children-passes-senate,Cornyn Bill Blocking E-Cigarette Sales to Children Passes Senate,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,TX,John Cornyn,C001056,www.cornyn.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement after the Preventing Online Sales of E-Cigarettes to Children Act, which would block online sales of electronic cigarettes to children, passed the Senate as part of the omnibus funding legislation: The use of electronic cigarettes among children has become more and more pervasive, with a third of underage users buying e-cigarettes online, said Sen. Cornyn. I look forward to President Trump signing this into law so we can help stop this generation of young Americans from developing unhealthy addictions. Background: The Preventing Online Sales of E-Cigarettes to Children Act, which passed the House in 2019, passed the Senate in July of 2020 with a minor change, and had to be passed again as part of the omnibus funding legislation, would require e-cigarette online retailers to: Verify the age of customers for all purchases. Require an adult with ID to be present for delivery. Label shipping packages to show they contain tobacco products. Comply with all state and local tobacco tax requirements. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 3 million high schools students used electronic cigarettes in 2018, a 78 percent increase over the previous year. Today, one in five U.S. high school students report using e-cigarettes, which have become the most commonly used tobacco product by youth in the United States. A recent survey published in the American Journal of Health Promotion found that 32 percent of underage e-cigarette users reported purchasing products online, making online sales the single largest source of purchases for underage users. In addition to Senators Cornyn and Feinstein, the bill is cosponsored by Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Kamala Harris (D-CA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Susan Collins (R-ME), David Perdue (R-GA), John Boozman (R-AR), Michael Enzi (R-WY), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Edward Markey (D-MA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Martha McSally (R-AZ), Jack Reed (D-RI), and Pat Roberts (R-KS). The bill is supported by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American Lung Association, Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum, California Physicians Alliance, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, Children's Health Fund, Go2Foundation for Lung Cancer, National Alliance for Hispanic Health, National Association of Convenience Stores and Society of Independent Gasoline Marketers of America.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/content/news/cornyn-latino-smithsonian-bill-heads-president%E2%80%99s-desk-signature,Cornyn Latino Smithsonian Bill Heads to President’s Desk for Signature,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,TX,John Cornyn,C001056,www.cornyn.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Last night U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX)'s legislation to authorize the Smithsonian Institution to create a museum honoring American Latinos, the National Museum of the American Latino Act, passed the Senate as a part of the Omnibus funding legislation. It now heads to the President's desk. As a proud Texan, I'm fortunate to have grown up in a state steeped in the contributions of Latino Americans. From the brave soldiers who fought in the Texas Revolution, to the civil rights activists like Cesar Chaves, cultural icons like Selena, and leaders of all types in our communities generations of Latino Americans have shaped our country as it is today. But many Americans aren't familiar with the vast contributions of these men and women, and one critical way we can begin to right this wrong is by providing a brick and mortar home for their stories in our nation's capital. The National Museum of the American Latino will honor and preserve the stories of Latinos throughout our history, so generations of Americans can view a more accurate picture of the great American story. The National Museum of the American Latino Act builds on nearly 17 years' worth of work in laying the foundation for the establishment of a future museum. In 2003, the first Congressional bill was introduced to study the creation of a museum. In 2008, with Presidential and Congressional leadership, a 23-member Commission was established to study the viability of a museum. In 2011, the Commission's work culminated in a final report that detailed that the creation of a museum on the National Mall was indeed feasible. In 2020, this legislation will act on the Commission's report and put into motion the process of establishing a Latino Museum, similar to those that established other Smithsonian museums.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/content/news/cornyn-passes-20-texas-priorities-water-infrastructure-bill,Cornyn Passes 20 Texas Priorities in Water Infrastructure Bill,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,TX,John Cornyn,C001056,www.cornyn.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTONU.S. Senator John Cornyn released the following statement after twenty Texas priorities he advocated for in the Water Resources Development Act of 2020 passed the Senate as a part of the omnibus funding bill: Texans will be safer from future storms with the authorization of these projects, said Sen. Cornyn. From studying flood risk to fortifying levees to improving ship channels, all Texans stand to benefit from the high priority infrastructure projects included in this bill. Sen. Cornyn's priorities that are included in theWater Resources Development Act of 2020 are as follows: Authorizes the Houston Ship Channel Expansion Improvement Project. Authorizes the Jefferson County ecosystem restoration project. Authorizes the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, Brazos River Floodgates, and Colorado River Locks navigation project. Authorizes the Matagorda Ship Channel Improvement Project in Port Lavaca. Authorizes the Chacon Creek flood risk management project. Authorizes a new feasibility study for the Port Arthur and Orange County flood risk management project, including construction of improvements to interior drainage. Authorizes a feasibility study for the Chocolate Bayou flood risk management project. Authorizes project modifications for the Houston-Galveston Navigation Channels project. Authorizes a feasibility study for the Port of Victoria flood risk management project. Expedites the completion of the Buffalo Bayou feasibility study for flood risk management. Requires the Secretary of the Army to provide a written status update on efforts to address flooding at Wilson Creek and Sloan Creek in Fairview, Texas. Authorizes project modifications for the Port of Corpus Christi Channel Improvement project. Expedites completion of the Lake Whitney Reallocation Study for the reallocation of water supply storage. Expedites completion of the Aquilla Lake Reallocation Study for the reallocation of water supply storage. Expedites the completion of the Lower Rio Grande River feasibility study for flood risk management, ecosystem restoration, and water supply. Authorizes the USACE to participate in the repair and restoration of the eroding embankment at Lake Waco. Directs the USACE to assist El Paso County with a proposal to modify the authorized funding level for a water related infrastructure project. Assists Harris County Flood Control District in streamlining benefit-cost analyses for projects. Directs the USACE to identify specific engineering and maintenance deficiencies for levees across Texas and the nation, and to describe recommended remedies to correct each deficiency to ensure that critical levee performance is being achieved. Reauthorizes of the Rio Grande Environmental Management Program in Texas, New Mexico, and Colorado through 2029.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/content/news/senate-passes-cornyn-relief-bill-independent-live-music-venues,Senate Passes Cornyn Relief Bill for Independent Live Music Venues,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,TX,John Cornyn,C001056,www.cornyn.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement after the Senate passed the Save Our Stages Act, legislation he authored to provide Small Business Administration grants for independent live music venues, live performance arts organizations, or motion picture theatres affected by COVID-19 stay-at-home orders, as part of the omnibus funding bill. These grants would provide financial support necessary to keep venues afloat, pay employees, and preserve a critical economic sector for communities across America. Texas' historic and world-class entertainment venues were some of the first businesses to close, and many remain shuttered nine months later, said Sen. Cornyn. I'm proud to have led the charge in the Senate to ensure they have the resources to overcome lost revenue and mounting bills, and I urge the President to quickly sign this into law so Texans can enjoy their favorite artists at dance halls and live music venues for years to come. Background: Live music and entertainment venues have been hard-hit during the coronavirus pandemic, with 90 percent of venue owners, promoters, and bookers reporting they are at risk of closing without additional financial assistance and an estimated $9 billion in losses should ticket sales not resume until 2021. The Save Our Stages Act would: Narrowly define eligibility to ensure only shuttered and at-risk venues qualify for federal grant funding. Direct the SBA to make grants to eligible venues equal to the lesser of either 45 percent of operation costs from calendar year 2019 or $10 million Permit recipients to use grants for essential expenses incurred during the COVID pandemic Require recipients to return remaining funding after one year from the date of disbursement Permit recipients to use grants for rent, utilities, mortgage obligations, PPE procurement, payments to contractors, regular maintenance, administrative costs, state and local taxes, operating leases, and capital expenditures related to meeting state, local, or federal social distancing guidelines Authorize the appropriation of $15 billion for the grant program",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/es/es/content/news/el-proyecto-de-ley-de-cornyn-para-un-smithsonian-latino-se-dirige-al-escritorio-del,El Proyecto de Ley de Cornyn para un Smithsonian Latino Se Dirige al Escritorio del Presidente para su Firma,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,TX,John Cornyn,C001056,www.cornyn.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Anoche el proyecto de ley de senador John Cornyn (R-TX) para autorizar a la Institucin Smithsonian a crear un museo para honrar a los latinoamericanos, La Ley del Museo Nacional del Latinoamericano, fue aprobado por el Senado como parte de la legislacin Omnibus. Ahora va al escritorio del presidente. Como un Texan orgulloso, tengo la suerte de haber crecido en un estado con una rica historia de las contribuciones de los latinoamericanos. Desde los valientes soldados que lucharon en la Revolucin de Texas, hasta los activistas de derechos civiles como Cesar Chaves, iconos culturales como Selena, y lderes de todo tipo en nuestras comunidades generaciones de latinoamericanos han dado forma a nuestro pas como es hoy. Pero muchos estadounidenses no estn familiares con las vastas contribuciones de estos hombres y mujeres, yuna manera crtica de que podamos comenzar a arreglar este mal es proporcionando un hogar de ladrillo y mortero para sus historias en la capital de nuestra nacin. El Museo Nacional del Latinoamericano honrar y preservar las historias de los latinoamericanos a lo largo de nuestra historia, para que generaciones de estadounidenses puedan ver una imagen ms precisa de la gran historia estadounidense. La Ley del Museo Nacional del Latinoamericano se basa en casi 17 aos de trabajo para sentar las bases para el establecimiento de un futuro museo. En 2003, se introdujo el primer proyecto de ley del Congreso para estudiar la creacin de un museo. En 2008, con el liderazgo presidencial y congresal, se establece una comisin de 23 miembros para estudiar la viabilidad de un museo. En 2011, el trabajo de la comisin culmin en un informe final que detallaba que la creacin de un museo en el National Mall era realmente viable. En 2020, este proyecto de ley actuar sobre el informe de la comisin y pondr en marcha el proceso de establecer un museo latinoamericano, como los que establecieron otros museos de la Institucin Smithsonian.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://babin.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6869,Babin Commits to Jan. 6 Electoral College Objections and Demands Action,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,TX,Brian Babin,B001291,babin.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Congressman Brian Babin (TX-36) issued the following statement after sending a letter with 18 House colleagues requesting a hearing to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, and several relevant House and Senate committee chairs. According to the Constitution and federal statutes, resolving federal election contests for the President, the Senate, and the House falls under the jurisdiction of Congress. The letter urges House and Senate leadership to investigate and conduct hearings regarding voter fraud and election theft so that Congress is fully equipped to address the legality of the November 3, 2020 election. Confidence in our election process must be restored, said Babin. It is my duty to do everything in my power to ensure that every legal vote is counted, every illegal vote is not, and our elections remain transparent. Our democracy will not survive otherwise. If Congress refuses to act before January 6, I will object to the electoral college vote submissions on the House floor on behalf of the millions of Americans, myself included, who do not trust the validity of this election. Signers of the letter:Congressman Brian Babin (TX-36), Congressman Mo Brooks (AL-05), Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05), Congressman Mike Rogers (AL-03), Congressman Jim Banks (IN-03), Congressman David Rouzer (NC-07), Congressman Paul Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04), Congressman Ted Budd (NC-13), Congressman Lance Gooden (TX-05), Congressman Bob Gibbs (OH-07),Congressman Ralph Norman (SC-05), Congressman Gregory Steube (FL-17), Congressman Jody Hice (GA-10), Congressman Mike Kelly (PA-16), Congressman Jeff Duncan (SC-03), Congressman Louie Gohmert (TX-01), Congressman Randy Weber (TX-14), Congressman Scott DesJarlais (TN-04), and Congressman Mike Garcia (CA-25). To view the letter, click here. View full text of the letter below: December 16, 2020 The Honorable Mitch McConnell Senate Majority Leader 317 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 The Honorable Lindsey Graham Chairman Committee on the Judiciary United States Senate 224 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 The Honorable Roy Blunt Chairman Committee on Rules and Administration United States Senate 260 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 The Honorable Ron Johnson Chairman Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee United States Senate 340 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 The Honorable Nancy Pelosi Speaker of the House of Representatives 1236 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 The Honorable Jerrold L. Nadler Chairman Committee on the Judiciary U.S. House of Representatives 2138 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 The Honorable Zoe Lofgren Chairperson Committee on House Administration U.S. House of Representatives 1309 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 The Honorable Carolyn Maloney Chairwoman Oversight and Reform Committee U.S. House of Representatives 2157 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Dear Leader McConnell, Chairman Blunt, Chairman Graham, Chairman Johnson, Speaker Pelosi, Chairperson Lofgren, Chairman Nadler, and Chairwoman Maloney: Constitution Article I, Section 4 (the Election Clause) empowers Congress to set the times, places and manner of elections involving federal elected officials. State legislatures are similarly empowered to set the times, places and manner of elections provided they do not conflict with the laws of Congress. There are countless incontestable examples wherein governors, election officials, and judges altered states' election procedures in violation of the Constitution's Election Clause, in conflict with Congressional acts setting the times, places and manner of elections, and in conflict with legislative acts similarly setting the times, places and manner of elections. What is unknown is the exact extent to which these violations of Article I, Section 4 illegally affected and altered federal elections within various states. Constitution Article 1, Section 5 empowers the House and Senate to be the Judge of the Elections, Returns and Qualifications of its own Members. United States Code Title 3, Chapter 1 states the process by which electoral college electors' votes are communicated to Congress and the procedures by which Congress accepts or rejects states' electoral college vote submissions (3 U.S.C. 15). The sum and substance of the above Constitutional and statutory provisions is that Congress is the final and ultimate judge, jury and arbiter of all contested Congressional, Senatorial, and Presidential elections. The House of Representatives has already received notice of, and shall be the Judge of, an election contest in Iowa. Similarly, the presidential election has been the subject of dozens of lawsuits alleging voter fraud, illegal voting, and election theft which, on January 6, 2021, may or will be the subject of extensive floor debate as Congress determines whether to accept or reject various states' electoral college vote submissions. To date, and as would be expected because federal elected office contest duties lie with Congress, federal courts and the Supreme Court have had no trials on, no substantive evidentiary hearings on, and declined to rule on the merits of numerous voter fraud, illegal voting and election theft allegations in dozens of lawsuits. America's republic is dependent on the actual and perceived honesty and accuracy of the elections which are the underpinning of all republics. Inasmuch as it is inevitable that Congress will face one or more election contests, likely to include that for President of the United States, we, the undersigned, request that your committees do their jobs on behalf of our country and immediately and without delay hold all evidentiary and other hearings necessary to fully investigate and probe the anomalies of the 2020 general election so that Congressmen and Senators will be fully informed as we face contests and questions about the legitimacy and validity of all federal elections held on November 3, 2020. This request has particular urgency due to federal law mandating that all objections to the receipt of various state electoral college vote submissions be made on January 6, 2021. Therefore, we ask that you immediately convene and hold hearings that: 1. probe all allegations of illegal conduct concerning the November 3, 2020 elections. 2. investigate systemic problems affecting our elections. 3. hear from election experts to explore legislative solutions that lessen the impact of fraudulent and illegal votes and restores faith that America can hold a free and fair election. We look forward to your prompt action on these matters that are critical to America's continued existence as a republic. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kaygranger.house.gov/press-releases?ID=1A1E96E1-E7BE-47E7-85B0-8A87B4C0C7A7,"Granger Secures Funding for Key Local Defense Priorities, Jobs, and the Economy",2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,TX,Kay Granger,G000377,kaygranger.house.gov,,,legacy,"Facebook Icon Google Plus Icon Instagram Icon LinkedIn Icon Twitter Icon YouTube Icon Vimeo Icon Clients Icon Email icon Map Icon Print Icon Quote Icon icon_share Carousel Arrow - Left Carousel Arrow - Right Home Media Press Releases Print",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kevinbrady.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=404978,"Neal, Brady: This Bipartisan Agreement Provides Critical Support for American Workers",2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,TX,Kevin Brady,B000755,kevinbrady.house.gov,,,legacy,"Neal, Brady: This Bipartisan Agreement Provides Critical Support for American Workers f t # e Washington, December 21, 2020 Washington, D.C. Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard E. Neal (D-MA) and the top Republican on the House Ways and Means Committee Kevin Brady (R-TX) released the following statement after the House passed a year-end funding and COVID relief package: Thisbipartisan agreement provides critical support for American workers, families, and small businesses,Neal and Brady said. They will get more resources to help them through this pandemic, surprise medical bills will now be a thing of the past, and our doctors and health care providers will receive more funding as we continue our work to defeat this virus. Our Committee members and staff worked hard to ensure this finalbipartisan agreement delivered important relief, and we look forward to continuing our bipartisan work as a Committee in the new year. f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://williams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-williams-votes-in-favor-of-bipartisan-bicameral-covid-19-relief-and,Rep. Williams Votes in Favor of Bipartisan-Bicameral COVID-19 Relief and Omnibus Package,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,TX,Roger Williams,W000816,williams.house.gov,williams,https://williams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Roger Williams (R-TX-25) today released the following statement after voting in favor of the bipartisan-bicameral COVID-19 relief and omnibus package. ""This bipartisan legislation will ultimately have an immediate impact in the fight against and the recovery from COVID-19. Constituents from TX-25 scored several victories this evening and I am pleased to highlight many of those accomplishments. ""Live music venues were among the first to close and will be the last to reopen. To ensure these cultural staples will continue in our communities for generations to come, I am proud the Save Our Stages Act is included in the bill to deliver much needed grants for independent live music venues nationwide. Also included is a second round of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funding, which already saved over 58,000 TX-25 jobs and 6,000 businesses. House Republicans have called upon Speaker Pelosi and Leader Schumer to renew the PPP since August and I'm pleased that we will be delivering more funding for Main Street while allowing business owners to fully deduct these expenses from their taxes. ""Our distillers and craft beverage producers are also critical to the Central Texas economy and faced a devastating 400% tax increase at the end of this year. After months of urging Democratic leadership to help these business owners, we have permanently delayed the federal excise tax (FET) increase. I have also led efforts fighting for greater funding for rural broadband to ensure all corners of our TX-25 counties have access to reliable, high-quality internet and I am pleased to see $732 million in crucial funding allocated for rural areas nationwide. I will continue working to deliver targeted, tangible relief as Texans move forward together in the fight against COVID-19."" Background: Congressman Williams introduced the Save Our Stages Act in July to provide grants from the Small Business Administration to independent live music venues impacted by government mandates and safety restrictions. Williams has signed a discharge petition forcing Democratic leadership to consider repurposing the remaining Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds and has been a vocal advocate for PPP loan deductibility. In June, Williams sent a letter to House Leadership urging a vote on the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act, which would provide relief from the 400% tax increase for distillers and craft beverage producers. Provisions in the COVID-19 relief package include: $15 billion for the Save Our Stages Act $7 billion for broadband expansion, with $732 million for rural broadband $600 stimulus payments for the American people $48 billion for the purchase and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines nationwide $13 billion to support the agriculture sector Extends the Paycheck Protection Program and adds deductibility for PPP expenses Provisions in the omnibus include: Provides a 3% pay raise for the troops $1.375 billion in new funding for the wall and border security technology Rejects efforts to defund the police Maintains the Hyde Amendment and prohibits the creation or destruction of embryos for research purposes",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://williams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/save-our-stages-act-included-in-covid-19-relief-and-omnibus-package,Save Our Stages Act Included in COVID-19 Relief and Omnibus Package,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,TX,Roger Williams,W000816,williams.house.gov,williams,https://williams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Roger Williams (R-TX-25) today praised the inclusion of the Save Our Stages Act in the bipartisan-bicameral COVID-19 relief and omnibus package: ""I am proud my bipartisan Save Our Stages Act is included in the latest COVID-19 relief bill. Live music venues were among the first to close and will be the last to reopen due to forced government closures and public health guidance that continues to be near impossible to overcome. To ensure these cultural staples will continue in our communities for generations to come, it was an honor and a privilege to work alongside Texas live venue owners, managers and artists since the outset of this pandemic- their tireless efforts were pivotal at every step. This bill will finally deliver a much needed lifeline as we move forward together – it is tremendous news for thousands of hardworking men and women across our nation who have been holding onto the hope that Congress would act,"" said Congressman Williams. ""In an era of partisan gridlock and deep frustrations within the system, Congressman Williams reached across party lines, truly SAVED our stages, theatres and museums, by building a bi-partisan coalition to truly represent the American people,"" said Blayne Tucker, Texas Precinct Captain for the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA). ""The unwavering support and original sponsorship of the Save Our Stages bill by Congressman Roger Williams has thrown our industry a critical lifeline. When we needed it most, he and the Texas delegation led the charge of protecting the live music community,"" said Edwin Cabaniss, Co-Founder & Chairman of the Music Venue Alliance of Texas. Congressman Williams previously called for inclusion of the bill in the COVID-19 relief and omnibus package. Click here to view Congressman Williams' remarks on the House floor calling for passage of the bill. Click here to view Congressman Williams' exclusive op-ed in the Austin American-Statesman. Click here to view support for the bill from artists, venue owners, and managers based in Texas.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://wright.house.gov/media/press-releases/wright-joins-colleagues-calling-gao-report-school-reopenings,Wright Joins Colleagues in Calling for GAO Report on School Reopenings,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,TX,Ron Wright,W000827,wright.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. On Friday, Congressman Ron Wright (R-TX) joined a letter led by Reps. Banks (R-IN) and Tiffany (R-WI) requesting the Government Accountability Office (GAO) report on how states and school districts have used federal CARES Act funding to reopen elementary and secondary schools: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented disruptions to American education. Many of the nation's school districts have been closed to in-person learning since the spring and some school districts have not announced any plan or timeline for reopening in 2021. Millions of American children have not been in a classroom since the spring. A recent report from NWEA demonstrated that significant learning loss has already occurred. That report also pointed out that initial data could be understating learning loss because of missing data from some of our nation's most vulnerable students, said the Members of Congress. [] Congress and the American people want assurances that funds are being used to address the urgent need to reopen schools and support remote learning while schools are closed. Background: In March, Congress provided more than $16 billion in emergency funding for education through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. The Department of Education recently launched a portal to provide better transparency related to how states and school districts are using these resources. This report will provide additional details about the information contained in this portal and the extent to which states and school districts have used these taxpayer funds to safely reopen schools. Read the full letter below, or read it online here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/content/news/cornyn%E2%80%99s-key-texas-priorities-covid-relief-included-government-funding-bill,"Cornyn’s Key Texas Priorities, COVID Relief Included in Government Funding Bill",2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,TX,John Cornyn,C001056,www.cornyn.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) today announced that he has successfully included his priorities for Texas listed below in the targeted coronavirus relief package and FY21 Omnibus Appropriations bill, which funds the federal government through September 30, 2021. The Senate will likely vote on this bill this evening, and video of Sen. Cornyn's remarks on the legislation can be found here. This has been a difficult year for millions of families in Texas, and across the country, as parents have worried about how to pay bills and buy groceries, let alone Christmas gifts under their tree for their children. I know this will not erase all of the financial uncertainty, but it will go a long way to provide some help to those whose livelihoods have been thrown into chaos, said Sen. Cornyn. I appreciate the work of our colleagues who fought for a deal that will give our country added strength during this next critical phase of our fight, and I look forward to voting for this legislation. Relief for Texans During the Pandemic: Provides direct financial assistance to Texans: Provides individuals making up to $75,000 with a $600 check and an additional $600 for each eligible child. A family of four making up to $150,000 will receive $2,400 Extends the eviction moratorium until January 31, 2021 and provides $25 billion in temporary and targeted rental assistance for those who lost their source of income during the pandemic Expands unemployment insurance (UI) for Texas workers: Provides an extra $300 weekly federal UI benefit on top of the state maximum temporarily Assists the health care industry's response: Provides $19.695 billion for the purchase, development, and production of vaccines and $8.75 billion for vaccine distribution, administration, and monitoring Provides $22.4 billion to assist states with testing and containment Reauthorizes the Community Health Centers program for three years and provides $1.68 billion in appropriated funds. Provides $3.25 billion for the Strategic National Stockpile of PPE and other critical supplies Provides $3 billion for the Provider Relief Fund Provides $4.25 billion for substance abuse and mental health treatment and prevention Supports Texans in rural areas: Includes $300 million to build out rural broadband Provides an additional $250 million for telehealth Provides $11.2 billion in funding for agricultural assistance to support farmers, ranchers, logging and timber, textile mills, and producers. Provides $1 billion in repurposed funding for agricultural losses due to previous natural disasters. Provides for Texas education, childcare, and nutrition: Provides $10 billion for childcare centers Allocates $82 billion in funding to support students, teachers, schools, and families, including: $54.3 billion to help elementary and secondary schools safely re-open or remain open; $22.7 billion to support students and institutions of higher education; And $4.1 billion as part of the Governors Fund to give states flexible funding to address students' needs from early childhood through college Continues and provides additional waivers and flexibility for School Nutrition Programs, of which two-thirds of Texas school children participate in Provides $400 million in funding for the Emergency Food Assistance Program and $1.5 billion for the purchase of food and commodities to help Texas food banks meet unprecedented demand Includes a six-month increase in supplemental food benefits for low-income Texans Supporting Texas Workers & Job Creators: Paycheck Protection Program (PPP): Provides more than $250 billion to replenish the program, which provides loans to allow small businesses to maintain their payroll, hire back laid-off employees, and cover interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities Save Our Stages Act: Provides Small Business Administration grants totaling $15 billion for entertainment venue operators affected by COVID-19 stay-at-home orders in order to keep venues afloat, pay employees, and preserve a critical economic sector Small Business Expense Protection Act: Clarifies the Small Business Administration's Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) so small businesses can deduct expenses paid with a forgiven PPP loan from their taxes Extension of the Donation Acceptance Program: Provides a one-year extension of this program promoting public-private partnerships to boost staffing and make infrastructure improvements at U.S. ports of entry without adding to the national deficit Protecting Texas Children: Strengthening Texas' Energy Sector: Preserving Texans' History:",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/content/news/cornyn-braun-praise-inclusion-ppp-loan-deduction-small-businesses-year-end-covid-relief,"Cornyn, Braun Praise Inclusion of PPP Loan Deduction for Small Businesses in Year-End COVID Relief Bill",2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,TX,John Cornyn,C001056,www.cornyn.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Mike Braun (R-IN) praised the inclusion of the Small Business Expense Protection Act, which would clarify the Small Business Administration's Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) so small businesses can deduct expenses paid with a forgiven PPP loan from their taxes, in the omnibus funding legislation: The Paycheck Protection Program has been a lifeline to small businesses in Texas struggling to stay afloat during the pandemic, said Sen. Cornyn. By clarifying that expenses paid with a forgiven PPP loan can still be deducted from small businesses' taxes, we can help ensure small businesses won't be hit with yet another hardship during an already difficult year. As a Main Street Entrepreneur focused on solutions, I've introduced legislation in May to safeguard small businesses. The CARES Act was intended as a lifeline to small businesses, but forcing them to shoulder tax liability for these forgivable loans would be like throwing them a cinder block. I'm glad Senator Cornyn and I have been able to get this much needed fix past the finish line for the American People, said Sen. Braun. Background: The intent of the Paycheck Protection Program, which was created in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, was to maximize small businesses' ability to maintain liquidity, retain their employees, and recover from the pandemic as soon as possible. However, the IRS issued a notice that said small businesses cannot deduct these business expenses. This notice is contrary to congressional intent, which this legislation would clarify.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/content/news/cornyn-covid-relief-bill-will-send-recovery-checks-mixed-status-families,Cornyn: COVID Relief Bill Will Send Recovery Checks to Mixed Status Families,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,TX,John Cornyn,C001056,www.cornyn.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTONU.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) today announced that the COVID relief deal the Senate will vote on tonight provides $600 recovery checks to all citizens earning up to $75,000 per year, including citizens married to foreign nationals who were left out of the last round of $1,200 recovery checks in the CARES Act. In addition, these citizens will be eligible for the initial round of recovery checks when they file their 2020 tax return. Texans need relief now, said Sen. Cornyn. The economic impact of the pandemic, just like the virus itself, does not discriminate based on immigration status of one's spouse, and we shouldn't either when it comes to sending recovery checks to U.S. citizens. Earlier this year, Sen. Cornyn announced his support for the American Citizen Coronavirus Relief Act to retroactively send economic recovery checks authorized by the CARES Act to Texans who did not originally qualify because their spouse is a foreign national and do not have a Social Security Number.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/content/news/cornyn-priorities-covid-relief-pass-government-funding-bill,"Cornyn Priorities, COVID Relief Pass in Government Funding Bill",2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,TX,John Cornyn,C001056,www.cornyn.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) supported the passage of the targeted coronavirus relief package and FY21 Omnibus Appropriations bill, which funds the federal government through September 30, 2021 and includes many priorities important to Texas: Relief for Texans During the Pandemic: Provides direct financial assistance to Texans: Provides individuals making up to $75,000 with a $600 check and an additional $600 for each eligible child. A family of four making up to $150,000 will receive $2,400 Extends the eviction moratorium until January 31, 2021 and provides $25 billion in temporary and targeted rental assistance for those who lost their source of income during the pandemic Expands unemployment insurance (UI) for Texas workers: Provides an extra $300 weekly federal UI benefit on top of the state maximum temporarily Assists the health care industry's response: Provides $19.695 billion for the purchase, development, and production of vaccines and $8.75 billion for vaccine distribution, administration, and monitoring Provides $22.4 billion to assist states with testing and containment Reauthorizes the Community Health Centers program for three years and provides $1.68 billion in appropriated funds. Provides $3.25 billion for the Strategic National Stockpile of PPE and other critical supplies Provides $3 billion for the Provider Relief Fund Provides $4.25 billion for substance abuse and mental health treatment and prevention Supports Texans in rural areas: Includes $300 million to build out rural broadband Provides an additional $250 million for telehealth Provides $11.2 billion in funding for agricultural assistance to support farmers, ranchers, logging and timber, textile mills, and producers. Provides $1 billion in repurposed funding for agricultural losses due to previous natural disasters. Provides for Texas education, childcare, and nutrition: Provides $10 billion for childcare centers Allocates $82 billion in funding to support students, teachers, schools, and families, including: $54.3 billion to help elementary and secondary schools safely re-open or remain open; $22.7 billion to support students and institutions of higher education; And $4.1 billion as part of the Governors Fund to give states flexible funding to address students' needs from early childhood through college Continues and provides additional waivers and flexibility for School Nutrition Programs, of which two-thirds of Texas school children participate in Provides $400 million in funding for the Emergency Food Assistance Program and $1.5 billion for the purchase of food and commodities to help Texas food banks meet unprecedented demand Includes a six-month increase in supplemental food benefits for low-income Texans Supporting Texas Workers & Job Creators: Paycheck Protection Program (PPP): Provides more than $250 billion to replenish the program, which provides loans to allow small businesses to maintain their payroll, hire back laid-off employees, and cover interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities Save Our Stages Act: Provides Small Business Administration grants totaling $15 billion for entertainment venue operators affected by COVID-19 stay-at-home orders in order to keep venues afloat, pay employees, and preserve a critical economic sector Small Business Expense Protection Act: Clarifies the Small Business Administration's Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) so small businesses can deduct expenses paid with a forgiven PPP loan from their taxes Extension of the Donation Acceptance Program: Provides a one-year extension of this program promoting public-private partnerships to boost staffing and make infrastructure improvements at U.S. ports of entry without adding to the national deficit Protecting Texas Children: Strengthening Texas' Energy Sector: Preserving Texans' History:",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://roy.