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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://delacruz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2348,"Social Security Fairness Act, Co-Sponsored by Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz, Heads to President’s Desk",2024-12-30,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,TX,Monica De La Cruz,D000594,delacruz.house.gov,delacruz,https://delacruz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz celebrates the passage of the Social Security Fairness Act (H.R. 82) through the Senate. The legislation, which Congresswoman De La Cruz co-sponsored and championed as one of her first acts after taking office, is now headed to President Biden to be signed into law after passing the Senate this month. It passed the House on November 12th.

The Social Security Fairness Act repeals the Government Pension Offset (GPO) and Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP), two outdated policies that unfairly reduced Social Security benefits for teachers, first responders, and other public service employees who earned additional Social Security benefits through part-time work or careers prior to or after entering public service. These changes will ensure that retirees receive the benefits they earned.

“For too long, public servants—our teachers, police officers, and firefighters—have been penalized for dedicating their lives to serving our communities,” said Congresswoman De La Cruz. “Listening to teachers and public employees in my district, I understood the inequities they faced. That’s why I co-sponsored this legislation early in my tenure, and the bill’s passage reflects our commitment to fairness and respect for those who serve. This is a victory for fairness and justice, and I am thrilled to see the hard work of so many finally come to fruition.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5587,Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher Releases 2024 Annual Report for Texas’ Seventh Congressional District,2024-12-30,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,TX,Lizzie Fletcher,F000468,fletcher.house.gov,fletcher,https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) released her 2024 Annual Report detailing her work representing Texas’ Seventh Congressional District this year. The report highlights some of Congresswoman Fletcher’s work on legislation, events in the district, and constituent matters in 2024.

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

Highlights of the 2024 Annual Report include:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To view the full 2024 Annual Report, click here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-announces-new-committee-assignments-for-119th-congress/,Cornyn Announces New Committee Assignments for 119th Congress,2024-12-30,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,TX,John Cornyn,C001056,www.cornyn.senate.gov,cornyn,https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"AUSTIN – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) issued the following statement announcing that he will serve as a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations and Budget Committees during the 119th Congress, in addition to the three committees on which he currently serves:

“For the past four years, the Biden-Harris administration has diminished America’s standing on the world’s stage and spent hundreds of billions of taxpayer dollars on partisan spending sprees. I look forward to working with my Senate colleagues and President Trump to restore respect for America across the globe and tackle our growing national debt, and I am honored to be a voice for Texans in these new roles.”

In addition to joining the Senate Foreign Relations and Budget Committees, Sen. Cornyn will continue to serve as a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, the Senate Finance Committee, and the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence in the 119th Congress, which is set to begin on January 3, 2025.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://sylviagarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-sylvia-garcia-statement-on-the-passing-of-president-jimmy-carter,Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia Statement on the Passing of President Jimmy Carter,2024-12-29,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,TX,Sylvia R. Garcia,G000587,sylviagarcia.house.gov,sylviagarcia,https://sylviagarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"HOUSTON, TX – Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (D-TX-29) issued the following statement on the passing of former President Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States:

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

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

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

“President Carter and his wife Rosalynn, his thought partner for decades, embodied the teachings of Jesus, focusing on justice and love. Our world is kinder, safer, and humbler because of his leadership. My prayers are with the Carter family, their community of Plains, and all those around the world who mourn his passing but find hope in his legacy as he is reunited with his beloved Rosalynn Carter in heaven.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-statement-on-passing-of-president-jimmy-carter/,Cornyn Statement on Passing of President Jimmy Carter,2024-12-29,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,TX,John Cornyn,C001056,www.cornyn.senate.gov,cornyn,https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"AUSTIN – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) issued the following statement after the passing of former President Jimmy Carter:

“As a naval officer, Georgia state senator, governor, and President of the United States, Jimmy Carter served our nation with honor,” said Sen. Cornyn. “His love for his home state of Georgia and for those he served through his beloved Maranatha Baptist Church and charities like Habitat for Humanity was evident throughout his life, and his legacy will remain a cherished part of our great American story. My prayers are with the entire Carter family during this time.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.cruz.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sen-cruz-statement-on-passing-of-jimmy-carter,Sen. Cruz Statement on Passing of Jimmy Carter,2024-12-29,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,TX,Ted Cruz,C001098,www.cruz.senate.gov,cruz,https://www.cruz.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today issued the following statement on the passing of former President Jimmy Carter:

""Heidi and I are saddened by the passing of President Jimmy Carter. At age 100, President Carter was the oldest former president in history, and he left a legacy of honorable military and public service. His decades-long dedication to building homes for those in need was truly remarkable. Our hearts and prayers are with the Carter family during this difficult time. We pray for peace and comfort for his loved ones as they mourn his loss, and take solace in knowing that he is now reunited with his beloved wife, Rosalynn.""

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-al-green-joins-c-span-discuss-federal-spending-deadline-and-issues,Congressman Al Green Joins C-SPAN to Discuss Federal Spending Deadline and Issues Impacting the 2024 Election,2024-12-27,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,TX,Al Green,G000553,algreen.house.gov,algreen,https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"(Washington, D.C.) — On December 19, 2024, Congressman Al Green discussed the federal spending deadline, issues impacting the 2024 election, and the congressional news of the day on C-SPAN's Washington Journal with host Mimi Geerges. You can access C-SPAN’s online streaming of the news segment by clicking here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-colleagues-bill-to-help-prevent-child-abuse-signed-into-law/,"Cornyn, Colleagues’ Bill to Help Prevent Child Abuse Signed into Law",2024-12-26,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,TX,John Cornyn,C001056,www.cornyn.senate.gov,cornyn,https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"AUSTIN – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) released the following statements after their Jenna Quinn Law, which would allow current grant funds to be used to train and educate students, teachers, caregivers, and other adults who work with children in a professional or volunteer capacity on how to prevent, recognize, and report child sexual abuse, was signed into law earlier this week. The bill is named for Jenna Quinn, a Texan and child abuse survivor, and is modeled after successful reforms passed by the Texas Legislature in 2009.

“Inspired by Texan Jenna Quinn, our landmark legislation modeled after successful reforms in Texas will ensure every student, teacher, and caregiver across the country has the tools to recognize and prevent abuse of vulnerable children,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This law is years in the making, and I want to thank the bill’s namesake, Jenna Quinn, Representatives Moran and McCaul, and all of my colleagues in Congress for their support.”

“Members of both parties are united in our mission to find additional ways to keep children safe from sexual abuse,” said Sen. Hassan. “Our bipartisan legislation will help ensure that parents, teachers, and other community members receive evidence-based training to help protect children from sexual abuse.”

“Every child deserves protection from abuse. Ensuring all adults, teachers, and caregivers are equipped with the knowledge to identify, prevent, and report child sexual abuse is a necessary and life-saving mechanism,” said Sen. Luján. “Jenna’s Law is implemented across several states – including New Mexico – and should be federally recognized. I’m proud that this legislation was signed into law, bringing us one step closer to providing funding to train and educate students, teachers, and parents on best practices to prevent and report abuse.”

Sen. Mike Braun (R-IN) also cosponsored this legislation, and Representatives Nathaniel Moran (TX-01), Michael McCaul (TX-10), and Susan Wild (PA-07) led the legislation in the House.

Background:

Jenna Quinn has been an outspoken advocate for survivors of child sexual abuse and was the driving force behind what is now known as Jenna’s Law in Texas. Unanimously passed by the Texas Legislature, Jenna’s Law was the first child sexual abuse prevention law in the U.S. that mandates K-12 trainings for students and school staff and was amended in 2017 to include sex trafficking prevention education in schools. More than half of all states have adopted a form of Jenna’s Law.

After Jenna’s Law passed in Texas in 2009, a study found educators reported child sexual abuse at a rate almost four times greater after training than during their pre-training career. The Jenna Quinn Law will:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-al-green-issues-statement-recent-shootings-sunnyside-resulting,"Congressman Al Green Issues Statement on the Recent Shootings in Sunnyside, Resulting in the Loss of Lives",2024-12-24,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,TX,Al Green,G000553,algreen.house.gov,algreen,https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"(Houston, TX) — On Monday, December 23, 2024, Congressman Al Green issued a statement regarding the recent shootings as reported by news sources that resulted in the death of two men on Sunday night in Sunnyside, located in Congressman Green's district.

Congressman Al Green stated, ""I am saddened by the loss of life in our community and extend my deepest sympathies to the victims’ families during this tragic time. We must prioritize the safety and security of our neighborhoods by taking action to hold those responsible for this brutality accountable, while also enhancing our efforts to prevent any future occurrences of violence. My heart goes out to the families of the many lives lost to gun violence during this holiday season, it will not be as enjoyable as it could have been. Violence that impacts any one of us directly has an adverse impact upon all of us indirectly. This indirect impact is evidenced in the need for more law enforcement, greater security infrastructure, and the need for more physical and mental health resources. We must unite to end gun violence.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2243,Rep. Jackson Applauds Fiscal Year 2025 NDAA Being Signed into Law,2024-12-24,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,TX,Ronny Jackson,J000304,jackson.house.gov,jackson,https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman Ronny Jackson (TX-13) issued the following statement after the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) was signed into law. Jackson’s leadership on this critical legislation includes provisions that enhance servicemembers' quality of life, modernize our military, support our allies, and strengthen national security.

Jackson said: “Ensuring the U.S. military remains the most lethal fighting force in the world and that Texas’ Thirteenth Congressional District continues to play a vital role in national security are among my top priorities in Congress. I’m proud this year’s NDAA includes many provisions to modernize the Pantex Plant in Amarillo, strengthen the workforce at Bell in Amarillo, improve the quality of life for service members and their families at Sheppard Air Force Base, and bolster our defense-focused workforce. These provisions will benefit our dedicated servicemembers and hardworking Texans who are important to the security of our nation. Thank you, Chairman Rogers, for your steadfast leadership in the passage of this year’s NDAA, and I look forward to continuing to support America’s national defense priorities under President-elect Trump’s leadership soon!”

Jackson serves on the House Armed Services Committee. For additional details on the NDAA provisions Jackson led, click here.

Jackson spoke on the House Floor in favor of the FY25 NDAA prior to the House vote.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-bills-to-enhance-u-s-defense-procurement-capabilities-signed-into-law/,Cornyn Bills to Enhance U.S. Defense Procurement Capabilities Signed into Law,2024-12-24,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,TX,John Cornyn,C001056,www.cornyn.senate.gov,cornyn,https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"AUSTIN – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement after two of his bills to enhance U.S. defense procurement capabilities, the Capability-Based Trade and Unconventional Resource Engagement (CAPTURE) Act and the Encouraging Qualitative Upgrades and Innovative Procurements (EQUIP) Act, were signed into law as part of the National Defense Authorization Act:

“For America to effectively confront the evolving threats around the globe, our military must be modern and nimble,” said Sen. Cornyn. “These bills will enhance and expand our defense procurement capabilities to ensure we can answer the call at a moment’s notice, and I’m glad to see them signed into law.”

Background:

The Capability-Based Trade and Unconventional Resource Engagement (CAPTURE) Act creates a pilot project permitting contracting officers to use an alternative capability-based analysis to determine whether the proposed price or fee for a commercial product or service offered by a nontraditional defense contractor is fair and reasonable, giving them more flexibility to choose the most cost-effective options regardless of contractor.

The Encouraging Qualitative Upgrades and Innovative Procurements (EQUIP) Act permits the use of the Defense Modernization Fund as a source of funding to procure and integrate commercial technologies to satisfy a joint urgent operational need or validated service requirement.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-cruz-bill-to-expand-service-members-access-to-health-care-information-signed-into-law/,"Cornyn, Cruz Bill to Expand Service Members’ Access to Health Care Information Signed Into Law",2024-12-24,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,TX,John Cornyn,C001056,www.cornyn.senate.gov,cornyn,https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) released the following statements after their Private Smither Act, which would require the Department of Defense (DoD) to provide a health care provider’s affiliation in a patient’s medical record, was signed into law as part of the National Defense Authorization Act:

“Private Second Class Caleb Smither’s life and service to our country was sadly cut short, and my hope is that this law will help us prevent similar tragedies in the future,” said Sen. Cornyn.“Now law,this legislation will ensure our service members have access to key health care information and hold DoD-contract health care providers accountable for the quality of care they provide.”

“Private Caleb Smither, from Lubbock, Texas, was a proud Paratrooper of the 82nd Airborne Division who served faithfully until his life was cut short by preventable circumstances,” said Sen. Cruz. “Caleb’s mother, Heather Baker, has advocated for greater transparency concerning military medical malpractice, and this bill honors Caleb’s service and Heather’s advocacy in ensuring that transparency. We owe it to Caleb, and all the brave men and women of the armed forces to prioritize their safety, and I am proud to see the Private Smither Act signed into law.”

Congressman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) introduced the legislation in the House of Representatives in July.

Background:

In 2020, Texan and Army Private Second Class (PV2) Caleb Smither, who was stationed at Fort Bragg, now Fort Liberty, passed away after enduring a head injury and receiving medical care from an independent contractor at the base’s Womack Army Medical Center.

The Private Smither Act requires the DoD to include a health care provider’s affiliation (DoD or non-DoD) in a patient’s medical record. By including this information in a patient’s medical record, the patient will know whether or not to pursue a claim against the military or the non-personal services contractor’s medical malpractice insurance in the event of medical malpractice.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-hassan-bill-to-improve-contractor-services-along-southern-border-signed-into-law/,"Cornyn, Hassan Bill to Improve Contractor Services Along Southern Border Signed into Law",2024-12-24,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,TX,John Cornyn,C001056,www.cornyn.senate.gov,cornyn,https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"AUSTIN – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) released the following statements after their DHS Border Services Contracts Review Act, which requires the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Under Secretary for Management to deliver a report assessing contracts for services performed along the U.S.-Mexico border and implement a plan to improve procurement and delivery of those services, was signed into law:

“As a founding member of the Senate DOGE Caucus, I’m interested in any and every opportunity to streamline government processes, including at our southern border,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This law will identify new ways to better protect taxpayer dollars and support our Border Patrol agents, CBP officers, and other personnel who work tirelessly to safeguard Texans.”

“We need to continue working across the aisle to strengthen border security,” said Sen. Hassan. “This bipartisan legislation is one additional way to better achieve that mission, and I am pleased that the President has signed it into law. It will help ensure that the Department of Homeland Security and its contractors are operating as effectively as possible at the border.”

U.S. Representatives Josh Brecheen (OK-02) and Mark Green (TN-07) led companion legislation in the House.

Background:

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Inspector General has previously reported instances when U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) failed to timely contract for adequate facilities to detain illegal migrants and provide medical services.

This law will mitigate instances similar to those by requiring the DHS Under Secretary for Management to assess contracts valued at a minimum of $50 million for services performed by contractor personnel along the southern border. DHS would also be required to develop a strategy and implementation plan to improve procurement and delivery of services. As part of the analysis, DHS is required to consider the impact of contracts on the ability of Border Patrol agents to carry out their primary mission responsibilities.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-klobuchar-colleagues-bill-to-improve-investigations-of-online-child-exploitation-signed-into-law/,"Cornyn, Klobuchar, Colleagues’ Bill to Improve Investigations of Online Child Exploitation Signed into Law",2024-12-24,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,TX,John Cornyn,C001056,www.cornyn.senate.gov,cornyn,https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"AUSTIN – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) released the following statements after their Project Safe Childhood Act, which would make improvements to the investigation and prosecution of online child exploitation, was signed into law as part of the National Defense Authorization Act:

“No child should be exposed to vicious threats from online predators,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This law will make key strategic improvements to give law enforcement officers and federal prosecutors the tools to go after online child predators and ensure more children are shielded from this horrific crime.”

“We must do everything we can to protect our children from online exploitation and abuse,” said Sen. Klobuchar. “By modernizing the Project Safe Childhood program, our bipartisan legislation will ensure that law enforcement has the tools and resources it needs to rescue victims and prosecute those who commit these terrible crimes.”

“Too many young lives have been lost or destroyed by online sexual abuse,” said Sen. Grassley. “By empowering local law enforcement and federal prosecutors to take down online predators, we can protect vulnerable kids and bring criminals to justice.”

“The Project Safe Childhood Act takes a major step forward in the fight to protect children from the horrendous crime of online sexual exploitation,” said Sen. Blumenthal. “Safeguarding our nation’s children from such abhorrent abuse is urgent and imperative, and this critical legislation empowers law enforcement to combat these serious dangers and hold predators accountable. I’ve long championed efforts to better protect children in an increasingly online society, and I look forward to swift action from the President.”

“It is our duty to protect the most innocent among us: our nation’s children,” said Sen. Blackburn. “Kids need more protections in this rapidly increasing digital age, and the Project Safe Childhood Act will modernize how we investigate and prosecute online child predators by giving state and local law enforcement the federal support and training they need.”

Senators Chris Murphy (D-CT), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Peter Welch (D-VT), Josh Hawley (R-MO), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Chris Coons (D-DE), John Kennedy (R-LA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), and James Lankford (R-OK) cosponsored this legislation.

Background:

Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). The Project Safe Childhood Act would modernize the investigation and prosecution of online child exploitation crimes and would make improvements to how federal prosecutors and law enforcement work together and use new technology to go after predators. This bill would require federal prosecutors and the DOJ to coordinate with law enforcement and experts to develop training materials and strategies to identify and rescue child victims while quickly arresting offenders.

The legislation is endorsed by the National District Attorneys Association, National Association of Police Organizations, Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN), National Center on Sexual Exploitation, Fraternal Order of Police, Rights 4 Girls, National Children’s Alliance, and National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-ossoff-lankford-sinema-bill-to-enhance-law-enforcements-fentanyl-detection-capabilities-now-law/,"Cornyn, Ossoff, Lankford, Sinema Bill to Enhance Law Enforcement’s Fentanyl Detection Capabilities Now Law",2024-12-24,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,TX,John Cornyn,C001056,www.cornyn.senate.gov,cornyn,https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"AUSTIN – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), and James Lankford (R-OK) released the following statements after their Detection Equipment and Technology Evaluation to Counter the Threat of (DETECT) Fentanyl and Xylazine Act, which authorizes the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to conduct research and development, testing, and evaluation on equipment that would help law enforcement better detect fentanyl and other drugs, was signed into law:

“Fentanyl is a silent killer that lurks in the shadows of our communities,and we must assist law enforcement in rooting it out to stop the loss of more innocent lives,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This law will ensure our brave men and women in uniform have every available tool to safely identify these deadly drugs and help put a stop to this devastating epidemic.”

“Illegal fentanyl trafficking is devastating Georgia families and putting our kids at risk,”said Sen. Ossoff. “We brought Republicans and Democrats together to pass our bill into law that will strengthen detection and prevention of fentanyl trafficking.”

