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://arrington.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4267,"Arrington Delivers Historic Rural Health Investment, Texas Awarded Largest Allocation in Nation",2025-12-30,2025,2025-12,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) announced Texas will receive the largest rural health investment of any state under the newly established Rural Health Transformation Program. Created by legislation authored and passed by Chairman Arrington earlier this year, the program will provide Texas with a historic $1.4 billion investment to strengthen rural hospitals and expand access to care across West Texas and rural communities statewide.

“You won't have the next generation of ag and energy producers providing America with food security and energy independence without access to basic health care in rural communities. Yet for years, Rural America has faced a growing health care crisis marked by fewer providers, reduced services, and declining access to quality care.

“To combat this crisis, the One Big Beautiful Bill established the ‘Rural Health Transformation Program,’ the largest and most comprehensive investment in rural health care in modern history - delivering a historic $50 billion commitment to strengthen rural hospitals and expand access to care.

“Today, I am proud to announce the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) awarded Texas the highest allocation of any state under this program, directing landmark investments to strengthen rural hospitals, expand access to care for our cowboys and plowboys, and secure a healthier future for the next generation of Texans. This is a major win for our region, our great state, and the heartland of America - ensuring our rural communities remain healthy, strong, and thriving for years to come.” – Chairman Jodey Arrington.

Background:

CMS Office of the Actuary estimates Medicaid in total spent $19 billion on rural hospitals in 2024.

The Rural Health Transformation Program will provide an additional $10 billion each year from 2026 through 2030, representing a substantial increase in overall funding for rural hospitals.

Texas will receive $281 million each year for five years.

Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will award qualified applicants including rural hospitals, rural federally qualified health centers, rural behavioral health providers, and local governments.

HHSC will use a competitive process to allocate funds to:

educate and attract health professionals to rural towns

invest in telehealth services to improve rural access

mitigate chronic disease

develop proactive wellness and nutrition programs

improve cybersecurity defenses to protect patient data

upgrade equipment in rural hospitals and clinics

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-al-greens-congressional-report,Congressman Al Green’s Congressional Report,2025-12-29,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,TX,Al Green,G000553,algreen.house.gov,algreen,https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"3 federal judges I recommended were nominated and confirmed: Alfred H. Bennett to the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas, George C. Hanks Jr. for the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas, and Gregg J. Costa to the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas as well as to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Hundreds of billions in support for our port, airports, rail line, hospital district, schools, housing, roads, bridges, and infrastructure.

$10 billion in funding for small businesses through my reauthorization of the State Small Business Credit Initiative (The SSBCI) Renewal Act.

$9 billion through the establishment of my Emergency Capital Investment Program (ECIP) to provide low- and moderate-income community financial institutions funding to support small businesses, as well as consumers, in their communities.

$325 million in local projects.

$100 million in appropriations for my permanent codification of the Minority Business Development Agency through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

$90 to $100 million for flood control within the district.

$22.5 million for the first congressionally funded police body cameras.

Millions for Texas Southern University’s National Transportation Security Center of Excellence.

Historic passage of my Fair Lending for All Act in the House of Representatives, which imposes criminal penalties for intentional lender discrimination.

Passage of my Reforming Disaster Recovery Act in the House, a bill which would codify the requirements and objectives of the Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program, which provides critical funding to those impacted by natural disasters and other extreme events.

Passage of my Systemic Risk Authority Transparency Act in the House, a bill that requires more transparency from our banking regulators in the event of a bank failure.

Supported passage of the PRO Act to strengthen workers rights to unionize and collectively bargain.

Having a foundation for the historic impeachment of President Donald John Trump by bringing the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Articles of Impeachment against him to a vote.

Having recently filed and brought new Articles of Impeachment to a vote wherein most House Democrats (187) declined to halt proceedings through a motion to table.

Passage in the House of H.Res.517 – my Historic Original Slavery Remembrance Day Resolution and introduced the Historic Original Slavery Remembrance Month Resolution which call for the establishment of Slavery Remembrance Day and month in August of each year similar to other Remembrance events for 9/11, Pearl Harbor, and the Holocaust.

Introduced a resolution to create a Cabinet level Department of Reconciliation to reconcile issues associated with invidious discrimination across the country.

Passed a resolution through the House Honoring the NAACP.

Passed a resolution through the House recognizing Black History Month.

Passed a resolution through the House recognizing the hanging of nooses as a horrible act when used for the purpose of intimidation.

Fought to protect the constitutional and human rights of all people, including undocumented persons within the United States.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-announces-281-million-for-texas-from-new-rural-health-transformation-program/,Cornyn Announces $281 Million for Texas from New Rural Health Transformation Program,2025-12-29,2025,2025-12,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 announcing that the Trump administration has allocated $281,319,361 for Texas from the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program, which Sen. Cornyn supported as part of the Working Families Tax Cuts:

“I was proud to vote to create the new Rural Health Transformation Program to improve health care for the millions of Texans living in rural areas across the Lone Star State,” said Sen. Cornyn. “I’m grateful to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Dr. Oz, and the Trump administration for allocating Texas this significant funding, which is yet another example of the Working Families Tax Cuts benefitting all Texans.”

Background:

Earlier this month, Sen. Cornyn and Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) led a letter with members of the Texas congressional delegation to Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Dr. Mehmet Oz, urging him to prioritize funding for the State of Texas. Sen. Cornyn also released a statement in support of Texas’ application in November.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/castro-meeks-raskin-send-letter-to-rubio-demanding-documents-on-cecot-agreement-with-el-salvador,"Castro, Meeks, Raskin Send Letter to Rubio Demanding Documents on CECOT Agreement with El Salvador",2025-12-23,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,TX,Joaquin Castro,C001091,castro.house.gov,castro,https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Representative Joaquin Castro, Ranking Member of the Western Hemisphere Subcommittee, Representative Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Representative Jamie Raskin, Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio demanding documents and information regarding reports that the administration terminated U.S. law enforcement agreements as part of a quid pro quo with El Salvador’s President, Nayib Bukele, to enable third-country removals to the notorious CECOT prison.

“...Since our prior requests for information, it has been reported you personally spoke with President Bukele on March 13, 2025. In this discussion, you reportedly promised that the United States would terminate its informant arrangements with certain high-ranking members of MS-13 in U.S. custody who had been cooperating with law-enforcement so that the men could be turned over to El Salvador, preventing them from testifying in federal courts. In exchange, President Bukele would receive and detain Venezuelan nationals and other deportees from the United States. This quid pro quo was arranged in spite of the reported objection of officials from the Department of Justice, who warned that terminating the informant agreements risked undermining years of work and U.S. law-enforcement agencies’ ability to engage informants in the future...

“We remain deeply concerned that you would prioritize protecting President Bukele’s reputation over delivering justice for American victims of MS-13 crimes by agreeing to give up informants under U.S. protection whose knowledge and testimony is integral to ongoing federal investigations into MS-13 leadership, operations, and ties with President Bukele’s administration. Multiple credible reports have alleged that the Bukele government engaged in direct negotiations with MS-13 leadership between 2019 and 2021 to secure reductions in homicide rates and support for Bukele’s political party in exchange for prison privileges, political protection, or promises to stall gang leader extraditions. One of these leaders, César López Larios, who was facing serious charges including conspiracy to finance terrorism and support narco-terrorism, was deported to El Salvador two days after your reported March 13 conversation with Bukele.”

A PDF of the full letter can be found here.

This letter follows up on a letter Castro and Meeks sent in April requesting documents related to the bilateral deal struck with El Salvador. Contrary to the law, the State Department has refused to provide details on the bilateral agreement.",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://delacruz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3463,De La Cruz Leads Texas Dreamer Work Authorization Act,2025-12-23,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,TX,Monica De La Cruz,D000594,delacruz.house.gov,delacruz,https://delacruz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) introduced the Texas Dreamer Work Authorization Act to ensure uniform access to employment authorization documents (EADs) for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients nationwide.

""The Texas Dreamer Work Authorization Act provides uniformity and certainty that DACA recipients need to pursue their careers and contribute to our communities. By bringing common sense and stability to our immigration policy, my legislation will ensure the American dream remains a reality for those working hard to achieve it."" - Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz

Background:

The Texas Dreamer Work Authorization Act ensures the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has the statutory authority to issue Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) to Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients.

By giving DHS the authority to issue EADs, this will ensure uniformity and continued access to employment authorization for all eligible DACA recipients nationwide, bringing certainty for recipients.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7171,Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher Releases 2025 Annual Report for Texas’ Seventh Congressional District,2025-12-23,2025,2025-12,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 2025 Annual Report detailing her work representing Texas’ Seventh Congressional District this year. The report highlights some of Congresswoman Fletcher’s work to bring the voices of the district to the national conversation about our values as Americans, our vision for the future, and our priorities for the moment, outlining how she has worked to advance these priorities and values in Congress, in the courts, and in the community this year.

Highlights of the 2025 Annual Report include:

Work in Congress to bring down costs, oppose harmful program and spending cuts to programs and services Americans rely on, oppose the Trump tariffs on goods Americans use every day; and fight for access to quality, affordable health care for people in Texas and across the country.

Work in the Courts as part of the House Democratic Litigation Task Force to protect and defend our country and our constitution, filing briefs in 25 cases before courts across the country.

Work in the community, including more than 1,500 meetings with constituents and people advocating for them, hosting six town hall meetings and participating in many more in partnership with elected officials across the district, hosting four passport fairs and nine “pop-up” constituent services events.

Constituent Advocacy: This year, Congresswoman Fletcher’s office resolved more than 1,260 constituent matters before federal agencies, and reached the milestone of resolving more than 16,000 constituent matters since she assumed office in 2019.

To view the full 2025 Annual Report, click here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://gonzales.house.gov/2025/12/rep-tony-gonzales-urges-response-on-highly-contagious-equine-virus,Rep. Tony Gonzales Urges Response on Highly Contagious Equine Virus,2025-12-22,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,TX,Tony Gonzales,G000594,gonzales.house.gov,gonzales,https://gonzales.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS — Congressman Tony Gonzales (TX-23) penned a letter requesting more information from the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Administrator, Dr. Michael Watson, on the highly contagious equine herpesvirus (EHV). Congressman Gonzales also urged APHIS to monitor the recent outbreaks and communicate the relevant protocols and guidance to protect Texas' equine industry.

Equine Rhinopneumonitis is a highly contagious virus in horses that causes respiratory disease and stillbirths. The letter highlights the recent outbreaks causing a neurological form of the virus with significant morbidity and mortality rates for affected horses.

""From racing, [to] recreation, [to] rodeos, the equine industry is a notable economic driver, adding $177 billion annually to the national economy. In the state of Texas alone the horse population is more than 748,000, the largest of any state, and the industry contributes approximately $6.5 billion in direct value to the state's economy,"" penned Congressman Gonzales. ""The biosecurity of equines is critical to maintaining a major economic engine that fuels state and local economies and protects the way of life for many ranchers.""

Texas has seen more cases than any other state, and as a result, major equine events have been impacted.

To read the full text of the letter, click here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://keithself.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-keith-self-and-congresswoman-emily-randall-introduce-bill-bar,Congressman Keith Self and Congresswoman Emily Randall Introduce Bill to Bar Felony Fraud Convicts from Federal Contracts and Grants,2025-12-22,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,TX,Keith Self,S001224,keithself.house.gov,keithself,https://keithself.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Congressman Keith Self, co-leading with Congresswoman Emily Randall, introduced the Federal Program Integrity and Fraud Prevention Act of 2025, legislation to stop individuals convicted of federal fraud and theft crimes tied to federal programs from continuing to access taxpayer-funded contracts, grants, loans, and other federal assistance.

“American taxpayer dollars must be protected from fraud, waste, and abuse. That’s why we’re closing the revolving door for convicted fraudsters: if you’ve defrauded the government, you shouldn’t be allowed to continue to profit from it,” said Congressman Self.

“If you’re convicted of misusing government funds, you shouldn’t be able to keep applying for federal contracts. Simple as that. This no-brainer, bipartisan legislation would help ensure your hard-earned taxpayer dollars are being used responsibly,” said Congresswoman Randall.

The bill amends Title 41 of the U.S. Code (USC) to require that any individual convicted of a covered felony arising out of an agency contract, grant, cooperative agreement, loan, or other federal financial assistance be listed as an excluded source in the System for Award Management exclusions, triggering a three-year prohibition. It also requires the Attorney General to notify the U.S. General Services Administration of each qualifying conviction so that the exclusion can be entered promptly.

Covered felonies include a defined set of federal offenses spanning conspiracy, false claims, theft, bribery, false statements, identity and access device crimes, computer fraud, major fraud, wire fraud, mail fraud, bank fraud, and money laundering.