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-roy-statement-voting-against-hj-res-110,Rep. Roy statement on voting against H.J. Res. 110,2020-12-20,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,TX,Chip Roy,R000614,roy.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Chip Roy (TX-21) issued the following statement after voting against H.J. Res. 110, Extension of Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021: Once again, the powers that be demanded that we extend the self-imposed deadline they once again failed to meet, and they expected us to do it by spending billions of taxpayer dollars without holding a recorded vote. I was proud to join my friend Andy Biggs on the floor to say no to that—and to say no to spending at levels that have busted spending caps multiple times over. A vote for this resolution was a vote to legitimize a broken, closed-door negotiations ""process"" that robs the American people of their seat at the table by keeping their representatives in the dark until the very last minute. Tomorrow we will be asked to vote on a $2.4 trillion bill—or bills—which we still have not seen and that will be filled with thousands of pages expanding federal programs that literally harm the very nation we are supposed to serve.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/content/news/cornyn-covid-relief-deal-close,Cornyn: COVID Relief Deal Close,2020-12-20,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,TX,John Cornyn,C001056,www.cornyn.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Today on the floor, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) stressed the importance of avoiding a government shutdown during the pandemic and wrapping up negotiations on government funding and coronavirus relief in a timely manner. Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn's remarks are below, and video can be found here. I hope we do this responsibly and not just quickly. But we do know the American people are suffering, and this is not time for politics or delay for delay's sake. This is a time to come to together, to compromise, and to make good on the commitment we've made to support the American people. I hope the signs that we are seeing sort of expecting smoke signals from some corners but the signs that we're all trying to read, the tea leaves and the like, I hope all this becomes a lot clearer today and we can chart a clear path forward to both government funding and coronavirus relief. So, Mr. President, as we all know, time is running out and Congress needs to take action and take action soon. We cannot add the stress of another government shutdown to a raging pandemic. It's time for us to come together and get this done for the American people.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=5529,"Sen. Cruz: 'We Urgently Need To Have a Real, Substantive, Bipartisan Conversation About Countering the Chinese Communist Party'",2020-12-19,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,TX,Ted Cruz,C001098,www.cruz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, this week took to the Senate Floor to object to Senate Democrats' shameless exploitation of the crisis in Hong Kong to undermine our immigration laws, which would recklessly enable Chinese espionage in the United States. Sen. Cruz instead offered Senate Democrats an opportunity to act against the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) propaganda by passing his SCRIPT Act. Senator Cruz also addressed China's human rights atrocities and spoke of the need to pass another one of his bills, the SHAME Act. During the debate, Democrats objected to the request to pass the SCRIPT Act. Watch Sen. Cruz's full remarks here. Excerpts are included below. WATCH: Cruz Calls Out Democrats for Exploiting Crisis in Hong Kong to Advance Political Agenda On Senate Democrats' efforts to exploit the crisis in Hong Kong to undermine existing U.S. immigration law, Sen. Cruz said: Today, we have good news and bad news. The good news is that our Democratic colleagues are finally discovering that the Chinese communists are not our friends. They are finally acknowledging that the Chinese communists are murdering, torturing, oppressive tyrants and our Democratic colleagues are likewise discovering that Hong Kong is a beacon for democracy, a beacon for liberty. That is indeed good news. The bad news is the bill that they have put forth is not designed to do anything about it. This is not a Hong Kong bill. It is instead a Democratic messaging bill, because House Democrats made, I think, a cynical decision to try to exploit the crisis in Hong Kong to advance their long standing goals [of] changing our immigration laws. On how Senate Democrats' partisan agenda threatens our national security, Sen. Cruz said: This bill [...] would dramatically lower the standards for both refugee and asylum status to the point where individuals would qualify even if they cannot establish an individualized and credible fear of persecution. [] There is particular risk when doing so we [because] we know [it] would be used by the Chinese communists to send even more Chinese spies into the United States. [] Last I checked, when the Chinese communist government sends spies into our country, they're quite willing to concoct a bogus background portfolio of materials. [] We just recently had news of Chinese spies targeting members of Congress, targeting prominent Democrats. This is an espionage threat America faces of our adversaries taking advantage of our laws and targeting our leadership. The truth also is that China has confiscated passports and I'm told, stopped issuing exit visas to persons deemed problematic. As a result, China is highly unlikely to let actual dissidents leave Hong Kong. [] We urgently need to have a real substantive bipartisan conversation about countering the Chinese Communist Party, about defending the United States of America, about standing up and winning this battle. This bill doesn't advance that objective. On the need to push back on the CCP's widespread censorship and propaganda efforts by passing the SCRIPT Act, Sen. Cruz said: The Chinese Communist Party spends billions and billions of dollars to mislead Americans about China, and to try to shape what we see, what we hear, and think. All of these activities are part of China's whole-of-state approach to amass influence around the world through information warfare. We need to stand together to stop it. [] The only reason the SCRIPT Act isn't passing is because the Senate Democrats are objecting. It should not be lost on anybody that the Hollywood billionaires who are enriching themselves with this Chinese propaganda are among the biggest political donors to today's Democratic Party. On the need to act against the CCP's human rights atrocities by passing the SHAME Act, Sen. Cruz said: The SHAME Act focuses in particular on human rights atrocities. It focuses on over a million Uyghurs in concentration camps and other religious minorities [like] the Falun Gong practitioners, who are captured and murdered and whose organs are harvested. [] My Democratic colleagues like to say on the question of abortion, they are pro-choice. Well, the Chinese government right now is engaging in forced sterilizations and forced abortions taking Uyghur mothers and forcing them to abort their children against their wills. Whatever the Democrats' views on abortion in the United States is a matter of a woman's choice, surely, they must be united in saying a government forcing a woman to abort her child, to take the life of her unborn child, is an unspeakable atrocity. The SHAME Act does something very simple it imposes sanctions on the Chinese Communist government leaders responsible for implementing this horrific 1984' style policy of forced sterilizations and forced abortions. Background: In October, Sen. Cruz introduced the Sanctioning and Highlighting Authoritarian Medicine and Eugenics (SHAME) Act, legislation sanctioning CCP officials for systematic ethnic cleansing, including through forced abortions and other coercive population control measures in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR). The legislation also requires the publication and maintenance of data about those officials, including their human rights records. Read the full text of the SHAME Act here. Earlier this year, Sen. Cruz introduced the The Stopping Censorship, Restoring Integrity, Protecting Talkies Act or SCRIPT Act, legislation to cut off Hollywood studios from assistance they receive from the United States government if those studios censor their films for screening in China. This legislation is part of Sen. Cruz's comprehensive push to combat China's growing influence over what Americans see and hear, which includes legislation targeting information warfare from the Chinese Communist Party across higher education, sports, films, radio broadcasts, and more. Read the full text of the SCRIPT Act here. Sen. Cruz is leading the charge to fundamentally reassess the U.S.-China relationship and counter Chinese censorship in the wake of the CCP coronavirus coverup. In August, the CCP announced their second set of sanctions against Sen. Cruz for speaking out against the horrific human rights abuses occurring in the authoritarian state. READ: Sen. Cruz on FoxNews.com: China Is Expanding Its Malign Influence All Over the World ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=video&id=5530,Cruz Calls Out Democrats for Exploiting Crisis in Hong Kong to Advance Political Agenda,2020-12-19,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,TX,Ted Cruz,C001098,www.cruz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Central TX (512) 916-5834 300 E 8th Suite 961 Austin, TX 78701 Email North TX (214) 599-8749 Lee Park Tower II 3626 N. Hall St. Suite 410 Dallas, TX 75219 Email Southeast TX (713) 718-3057 The Mickey Leland Federal Building 1919 Smith Street Suite 9047 Houston, TX 77002 Email South/Cen. TX (210) 340-2885 9901 IH-10W Suite 950 San Antonio, TX 78230 Email East TX (903) 593-5130305 S. Broadway Suite 501 Tyler, TX 75702 Email South TX (956) 686-7339 200 S. 10th St Suite 1603 McAllen, TX 78501 Email Washington, D.C. (202) 224-5922 127A Russell Washington, DC 20510 Contact",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://burgess.house.gov/blog/?postid=402994,Burgess: Moderna vaccine adds dose of hope for the new year,2020-12-18,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,TX,Michael Burgess,B001248,burgess.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), a member of the House Rules Committee and Republican Leader of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health,released the following statement after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved an Emergency Use Authorization for Moderna's novel Coronavirus 2019 vaccine. There is something special about this time of year and having a second Coronavirus vaccine approved for emergency use adds to the joy of the season, said Burgess. In a span of one week, we have witnessed two vaccines receive Emergency Use Authorizations from the FDA. This is a shining example of American resourcefulness and the successful work done through Operation Warp Speed. I want to thank President Trump for putting American innovation first, our scientists and medical community, and the countless volunteers who have stepped up during this pandemic to serve on the front lines. This second vaccine is a signal that we are nearing the end of this pandemic, but we cannot stop taking the proper precautions especially now that cold and flu season is in full swing. Please continue to wash your hands thoroughly, wear a mask if you are unable to properly social distance, and stay home if you are sick. At the start of this pandemic, America declared that we are in this together and together we will reach the end.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://burgess.house.gov/blog/?postid=402995,E&C Republican Leaders: Second EUA is a Testament to American Ingenuity,2020-12-18,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,TX,Michael Burgess,B001248,burgess.house.gov,,,legacy,"E&C Republican Leaders: Second EUA is a Testament to American Ingenuity Washington, D.C. Energy and Commerce Committee Republican Leader for the 116thCongress Greg Walden (R-OR), Republican Leader for the 117thCongress Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Health Subcommittee Republican Leader Dr. Michael Burgess (R-TX), and Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Republican Leader Brett Guthrie (R-KY) released the following statement after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued its second emergency use authorization (EUA) for a COVID-19 vaccine, this time authorizing Moderna's vaccine for distribution. In just one week, we've gone from zero authorized vaccines to two that have both exceeded the strong safety and efficacy standards set by the FDA. This is a true testament to American ingenuity and the work of President Trump's Operation Warp Speed, the scientific and public health communities, and the patients who have volunteered their time to participate in clinical trials. This week, all Americans felt hope when we saw brave front line health workers receive the first vaccines. As we said last week, this is the beginning of the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, but we owe it to every essential worker to continue handwashing and wearing masks. The United States of America will lead the world out of this pandemic, but we must continue doing our part to keep each other safe, said Walden, Rodgers, Burgess, and Guthrie. The EUA follows a strong 20-0 vote by a panel of non-political scientific experts tasked with reviewing Moderna's clinical trial safety and efficacy data. Last Friday, the Republican Leaders commented on the authorization of the Pfizer-BioNtech COVID-19 vaccine. Read that statement here. To read more about FDA's EUA process for vaccines click here. Read more about Operation Warp Speed here",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=5526,"Sens. Cruz, Cornyn Applaud Senate's Passage of Bill Honoring Pearland Mayor Tom Reid",2020-12-18,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,TX,Ted Cruz,C001098,www.cruz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) today issued the following statements after the Senate passed their bill to rename a post office in Pearland, Texas, after Mayor Tom Reid, the city's long-serving mayor: I am proud that my colleagues and I in the Senate passed this bill to honor such a dedicated public servant, exceptional Texan, and American patriot, Sen. Cruz said. He served his community and our country with such distinction and this honor will ensure he is never forgotten. I congratulate Mayor Reid on his much earned retirement this past month. Thank you for your four decades of work for the city of Pearland and your service to our country. Mayor Reid's record of service to his nation and to Pearland deserves to be celebrated, and I'm proud to honor him with this recognition, said Sen. Cornyn. BACKGROUND In October, Sens. Cruz and Cornyn sent a letter to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs in support of U.S. Rep. Pete Olson's (R-Texas) bill to rename a Pearland, Texas post office after Mayor Reid. In addition to their letter, the senators sponsored and introduced the Senate companion bill. Houston native Tom Reid is a World War II veteran of the United States Navy and a former manager and supervisor at the Johnson Space Center on projects including Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, and the Space Shuttle Program. He then served as a Pearland city counselor before first being elected Mayor in 1978. Mayor Reid's exemplary public service to the city of Pearland spans more than 40 years, and he officially retired in November. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=5527,"Sen. Cruz on Senate Floor: 'On the Question of America Leading the World in Space, the United States Senate Speaks With One Voice'",2020-12-18,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,TX,Ted Cruz,C001098,www.cruz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Aviation and Space, today issued the following statement after the Senate unanimously passed the bipartisan NASA Authorization Act, legislation he authored with Sens. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), and Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.): ""As chairman of the Aviation and Space Subcommittee, I'm proud to once again lead this bipartisan legislation that continues to ensure America remains on the cutting edge of innovation and the manned exploration of space. I am grateful America's leadership in space remains an issue of such broad bipartisan agreement. A few months ago we witnessed the launch of the SpaceX Crew Dragon, the first launch of American astronauts from U.S. soil in nearly a decade, on the first commercially-created spacecraft in American history. That successful mission was a bright moment in an otherwise difficult and tumultuous year, and has united and inspired Americans to further human potential. ""These next 50 years in space have the potential to be even more consequential than the last 50 years, and the legislation we've passed today gives NASA the resources and direction it needs to face this new era, and the challenges that will come with it, with boldness. Not only will this legislation enhance our presence in low-Earth orbit, but will help Americans safely return to the moon, and put America's dreams of taking the first step on the surface of Mars directly on our horizon. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to strengthen America's leadership in the final frontier."" WATCH: Cruz on Senate Floor Celebrates Unanimous Passage of Bipartisan NASA Authorization Act Moments before the Senate approved the bill, Sen. Cruz delivered remarks on the Senate Floor praising the bipartisan collaboration that went into the legislation, and thanking his colleagues for passing the NASA Authorization Act unanimously. Watch his remarks here. Read his remarks below. ""Mr. President, in a few moments, I'm going to ask unanimous consent for the Senate to pass S. 2800, which is the bipartisan NASA Authorization Act. Before doing so, I want to make some brief remarks about how important this legislation is to American leadership in space and to our continued space exploration efforts. ""Well over a year ago, I joined with Chairman Wicker, Ranking Member Cantwell, and Aviation and Space Subcommittee Ranking Member Sinema, and we began writing the NASA Authorization Act. Using as a foundation the bipartisan bill that I had previously authored with Senators Cornyn, Rubio, Markey, and then-Senator Bill Nelson from the last Congress as our starting point, we solicited input from hundreds of stakeholders, from individuals and academics, to industry partners, and even our international allies. ""Hundreds of pages of suggestions, proposed edits, and comments were submitted. And over many months, our staffs worked diligently through each and every submission, trying to incorporate the feedback to the greatest extent possible. What resulted is this bill which was marked up last year and unanimously reported. What we have achieved together is legislation that enjoys deep and broad bipartisan support and that sets bold goals for NASA and the United States in space. It provides the direction and the infrastructure necessary to meet them. ""I'm very proud of the work that we've done together and of this legislation that we've assembled. And I want to express particular thanks to Senators Wicker, Cantwell, and Sinema, and to their staffs for their hard work. ""Our bill strengthens the United States' leadership in space, ensuring that we remain the default space exploration partner of the world. It extends the life of the International Space Station through to 2030, and it challenges us to be the international leader for Lunar and Mars exploration, and to reach new horizons. ""It's not just human exploration, though, Mr. President. By working in a collegial and good-faith manner, we were able to craft a product that strengthens all of NASA's core missions, something which benefits not just states with strong NASA equities, but every American. ""It is amazing what strong, unified leadership can do to bring the members of this body together - working to pass vitally important legislation that advances science, technology, national security, and the interests of our nation. ""So, Mr. President, I want to say again how grateful I am to my colleagues who worked on this bill with me and to state just how proud I am that the Senate is speaking with one unified voice in passing this legislation. This is following a tradition that we have seen [in] the past eight years I have served in this body, where on the question of space, we have seen over and over and over again strong bipartisan cooperation. Even at a time when partisan division pulls us apart in so many other areas, on the question of America leading the world in space, the United States Senate speaks with one voice. We have a real opportunity here to boldly shape the nation's space exploration efforts, to inspire new generations of little boys and little girls gazing up at the stars and wondering what's out there, and to make the United States a true space-faring nation. ""While this bill is not going to pass the House of Representatives during the remainder of this Congress, I look forward to the beginning of the next Congress where we can use this unanimously approved legislation as the starting point to move quickly to pass a comprehensive NASA Authorization Act across the finish line and get it signed into law. Therefore, Mr. President, as if in legislative session, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of calendar number 525, S. 2800."" BACKGROUND: The NASA Authorization Act would: Support NASA's human spaceflight and exploration efforts to return American astronauts to the Moon and prepare for future journeys to Mars. Extend authorization for the International Space Station (ISS) through 2030 and direct NASA to take steps to grow the ""space economy."" Require the United States to maintain a continuous human presence in low-Earth orbit through and beyond the useful life of the ISS. Support NASA's leadership in coordinating the development of next generation spacesuits. Leverage private sector investment to bolster human space exploration. Authorize NASA's Enhanced Use Leasing (EUL) authority. EUL allows companies to lease vacant or underutilized buildings owned by NASA with lease proceeds helping to fund capital improvements at the NASA centers. Provide rapid acquisition authorities similar to those that have proven successful at the Department of Defense and other agencies. Direct NASA to maintain and upgrade irreplaceable rocket launch and test infrastructure. Support vital life and physical science research to ensure that humans can live in deep space safely. Direct NASA to improve upon its planetary defense measures in order to protect Earth from asteroids and other near-Earth objects. Affirm NASA's commitment to aeronautics research by supporting a robust X-plane program as well as work on efficient propulsion concepts and advanced composites. Support NASA's STEM education and workforce efforts. Read the full text of the bill here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=video&id=5528,Cruz on Senate Floor Celebrates Unanimous Passage of Bipartisan NASA Authorization Act,2020-12-18,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,TX,Ted Cruz,C001098,www.cruz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Central TX (512) 916-5834 300 E 8th Suite 961 Austin, TX 78701 Email North TX (214) 599-8749 Lee Park Tower II 3626 N. Hall St. Suite 410 Dallas, TX 75219 Email Southeast TX (713) 718-3057 The Mickey Leland Federal Building 1919 Smith Street Suite 9047 Houston, TX 77002 Email South/Cen. TX (210) 340-2885 9901 IH-10W Suite 950 San Antonio, TX 78230 Email East TX (903) 593-5130305 S. Broadway Suite 501 Tyler, TX 75702 Email South TX (956) 686-7339 200 S. 10th St Suite 1603 McAllen, TX 78501 Email Washington, D.C. (202) 224-5922 127A Russell Washington, DC 20510 Contact",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kevinbrady.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=404977,The COVID-19 Vaccine is Safe and Effective,2020-12-18,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,TX,Kevin Brady,B000755,kevinbrady.house.gov,,,legacy,"The COVID-19 Vaccine is Safe and Effective f t # e Washington, December 18, 2020 This evening, I received the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID19 Vaccine. Thanks to Operation Warp Speed and the leadership of President Trump, this safe and effective vaccine is available to Americans in record time. Before Operation Warp Speed, the typical timeline for vaccine development and approval lasted 10-15 years. But from the very second that COVID-19 was detected in America, we raced into action. Thanks to public-private partnerships, the reduction of burdensome red-tape and $14 billion in funding from the government, tens of millions of vaccine doses will be available to Americans this month. As your elected official, I believe in leading by example, and it is my hope that I can encourage others to also get vaccinated once it is available to them. To learn more about the COVID-19 Vaccine, visit my websitehere. f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=5522,"Sens. Cruz, Peters Applaud House Passage of Their Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Apollo Landing Sites",2020-12-17,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,TX,Ted Cruz,C001098,www.cruz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. The U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a bipartisan bill introduced by U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Aviation and Space, and Gary Peters (D-Mich.) to permanently protect the Apollo landing sites on the moon. The One Small Step to Protect Human Heritage in Space Act would enact first-of-its-kind legal protections for the Apollo sites by making NASA's preservation recommendations a requirement for future activities on the Moon. The bill reflects an agreement with the authors of a companion bill in the U.S. House of Representatives: Committee on Science, Space & Technology Chairwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-Texas) and Ranking Member Frank Lucas (R-Okla.), as well as Subcommittee on Space Chairwoman Kendra Horn (D-Okla.) and Ranking Member Brian Babin (R-Texas). The final version of the bill now heads back to the Senate, which passed Sen. Cruz's original bipartisan bill in July 2019, for approval. Read Sens. Cruz and Peters' original bipartisan bill here. Upon House passage of the One Small Step to Protect Human Heritage in Space Act, Sen. Cruz said: As we look forward to new expeditions to the moon and placing American boots where they have never gone before on Mars, it is crucial to safeguard the history of American exceptionalism and ingenuity in space, from Apollo 11 to the upcoming Artemis program missions. As the chairman of the Aviation and Space subcommittee and as a Texan, I am honored to help preserve these historic human heritage sites, while continuing to maintain a dominant presence in low-Earth orbit and beyond. Sen. Peters said: As a child, I watched the achievements of the Apollo missions with excitement about what is possible when we come together with a common goal. I was proud to author this bipartisan legislation to preserve for all of humanity the incredible achievements of the Apollo astronauts on the Moonand also to honor the 400,000 people around the world who made it possibleincluding the now famous African American Hidden Figures who were crucial in calculating trajectories that got astronauts to and from the Moon. NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine said: As we go forward to the Moon with the Artemis Program, NASA has been clear that we must do so sustainably. As part of the Artemis Accords agreements signed with partner nations, NASA has emphasized that protecting historically significant sites is critical, and I applaud the leaders of this legislation for their commitment to ensuring that future lunar science and exploration is done in a safe and transparent manner. Chairwoman of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Eddie Bernice Johnson said: I am pleased that the House passed the One Small Step to Protect Human Heritage In Space Act' today. Apollo remains a beacon of inspiration and a symbol of what we, as a nation, can accomplish. I have long advocated for the preservation of the Apollo artifacts, which hold deep cultural, historical, and scientific value for not only the United States, but for all of humanity. It is important that NASA and the United States lead the way in guiding responsible behavior in space, and this legislation to preserve our human heritage in space is, itself, one small step in practicing that leadership. House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Ranking Member Rep. Frank Lucas said: The Apollo landing sites mark one of humanity's greatest achievements: the first time we were able to do more than look up at the sky, but actually leave our planet and visit another world. The One Small Step Act maintains these historic sites while encouraging the spirit of exploration that got us to the Moon. I'm proud to sponsor this bill to honor our historical achievements, and I look forward to the time when we can return humans to the Moon and continue the mission of discovery and learning that the Apollo astronauts began. Dr. A.W. Tony England, an astronaut during the Apollo and Space Shuttle programs and Professor at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, said: As a former astronaut in the Apollo program, it is fitting that one of humanities' greatest collective achievements should be preserved for future generations to learn about and be inspired by. I am grateful for the efforts of Senators Peters and Cruz as well as Congressmen Johnson, Lucas, Horn, and Babin for their bill that will honor Apollo's invaluable legacy of innovation, collaboration, and determination and preserve it for future generations. Lt. Gen. Thomas P. Stafford, USAF (Ret.), Commander, Apollo 10, added: As one of the original Apollo astronauts, I saw Apollo bring out the best of America and the best of humanity. The efforts of Senators Peters and Cruz and Congressmen Johnson, Lucas, Horn, and Babin will help ensure the achievements of the Apollo program serve as a beacon of inspirationnot just for America but for people all over the world for generations to come. BACKGROUND: The legislation directs NASA to require future moon activities to follow its preservation recommendations and honors the over 400,000 scientists, designers, and researchers who contributed to the Apollo programs, including NASA's Hidden Figures like Katherine Johnsonan African American mathematician who worked at NASA for 35 years and calculated the trajectory of the Apollo 11 flight to the moon as well the trajectories for the spaceflights of astronauts John Glenn and Alan Shepard. Sens. Cruz, Peters, and the other bill authors worked closely with NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine who negotiated a similar provision in the Artemis Accords and expressed his support for protecting the historical lunar sites in a 2019 Senate hearing just before the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 landing. Sen. Cruz has long fought to preserve critical history from the Apollo missions. In August 2018, Sens. Cruz, Ed Markey (D-Mass.), John Thune (R-S.D.), and Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) introduced the Hidden Figures Way Designation Act in honor of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson who were featured in the movie Hidden Figures, as well as all women who have dedicated their lives to honorably serving their country, advancing equality, and contributing to the space program of the United States. In June 2019, Sen. Cruz participated with Administrator Bridenstine, D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson, and author Margot Lee Shetterly in a ceremony designating the street in front of the NASA Headquarters as Hidden Figures Way. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=5524,"Sen. Cruz Discusses Overwhelming Bipartisan Support for Stopping Putin's Pipeline, Predicts Rush to Withdraw Investments from Nord Stream 2 Project",2020-12-17,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,TX,Ted Cruz,C001098,www.cruz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, this week participated in a panel discussion with the Atlantic Council about Russia's construction of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline and his efforts to halt the project in its tracks. Highlights from Sen. Cruz's discussion may be viewed below. WATCH: Sen. Cruz Speaks With the Atlantic Council on How To Stop Russia's Nord Stream 2 Pipeline On his work to secure bipartisan Nord Stream 2 sanctions: The first sanctions that we passed were designed to operate very much like a scalpel. They were narrowly structured to target any companies laying the deep sea pipeline necessary to complete Nord Stream 2. And there were only a handful of companies on planet Earth that had the technology to do so. [] Once it was clear it was going to pass, the next wave of disinformation was that, well, the sanctions would take time to go into effect. And so the pipeline could be completed before the sanctions would go into effect. That was categorically false. Yes, the first wave of statutes allowed a wind down period, but that did not allow additional construction. And the point that I made to the CEO, and I am sure to the general counsel of the company, is that if the company continued constructing the pipeline for even one minute after the president signed the legislation, the sanctions would be mandatory and crippling, and I do not think it was coincidental that roughly 15 minutes before the sanctions were signed, the company announced they were immediately halting. And the ship, the Pioneering Spirit, was lifting anchor and setting sail. Now, what did the Russians do? Nobody expected the Russians just immediately to surrender. The Russians now are trying to use their own ships to do it. They don't have the technology. They're trying to retrofit it. And so the second wave of sanctions is designed to cut off this second effort from the Russians to complete this pipeline. And the second wave of sanctions that has now passed both houses of Congress is really targeted at the big three. It's targeted at pipeline activities, it's targeted at insurance and reinsurance, and it's targeted at certification. And one of the important things about certification is under the terms of the permits that have been granted, a third party certification is required. And this again is designed to be surgical, to make clear this project will not be completed. [] I'm actually quite optimistic on a couple of fronts. Number one, under the first sanctions legislation that has already passed into law, a report is due from the administration in the coming days of any companies that have committed sanctionable activities. And so I am eagerly awaiting that report. I expect this administration to provide that report to Congress. And under the terms of the sanctions, any company listed on that report, sanctions are mandatory. They're not discretionary. They are mandatory. On Russian disinformation and the effectiveness of U.S. sanctions: To the surprise of no one who has followed this issue, the Russian foreign ministry is engaged in disinformation. [] And, you know, it's worth remembering, right about a year ago is when we passed the first Nord Stream 2 sanctions, and at the time the Russians were engaged in the exact same disinformation campaign. [] The Russians were saying over and over again, These sanctions will never pass. There's no way they can pass and the pipeline can't be stopped.' We now know definitively, as a matter of fact, that was false. [] And construction on the pipeline halted minutes before the sanctions were signed into law. They have had, in effect, halting the pipeline in its tracks and the second wave of sanctions will be will soon be signed into law. They've now passed through both houses of Congress, and that will ratchet up the pressure even further. On the bipartisan support for U.S. sanctions: You know, the European Parliament voted 433 to 105 to condemn the Nord Stream 2 project. [] Europe understands [this would be] putting billions in the pocket of Putin and giving Putin control over a lifeline. We've already seen Putin is willing to cut off energy in the middle of a cold winter. That's bad for Europe and it's bad for security. And that's why we've seen such widespread agreement not only in Europe with an overwhelming super majority condemning the project, but also in the United States with an enduring and durable bipartisan majority. [] We have had consistently for two years now strong bipartisan support, virtually unanimous bipartisan support. You know, your last question was something to the effect of, Isn't this all about Texas oil and gas?' You know, the last I checked, Nancy Pelosi is not a big defender of Texas oil and gas. Chuck Schumer is not a big defender of Texas oil and gas. And yet, Nancy and Chuck and Democrats throughout the Senate and the House have stood united on this. [.] It's a recognition of the power of the merits of the arguments, because I spent a lot of time meeting in person with my colleagues in the Senate, with Republicans, and Democrats. [] And we were able to keep the focus not on any potential political distractions concerning Ukraine and impeachment, but instead keep the focus on Russia and let's not send billions of dollars to Putin that he will use to undermine safety and security in Europe and across the world that there was a strong bipartisan commitment to. WATCH: Putin's Pipeline Must Never Be Completed BACKGROUND Sen. Cruz has led a bipartisan and bicameral fight to stop Putin's pipeline. In June of 2020, Sens. Cruz and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) introduced bipartisan legislation clarifying and expanding sanctions they led to passage last year that has now halted the pipeline for the last six months. In September 2019, during a foreign policy address at the Hudson Institute, Sen. Cruz warned against the dangers of failing to act and stop the pipeline. In September and November 2019, during Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearings, Sen. Cruz raised his concerns about the pipeline. In October 2019, following Denmark's approval of Nord Stream 2 construction through the Danish seabed, Sen. Cruz once again urged his colleagues to pass his bipartisan bill to halt the pipeline. In November 2019, as the window to act grew tighter, Sen. Cruz released a video about the dangers of Putin's pipeline and urged his colleagues to act. In December 2019, during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing, Sen. Cruz directly called on the administration to use its statutory authority to stop Russia's Nord Stream 2. In December 2019, once the bill to impose devastating, targeted sanctions was included in the FY 2020 NDAA, Sen. Cruz delivered remarks on the Senate floor urging the administration to immediately begin working on implementing the sanctions upon becoming law. In December 2019, shortly before President Trump signed the NDAA into law, Sens. Cruz and Johnson sent a letter to the CEO of Allseas Group S.A. (Allseas), putting the company on formal legal notice, warning they would face crippling sanctions that could devastate the financial viability of the company if they continued installing deep-sea pipes for Russia. Read more about Sen. Cruz's ongoing fight below. Houston Chronicle: Inside Sen. Ted Cruz's big play to block Vladimir Putin's pipeline A bipartisan coalition led by Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, has enacted sanctions against businesses that help Russia's state-owned company Gazprom build the pipeline, scaring off contractors, halting the project and keeping Akademik Cherskiy in port. The success of the sanctions marks a potential turning point in U.S. efforts to reduce Europe's reliance on Russian energy. While no one is counting out Gazprom or Russian President Vladimir Putin, Cruz and the sanctions he championed have boxed the Russians into a corner from which there is no obvious escape. The Wall Street Journal: U.S., Russia Race to Outflank Each Other on Russian Pipeline In November, Congress approved the new sanctions for inclusion in the next NDAA. The legislation is due to be approved before the current congressional session ends. A pipeline that is 95% complete is a pipeline that is 0% complete,' Mr. Cruz said. Right now, it's just a piece of metal at the bottom of the ocean.' ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=5525,"Sen. Cruz, Colleagues Send Letter Urging Trump Administration to Waive Late Filing Penalties for Taxpayers",2020-12-17,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,TX,Ted Cruz,C001098,www.cruz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), John Kennedy (R-La.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Benjamin Cardin (D-Md.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), and Tom Carper (D-Del.) sent a bipartisan letter this week to U.S. Department of the Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Commissioner Charles Rettig, urging the Trump administration to waive late filing penalties for taxpayers whose filing delay is caused by COVID-19. In the letter, the senators wrote: Many taxpayers are facing economic hardships and business closures due to COVID-19. Taxpayers expect fair treatment from their government, and the current unwillingness to provide an expedited process for taxpayers and their advisors to request pandemic-specific relief places an undue burden on them. We ask that you move to address these issues immediately so the American people can receive the relief they urgently need. Background: This letter urges the Trump administration to take a number of actions, including to: Create a special COVID-19 First Time Abatement option for taxpayers eligible for normal First Time Abatement where one can attest to filing difficulty directly caused by the pandemic; Provide written guidance directing IRS Customer Service Representatives to grant reasonable cause and COVID-related abatement requests liberally; Develop and advertise specific COVID-related examples that qualify for reasonable cause abatement; and Create a dedicated telephone number, or dedicated prompt, for taxpayers and their advisors to call to request COVID-related penalty relief. The full text of the letter can be viewed here and below: December 15, 2020 Dear Secretary Mnuchin and Commissioner Rettig: The pandemic has created unique challenges for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), tax practitioners, and taxpayers alike. It is clear that Americans need a concerted effort by the IRS to work in good faith with them to address the challenges facing taxpayers during this pandemic. We write because more action is needed to alleviate the burdens placed on taxpayers and their advisors, and we urge you to direct the IRS to take the following additional actions immediately to provide late filing and payment relief to taxpayers as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic: Create a special COVID-19 First Time Abatement option for taxpayers eligible for normal First Time Abatement in which the taxpayers or their representative can attest to filing difficulty as a direct result of the pandemic and keep the normal First Time Abatement available for future use, and provide IRS Customer Service Representatives examples of such difficulties, such as no Volunteer Income Tax Assistance available; Provide written guidance directing IRS Customer Service Representatives to grant reasonable cause and COVID-related abatement requests liberally and reaffirming that these requests should be resolved orally when possible in order to provide targeted relief to taxpayers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic without the need for written requests; Develop specific coronavirus-related examples that qualify for reasonable cause abatement and share these examples with all IRS Customer Service Representatives through interim guidance; and Develop a dedicated telephone number, or dedicated prompt, for taxpayers or their advisors to call to request coronavirus-related penalty relief. We appreciate the efforts the IRS has taken to resolve the mail backlog, although it still stands at approximately 3 million pieces. We urge the IRS to consider stopping the practice of issuing Notices of Intent to Levy and other compliance correspondence until the mail backlog is resolved at all IRS processing centers to limit taxpayer confusion and reduce unnecessary correspondence with the IRS. Many taxpayers are facing economic hardships, and business closures due to COVID-19. Taxpayers expect fair treatment from their government, and the current unwillingness to provide an expedited process for taxpayers and their advisors to request pandemic-specific relief places an undue burden on them. We ask that you move to address these issues immediately so the American people can receive the relief they urgently need. Sincerely, /s/ ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=video&id=5523,Sen. Cruz Speaks With the Atlantic Council on How To Stop Russia's Nord Stream 2 Pipeline,2020-12-17,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,TX,Ted Cruz,C001098,www.cruz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Central TX (512) 916-5834 300 E 8th Suite 961 Austin, TX 78701 Email North TX (214) 599-8749 Lee Park Tower II 3626 N. Hall St. Suite 410 Dallas, TX 75219 Email Southeast TX (713) 718-3057 The Mickey Leland Federal Building 1919 Smith Street Suite 9047 Houston, TX 77002 Email South/Cen. TX (210) 340-2885 9901 IH-10W Suite 950 San Antonio, TX 78230 Email East TX (903) 593-5130305 S. Broadway Suite 501 Tyler, TX 75702 Email South TX (956) 686-7339 200 S. 10th St Suite 1603 McAllen, TX 78501 Email Washington, D.C. (202) 224-5922 127A Russell Washington, DC 20510 Contact",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://arrington.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=428,Arrington's Veterans Bill Named for West Texan Headed to President's Desk,2020-12-17,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,TX,Jodey Arrington,A000375,arrington.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Yesterday, the House passed H.R. 7105, the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 a package that included all the provisions of H.R. 2326, the NAVY Seal Chief Petty Officer William Bill Mulder (Ret.) Transition Improvement Act legislation that Congressman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) first introduced in 2017. If we're going to maintain the greatest fighting force in all the world, we need to make sure we do right by our active duty military men and women as they transition to civilian life and being a veteran, stated Arrington. I'm so grateful for Chairman Takano, Ranking Member Roe, and especially Rep. Mike Levin for helping shepherd this along and honoring Bill Mulder and his family. In doing so, passing this legislation that will engage our active duty military earlier in the process, before venturing into civilian life, to equip them and empower them with education and opportunities for jobs and employment and to connect them with their brothers and sisters, fellow veterans in the community. All the component parts of this, I think we'll end up with lives saved. Watch Rep. Arrington's full floor speech on the legislation here. Background: The bill would make improvements to the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) and the overall transition process for servicemembers to include more of a focus on career opportunities and entrepreneurship. This bill would represent the largest reorganization of TAP since 2011. Specifically, the bill would restructure TAP to require servicemembers to choose specific career-oriented tracks that best suit their post-service plans and would require that servicemembers take part in one-on-one counseling a year prior to separation to evaluate which transition pathway suits them best. It would also authorize a five-year pilot program that would provide matching grant funds to community providers that offer wraparound transition services to veterans and transitioning servicemembers. Finally, the bill would require a third-party entity to conduct an independent assessment of the TAP curriculum and require a separate longitudinal study on the efficacy of TAP and long-term outcomes for veterans.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://roy.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-roy-congratulates-winner-tx-21-congressional-app-challenge,Rep. Roy congratulates winner of TX-21 Congressional App Challenge,2020-12-17,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,TX,Chip Roy,R000614,roy.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Chip Roy is pleased to announce the winner for the 2020 Congressional App Challenge (CAC) in TX-21. There were multiple talented students that submitted their creations for consideration by our volunteer judges. The winning contestant is Mr. Aidan Underwood of San Antonio and his app Hawkeye. Mr. Underwood attends Legacy of Educational Excellence High School in North East ISD. He put considerable thought and research into the development of Hawkeye, ""Before the development of Hawkeye began, I remember reading some documents about internet scams in school, "" Mr. Underwood explained. ""After learning how much money gets stolen per year, I figured that I might as well try and make a program that could steer users away from online scams to lower the amount of money lost per year."" Congressman Roy would like to extend thanks to the stellar individuals who volunteered as judges for the CAC: Dr. Sami Mian, CSO of Rizse, and Mr. Larry Talley, CEO of Everyware. Their experience in the tech industry was invaluable in scoring the apps for determination of the winner of the CAC for TX-21. About CAC: Students from across America are provided this opportunity by the United States House of Representatives. The goal is to encourage students to pursue STEM activities such as coding. Each challenge is district-specific. As U.S. Representatives we publicly recognize our winning teams and each winning app may be put on display in the U.S. Capitol Building for one year. Additional prizes are available.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://williams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-williams-calls-for-inclusion-of-save-our-stages-act-in-omnibus,Rep. Williams Calls for Inclusion of Save Our Stages Act in Omnibus Spending Bill,2020-12-17,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,TX,Roger Williams,W000816,williams.house.gov,williams,https://williams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Roger Williams (R-TX-25) today called for the inclusion of the Save Our Stages Act in the omnibus spending bill. ""Our live music venues who have been hardest hit throughout the pandemic must receive a financial lifeline in any upcoming COVID-19 package. Austin is the live music capital of the world with these venues serving as iconic staples in our communities – and many facing catastrophic closures because of lost revenue. While we've been fortunate to buoy some small businesses via the Paycheck Protection Program, many industries will have a much longer recovery path as government mandates continue looming over their future. ""My bipartisan Save Our Stages Act would deliver targeted relief through an independent grant program. Not only does the bill have strong bipartisan support in Congress–and among congressional leadership–it has the backing of world-renowned venue owners and musicians across the nation. We must include it in the omnibus to quickly pass relief for these men and women who are holding onto the hope they will once again be able to reopen their doors. The clock is ticking and the time to act is now."" Click here to view Congressman Williams' remarks on the House floor calling for passage of the bill. Click here to view Congressman Williams' exclusive op-ed in the Austin American-Statesman. Click here to view support for the bill from artists, venue owners, and managers based in Texas.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z http://burgess.house.gov/blog/?postid=402989,Burgess calls for the removal of Rep. Swalwell from House Intelligence Committee,2020-12-16,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,TX,Michael Burgess,B001248,burgess.house.gov,,,legacy,"Burgess calls for the removal of Rep. Swalwell from House Intelligence Committee Washington, D.C. Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), a member of the House Rules Committee and Republican Leader of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, sent a letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi to ask the removal of Eric Swalwell from his position on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI) for his relationship with a Chinese intelligence official. Members of HPSCI are entrusted with our nation's most sensitive information. There can be no question of loyalty to the United States. Congressman Swalwell's reported interactions with a Chinese intelligence official, and subsequent withholding of these interactions from HPSCI, poses a serious and immediate national security threat, Burgess wrote in the letter.Thus far, Congressman Swalwell has either refused to comment on this information or claimed he was a victim of a foreign intelligence operation. Members of Congress, and other officials with access to sensitive information, are constantly targeted by hostile foreign states, most notably China and Russia. I urge you to also consider providing counter elicitation training for Members of Congress to recognize and report these threats. At the very least, Congressman Swalwell should immediately be removed from his position on HPSCI and provide an explanation for his past interactions with a known Chinese intelligence official.Read the full letter here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://burgess.house.gov/blog/?postid=402990,"E&C Republican Leaders Applaud HHS Rule to Assess Regulations, Request Additional Information from Trump Administration",2020-12-16,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,TX,Michael Burgess,B001248,burgess.house.gov,,,legacy,"E&C Republican Leaders Applaud HHS Rule to Assess Regulations, Request Additional Information from Trump Administration Washington, D.C. Energy and Commerce Committee Republican Leader for the 116thCongress Greg Walden (R-OR), Republican Leader for the 117thCongress Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Health Subcommittee Republican Leader Dr. Michael Burgess (R-TX), and Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Republican Leader Brett Guthrie (R-KY) sent a letter to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar expressing support for a proposed rule on regulatory review announced on November 4, 2020. We write to express strong support for the Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) November 4, 2020 notice of proposed rulemaking entitled Securing Updated and Necessary Statutory Evaluations,' and to seek further information about this effort, wrote Walden, Rodgers, Burgess, and Guthrie. Under the proposed rule, HHS would assess its regulations every ten years to determine whether they are subject to review under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA). Regulations found to be subject to the RFA would then be analyzed to determine whether the regulation is still needed, working as intended, or having the appropriate effects. Regulations not assessed appropriately every ten years would expire. In the letter, the E&C leaders also underscored the proposed rule's impact on jobs. HHS regulations have a real-world impact on jobs, the quality of life, and the cost of living of the American people. As a matter of good government, it is important that regulations are monitored to find out if they are actually achieving their projected benefits. The proposed rule would incentivize HHS to conduct retrospective regulatory reviews to ensure regulations are delivering the projected benefits rather than measuring the effectiveness of the implementation of the regulation, the members added. The leaders requested additional information about the proposed rule, including: when the planning and drafting of this proposed rule began; what effects can regulatory reviews, suspensions, or updates have on the health care industry, or the economy more broadly; and a list of regulations already suspended by HHS because they imposed unnecessary costs impeding the pandemic response. HHS has until December 30, 2020 to respond. Read the full letter here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=5520,Sen. Cruz Warns Mexican Government is Undermining Security and Law Enforcement Relationship with United States,2020-12-16,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,TX,Ted Cruz,C001098,www.cruz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), member of the Senate Judiciary and Foreign Relations Committees, today sent a letter to Attorney General Bill Barr and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo expressing concern over the recent efforts to undermine the security and law enforcement relationships between the United States and Mexico. This letter comes after recent actions by the Mexican government that undermine the critical counter narcotics work conducted by both American and Mexican agents. In the letter sent to the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. State Department, Sen. Cruz wrote: I write to applaud you on your sustained efforts to deny Mexican drug cartels access to the United States and more broadly, to deepen the security and law enforcement relationships between our country and Mexico. I also write to express concern about the Mexican government's recent efforts to undermine those relationships."" [] This month, the United States designated Mexican national Lucio Rodriguez Serrano as a drug kingpin, expanding the ability of our nation's law enforcement and that of our partners to combat drug trafficking globally. Unfortunately, there are increasingly influential voices in the Mexican government who are at odds with that mission. [] United States' diplomats and officials should utilize their voices and the influence of the United States to make it clear to the Mexican government that attacking or undermining the DEA is unacceptable, and that such action calls into question the strength of the U.S.