“For anyone outside of the Washington, DC beltway, there is no doubt that the border is in chaos,” said Sen. Lankford. “Besides a record number of illegal border crossers being released into the country with no idea who they are, where they are from, or where they are going, the crisis has also resulted in massive amounts of fentanyl coming into our country, which has been deadly to many communities across the US. Sadly, Oklahoma is no stranger to the terrible impact of fentanyl. We are calling on DHS to stop illegal immigration and develop a new way to detect, stop, and investigate fentanyl trafficking into the US. This is one step in stopping the chaos, but one that will have a huge impact on our communities and families.”

U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ) is a cosponsor of this legislation. U.S. Representatives Nick LaLota (NY-01), Lou Correa (CA-46), and Don Davis (NC-01) led companion legislation in the House.

Background:

Established in 2003, the Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) is the research and development arm of DHS tasked with providing evidence-based scientific and technical expertise to inform policies that address a broad spectrum of current and emerging threats, from sexual abuse to natural disasters to narcotics. S&T has an opioid detection research program, but it is not explicitly set up by law.

The DETECT Fentanyl and Xylazine Act will:

Create a new statutory responsibility for S&T to carry out, in coordination with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), research, development, testing, evaluation, and cost-benefit analysis to improve the safety, effectiveness, and efficiency of drug detection equipment and reference libraries used by federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies to identify unknown substances;

Establish three focus areas with flexibility to adopt other focuses in the future:

Portable detection equipment that requires only minimal handling of sample;

Equipment that can separate complex mixtures with low concentrations of drugs and high concentrations of cutting agents into component parts to enable detection; and

Technologies that use AI and machine learning to predict whether a substance is a controlled substance analogue or other new psychoactive substance not yet included in a reference library.

Require S&T to follow the recommendations, guidelines, and best practices set out in the federal government’s Artificial Intelligence Risk Management Framework; and

Direct S&T to look to the DEA’s State and Territory Report on Enduring and Emerging Threats and the DHS’s Homeland Threat Assessment in establishing priorities.

The DETECT Fentanyl and Xylazine Act is endorsed by the National Association of Police Organizations, National Border Patrol Council, National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition, National HIDTA Directors Association, Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, Sergeants Benevolent NYPD, National Treasury Employees Union, and Shatterpoof.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-padilla-bill-to-safeguard-veterans-access-to-quality-education-now-law/,"Cornyn, Padilla Bill to Safeguard Veterans’ Access to Quality Education Now Law",2024-12-24,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,TX,John Cornyn,C001056,www.cornyn.senate.gov,cornyn,https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"AUSTIN – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Alex Padilla (D-CA) released the following statements after their Isakson-Roe Education Oversight Expansion Act, which would improve the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) oversight capabilities to ensure veterans can access quality education at reputable institutions, was signed into law as part of the National Defense Authorization Act:

“Our veterans deserve to put their hard-earned education benefits toward degrees and certifications from trustworthy institutions,” said Sen. Cornyn.“This law will help the VA root out fraud among schools and ensure veterans have access to quality education.”

“Veterans should have access to their hard-earned GI Bill benefits without fear of exploitation,” said Sen. Padilla. “This bipartisan legislation becoming law is an important step toward that mission, and I will keep fighting to break down the barriers to quality higher education access.”

U.S. Representatives Morgan McGarvey (KY-03) and Mike Levin (CA-49) led companion legislation in the House.

Background:

Through the G.I. Bill, many veterans earn education benefits to help pay for college, graduate school, and vocational training at institutions approved by the VA. Given the number of educational institutions, however, the VA is not always aware of those that are engaged in deceptive practices or have been subjected to punitive action by a state or federal authority. This can result in veterans using their benefits at bad-actor schools or those in jeopardy of losing accreditation.

To help mitigate fraud and ensure veterans use their benefits at reputable schools, the Isakson-Roe Education Oversight Expansion Act will require all VA-approved institutions to report within 30 days any adverse actions taken against them to the State Approving Agencies (SAA) and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-padilla-wicker-bill-to-bolster-solid-rocket-motor-supply-chain-signed-into-law/,"Cornyn, Padilla, Wicker Bill to Bolster Solid Rocket Motor Supply Chain Signed into Law",2024-12-24,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,TX,John Cornyn,C001056,www.cornyn.senate.gov,cornyn,https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"AUSTIN – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Alex Padilla (D-CA), along with Senate Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Roger Wicker (R-MS), released the following statements after their Solid Propulsion Enhancement and Advancement for Readiness (SPEAR) Act, which would help secure and stabilize the domestic supply chain of solid rocket motors commonly used in missiles and rockets, was signed into law as part of the National Defense Authorization Act:

“State-of-the-art solid rocket motors are critical to America’s defense industrial base, and I’m glad our legislation to ensure their continued production on U.S. soil is now law,” said Sen. Cornyn.

“Solid rocket motors are key to America’s national defense, and we must increase domestic production to address growing demand for hypersonic technology,” said Sen. Padilla. “California is a leader in the hypersonic industry, and I’m glad to see this legislation signed into law.”

“For years, over a dozen solid rocket motor producers, including many new, innovative companies, have struggled to move quickly because of Pentagon planning instability and lack of conviction,” said Sen. Wicker. “The SPEAR Act requires the Pentagon to begin reversing this trend through a roadmap for future manufacturing of SRMs. We need to put our defense industrial base on a wartime footing, and I am grateful to have partnered with Senator Cornyn on legislation that moves us in the right direction.”

Background:

Solid rocket motors (SRM) are key components of missiles and rockets’ propulsion capabilities. The Solid Propulsion Enhancement and Advancement for Readiness (SPEAR) Act directs the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to conduct a study and compile a report to Congress on ways to secure and stabilize industrial SRM production capacity, resiliency, and surge capability for the next five years.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-peters-webster-carbajal-bill-to-strengthen-cybersecurity-at-ports-signed-into-law/,"Cornyn, Peters, Webster, Carbajal Bill to Strengthen Cybersecurity at Ports Signed into Law",2024-12-24,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,TX,John Cornyn,C001056,www.cornyn.senate.gov,cornyn,https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"AUSTIN – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Gary Peters (D-MI) and U.S. Representative Daniel Webster (FL-11) released the following statements after their Protecting Investments in Our Ports Act, which will ensure that all applicants for competitive grant funding from the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) may only purchase secure digital infrastructure or secure software components and applicants must certify they have a security plan addressing cyber risks, was signed into law as part of the National Defense Authorization Act:

“As technology continues to advance and global tensions rise, we must take steps to address the growing threat posed by adversaries looking to access sensitive information or disrupt supply chains at our ports,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This law will mitigate the risk of cyber-espionage by foreign countries and help ensure the digital infrastructure and technology at our ports is secure.”

“Our shipping ports play a crucial role in building resilient supply chains, supporting economic growth, and strengthening our national security. We must do everything we can to protect our port infrastructure from cybersecurity threats,” said Sen. Peters. “This law will incentivize our ports to put the appropriate guardrails in place to protect against cyberattacks, helping to improve the security and efficiency of operations.”

“We must ensure our seaports have the resources and are taking the steps necessary to counter threats posed by the introduction of new software and digital infrastructure,” said Rep. Webster. “This critical measure will help insulate port operations against any potential attacks by those wishing to disrupt our supply chains.”

U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (CA-24) is a cosponsor of this legislation in the House.

Background:

Chinese-made cranes operating at American ports across the country, including several at strategic ports used by the military, have embedded technology that could be used to spy on and disrupt U.S. port operations. The Protecting Investments in our Ports Act will require applicants of the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) under the Maritime Administration that are acquiring digital infrastructure or a software component to certify that they have an approved National Maritime Transportation Security Plan that addresses cyber risks.

This legislation builds on Sen. Cornyn’s Cranes of Concern at our Ports (CCP) Act, which was signed into law as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for FY24 and requires the federal government to evaluate threats to U.S. ports posed by cranes manufactured in countries of concern, especially those made by China’s Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Company (ZPMC). The Protecting Investment in Our Ports Act makes sure competitive grant funding from the PIDP is being used to purchase secure infrastructure and provides another layer of checks on security.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-shaheen-bill-to-prevent-military-personnel-transferring-skills-to-foreign-adversaries-now-law/,"Cornyn, Shaheen Bill to Prevent Military Personnel Transferring Skills to Foreign Adversaries Now Law",2024-12-24,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,TX,John Cornyn,C001056,www.cornyn.senate.gov,cornyn,https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"AUSTIN – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) released the following statements after their Safeguarding Tactics and Operational Procedures from (STOP) Enemies Act, which would update the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) to prohibit active duty and retired service members from providing military education, military training, or tactical advice to foreign adversaries, was signed into law as part of the National Defense Authorization Act:

“Our military prohibits U.S. service members from providing our enemies with weapons, ammunition, and intelligence, but military education, training, and skills need to be added to that list,” said Sen. Cornyn.“This law will make it clear that active duty or retired service members who transfer their institutional knowledge to our enemies will face serious consequences.”

“U.S. service members are the most well-trained and prepared fighting force on the planet – they must know that sharing any knowledge of their training or U.S. capabilities with adversaries is strictly prohibited,” said Sen. Shaheen. “I’m glad that our bipartisan legislation has been signed into law to clarify the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) and ensure that any service member who chooses to betray their oath will face severe consequences.”

Background:

Article 103b of the UCMJ currently prohibits U.S. active duty and retired service members from providing material items such as arms, ammunition, supplies, or money to the enemy as well as harboring, protecting, or providing intelligence to the enemy. This legislation would clarify the scope of Article 103b to prohibit individuals subject to the UCMJ from providing military education, military training, or tactical advice to enemies of the U.S., which could include any hostile body that our forces may be opposing, such as a rebellious mob or a band of renegades; organized forces of the enemy in time of war; and members of military organizations.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-warner-lankford-kelly-bill-to-foster-intelligence-community-partnerships-signed-into-law-2/,"Cornyn, Warner, Lankford, Kelly Bill to Foster Intelligence Community Partnerships Signed into Law",2024-12-24,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,TX,John Cornyn,C001056,www.cornyn.senate.gov,cornyn,https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Mark Warner (D-VA), and Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) released the following statements after their Enable IC Partnerships Act, which would encourage public and private partnerships with the Intelligence Community to streamline acquisitions and adoption of cutting-edge technologies and support workforce development, was signed into law as part of the National Defense Authorization Act:

“Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, and data sciences are on pace to revolutionize intelligence gathering and analysis,” said Sen. Cornyn.“By fostering IC public-private partnerships, we can better equip our Intelligence Community with the tools and cutting-edge technology that will strengthen our national security.”

“As Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, I’m acutely aware of the challenges our Intelligence Community faces to combat the threats posed by our adversaries,” said Sen. Warner. “As our adversaries rapidly advance their technological capabilities, it’s crucial that we streamline our processes in order to keep up. This law will help give the IC the support, funding, and flexibility needed better protect our national security.”

“Innovation is key to protecting America’s cybersecurity and national security,” said Sen. Lankford. “As adversaries from across the globe attempt to undermine the United States, our intelligence community needs to be prepared with the technology, training, and programs to stay one step ahead.”

“Our intelligence community is stronger when they’re given the tools needed to anticipate national security threats,” said Sen. Kelly. “This bipartisan effort will make it easier for our intelligence agencies to leverage partnerships to secure state-of-the-art technology and talent, ensuring the U.S. maintains an edge over adversaries.”

Background:

In light of global threats to national security, acquisition leaders in the Intelligence Community must be able to explore the use of public and private capital partnerships to secure technological advantages for the intelligence community through the identification, development, and transfer of promising technologies to full-scale programs capable of meeting IC requirements.

This legislation will encourage acquisition leaders to explore partnerships with federal lending agencies, such as the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) Office of Strategic Capital, and private capital partnerships. It will also support IC talent and workforce development in technology-related fields, including computing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and others.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://vanduyne.house.gov/2024/12/rep-van-duyne-introduces-legislation-to-secure-our-elections-and-cities-from-illegal-immigrants,Rep. Van Duyne Introduces Legislation to Secure our Elections and Cities from Illegal Immigrants,2024-12-23,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,TX,Beth Van Duyne,V000134,vanduyne.house.gov,vanduyne,https://vanduyne.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne recently introduced the Voter Eligibility Verification Act and the No Congressional Funds for Sanctuary Cities Act to push back on Democrats’ attempts to overwhelm our nation with mass illegal immigration.

“The open border policies we’ve seen for the last 3.5 years from Democrat leadership have made our nation less safe and our elections less secure,” said Rep. Van Duyne. “From sanctuary city mayors refusing to honor our nation’s immigration laws, to Washington, D.C. bureaucrats unlawfully withholding citizenship data from states, Democrats’ willful disregard is evident and those responsible must be held accountable.”

TheVoter Eligibility Verification Act requires U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to respond to state inquiries regarding citizenship data within 30 days of receiving the request.

“After Texas requested necessary data from USCIS to verify voter citizenship and clean the voter rolls, USCIS failed to respond, leaving Texas struggling to ensure only eligible voters could vote,” said Rep. Van Duyne. “The Voter Eligibility Verification Act will fix this by requiring USCIS to respond to state requests for citizenship data within 30 days. I will continue working with state leaders to ensure they have the tools needed to protect our elections.”

The No Congressional Funds for Sanctuary Cities Act would prohibit the use of Congressionally-appropriated community project funds from cities that have sanctuary city policies—such as laws, ordinances, regulations, or practices that obstruct immigration enforcement or shield individuals from Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

“President Trump's deportation plan relies on cooperation from local law enforcement and sanctuary city policies compromise those efforts,” said Rep. Van Duyne. “My proposal to withhold community project funds from sanctuary cities would pressure local governments to allow greater cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.”

Congresswoman Van Duyne was joined by Congressman Dan Crenshaw (TX-02) in introducing the Voter Eligibility Verification Act.

BACKGROUND:

Rep. Van Duyne recently launched a new effort to deport criminal aliens from our communities by empowering our mayors and local law enforcement to work with ICE.

The No Congressional Funds for Sanctuary Cities Act will ensure that cities that refuse to cooperate with ICE to protect their citizens will be held accountable.

After finding and removing 6,500 potential noncitizens from its voter rolls, Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson requested citizenship data from USCIS to verify the eligibility of voters before the November 5th election. USCIS failed to comply with Texas’ request.

In October 2024, Rep. Van Duyne joined her colleagues in demanding immediate action from USCIS to release the citizenship data so Texas could ensure eligible voters were allowed to cast a ballot.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://doggett.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-doggetts-statement-avoiding-musk-trump-shutdown,Rep. Doggett’s Statement on Avoiding a Musk-Trump Shutdown,2024-12-21,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,TX,Lloyd Doggett,D000399,doggett.house.gov,doggett,https://doggett.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Contact: Alexis.Torres@mail.house.gov

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

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

“With 34 Republicans voting against the resolution, a shutdown was avoided because of a unanimous Democratic vote. The government is funded only through mid-March when we will likely experience another threatened government shutdown. Happy holidays but a challenging New Year ahead.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-cruz-bill-to-rename-plano-va-clinic-in-honor-of-congressman-sam-johnson-heads-to-presidents-desk/,"Cornyn, Cruz Bill to Rename Plano VA Clinic in Honor of Congressman Sam Johnson Heads to President’s Desk",2024-12-21,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,TX,John Cornyn,C001056,www.cornyn.senate.gov,cornyn,https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) and Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) released the following statements after their legislation, which would designate the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) community-based outpatient clinic in Plano, Texas, as the “U.S. Congressman Sam Johnson Memorial VA Clinic,” passed the Senate and now heads to the President’s desk:

“Sam Johnson was an American hero, a statesman, a loving husband and father, and a friend,” said Sen. Cornyn. “With more than five decades of service to our nation in the Air Force and Congress, Sam’s life was a shining example of American patriotism, and I am glad that my Senate colleagues have passed this legislation to preserve his extraordinary legacy.”

“I’m proud to have worked with Senator Cornyn to rename this facility the Sam Johnson Memorial VA Clinic, honoring Congressman Johnson’s unwavering service to our nation, our veterans, and Texas military families,”said Sen. Cruz.“The renaming of this facility reflects our commitment to deepening and embodying those values.”

The legislation was led in the House of Representatives by Congressman Keith Self (TX-03).

Background:

Born in 1930 in San Antonio, Sam Johnson served in the Air Force for 29 years. He flew combat missions in Korea and Vietnam, earning several valor awards and two purple hearts for wounds received in action. In 1966, he was shot down on his 25th combat mission in Vietnam and held as a prisoner of war for seven years, with much of that time served in solitary confinement. He returned to Texas after the war, serving in the Texas House of Representatives until successfully running for U.S. Congress in 1991.

Rep. Johnson was a long-time member of the U.S. House Committee on Ways and Means and has a room named in his honor in the Rayburn House Office Building. He retired from Congress in 2019 and passed away in 2020 at the age of 89 in Plano, Texas.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-provision-to-provide-relief-for-south-texas-farmers-amp-ranchers-signed-into-law/,Cornyn Provision to Provide Relief for South Texas Farmers & Ranchers Signed Into Law,2024-12-21,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,TX,John Cornyn,C001056,www.cornyn.senate.gov,cornyn,https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement after his provision granting the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture the authority to issue block grants to farmers and ranchers in South Texas who have been impacted by Mexico’s failure to provide water as obligated by the 1944 Water Treaty was signed into law as part of the government funding bill:

“I am relieved that this provision to authorize grants to South Texas farmers and ranchers has been signed into law,” said Sen. Cornyn. “Mexico’s repeated delayed water deliveries and refusal to live up to its obligations in the 1944 Water Treaty have devastated South Texas farmers and ranchers for far too long, and this new authority will help provide much-needed economic relief to agriculture communities in South Texas.”

Background:

This measure was included in the continuing resolution, which Senator Cornyn supported.

Under the Treaty Relating to the Utilization of Waters of the Colorado and Tijuana Rivers and of the Rio Grande, Mexico is obligated to deliver an average of 350,000 acre-feet of water annually over a five-year cycle as its contribution to the Rio Grande’s water supply. However, Mexico has consistently delayed fulfilling its water obligation until the end of the five-year cycle, which hinders South Texas farmers and ranchers from being able to plan for and grow crops. As of November 2024, Mexico is behind approximately 980,000 acre-feet on water deliveries.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.cruz.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sen-cruz-releases-statement-on-passage-of-government-funding,Sen. Cruz Releases Statement on Passage of Government Funding,2024-12-21,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,TX,Ted Cruz,C001098,www.cruz.senate.gov,cruz,https://www.cruz.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) released the following statement regarding passage of a continuing resolution to fund the government through March 14, 2025:

“I voted for this resolution to ensure our government remains fully operational and ready to hit the ground running on day one of President Trump’s administration. The American people made their voices loud and clear—they support bold, decisive change. This funding measure allows Congress to immediately get to work confirming President Trump’s nominees and implement the policies Texans and Americans overwhelmingly voted for.