###",1,2026-05-01T06:06:26Z,2026-05-01T06:08:22Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-bill-to-exhume-alleged-serial-murderer-from-fort-sam-houston-national-cemetery-signed-into-law/,Cornyn Bill to Exhume Alleged Serial Murderer from Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery Signed into Law,2025-12-22,2025,2025-12,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 his bill to require the U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs to disinter the remains of Fernando V. Cota, an alleged serial murderer and convicted rapist, from Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas, was signed into law by President Trump as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026:

“Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery is a sacred resting place for more than 170,000 respected veterans and their loved ones, and it would be a slap in the face to each one of them to allow Fernando Cota, a convicted rapist and alleged serial murderer, to remain buried amongst such heroes,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This law rightfully directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to disinter Cota’s remains from Fort Sam Houston to be in-keeping with current law and deliver justice for victims’ families.”

U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) is a cosponsor of this legislation.

Background:

Sen. Cornyn’s law directs the U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs to disinter Fernando V. Cota, an alleged serial murderer and convicted rapist, from Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. This comes at the request of the son of one of Cota’s alleged victims.

Fernando Cota was drafted into the U.S. Army and fought in the Vietnam War. Upon returning to the states and transitioning to civilian life, he faced multiple sexual assault allegations, was the prime suspect in the murders of six women in San Jose, California, and was ultimately convicted of attacking a nurse by binding and raping her in 1975. He was imprisoned for two decades, but was later released on parole in 1983. One year later, he was stopped by police officers while driving erratically, leading him to commit suicide by a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Police found a wooden box in his van with the corpse of a young woman, later identified as 21-year-old Kim Marie Dunham, who had gone missing the day before.

Following Cota’s death, the police received a search warrant for his home, where investigators found a small closet where he would torture his victims. On the walls inside the closet, detectives found many fingerprints, which were sent for examination to identify other potential victims.

Furthermore, investigators found fake ID cards, a false police badge, numerous women’s blouses, six pairs of women’s shoes, and advertisements for tenants, which Cota posted on San Jose State University’s campus to invite local students to rent a room in his apartment. During the investigation, six girls were identified as victims – all killed by being strangled, stabbed, or beaten to death.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-kelly-bill-to-enhance-u-s-mexico-counternarcotics-efforts-signed-into-law/,"Cornyn, Kelly Bill to Enhance U.S.-Mexico Counternarcotics Efforts Signed into Law",2025-12-22,2025,2025-12,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 Mark Kelly (D-AZ) released the following statements after their Counternarcotics Enhancement Act, which will require elements of the Intelligence Community to assess any direct relationship with an element of the Government of Mexico, develop a strategy to enhance counternarcotics efforts, and make recommendations or request resources required to implement the strategy in furtherance of the national interest of the United States, was signed into law by President Trump as part of the Intelligence Authorization Act (IAA) included in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026:

“One innocent life lost because of illicit narcotics smuggled into the U.S. by way of Mexico is one too many,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This law will ensure our Intelligence Community leverages the U.S.-Mexico relationship to most effectively root out these silent killers and keep Americans safe.”

“To win the fight against drug trafficking, the U.S. and Mexico have to work together against the cartels,” said Sen. Kelly. “This effort with Republicans and Democrats will make our country safer by keeping drugs off our streets through Intelligence Community engagement with the government of Mexico.”

Background:

The Counternarcotics Enhancement Act will require elements of the Intelligence Community to submit to the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) the following information:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-op-ed-republicans-solution-to-affordability-is-through-tax-cuts-for-working-families/,Cornyn Op-Ed: Republicans’ Solution to Affordability is Through Tax Cuts for Working Families,2025-12-22,2025,2025-12,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) authored the following op-ed in the San Antonio Express News on the benefits of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, also known as the Working Families Tax Cuts, which will put money back into the pockets of hard-working Texans.

Republicans’ Solution to Affordability is Through Tax Cuts for Working Families

Senator John Cornyn

The San Antonio Express-News

In print December 21, 2025

https://www.expressnews.com/opinion/commentary/article/republican-tax-cuts-john-cornyn-21248007.php

Americans are facing an affordability crisis after 40-year high inflation under the Biden administration. A quarter of U.S. households are living paycheck to paycheck, while 56% of voters say that affordability is their top concern. While there is no silver bullet that can magically erase economic anxiety, Republicans have delivered solutions that will ease the burden of rising costs on Texan families through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, also known as the Working Families Tax Cuts.

This legislation, which President Donald Trump signed into law on July 4, helps Americans keep more of what they earn by lowering taxes across the board, with Texans receiving an outsized benefit. We permanently increased the base standard deduction to $15,750 with an annual adjustment for inflation. Without our legislation, the standard deduction would have dropped to $8,300 next year, hurting the more than 12 million Texan families who claim the standard deduction. We also made permanent the lower tax rates from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which were set to expire at the end of 2025. The Tax Foundation estimates that Texans will receive an average tax cut of $3,942 in 2026 from the Working Families Tax Cuts.

The burden of rising costs is particularly acute for families with children, who are often forced to pick between living on one income or budgeting for the increasingly exorbitant cost of child care. Without our legislation, families would have been further pinched next year with the Child Tax Credit scheduled to decrease from $2,000 down to $1,000. The Working Families Tax Cuts prevented this from happening, raising the Child Tax Credit to $2,200 and indexing it to inflation. Additionally, we permanently strengthened the Employer-provided Child Care Credit, which will incentivize businesses to provide child care. These reforms mark a small but important step towards making family life more affordable.

Health care remains one of Americans’ top concerns as medical costs continue to rise. We helped address this by expanding access to Health Savings Accounts, or HSAs. Our bill extended HSA eligibility to individual market bronze and catastrophic plans beginning in 2026, allowing people with individual market plans to save pre-tax dollars, and use those funds to cover eligible medical costs. It also permanently ensures high-deductible health plans can cover telehealth and other remote services before the deductible kicks in, while remaining HSA-eligible. With wider access to HSAs, families can rest a little easier knowing that they will have resources set aside to rely on in the case of an unforeseen medical emergency.

Monthly car payments have become another stress point as high interest rates translate to higher payments. The Working Families Tax Cuts confront this problem as well. Our law introduced a new source of savings for those earning less than $100,000: Texans can now deduct up to $10,000 for interest paid on a loan for a new vehicle made in the U.S. This new deduction will help individuals and families who need to purchase a new car, while incentivizing manufacturing here in the United States. Whereas the Biden administration subsidized electric vehicles, a luxury household item made from materials that rely on Chinese supply chains, Republicans have rightly prioritized tax relief for purchases of made-in-America-cars for the working middle class.

Republicans also delivered targeted relief to hourly-wage workers, tipped workers and seniors through new deductions. We delivered a historic win for the working class with our “No Tax on Tips” and “No Tax on Overtime” provisions. These allow employees and self-employed individuals to deduct up to $25,000 in tip income for tax years 2025 through 2028. We also created a new deduction of up to $12,500 for single filers for qualified overtime income, as well as a new $6,000 deduction for seniors over the age of 65. The U.S. Department of Treasury estimates that about 6 million workers will benefit from the new “No Tax on Tips” policy. Through these deductions, the Working Families Tax Cuts ensure that working Texans and seniors have a little more breathing room when Tax Day comes around.

While there is no magic wand that will lower prices and end financial uncertainty, Republicans have delivered relief through the Working Families Tax Cuts and put more money back into the pockets of working Texans. Our historic reforms will help families, those struggling with health care costs or car payments, as well as hourly workers, tipped workers, and seniors. Through the Working Families Tax Cuts, the Republican Party has delivered a critical step towards one of President Trump’s most important promises to the American people, and that is to make life affordable again.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.cruz.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sens-cruz-kennedy-urge-action-to-protect-us-oil-and-gas-from-eu-methane-mandate,"Sens. Cruz, Kennedy Urge Action to Protect U.S. Oil and Gas from EU Methane Mandate",2025-12-22,2025,2025-12,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. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and John Kennedy (R-La.) sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, and Ambassador Jamieson Greer of the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, urging the Trump administration to pressure the European Union to repeal the European Union Methane Regulation (EUMR). The EUMR seeks to regulate oil and gas production within the United States, undermining American energy dominance, infringing on American sovereignty, and potentially harming U.S. energy exports to the European Union.

Below are highlights and excerpts from the letter:

“When fully phased in, the EUMR will set a new, yet-to-be-defined methane intensity standard for U.S. imports of oil and natural gas. This provision, if allowed to go into effect, would mean that regulators in Paris, Berlin, and Brussels would tell operators in Midland and Pittsburgh how, when, and where to produce energy.

“The insinuation that European countries could directly regulate American producers is a gross overstep and breach of bilateral relations—especially in the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, where American LNG exporters helped fend off the worst-case scenarios by surging cargoes to the region. Europe continues to rely on U.S. LNG to keep homes warm, lights on, and factories operating across the continent. In the absence of U.S. LNG, Europe’s reliance on Russian energy would grow, further undermining European security and reinforcing Russia’s strategic grip on the continent.

“As you meet with your European counterparts to finalize the trade deal implementation action plan, we ask that this administration use all available legal, diplomatic, and economic tools to ensure that the EUMR is repealed in full. Regulating aspects of the EU’s own oil and gas production is within the authority delegated to it by member states—any attempt to extend such regulations to U.S. producers represents a clear and provocative attempt to supersede America’s sovereign right to regulate, through laws passed by the U.S. Congress, its own energy supply.

“Thank you for your commitment to maintaining American energy dominance. We stand ready to work together with this administration to protect U.S. energy producers across the country.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-associated-press-article-titled-head-workplace-rights-agency-urges-white,"ICYMI: The Associated Press article, titled ""Head of workplace rights agency urges white men to report discrimination.""",2025-12-20,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,TX,Al Green,G000553,algreen.house.gov,algreen,https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"The Associated Press article below, titled “Head of workplace rights agency urges white men to report discrimination,” speaks for itself.

You can access the article by clicking the link here: https://apnews.com/article/dei-white-men-discrimination-andrea-lucas-eeoc-2996e71763dd0fe4b7f377eb49036fbe",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/castro-ciscomani-espaillat-introduce-bipartisan-resolution-to-honor-hispanic-serving,"Castro, Ciscomani, Espaillat Introduce Bipartisan Resolution to Honor Hispanic-Serving",2025-12-19,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,TX,Joaquin Castro,C001091,castro.house.gov,castro,https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Congressman Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), and Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) introduced a bipartisan resolution to honor Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) and uplift their important work shaping the landscape of American Higher Education.

“Access to quality education is the cornerstone of our nation’s infrastructure of opportunity,” said Congressman Castro. “I am proud to introduce this bipartisan resolution that recognizes the achievements and vital role HSIs play across the United States—including the 112 institutions in my home state of Texas. I am grateful for their work to build a more diverse, inclusive, and educated society.”

“Hispanic Serving Institutions play a critical role in expanding access to higher education and creating opportunities for students who are often the first in their families to attend college,” said Congressman Ciscomani. “From Cochise College, Pima Community College, and Eastern Arizona College in my district to institutions across our state like the University of Arizona, Arizona State University, and Northern Arizona University, these schools are opening doors for low-income and underserved students. I’m proud to support this resolution recognizing National Hispanic Serving Institutions Week and the vital work they do for Arizona’s students and communities.”

“Higher education is a critical pathway to economic opportunity and Hispanic Serving Institutions have opened doors for millions of Latino and Hispanic students to pursue college degrees,” said Congressman Espaillat. “New York State is home to 39 two- and four-year HSIs that serve almost 300,000 students. Unfortunately, this year, they have faced unprecedented attacks from the Trump Administration, but this resolution reaffirms the crucial work that they do in the community!”

The resolution uplifts HSIs by:

Recognizing the achievements and goals of Hispanic-Serving Institutions across the United States;

Expressing support for the designation of “National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week”; and

Calling on the people of the United States and interested groups to observe the week with ceremonies, activities, and programs to demonstrate support for Hispanic-Serving Institutions in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month.",1,2026-04-03T05:34:17Z,2026-04-03T05:35:48Z
https://delacruz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3457,"De La Cruz Leads Fair Wages for Farm Workers Act, Codifies Reforms to H-2A Program",2025-12-19,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,TX,Monica De La Cruz,D000594,delacruz.house.gov,delacruz,https://delacruz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) introduced the Fair Wages for Farm Workers Act (FWFA) to streamline and reform the H-2A program by codifying two recent Department of Labor and Department of Homeland Security rulemakings.

The Fair Wages for Farm Workers is supported by the Texas Farm Bureau, and Congresswoman Maria Salazar (FL-27) is an original co-sponsor.

""Not only does the Fair Wages for Farm Workers provide wage certainty for farm workers, but it also streamlines the application process to ease agriculture worker shortages facing Texas farmers. I am proud to lead this critical legislation to codify the Administration's reforms to improve and sustain the critical H-2A visa program."" - Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz

Background:

The FWFA (Fair Wages for Farm Workers Act) codifies two recent Trump Administration rulemakings from the Department of Labor (DOL) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to streamline and reform our H-2A program.