-Mexican relationship, which might have to be reevaluated. BACKGROUND Sen. Cruz is committed to ensuring deep and robust relations between the United States and our Mexican partners. Most recently, he has worked with the Trump administration to ensure that supply lines running between the two countries are maintained and that Mexico meets its obligations under the 1944 Water Treaty. Read Sen. Cruz's full letter here and below. December 16, 2020 Attorney General Barr and Secretary Pompeo, I write to applaud you on your sustained efforts to deny Mexican drug cartels access to the United States and more broadly, to deepen the security and law enforcement relationships between our country and Mexico. I also write to express concern about the Mexican government's recent efforts to undermine those relationships. The Trump administration has taken new and specific steps to counter Mexican drug cartels, including through potential and actual designations. In March, for instance, the United States Department of Treasury designated multiple businesses for links to cartels, denying them needed access to the United States' financial system. This month, the United States designated Mexican national Lucio Rodriguez Serrano as a drug kingpin, expanding the ability of our nation's law enforcement and that of our partners to combat drug trafficking globally. Unfortunately, there are increasingly influential voices in the Mexican government who are at odds with that mission. The government of Andrs Manuel Lpez Obrador recently secured the transfer of Mexico's former Secretary of National Defense, General Salvador Cienfuegos from United States custody. Cienfuegos had been indicted in New York and arrested in Los Angeles on charges linked to his support of the notorious H-2 Cartel. His arrest was an important achievement in the battle to end global narcotics trafficking and before his transfer, he was the most senior Mexican official charged in the United States in this context. The premise and promise of his release was that the Obrador administration would investigate and, if appropriate, charge Cienfuegos under Mexican law. They have not. Instead, they have Called for the additional transfer of Genaro Garca Luna, Mexico's former Secretary of Public Security, who is currently on trial in the Eastern District of New York for charges related to bribery and cocaine trafficking for the Sinaloa Cartel. Moved, in recent days, to further undermine the Drug Enforcement Agency's (DEA) capabilities in Mexico, including by forcing our agents to disclose highly sensitive information and by denying them the legal immunity for carrying out their duties. I urge you to strongly reject and respond to these requests and efforts. Given the Mexican government's conduct around the Cienfuegos case, transferring Garca Luna should be a nonstarter. Moreover, United States' diplomats and officials should utilize their voices and the influence of the United States to make it clear to the Mexican government that attacking or undermining the DEA is unacceptable, and that such action calls into question the strength of the U.S.-Mexican relationship, which might have to be reevaluated. The Mexican government's intransigence increasingly endangers the national security of the United States, as well as the safety and health of Americans, just as they do for Mexico and Mexican citizens. The United States and Mexico share a land and various maritime borders plagued by illicit drug trafficking and destabilizing violence. Mexican drug cartels attack citizens on both sides of the border. I urge you to secure assurances from the Mexican government that their promises regarding the transfer of Cienfuegos will be met, and more broadly that they will cease targeting the critical counter narcotics work conducted by American and Mexican agents combatting drug cartels in Mexico. As always, I stand ready to provide the necessary resources to enable you to carry out these tasks. Sincerely, /s/ ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=5534,Sen. Cruz: Hong Kong Dissidents' Powerful Stories Need to Be Heard,2020-12-16,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,TX,Ted Cruz,C001098,www.cruz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, participated in a subcommittee hearing examining how the United States' refugee policy supports Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement. Sen. Cruz, who also sits on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, reaffirmed his support for political dissidents and the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong: ""I want to welcome each of the witnesses. Thank you for being here. Thank you for speaking out for liberty. Thank you for speaking out for democracy. Thank you for speaking out for Hong Kong and for the world. In October of last year, I traveled to Hong Kong and had the opportunity to meet with many pro-democracy activists, meet with brave dissidents, young men and women putting their lives on the line to stand up to the dark hand of oppression coming from the Chinese communist government. ""At the time, I did a Sunday show interview by satellite from Hong Kong, dressed in all black to stand in solidarity with the democracy protesters, to show visually the reality that Americans and people all over the world were inspired by the courage that we saw in the streets of Hong Kong. I think the power of the stories of dissidents, the power of the stories of heroism and courage and persecution and strength - those stories need to be heard."" Sen. Cruz then asked each of the witnesses to share their testimonies of fighting for freedom and liberty. Watch Sen. Cruz's remarks and full line of questioning here. Last year, Sen. Cruz introduced the Hong Kong Policy Reevaluation Act of 2019, which requires the State Department to report on whether China was eroding Hong Kong's autonomy, and to alter U.S. policy if it was. A version of the bill was signed into law in November 2019 as part of the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act. In October 2019, as part of his Indo-Pacific Friends and Allies' tour, Sen. Cruz met with pro-democracy activists, dissidents, and protest leaders in Hong Kong and expressed his support for those fighting to protect Hong Kong's autonomy, free speech, and basic human rights. Sen. Cruz has called for a fundamental reassessment of the U.S.-China relationship, and has introduced numerous bills to unwind the United States from China. Read more about Sen. Cruz's comprehensive push to reassess the United States' relationship with China here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://arrington.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=426,Arrington and Peters Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Addressing Growing National Debt Crisis Amid COVID Recovery,2020-12-16,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,TX,Jodey Arrington,A000375,arrington.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON This week, Rep. Jodey Arrington (TX-19) introduced House Resolution 1261, with Rep. Scott Peters (CA-52) stressing the need to address the reckless and unsustainable national debt while committing necessary resources to the COVID19 pandemic. While significant resources were required to handle the public health crisis and economic fallout of COVID, and additional assistance may be needed, a new crisis will emerge if Congressional leaders continue avoiding the difficult but necessary actions to address the rapidly deteriorating fiscal state of our nation, said Rep. Arrington. Unlike the pandemic, we don't have the luxury of borrowing or printing our way out of a sovereign debt crisis.We must be as steadfast and vigilant about tackling our nation's unsustainable debt as we are in seeing our country through this unprecedented public health crisis. If we don't, we jeopardize the prosperity of our kids and grandkids, leaving them to suffer the consequences of our negligence. There is no question we must do everything we can to contain the virus and address its brutal effect on our economy, said Rep. Peters. If we need to borrow money during this pandemic to protect the lives and livelihood of the American people, it is worth it. But once the short-term stimulus has done its job and the economy recovers, we have to correct our course to get our budget back on track. This resolution reminds us to tackle our federal deficit once the public health and economic crises come to an end. Today's priority is addressing the pandemic, said Maya MacGuineas, President of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget. At the same time, the federal debt was already growing unsustainably before this crisis, making it important to commit to dealing with our nation's fiscal challenges once the economy is strong enough. Representatives Jodey Arrington and Scott Peters' bipartisan leadership shows that Congress can find common ground to provide for immediate needs, while also striving to secure a strong and prosperous future. Background: In June, Arrington and Peters assembled a bipartisan team of 60 legislators, 30 Republicans and 30 Democrats, who called on congressional leadership to think long term about the fiscal health of our nation and address the mounting need for budget reform and debt reduction.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://arrington.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=427,Rep. Arrington Urges State to Get COVID Vaccine to Rural Hospitals,2020-12-16,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,TX,Jodey Arrington,A000375,arrington.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Arrington Urges State to Get COVID Vaccine to Rural Hospitals WASHINGTON Tuesday, Rep. Jodey Arrington (TX-19) sent the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) a letter stressing the importance of rural hospitals receiving COVID vaccine shipments as soon as possible. Despite the fact that 15% of the state's population lives in rural areas, rural hospitals were excluded from the first round of vaccine distribution. Rural hospitals throughout West Texas have been fighting to care for our communities just as hard as our friends in urban areas, stated Arrington. I am concerned that rural hospitals were left out of the first round of vaccine distribution, and I will do everything in my power to ensure providers and patients in TX-19 can access this much needed preventative measure going forward. To read the full letter to DSHS click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kaygranger.house.gov/press-releases?ID=628D8A58-A5C1-4BF1-B0F7-26D9C932FDFC,Granger on the Passing of Earl King,2020-12-16,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,TX,Kay Granger,G000377,kaygranger.house.gov,,,legacy,"Facebook Icon Google Plus Icon Instagram Icon LinkedIn Icon Twitter Icon YouTube Icon Vimeo Icon Clients Icon Email icon Map Icon Print Icon Quote Icon icon_share Carousel Arrow - Left Carousel Arrow - Right Home Media Press Releases Print",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kevinbrady.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=404976,Tax Cuts & Jobs Act in Year Three: Unleashing Economic Growth is Key to Recovery,2020-12-16,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,TX,Kevin Brady,B000755,kevinbrady.house.gov,,,legacy,"This month marks the three-year anniversary of theTax Cuts and Jobs Act(TCJA) that aided Americas middle class, strengthened the economy, and made America more competitive globally. After years of the slow Obama-Biden economic recovery, Americas economic growth moved into high gear with passage of TCJA, leading to more jobs, higher wages, and a stronger America. Now, with the successful development and distribution of the coronavirus vaccine, these policies will be crucial to continuing American growth by allowing families and main street businesses the flexibility and resources they need. The first rewrite of our nations tax code in over 30 years was led by House Republicans. As the Constitution states: All bills for raising revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives. Just three years ago this week, the House-Senate Conference Committee signed the conference report for this historic legislation, with Conference Committee Chairman Kevin Brady (R-TX) filingthe conference reportin the Houseallowing the bill to move forward in Congress. Under the leadership of House Ways and Means Chairman Kevin Brady (R-TX) and House Ways and Means Republicans, our conference laid out a bold vision for what our new tax code should look like. As Brady said at aspeech delivered at the Reagan Ranch: With your help, America,we can close the special-interest loopholes. Wecan lower tax rates for American families and job creators. We canvault Americafrom nearly dead last among our global competitors back into the lead packwith one of the most pro-growth, pro-jobs tax codes on the planet. House Republicans were able to deliver just that. Thanks to House Republican Leadership, the final conference report for the TCJA included these provisions: Lower Tax Rates Across the Board for All Americans. Nearly Doubled Standard Deduction. Doubled Child Tax Credit. Eliminated the Alternative Minimum Tax for all but Millionaires and Billionaires. Capped the State & Local Tax Deduction. Lower Corporate Tax Rate. Created a New Pass-Through Deduction for Small Businesses. Full and Immediate Expensing for Business Investments. Eliminated the Corporate Alternative Minimum Tax. Reformed Our International Tax Rules. Repealed Many Special Interest Tax Provisions. Improves Savings Vehicles for Education (529s for elementary, secondary, and higher education). Made it easier for American businesses to bring home foreign earnings. Prevents American jobs, headquarters, and research from moving overseas. The results? A booming economy for families and small businesses, anda foundation for our economy to continue rebuilding following the COVID-19 pandemic. The TCJA led toMore Jobs and Investments. Our new tax code providedfairer and lower taxes for workers. And it resulted inBigger Paychecksfor Americans nationwide. Over the next week, Ways and Means Republicans will reflect on the legacy of this new tax code and highlight how, using these same pro-growth, low-tax principles, we can launch America back into the most competitive economy in the world.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://roy.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-roy-lauds-passage-bipartisan-legislation-get-justice-forgotten-vietnam-vets,Rep. Roy lauds passage of bipartisan legislation to get justice for forgotten Vietnam vets,2020-12-16,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,TX,Chip Roy,R000614,roy.house.gov,,,legacy,,0,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=5519,Sen. Cruz Leads Bipartisan Letter Urging U.S. Air Force Secretary to Designate San Antonio as U.S. Space Command Headquarters,2020-12-15,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,TX,Ted Cruz,C001098,www.cruz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Aviation and Space, along with 31 of his colleagues, this week urged U.S. Air Force Secretary Barbara M. Barrett to designate Port San Antonio and Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA) in San Antonio, Texas as the location for the U.S. Space Command Headquarters (USSPACECOM HQ). In a letter sent to Secretary Barrett yesterday, the Texas delegation members wrote: We write in support of Port San Antonio, a rapidly expanding technology and innovation complex, and Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA) as the future basing location for the U.S. Space Command headquarters. Better known as Military City USA, San Antonio has a long and distinguished record of support for our nation's armed forces as well as their family members and veterans. With San Antonio's outstanding defense and aerospace industry, low cost of living, and access to some of the best higher education in the country, it is easy to see why this is the nation's second fastest growing city in 2019. Similarly, the rapid growth over the last two decades at Port San Antonio has produced a robust industrial base with over 13,000 employees among more than 80 public and private companies specializing in aerospace, defense, robotics, cybersecurity, logistics, and other high-tech industries. [] Statewide, Texas legislators from all parties and chambers are unparalleled in their support and advocacy for the military. There is no state in the union that can compare with the tenacity of Texas legislators and our broad, bipartisan, and bicameral delegation as we fight to support the men and women of the military. We are excited to continue in that support and look forward to extending it to the service members and families of U.S. Space Command, right here in Military City USA. U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Reps. Henry Cuellar (D-Texas), Jodey Arrington (R-Texas), Chip Roy (R-Texas), Will Hurd (R-Texas), Dan Crenshaw (R-Texas), John Carter (R-Texas), Mike Conaway (R-Texas), Roger Williams (R-Texas), Randy Weber (R-Texas), Vicente Gonzalez (D-Texas), Kay Granger (R-Texas), Ron Wright (R-Texas), Pete Olson (R-Texas), Brian Babin (R-Texas), Lance Gooden (R-Texas), Kevin Brady (R-Texas), Michael McCaul (R-Texas), Bill Flores (R-Texas), Louie Gohmert (R-Texas), Kenny Marchant (R-Texas), Michael Burgess (R-Texas), Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas), Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-Texas), Collin Allred (D-Texas), Michael Cloud (R-Texas), Filemon Vela (D-Texas), Van Taylor (R-Texas), Joaquin Castro (D-Texas), Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas), and Sylvia Rodriguez Garcia (D-Texas)cosigned the letter. BACKGROUND Sen. Cruz has long been a leading advocate for creating a U.S. Space Command and Space Force, specifically working to give Texas a leading role in training and innovation for the branch. In August, Sen. Cruz urged the U.S. Air Force Secretary to designate one of three Texas cities as U.S. Space Command Headquarters (USSPACECOM HQ). Following Sen. Cruz's letter, the Pentagon announced San Antonio, Texas as one of six finalists to be chosen for the coveted location in November. This month, Sen. Cruz congratulated the first U.S. Space Force trainees for graduating Basic Military Training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, a monumental first step in a new frontier for American exceptionalism in space. As Chairman of the Subcommittee on Aviation and Space, Sen. Cruz has championed America's leadership in space and been a fierce advocate for commercial space development activities, including securing a provision to bolster U.S. commercial remote sensing and introducing legislation that created the position of Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy in the FY 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Read Sen. Cruz's full letter here and below. December 14, 2020 Dear Secretary Barrett, We write in support of Port San Antonio, a rapidly expanding technology and innovation complex, and Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA) as the future basing location for the U.S. Space Command headquarters. Better known as Military City USA, San Antonio has a long and distinguished record of support for our nation's armed