“I am pleased to have secured critical relief for Texans in this bill. I championed a provision that ensures South Texas agricultural producers suffering from Mexico’s blatant failure to meet its obligations under the 1944 Treaty on Utilization of Waters of the Colorado, Tijuana, and Rio Grande Rivers. This funding will provide immediate relief for hardworking Texans.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://arrington.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2523,"Arrington Votes to Deliver Funding to WTX Farmers, Clear the Way for Trump’s America First Agenda",2024-12-20,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,TX,Jodey C. Arrington,A000375,arrington.house.gov,arrington,https://arrington.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, House Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) issued the following statement after House passage of a funding bill:

“As a result of Democrats’ reckless spending and Biden’s failed economic policies, our farmers have been walking the high wire of production agriculture with effectively no safety net.

“Without passing emergency Farm Bill supplemental funding to address the catastrophic effects of historic drought and record inflation, we threaten our food supply, jeopardize our young farmers, and put entire rural communities at risk.

“As Budget Chairman, I’m proud to have worked with Speaker Johnson and my colleagues to ensure these necessary resources were a part of any year-end funding bill.

“Going forward, it is imperative for farmers and taxpayers alike that we move away from un-budgeted, ad hoc emergency spending by fixing the Farm Bill’s broken safety net.

“I’m honored to have worked with Speaker Johnson and the GOP House leadership to deliver disaster relief, clear the way for President Trump’s America First agenda, and secure a commitment to significantly reduce deficit spending through reconciliation next year.

“Republicans are uniting under the leadership of President Trump and Speaker Johnson to close out the disastrous four years of the Biden-Harris administration and pave the way for a safer and more prosperous future for America.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://crenshaw.house.gov/2024/12/rep-crenshaw-helps-secure-hurricane-and-federally-declared-disaster-funding,Rep. Crenshaw Helps Secure Hurricane and Federally-Declared Disaster Funding,2024-12-20,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,TX,Dan Crenshaw,C001120,crenshaw.house.gov,crenshaw,https://crenshaw.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Crenshaw issued a statement on the bipartisan government funding bill that includes more than $100 billion in disaster relief for states and communities hit by natural disasters, including Texas during Hurricane Beryl and the Houston Derecho:

“Funding that provides critical resources for my constituents in Harris and Montgomery County as they continue to recover from the impact of Beryl and the Houston Derecho is one of my main priorities,” said Rep. Crenshaw. “I'm proud to have worked alongside my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get this funding approved.”

While specific funding levels for states and communities will be based on need, the legislation approves the following funding nationally:

Natural Resources Conservation Service – $920 million for the Emergency Watershed Protection Program for debris removal, watershed stabilization, and cleanup efforts related to recent natural disasters.

Food and Nutrition Service – $25 million in infrastructure funds for the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) to assist food banks damaged by natural disasters.

Economic Development Assistance Programs – $1.5 billion for economic development assistance to communities impacted by tornadoes, wildfires, hurricanes, and other natural disasters occurring in 2023 and 2024.

Army Corps – $1.5 billion for the Corps of Engineers for rehabilitation and repairs needed due to natural disasters, to expedite studies and projects to reduce the risks of future disasters, and to address water infrastructure needs due to disasters.

Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loans Program – $2.2 billion to support the subsidy needs of SBA disaster loans to small businesses and individuals, including funding for the SBA Office of Inspector General for audits and reviews of disaster loans.

U. S. Coast Guard – $312.7 million for the response to disasters, including the hurricanes, and to make repairs to shore facilities and aids to navigation.

Federal Emergency Management Agency, Disaster Relief Fund – $29 billion for response, recovery, and mitigation activities related to Presidentially declared major disasters. Includes a $4 million transfer to DHS’s Office of Inspector General for oversight activities related to the funds.

Government Accountability Office – $10 million to support audits and investigations related to disasters declared pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.

Federal Highway Administration – $8.1 billion for the Federal Highway Administration Emergency Relief Program to reimburse states for highway and bridge repairs.

Community Planning and Development Fund – $12 billion for the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery program to help local, state, and Tribal governments recover from Presidentially declared disasters.

Background:

Congressman Crenshaw has been pushing for federal assistance since both Hurricane Beryl and the Houston Derecho hit the 2nd District. For months, the Congressman has worked with Congressional leadership and appropriators to deliver on the $100 billion appropriation.

On July 8, 2024, Congressman Crenshaw released a resource page for constituents impacted by Beryl.

Later in July and August, 2024, Congressman Crenshaw provided additional information on Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loan resources.

On October 3, 2024, Congressman Crenshaw joined a bipartisan Texas Delegation letter to Congressional Leadership on the devastation caused by Hurricane Beryl and the Derecho, and the urgent need to pass an appropriations package to support constituents affected by the disasters.

On December 20, 2024, Congress passed critical disaster aid legislation.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://delacruz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2347,"Continuing Resolution Passes, Maintains Critical Block Grant Aid for South Texas Farmers Secured by Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz",2024-12-20,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,TX,Monica De La Cruz,D000594,delacruz.house.gov,delacruz,https://delacruz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz announced Friday that the Continuing Resolution (CR), which passed the House tonight, maintains language to fund critical block grants to provide economic relief for South Texas farmers. This measure will address significant economic losses caused by Mexico's ongoing failure to meet its water delivery obligations under the 1944 Water Treaty.

""South Texas farmers have endured immense hardships due to Mexico's continued violations of the 1944 Water Treaty,"" said Congresswoman De La Cruz. ""Securing and maintaining these block grants was a top priority because our agricultural producers urgently need this support to recover and rebuild. This victory ensures they have the resources to overcome the challenges caused by Mexico’s treaty violations and continue to thrive. This helps our local farmers and is a win for Texas and the entire nation.""

The block grants allow the Secretary of Agriculture to provide targeted economic aid to agricultural producers in South Texas. These grants reflect provisions of Congresswoman De La Cruz's South Texas Agricultural Assistance Act, introduced in November, which directed similar relief to mitigate the impact of Mexico's failure to meet its treaty-mandated water deliveries.

Under the 1944 Water Treaty, Mexico is required to deliver a set amount of water to the United States. Persistent noncompliance has led to severe water shortages for farmers in South Texas, devastating crops, costing jobs, and threatening the local economy. Key agricultural sectors, including citrus growers and sugar producers, have been hit particularly hard.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://doggett.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-doggett-reacts-samsung-receiving-billions-chips-science-act-funds,Rep. Doggett Reacts to Samsung Receiving Billions in CHIPS & Science Act Funds,2024-12-20,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,TX,Lloyd Doggett,D000399,doggett.house.gov,doggett,https://doggett.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.—Today, U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-Austin) released the following statement:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“After House Republicans took back their word on the previously agreed upon funding bill our trust is damaged. It is my hope that in this next Congress, we are able to rebuild that trust and work together in a bipartisan manner to deliver for our constituents.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://nehls.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-troy-e-nehls-votes-pass-american-relief-act,Rep. Troy E. Nehls Votes to Pass the American Relief Act,2024-12-20,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,TX,Troy E. Nehls,N000026,nehls.house.gov,nehls,https://nehls.house.gov/media,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. —Today, Congressman Troy E. Nehls (R-TX-22) released the following statement after voting for the American Relief Act:

“Today, I proudly voted for the American Relief Act, which is an important piece of legislation for the America First agenda,” said Congressman Nehls. “This legislation provides funds for our nation’s hardworking farmers who feed, fuel, and clothe the world. Additionally, this legislation provides relief for those who were affected by the catastrophic hurricanes earlier this year. The American people gave us, the Republican Party and President Trump, a mandate to make America great again, and this bill paves the way for us to do so. I look forward to President Trump’s historic return to the White House. January 20th can’t come soon enough.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://roy.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-roy-issues-statement-hr-10545,Rep. Roy issues statement on H.R. 10545,2024-12-20,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,TX,Chip Roy,R000614,roy.house.gov,roy,https://roy.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC — On Friday, Representative Chip Roy (TX-21) issued the following statement on H.R. 10545:

""Today, notwithstanding significant progress over the last few days, I voted against H.R. 10545, the 3rd version of the government funding 'CR.'

While this bill was a marked improvement on the 1,547 page 'cramnibus' that was released earlier this week, it still included $110 billion in supplemental funding with no offsets or pay-fors, which I cannot support. While supporting Americans impacted by recent hurricanes and our nation’s farmers is a worthy cause, we must pursue those ends in a fiscally responsible way or we risk losing our country altogether.

My efforts this week along with House 'fiscal hawks' resulted in two important things: 1) avoiding $5 trillion being added to our existing $36 trillion national debt with zero spending cuts or structural reforms; and 2) delivering for President Trump a path to stop Chuck Schumer from abusing the debt ceiling to roil financial markets by delivering a framework for substantial and necessary spending cuts.

I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure we do just that in the 119th Congress.

Onward.""

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://sessions.house.gov/2024/12/congressman-sessions-votes-yes-on-the-continuing-resolution,Congressman Sessions Votes YES for American Relief Act,2024-12-20,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,TX,Pete Sessions,S000250,sessions.house.gov,sessions,https://sessions.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC- Congressman Pete Sessions (TX-17) released the following statement regarding the passage of the American Relief Act of 2025:

Congressman Sessions said, “Today, I voted YES for the American Relief Act of 2025. This bill was supported by President Trump and PASSED. From the outset, I made it clear that I would only support a Continuing Resolution that includes vital assistance for our agricultural community. This legislation delivers on that promise by supporting farmers and ranchers, providing critical disaster relief for those impacted by recent hurricanes, and ensuring government funding through March 14, when President Trump will be in office. These three priorities were my focus going into these discussions, and I am pleased we were able to address these essential needs of the American people. I look forward to getting back to work in the 119th Congress.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://veasey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-veasey-releases-statement-averting-government-shutdown,Congressman Veasey Releases Statement on Averting Government Shutdown:,2024-12-20,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,TX,Marc A. Veasey,V000131,veasey.house.gov,veasey,https://veasey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Veasey, Vice Chair of the New Democrat Coalition, released the following statement after the House of Representatives voted to avert a government shut down:

“Democrats once again acted in good faith to prevent a government shutdown, ensuring that tens of thousands of workers, veterans, service members, seniors, and farmers receive their pay and benefits this holiday season,” said Congressman Veasey. “But make no mistake, this was a Democratic effort to keep food on the table for the American people. Republicans, however, went back on their word at the behest of an unelected oligarch, Elon Musk. They stripped funding for children's cancer research, slashed resources for the opioid epidemic, dropped measures that would have made prescription drugs more affordable, and abandoned initiatives that would have saved taxpayers billions. Despite the broken promises, Democrats did the right thing—we voted to put food on families’ tables. However, in the new year and new Congress we (Democrats) will continue to fight for the average American and the critical measures Republicans left behind.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.cruz.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sen-cruz-issues-statement-after-congress-passes-water-resources-development-act,Sen. Cruz Issues Statement After Congress Passes Water Resources Development Act,2024-12-20,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,TX,Ted Cruz,C001098,www.cruz.senate.gov,cruz,https://www.cruz.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) released the following statement after Congress passed the 2024 Water Resources Development Act of 2024 (WRDA), which includes provisions he secured to support important infrastructure projects in Texas.

Following passage, Sen. Cruz said, “I am proud to secure so many key legislative priorities for the Lone Star State in the 2024 Water Resources Development Act. The provisions I championed will authorize new construction projects, keep ongoing projects on schedule, and boost economic growth for Texas and the United States.”

Read the full text of the bill here.

The following provisions impact the State of Texas:

Matagorda Ship Channel Improvement Project

Directs actions to address delays, including a Sense of Congress that the Secretary should expedite required documentation. If justified, the Secretary is directed to proceed directly to preconstruction, planning, engineering, and design.

Sabine-Neches Waterway Navigation Improvement Project

Directs the Secretary to expedite review and coordination of the Section 203 feasibility study for this project.

La Quinta Ship Channel Expansion Project

Directs the Secretary to expedite review and coordination of the Section 203 feasibility study for this project.

Galveston Bay Ship Channel Feasibility Study

Authorizes the Corps to study improving and deepening ship channels and barge lanes in the broader Galveston Bay area.

Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, Coastal Resilience Program, Brazoria and Matagorda Counties

Authorizes the Corps to begin construction on the project to improve navigation of the waterway and repair and enhance the existing barrier system for hurricane and storm damage risk reduction.

Cedar Port Navigation and Improvement District Channel Deepening Project

Directs the Secretary to expedite review and coordination of the Section 203 feasibility study for this project.

Process to Release Excess Easements or Transfer of Excess Lands for Harris or adjacent counties

Directs the Army Corps to assist in converting a current placement area into a new or expanded container terminal.

Waco Lake

Directs the Secretary to expedite review and consider the City of Waco's request to participate in repairing the embankment adjacent to Waco Lake.

Matagorda Ship Channel Design Deficiency Cost Share

Sets the federal cost-share at 90% to correct design deficiencies in the Matagorda Ship Channel jetties.

Expedited Consideration of Future WRDA Projects

Allows for expedited consideration of standalone legislation to authorize one or more projects to advance to the next development stage.

Cost-Share Change to Navigation Construction Projects

Increases from 50-feet to 55-feet the existing 75% federal cost-share for navigation construction projects.

Red River Chloride Control Project

Reaffirms Congressional support for this project, providing water quality control to the City of Wichita Falls and Sheppard Air Force Base.

Cost-Share Change to Navigation Operations & Maintenance Projects

Increases from 50-feet to 55-feet the existing 100% federal cost-share for operations and maintenance navigation projects.

Operations and Maintenance Building in Galveston

Authorizes the design and construction of an operations and maintenance building for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Galveston.

New Office Construction in Corpus Christi

Authorizes the design and construction of an administration building, maintenance building, and covered boat house for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Corpus Christi.

Addicks and Barker Reservoirs

Authorizes modifications to the project for flood risk management.

Westside Creek, San Antonio Channel

Authorizes modifications to the project for ecosystem restoration.

Resacas ecosystem restoration, Brownsville

Provides the Secretary with the authority to extend pay flexibility to the non-Federal cost-share of the project.

Guadalupe County, including the City of Santa Clara

Authorizes a feasibility study for the project for flood risk management.

Halls Bayou, Harris County

Authorizes a feasibility study for the project for flood risk management and ecosystem restoration

Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, Brazos River Floodgates and Colorado River Locks

Directs the Secretary to expedite the feasibility study for the project for navigation

Raymondville Drain Project, Lower Rio Grande Basin

Directs the Secretary to expedite the review and coordinate the feasibility study for the project for flood control.

Buffalo Bayou Tributaries and Resiliency Study

Instructs the Secretary to expedite the completion of the study while including recommendations that align with community objectives and deliver the final report by December 31, 2025.

Environmental Infrastructure

Authorizes funding under the Environmental Infrastructure account towards water and wastewater infrastructure for the following municipalities:

Austin

Amarillo

Brownsville

Clarendon

Quinlan

Runaway Bay

Webb County

Zapata County

Dallas County Region

San Antonio Channel, San Antonio

Modifies the existing project for flood control.

Lakes Program

Adds Falcon Lake of Zapata County and Lake Casa Blanca of Webb County to the Lakes Program.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://arrington.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2511,"Arrington Slams Politically-Motivated, Anti-LNG Study",2024-12-19,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,TX,Jodey C. Arrington,A000375,arrington.house.gov,arrington,https://arrington.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) releasing its final study aimed at restricting President-elect Trump’s ability to unleash U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports when he returns to office in January:

“Biden's DOE released a blatantly biased study on the environmental impact of U.S. LNG exports - a resource that produces significantly fewer carbon emissions than other types of energy sources,” said Chairman Arrington. “This purely political move is an effort to restrict future exports of American energy and roadblock President Trump's pro-growth agenda.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://arrington.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2515,Arrington Introduces ‘America First Act’ to Prevent Illegal Immigrants from Accessing Federal Benefits,2024-12-19,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,TX,Jodey C. Arrington,A000375,arrington.house.gov,arrington,https://arrington.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) was joined by Rep. Chip Roy (TX-21) in introducing H.R.10469, the America First Act, legislation to prevent illegal immigrants paroled into the United States from accessing billions of dollars in welfare and other benefits intended for American families. President Biden’s unprecedented abuse of parole for foreign citizens illegally entering our country has resulted in millions of illegal aliens being supported and subsidized by struggling American families through their tax dollars, worsening the border crisis. The bill has also been introduced in the Senate by Senator Mike Lee (R-UT).

“Over the last four years, the unprecedented and unmitigated crisis at the southern border has devastated our communities. As long as we provide taxpayer funded social services to illegal immigrants, there is no physical barrier or number of border patrol agents that will stop them,” said Chairman Arrington. “To add insult to injury, we’re paying $9,000 per illegal immigrant - more than we spend on Medicaid for our most vulnerable Americans or military retirement benefits for our soldiers. Today, I am proud to join Chip Roy and Mike Lee in introducing the America First Act, which would cut off federal benefits for illegals and save over $177 billion.”

“Millions of illegal aliens are exploiting U.S. welfare and aid programs that are meant to help struggling Americans,” said Rep. Roy. “This is inexcusable. Continuing to hand out welfare to illegals only acts as a magnet for them to keep flooding our communities. That’s why we introduced the America First Act to end illegal aliens’ ability to profit off of American taxpayer dollars once and for all.”

""For years, Americans have been told that illegal immigrants are barred from receiving federal benefits to distract from Washington’s complete failure to secure our borders,” said Senator Lee. ""This is a lie. Millions of illegal immigrants “paroled” into the United States, many for fraudulent asylum claims, have gained the ability to access welfare and aid programs originally designed to help American families, not attract and support massive populations of foreign citizens. The America First Act pulls the plug on this criminal redistribution scheme forced upon the American people by Joe Biden and generations of dishonest politicians.”

Background

In July of this year, the Congressional Budget Office found that the Biden administration’s failure to secure the border will add “$0.3 trillion to outlays for federal mandatory programs and net spending for interest on the debt over the 2024–2034 period.”

Further, CBO found that “[m]ost of those outlays are for premium tax credits, other refundable tax credits, and Medicaid” while “SNAP, child nutrition programs, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security, Medicare, and assistance for higher education account for smaller amounts.”