Specifically, the FWFA codifies rulings to:

Revise the methodology for determining the Adverse Effect Wage Rates (AEWRs) to use wage data reported for each U.S. state by the Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey.

Streamline the filing process for H-2A applicants by allowing U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) to begin processing petitions for H-2A temporary agricultural workers while the Department of Labor reviews the request.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://escobar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3016,Congresswoman Escobar Expresses Further Concern on Camp East Montana Amidst Lack of Cooperation from DHS Secretary Noem and Acting ICE Director Lyons,2025-12-19,2025,2025-12,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) sent a letter to Department of Homeland (DHS) Secretary Krisit Noem and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Acting Director Todd Lyons expressing her continued concerns regarding Camp East Montana. This is now the third letter the Congresswoman has sent them after the previous two have gone unanswered by the Secretary and Acting Director.

The letter can be found in its entirety below and here.

“Secretary Noem and Acting Director Lyons:

I am writing to follow up on my two previous letters, dated September 26, 2025 and November 7, 2025, which have gone unanswered by the Department. I continue to have grave concerns regarding operations and conditions at Camp East Montana, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility on Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas.

I was angered to learn that since my last visit to Camp East Montana, ICE’s negligence has led to the first known death in custody at the facility. A 48-year-old Guatemalan man, Francisco Gaspar-Andres, passed away on December 3, 2025. According to ICE’s own records, Gaspar-Andres had been treated for alcohol withdrawal when he was initially detained in Florida. When he was later transferred to Camp East Montana, he repeatedly sought medical care throughout his stay; despite requiring care for increasingly severe symptoms, staff at Camp East Montana only transferred Gaspar-Andres to a local hospital once he was in critical condition. Gaspar-Andres passed away from multiple organ failure two weeks after being admitted. Despite the law requiring ICE to inform Congress in a “timely” manner of any death in custody, Congress was notified on December 9th, six days after Mr. Gaspar-Andres’ death on December 3rd. Unfortunately, Camp East Montana has been operational for less than six months and has already led to one detainee’s death.

During my latest oversight visit to Camp East Montana on November 24th, I again heard from detainees that several of the issues that my staff and I have been aware of since August have not yet been adequately resolved. Issues persist with rotten food, inconsistent access to necessary medications, lack of regular access to recreational areas, and inconsistent laundry and cleaning services for uniforms. I spoke with detainees who shared that they save the few personal hygiene products they do receive to wash their uniforms in the bathroom sink. Other detainees commented that the hygiene product – a two-in-one soap and shampoo – is alcohol-based, and its use has resulted in people developing skin irritations and hives.

Given that detainees continue to point out issues with facility cleanliness and reliable laundry services, it appears to me that the companies subcontracted for cleaning, laundry, and hygiene product services at Camp East Montana are not providing the services and products they are being paid for, potentially against the terms of their contract. What kind of meaningful is oversight being conducted at Camp East Montana? What processes are in place to ensure that contractors and subcontractors are providing the services they were hired to do?

I have previously noted that I do not believe Camp East Montana has enough staff on-site to ensure the safety, wellbeing, and security of everyone at the facility, and that remains true. Detainees told me that they continue to experience difficulty receiving updates on their cases and getting to their court hearings. Camp East Montana was meant to be a short-term detention facility with a length of stay of fifteen days, yet several of the people I spoke to on November 24th shared with me that they had been at the facility nearly two months. In fact, my staff is aware of people who have volunteered to self-deport but are still being detained at the facility.

The Department of Homeland Security received $45 billion from taxpayer dollars as part of the administration’s priorities in the One Big Beautiful Bill. Of that $45 billion, $1.24 billion were awarded to Acquisition Logistics, LLC for the construction and management of Camp East Montana. The current state of the facility does not reflect a responsible use of $1.2 billion in taxpayer money. That amount of funding should ensure robust staffing with knowledgeable and responsive staff, efficient transportation to and from court hearings, quality services for those in detention, fresh food, excellent medical care, and clean and cared-for facilities. As a Member of the House Committee on Appropriations, I will continue to demand transparency for every dollar spent at Camp East Montana.

Below are the questions I outlined in my September 26th and November 7th letters. I urge ICE and DHS to provide my office with a detailed response as soon as possible. Please provide my office with:

The most up-to-date population census numbers, including the amount of people with pending court dates.

The average number of detainees who have volunteered to self-deport and are still at the facility.

The average number of people who are in-processed and out-processed from the facility within a 24-hour period.

The average length of stay of detainees.

From my September 26th letter:

When our office first visited, we were informed that Camp East Montana had “about” 300 support staff consisting of contractors and about 40 ICE staff on site, and that whenever the facility reaches a 3,000-bed capacity, the number of ICE staff “should” be 10 ICE supervisors and 40 Deportation officers.

What will the contractor staffing numbers be at 3,000 and 5,000 beds?

During our August 28th visit, our office discussed the list of the vendors at Camp East Montana with staff, including the food vendor that was local to El Paso and was in the process of phasing out, and the new food vendor that would replace them. Please provide the names of those vendors.

We were informed that ICE had re-hired retired staff and annuitants to bring them on in a supervisory role. With these new hires, how many supervisory staff are now on site?

What processes are in place to ensure that phones are being answered 24 hours a day, as is necessary, at Camp East Montana? Our office has heard from staff at a local legal service provider organization that it can be difficult to connect with staff at Camp East Montana over the phone. One legal service provider reportedly placed 25 calls to Camp East Montana before staff at the facility answered the phone.

What is the current status of construction on the walkway between the visitor area and the meeting space? Are there plans to ensure this walkway is enclosed and protected from the elements in the future?

My staff recommended that staff at Camp East Montana connect with the City of El Paso Public Health Department as a preventative public health measure against potential outbreaks of illnesses at Camp East Montana. My staff also provided contact information for the city’s public health director. Please confirm if staff at Camp East Montana has made efforts to connect with the City of El Paso Public Health Department.

Multiple detainees spoke to me and my staff about the quality of the drinking water at Camp East Montana. Several people told us the water smelled bad and made them ill after drinking it. Please confirm where the water is being sourced and what tests are being conducted to ensure it meets all applicable standards for drinking water.

From my November 7th letter:

Please clarify the number of shifts per week that contracted staff are currently scheduled to work, the number of shifts per week contracted staff currently works, and the duration of each shift.

Please clarify how many detainees have escaped from Camp East Montana. Include details on if they were taken back into custody, how long they were outside of the facility, and what their current condition is.

Please clarify what protocols are in place to determine when a detainee requires medical attention beyond the capabilities of Camp East Montana and how quickly a detainee will be transferred to a local healthcare facility.

Which staff are responsible for ensuring the medical wellbeing of detainees at Camp East Montana?

What facility-specific training, if any, do these staff members receive before being able to interact with and make medical determinations for detainees at Camp East Montana?

Which staff are responsible for ensuring continuation of care for detainees at Camp East Montana once they are discharged from the local healthcare facility at which they received care?

Under what circumstances would a detainee with required follow-up care be unable to keep their appointments and meet with their healthcare team?

Under which circumstances would a detainee who has received necessary and invasive care at a local healthcare facility continue to be housed at Camp East Montana at all, especially if staff is unable or unwilling to ensure compliance with necessary continuation of care off-site?

I demand that ICE and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) respond to these concerns and enumerate what steps, if any, are being taken to guarantee the safety and wellbeing of all the people currently detained at Camp East Montana, their families, and the staff there. Additionally, on December 17, 2025, U.S. District Judge Jia M. Cobb ruled against DHS’s unlawful policy prohibiting Members of Congress from performing unannounced oversight visits. As the ruling immediately stayed DHS’s policy barring unannounced visits, I look forward to my staff and I conducting direct oversight at Camp East Montana at our discretion.

Conditions at Camp East Montana are dangerous and inhumane; they have been since the facility opened at the beginning of August (when it was still an active construction site), and only seem to be deteriorating. It is increasingly clear that it is not a safe nor professionally managed facility. Continuing to detain people at Camp East Montana means continually exposing people to risks from unhygienic conditions, poorly built facilities, and a general lack of security and reliable management. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

# # #

Related News

Congresswoman Escobar Introduces Legislation to Create Transparency for CBP’s Trusted Traveler Program

March 6, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases

Congresswoman Escobar Statement on Iran War Powers Resolution

March 5, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases

Congresswoman Escobar Statement on DHS Funding Bill

March 5, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases

Congresswoman Escobar Statement on Reported Closure of Camp East Montana

March 4, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7164,Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher Delivers Winter Wishes to Senior Citizens in Texas’ Seventh Congressional District,2025-12-19,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,TX,Lizzie Fletcher,F000468,fletcher.house.gov,fletcher,https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) and her team delivered holiday cards to senior citizens across Texas’ Seventh Congressional District. Local students, teachers, and Seventh District constituents created and delivered more than 1,180 cards to Congresswoman Fletcher’s Houston office this month to be shared with area seniors.

“I was thrilled to have the privilege of delivering holiday cards to seniors across our district on behalf of our neighbors,” 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 fifth year delivering Winter Wishes in TX-07.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://roy.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-roy-leads-letter-17-house-conservatives-pushing-vote-hr-2,Rep. Roy Leads Letter with 17 House Conservatives Pushing for a Vote on H.R. 2,2025-12-19,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,TX,Chip Roy,R000614,roy.house.gov,roy,https://roy.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"""Speaker Johnson, Majority Leader Scalise, Chairman Jordan, Chairman Garbarino, and Chairman Mast,

We respectfully request that the House of Representatives bring the Secure the Border Act, also known as “H.R. 2,” in the 118th Congress, for a vote when we reconvene in January 2026 to permanently secure the border, codifying President Trump’s successful border policies.

On his first day back in office, President Trump directed his administration to secure our borders after four years of deliberately reckless border policies from the Biden-Harris-Mayorkas administration that allowed at least 10 million illegal aliens to enter the United States, which brought untold consequences on our communities nationwide.

Indeed, under the Trump administration, illegal border crossings have fallen to record lows, as the administration has ended the absurd practice of releasing large numbers of economic illegal aliens into the interior, signaling to the world that catch-and-release is over. President Trump and his administration should be commended for ending the worst border crisis in recent history by obtaining reasonable control of our borders through sound policies.

To that end, the House of Representatives must finish what it started last Congress by passing H.R. 2 again and sending it to the Senate before another anti-borders administration exploits the loopholes in current law, which is what the Biden administration did, and unleashes another border crisis on the American people. Our nation is still reeling from the effects of mass, unchecked illegal immigration from the past four years, and will likely continue to feel those consequences for years to come.

Some Americans and communities suffered fiscal strain as their social services were stretched due to the impact of illegal aliens released from the border appearing in their neighborhoods. Others endured permanent losses, such as the tragic deaths of Kayla Hamilton, Laken Riley, and Jocelyn Nunngaray at the hands of illegal aliens released by the Biden administration at the southern border, all of whose parents are left without a child. Our nation should never endure a deliberate economic, social, and security crisis because the federal government failed in its most basic responsibility: securing our borders.

H.R. 2 contains the policy fixes that would prevent a crisis from recurring by fixing longstanding policy gaps in our asylum system, ending mass parole, ensuring aliens are detained at the border, enrolled into a safe-third-country, or turned away if operational control cannot be achieved.

No presidential administration stays in power indefinitely, meaning the next administration can undo the policies of the outgoing Trump administration, which is precisely what former President Biden did when he was sworn into office on January 20, 2021. We cannot delay the passage of H.R. 2 any longer.

Nearly every House Republican voted to pass H.R. 2 last Congress, bringing different corners of the conference together on codifying sensible border security measures that would protect the American people from rampant illegal immigration.

Additionally, if and when H.R. 2 is brought up, it should be free of any amnesty, increases in permanent legal immigration, or guestworkers. While more enforcement-focused measures could be included in the next iteration of H.R. 2, the Secure the Border Act is just that – ensuring the federal government has the statutes and framework to secure our borders from illegal immigration, bad actors, and poisonous drugs, not a vehicle to insert amnesty for illegal aliens or to boost legal immigration flow in exchange for voting on common sense border security.

We recognize the House of Representatives has focused on pressing matters this year, such as securing the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, responding to Charlie Kirk’s tragic assassination, navigating the Democrat-led government shutdown, but we must immediately act on moving H.R. 2 when we return in January, while we have majorities in both houses of Congress and the White House. In doing so, we would be fulfilling the Trump administration’s and this Congress’s mandate to deliver a permanently secure border for the American people.""

You can read the full letter below:",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://sylviagarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-sylvia-garcia-calls-for-thorough-review-of-proposed-union-pacific-norfolk-southern-merger,Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia Calls for Thorough Review of Proposed Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern Merger,2025-12-19,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,TX,Sylvia R. Garcia,G000587,sylviagarcia.house.gov,sylviagarcia,https://sylviagarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"HOUSTON, T.X. – Today, Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (D-TX-29) sent a letter to the Surface Transportation Board (STB) raising concerns about the proposed merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern, urging the Board to conduct a robust, transparent review focused on community impacts, safety, and competition.