forces as well as their family members and veterans. With San Antonio's outstanding defense and aerospace industry, low cost of living, and access to some of the best higher education in the country, it is easy to see why this is the nation's second fastest growing city in 2019. Similarly, the rapid growth over the last two decades at Port San Antonio has produced a robust industrial base with over 13,000 employees among more than 80 public and private companies specializing in aerospace, defense, robotics, cybersecurity, logistics, and other high-tech industries. Just five miles north of this technology campus is the Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) which compliments Port San Antonio's capabilities with innovative space research and design. SwRI and nearly two dozen other companies and universities in the area have secured more than 200 NASA contracts over the last five years to support the nation's space exploration, travel, and launch endeavors. Additionally, Port San Antonio and the historic Kelly Field, one of the birthplaces of military aviation and host of the longest runway in the region, facilitate comprehensive logistical solutions for the nation including a new operation for mass distribution of personal protective equipment to military and civilian medical facilities across the nation. It should be no surprise that the state of Texas and many of its cities consistently rank among the top places to live in the U.S. With no state income tax, affordable real estate, and exceptional education ranging from elementary through post-graduate schools, San Antonio will provide the men and women of U.S. Space Command as well as their families a high quality of life with low cost of living. In 2019, military spouses with professional licenses from another state were granted reciprocity for licensure in Texas alleviating one of the more significant burdens that accompany military families as they move to the state. Similarly, the state of Texas emphasizes quality education through a variety of programs and benefits including early childhood education, pre-kindergarten, and early registration for military children. Military members also have several child development center facilities available for use at both Port San Antonio/Kelly Field as well as at the neighboring Lackland AFB. The local governments of Bexar County and San Antonio also have a great relationship with JBSA and work closely with JBSA leadership to ensure the community is able to support the military members, their families, and local veterans. Bexar County Military and Veterans Services Center assists service members transitioning from the military to civilian life through employment and benefit advice and counseling services. Working in tandem with Bexar County, the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Council works directly with military leaders in the region to ensure the service members at JBSA are adequately supported by the community as well as recognized and celebrated for the sacrifices they have made and the honor they have earned. Beyond all this, it is important to highlight that the support service members and their families receive in Texas is not unique to a political party. Statewide, Texas legislators from all parties and chambers are unparalleled in their support and advocacy for the military. There is no state in the union that can compare with the tenacity of Texas legislators and our broad, bipartisan, and bicameral delegation as we fight to support the men and women of the military. We are excited to continue in that support and look forward to extending it to the service members and families of U.S. Space Command, right here in Military City USA. Sincerely, /s/ ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=5521,"Sens. Cruz, Menendez Lead Bipartisan Call Demanding Ortega Regime Respect Nicaraguan Civil Society and Press Freedoms",2020-12-15,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,TX,Ted Cruz,C001098,www.cruz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today led a bipartisan letter calling on U.S. Ambassador to Nicaragua Kevin K. Sullivan to leverage all diplomatic tools to ensure the safety of journalists, civil society, and political leaders in Nicaragua. In their letter to Ambassador Sullivan, the senators expressed concern about recent actions to codify press censorship and further restrict activities of civil society and political opponents ahead of November 2021 elections, including the recent passage of the so-called Foreign Agents Law and the Special Law on Cybercrimes: These efforts by the Ortega government represent a clear attempt to stifle political opponents and restrict citizen mobilization. We are deeply concerned that the recently enacted legislation constructed to silence voices critical of the Ortega government will lead to increased arrests and persecution of political opponents. The senators also raised concerns about the harassment of independent news media in Nicaragua, including the recent seizure of assets belonging to the owner of Nicavision Canal 12 one of only two independent channels still on open air in the country: Since April 2018, Nicaraguans have witnessed arbitrary detentions of journalists and censorship of outlets such as 100% Noticias and Nicavision Canal 12, while Ortega allies maintain control over the majority of domestic news media. Cosigners joining Sens. Cruz and Menendez on the letter include Sens. Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), and John Cornyn (R-Texas). BACKGROUND In December 2018, President Trump signed into law the NICA Act, authored by Sens. Cruz and Menendez and Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla.). The NICA Act imposes targeted sanctions and conditions U.S. approval of international loans to the Government of Nicaragua, ensuring the Ortega regime will be held accountable for its systemic corruption, human rights violations, and assault on democratic order. In July 2019, Sens. Cruz and Menendez sent a letter to Secretary Pompeo identifying a series of Nicaraguan government officials for the administration to impose sanctions pursuant to the NICA Act. In March, to mark the two year anniversary of the enactment of the NICA Act, Sens. Cruz and Menendez introduced a Senate resolution (S. Res 525), expressing continued support for the people of Nicaragua as they fight to restore democracy. Read the full text of letter here and below. December 15, 2020 Dear Ambassador Sullivan: We write to express our concern regarding the Ortega government's harassment of Nicaragua's political opposition, civil society, and independent media. Respect for fundamental freedoms is essential for the preservation of a vibrant democracy, and the exercise of free speech requires that opposition members, activists, and journalists be permitted to operate in a safe environment. We are particularly troubled that, ahead of November 2021 elections, Nicaraguan legislators have begun to codify press censorship and further restrict activities of civil society and human rights groups. Recently, members of the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) in the Nicaraguan Congress passed legislation that mandates civil society, nongovernmental organizations, and citizens who receive funds originating from abroad to register as foreign agents and bars them from engaging in domestic political activities. The Nicaraguan Congress also approved a Special Law on Cybercrimes, which would allow the Ortega government to prosecute individuals accused of spreading false and/or misrepresented information at its discretion. These efforts by the Ortega government represent a clear attempt to stifle political opponents and restrict citizen mobilization. We are alarmed by these efforts to provide legal justification to harass and criminalize any entity critical of the Ortega government. Moreover, despite early 2019 commitments to release all political prisoners, at least 113 political opponents remain incarcerated as arbitrary detentions and kidnappings continue. We are deeply concerned that the recently enacted legislation constructed to silence dissent will lead to increased arrests and persecution of political opponents. The enactment of these laws is deeply concerning, especially in light of the fact that harassment of the independent news media in Nicaragua has increased dramatically in recent years. Since April 2018, Nicaraguans have witnessed arbitrary detentions of journalists and censorship of outlets such as 100% Noticias and Nicavision Canal 12, while Ortega allies maintain control over the majority of domestic news media.[1] That year, journalists documenting protests throughout the country faced intimidation, theft of personal property, and assault. In one tragic case, journalist ngel Gahona was killed while broadcasting live on the events of April 2018. The Ortega government's violent response to these protests reportedly resulted in upwards of 325 deaths, more than 2,000 injured, and prompted at least 70 journalists to flee Nicaragua.[2]Following a raid of the digital newspaper Confidencial and a series of threats, respected journalist Carlos Fernando Chamorro was forced to seek safety in Costa Rica in January 2019 for nearly a year. More recently, a Managua court ordered the seizure of assets belonging to Mariano Valle Peters, the owner of Nicavision Canal 12which is one of only two independent channels still on open air in Nicaragua.[3] Dating back to 2011, Mr. Valle's outlet has experienced repeated theft of equipment, police intimidation and assault of reporters, as well as frequent tax auditsall of which seems to be targeted intimidation toward the channel. We urge you to utilize all diplomatic tools to ensure the safety of journalists, civil society, and political opponents. In closing, we reaffirm our solidarity with the Nicaraguan people. Press freedom and freedom of expression are integral to the preservation of democracy, and we call on the Ortega government to respect democratic ideals and the fundamental human rights of all Nicaraguans. Sincerely, /s/ ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://wright.house.gov/media/press-releases/wright-joins-colleagues-calling-pelosi-remove-swalwell-hpsci,Wright Joins Colleagues in Calling on Pelosi to Remove Swalwell from HPSCI,2020-12-15,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,TX,Ron Wright,W000827,wright.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. On Monday, Congressman Ron Wright (R-TX) sent a letter with over a dozen House Republicans, led by Congressman Chip Roy (R-TX) and Congressman Jim Banks (R-IN), to urge Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) to remove Congressman Eric Swalwell (D-CA) from the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: ""We write to you today out of concern with Congressman Eric Swalwell's reported, close contacts with a Chinese Communist Party spy recently reported by Axios. Because of Rep. Swalwell's position on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, his close interactions with Chinese intelligence services, however unintentional they may be, are an unacceptable national security risk. HPSCI handles some of the most sensitive information our government possesses information critical to our national defense. As such, we urge you to immediately remove Rep. Swalwell from his position on the House Intelligence Committee, said the Members of Congress. [] Rep. Swalwell withheld information for five years from the House Intelligence Committee about an ongoing Chinese espionage operation targeted at him and his own colleagues. Obviously, Rep. Swalwell's interactions with a Chinese spy were more dangerous and unusual than AG Session's meetings with a Russian diplomat. But to make matters worse, Rep. Swalwell kept this information to himself while repeatedly using his position on HPSCI to peddle damaging and baseless conspiracies about President Donald Trump's unproven ties to Russia for years and still refuses to comment fully on the extent and nature of his relationship with the Chinese Communist Party spy exposed in Axios' bombshell report. Read the full letter online here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://burgess.house.gov/blog/?postid=402992,"The Ripon Advance: Burgess, Kinzinger unveil bill to spur advanced aviation technology manufacturing",2020-12-14,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,TX,Michael Burgess,B001248,burgess.house.gov,,,legacy,"The Ripon Advance: Burgess, Kinzinger unveil bill to spur advanced aviation technology manufacturing by Ripon Advance News ServiceU.S. Reps. Michael Burgess (R-TX) and Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) on Dec. 10 proposed a bipartisan bill to modernize a federal incentive program for manufacturing clean, environmentally friendly aviation technology. This legislation will help foster electric vehicle startups, including electric airplanes, by providing them the resources they need to get off the ground, Sen. Burgess said. I hope others will join in supporting this bipartisan cause. Ultimately, it is the marketplace that will determine the value of new technologies. Rep. Burgess and Rep. Kinzinger are original cosponsors of the Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing (ATVM) Modernization Act, H.R. 8933, which they introduced with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Tony Crdenas (D-CA) to update the ATVM Incentive program by expanding eligibility under the U.S. Energy Department's ATVM loan program to include American-made, energy-efficient aircraft. While the program has shown success in the past by fueling the advanced automobile manufacturing sectors, it still has billions of dollars in loan authority, said Rep. Kinzinger. It's time to put that money to good use for the next wave of advanced transportation technologies, including those in aviation and that's what our bill aims to do. This same loan program can be attributed for the success of electric automobiles and will expand to other modes of transportation, added Rep. Burgess. Rep. Kinzinger noted that while the United States leads the world in research, development and innovation, the nation continues to be a net importer of advanced technology products. The Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing program is designed to steer American innovation and ingenuity into real-world manufacturing capabilities, thereby creating jobs and benefiting the environment, he said. H.R. 8933 has been endorsed by Joby Aviation, Beta Technologies, Kitty Hawk Corp., the Urban Air Mobility Division of Hyundai Motor Group, Uber Technologies, and Rolls-Royce North America Inc.Published here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=5518,Sen. Cruz Issues Statement on Resignation of Attorney General Bill Barr,2020-12-14,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,TX,Ted Cruz,C001098,www.cruz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today issued the following statement on the resignation of Attorney General Bill Barr: ""Bill Barr is a friend and patriot. Despite the vilification in the media, the political targeting, and attacks against his character, Bill stepped forward to lead the Department of Justice with integrity and fidelity to the rule of law. He has served his country with honor and distinction. He shed light on the weaponization of the Department of Justice under the Obama-Biden administration and sought to restore confidence in our justice system. Bill has not been a Republican Attorney General or a Democrat Attorney General; he's been an Attorney General dedicated to following the law and defending the Constitution. His retirement - though a loss for the country - is well deserved. I wish him and his family well in this next chapter."" ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://burgess.house.gov/blog/?postid=402991,Denton Record Chronicle: Denton Housing Authority awarded over $170k for voucher assistance for homeless vets,2020-12-13,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,TX,Michael Burgess,B001248,burgess.house.gov,,,legacy,"by Paul Bryant The Denton Housing Authority has been awarded more than $170,000 to provide vouchers to veterans facing homelessness from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Veterans risked everything on our behalf, Mayor Pro Tem Jesse Davis said. So, if they fall into homelessness, it is only right for us to do everything we can to lift them out. These vouchers are a key component in our efforts to end homelessness in Denton. We've made significant progress toward this goal since Mayor [Chris] Watts announced it in 2014, and we're almost there. According to data provided by United Way of Denton County, of the 412 actively homeless in Denton County as of the end of November, 36 are veterans. In October, that number was 30 of 408 actively homeless. The federal voucher program assesses veterans experiencing homelessness before they are referred to local housing agencies in this case, the Denton Housing Authority. It includes rental assistance the vouchers provide and case management that Veterans Affairs medical centers offer, according to a news release. I'm thrilled to hear this, but it's not nearly enough to meet the current need, at-large Place 5 council member Deb Armintor said. But our local vets need everything they can get right now. I'm celebrating it while pushing for more. Armintor is an advocate for people experiencing homelessness in Denton. She's been critical of landlords or property managers who might frown upon using vouchers to house tenants. The award of these vouchers to our community shows that we have not only a need but a proven track record of meeting the need, Davis said. I am so thankful to our city staff, the [Denton] Housing Authority and Congressman [Michael] Burgess' office for working so hard to secure this support for our veterans. Denton Housing Authority CEO Sherri McDade did not return a message seeking comment. Veterans in the federal voucher program rent privately owned houses and apartments, generally contributing no more than 30% of their income to rent, the news release shows. The Denton Housing Authority was awarded $170,354 in assistance. The federal award may be particularly helpful after the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs in November softened its position on a rule that would have made it more difficult for homeless veterans in Denton to receive housing assistance. Officials from that agency, The Texas Tribune reported, dropped language in the proposal blocking people with convictions for nonviolent felonies and Class A misdemeanors from living in new developments financed by Low-Income Housing Tax Credits. Initially, the rule would have prevented prospective tenants from obtaining housing if they had convictions for nonviolent offenses including third offenses of DWI, credit card abuse or Class A misdemeanors such as possession of marijuana and criminal trespass. Chief Frank Dixon of the Denton Police Department told the Denton Record-Chronicle in November that it isn't fair to block veterans from receiving housing assistance merely because they have misdemeanor convictions for possession of marijuana. I don't know if that's the best use of that [rule], Dixon said at the time. All of the other factors in this coming back from combat tours, having PTSD, and whether they are taking medications or self-medicating by using marijuana or other drugs I think all of those have to be taken into consideration. However, the agency still plans to ban prospective tenants who have committed some violent felonies and drug-related offenses for three to seven years after their convictions, according to the Tribune. Published here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=5515,Sen. Cruz Delivers Virtual Commencement Address for Texas Southmost College,2020-12-13,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,TX,Ted Cruz,C001098,www.cruz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"HOUSTON, Texas - U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) yesterday delivered the virtual commencement address for the fall 2020 graduates of Texas Southmost College, located in Brownsville, Texas. Watch Sen. Cruz's commencement address for Texas Southmost College here and read his full remarks below. ""Welcome to Fall 2020 Commencement. It is a privilege and honor to speak to the graduating class of Texas Southmost College today. I'd like to thank President Dr. Roberto Rodriguez for having me, and for his leadership during these unprecedented times. I'd also like to thank Mayor Trey Mendez, Chair of the Board Adela Garza, the board of trustees, and the faculty here at Texas Southmost College. ""Thank you all for your generous contributions to this community. The city of Brownsville and the lower Rio Grande Valley has a long history of showcasing the exceptionalism of Texas, and I have no doubt that today's graduates will continue that legacy. ""The trials of this year have changed all of our lives, especially the lives of the students graduating today. Y'all have persevered and overcome these unique challenges, and for that, I congratulate you. And I think I can speak for every professor who helped you adapt to a new learning environment and every family member who supported you along the way, in saying that y'all are graduating with skills that will benefit you for the rest of your lives as each of you works to achieve the American dream. ""We are blessed to live in a nation that is unique in the history of the world. There has been no nation that has allowed so many people to come here with nothing and to achieve anything. What is so extraordinary in the United States is that your success doesn't depend on who your parents are and it doesn't depend on the color of your skin, your race, your ethnicity, or your religion. ""Your success instead depends on your talent, your passion, your perseverance, and critically, on the content of your character. That is an extraordinary legacy and it's one I know firsthand in my family. As Americans, we value freedom and opportunity above all else, so let me encourage you to defend liberty and to keep making a difference in the lives of others. ""As you leave here and enter a new phase of your lives in what can feel like a very uncertain time, it is important to remember that Texans are resilient. Americans are resilient. And so thanks to exceptional young people like each of you, we can keep going, we can keep moving forward, and together, we can and we will emerge even stronger than before. ""Congratulations, God bless you, and go Scorpions!"" ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=video&id=5516,Sen. Cruz Delivers Virtual Commencement Address at Texas Southmost College,2020-12-13,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,TX,Ted Cruz,C001098,www.cruz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Central TX (512) 916-5834 300 E 8th Suite 961 Austin, TX 78701 Email North TX (214) 599-8749 Lee Park Tower II 3626 N. Hall St. Suite 410 Dallas, TX 75219 Email Southeast TX (713) 718-3057 The Mickey Leland Federal Building 1919 Smith Street Suite 9047 Houston, TX 77002 Email South/Cen. TX (210) 340-2885 9901 IH-10W Suite 950 San Antonio, TX 78230 Email East TX (903) 593-5130305 S. Broadway Suite 501 Tyler, TX 75702 Email South TX (956) 686-7339 200 S. 10th St Suite 1603 McAllen, TX 78501 Email Washington, D.C. (202) 224-5922 127A Russell Washington, DC 20510 Contact",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://arrington.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=423,Rep. Arrington Mourns the Passing of Judge Ruben Reyes,2020-12-13,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,TX,Jodey Arrington,A000375,arrington.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Arrington Mourns the Passing of Judge Ruben Reyes WASHINGTON After the passing of Texas State District Judge Ruben Reyes, Rep. Jodey Arrington (TX-19) released the following statement. West Texas lost one of its finest public servants in Ruben Reyes. Judge Reyes was nationally recognized for his fairness, compassion, and high standards of excellence serving on state advisory courts for Governors Perry and Abbott as well as chairing a national drug court association. He was the model citizen and servant leader who left his community better than he found it - they just don't get any better. He left us too soon, but we trust our friend, Judge Reyes, has entered eternity and is resting in the arms of his Heavenly Father.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://gohmert.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399882,Rep. Gohmert Announces 2021 Congressional Art Competition Winners,2020-12-12,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,TX,Louie Gohmert,G000552,gohmert.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Gohmert Announces 2021 Congressional Art Competition Winners Congressman Louie Gohmert (TX-01) has released a video announcing the winners of the 2021 Congressional Art Competition for Texas' First District.Please click HERE to watch the announcement. Thank you to all the students who participated and to the teachers who trained and prepared them.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://arrington.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=422,Arrington Responds to SCOTUS Rejection of Texas Election Suit,2020-12-12,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,TX,Jodey Arrington,A000375,arrington.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Today Rep. Arrington released the following statement in response to the Supreme Court's rejection of Texas' election lawsuit. The Constitution has always been the cornerstone of our great republic. Article II undeniably gives state legislatures the sole authority to establish election laws, and that principle must never be compromised. While there are other complaints being considered by the courts, that was the focus of our concern in the amicus brief that I co-signed. Regardless of the outcome of this election, we must go to whatever lengths to ensure we uphold and protect the Constitution, rule of law, and the integrity of our electoral process. If we ever fail to do so, it will be the demise of our great country. I am deeply disappointed the petition was rejected on standing by the Supreme Court; however, the actual claims were not dismissed or rejected on their merits. Therefore, I will continue to press SCOTUS to give the people their day in court and give these issues the serious consideration they deserve. In times like these, we would all do well to remember the wisdom of John Adams: Duty is ours, results are God's.' I will continue to fulfill my duty to the Constitution and conscience in this matter.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://burgess.house.gov/blog/?postid=402985,Burgess: Pfizer EUA is the essence of American Innovation,2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,TX,Michael Burgess,B001248,burgess.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), a member of the House Rules Committee and Republican Leader of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, released the following statement when the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an Emergency Use Authorization for the Pfizer/BioNTech novel Coronavirus 2019 vaccine. It is a great day to be an American, said Burgess. To have a safe and effective vaccine not even one year from learning about the existence of this virus is an outstanding accomplishment. This is a true testament to the dedication, hard work, and brain power of American scientists. I said from the beginning of this pandemic that it would be because of American innovation we would defeat this virus, and this Emergency Use Authorization proves it. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=5512,Sen. Cruz: Big Tech Believes There Is No Power That Can Constrain Them,2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,TX,Ted Cruz,C001098,www.cruz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, in a hearing this week slammed Big Tech's brazen abuses of power and discussed the need for legislation to address Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which provides companies such as Twitter, Facebook, Google, and YouTube with special protections from liability, after YouTube announced it will remove content that alleges widespread election fraud. Watch Sen. Cruz's full remarks here. Excerpts below. WATCH: Sen. Cruz: Big Tech Believes There Is No Power That Can Constrain Them ON YOUTUBE'S REMOVAL OF ANY CONTENT ALLEGING VOTER FRAUD ""Silicon Valley believes there is no power on Earth that can constrain them. We saw the latest illustration of this just yesterday, where YouTube announced that it is going to remove any content online that alleges widespread election fraud. [...] YouTube said that it's going to pull down, it's going to block, content, that misleads people by alleging widespread fraud or errors change the outcome of the presidential election.' They're not even pretending anymore."" ON THE AMERICAN PEOPLE'S VIEWS ON THE ELECTION RESULTS ""Reuters polling shows that 39 percent of the American people believe this election was rigged. That should make all of our hearts ache. That is not good for democracy when nearly half of Americans believe an election is rigged. Now, the members of this committee may have meaningful, substantive dispute about the extent of voter fraud, how widespread it is, what forms it comes in. When Jimmy Carter and James Baker formed a bipartisan commission to study voter fraud, they concluded it was a significant and serious problem that needed to be confronted, and last I checked, Democratic President Jimmy Carter is not some crazed right-wing nut job. And yet [...] apparently, if you sat online and read the Carter Baker commission out loud, YouTube just might well block you."" ON BIG TECH'S LACK OF ACCOUNTABILITY ""Even if you happen to temporarily like the politics of Big Tech today, I ask my colleagues on the Democratic aisle, do you really want to submit total control of the public debate to a handful of Silicon Valley billionaires, modern day oligarchs? With money and power and no accountability? They are not elected by your voters. They are not elected by my voters. They're not elected by anyone."" ON THE IMPORTANCE OF FREE SPEECH ""I am not asking you to pull down liberal content. I'm not asking you to pull down socialists. I'm not asking you to pull down communists. I disagree with liberal content and socialists and communists, but I believe in free speech. It is only one side that is demanding of Big Tech that they censor the views they disagree with."" ON BIG TECH'S ABUSE OF SECTION 230 ""The purpose [Section 230] served when these were nascent companies has long since passed, these are the most powerful companies on the face of the Earth and they feel zero accountability to any elected official. For all of us who care about free speech, that should worry us greatly. YouTube's latest policy is ridiculous. And by the way, if they disagree with someone saying there's widespread election fraud, there's a mechanism for that, which is they can share their own views. You can counter it, you can say, I think this is all baloney. That's fine. That's called free speech, but simply exercising monopoly power to say the views that I don't like shall disappear and have never existed, that should scare everyone."" Sen. Cruz has long warned that Big Tech censorship is ""the single greatest threat to democracy."" As chairman of the Judiciary Committee's Subcommittee on The Constitution, Sen. Cruz is leading the fight in the Senate to hold Big Tech accountable to the American people. Read more about Sen. Cruz's efforts to demand answers below: Questioned the CEOs of Twitter and Facebook at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing. Questioned the CEOs of Twitter, Facebook, and Google at a Senate Commerce Committee hearing. Sent a letter to Twitter and Facebook regarding their blatant censorship of The New York Post's reporting on corruption of Joe and Hunter Biden in China and Ukraine. Fought to subpoena both Twitter CEO, Jack Dorsey, and Facebook CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee on this political censorship and election interference. Chaired multiple hearings with representatives from Twitter, Facebook, and Google, where he raised his concerns about the technology companies engaging in a disturbing pattern of political censorship. Heard testimony from Dennis Prager of PragerU, whose videos are routinely censored on YouTube, and Dr. Robert Epstein, a psychologist who testified that Google's biased search results swung a minimum of 2.6 million votes to Hillary Clinton in 2016. Sent a letter to U.S. Trade Representative, Ambassador Robert Lighthizer, urging him to remove language in U.S. trade agreements similar to Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which provides ""near -blanket legal immunity"" to technology companies. Wrote an op-ed in The Hill in response to Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey's announcement last week banning all political ads from the platform, calling the move ""profoundly harmful."" Sent a letter to Google CEO Sundar Pichai raising concerns about Google's latest actions to censor political speech with which it disagrees. Called for a criminal investigation into Twitter for blatant and willful violation of U.S. sanctions on Iran. Sent two letters - one to Google and one to Facebook - slamming the companies for their separate announcements regarding election advertising. Joined Parler, an unbiased social media platform. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=5514,Sen. Cruz: Democrats Played Politics With This NDAA At The Expense of Our Armed Forces,2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,TX,Ted Cruz,C001098,www.cruz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today issued the following statement after voting against the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (NDAA): The annual NDAA is one of the most important bills that Congress takes up. The version passed by the Senate this year was no different, and contained a number of important provisions I fought hard to have included, such as my bipartisan bill with Sen. Shaheen (D-N.H.) to clarify once and for all that those involved in Russia's Nord Stream 2 pipeline will be subject to crippling and immediate American sanctions, and my legislation with Sen. Coons (D-Del.) to expand medical partnerships with our friend and ally Israel as we work together to develop coronavirus treatments and medications. When the Senate passed the NDAA this summer, it was a strong bipartisan measure that fulfilled our Constitutional responsibility to provide for the national defense, it provided our troops with a well-deserved pay raise, and it invested in the next generation of innovative technology, equipment, and weaponry. But Speaker Pelosi and House Democrats have cynically taken advantage of this must-pass legislation to secure a host of partisan projects unrelated to national security and in conflict with the Constitution, including requiring the Department of Defense to rename our military bases in a political effort to erase our nation's history and restricting the ability of law enforcement to protect our communities during violent riots, which over the last several months have taken the lives of far too many Americans. Additionally, the bill interferes with the President's Article II authority related to overseas deployments, significantly diminishing our ability to execute military strategies that protect our national interests and to wind down endless wars. Furthermore, this NDAA imposes onerous new business reporting requirements that I strongly opposed. These requirements would especially hurt small business owners and job creators, who would also lose important privacy protections. And in light of Big Tech's mounting and flagrant abuses of power to suppress free speech, silent dissent, and undermine the integrity of our elections and the future of democracy, this legislation was also a missed opportunity to advance much-needed reforms to Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, as called for by the President. For 59 consecutive years, Congress has been able to set aside partisan bickering and come together to strengthen America's national security. Sadly, Democrats simply could not deny the temptation to use the NDAA to score political points. The NDAA should serve to strengthen our national security, and it is imperative that Congress respects and upholds this vital function. The men and women of our military deserve no less, and I remain committed to fighting each and every day for the men and women who steadfastly defend our nation. In July, Sen. Cruz secured 21 wins in the NDAA that championed Texas military communities as a pillar of America's national security and advanced America's defense capabilities against our adversaries including China and Russia. Since then, Democrats have included several concerning aspects into the final NDAA, including provisions limiting law enforcement's ability to quell riots, arbitrarily stalling troop reductions in Germany, wasting taxpayer dollars on a second assessment of whether Russia was paying bounties for American troops a debunked theory with no factual backing delaying the operation of a 5G network by allowing the Department of Defense to thwart the Federal Communications Commission's management of spectrum band, and the addition of the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA), a provision that significantly favors Wall Street and hurts small businesses. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=5517,Sen. Cruz Commends Department of Energy's Extension of Seven LNG Export Authorizations,2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,TX,Ted Cruz,C001098,www.cruz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today issued the following statement commending the Department of Energy's decision to extend seven liquefied natural gas (LNG) export authorizations through 2050. Following the announcement of the extension, Sen. Cruz said: The Department of Energy's extension of these seven LNG export authorizations is good news for the thousands of blue-collar energy workers who rely on a vibrant energy industry. This extension will ensure Texans in Southeast Texas and Brownsville have good paying jobs, and will keep energy costs low as we continue working to strengthen America's energy independence. Sen. Cruz has long called for the expansion of LNG exports, a key component to the American Energy Renaissance Act that he introduced in 2015. In 2017, Sen. Cruz introduced the Natural Gas Export Expansion Act, eliminating the arduous process that discourages LNG trade and increase LNG exports by facilitating permits to non-Free Trade Agreement (FTA) counties. In 2018, Sen. Cruz applauded the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for issuing environment schedules for 12 LNG export projects, six of which were in Texas. Last year, Sen. Cruz applauded the FERC's final approval of four LNG export projects in the state of Texas, three of which were in Brownsville, and one in Corpus Christi. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=video&id=5513,Sen. Cruz: Big Tech Believes There Is No Power That Can Constrain Them,2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,TX,Ted Cruz,C001098,www.cruz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Central TX (512) 916-5834 300 E 8th Suite 961 Austin, TX 78701 Email North TX (214) 599-8749 Lee Park Tower II 3626 N. Hall St. Suite 410 Dallas, TX 75219 Email Southeast TX (713) 718-3057 The Mickey Leland Federal Building 1919 Smith Street Suite 9047 Houston, TX 77002 Email South/Cen. TX (210) 340-2885 9901 IH-10W Suite 950 San Antonio, TX 78230 Email East TX (903) 593-5130305 S. Broadway Suite 501 Tyler, TX 75702 Email South TX (956) 686-7339 200 S. 10th St Suite 1603 McAllen, TX 78501 Email Washington, D.C. (202) 224-5922 127A Russell Washington, DC 20510 Contact",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z