The Foundation for American Immigration Reform has estimated that the combined cost of federal, state, and local assistance to non-citizens is at least $150.7 billion a year.

Bill Specifics:

Section 2 – PRWORA Requirements

Amends PRWORA to exclude illegal aliens, asylees, parolees, and those withheld from deportation from receiving welfare, including SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, CHIP, and certain housing benefits. This significantly reduces eligibility for most federal benefits for illegal aliens who have been wrongfully paroled into the United States by the Biden-Harris administration.

Section 3 – Head Start

Removes Head Start eligibility from illegal aliens, asylees, parolees, temporary protected status (TPS) recipients, deferred action or enforcement recipients, and those withheld from deportation.

Section 4 – Federal Health Care Benefits

Eliminates Medicare eligibility and Medicaid subsidies for illegal aliens, asylees, parolees, TPS recipients, deferred action or enforcement recipients, and those with deportation withheld.

Prohibits Federally Qualified Health Centers from providing non-emergency care to illegal aliens.

Section 5 – Housing

Restricts federal housing assistance to only U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents and would make asylees, parolees, TPS recipients, deferred action or enforcement recipients, and those withheld from deportation ineligible for federal housing programs.

Prohibits illegal aliens, asylees, parolees, TPS recipients, deferred action or enforcement recipients, and those withheld from deportation. from living in a housing unit financed by the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit.

Section 6 – Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit

Requires all taxpayers who claim the EITC, CTC, and/or the $500 “other dependent” tax credit to have a valid Social Security Number in order to claim either credit.

Section 7 – FEMA Reform

Eliminates the Shelter and Service Program (SSP), which has funneled $640 million to sheltering illegal aliens in FY24 and ensures that FEMA disaster funds are only provided to American citizens and lawful permanent residents.

Section 8 – FAFSA Eligibility

Removes FAFSA eligibility for non-citizens.

Section 9 – ESEA Funding for Sanctuary Jurisdictions

Restricts ESEA funding for sanctuary jurisdictions that refuse to comply with federal immigration authorities.

Section 10 – Limitations on Services for Haitian Immigrants

Removes the special benefit designation for Haitian entrants under PRWORA.

Section 11 – Limitations on Reasonable Opportunity Periods (ROPs) for Medicaid Enrollment

Requires individuals to provide proof of citizenship before receiving Medicaid benefits.

Limits the number of ROPs for individuals unable to provide proof of citizenship when applying for Medicaid.

Section 12 – Verification of Citizenship for WIC and School Meal Programs

Removes eligibility for WIC and School Meal Programs for illegal aliens, asylees, parolees, TPS recipients, deferred action or enforcement recipients, and those withheld from deportation.

Section 13 – Restrictions on the Use of Community Development Block Grants

Restricts Community Development Block Grant Program recipients from using funds to provide illegal aliens, asylees, parolees, TPS recipients, deferred action or enforcement recipients, and those withheld from deportation with monetary contributions or in-kind goods or services.

Restricts 501(c)(3) organizations from using federal grant funding, appropriated funding, or any other federal funding source to provide illegal aliens, parolees, TPS recipients, deferred action or enforcement recipients, and those withheld from deportation with monetary contributions or in-kind goods or services.

Section 14 – Regulations and Guidance

Directs the head of each appropriate agency to promulgate necessary guidance and rulemaking to carry out the provisions of the Act.

###

Heritage Action for America:

“Heritage Action supports the America First Act, important legislation designed to rein in the vast abuses of taxpayer dollars being used on illegal aliens. The America First Act is a critical step toward stopping the main attractor of illegal immigration, and restoring fiscal sanity by closing these loopholes and prohibiting welfare eligibility for individuals who should not be here in the first place. Now is the time to restore order, protect American workers, and secure the future of our nation’s fiscal stability.”

– Ryan Walker, Executive Vice President, Heritage Action for America

Immigration Accountability Project:

“The border crisis of the last four years has devastated the country and cost American taxpayers billions of dollars as illegal aliens have gained access to public benefits. During this crisis, the Biden-Harris Administration systematically abused its authority under immigration law to grant amnesty to millions, putting them on the path to direct welfare access. If nothing is done to change loopholes in the law, the coming cost will be catastrophic. The America First Act would put a stop to this magnet for illegal immigration, preserve benefits for American citizens, and cut off funds from states that actively hinder immigration enforcement. The Immigration Accountability Project commends Senator Lee and Congressmen Arrington and Roy for introducing this critical piece of legislation and is proud to support it.”

- Grant Newman, Director of Government Relations, Immigration Accountability Project

Economic Policy Innovation Center (EPIC) for America:

“The open borders policies of the Biden-Harris Administration have caused chaos and encouraged a dramatic increase in illegal immigration. The Congressional Budget Office says that the Biden-Harris surge of illegal immigration costs American taxpayers billions in welfare benefits for illegal aliens every year. The America First Act would close the loopholes. I thank Senator Mike Lee, Chairman Jodey Arrington, and Representative Chip Roy for their important work.”

- Paul Winfree, President and CEO, Economic Policy Innovation Center (EPIC)

Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR):

""Illegal immigration now costs American taxpayers over $150 billion each year, and without meaningful change, the border crisis of the last four years will only continue to rack up costs at the federal, state and local levels. Congress must make it a priority to roll back the failed policies of the Biden administration and ensure that Americans are not forced to shoulder the burden of uncontrolled illegal immigration. FAIR is proud to support the America First Act, and we encourage all members of Congress to support the safeguards found in this legislation that help ensure illegal aliens cannot take advantage of public benefits.""

- Julie Kirchner, Executive Director, Federation for American Immigration Reform

Texas Public Policy Foundation:

""The America First Act addresses critical problems our nation is facing. Out of control numbers of illegal aliens taking advantage of our welfare system and bloated overspending by the federal government are things that do not help Americans. The Texas Public Policy Foundation applauds this legislation and will always support putting Americans first.""

- Greg Sindelar, CEO of the Texas Public Policy Foundation

Eagle Forum:

“The United States still stands as in exceptional beacon of freedom and opportunity. Sadly, the Biden administration has opened the floodgates by declaring illegal immigrants as “parolees” and therefore eligible for billions of dollars in taxpayer benefits. Not only have they ignored the dangers of mass illegal immigration, but are subsidizing it by providing otherwise ineligible illegals with federal benefits. Congress must act in order to deter this abuse of the system and protect the fiscal integrity of our current welfare programs designed to assist Americans in need. The America First Act is a crucial step to ensure that our laws and taxpayer dollars are respected by those who exploit immigration laws. Eagle Forum is please to endorse the America First Act and encourages Congress to enact it now.”

- Kris Ullman, President of Eagle Forum

Tea Party Patriots Action:

“The ‘America First Act’ addresses the Biden administration's misuse of the alien parole law, which has allowed 1.6 million illegal aliens to enter the country. The bill aims to prevent further abuse by blocking these individuals from accessing taxpayer-funded welfare and tightening federal welfare eligibility to safeguard taxpayer funds. On behalf of our three million members and supporters, I strongly support this legislation and urge its quick passage and enactment.”

- Jenny Beth Martin, Honorary Chairman, Tea Party Patriots Action

CatholicVote:

“The Biden administration and Democrats have abused our nation's laws and our generosity, creating a growth in drug and human trafficking, resulting in a dangerous environment for American citizens. Sen. Lee, Budget Chairman Arrington, and Rep. Roy’s America First Act makes it very clear: we can welcome the stranger with open arms, but we will not reward criminal activity.""

- Tom McClusky, Director of Government Affairs for CatholicVote

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://arrington.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2518,Arrington Leads Bicameral Resolution to Repeal Biden Natural Gas Tax,2024-12-19,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,TX,Jodey C. Arrington,A000375,arrington.house.gov,arrington,https://arrington.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) joined Rep. August Pfluger (TX-11) and Senator John Hoeven (R-ND) in introducing a bicameral Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution of disapproval to block implementation of the Biden administration’s Natural Gas Tax, which was passed as part of the Inflation Reduction Act, Democrats’ reckless tax-and-spend legislation in 2022.

New fees or taxes on energy companies will raise costs for customers, creating a burden that will fall most heavily on lower-income Americans. The Natural Gas Tax would also hurt small and independent energy producers by stifling production, innovation, and capital investment.

“The Waste Emissions Charge is just another unnecessary and wasteful regulation levied by the EPA to go after oil and gas - the lifeblood of our economy,"" said Chairman Arrington. ""I’m proud to join my colleague and neighbor, Rep. August Pfluger, in preserving reliable, low-cost energy produced by our independent oil and gas companies by fighting to repeal this burdensome regulation, and getting a head start on President Trump’s pro-growth, energy DOMINANCE agenda.”

“President Biden’s promise to end fossil fuels hurt the hardworking energy producers of my district who have worked diligently to increase production while fueling our allies abroad,” said Rep. Pfluger. “If implemented, the ill-conceived natural gas tax will handicap technological innovation, reduce supplies of affordable energy, and increase both costs and emissions. I am proud to lead this CRA to rescind implementation of the natural gas tax.”

“American households and businesses depend every day on access to affordable and reliable energy,” said Senator Hoeven. “The best way to bring down prices for U.S. consumers is to increase supply. That’s why we’re working to rescind policies like the Natural Gas Tax, among the many other costly and burdensome taxes and regulations imposed under the Biden administration. Doing so will help unleash our domestic energy production and make our nation energy dominant once again.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://arrington.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2520,Arrington Introduces Bill to Repeal Electric Vehicle Tax Credits,2024-12-19,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,TX,Jodey C. Arrington,A000375,arrington.house.gov,arrington,https://arrington.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) introduced legislation to end the federal electric vehicle and charging stations tax credit. The Eliminating Lavish Incentives to Electric (ELITE) Vehicles Act would stop taxpayer money from subsidizing the purchase of luxury electric vehicles for high-income individuals and corporations. Companion legislation has been filedin the Senate by Senator John Barrasso (R-WY).

“Fueled by the climate-crazed Left, Democrats jammed through legislation that provided tax subsidies for expensive electric vehicles, which has worsened inflation for working families and stuck the American people with the bill - to the tune of billions of dollars,”said Chairman Arrington. “I’m proud to join Senator John Barrasso and lead my colleagues in the House to repeal this wasteful and heavy-handed tax law.”

Background:

The ELITE Act repeals the $7,500 tax credit for new electric vehicles, eliminates the tax credit for purchasing used electric vehicles, ends the federal investment tax credit for electric vehicle charging stations, and closes the “leasing loophole” that has allowed certain taxpayers and foreign entities like China to evade restrictions on electric vehicle incentives.

The Joint Committee on Tax originally scored these electric vehicle tax credits to cost $14 billion over 10 years, but private firms later estimated the real cost would be over $390 billion.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://arrington.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2521,Arrington to Vote Yes on Short-Term Funding Bill,2024-12-19,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,TX,Jodey C. Arrington,A000375,arrington.house.gov,arrington,https://arrington.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, House Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) issued the following statement ahead of voting in support of tonight’s short-term funding bill:

“The purpose of the debt ceiling has always been to force our nation’s leaders to deal with our unsustainable national debt and the out-of-control spending that’s driving it,” said Chairman Arrington. “I believe President Trump when he says he’s committed to using reconciliation to rein-in deficit spending and reignite economic growth. Our children’s future depends on it, and failure is not an option! Tonight, I will be voting to clear the way for President Trump and our unified Republican leadership to restore our nation’s fiscal health, secure our children’s future, and make America prosperous again.”

Tonight, President Trump said on Truth, “The United States will cut Hundreds of Billions of Dollars in spending next year through Reconciliation!”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-castro-celebrates-268-million-grant-for-via-funded-by-the-infrastructure-investment-and-jobs-act,Congressman Castro Celebrates $268 Million Grant for VIA Funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act,2024-12-19,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,TX,Joaquin Castro,C001091,castro.house.gov,castro,https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) released the following statement to celebrate a $268 million grant he secured from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to support the VIA Green Line project – the first Advanced Rapid Transit corridor in the region, which is expected to deliver convenient, high-frequency service by late 2027.

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

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

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

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

The Green Line project is designed to improve transportation options for the nearly 54,000 residents and 108,000 jobs located in the 10.35-mile corridor. The grant represents the largest federal investment in VIA’s history. The project will connect riders from the San Antonio International Airport, through Downtown, and south to the historic Missions area.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://crenshaw.house.gov/2024/12/rep-crenshaw-joins-e-c-republicans-request-for-hhs-watchdog-to-investigate-the-promotion-of-gender-transition-procedures-for-children,Rep. Crenshaw Joins E&C Republicans Request for HHS Watchdog to Investigate the Promotion of Gender Transition Procedures for Children,2024-12-19,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,TX,Dan Crenshaw,C001120,crenshaw.house.gov,crenshaw,https://crenshaw.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — In a new letter to Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Inspector General Christi Grimm, Rep. Crenshaw joined House Energy and Commerce Committee Republicans in requesting an investigation into the strength, quality, and types of evidence-based scientific and pediatric medical literature relied on by the department to promote gender transition procedures for children.

“We’re witnessing a dangerous trend: children being pushed into irreversible gender transition procedures. This isn’t science—it’s radical ideology,” said Rep. Crenshaw. “Yet Biden’s Department of Health and Human Services continues to cave to the demands of the woke left. The Office of Inspector General must step in and hold them accountable.”

BACKGROUND:

Under the Biden administration, HHS has advocated for gender transition procedures on minors, including the use of serum puberty blockers, which have historically been used to treat children with precocious puberty (i.e., early onset puberty affecting about one percent of U.S. children) and sex offenders.

Puberty blockers, however, are known to stunt normal childhood development in children unaffected by precocious puberty.

HHS officials contend that gender transition procedures on minors are an unanimously accepted medical practice.

HHS Secretary Becerra testified before Congress that “every major medical association,” “medical journals,” and “scientific and medical evidence” has demonstrated the benefits of transitioning children’s biological sex.

When asked, via a Freedom of Information Act request, for the underlying scientific or medical basis for its position, HHS was only able to produce a two-page brochure that was already publicly available.

In contrast to HHS, a growing body of literature from medical experts and authorities around the world, including those in Europe, caution against performing such procedures on minors.

Courts and government health agencies responsible for determining child welfare have sought to limit child gender transition procedures.

Other countries have banned these interventions and surgeries on minors altogether.

An article published in the British Journal of Medicine found “there is great uncertainty about the effects of puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgeries in young people.”

A court in the United Kingdom noted the obvious about administering puberty blocking chemicals onto children: “[i]t is highly unlikely that a child aged 13 or under would be competent to give consent to the administration of puberty blockers. It is doubtful that a child aged 14 or 15 could understand and weigh the long-term risks and consequences of the administration of puberty blockers.”

In April 2024, the Cass Review, an independent review of gender identity services for children and young people, commissioned by the National Health Service England, found “[w]hile a considerable amount of research has been published in this field, systematic evidence reviews demonstrated the poor quality of the published studies, meaning there is not a reliable evidence base upon which to make clinical decisions, or for children and their families to make informed choices.”

The Cass Review also found that “[t]he rationale for early puberty suppression remains unclear, with weak evidence regarding the impact on gender dysphoria, mental or psychosocial health,” as well as unknown effects on cognitive and psychosexual development.

In August 2024, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) became the first major U.S. medical association to express caution on the use of gender surgery for gender dysphoria in adolescents. In its formal statement, the association stated: “ASPS currently understands that there is considerable uncertainty as to the long-term efficacy for the use of chest and genital surgical interventions for the treatment of adolescents with gender dysphoria, and the existing evidence base is viewed as low quality/low certainty. This patient population requires specific considerations.”

The letter was signed by Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Subcommittee on Health Chair Brett Guthrie (R-KY), Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Chair Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-TX), Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA), Rep. Gary Palmer (R-AL), Rep. Neal Dunn (R-FL), Rep. Randy Weber (R-TX), Rep. Troy Balderson (R-OH), Rep. August Pfluger (R-TX), Rep. Diana Harshbarger (R-TN), and Rep. Kat Cammack (R-FL).

CLICK HERE to read the letter.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://crockett.house.gov/media/press-releases/oversight-democrats-demand-briefing-after-texas-maternal-mortality-committee,Oversight Democrats Demand Briefing After Texas Maternal Mortality Committee Abandons Review of Pregnancy-Related Deaths Amid Abortion Ban,2024-12-19,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,TX,Jasmine Crockett,C001130,crockett.house.gov,crockett,https://crockett.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Rep. Jamie Raskin, Ranking Member of the Committee on Oversight and Accountability, Rep. Ayanna Pressley, and Rep. Summer Lee sent a letter demanding answers from the Texas Department of State Health Services after the state’s maternal mortality committee decided not to review pregnancy-related deaths between 2022 and 2023—the period after Texas imposed a strict abortion ban. The Members raised concerns that the state is abandoning this data review as fewer Texas women have access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare in the wake of the state’s abortion ban, and amid public reporting on several tragic and preventable maternal deaths in Texas.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“This new version raises drug prices for hardworking families and cruelly hurts our older Americans. We must do better to deliver for South Texans and the American people. That is why I voted against tonight's continuing resolution.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-lujan-bill-to-expand-preserve-big-bend-national-park-passes-senate/,"Cornyn, Luján Bill to Expand, Preserve Big Bend National Park Passes Senate",2024-12-19,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,TX,John Cornyn,C001056,www.cornyn.senate.gov,cornyn,https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/,scraper,,0,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/on-fox-cornyn-discusses-biden-admins-sale-of-border-wall-materials/,"On Fox, Cornyn Discusses Biden Admin’s Sale of Border Wall Materials",2024-12-19,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,TX,John Cornyn,C001056,www.cornyn.senate.gov,cornyn,https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today on Fox News’ The Story with Martha MacCallum, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) discussed the Biden-Harris administration’s decision to sell unused border wall materials and President-Elect Trump’s plan to deport criminals who are here illegally. Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn’s remarks are below, and video can be found here.

On the Biden-Harris Administration’s Border Wall Auction:

“It’s outrageous, of course. And it seems like the Biden administration not only is determined to destroy our country by opening our borders to anybody and everybody who wants to come across, but positively make it easier for them to get here.”

“I think we’re going to be paying the price for decades to come from this uncontrolled border policy of the previous administration.”

“I’m looking forward to January 20, when President Trump begins to enforce the laws that are already in place that Joe Biden refuses to enforce.”

On President-Elect Trump’s Deportation Plan:

“Catch-and-release is the basic policy flaw of the Biden administration, because if you release people into the interior of the country, they’re going to just keep coming. More will keep coming because they know they’ll be able to successfully get into the United States and be able to stay.”

“Detaining is really important and, of course, the Biden administration has reduced the capacity of our ability to detain individuals dramatically.”