In the letter, Garcia specifically calls on the STB to thoroughly evaluate how the merger could affect blocked rail crossings, neighborhood safety, traffic disruptions, consumer and passenger rail service, and costs driven by reduced competition, particularly in Harris County and Houston’s East End, one of the busiest rail corridors in the country.

“Railroads are important to our economy, but families should not pay the price,” said Congresswoman Garcia. “The Surface Transportation Board must make sure this merger does not make blocked crossings worse, reduce safety, or raise costs because of less competition. My constituents deserve a process that is open, careful, and focused on the public interest.”

Garcia represents Texas’s 29th Congressional District, where freight rail is central to the local economy but already creates daily disruptions for residents living near rail lines. Federal data compiled by the Federal Railroad Administration shows TX-29 has the highest number of reported blocked railroad crossings in the nation.",1,2026-05-23T06:08:46Z,2026-05-23T06:10:20Z
https://sylviagarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-sylvia-garcia-passes-bill-out-of-committee-to-study-ways-to-lower-housing-costs-and-expand-homeownership,Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia Passes Bill Out of Committee to Study Ways to Lower Housing Costs and Expand Homeownership,2025-12-19,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,TX,Sylvia R. Garcia,G000587,sylviagarcia.house.gov,sylviagarcia,https://sylviagarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (D-TX-29) scored a win for housing affordability this week as a key provision she authored advanced out of the House Financial Services Committee as part of a broader housing package. The “Housing for the 21st Century Act” includes a provision modeled after Congresswoman Garcia’s bill to study whether a uniform federal residential building standard can cut construction costs, speed up homebuilding, and take a real step toward tackling the housing crisis.

The Affordable Housing Through Common-Sense Standards Act directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a one-year, independent study examining whether a more uniform approach to residential building standards could reduce construction delays, lower costs, and increase the supply of safe, affordable housing.

“Homeownership is still one of the best paths to building wealth for working families, but rising costs and delays are pushing affordable housing out of reach,” said Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia. “Working Americans don’t need excuses; they need lower housing costs. This provision takes a hard look at whether smarter and more consistent building standards can cut red tape, reduce construction costs, and help communities build homes faster. Congress needs the facts to act, and this study will deliver them. “

The United States does not have a single federal residential building code. Instead, states and cities set their own rules, often based on model codes like the International Residential Code, with local changes layered on top. While flexibility is important, inconsistent standards can slow approvals, increase costs, and limit supply. The costs from the extended process are often passed on to families.

This legislation does not impose a new federal mandate. It simply requires an independent review on whether a federal uniform residential building code could cut costs and increase the affordable housing supply in the United States.

The study will examine whether federal residential building standards could:

Shorten approval timelines for new housing

Lower construction costs

Improve the quality and affordability of available homes.

According to the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies, 22.6 million renter households now spend more than 30 percent of their income on housing. Home prices are up 60 percent since 2019, and the typical first-time homebuyer now faces monthly payments above $2,500. Builders report that tariffs on construction materials alone add nearly $11,000 to the cost of a new home.

Even in Houston and Harris County, a region with a reputation for relatively lower housing costs, affordability challenges are growing. A 2025 report from Rice University’s Kinder Institute for Urban Research shows that Houston households face an average homeownership affordability gap of nearly $176,000, while Harris County households face a gap of almost $130,000. Rising rents added roughly 15,000 new cost-burdened renter households in Harris County in just one year. Climate risks and increasing insurance costs are adding further strain.

The study's findings will provide Congress with clear, independent data to guide future housing policy.",1,2026-05-07T13:38:59Z,2026-05-07T13:40:28Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-bill-to-combat-cartels-in-mexico-signed-into-law/,Cornyn Bill to Combat Cartels in Mexico Signed into Law,2025-12-19,2025,2025-12,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 Partnership for Advancing Regional Training and Narcotics Enforcement Response Strategies (PARTNERS) Act, which requires the Department of Defense (DoD) to recommend future additional joint training with Mexican military forces to combat cartels, was signed into law by President Trump as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026:

“Texas shares more than 1,200 miles of common border with Mexico, and bilateral cooperation is essential to stop the flow of deadly drugs and keep people safe,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This law will empower the Department of War to train Mexican military forces in counternarcotic efforts to crack down on cartels and bolster the national security of both countries.”

Sen. Angus King (I-ME) is a cosponsor of this legislation.

Background:

The PARTNERS Act will create a military-to-military pilot program through the DoD to bring Mexican military forces to the U.S. to receive tactical training that they can employ in Mexico to counter transnational criminal organizations (TCO), including cartels, weapons dealers, drug traffickers, and human smugglers.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-blumenthal-colleagues-bill-to-combat-child-exploitation-signed-into-law/,"Cornyn, Blumenthal, Colleagues’ Bill to Combat Child Exploitation Signed into Law",2025-12-19,2025,2025-12,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), and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) released the following statements after their PROTECT Our Children Act, which would reauthorize and modernize the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program, was signed into law by President Trump as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026:

“The Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program has a long history of equipping our law enforcement officers with the tools needed to safeguard children online and hold perpetrators accountable,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This legislation will reauthorize and update this critical program to address the evolving digital threat landscape and protect our children from these heinous crimes, and I’m glad it is now the law of the land thanks to President Trump.”

“The PROTECT our Children Act—bipartisan legislation to fight child exploitation and abuse online—is now law,” said Sen. Blumenthal. “Put into action, our measure will ensure that Internet Crimes Against Children Task Forces and their law enforcement partners have the tools and resources they need to protect kids from online predators and hold bad actors accountable.”

“The threats children face are growing by the day, and Congress has a responsibility to ensure law enforcement has the resources needed to protect them,” said Sen. Blackburn. “By signing the PROTECT Our Children Act into law, President Trump has reauthorized and modernized the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program to help identify predators, stop abuse, and keep kids safe.”

Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) is also a cosponsor of this 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.

From 1998 to 2022, ICAC Task Forces trained more than 826,700 law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and other professionals on techniques to investigate and prosecute ICAC-related cases. They also reviewed more than 1.4 million reports of online child exploitation, which resulted 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 2028.

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) and the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA).

Sen. Cornyn has long championed the ICAC Task Force Program and has led its reauthorization efforts in the U.S. Senate since 2017.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-celebrates-trump-admins-water-delivery-agreement-with-mexico/,Cornyn Celebrates Trump Admin’s Water Delivery Agreement with Mexico,2025-12-19,2025,2025-12,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) today released the following statement celebrating the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) agreement with Mexico to meet their water delivery obligations under the 1944 Water Treaty and the arrival of Mexico’s delivery to the U.S.:

“After many months of pressure from the Trump administration and myself, I am pleased that Mexico has finally agreed to deliver more water it owes under the 1944 Water Treaty and has started to make those disbursements to the United States this week,” said Sen. Cornyn. “Thanks to the hard work of President Trump and Secretary Rollins, farmers and ranchers in South Texas can finally begin to have some certainty on the water deliveries they need to ensure their crops and livestock can thrive, and I will continue working with the administration to ensure the United States receives the water we are owed.”

Background:

Sen. Cornyn has led the charge in Congress to boost South Texas’ water supply and ensure Mexico fulfills its treaty obligations to provide annual deliveries of water to South Texas farmers and ranchers. In addition to securing more than $280 million in emergency assistance for Rio Grande Valley farmers and producers affected by the water shortage, he led a request earlier this year to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio asking for renewed efforts to force Mexico to comply with the 1944 Water Treaty while also securing Secretary Rubio’s commitment to hold Mexico accountable for delays.

Last year, Sen. Cornyn sent a letter to NADBank urging for the restoration of their Water Infrastructure Fund, raised alarms after a Rio Grande sugarcane mill closed due to acute water shortages, cosponsored a resolution supporting diplomacy, and sent a letter to then-U.S. Secretary of State Blinken urging the Department to engage on Mexico’s violation of the intent of the treaty. Senator Cornyn also led a letter to the Chairmen and Ranking Members of the House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on State and Foreign Operations urging them to withhold designated funds from Mexico until they enter into an agreement with the U.S. to balance the deficit of the water deliveries, which the House Appropriations Committee included in their funding bill. The Senator also introduced legislation in November to hold the Mexican government accountable for not meeting its water delivery requirements.

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’ ability to plan for and grow crops as well as ranchers’ ability to provide water to livestock.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-cortez-masto-colleagues-outbound-investment-measures-signed-into-law/,"Cornyn, Cortez Masto, Colleagues’ Outbound Investment Measures Signed into Law",2025-12-19,2025,2025-12,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), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Dave McCormick (R-PA), and Michael Bennet (D-CO), along with Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee Chairman Tim Scott (R-SC) and Ranking Member Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), released the following statements after their outbound investment measures to safeguard the United States’ national security against threats posed by countries of concern like China, Russia, and Iran by prohibiting and requiring notification of U.S. investments in certain technologies in such countries, was signed into law by President Trump as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):

“The need to address capital flowing from the U.S. to countries of concern was realized during the first Trump administration, and my legislation presents a generational opportunity to confront the threats China, Iran, North Korea and others pose to our national and economic security,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This landmark legislation will prohibit and require notification of U.S. investments in certain technologies in countries of concern, ensuring American ingenuity, innovation, and investment do not end up in the hands of adversaries like the Chinese Communist Party to be weaponized against us. I am grateful to colleagues past and present for their contributions to this effort, and I appreciate President Trump signing it into law as part of the annual defense bill.”

“I’m glad to see this critical bill I worked on alongside Senator Cornyn to protect our national security signed into law,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “The future of our national security is reliant on making sure we remain ahead of our adversaries in the race to develop cutting-edge technologies like AI and semiconductors, and this law will help ensure that American investments do not go toward helping Communist China develop these technologies.”

“This legislation takes a strong step in providing the Trump administration with the tools it needs to protect our national economic security. As Americans, we benefit immensely from our free markets and open investment environment. But we must ensure that we are not fueling the Chinese Communist Party’s efforts to undermine our military strength and national security,” said Senate Banking Committee Chairman Scott.

“This is an important step toward ensuring the United States remains the world’s leader in advanced technology. Our bipartisan bill will help ensure that we develop the most sensitive and cutting-edge technology here in America rather than supercharge its development in countries that do not share our values. I’ll keep fighting to protect our economic and national security from threats posed by China,” said Ranking Member Warren.

“Our military has long maintained a strong innovative and technological advantage over the Chinese Communist Party, but that advantage is eroded when American financial institutions invest in CCP-controlled companies developing technologies that could hand the future of warfare to America’s adversaries,” said Sen. Sullivan. “It is a shame Congress has to step in to instill some sense of patriotism into Wall Street, but our national security interests demand it. I applaud Senator Cornyn for leading this critically important legislation to make Americans safer at home and to maintain an arsenal of freedom that gives our men and women in uniform the edge they need to defend our interests around the world.”

“With the inclusion of Outbound provisions in the NDAA, the Senate has maintained its steadfast commitment to stopping the Chinese Communist Party’s development of advanced technology that threaten America’s national security. It is vital that we continue to prevent the harmful flow of U.S. investment into China for the development of technology like semiconductions, AI, and quantum computing,” said Democrat Leader Schumer. “I am proud to have championed this legislation that will help to protect our national security and ensure that the United States maintains a competitive edge in the critical technologies our military relies on.”

“American capital shouldn’t subsidize the growth of Communist China’s military and surveillance state,” said Sen. Ricketts. “The FIGHT China Act will address national security threats. It will protect American capital, intellectual property, and innovation from supporting Communist China’s malign ambitions.”

“Passing the FIGHT China Act into law will give us a critical leg up against competitors in the development of cutting-edge technologies and will help us better protect our nation’s security,” said Sen. Kim. “The successful bipartisan effort speaks to how vital it is that we ensure Americans’ investments do not bolster our competitors’ ability to threaten us.”

“China’s growing influence in emerging technologies poses a serious threat to our national and economic security,” said Sen. McCormick. “I’m pleased to see this commonsense legislation included in the NDAA and headed to the President’s desk. It will help prevent U.S. investment from supporting the Chinese Communist Party’s military modernization in artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing.”

“As China backs Russia’s war against Ukraine, hacks U.S. infrastructure, and threatens our allies and partners across the Indo-Pacific, we must prevent U.S. investments from fueling China’s development of advanced technologies with potential military uses,” said Sen. Bennet. “This important legislation will protect U.S. national security by screening and blocking these investments. I’m glad to see it become law.”

The legislation is also cosponsored by Senators Jim Banks (R-IN), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), and John Fetterman (D-PA).

Background:

Building on Sen. Cornyn’s previous efforts to increase transparency and prohibit investments by American entities in sensitive technologies in China, and in conjunction with the Trump administration’s America First Investment Policy, the outbound investment measures included in the conferenced National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) would permit the Secretary of the Treasury to require notification of or prohibit U.S. investments in certain technologies in countries of concern, including:

The People’s Republic of China (PRC);

Cuba;

Iran;

North Korea;

Russia;

And the Maduro Regime.

Notifiable technology includes semiconductor technology and microelectronics, artificial intelligence (AI) systems, quantum information technologies, high-performance computing, and supercomputing hypersonic systems. Prohibited technology includes advanced semiconductor technology and microelectronics, artificial intelligence systems, quantum information technologies, high-performance computing and supercomputing hypersonic systems.

Lastly, the legislation would permit the Secretary of the Treasury to impose sanctions under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) against PRC entities that engage with the PRC military and intelligence sectors.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-kelly-bill-to-boost-military-service-recruiting-signed-into-law/,"Cornyn, Kelly Bill to Boost Military Service Recruiting Signed into Law",2025-12-19,2025,2025-12,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 Mark Kelly (D-AZ) released the following statements after their bill to promote U.S. military recruiter access to secondary schools and attract the next generation of service members was signed into law by President Trump as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026:

“As the global threat landscape evolves and grows more complex, it’s vital that we attract, develop, and retain top talent to boost military readiness,” said Sen. Cornyn. “By expanding U.S. military recruiters’ access to high schools, we can enlist the next generation of advanced warfighters to serve under the bold leadership of President Trump and defend America’s interests at home and abroad.”

“When I was young, the U.S. Navy gave me purpose, direction, and the chance to be part of something much larger than myself. Our country needs more young people willing to step up, challenge themselves, and take advantage of these opportunities that come from military service,” said Sen. Kelly. “We’re making sure recruiters have fair access to schools so students who want to serve their country can get accurate information and a real path to do it.”

Background:

Sen. Cornyn championed these provisions in the NDAA FY26 to ensure U.S. military service recruiters have the same access to high schools as colleges and prospective employers, so students can fully understand the benefits of military service and pursue it as a viable path after graduation. A recent CRS report analyzed military recruitment and goals for bringing new personnel into the Armed Forces to ensure our nation has a trained, robust, and fully manned military workforce.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-whitehouse-colleagues-bill-to-equip-law-enforcement-with-trauma-kits-signed-into-law/,"Cornyn, Whitehouse, Colleagues’ Bill to Equip Law Enforcement with Trauma Kits Signed into Law",2025-12-19,2025,2025-12,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), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Chris Coons (D-DE), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) released the following statements after their Improving Police Critical Aid for Responding to Emergencies (CARE) Act, which will equip law enforcement officers with quality trauma kits so they can respond immediately if a civilian or fellow officer experiences a traumatic injury during a call, was signed into law by President Trump as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):

“When responding to medical emergencies, time and access to the right tools can mean the difference between life and death,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This law will equip law enforcement officers with high-quality trauma kits to prevent deaths due to blood loss and give patients the best chance of survival.”

“Police officers serve on the frontlines in their communities every day, and they are often first on the scene in medical emergencies,” said Sen. Whitehouse. “Our bipartisan law will provide officers in the field with emergency trauma kits, and fund standardized training to allow them to better protect the public and save lives.”

“As a strong supporter of our brave men and women in law enforcement, I am proud to co-introduce the Improving Police CARE Act which would equip them with the tools they need to keep our communities safe,” said Sen. Tillis. “Ensuring law enforcement officers have effective trauma kits will save countless law enforcement and civilian lives.”

“All Americans are better off when law enforcement officers have the resources they need to do their jobs when emergencies strike,” said Sen. Coons. “As co-chair of the Senate Law Enforcement Caucus, I’m proud that this bipartisan, commonsense legislation will become law and more police officers will have the trauma kits they need to save lives.”

“It is imperative that law enforcement officers have the resources and training they need to save lives,” said Sen. Durbin. “Blood loss injuries are too often deadly, especially in rural areas where it can take longer for patients to receive emergency medical care. Now that the bill is signed into law, the bipartisan Improving Police CARE Act will establish standards for trauma kits used by law enforcement, ensuring that our officers have the right tools to respond to injuries immediately and continue to serve our communities.”

U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-SD), Ashley Moody (R-FL), and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) are cosponsors of the legislation.

Background:

Trauma kits play a vital role in preventing deaths due to blood loss. Between 30-40% of trauma-related deaths are caused by hemorrhaging, or uncontrolled bleeding, with 33-56% of them occurring before the patient arrives at the hospital. During the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts, tourniquets and tourniquet training were widely adopted by the military for their lifesaving potential in combat. This practice has since been embraced in civilian populations given its clear survival benefit. In fact, one study found that patient survival was six times more likely when a tourniquet was used, underscoring the critical need for timely bleeding control. This is especially true in rural areas where the average EMS response time is typically double that in urban areas. Having access to a trauma kit and early bleeding control can help bridge this gap and mean the difference between life and death.

The effectiveness of a law enforcement trauma kit program depends in part on the contents and the quality of the kits. Medical professionals recommend that a kit include bleeding control supplies like tourniquets, bandages, non-latex gloves, scissors, and instructions. However, there is enormous variation in the products available on the market.

The Improving Police Critical Aid for Responding to Emergencies (CARE) Act will:

Establish baseline standards in consultation with law enforcement and medical professionals for trauma kits purchased using grant funding under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG);

And require the development of optional best practices that law enforcement agencies can adapt for training law enforcement officers to use trauma kits and for deployment and maintenance of the kits in vehicles and government facilities.

The law is endorsed by the National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO), International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA), Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA), NYPD Sergeants Benevolent Association (SBA), National Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), the Society of Trauma Nurses, the American College of Surgeons (ACS), and the American Trauma Society.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/pres-trump-signs-cornyn-bill-to-advance-defense-innovation-artificial-intelligence-into-law/,Pres. Trump Signs Cornyn Bill to Advance Defense Innovation & Artificial Intelligence into Law,2025-12-19,2025,2025-12,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 his Growing University AI for Defense (GUARD) Act, which will codify a portion of President Trump’s AI Action Plan and enable the Department of War (DoW) to establish and lead a National Security and Defense AI Institute to advance defense innovation, workforce development, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) readiness, was signed into law by President Trump as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026:

“Our Senior Military Colleges already excel at preparing the next generation in warfighting capabilities, and now is the time to build on that success by answering President Trump’s call to create a hub for AI research, development, and talent acquisition at one of these prestigious institutions,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This law will empower the Department of War to establish and lead a cutting-edge AI Institute so we can streamline integration of emerging technologies in our defense sector and maintain America’s decision-making advantage over foreign adversaries.”

U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) is a cosponsor of this legislation, and Congressman Ronny Jackson (TX-13) led companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Background:

Under the first Trump administration, Congress passed the National AI Initiative, which authorized $500 million to develop new AI institutes. Building on these efforts, President Trump released an AI Action Plan in 2025 that included a renewed focus on developing AI talent for the Department of War (DoW), specifically calling to “Grow our Senior Military Colleges into hubs of AI research, development, and talent building, teaching core AI skills and literacy to future generations. Foster AI-specific curriculum, including in AI use, development, and infrastructure management, in the Senior Military Colleges throughout majors.”

Sen. Cornyn’s legislation codifies this provision in President Trump’s AI Action Plan by enabling the DoW to establish and lead a National Security and Defense AI Institute at a Senior Military College (SMC) in the United States.

The new AI Institute will bridge academic and government industry divides to streamline integration of advanced technologies for defense systems and intelligence services responses. Specifically, the National Security AI Institute will host testbeds for defense-related AI data management, reliable AI, and AI readiness that give the United States an enduring decision-making advantage. Senior Military Colleges play a central role in developing a skilled workforce capable of implementing these emerging technologies to strengthen national security and defense capabilities.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://arrington.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4265,Arrington on House Republicans Passing Reforms to Lower Health Care Premiums and Restore Accountability,2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,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) released the following statement after Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act—a targeted package of reforms designed to lower premium costs for all Americans, expand access to affordable coverage, and increase transparency to drive down prices across the health care system:

“The law Democrats promised would make health care affordable did the opposite. Thanks to the (un)Affordable Care Act, premiums and deductibles have doubled, choices have decreased, all while 20 percent of claims are denied. Americans are paying more for less. The COVID-era expansion of Obamacare subsidies only made matters worse, driving up costs and padding the pockets of insurers and middlemen.

“House Republicans are choosing a better path. The Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act is an important first step to actually reducing the cost of health care—lowering Obamacare premiums by 11 percent and saving taxpayers approximately $36 billion.

“Instead of doubling down like Democrats on inflationary subsidies and corporate giveaways, this legislation puts families back in control and moves us toward a patient-centered health care system that works.

“Democrats have shown no interest in actually lowering health care costs in a paradigm-shifting, responsible way. As a result, Republicans must be prepared to use reconciliation to take on the health care cost crisis Democrats created.” – Chairman Arrington.

Background:

The Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act:

Fixes a loophole in Obamacare that created a perverse incentive for insurance companies to inflate premiums.

Creates competition and promotes choice in the health insurance market by empowering small businesses and their employees to find affordable coverage options.

Reins in pharmacy benefit managers, middlemen who siphon dollars from the drug supply, by increasing transparency, helping consumers make cost-conscious choices, and lowering the cost of drugs.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7163,"After Trump Administration Cancels Citizenship Ceremonies and Halts Legal Immigration Pathways, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher and Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal Lead Effort Demanding Answers and Accountability",2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,TX,Lizzie Fletcher,F000468,fletcher.house.gov,fletcher,https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) and Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement, led 117 of their Democratic colleagues in sending a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Joseph Edlow condemning the Trump administration’s decision to cancel naturalization ceremonies and halt immigration applications indefinitely for nationals from the 19 countries named in President Trump’s travel ban. The letter demands that the Trump administration immediately reverse its actions to halt legal immigration pathways from these countries and presses DHS and USCIS for transparency and a full report to Congress on the new policy’s scope, timeline, justification, and harms. The Trump administration’s decision has caused chaos across the country, including instances where individuals who had been extensively vetted, received full approval, and passed their citizenship exams were pulled out of line by USCIS officers just moments before taking the oath of citizenship.

“Across the country, green card applications, naturalization interviews, and even oath ceremonies are being paused or cancelled, solely on the basis of the applicants’ national origin,” the members wrote. “Despite the Trump Administration’s claims of going after the ‘worst of the worst,’ it is attacking the very people who have followed every process and undergone extensive and repeated vetting to secure legal status. This sweeping action is unjustified, discriminatory, and inconsistent with our nation’s founding principles. We demand that you lift this pause immediately.”

“These naturalization ceremonies are a time of celebration, as soon-to-be U.S. citizens welcome their friends and family to witness their achievement of becoming a U.S. citizen,” the members continued. “To deny this monumental achievement to those who have waited years, if not decades, to pledge the Oath of Allegiance, delaying their naturalization through no fault of their own, is a slap in the face to all those who have devoted their time and energy to become U.S. citizens. It is also a waste of USCIS resources, such as employees who adjudicated applications, which includes vetting and screening, throughout the process.”

“The callous decision to halt these immigrant applications is reprehensible and the effects will be devastating for immigrants and citizens alike,” the members continued. “Without clarity on how long this broad pause will last, soon-to-be citizens will be left in limbo for perpetuity and families will be forced to remain separated. What is clear is that no amount of vetting, moral-character, or commitment to this country and its democratic values is enough to satiate the Trump administration. We oppose the Trump administration’s actions and urge you to lift this pause immediately.”

On June 4, 2025, the Trump administration banned travel and legal immigration from Afghanistan, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Myanmar, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. The administration also partially suspended travel from the following countries, meaning travelers from these countries cannot enter the United States with certain visas: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. On Tuesday, the Trump administration announced it was expanding the list of countries whose citizens are banned from entering the U.S. to include Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, and Syria, and imposing partial travel restrictions on Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Dominica, Gabon, Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08), Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-05), Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar (CA-33), Democratic Vice Chair Ted Lieu (CA-36), Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Congressmembers Gabe Amo (RI-01), Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Becca Balint (VT-01), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Wesley Bell (MO-01), Ami Bera (CA-06), Don Beyer (VA-08), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Brendan Boyle (PA-02), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Andre Carson (IN-07), Greg Casar (TX-35), Sean Casten (IL-06), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Judy Chu (CA-28), Gil Cisneros (CA-31), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Herb Conaway (NJ-03), Lou Correa (CA-46), Joe Courtney (CT-02), Angie Craig (MN-02), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Jason Crow (CO-06), Danny Davis (IL-07), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Diana DeGette (CO-01), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Lois Frankel (FL-22), Laura Friedman (CA-30), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), Chuy García (IL-04), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Steven Horsford (NV-04), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Julie Johnson (TX-32), Robin Kelly (IL-02), Tim Kennedy (NY-26), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Rick Larsen (WA-02), John Larson (CT-01), Summer Lee (PA-12), Susie Lee (NV-03), Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03), Sam Liccardo (CA-16), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), John Mannion (NY-22), Sarah McBride (DE-01), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Morgan McGarvey (KY-03), Jim McGovern (MA-02), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Rob Menendez (NJ-08), Grace Meng (NY-06), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Richard Neal (MA-01), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-01), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Frank Pallone (NJ-06), Scott Peters (CA-50), Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Nellie Pou (NJ-09), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Emily Randall (WA-06), Luz Rivas (CA-29), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Bobby Scott (VA-03), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Adam Smith (WA-09), Darren Soto (FL-09), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), Mark Takano (CA-39), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Dina Titus (NV-01), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Norma Torres (CA-35), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), Lori Trahan (MA-03), Juan Vargas (CA-52), Gabe Vasquez (NM-02), Marc Veasey (TX-33), Nydia Velázquez (NY-07), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Nikema Williams (GA-05), and Frederica Wilson (FL-24) joined Congresswoman Fletcher and Congresswoman Jayapal in the letter request.