“Because of President Trump’s threat of mass deportation, it’s already deterred migrants from coming to the United States in the first place.”

“So this isn’t just about enforcing the law, about catching and detaining people—this is about consequences, and it’s beginning to work.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/video-cornyn-outlines-priorities-for-doge-pentagon-reforms/,VIDEO: Cornyn Outlines Priorities for DOGE Pentagon Reforms,2024-12-19,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,TX,John Cornyn,C001056,www.cornyn.senate.gov,cornyn,https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today on the floor, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) outlined ways the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) can reform the Pentagon to ensure America’s armed forces are efficient, effective, and able to reestablish dominance on the world stage following years of weakness and irresponsible use of taxpayer dollars under President Biden. Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn’s remarks are below, and video can be found here.

“One of the priorities I’m looking forward to working with DOGE on is to accomplish, as a founding member, is to reform and, hopefully, revitalize the Pentagon.”

“We need to make sure that the money that is spent is spent efficiently and accurately.”

“The lack of competition in this area, combined with our penchant for requiring unique defense systems, has hampered our bargaining power and led to waste and abuse.”

“The goal should be deterrence—preventing the next war.”

“The Pentagon should move away from cost-plus contracts, toward reliance on fixed-price contracts. Under a fixed-price model, cost overruns are borne by the contractor instead of the buyer, which in this case is the Pentagon.”

“Newer, nontraditional defense companies like Anduril and Palantir, as well as Elon Musk’s SpaceX in my home state of Texas, have made a strong case for this commonsense business approach.”

“I’m optimistic that the Pentagon can and will, with our help and encouragement, make progress on all of these fronts in order to be prepared for the challenges that our country faces ahead.”

“I’m confident that under new leadership, including that of Secretary-designate Hegseth, in collaboration with people like Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy at the Department of Government Efficiency, we can continue and build on this process and make additional needed reforms at the Pentagon.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.cruz.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sen-cruz-celebrates-passage-of-share-it-act-requiring-agencies-share-code,Sen. Cruz Celebrates Passage of SHARE IT Act Requiring Agencies Share Code,2024-12-19,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,TX,Ted Cruz,C001098,www.cruz.senate.gov,cruz,https://www.cruz.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Ranking Member Ted Cruz (R-Texas) issued the following statement after his bipartisan Source Code Harmonization And Reuse in Information Technology (SHARE IT) Act passed the Senate, and will head to President Biden’s desk for his signature. The SHARE IT Act, introduced with U.S. Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Gary Peters (D-Mich.), would require government agencies to share custom-developed source code—thereby avoiding redundant government contracts to build software.

Rep. Nick Langworthy (R-N.Y.-23) introduced companion legislation in the House, which passed that chamber earlier this month.

Upon the passage of the SHARE IT Act in the Senate, Sen. Cruz said, “American taxpayers deserve government efficiency wherever possible. Congress should take advantage of every opportunity to reduce duplicative spending and boost government transparency in procurement. I am proud to have worked with Chairman Peters and Rep. Langworthy to advance the SHARE IT Act and bring greater fiscal responsibility and accountability to the federal government’s information technology needs.”

Sen. Peters said, “By facilitating custom code sharing among federal agencies, we can significantly cut costs for taxpayers, enhance the efficiency of government services, boost security and foster software innovation. This bipartisan legislation enhances the federal government’s digital capabilities and will benefit Americans as they access government services online. I am thankful for Senator Cruz’s leadership on this effort and am happy to see it heading to the President’s desk.”

Rep. Nick Langworthy said, “The SHARE IT Act’s passage in the Senate is a win for American taxpayers and the first step toward President Trump’s agenda of making our government more efficient and accountable. I want to thank Senator Ted Cruz for his leadership in championing this bipartisan effort in the Senate. By eliminating wasteful spending on redundant software and requiring agencies to share solutions, we’re streamlining our federal government while delivering real savings for the American people. I look forward to seeing this commonsense bill signed into law.”

BACKGROUND

Currently, the federal government spends approximately $12 billion annually purchasing software, including “custom-developed” software for agencies, such as websites, analytical models, and apps. Despite the fact that much custom-developed code is not classified or sensitive, agencies generally do not make custom software available to one another, even though there is an existing website created for agencies to do so. This inefficiency results in duplicative government contracts and needless spending when agencies hire contractors to reproduce code that another agency has already procured.

The SHARE IT Act improves and updates federal source code policy by requiring agencies to publicly list custom code they make or buy and share this code with the rest of the government, and ensures transparency by requiring agencies to publicly list their custom code. The legislation contains exceptions for national security systems, classified code, or code whose disclosure would create an identifiable risk to individual privacy.

The SHARE IT Act requires no additional funding, as agencies already have the flexibility to share code via existing government infrastructure like code.gov, open-source tools like Git, or commercial platforms like GitHub or Bitbucket.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://veasey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cardenas-leads-introduction-bipartisan-care-behavioral-health-act-2024,Cárdenas Leads Introduction of Bipartisan CARE for Behavioral Health Act of 2024,2024-12-18,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,TX,Marc A. Veasey,V000131,veasey.house.gov,veasey,https://veasey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Tony Cárdenas (CA-29), Congressman David Schweikert (AZ-1), Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33) and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1) introduced the bipartisan Crisis Care Access and Response Expansion for Behavioral Health Act or the CARE for Behavioral Health Act of 2024. As we continue the vital work of addressing our nation’s mental health needs, this bill is a crucial next step for improving the delivery of behavioral health services.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

""Democrats have, in good faith, worked across the aisle to ensure that tens of thousands of workers get paid, while providing real support for farmers and veterans this holiday season and beyond,"" said Congressman Marc Veasey. ""Yet, without considering the far-reaching consequences this would have on the lives of everyday Americans, Elon Musk and President-Elect Trump have disrespected the needs of the average worker by urging Republicans to reject the agreed-upon bill. Musk, an unelected and out of touch oligarch, has shown time and again that he is a threat to both the democratic process and the well-being of Americans across the country.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-colleagues-bill-to-help-adjust-military-life-insurance-for-inflation-passes-senate/,"Cornyn, Colleagues’ Bill to Help Adjust Military Life Insurance for Inflation Passes Senate",2024-12-18,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,TX,John Cornyn,C001056,www.cornyn.senate.gov,cornyn,https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Angus King (I-ME), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) released the following statements after their Fairness for Servicemembers and their Families Act, which would help ensure life insurance packages for service members and veterans account for increases in cost of living and inflation, passed the Senate:

“As the nation continues to feel the effects of inflation, we need to make sure service members, veterans, and their families have the financial support they need and deserve,” said Sen. Cornyn. “Our bill would help ensure the Veterans Affairs Department can offer competitive life insurance packages that keep pace with the current cost of living.”

“Our nation’s service members and veterans put their lives on the line to protect America and defend our freedom,” said Sen. Cruz. “I am proud to partner with my colleagues to honor and provide for those who bravely sacrificed to serve the United States of America. Adjusting the value of the life insurance policies of servicemembers and veterans in line with inflation will ensure that America rightly honors their memory and cares for their loved ones after they are gone.”

“Servicemembers, veterans and their families have selflessly dedicated their lives in service to our nation, and for that we are forever indebted,” said Sen. King. “The bipartisan Fairness for Servicemembers and their Families Act will ensure military life insurance coverage can keep up with the current cost of living. Providing this simple financial safety net is the least we can do for the brave men and women who serve. This bill makes clear our commitment to standing by military families, and I am grateful to my colleagues for helping to pass this important legislation in the Senate.”

“As the cost of living increases for people across the country, it is crucial our veterans are able to access life insurance plans that keep pace with rising costs,” said Sen. Hirono. “The Fairness for Servicemembers and their Families Act will help improve life insurance options for servicemembers, veterans, and their families. As a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I’m proud to see this bill pass the Senate and I’ll keep fighting to ensure all of our veterans and their loved ones receive the support they deserve.”

“As a veteran myself, I’ve seen firsthand the sacrifices service members and their families make,” said Sen. Kelly. “For too long, life insurance coverage for servicemembers and their families has failed to keep up with the rising cost of living, leaving them without the financial security they deserve. That’s going to change with our bipartisan bill that ensures these military benefits keep pace with inflation, honoring their service and sacrifice.”

This legislation was also cosponsored by Senator Mike Braun (R-IN) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and companion legislation was introduced in the House by Representatives Don Bacon (NE-02) and Marilyn Strickland (WA-10).

Background:

The Fairness for Servicemembers and their Families Act would help ensure the maximum group insurance available to service members and veterans account for increases in cost of living. From 2006 to 2023, the maximum insurance value available for service members and veterans remained static, lagging far behind inflation rates. This bill would improve the financial safety net for veterans, service members, and their families by helping to ensure coverage amounts don’t remain static when cost of living goes up. It would also improve reporting requirements to prevent the U.S. Veterans Affairs Department, the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, and the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs from going years without assessing inflation rates.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-meets-with-dni-nominee-tulsi-gabbard/,Cornyn Meets with DNI Nominee Tulsi Gabbard,2024-12-18,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,TX,John Cornyn,C001056,www.cornyn.senate.gov,cornyn,https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) met today with Tulsi Gabbard, whom President-Elect Trump has announced he will nominate to serve as Director of National Intelligence. Please see photo below.

This image is in the public domain, but those wishing to do so may credit the Office of U.S. Senator John Cornyn.

Senator John Cornyn, a Republican from Texas, is a member of the Senate Finance, Intelligence, and Judiciary Committees.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-on-outbound-investment-provisions-included-in-government-funding-bill/,Cornyn on Outbound Investment Provisions Included in Government Funding Bill,2024-12-18,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,TX,John Cornyn,C001056,www.cornyn.senate.gov,cornyn,https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement after language to increase transparency and prohibit investments by American entities in sensitive technologies in China, an effort he has led in the Senate with Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA), was included in the government funding bill:

“China will stop at nothing to win the global power competition, and certain investments – including intellectual property and capital – by American companies in the country can be weaponized by the Chinese Communist Party to get ahead,” said Sen. Cornyn. “With the inclusion of outbound investment language in the government funding bill, we’re taking a necessary step to safeguard American innovation against bad actors and ensure our lasting dominance on the world stage, and I commend congressional leaders for their work to include this important issue in the final text.”

Background:

The provisions included in this year’s government funding agreement would:

Authorize the President to impose sanctions on any People’s Republic of China (PRC) entity that engages in significant operations in the PRC’s military and intelligence sectors;

Permit the Secretary of Treasury to prohibit a U.S. person from investing in certain sensitive technologies;

Require the Secretary of Treasury to set up a notification regime for the covered technologies the Secretary chooses not to prohibit;

Require annual reports to Congress containing information on covered investments and trends;

And direct the Secretary of Treasury, in coordination with other agencies, to engage with partner countries on establishing comparable outbound investment regimes.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-ossoff-lankford-sinema-bill-to-enhance-law-enforcements-fentanyl-detection-capabilities-heads-to-presidents-desk/,"Cornyn, Ossoff, Lankford, Sinema Bill to Enhance Law Enforcement’s Fentanyl Detection Capabilities Heads to President’s Desk",2024-12-18,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,TX,John Cornyn,C001056,www.cornyn.senate.gov,cornyn,https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), James Lankford (R-OK), and Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ) released the following statements after their Detection Equipment and Technology Evaluation to Counter the Threat of (DETECT) Fentanyl and Xylazine Act, which would authorize the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to conduct research and development, testing, and evaluation on equipment that would help law enforcement better detect fentanyl and other drugs, passed the House and now heads to the President’s desk:

“Fentanyl is an unyielding silent killer that lurks in the shadows of our communities, and we must assist law enforcement in rooting it out to stop the loss of more innocent lives,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This legislation would ensure our brave men and women in uniform have every available tool to safely identify these deadly drugs and help put a stop to this devastating epidemic, and I urge the President to sign it without delay.”

“Illegal fentanyl trafficking is devastating Georgia families and putting our kids at risk,” said Sen. Ossoff. “We brought Republicans and Democrats together to pass this bill that will strengthen detection and prevention of fentanyl trafficking.”

“For anyone outside of the Washington, DC beltway, there is no doubt that the border is in chaos,” said Sen. Lankford. “Besides a record number of illegal border crossers being released into the country with no idea who they are, where they are from, or where they are going, the crisis has also resulted in massive amounts of fentanyl coming into our country, which has been deadly to many communities across the US. Sadly, Oklahoma is no stranger to the terrible impact of fentanyl. We are calling on DHS to stop illegal immigration and develop a new way to detect, stop, and investigate fentanyl trafficking into the US. This is one step in stopping the chaos, but one that will have a huge impact on our communities and families.”

“Over half of the fentanyl coming into the U.S. comes through Arizona,” said Sen. Sinema. “Our bipartisan bill will help stop this dangerous flow of drugs by supplying law enforcement with new tools to detect opioids and crack down on the trafficking of fentanyl.”

U.S. Representatives Nick LaLota (NY-01), Lou Correa (CA-46), and Don Davis (NC-01) led companion legislation in the House.

Background:

Established in 2003, the Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) is the research and development arm of DHS tasked with providing evidence-based scientific and technical expertise to inform policies that address a broad spectrum of current and emerging threats, from sexual abuse to natural disasters to narcotics. S&T has an opioid detection research program, but it is not explicitly set up by law.

The DETECT Fentanyl and Xylazine Act would:

Create a new statutory responsibility for S&T to carry out, in coordination with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), research, development, testing, evaluation, and cost-benefit analysis to improve the safety, effectiveness, and efficiency of drug detection equipment and reference libraries used by federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies to identify unknown substances;

Establish three focus areas with flexibility to adopt other focuses in the future:

Portable detection equipment that requires only minimal handling of sample;

Equipment that can separate complex mixtures with low concentrations of drugs and high concentrations of cutting agents into component parts to enable detection; and

Technologies that use AI and machine learning to predict whether a substance is a controlled substance analogue or other new psychoactive substance not yet included in a reference library.

Require S&T to follow the recommendations, guidelines, and best practices set out in the federal government’s Artificial Intelligence Risk Management Framework; and

Direct S&T to look to the DEA’s State and Territory Report on Enduring and Emerging Threats and the DHS’s Homeland Threat Assessment in establishing priorities.

The DETECT Fentanyl and Xylazine Act is endorsed by the National Association of Police Organizations, National Border Patrol Council, National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition, National HIDTA Directors Association, Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, Sergeants Benevolent NYPD, National Treasury Employees Union, and Shatterpoof.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-supported-defense-bill-passes-senate-2/,Cornyn-Supported Defense Bill Passes Senate,2024-12-18,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,TX,John Cornyn,C001056,www.cornyn.senate.gov,cornyn,https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) today released the following statement after the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025 passed the Senate:

“As the global threat landscape continues to evolve and grow increasingly dangerous, America must take strategic steps to bolster our military readiness and deter foreign adversaries,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This legislation will strengthen our national security, support our service members, and help ensure our allies trust us and our enemies fear us once again.”

Sen. Cornyn’s Legislation Included in the Bill:

Enable IC Partnerships Act: Encourages public and private partnerships with the Intelligence Community to streamline acquisitions and adoption of cutting-edge technologies and support workforce development.

Project Safe Childhood Act: Makes improvements to the investigation and prosecution of online child exploitation.

Protecting Investments in our Ports Act: Ensures that all applicants for competitive grant funding from the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) may only purchase secure digital infrastructure or secure software components and applicants must certify they have a security plan addressing cyber risks.

Encouraging Qualitative Upgrades and Innovative Procurements (EQUIP) Act: Permits the use of the Defense Modernization Fund as a source of funding to procure and integrate commercial technologies to satisfy a joint urgent operational need or validated service requirement.

Capability-Based Trade and Unconventional Resource Engagement (CAPTURE) Act: Creates a pilot project permitting contracting officers to use an alternative capability-based analysis to determine whether the proposed price or fee for a commercial product or service offered by a nontraditional defense contractor is fair and reasonable, giving them more flexibility to choose the most cost-effective options regardless of contractor.

Solid Propulsion Enhancement and Advancement for Readiness (SPEAR) Act: Helps secure and stabilize the domestic supply chain of solid rocket motors commonly used in missiles and rockets.

Safeguarding Tactics and Operational Procedures (STOP) Enemies Act: Updates the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) to prohibit active duty and retired service members from providing military education, military training, or tactical advice to foreign adversaries.

Private Smither Act: Requires the Department of Defense (DoD) to provide a health care provider’s affiliation in a patient’s medical record.

Provisions to authorize the Secretary of the Army to grant a land conveyance from Boyle Memorial Army Reserve Center to Paris Junior College.

Other Texas-Specific Provisions Include:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/house-passes-cornyn-bill-designating-bastrop-post-office-in-honor-of-sergeant-major-billy-d-waugh-now-heads-to-the-presidents-desk/,House Passes Cornyn Bill Designating Bastrop Post Office in Honor of Sergeant Major Billy D. Waugh Now Heads to the President’s Desk,2024-12-18,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,TX,John Cornyn,C001056,www.cornyn.senate.gov,cornyn,https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) issued the following statements after the House of Representatives passed their bill designating the United States Post Office located on Main Street in Bastrop, Texas as the “Sergeant Major Billy D. Waugh Post Office.”

“I am proud to champion legislation alongside Senator Cruz to designate the post office in Bastrop, Texas, after Sergeant Major Waugh, a decorated combat war veteran and eight-time Purple Heart recipient who dedicated five decades of service to our country,” said Sen. Cornyn. “Now that this bill has passed the House, we are one step closer to renaming this facility in his honor, which will serve as a reminder of his impressive legacy and lifetime of service for generations to come.”

“Sergeant Major Billy Waugh dedicated his life to serving his state and country,”said Sen. Cruz. “As an Army paratrooper, Special Forces Soldier, CIA paramilitary officer, Postal Service member, and eight-time Purple Heart recipient, he embodied the highest ideals of American patriotism and sacrifice. By naming the Bastrop Post Office after Sergeant Major Waugh, we honor his legacy of resilience, courage, and sacrifice.”

Background:

Sergeant Major Billy D. Waugh was born in December 1929 and raised in Bastrop, Texas. He served his country as an Army paratrooper and Special Forces Soldier from 1948 to 1972, including seven years in combat during the Korean and Vietnam wars. He also was part of the first high-altitude, low-opening (HALO) combat parachute assault in military history.

For his military service, Sergeant Major Waugh received dozens of awards and medals, including the Silver Star and eight Purple Hearts for his combat wounds. After retirement, he joined the United States Postal Service before again serving his country as a paramilitary operations officer in the Central Intelligence Agency, where he successfully pursued terrorists including Carlos the Jackal and Osama Bin Laden.