To read the full text of the letter, click here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://gonzales.house.gov/2025/12/rep-tony-gonzales-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-strengthen-border-infrastructure-security-and-trade-at-land-ports-of-entry,"Rep. Tony Gonzales, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Border Infrastructure, Security, and Trade at Land Ports of Entry",2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,TX,Tony Gonzales,G000594,gonzales.house.gov,gonzales,https://gonzales.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Tony Gonzales (R-Texas), alongside U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-Texas), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), and Congresswoman Julie Johnson (D-Texas), introduced bipartisan legislation to modernize infrastructure at U.S. land ports of entry (LPOEs) and in the surrounding communities that support them.

The Strong Borders, Strong Communities Act would create the first dedicated funding stream for the construction and modernization of land port of entry-related infrastructure to enhance border security, improve the efficiency of lawful trade and travel, and support rural border communities. Funds allocated from this bill can be used for a variety of projects, including roads, bridges, wastewater treatment, and other related community infrastructure enhancements that are of particular value to border communities.

“Land ports of entry along the border are critical to our national economy. However, to truly capture the value of cross-border trade, we must ensure our international bridges are modernized and properly maintained. This new legislation, the Strong Ports, Strong Communities Act, repurposes federal funding to make targeted and meaningful investments for unique local infrastructure needs along the border. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House and Senate to move this bill forward and keep border communities thriving,” said Congressman Tony Gonzales.

The legislation is endorsed by the Border Trade Alliance and Fresh Produce Association.

“Texas is proudly home to more land ports of entry than any other state and plays a critical role in our nation’s international trade and border security,” said Senator John Cornyn. “I am proud to join Senator Gallego and Congressman Gonzales in introducing this legislation, which will strengthen infrastructure at our ports of entry to ensure lawful trade, improve border security, and support surrounding communities.”

“Land ports of entry handle nearly 20 percent of our country’s international trade and play a critical role in preventing dangerous drugs, contraband, and human trafficking from entering our communities. But too many of ports and surrounding towns are being stretched to the breaking point,” said Senator Ruben Gallego. “At ports like Nogales, tens of thousands of trucks cross into Arizona every month, putting a significant burden on local roads and bridges. When I met with officials in Douglas and Nogales, they made it clear that their communities can’t shoulder these costs alone. This bill delivers the dedicated support these ports and communities need to keep trade moving, strengthen security, and protect the people who live and work there.”

“Ports of entry are critical to our economy and our national security — but for too long, the communities that support them have been left to shoulder the cost alone,” said Congresswoman Julie Johnson. “The Strong Ports, Strong Communities Act delivers targeted, bipartisan investment to modernize our land ports of entry, reduce congestion, and strengthen the local infrastructure families and businesses rely on every day. This is exactly the kind of practical work Texans expect from both parties in Congress.”

For bill text, click here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://gonzales.house.gov/2025/12/rep-tony-gonzales-hosts-town-hall-with-texas-agriculture-leaders-and-experts,Rep. Tony Gonzales Hosts Town Hall with Texas Agriculture Leaders and Experts,2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,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) hosted a telephone town hall with Texas agriculture leaders and experts.

Along with a legislative update from Congressman Gonzales, Stephen Diebel (Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association), Justin Dreibelbis (Texas Wildlife Association), Warren Cude (Texas Farm Bureau), and Susan Storey Rubio (The Origins Foundation) spoke on recent agricultural developments and the New World screwworm. Congressman Gonzales then took questions from South and West Texans.

Transcript lightly edited for clarity. See below for highlights from Congressman Gonzales’ Telephone Town Hall:

Congressman Gonzales: ""I thought it was important not just to get an update from Washington, but also to get an update from all the people on the ground doing the work, both in these organizations and, honestly, from everyday ranchers, farmers, and citizens.

“I'll provide a brief legislative update from Washington, and then we'll hear from various leaders within these organizations, particularly on the agricultural front. So, the update here in Washington is that we were able to pass the National Defense Authorization Act. That includes a pay increase, which is wonderful. Also helps our district, in many ways, to help with infrastructure and some other things. So that's an important topic.

""Border security…we were in such a mess underneath the Biden administration, and overnight, President Trump, along with Congress, passed the Big Beautiful Bill, and we were able to really get border security under control...but it is a night-and-day difference, and we all feel it along the border. We've gotten our lives back…and that's important.

""Safety is certainly on my mind quite a bit. The police officers and first responders have been attacked more than ever. It feels like there are constant threats, both in the city and in small towns. It's just a real issue. We've worked really hard on COPS Grants. These are hiring grants. We've gotten over $20 million across the district to help with police officers and sheriffs.

“Rural health care is certainly on my mind as well. More and more, it is harder to get access and quality health care out in rural communities. That hasn't left me one bit, and so we recently dropped a [Congressional letter] with some other colleagues from Texas on rural health care.

""School Safety is certainly on everyone's mind. We just passed the bill out of the House. Believe it or not, there is no national strategy for school safety, and it's long overdue for our kids to be protected in school and not have to worry about some of the dangers. They're living in a completely different world than we all grew up in.

""That's a little bit of an update from Washington. There have been so many different issues with the agricultural community. We've dealt with droughts, we've dealt with floods, we've dealt with parasites, right? This New World screwworm is a real issue. Not only for agriculture, but to people, it's a real threat. And so, a few months ago, what we did was we put together this task force. And the Governor is doing a great job, Governor Abbott put together a task force. I think that's been very effective on the state side. This task force, in particular, was meant to be the bridge between those on the ground and the federal government, because oftentimes the federal government may not move as fast, and we wanted to make sure that we were advocating for that.""

Stephen Diebel (Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association): ""Thank you, Congressman Gonzales, for asking me to be on. We've ranched there for many generations now, a cow-calf stocker operation. And I think, from a TSCRA perspective, we've really been focusing on New World screwworm. I think it's a situation out there that we realized the significance of many, many months ago, and we've been working really hard in cooperation with state and federal agencies.

“There's a lot of progress that has been made. We're really pleased with some of the information from USDA over the last few weeks on build-outs of these sterile insect technique fly production facilities, disbursement facilities, and also some informational resources out there. Screwworm.gov and also ScrewwormTX.org. There is a state coalition of agencies and stakeholders in the state of Texas here, that have been really diligent about working through all the nuances that we're managing from a New World screwworm perspective. I know there's going to be a lot of dialogue with regards to New World screwworm, but we've been very active in that front, and I think there's been some great progression being made.""

Justin Dreibelbis (Texas Wildlife Association): ""From the Texas Wildlife Association’s perspective, it's obviously a huge issue for our livestock producers, but it's also a huge issue for wildlife. You know, a lot of people may not think about it, but a recent Texas A&M study showed that here in Texas, we have a $9.6 billion white-tailed deer hunting economy. That's massive, and so we definitely are on high alert on the screwworm issue. Very appreciative of USDA's increased communication recently, and all their work to get these sterile insect facilities going. We've beaten this pest back once, and we know we can do it again, but it's going to take a whole lot of sterile flies, and so that's a high priority for us. Excited that the federal government is putting a lot of resources towards this, excited about some investments in private industry for some innovative approaches to surveillance and sterile fly production, so those things are top of mind for us here at TWA, right now. ""

Congressman Gonzales: ""For folks that are not tracking completely, this New World screwworm, it's essentially a flesh-eating parasite. A lot of talk has been in the livestock industry with cattle, in particular, but this is a parasite that can also, as Justin mentioned, get into our wildlife, it can get into our pets, our cats and dogs, and it can infect humans as well. And so this is a real, serious issue that has essentially grown and so myself, and Senator Cornyn, and Senator Cruz, we came together. We put together a bill early on, but a lot of times in Congress, things are very slow. And so, the goal was, with this task force that we created, was to bring these experts together, and how do we push the federal government to move a little faster and ultimately deliver on what we talked about, like the fly facility that was mentioned, some ways to combat some other things. Research is a big part of it.""

Warren Cude (Texas Farm Bureau): "" This year has been, and really the last two years, have just been extraordinary, crazy for agriculture. Lots of moving parts, lots of different things going in motion, and, of course, screwworms for Texas being the leading thing that we're talking about, that we're discussing, that's in the forefront. But, I would be remiss if I didn't speak just a second on the One Big Beautiful Bill that President Trump got across the finish line. It has been a big lifesaver for a lot of ranching and farming families with the federal tax exemption of $30 million per couple, and some of the Section 179, the bonus depreciation. Which, you know, a lot of what we talk about in these provisions not only affects farm and ranch families, but it also affects small business owners. So we were happy to see those get across the finish line. And of course, we all still want to get the Farm Bill, the rest of those provisions, across.

Susan Storey Rubio (The Origins Foundation): ""Thank you, Tony, for championing this conversation and ensuring that Texas remains engaged as these federal plans develop.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2471,Rep. Jackson Celebrates FY26 NDAA Being Signed Into Law,2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,TX,Ronny Jackson,J000304,jackson.house.gov,jackson,https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Ronny Jackson (TX-13) celebrated the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (FY26 NDAA) being signed into law by President Donald J. Trump. Jackson led provisions to improve our nation’s Special Operations Forces’ acquisition process, speed up delivery of the MV-75 Future Long Range Assault Aircraft, accelerate key infrastructure projects to modernize assembly and disassembly operations at Pantex, and advance AI applications to strengthen America’s national security.

“President Trump signing the FY26 NDAA into law sends a clear message that America is serious about peace through strength and supporting our servicemembers,” said Rep. Ronny Jackson. ""This key legislation strengthens our defense capabilities, puts America First, and provides our men and women in uniform with the resources they need to protect our country at home and abroad.""

More information about Jackson’s included provisions can be found here and more information about the FY26 NDAA can be found here.",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://keithself.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressmen-keith-self-and-chip-roy-launch-sharia-free-america-caucus,Congressmen Keith Self and Chip Roy Launch Sharia Free America Caucus,2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,TX,Keith Self,S001224,keithself.house.gov,keithself,https://keithself.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Representatives Keith Self (TX-03) and Chip Roy (TX-21) officially launched the Sharia Free America Caucus in the House of Representatives, an effort to counter the alarming rise of Sharia in the United States. Sharia is a dominating force that is not compatible with the U.S. Constitution. The formation of the Caucus has earned the support of U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville—the leading voice in the Senate against Sharia.

“The American way of life is under siege by radicals from a culture waging war against our Constitution and Western values. We’ve seen what happens when nations allow this infiltration: countries like France and England are on the verge of losing their identity and sovereignty. The same forces are at play here in America today, and if we don’t stop them, they will conquer our country too,” said Congressman Keith Self. “I am proud to co-chair the Sharia Free America Caucus with Congressman Chip Roy to defend our Constitution, preserve our freedoms, and make America a Sharia-free nation—once and for all.”

“America is facing a threat that directly attacks our Constitution and our Western values: the spread of Sharia law. From Texas to every state in this constitutional republic, instances of Sharia adherents masquerading as 'refugees'—and in many cases, sleeper cells connected to terrorist organizations—are threatening the American way of life. Those who succumb to this political ideology seek to replace our legal system and Constitution. Under Sharia law, there is no freedom of speech, religion, or women's rights. Europe should be a wake-up call to America, showing what the spread of Sharia law looks like. America's immigration system must brace to take on this battle, not only to preserve our constitutional republic but to take charge in the spiritual warfare and defend our Judeo-Christian values. I am proud to co-chair this caucus with Keith Self, as it is important that our colleagues know the state of play; the preservation of America, Western civilization, and its people depend on it,” said Congressman Chip Roy.

“For months, I’ve been warning about the growing threat of Islam in the United States. Islam isn’t a religion, it’s a death cult. Sharia Law teaches that it is righteous to kill all infidels, and especially Christians. Unfortunately, 15 innocent people were murdered by Radical Islamists in Australia this weekend. If we don’t wake up, these types of terrorist attacks will become commonplace. I’m glad that some of my Republican colleagues in the House have a backbone and are joining me in the fight against this anti-American ideology,” said Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL).

BACKGROUND:

Congressman Self, Congressman Roy, and Senator Tuberville are the leading voices in Congress sounding the alarm about the dangers Sharia poses to America and Western Civilization.

To date, the Congressmen have introduced or supported critical pieces of legislation to combat Sharia in America, including:

H.R. 5512, the No Sharia Act, which would restrict courts from enforcing any judgment, decree, or arbitration that relies on Islamic law or any foreign system that violates constitutional rights.

Senator Tuberville leads S.3008, the companion version of the bill in the Senate.

H.R. 5722, the Preserving a Sharia-Free America Act, which would prevent foreign nationals who adhere to Sharia from entering or staying in the U.S.

Senator Tuberville leads S.3009, the companion version of the bill in the Senate.

H.R. 6225, the Pausing All Admissions Until Security Ensured (PAUSE) Act, which would freeze ALL immigration until the system is fixed.

H.R. 6230, the Tehran Incitement to Violence Act, which would designate Iranian clerics who put multi-million-dollar Sharia-based fatwas on the heads of President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as terrorists.

Congressman Self introduced this bill, which was passed out of the House Foreign Affairs Committee on December 3, 2025.

H.R. 5890, the No Tax-Exemptions for Terror Act, which would eliminate the tax-exempt status for groups, like CAIR, with close ties to terrorist organizations.

H.R. 4387, the Muslim Brotherhood Terrorist Designation Act of 2025, which would designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization.

H.R. 4097, the Designate Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) as a Terrorist Organization Act, which would designate CAIR as a terrorist organization.

###",1,2026-04-24T05:51:25Z,2026-04-24T05:53:00Z
https://nehls.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-ti-committee-passes-nehls-supersonic-aviation-modernization-act,House T&I Committee Passes Nehls’ Supersonic Aviation Modernization Act,2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,TX,Troy E. Nehls,N000026,nehls.house.gov,nehls,https://nehls.house.gov/media,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. —Today, Chairman Troy E. Nehls (R-TX-22) of the House Subcommittee on Aviation announced his bill, H.R. 3410, the Supersonic Aviation Modernization (SAM) Act, passed the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee:

Congressman Nehls and Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) introduced H.R. 3410 on May 14, 2025. The SAM Act directs the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to issue or revise regulations, within one year of enactment, to allow for the operation of civil aviation aircraft to operate at speeds of Mach 1 or higher so long as no sonic boom reaches the ground, maintaining the highest public safety standards while allowing innovation to move forward.

Enacted in 1973, 14 CFR § 91.817 dictates that no person may operate a civil aircraft in the United States at a speed of Mach 1 or higher, thereby prohibiting non-military-related supersonic flight over the United States. American companies have developed quiet supersonic technologies, and these companies have demonstrated that their aircraft can operate above Mach 1. Despite these innovations, 14 CFR § 91.817 continues to restrict supersonic operations.",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://roy.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-roy-celebrates-repeal-1991-2002-authorizations-use-military-force-aumfs,"Rep. Roy Celebrates the Repeal of the 1991, 2002 Authorizations for Use of Military Force (AUMFs) in Final NDAA",2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,TX,Chip Roy,R000614,roy.house.gov,roy,https://roy.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Rep. Chip Roy (TX-21) issued the following statement after President Trump signed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) into law, which included a repeal of the 1991 and 2002 Authorizations for Use of Military Force (AUMFs) related to Iraq.

""I have long pushed for Article I to take back its constitutional responsibility to authorize and end war declarations, rather than leaving outdated authorizations on the books - sometimes for decades - that no longer reflect current realities.

That effort has now produced real results.

As part of negotiations on the National Defense Authorization Act, I worked directly with Congressman Gregory Meeks and former Congresswoman Barbara Lee to secure the full repeal of the outdated and misused 1991 and 2002 Authorizations for the Use of Military Force (AUMF).

This repeal was not symbolic. It was the result of sustained pressure and a firm insistence that Congress stop outsourcing its war powers, avoiding its responsibilities under Article I of the Constitution.

These authorizations were written for clearly defined conflicts, aimed at a single regime, during a distinct period in history. Saddam Hussein is long gone, yet these AUMFs have remained on the books - not because they are still necessary to our national security, but because Congress has lacked the courage to formally repeal them.

Securing the passage of this amendment corrects this long-standing failure and sends a clear signal that the legislative branch is finally reclaiming its authority over decisions of war and peace. The era of endless, undefined war authorizations must end.""",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://roy.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-roy-self-launch-sharia-free-america-caucus,"Reps. Roy, Self Launch Sharia Free America Caucus",2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,TX,Chip Roy,R000614,roy.house.gov,roy,https://roy.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. -- Representatives Chip Roy (TX-21) and Keith Self (TX-03) officially launched the Sharia-Free America Caucus in the House of Representatives, an effort to counter the alarming rise of Sharia Law in the United States. Sharia is a dominating force that is not compatible with the U.S. Constitution. The formation of the Caucus has earned the support of U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville—the leading voice in the Senate against Sharia.

Rep. Roy said: ""America is facing a threat that directly attacks our Constitution and our Western values: the spread of Sharia law. From Texas to every state in this constitutional republic, instances of Sharia adherents masquerading as 'refugees'—and in many cases, sleeper cells connected to terrorist organizations—are threatening the American way of life. Those who succumb to this political ideology seek to replace our legal system and Constitution. Under Sharia law, there is no freedom of speech, religion, or women's rights. Europe should be a wake-up call to America, showing what the spread of Sharia law looks like. America's immigration system must brace to take on this battle, not only to preserve our constitutional republic but to take charge in the spiritual warfare and defend our Judeo-Christian values. I am proud to co-chair this caucus with Keith Self, as it is important that our colleagues know the state of play; the preservation of America, Western civilization, and its people depend on it.""

Rep. Self said: “The American way of life is under siege by radicals from a culture waging war against our Constitution and Western values. We’ve seen what happens when nations allow this infiltration: countries like France and England are on the verge of losing their identity and sovereignty. The same forces are at play here in America today, and if we don’t stop them, they will conquer our country too. I am proud to co-lead the Sharia Free America Caucus with Congressman Chip Roy to defend our Constitution, preserve our freedoms, and make America a Sharia-free nation—once and for all.”

Sen Tuberville said: “For months, I’ve been warning about the growing threat of Islam in the United States. Islam isn’t a religion, it’s a death cult. Sharia Law teaches that it is righteous to kill all infidels, and especially Christians. Unfortunately, 15 innocent people were murdered by Radical Islamists in Australia this weekend. If we don’t wake up, these types of terrorist attacks will become commonplace. I’m glad that some of my Republican colleagues in the House have a backbone and are joining me in the fight against this anti-American ideology.”

BACKGROUND:

Through the first year of this Trump Administration and 119th Congress, Rep. Roy has introduced legislation to permanently secure our borders, fix our broken immigration system, and defend America against Sharia Law adherents to preserve and protect the interests of America. His legislation and links to its full text are listed below:

H.R.5722 - Preserving a Sharia-Free America Act",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://sessions.house.gov/2025/12/congressman-sessions-co-leads-letter-to-president-trump-strongly-urging-him-to-reject-marijuana-rescheduling,Congressman Sessions Co-Leads Letter to President Trump Strongly Urging Him to Reject Marijuana Rescheduling,2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,TX,Pete Sessions,S000250,sessions.house.gov,sessions,https://sessions.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

House Conservatives Strongly Urge President Trump to Reject Marijuana Rescheduling

Washington, DC– A coalition of House Republicans, Co-Led by Congressman Pete Sessions, Chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on Government Operations, and Congressman Andy Harris, Chairman of the House Freedom Caucus, and joined by Main Street Caucus Chairman Congressman Flood and Vice Chairman of the House Republican Conference Congressman Moore, among 24 other Members, today sent a letter to President Trump urging him to oppose any effort to reschedule marijuana under federal law, warning that such a move would undermine public safety, deepen the nation’s addiction crisis, and send a dangerous message to America’s youth.

The letter, Co-Led by Congressman Andy Harris, Chairman of the House Freedom Caucus, reflects growing concern among members that reclassifying marijuana would reverse decades of drug policy grounded in public health, scientific review, and congressional intent.

In the letter, members stress that marijuana rescheduling is not required to advance legitimate medical research. Congress has already acted on a bipartisan basis to expand research while maintaining marijuana’s Schedule I classification. They warn that rescheduling would instead normalize an addictive substance, increase youth exposure to high potency products, and deepen the nation’s ongoing drug crisis.

“We don’t need rescheduling to do medical research on marijuana- all we are doing is exposing more of our youth to an addictive drug,” said Congressman Andy Harris.

The letter also highlights broader public safety and national security concerns, including the impact on road safety, drug testing for safety-sensitive professions, and the risk of providing financial benefits to large marijuana companies and foreign criminal organizations tied to fentanyl trafficking. Members further note that public opinion is shifting as Americans become more aware of marijuana related harms, particularly among families and younger voters.

The letter, attached HERE is signed by the following Members of Congress:

Congressman Pete Sessions

Congressman Andy Harris, M.D.

Congressman Doug LaMalfa

Congresswoman Mary E. Miller

Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S.

Congressman Michael V. Lawler

Congressman Robert B. Aderholt

Congressman Ralph Norman

Congressman John H. Rutherford

Congressman Russ Fulcher

Congressman Chuck Edwards

Congresswoman Sheri Biggs

Congressman David Rouzer

Congressman Michael K. Simpson

Congressman Christopher H. Smith

Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger, Pharm.D.

Congressman Mark Harris

Congressman Aaron Bean

Congressman Blake D. Moore

Congressman Michael Cloud

Congressman Ron Estes

Congressman Joe Wilson

Congressman Barry Loudermilk

Congressman John Rose

Congressman Mike Flood

Congressman Nathaniel Moran

Our Fox News exclusive is attached HERE.",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://sylviagarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-sylvia-garcia-reintroduces-don-t-block-our-communities-act-to-hold-railroads-accountable-and-protect-public-safety,Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia Reintroduces Don’t Block Our Communities Act to Hold Railroads Accountable and Protect Public Safety,2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,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 Garcia (D-TX-29)reintroduced the Don’t Block Our Communities (D-BLOC) Act, legislation aimed at addressing the chronic problem of blocked railroad crossings that disrupt daily life and endanger public safety in Houston neighborhoods and communities across the country.

For families in Houston, blocked crossings are a familiar and dangerous reality. Stalled trains routinely delay emergency vehicles, force parents and students to detour around crossings on their way to school, and trap residents in their own neighborhoods. Nearly 30 percent of rail-related deaths nationwide are linked to blocked crossings.

The urgency of the issue is especially clear in TX-29, as the reintroduction of the bill comes one year after the tragic death of Milby High School student Sergio Rodriguez, a loss that continues to weigh heavily on our community and highlights the need for more robust rail safety.

“No one should have to navigate stalled trains just to live their daily lives. When crossings are blocked, families are put in danger,” said Congresswoman Garcia. “The D-BLOC Act is about accountability and making sure rail carriers respect the communities they operate in. This is about basic safety and quality of life for Houston families. Our neighborhoods deserve a rail system that works for people, not against them.”

Although the Federal Railroad Administration established a national blocked crossing portal in 2019, later codified by Congress under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, federal regulators still lack clear enforcement authority. The D-BLOC Act responds directly to years of feedback from Houston residents calling for action.

The D-BLOC Act would:

Prohibit rail carriers from blocking public crossings for more than 10 minutes

Require the Federal Railroad Administration to investigate crossings with frequent blocked-crossing reports

Authorize federal fines for railroads that repeatedly violate the time limit",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://sylviagarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-garcia-adams-lead-letter-raising-concerns-over-governor-abbott-s-rushed-texas-southern-university-investigation,"Reps. Garcia, Adams Lead Letter Raising Concerns Over Governor Abbott's Rushed Texas Southern University Investigation",2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,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 Garcia (D-TX-29), and founder and co-chair of the Bipartisan Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Caucus Congresswoman Alma Adams (D-NC-12), led a letter to Texas Governor Greg Abbott expressing deep concern over his decision to order a law enforcement investigation into Texas Southern University (TSU) before a state audit is finalized.

“Texas Southern University is being put at risk before the facts are even on the table,” said Congresswoman Garcia. “Launching a law enforcement investigation while an audit is still underway threatens TSU’s funding, damages its reputation, and creates uncertainty for students and faculty. Accountability matters, but so does fairness. The governor owes Texans a clear explanation for why this step was taken early and how he plans to protect the future of the state’s only independent public HBCU.”

“Our country’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities deserve fair due process when facing investigations, not political theater that threatens their ability to serve their students and communities,” said Congresswoman Adams. “Governor Abbott’s treatment of Texas Southern University, calling in the Texas Rangers to investigate and having his Lieutenant Governor threaten to freeze the school’s funds before the state’s audit report is even released, is extremely inappropriate, and we will not stand for it. I look forward to Governor Abbott’s answers to our questions because the students, teachers, and alumni of TSU deserve accountability for these actions.”