Sergeant Major Waugh eventually returned to his hometown of Bastrop and passed away in April 2023 at the age of 93.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/what-the-defense-bill-means-for-texas-11/,What the Defense Bill Means for Texas,2024-12-18,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,TX,John Cornyn,C001056,www.cornyn.senate.gov,cornyn,https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, the Senate passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025, which includes multiple priorities for Texas and legislation authored by U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) that will benefit Texas service members and military installations, boost job creation, as well as support ongoing national security efforts.

“As the global threat landscape continues to evolve and grow increasingly dangerous, America must take strategic steps to bolster our military readiness and deter foreign adversaries,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This legislation will strengthen our national security, support our service members, and help ensure our allies trust us and our enemies fear us once again.”

Sen. Cornyn’s Legislation Included in the NDAA:

Protecting Investments in our Ports Act: Ensures that all applicants for competitive grant funding from the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) may only purchase secure digital infrastructure or secure software components and applicants must certify they have a security plan addressing cyber risks.

Enable IC Partnerships Act: Encourages public and private partnerships with the Intelligence Community to streamline acquisitions and adoption of cutting-edge technologies and support workforce development.

Safeguarding Tactics and Operational Procedures (STOP) Enemies Act: Updates the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) to prohibit active duty and retired service members from providing military education, military training, or tactical advice to foreign adversaries.

Private Smither Act: Requires the Department of Defense (DoD) to provide a health care provider’s affiliation in a patient’s medical record.

Provisions to authorize the Secretary of the Army to grant a land conveyance from Boyle Memorial Army Reserve Center to Paris Junior College.

Encouraging Qualitative Upgrades and Innovative Procurements (EQUIP) Act: Permits the use of the Defense Modernization Fund as a source of funding to procure and integrate commercial technologies to satisfy a joint urgent operational need or validated service requirement.

Capability-Based Trade and Unconventional Resource Engagement (CAPTURE) Act: Creates a pilot project permitting contracting officers to use an alternative capability-based analysis to determine whether the proposed price or fee for a commercial product or service offered by a nontraditional defense contractor is fair and reasonable, giving them more flexibility to choose the most cost-effective options regardless of contractor.

Solid Propulsion Enhancement and Advancement for Readiness (SPEAR) Act: Helps secure and stabilize the domestic supply chain of solid rocket motors commonly used in missiles and rockets.

Project Safe Childhood Act: Makes improvements to the investigation and prosecution of online child exploitation.

Other Texas-Specific Provisions Include:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.cruz.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cruz-applauds-passage-of-cruz-cornyn-legislation-boosting-high-quality-education-for-children-of-military-families,Cruz Applauds Passage of Cruz-Cornyn Legislation Boosting High-Quality Education for Children of Military Families,2024-12-18,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,TX,Ted Cruz,C001098,www.cruz.senate.gov,cruz,https://www.cruz.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) released the following statements after their provision in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) directing the Department of Defense (DoD) to provide an updated assessment of schools on military bases was signed into law enabling new schools in temporary housing to become eligible for consideration as permanent facilities.

Upon passage, Sen. Cruz said, “This provision paves the way for Laughlin Air Force Base's Roberto Barrera Elementary STEM Magnet School to be assessed, ranked, and considered for future construction funding. This move is a top priority for the Del Rio and Laughlin Air Force Base community. I am proud to support educational opportunities for the children of our servicemembers.”

Sen. Cornyn said, “I am proud to champion legislation alongside Senator Cruz to designate the post office in Bastrop, Texas, after Sergeant Major Waugh, a decorated combat war veteran and eight-time Purple Heart recipient who dedicated five decades of service to our country. Now that this bill has passed the House, we are one step closer to renaming this facility in his honor, which will serve as a reminder of his impressive legacy and lifetime of service for generations to come.”

BACKGROUND

The DoD Education Activity (DoDEA), formerly the Department of DoD Dependents Schools and DoD Domestic Dependent Elementary and Secondary Schools, operates 160 schools located in 11 foreign countries, seven states, and two territories.

This legislation directs the DoD to conduct a study and report on the condition and capacity of DoDEA schools throughout the enterprise.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.cruz.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/house-passes-cruz-bill-designating-bastrop-post-office-in-honor-of-sergeant-major-billy-d-waugh-now-heads-to-the-presidents-desk,House Passes Cruz Bill Designating Bastrop Post Office in Honor of Sergeant Major Billy D. Waugh Now Heads to the President’s Desk,2024-12-18,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,TX,Ted Cruz,C001098,www.cruz.senate.gov,cruz,https://www.cruz.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) issued the following statement after the House of Representatives passed his bill designating the United States Post Office located on Main Street in Bastrop, Texas as the “Sergeant Major Billy D. Waugh Post Office.” The bill memorializes the service of Sergeant Major Waugh, a Silver Star, and eight-time Purple Heart recipient, and now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law.

Upon passage, Sen. Cruz said, “Sergeant Major Billy Waugh dedicated his life to serving his state and country. As an Army paratrooper, Special Forces Soldier, CIA paramilitary officer, Postal Service member, and eight-time Purple Heart recipient, he embodied the highest ideals of American patriotism and sacrifice. By naming the Bastrop Post Office after Sergeant Major Waugh, we honor his legacy of resilience, courage, and sacrifice.”

Sen. Cornyn said, “I am proud to champion legislation alongside Senator Cruz to designate the post office in Bastrop, Texas, after Sergeant Major Waugh, a decorated combat war veteran and eight-time Purple Heart recipient who dedicated five decades of service to our country. Now that this bill has passed the Senate, we are one step closer to renaming this facility in his honor, which will serve as a reminder of his impressive legacy and lifetime of service for generations to come.”

BACKGROUND

Sergeant Major Billy D. Waugh was born in December 1929 and raised in Bastrop, Texas. He served his country as an Army paratrooper and Special Forces Soldier from 1948 to 1972, including seven years in combat during the Korean and Vietnam wars. He also was part of the first high-altitude, low-opening (HALO) combat parachute assault in military history.

For his military service, Sergeant Major Waugh received dozens of awards and medals, including the Silver Star and eight Purple Hearts for his combat wounds. After retirement, he joined the United States Postal Service before again serving his country as a paramilitary operations officer in the Central Intelligence Agency, where he successfully pursued terrorists including Carlos the Jackal and Osama Bin Laden.

Sergeant Major Waugh eventually returned to his hometown of Bastrop and passed away in April 2023 at the age of 93.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.cruz.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sen-cruz-advances-key-national-security-priorities-for-texas-and-america-in-fiscal-year-2025-national-defense-authorization-act,Sen. Cruz Advances Key National Security Priorities for Texas and America in Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act,2024-12-18,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,TX,Ted Cruz,C001098,www.cruz.senate.gov,cruz,https://www.cruz.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement securing passage of eight provisions in the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), securing critical wins for Texas military communities, service members, and national security.

Upon passage, Sen. Cruz said, “The FY25 NDAA includes many significant provisions for Texas and our national security. It incorporates eight of my high-priority requests, including my COMMAND Act, which ensures that all newly commissioned officers receive training on the U.S. Constitution, and the UNFURL Act, which allows uniformed servicemembers to participate in the ceremonial unfurling of large American flags at sporting events. Additionally, it includes my provision authorizing a transfer of land from Fort Bliss to El Paso’s Water Public Service Board to enhance flood control—an essential infrastructure improvement for the region—and directs the Department of Defense to share the information of highly qualified applicants to our Military Service Academies with our Senior Military Colleges, including Texas A&M University.

The NDAA also contains important provisions aimed at protecting our children and families. It prohibits TRICARE from providing puberty blockers or sterilization treatments to minors and reallocates wasteful diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) funding to critical counter-narcotics efforts. This legislation also provides a long overdue salary increase for our servicemen and women. And critically, it does not contain a Senate Democrat provision that would have required women to register for the draft. I have long opposed that proposal and will continue to do so.

I am proud of the accomplishments within this bill, and I will continue to advocate for accountability, readiness, and the strength of our armed forces.”

BACKGROUND

Key Sen. Cruz Legislative Provisions:

UNFURL Act: Amends the U.S. Flag Code to permit uniformed military servicemembers to participate in the ceremonial unfurling of large American flags at sporting events.

COMMAND Act: Requires the Department of Defense to provide constitutional training for all newly commissioned military officers.

Additional Funding for Joint Task Force North: Authorizes a $25M increase in funds to help JTF-N counter transnational criminal organizations along the southwest border

Fort Bliss Land Conveyance: Authorizes the Army to convey land to the El Paso Water Public Service Board to improve flood control.

Public Schools on Military Installations: Requires an updated assessment schools on military bases, enabling new schools in temporary housing to become eligible for consideration of permanent facilities.

Motor Pools at Fort Cavazos: Secures $147 million for two critically needed motor pools.

Service Academy Information Sharing: Directs the Military Service Academies to refer interested applicants to senior military colleges, including Texas A&M University, enhancing recruitment efforts.

STOP TRANQ Act: Requires the Department of State to include reporting on xylazine (“tranq”) in the International Narcotics Control Strategy Report.

Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, Ranking Member Cruz Legislative Provisions:

Texas A&M University’s State Maritime Academy: Secures training of seamen for strategic sealift.

Veteran Transitions: Removes barriers for veterans transitioning to the maritime industry by removing duplicative bachelor’s degree requirements.

Deepwater Ports: Expedites the process for amended license applications for deepwater ports, helping companies like Delphin Midstream in Houston.

Categorical Exclusions: Clarifies that MARAD can use additional categorical exclusions that are already available to the Federal Highway Administration, Federal Railroad Administration, and Federal Transit Administration to streamline the permitting of certain port projects. The provision also directs MARAD to start a rulemaking to consider additional categorical exclusions.

‘Learning Period’ Extension: Extends the federal moratorium on potentially burdensome commercial spaceflight regulations known as the ‘learning period.’

Co-Sponsored Provisions:

JROTC Expansion: Reduces the minimum student count required to qualify for a JROTC program to 50 students, expanding educational opportunities for Texas students.

Medical Liability Clarification: Requires the DOD to improve transparency and accountability concerning the use of healthcare contractors in the military health system.

NDAA Highlights for Texas:

Personnel and Readiness:

Delivers a 14.5% pay increase for junior enlisted servicemembers and 4.5% for all others.

Expands JROTC programs and improves childcare access for military families.

$25M increase in funds to help JTF-N counter transnational criminal organizations along the southwest border.

Anti-Woke Provisions:

Halts DOD funding of gender dysphoria treatments via TRICARE.

Prohibits promotion of CRT and freezes DEI hiring for a year.

Requires constitutional training for all new officers.

Funds Authorized for Military Construction in Texas:

$147M for two motor pools at Fort Cavazos

$44M for a rail yard at Fort Bliss

$12.8M for a B-21 fuel lab at Dyess Air Force Base

$18.5M for a B-21 refueller truck yard at Dyess Air Force Base

$215M for a basic training classroom at Joint Base San Antonio

$77M for barracks at Fort Sam Houston

$38M for a T-7A Ground Based Training System at Laughlin Air Force Base

$18M for a T-7 Unity Maintenance Training Facility at Laughlin Air Force Base

$79.3M for a general-purpose warehouse at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi

$130M for a C-130J fuel cell building at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth

$75M for aircraft hangar repair at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth

$24M to renovate family housing at Lackland Air Force Base

$34M for a vehicle paint shop at Red River Army Depot

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://casar.house.gov/media/press-releases/news-casar-leads-20-members-congress-calling-administration-withhold-offensive,"NEWS: Casar Leads 20 Members of Congress Calling for the Administration to Withhold Offensive Weapons from the Israeli Government, Follow Own Standards",2024-12-17,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,TX,Greg Casar,C001131,casar.house.gov,casar,https://casar.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representatives Greg Casar (D-Texas) and Summer Lee (D-Penn.), along with 18 other Members of Congress, are calling on the Biden Administration to adhere to and uphold U.S. law by suspending offensive military transfers to the Israeli government.

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

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

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

Standards in the Oct. 13, 2024 letter included:

Humanitarian Aid Trucks:

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

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

Humanitarian Pauses:

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

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

End the Isolation of Northern Gaza

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

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

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

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

The full letter can be viewed here.

###

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

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

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

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

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

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

Background

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

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

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

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

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

WHAT THE HIRE CREDIT DOES

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

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

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

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

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

Being in a period of unemployment.

The term “qualified disaster zones” are areas where:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

""What this entire facade has proven is that if we are to effectively oversee the federal government, it is incumbent on us to oversee how we as members of Congress do our jobs—because the level of due diligence conducted by the Republican leadership these last two years has clearly failed the American people.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://delacruz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2328,Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz Secures Relief for South Texas Farmers in Continuing Resolution,2024-12-17,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,TX,Monica De La Cruz,D000594,delacruz.house.gov,delacruz,https://delacruz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) today announced a critical victory for South Texas farmers with the inclusion of language in the Continuing Resolution (CR) granting the Secretary of Agriculture authority to provide block grants for economic relief to agricultural producers in South Texas. This measure addresses significant economic losses caused by Mexico's ongoing failure to meet its water delivery obligations under the 1944 Water Treaty.

""Our farmers are the backbone of South Texas, and they have faced tremendous hardship due to Mexico's refusal to fulfill its treaty obligations. These water shortages have devastated crops, cost jobs, and threatened our local economy,"" said Congresswoman De La Cruz. ""By securing this relief, we are delivering real solutions to the families, businesses, and communities who rely on agriculture to thrive.""

The relief language mirrors provisions in Congresswoman De La Cruz's South Texas Agricultural Assistance Act, introduced in November, which directs the Secretary of Agriculture to provide targeted economic aid to South Texas agricultural producers impacted by the water delivery shortfall.

Under the 1944 Water Treaty between the United States and Mexico, Mexico is required to deliver a set amount of water to the United States. Persistent noncompliance has led to severe water shortages for farmers in South Texas, impacting citrus growers, sugar producers, and other key agricultural sectors.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://hunt.house.gov/media/press-releases/immediate-release-rep-hunt-introduces-carla-walker-act,For Immediate Release: Rep. Hunt Introduces the Carla Walker Act,2024-12-17,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,TX,Wesley Hunt,H001095,hunt.house.gov,hunt,https://hunt.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"This legislation is named after Carla Walker, who was abducted in Fort Worth, Texas, in 1974 before being found dead three days later.

""This is an issue that transcends party lines and unites the American public. Whether you are a Democrat or a Republican, the ability to identify perpetrators and prevent future crime is fundamental to ensuring the safety of our nation. Supporting innovative companies like this, based right here in Houston, Texas, is something I wholeheartedly stand behind,"" said Congressman Wesley Hunt.

“46 years after Carla Walker’s tragic murder left her family desperately seeking answers, her killer was finally identified and brought to justice thanks to advanced FGG DNA analysis,” said Sen. Cornyn. “I’m proud to introduce this legislation in Carla Walker’s honor so that we can provide the resources needed to give more families in Texas and across the country the peace, healing, and resolution that comes through the power of a case solved.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://mccaul.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/mccaul-urges-support-his-bill-renaming-bastrop-post-office-sergeant,McCaul Urges Support for His Bill Renaming Bastrop Post Office in Sergeant Major Billy D. Waugh’s Honor,2024-12-17,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,TX,Michael T. McCaul,M001157,mccaul.house.gov,mccaul,https://mccaul.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) spoke on the House Floor in support of his bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1106 Main Street in Bastrop, Texas, as the “Sergeant Major Billy D. Waugh Post Office,” which passed by unanimous consent.

Image

Click to watch

– Remarks as Delivered –

Mr. Speaker,

You and I just returned from Luxembourg to honor the veterans of WWII who fought in the Battle of the Bulge.

I was there on behalf of the House of Representatives, at the Speaker’s request, to honor the Greatest Generation and their sacrifices to defeat evil and ensure that freedom would persevere.

Those soldiers that braved the Nazi onslaught and the frozen forests of the Ardennes to liberate Europe are known as ‘The Greatest Generation.’

Sergeant Major Billy D. Waugh was part of that great generation.

The service website military.com, using the colloquial name for Special Forces made famous during the Vietnam War, called Mr. Waugh, ‘The unparalleled godfather of the Green Berets.’

For his long years of service and numerous missions with them, he led a lifelong commitment to his country from a young age. He understood, as [President] Reagan did, that ‘Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for and protected.’

Sergeant Major Waugh was born in 1929 and raised in Bastrop, Texas, in my district.

And in 1945, after meeting two local United States Marines who returned from fighting in World War II, [the] then 15-year-old Mr. Waugh was inspired to enlist in the Marine Corps.

Knowing that it was unlikely that he would be allowed to enlist in Texas due to his young age, Waugh decided to hitchhike to Los Angeles, where he believed he only had to be 16 years old.

He got as far as Las Cruces, New Mexico, before being turned around and sent back to Bastrop by a local police officer. That shows you the amount of patriotism this young 15-year-old had.

Later, in 1948, he enlisted and served his country as an Army paratrooper and Special Forces soldier until 1972.

Sergeant Major Waugh was no stranger to the front and served seven years in combat during the Korean and Vietnam wars, where he was shot multiple times.

While in combat, he was part of a high-altitude, low-opening, or HALO parachute assault, the first of its kind in military history.

For his service, Sergeant Major Waugh received dozens of military awards and medals, including the Silver Star, four Bronze Stars, a Presidential Unit Citation, and eight Purple Hearts for his combat wounds — placing him third on the list of most Purple Hearts ever received in the history of the United States military.

After retirement, he joined the United States Postal Service — before again serving his country as a paramilitary operations officer in the Central Intelligence Agency — where he pursued terrorists, including Carlos the Jackal and Osama Bin Laden.

Mr. Waugh never lost his sense of duty, patriotism, and his enduring love of freedom.

And at the age of 71, Mr. Waugh participated in Operation Enduring Freedom from October to December 2001 as a member of the CIA's Northern Alliance Liaison Team, which went into Afghanistan to work to topple the Taliban regime and Al Qaeda at the Battle of Tora Bora.

Sergeant Major Billy D. Waugh passed away last year at the age of 93.

He epitomized the American values of courage, patriotism, and self-sacrifice.

Through his unparalleled life of service, he undoubtedly saved countless American lives and pushed back terrorism and evil around the world.

After a life of service to his country, it is only fitting that the post office located at 1106 Main Street in Bastrop, Texas, be named after him.

Naming this post office after him is a testament to a life well-lived and an opportunity for all Texans to pay homage to this great American hero.

I am inspired by him and … that he’s from Texas.

I support this measure, and may God hold Sergeant Major Waugh in the palm of His hand.

I urge my colleagues to support this measure.

I yield the balance of my time.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://roy.house.gov/media/press-releases/roy-cruz-fight-ensure-texas-gets-fair-share-infrastructure-funds,Roy & Cruz fight to ensure Texas gets a fair share of infrastructure funds,2024-12-17,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,TX,Chip Roy,R000614,roy.house.gov,roy,https://roy.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC — On Tuesday, Rep. Chip Roy (TX-21) introduced the House companion to Senator Ted Cruz’s (TX) Highway Formula Fairness Act, which would help ensure that Texas and other states receive a fairer share of infrastructure funding via the federal Highway Trust Fund (HTF).

Historically, Texas has received a less than 95 percent rate of return on its contribution to total deposits paid into HTF via the federal gas tax. The legislation introduced Thursday would establish a minimum guarantee for fuel tax revenue received by states tied to the percentage of total monies paid into the fund.

Representative Roy said, “The Highway Trust Fund has repeatedly shortchanged Texas, even though our state contains more interstate miles than any other state of the union. All while Texas bears massive infrastructure burdens associated with being the 8th largest economy in the world, energy production, and countless illegal border crossings.

That’s why Senator Cruz and I have introduced this legislation to help states like Texas keep more of what we pay into the fund to improve our critical infrastructure.”

Co-sponsors of the bill include Dan Crenshaw (TX-21), Jake Ellzey (TX-6), Brian Babin (TX-36), Ronny Jackson (TX-13), and Randy Weber (TX-14).

Read the full piece of legislation here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-blumenthal-colleagues-bill-to-combat-child-exploitation-passes-senate/,"Cornyn, Blumenthal, Colleagues’ Bill to Combat Child Exploitation Passes Senate",2024-12-17,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,TX,John Cornyn,C001056,www.cornyn.senate.gov,cornyn,https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Josh Hawley (R-MO), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Representatives Nathaniel Moran (TX-01) and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) released the following statements after their PROTECT Our Children Act, which would reauthorize and modernize the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program, passed the Senate:

“For decades, the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program has played a critical role in protecting our children from exploitation,” said Sen. Cornyn. “By extending and modernizing this program, our bill would help put vicious criminals behind bars and safeguard our next generation, and I urge the House to pass it swiftly.”

“We must save children who are victims of the most ongoing vile, stomach-churning crimes because child sexual abuse goes unstopped,” said Sen. Blumenthal. “Protecting such victims is urgent and imperative—and we have an obligation to provide tools and resources necessary to do it. The PROTECT Our Children Act reauthorizes and modernizes the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Programs, enabling law enforcement to combat the exploding, serious dangers of abhorrent abuse in an online society. This essential legislation will help safeguard our children and hold predators accountable.”

“There is no frontier that poses a bigger threat to the next generation than technology and the internet,” said Sen. Hawley. “The PROTECT Our Children Act gives law enforcement the resources, assistance, and infrastructure they need to combat child sexual exploitation and internet crimes. I’m proud to support reauthorization of this crucial program.”

“In almost every aspect of the real world, child safety is a top priority. That sense of urgency should extend to the virtual world too,” said Sen. Durbin. “I’m pleased that our legislation to ensure that the ICAC Program has the resources it needs so state and local law enforcement can continue to hold perpetrators accountable and make the internet safer for its youngest users passed the U.S. Senate.”

“This legislation is critical to ensuring that children are not left at the mercy of evil predators,” said Rep. Moran. “It is imperative that we combat these heinous crimes, ensure thorough investigations and swift justice for victims, and advance the important work of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program. Reauthorizing this task force will empower law enforcement to dismantle networks of exploitation and protect vulnerable children from online predators nationwide.”

“Children deserve to grow up safe, without the fear of exploitation, and the ICAC Task Force Program helps us secure that possibility. ICAC arrests have gone up significantly over the years, with nearly 11,000 made last fiscal year alone, getting perpetrators off the streets and away from our children. But more needs to be done. I’m grateful for and proud to work with my colleagues across the aisle to reaffirm our commitment to America’s children and build on the original PROTECT Act that I authored over a decade ago,” said Rep. Wasserman Schultz.“Technology evolves rapidly, so we have to move just as fast to make the internet a safe space for children and guard against those who try to exploit them.”

U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) are cosponsors of the legislation.

Background:

The Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force Program helps state and local law enforcement agencies develop an effective response to technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation and Internet crimes against children. This encompasses forensic and investigative components, training and technical assistance, victim services, and community education. This national network of 61 coordinated task forces represents more than 5,400 federal, state, and local law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies engaged in both proactive and reactive investigations, forensic investigations, and criminal prosecutions.

Since 1998, ICAC Task Forces have trained more than 826,700 law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and other professionals on techniques to investigative and prosecute ICAC-related cases. They have also reviewed more than 1,452,040 reports of online child exploitation, resulting in the arrest of more than 123,790 suspects.

The PROTECT Our Children Act would:

Update and modernize the requirements for the National Strategy for Child Exploitation Prevention and Interdiction, including requiring the U.S. Department of Justice to provide detailed, useful information on efforts to protect children nationwide;

Provide liability protection for ICAC Task Forces in the course of conducting criminal investigations of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and child abuse material;

Make needed technical improvements and clarifications to the statutory text of the program to match it to current technology and needs;

Focus the ICAC program on both proactive and reactive investigations;

And reauthorize the ICAC Program through 2027 with an escalator authorization.

The PROTECT Our Children Act is endorsed by the National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE), the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN), National Children’s Alliance, National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), Rights 4 Girls, National District Attorneys Association (NDAA), Raven, Fraternal Order of Police, Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies (ASCIA), and the National Criminal Justice Training Center (NCJTC).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-colleagues-bill-to-help-prevent-child-abuse-heads-to-presidents-desk/,"Cornyn, Colleagues’ Bill to Help Prevent Child Abuse Heads to President’s Desk",2024-12-17,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,TX,John Cornyn,C001056,www.cornyn.senate.gov,cornyn,https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) released the following statements after their Jenna Quinn Law, which would allow current grant funds to be used to train and educate students, teachers, caregivers, and other adults who work with children in a professional or volunteer capacity on how to prevent, recognize, and report child sexual abuse, passed the House and now heads to the President’s desk. The bill is named for Jenna Quinn, a Texan and child abuse survivor, and is modeled after successful reforms passed by the Texas Legislature in 2009.

“Congress must ensure every state has robust resources to train those who work with children on how to identify and prevent the vicious cycle of child sexual abuse,”said Sen. Cornyn.“This legislation, inspired by Texan Jenna Quinn, would give students, teachers, and caregivers more tools to protect vulnerable children nationwide, and I urge the President to sign it without delay.”

“Members of both parties are united in our mission to find additional ways to keep children safe from sexual abuse,” said Sen. Hassan. “Our bipartisan legislation will help ensure that parents, teachers, and other community members receive evidence-based training to help protect children from sexual abuse, and I look forward to the President signing this commonsense bill into law.”

“Every child deserves protection from abuse. Ensuring all adults, teachers, and caregivers are equipped with the knowledge to identify, prevent, and report child sexual abuse is a necessary and life-saving mechanism,” said Sen. Luján. “Jenna’s Law is implemented across several states – including New Mexico – and should be federally recognized. I’m proud to see this bipartisan legislation passed the House and Senate, bringing us one step closer to providing funding to train and educate students, teachers, and parents on best practices to prevent and report abuse.”

The Jenna Quinn Law passed the Senate on February 9th, 2024. Sen. Mike Braun (R-IN) also cosponsored this legislation, and Representatives Nathaniel Moran (TX-01), Michael McCaul (TX-10), and Susan Wild (PA-07) led it in the House.

Background:

Jenna Quinn has been an outspoken advocate for survivors of child sexual abuse and was the driving force behind what is now known as Jenna’s Law in Texas. Unanimously passed by the Texas Legislature, Jenna’s Law was the first child sexual abuse prevention law in the U.S. that mandates K-12 trainings for students and school staff and was amended in 2017 to include sex trafficking prevention education in schools. More than half of all states have adopted a form of Jenna’s Law.

After Jenna’s Law passed in Texas in 2009, a study found educators reported child sexual abuse at a rate almost four times greater after training than during their pre-training career. The Jenna Quinn Law would:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-hassan-bill-to-improve-contractor-services-along-southern-border-heads-to-presidents-desk/,"Cornyn, Hassan Bill to Improve Contractor Services Along Southern Border Heads to President’s Desk",2024-12-17,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,TX,John Cornyn,C001056,www.cornyn.senate.gov,cornyn,https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) released the following statements after their DHS Border Services Contracts Review Act, which would require the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Under Secretary for Management to deliver a report assessing contracts for services performed along the U.S.-Mexico border and implement a plan to improve procurement and delivery of those services, passed the Senate and now heads to the President’s desk:

“As a founding member of the Senate DOGE Caucus, I’m looking for any and every opportunity to streamline government processes, including at our southern border,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This legislation would identify new ways to better protect taxpayer dollars and support our Border Patrol agents, CBP officers, and other personnel who work tirelessly to safeguard Texans.”

“We need to continue working across the aisle to strengthen border security,” said Sen. Hassan. “This bipartisan legislation is one additional way to better achieve that mission. It will help ensure that the Department of Homeland Security and its contractors are operating as effectively as possible at the border.”

U.S. Representatives Josh Brecheen (OK-02) and Mark Green (TN-07) led companion legislation in the House.

Background:

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Inspector General has previously reported instances when U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) failed to timely contract for adequate facilities to detain illegal migrants and provide medical services.

This legislation would mitigate instances similar to those by requiring the DHS Under Secretary for Management to assess contracts valued at a minimum of $50 million for services performed by contractor personnel along the southern border. DHS would also be required to develop a strategy and implementation plan to improve procurement and delivery of services. As part of the analysis, DHS is required to consider the impact of contracts on the ability of Border Patrol agents to carry out their primary mission responsibilities.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-meets-with-ustr-nominee-jamieson-greer/,Cornyn Meets with USTR Nominee Jamieson Greer,2024-12-17,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,TX,John Cornyn,C001056,www.cornyn.senate.gov,cornyn,https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) met today with Jamieson Greer, whom President-Elect Trump has announced he will nominate to serve as U.S. Trade Representative (USTR). Please see below.

This image is in the public domain, but those wishing to do so may credit the Office of U.S. Senator John Cornyn.

Senator John Cornyn, a Republican from Texas, is a member of the Senate Finance, Intelligence, and Judiciary Committees.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-praises-finalized-direct-flight-route-from-san-antonio-to-d-c/,Cornyn Praises Finalized Direct Flight Route from San Antonio to D.C.,2024-12-17,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,TX,John Cornyn,C001056,www.cornyn.senate.gov,cornyn,https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement on the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) announcement that a new direct flight route between San Antonio and Washington D.C.’s Ronald Reagan National Airport serviced by Texas-based American Airlines has been officially established:

“As a San Antonio native and staunch advocate of Texas’ airline industry, I am pleased that the DOT has finalized a direct route between San Antonio and the District of Columbia,” said Sen. Cornyn. “Serviced by DFW-based American Airlines, this new direct route will open up new opportunities for Texans in ‘Military City, USA’ and our nation’s capital, and I am pleased to see it come to fruition.”

Background:

In May, Sen. Cornyn voted in favor of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act, now law, which included a range of reforms to improve public safety, efficiency, and consumer confidence and allowed for a direct route from San Antonio to Washington, D.C.

In July, Sen. Cornyn joined Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), Representative Chip Roy (TX-21), Representative Joaquin Castro (TX-20), and others in sending a letter urging Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg to allocate San Antonio International Airport (SAT) one of the new long-haul, round-trip flights to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) allowed for in the FAA reauthorization legislation.

In October, DOT announced plans to establish a new direct flight route between San Antonio and Washington D.C.’s Ronald Reagan National Airport to be serviced by Texas-based American Airlines.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/the-twinkliest-towns-in-texas/,The Twinkliest Towns in Texas,2024-12-17,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,TX,John Cornyn,C001056,www.cornyn.senate.gov,cornyn,https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"The holidays are the perfect time to create memories that will warm your heart for years to come, and there’s no better place to celebrate the season than Texas. With millions of lights, Texas-style parades, and calendars full of holiday events, Texas’ festive towns offer something for everyone.

For 35 years, Johnson City, Texas, has been spreading holiday cheer. Their display, called Lights Spectacular, earned Johnson City the title of the “Twinkliest Town in Texas.” With more than two million lights adorning everything from the ground up to the trees, it’s a sight to behold, even for NASA astronauts who have reported that the warm lights can be seen from space. That’s a lot of sparkle for a small town!

The fun begins with the lighting of the courthouse, where thousands of twinkling lights fill the town square and officially kick off the season. Then, the Lighted Hooves & Wheels Parade rolls through town, with glowing floats, horses, and classic cars. Each weekend brings something new, including carriage rides, holiday markets, and a chance to meet the man in red himself, Santa Claus. But the true stars of the event are the holiday light displays, where more than a million lights transform the trees into something straight out of a holiday postcard.

Lights Spectacular has grown into more than just a light show. It’s a true community effort, fueled by local businesses owners and volunteers. As the town lights up, it also lights the way for local businesses, many of which stay open late for special deals and offer unique holiday gifts. A portion of the proceeds go toward scholarships for local high school seniors, making this event a celebration that gives back to the community in more ways than one. Texas is known for its spirit of generosity, and that’s exactly what makes this event so special.

While Johnson City might take the prize for the most lights, nearby Texas towns like Holly, Garland, Blessing, Bells, and Rudolph each bring their own holiday magic, some of which began more than a century ago.

Blessing, for example, wasn’t always called that. Settlers initially suggested “Thank God,” but eventually settled on “Blessing.” Rudolph, named after U.S. Congressman Rudolph Kleberg in the early 1900s, may remind you of the famous reindeer, but it’s the city’s lights that steal the show. Bells, once known as Dugansville after a local pioneer family, was renamed in 1879, likely due to the prominence of church bells in the area. Garland was named for an attorney general under President Grover Cleveland, but I like to think of it as a reminder of the season and all Texas has to be grateful for. It is one of the top cities in the state for manufacturing, after all. Finally, Holly, Texas, reminds us of the iconic tree that sports red berries and evergreen leaves. Each of these towns adds a little extra cheer to the season, adding to the festive spirit of Texas.

Whether you’re visiting Johnson City, Holly, Garland, Blessing, Bells, or Rudolph, you’ll find the holiday spirit is alive and well in the Lone Star State. No matter where you find yourself celebrating this year, my wife Sandy and I wish you a joyful holiday season filled with peace and happiness.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.cruz.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cruz-hirono-bipartisan-federal-judicial-stabilization-act-secures-senate-passage-and-heads-to-the-presidents-desk,"Cruz, Hirono Bipartisan Federal Judicial Stabilization Act Secures Senate Passage, and Heads to the President’s Desk",2024-12-17,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,TX,Ted Cruz,C001098,www.cruz.senate.gov,cruz,https://www.cruz.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on the Constitution, secured passage of his bipartisan legislation yesterday, alongside Senator Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), to provide for the permanent appointment of temporary district judgeships located in Texas and elsewhere. The Federal Judiciary Stabilization Act now heads to the President’s desk for his signature.

Upon passage, Sen. Cruz said, “Texans need to know their court system is reliable and consistent. My bipartisan legislation takes a temporary judgeship in Texas and makes it permanent so your access to justice no longer depends on unpredictable annual appropriation fights.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://crockett.house.gov/media/press-releases/crockett-leads-letter-calling-clemency-americans-convicted-federal-crack,Crockett Leads Letter Calling For Clemency for Americans Convicted On Federal Crack Cocaine Offenses,2024-12-16,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,TX,Jasmine Crockett,C001130,crockett.house.gov,crockett,https://crockett.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congresswomen Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), Senator Raphael Warnock (D-GA), and 18 members of the House Democratic Caucus sent a letter to President Joseph R. Biden calling for him to use his clemency power to commute those individuals serving longer sentences due to the crack cocaine versus powder cocaine sentencing disparity that was established during the 1980’s “War on Drugs.”

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

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

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

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

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

Dear President Biden:

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

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

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

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

retrospect proved not to be empirically sound.”

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

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

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

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

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

powder cocaine.”

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

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

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

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

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

individuals who have had certain drug-related federal and D.C. convictions. In issuing these pardons and reprieves, you emphasized the need to address these wrongs given that communities of color “have been arrested, prosecuted, and convicted at disproportionate rates,” compared to others.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://gonzales.house.gov/2024/12/rep-tony-gonzales-statement-on-abundant-life-christian-school-shooting,Rep. Tony Gonzales Statement on Abundant Life Christian School Shooting,2024-12-16,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,TX,Tony Gonzales,G000594,gonzales.house.gov,gonzales,https://gonzales.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Tony Gonzales (TX-23), Founder and Co-Chair of the Bipartisan School Safety and Security Caucus, issued the below statement following the tragic school shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin.

“Today’s school shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Wisconsin is devastating—no parent, family, or community should ever have to experience a tragedy like this. It’s shameful for lawmakers to stand by while mass violence continues to plague school campuses. We need a national strategy to detect and prevent this kind of terrorism from taking place across our nation,” said Congressman Tony Gonzales.

The Bipartisan School Safety and Security Caucus is focused on moving past partisan gridlock in Congress to advance school safety and security solutions. Earlier this year, Congressman Gonzales introduced the National Strategy for School Security Act, which seeks to prevent mass shootings on school campuses by requiring the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to create a comprehensive plan to combat these threats. For more information, click here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://gonzalez.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-gonzalez-passes-legislation-honoring-local-fallen-hero-first,"Congressman Gonzalez Passes Legislation Honoring Local Fallen Hero, First Lieutenant Andres Zermeño",2024-12-16,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,TX,Vicente Gonzalez,G000581,gonzalez.house.gov,gonzalez,https://gonzalez.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass Congressman Vicente Gonzalez’s (TX-34) legislation, H.R. 6244, to rename the U.S. Post Office located at 1535 East Los Ebanos Boulevard, Brownsville, Texas, in honor of fallen soldier and Brownsville native, First Lieutenant Andres Zermeño.

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

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

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

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

H.R. 6244 currently awaits Senate action.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://gooden.house.gov/press-releases?ID=396AF15D-1872-4985-8FF7-49A8BD4B1A93,Release: House Passes Rep. Gooden's  Bipartisan Federal Judiciary Stabilization Act,2024-12-16,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,TX,Lance Gooden,G000589,gooden.house.gov,gooden,https://gooden.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"Washington - Today, Congressman Lance Gooden applauded the passage of his bipartisan Federal Judiciary Stabilization Act (FJSA), legislation introduced alongside Representative Ted Lieu (D-CA), Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), and Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI). This important bill transitions 10 existing temporary federal judgeships to permanent status, providing much-needed stability and efficiency to America’s federal court system.

“The Federal Judiciary Stabilization Act is a commonsense solution to ensure the efficient operation of our nation’s courts,” said Congressman Gooden. “By making these judgeships permanent, we allow our judicial system to function without unnecessary disruptions. This legislation doesn’t create new judgeships or shift the balance of power—it simply ensures our courts can serve the American people effectively and fairly. I am grateful for Senator Cruz’s support on my bill and look forward to this becoming law in the coming weeks.”

The 10 affected judicial districts include:

Alabama-Northern

Arizona

California-Central

Florida-Southern

Hawaii

Kansas

Missouri-Eastern

New Mexico

North Carolina-Western

Texas-Eastern

“These judgeships are vital to addressing backlogs and ensuring timely access to justice,” Gooden continued. “I’m proud to have worked to advance this bipartisan bill, which strengthens our judiciary and serves the needs of every American, regardless of party or state.”

Read the full bill",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://sessions.house.gov/2024/12/sessions-and-mfume-send-bipartisan-letter-requesting-gao-to-review-persistent-issues-with-dod-s-vetting-system,Sessions and Mfume Send Bipartisan Letter Requesting GAO to Review Persistent Issues with DOD’s Vetting System,2024-12-16,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,TX,Pete Sessions,S000250,sessions.house.gov,sessions,https://sessions.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON—Subcommittee on Government Operations and the Federal Workforce Chairman Pete Sessions (TX-17) and Ranking Member Kweisi Mfume (MD-7) continue their bipartisan oversight of the Department of Defense’s personnel vetting practices. The lawmakers remain concerned about delays and issues with the National Background Investigation Service (NBIS) program. In a letter to the U.S. Government and Accountability Office (GAO) Comptroller General Gene L. Dodaro, they requested a GAO review of NBIS citing longstanding concerns about missed deadlines and cost overruns associated with developing a modernized security clearance vetting system that facilitates appropriate and secure access to our nation’s most sensitive materials.

“The Subcommittee on Government Operations and the Federal Workforce remains concerned with the status of the Department of Defense’s (DOD) personnel vetting practices, especially given the ongoing problems with the National Background Investigation Service (NBIS) program, overseen by DOD’s Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA),” wrote the lawmakers. “We are further concerned that national security personnel are not undergoing all required record checks, non-sensitive personnel have not been enrolled in a continuous vetting system, and there are indications that there are challenges implementing continuous vetting across the federal government.”

In 2015, cybersecurity incidents on information technology (IT) systems that supported personnel vetting compromised the data of more than 22 million federal employees and contractor personnel. Subsequently, DOD established NBIS to replace and improve upon the compromised IT systems. However, GAO has repeatedly reported on significant delays with NBIS’ system and included the government-wide personnel security clearance process on its High-Risk List. In June 2024, the Subcommittee on Government Operations and the Federal Workforce held a hearing to examine how DOD has fallen short in its mission to modernize the IT infrastructure of NBIS. At the hearing, lawmakers expressed bipartisan concern about the continued delays with the NBIS system and potential cascading effects on our nation’s national security.

“Continuous vetting involves reviewing the background of a covered individual through automated record checks in various areas, including criminal records, terrorism, and financial issues, during an individual’s period of eligibility. Unfortunately, these changes have not occurred as planned due to continued NBIS delays,” continued the lawmakers in their letter to GAO. “Given the importance of a timely, accurate and comprehensive personnel vetting process, we request that GAO conduct a review on continued NBIS development and continuous vetting.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://sylviagarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-sylvia-garcia-introduces-bill-to-protect-intersex-children-in-the-foster-system,Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia Introduces Bill to Protect Intersex Children in the Foster System,2024-12-16,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,TX,Sylvia R. Garcia,G000587,sylviagarcia.house.gov,sylviagarcia,https://sylviagarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia (D-TX-29) introduced the Protect Intersex Children Act to prohibit medically unnecessary surgeries on intersex children under six years old in the foster care system.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

""Today's tragic news of the shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin is deeply Distressing,"" said Congressman Marc Veasey. ""There are no words that can fully capture the pain of those affected or begin to health the trauma experienced by the victims, their families, and all those who risk their lives to protect us. Moving forward, it is critical that we take every necessary step to ensure that our schools remain safe spaces for learning and growth.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-calls-for-action-on-outbound-investment/,Cornyn Calls for Action on Outbound Investment,2024-12-16,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,TX,John Cornyn,C001056,www.cornyn.senate.gov,cornyn,https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today on the floor, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) discussed the urgent national security threats posed by continuing to turn a blind eye to outbound investment in countries of concern like China and urged his colleagues to take swift action before the end of the year by supporting including his provisions with Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) in the government funding bill. Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn’s remarks are below, and video can be found here.

“No one can claim to be serious about the China threat while turning a blind eye toward outbound investment transparency.”

“I’m disappointed that the House and the Senate have, so far, failed to take action on this matter that is of critical importance to our strategic competition with the Chinese Communist Party.”

“We simply cannot wait another year to address this issue.”

“It’s simply foolish for the United States to help China to modernize its military and create this very dangerous scenario by investing in technologies that could be used, ultimately, to kill American soldiers.”

“We are feeding the hand that is preparing to bite us, and the truth is, addressing outbound investment transparency will only become more painful if we wait.”

“I remain optimistic that progress will be made on this critical matter before the end of the year.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://sessions.house.gov/2024/12/congressman-sessions-statement-of-support-for-our-agricultural-community,Congressman Sessions Statement of Support for Our Agricultural Community,2024-12-14,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,TX,Pete Sessions,S000250,sessions.house.gov,sessions,https://sessions.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – In response to news that the government funding Continuing Resolution expected to reach the House floor this week will not include economic aid to farmers and ranchers, Congressman Pete Sessions (TX-17) issued the following statement:

Congressman Sessions said, “Farmers and ranchers rely on Congress to provide necessary economic support before the new year. Now, with the end of this Congress approaching, we are failing the agricultural community. We cannot allow our rural areas to disappear; the work of our farmers is the backbone of our nation. Thousands of farm families who have worked our American soil for generations are at risk of insolvency. The 17th Congressional District of Texas is one of the largest agricultural districts in the nation. I will not abandon them. As a 28 year member of the Texas Farm Bureau and a lifetime member of the Texas Forestry Association, I have stood with the agricultural community for years. I plan on voting NO to any Continuing Resolution that does not include economic support for our farm and ranch families.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-al-green-and-congresswoman-sylvia-garcia-host-press-conference-0,Congressman Al Green and Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia Host Press Conference to Address Mail Delays and Fatal Shooting After Touring USPS North Houston Regional Processing Center,2024-12-13,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,TX,Al Green,G000553,algreen.house.gov,algreen,https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"(Houston, TX)—On Friday, December 13, 2024, Congressman Al Green and Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia will host a press conference after touring the United States Postal Service (USPS) North Houston Regional Processing Center. During the press conference, they will discuss issues related to mail delivery delays and concern about the upcoming holiday rush, including a test letter and check sent by the Congressman that has not yet been delivered to its intended recipient. They will also discuss the lack of security leading to the recent fatal shooting of a postal service employee at the Missouri City facility on December 9, 2024. The press conference will take place at Iglesia Cristiana Pan De Vida located at 4623 Aldine Bender Road, Houston, Texas 77032 at 12:30 p.m. CT.

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

“In light of the tragic shooting involving a postal service employee, my heart goes out to their family and friends during this incredibly difficult time. I am deeply saddened by the loss of life and the impact it is having on our community. This incident raises serious concerns about security at our facilities, especially at the South Houston Distribution Center,” stated Congressman Al Green. “I had a visit scheduled at the South Houston facility on this Friday, December 13, 2024. However, out of respect for those grieving, it has been postponed to a later date to be announced. Instead, I and Congresswoman Garcia will meet with high level postal officials, and thereafter hold a press event following the tour at the North Houston Regional Processing Center on Friday, December 13, 2024, to discuss postal issues, including the shooting.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://arrington.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2503,Arrington Urges Trump to Boost WTX Cotton Exports,2024-12-13,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,TX,Jodey C. Arrington,A000375,arrington.house.gov,arrington,https://arrington.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) led 15 of his colleagues in a letter to President-Elect Donald Trump urging his administration to pursue favorable trade deals that boost exports of American cotton. Seeking new trade agreements expanding cotton exports would increase commodity prices and restore U.S. market dominance after the Biden administration’s failed policies have caused the U.S. to fall behind Brazil in global sales for the first time.

“Record droughts, soaring input costs, and falling commodity prices have posed significant challenges for these producers, causing many to accrue skyrocketing levels of debt and even go out of business. The absence of an updated Farm Bill has only exacerbated this dire situation, as producers face a lack of certainty and outdated federal support that has not adjusted to the historic inflation of the early 2020s,” the letter reads. “Negotiating the removal of foreign trade barriers would expand export opportunities for the cotton industry, helping American exporters regain their global market dominance and adding a much-needed boost to the industry following the challenges of the last few years. As you take office on January 20th, we strongly encourage you to keep the priorities of our country’s farmers and ranchers in mind and expand market access for American cotton.”

Click HERE to read the full letter.

“We appreciate Congressman Arrington for recognizing the challenging economic landscape facing U.S. cotton and for his call to remove foreign trade barriers that restrict market access for U.S. exports,” said Gary Adams, President and CEO of the National Cotton Council.

“As U.S. cotton consumption has drastically shifted to the export market and global competition continues to intensify, establishing meaningful market access is critically important,” saidBuddy Allen, President and CEO of the American Cotton Shippers Association. “The American Cotton Shippers Association commends Congressman Arrington for recognizing this in his recent letter to President-elect Trump. Amid severe droughts, depressed markets, and record-high input costs, Congressman Arrington is taking essential steps to ensure the continued viability of cotton production in Texas and across the nation.”

“I would like to thank Congressman Arrington and his colleagues for reaching out to President-elect Trump and Vice President-elect Vance urging them to work on, enforce, and enhance our agricultural trade agreements,” saidBrad Heffington, Cotton Producer and Past President of Plains Cotton Growers. “Trade is so important to many agricultural commodities we produce and has a direct impact on prices. As a cotton producer, exports are imperative to our success in being able to grow crops profitably. Trade should be a top priority to help producers not have to be dependent upon the farm safety net. Thank you greatly for your efforts on behalf of producers.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://arrington.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2506,"Arrington Applauds Passage of National Defense Funding Bill, Including Two of His Amendments",2024-12-13,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,TX,Jodey C. Arrington,A000375,arrington.house.gov,arrington,https://arrington.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) issued the following statement after passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):

“This year’s NDAA roots out radical ideology in the military – like removing Green New Deal climate footprint restrictions from our weapons systems – and puts America First by bolstering our southern border, supporting our allies, and deterring our adversaries,” said Chairman Arrington. “I am especially proud to have secured two provisions in the NDAA to honor the life of Lubbock native Private Caleb Smither, who died needlessly while on active duty at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. This legislation helps ensure tragedies like the passing of Caleb Smither never happen again while adequately equipping our military to be the most lethal fighting force in the world.”

The NDAA includes two of Chairman Arrington’s provisions, honoring 19-year-old Lubbock native Private Second Class Caleb “Smitty” Smither, who died on active duty at Fort Bragg, North Carolina:

To direct the Army to report to Congress on the implementation and enforcement of the “Smitty Check” protocol that was developed in response to Caleb Smither’s death, requiring the Army to thoroughly monitor service members following an injury; and

To require the Department of Defense (DoD) to disclose on medical records whether a service member received care from a DoD doctor or a civilian doctor.

Other provisions also included in the NDAA:

Affirm DoD support of law enforcement operations along the southwest border and maritime borders.

Fully supports deployment of National Guard troops to augment Border Patrol activities at the southwest border.

Authorizes $90 million for construction of a new Command and Control Facility to detect and interdict illegal migrants and narcotics.

Improve servicemember quality of life to address military recruitment, retention, and readiness.

Authorizes a 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted servicemembers and supports a 4.5% pay raise for all other servicemembers.

Authorizes $176 million for construction of new childcare centers.

Root out woke ideology from the military.

Banned critical race theory in the military, gutted DEI at the DoD, and included the Parents Bill of Rights to ensure military parents’ right to review curriculum, meet with teachers, and provide consent before any medical exams or screenings at school.

Permanently bans DoD from funding transgender medical treatments for children.

Prohibits new climate change rules that give preference to weapon systems with lower climate impacts or hamper the defense industrial base.

Deter Chinese Communist Party aggression:

Authorizes $15.6 billion for the Pacific Deterrence Initiative to enhance U.S. deterrence and defense posture in the Indo-Pacific.

Prohibits contracting with subsidiaries of any Chinese civil-military companies, sharing of sensitive missile defense information with China, and Chinese nationals from being admitted to nuclear facilities.

###

Related News",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5572,Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher Delivers Winter Wishes to Senior Citizens in Texas’ Seventh Congressional District,2024-12-13,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,TX,Lizzie Fletcher,F000468,fletcher.house.gov,fletcher,https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) delivered holiday cards to senior citizens across Texas’ Seventh Congressional District. Local students, teachers, and Seventh District constituents created and delivered more than 1,257 cards to Congresswoman Fletcher’s Houston office this month to be shared with area seniors.

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

Congresswoman Fletcher started the Winter Wishes program in 2021. This is her fourth year delivering Winter Wishes in TX-07, and she visited Brookdale Galleria and Tarrytowne Estates.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://keithself.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-keith-self-leads-letter-urging-texas-republicans-hold-line-against,Congressman Keith Self Leads Letter Urging Texas Republicans to Hold the Line Against Democrat Committee Chairs,2024-12-13,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,TX,Keith Self,S001224,keithself.house.gov,keithself,https://keithself.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congressman Keith Self led a letter with Congressman Wesley Hunt, Congressman Michael Cloud, Congressman Tony Gonzales, and Congressman-elect Brandon Gill to the Republican Members of the Texas House of Representatives. The letter urged each Member to support the Texas Republican Caucus Speaker nominee and stand firm against appointing Democrats to chair Texas House committees.

The letter reads, “There is no justification for any Republican Texas House Member to work with Democrats to elect a Speaker who will appoint Democrats to chair committee positions in exchange for political support. As you know, a committee chairman wields significant power— they determine what is considered by a committee, committee schedules, and what will ultimately be brought to the House Floor for a vote. Ceding that power to Democrats is an abdication of the authority granted by the people who elected you. For several years, crucial conservative priorities and legislation have been blocked by Democrat Chairmen—including the critical Resolutions Calendar Committee, which determines which resolutions are considered on the Floor.”

“President Trump’s November 5th mandate sent a clear signal that Republicans at both state and federal levels need to deliver conservative policies,” said Congressman Keith Self. “Texas House Republican Members should not kneecap their own majority by ceding committee positions to Democrats. Congress does not operate that way—the Texas House should not either. Fight, fight, fight!”

“President Trump overwhelmingly won a mandate to make America safe again. In Congress, Republicans only elect Republicans to chair committees and deliver on our agenda of closing the border, protecting our Second Amendment rights, and fighting for freedom of speech. As Texans, we expect Texas to do the same,” said Congressman Tony Gonzales.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-ossoff-lankford-sinema-bill-to-enhance-law-enforcements-fentanyl-detection-capabilities-passes-senate/,"Cornyn, Ossoff, Lankford, Sinema Bill to Enhance Law Enforcement’s Fentanyl Detection Capabilities Passes Senate",2024-12-13,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,TX,John Cornyn,C001056,www.cornyn.senate.gov,cornyn,https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), and James Lankford (R-OK) released the following statements after their Detection Equipment and Technology Evaluation to Counter the Threat of (DETECT) Fentanyl and Xylazine Act, which would authorize the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to conduct research and development, testing, and evaluation on equipment that would help law enforcement better detect fentanyl and other drugs, passed the Senate:

“Fentanyl is an unyielding silent killer that lurks in the shadows of our communities,and we must assist law enforcement in rooting it out and stop the loss of more innocent lives,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This legislation would ensure our brave men and women in uniform have every available tool to safely identify these deadly drugs and help put a stop to this devastating epidemic, and I encourage the House of Representatives to take action and send this important bill to the President’s desk.”

“Illegal fentanyl trafficking is devastating Georgia families and putting our kids at risk,” said Sen. Ossoff. “We brought Republicans and Democrats together to pass this bill that will strengthen detection and prevention of fentanyl trafficking.”

“For anyone outside of the Washington, DC beltway, there is no doubt that the border is in chaos,” said Sen. Lankford. “Besides a record number of illegal border crossers being released into the country with no idea who they are, where they are from, or where they are going, the crisis has also resulted in massive amounts of fentanyl coming into our country, which has been deadly to many communities across the US. Sadly, Oklahoma is no stranger to the terrible impact of fentanyl. We are calling on DHS to stop illegal immigration and develop a new way to detect, stop, and investigate fentanyl trafficking into the US. This is one step in stopping the chaos, but one that will have a huge impact on our communities and families.”

U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ) is also a cosponsor of this legislation. U.S. Representatives Nick LaLota (NY-01), Lou Correa (CA-46), and Don Davis (NC-01) led companion legislation in the House.

Background:

Established in 2003, the Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) is the research and development arm of DHS tasked with providing evidence-based scientific and technical expertise to inform policies that address a broad spectrum of current and emerging threats, from sexual abuse to natural disasters to narcotics. S&T has an opioid detection research program, but it is not explicitly set up by law.

The DETECT Fentanyl and Xylazine Act would:

Create a new statutory responsibility for S&T to carry out research, development, testing, evaluation, and cost-benefit analysis to improve the safety, effectiveness, and efficiency of drug detection equipment and reference libraries used by federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies to identify unknown substances;

Establish three focus areas with flexibility to adopt other focuses in the future:

Portable detection equipment that requires only minimal handling of sample;

Equipment that can separate complex mixtures with low concentrations of drugs and high concentrations of cutting agents into component parts to enable detection; and

Technologies that use AI and machine learning to predict whether a substance is a controlled substance analogue or other new psychoactive substance not yet included in a reference library.

Require S&T to follow the recommendations, guidelines, and best practices set out in the federal government’s Artificial Intelligence Risk Management Framework; and

Direct S&T to look to the Drug Enforcement Agency’s State and Territory Report on Enduring and Emerging Threats in establishing priorities.

The DETECT Fentanyl and Xylazine Act is endorsed by the National Association of Police Organizations, National Border Patrol Council, National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition, National HIDTA Directors Association, Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, Sergeants Benevolent NYPD, National Treasury Employees Union, and Shatterpoof.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z