Governor Abbott ordered the Texas Rangers and the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts to investigate TSU’s finances after a state auditor issued preliminary findings identifying possible financial mismanagement involving hundreds of millions of dollars. However, the State Auditor’s Office has not released final findings, and the audit remains ongoing.

The Members emphasize that while any confirmed misuse of funds must be addressed and those responsible held accountable, ordering a law enforcement investigation before the audit is finalized raises serious concerns. They also note that TSU’s Board of Regents has pledged full cooperation and reform.

TSU is the only independent public Historically Black College and University in Texas and is not affiliated with a larger university system. The Members warn that an open-ended investigation, combined with threats to the university’s funding, places TSU’s autonomy and long-term mission at risk.

The letter further notes that all current members of TSU’s Board of Regents were appointed by Governor Abbott, including three new appointees this year, and raises concerns about initiating a law enforcement probe before final audit findings are issued.",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://vanduyne.house.gov/2025/12/rep-van-duyne-reintroduces-the-ensuring-children-receive-support-act,Rep. Van Duyne Reintroduces the Ensuring Children Receive Support Act,2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,TX,Beth Van Duyne,V000134,vanduyne.house.gov,vanduyne,https://vanduyne.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Van Duyne (R-TX-24) and Panetta (D-CA-19) introduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen enforcement of the Passport Denial Program. The Ensuring Children Receive Support Act requires the Secretary of State to revoke any U.S. passport issued to an individual exceeding $2,500 in outstanding child support payments.

“The Ensuring Children Receive Support Act is a commonsense bill that will go a long way in safeguarding innocent children from neglect,” said Rep. Van Duyne. “This bill strengthens enforcement efforts and ensures we are standing firmly on the side of America’s children. I am committed to bringing pragmatic solutions for families in Texas-24 and across the country.”

“Child support payments are necessary for some children to have the resources and support that they need to succeed,""said Rep. Panetta. ""The Ensuring Children Receive Support Act would help us meet the urgency single parents feel by empowering the State Department to revoke passports for delinquent child support payments. We must continue to support those children by finding practical solutions to ensuring child support gets paid.”

Under current law, if the Department of Health and Human Services certifies that an individual owes more than $2,500 in child support, the Department of State must refuse to issue the individual a passport and may revoke a previously issued passport. Since passports must be updated every 10 years, this initiative has minimal effect. My bill would require the State Department to revoke the previously issued passport.

Click HERE to read the full bill text.",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-sheehy-introduce-bill-to-revoke-tax-exempt-status-of-cair-groups-bankrolling-terrorists/,"Cornyn, Sheehy Introduce Bill to Revoke Tax-Exempt Status of CAIR, Groups Bankrolling Terrorists",2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,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 Tim Sheehy (R-MT) introduced legislation that would allow the U.S. Department of the Treasury to terminate the tax-exempt status of groups like the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) that provide material support, such as finances, services, or training, to terrorist organizations. This comes as Texas announced its designation of CAIR as a foreign terrorist organization.

“I’m introducing legislation to strip CAIR of its tax-exempt status because no organization who bankrolls terrorists should get a tax break, period,” said Sen. Cornyn.“CAIR is a radical group of terrorist sympathizers with a long history of undermining American values and trying to unconstitutionally impose Sharia Law on Texas, which is why I stand behind Governor Abbott’s decision to designate it as a foreign terrorist organization. I also call on President Trump to do so at the federal level to ensure this breeding ground for anti-American hate is starved of funding and forced to close its doors once and for all.”

“Radical groups that support terrorists who chant ‘Death to America’ should not benefit from tax breaks to fund their extremist ideology,” said Sen. Sheehy. “I’m proud to support this America First, commonsense bill to remove the tax-exempt status for organizations that support terror groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and Al-Qaeda.”

U.S. Congressman David Kustoff (TN-08) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

Background:

Under current U.S. tax code, an entity’s tax-exempt status is suspended if it is designated by the U.S. Department of State as a terrorist organization, which includes groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and Al-Qaeda. This legislation would extend the current prohibition to include organizations that provide or have provided material support or resources, such as finances, services, or training, to a terrorist organization within the past three years. In addition, the bill would establish procedures for the IRS to provide notice to those organizations, for organizations to refute the designation, and for designations to be rescinded through administrative and judicial review.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/swingin-around-the-texas-christmas-tree/,Swingin’ Around the Texas Christmas Tree,2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,TX,John Cornyn,C001056,www.cornyn.senate.gov,cornyn,https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"When it’s Christmas time in Texas, as George Strait once sang, we’ll be swingin’ around the Christmas tree. In his hit holiday single, When It’s Christmas Time in Texas, Strait delves into what this festive time of year looks like for Texans. We may not always get snow, and it may feel more like a summer day for some, but it is still Christmas, nonetheless. One tradition that keeps the holiday spirit high in our household is the Christmas tree.

Going to pick out the family Christmas tree is a memorable holiday tradition for many Texans. Siblings fight over their favorite tree, one picking the fluffy, tall fir, the other picking the short pine, but somehow always ending up with the perfect tree. Even if it’s 70 degrees outside, the Christmas music makes the selection process feel magical.

It is activities like this that make Christmas in Texas so charming. As of 2022, it seems like most Texans agree. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Census of Agriculture, the Christmas tree industry in Texas is growing due to an increase in farm acreage, ongoing demand, and opportunities for new seed-improvement programs.

In 2017, Texas was home to 125 Christmas tree producers farming on 945 acres. Only five years later, the Department of Agriculture reported that there were 220 Christmas tree producers in Texas, farming on a remarkable 3,565 acres. One of our state’s largest Christmas tree farms is Old Time Christmas Tree Farm in Klein, Texas. The family farm manages more than 40,000 pine and cypress trees across 40 acres, each tree planted by hand.

There are many different types of Christmas trees, ranging from pine and cypress to fir and spruce. The most commonly grown Christmas tree in Texas is the Virginia Pine. This specific species has the perfect climatic adaptability, growth rate, and form to withstand the tough Texas terrain. The Virginia Pine is even known to be the “anchor species” of the Texas Christmas tree industry.

However, there’s a new tree on the scene that seeks to earn its place in your living room. Over the last decade, the Leland Cypress has been quietly growing in popularity. This tree is hypoallergenic and doesn’t drop its needles as fast as some other species, allowing you to spend less time cleaning and more time celebrating the holidays with friends and family.

As the demand for trees rises, small-scale operations are helping to keep your local Christmas tree farm stocked. According to the Department of Agriculture, roughly 66% of Texas’ Christmas tree farms are less than 10 acres in size. Many of these farms offer more than just Christmas trees. At some, you’ll find an entirely immersive Christmas experience, including light shows, hot chocolate, music, fake snow, and even Santa Claus himself!

As a Texan, we know that our farmers and ranchers are the backbone of the Lone Star State. Christmas tree farms play a huge role not only in special holiday memories but also in our agriculture community, and many families rely on Christmas tree sales for their livelihood. Family-owned Christmas tree farms work hard to produce the trees that Texans love and the joyous seasonal spirit that brings communities together.

When you are picking out your Texas-grown tree this season and decorating it with ornaments, ribbons, and lights, know that your tree is more than just a collection of branches and needles – it is pure Texas Christmas spirit. Our Texas Christmas tree farms are keeping family traditions alive and helping Texans make memories for many Christmases to come.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.cruz.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sen-cruz-secures-critical-provisions-for-texas-in-fy26-ndaa,Sen. Cruz Secures Critical Provisions for Texas in FY26 NDAA,2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,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), Chairman of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement after the Senate passed the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The bill advanced key national security priorities for Texans, including Texas bases and military communities.

Sen. Cruz said, “I was honored to author several provisions in this bill that enhance Texas’s position as the critical state in protecting America’s national security, and that more broadly enhance the national security and prosperity of Americans.

“I am particularly proud to have authored language maintaining B-1 bomber operations at Dyess Air Force Base through 2030, strengthening Coast Guard programs, and modernizing Red River Depot into a premier hub for drone systems. The NDAA provides our military bases and servicemembers with modernized technology, advanced equipment, essential resources, and a 3.8 percent pay raise for military members. These investments strengthen our national security and support Texas communities and military families.

“I’m proud of the priorities for Texas included in this year’s NDAA, and I will continue to fight for our servicemembers and ensure America continues to show peace through strength.”

This year’s NDAA included language to bolster America’s national defense and support servicemembers around the world, including at military bases across Texas. It included 10 provisions by Sen. Cruz:

The B-1 Protection Act extends the existing prohibition on reductions to the B-1B bomber fleet through September 30, 2030, ensuring that the mission of Dyess Air Force Base—home to one of the largest concentrations of B-1 assets in the United States Air Force—is preserved.

Small-UAS Industrial Base Working Group and SkyFoundry Authorization intends to modernize and transform Red River Army Depot (RRAD) into the nation’s premier organic industrial base hub for small, unmanned aircraft systems (s-UAS), allowing the Department of War to rapidly develop, produce, and field s-UAS at scale.

The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 authorizes programs and activities to strengthen the Coast Guard’s critical mission of protecting America’s borders, facilitating maritime commerce, enhancing deterrence, and improving support for Coast Guard personnel and their families. Chairman Cruz previously championed the largest investment in Coast Guard history through the Commerce Committee’s title in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

The Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act ensures that drug traffickers who utilize remote-controlled or autonomous vessels to smuggle illegal narcotics can be prosecuted for drug trafficking.

MILCON: Dyess B-21 Low Observable Corrosion Facility & Mission Planning Facility prepares Dyess Air Force Base to receive the B-21 Bomber. The Low Observable Corrosion facility is a specialized maintenance facility designed to preserve the stealth capabilities of the aircraft. The Mission Planning Facility will provide secure operations planning space in support of B-21 operations.

MILCON: The Mission Planning Facility provides secure operations planning space in support of B-21 operations.

MILCON: Dyess Gate Repairs improves perimeter gates, which pose significant security and operational risks. These critical infrastructure upgrades are essential to host nuclear-capable B-21 aircraft and support Dyess AFB’s nuclear mission.

FLRAA Product Acceleration Act authorizes the Secretary of the Army to accelerate the procurement of the future long-range assault aircraft by initiating early production of not more than 24 such aircraft, and for other purposes.

Clarification of Land Conveyance provision removes restrictive language in the FY 2005 National Defense Authorization Act, allowing the Texas A&M University System to establish a university on the conveyed property without unnecessary constraints.

Limitation on use of funds for deactivation of Expeditionary Combat prohibits funds from being used towards deactivating Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigades (ECABs) until the Department of War (DoW) submits a plan to address any operational capability gaps that could result from their deactivation.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://hunt.house.gov/media/press-releases/immediate-release-congressman-wesley-hunt-introduces-american-dream-protection,For Immediate Release: Congressman Wesley Hunt Introduces the American Dream Protection Act of 2025,2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,TX,Wesley Hunt,H001095,hunt.house.gov,hunt,https://hunt.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Wesley Hunt introduced the American Dream Protection Act of 2025.

Statement from Congressman Wesley Hunt:

""For years, the American people have footed the bill so that illegal aliens would receive benefits that are intended for U.S. citizens.

As leaders and patriots of the America First agenda, we must fight to ensure that no illegal immigrant is gaining any advantage over taxpaying American citizens.

The American Dream Protection Act will do just that. No state that gives illegal aliens an unfair advantage in regard to receiving an education will receive federal funds.

Too many resources have been allocated to benefiting those who are in our country illegally. Americans will be put first in America.""

###",1,2026-06-27T21:44:12Z,2026-06-27T22:31:39Z
https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-al-green-sponsors-amendment-ensuring-low-income-households-access-disaster,Rep. Al Green Sponsors an Amendment Ensuring Low-Income Households’ Access to Disaster Resources,2025-12-17,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,TX,Al Green,G000553,algreen.house.gov,algreen,https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"(Washington, DC) — On Wednesday, December 17, 2025, Congressman Al Green, Ranking Member of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, shared remarks in a Financial Services Markup of Various Measures.

You can access and listen to Congressman Al Green's remarks by clicking here. The hearing remarks highlighted are also accessible on various social media platforms, including Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly known as Twitter).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://delacruz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3431,De La Cruz Votes to Lower Health Care Costs for American Families,2025-12-17,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,TX,Monica De La Cruz,D000594,delacruz.house.gov,delacruz,https://delacruz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) released the statement below following her vote in support of the Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act.

""Today's vote is a step in the right direction to bring down premium costs, expand choice, and require price transparency for prescription drugs. Alongside members on both sides of the aisle, I will continue our fight to ensure that every family in our community has the peace of mind that comes with accessible, affordable health care."" - Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz

Background:

The Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act addresses the rising cost of health care across the country by:

Empowering Families: Expands Choice Accounts (HRAs and FSAs) to give families more choice and control over their healthcare spending

Increasing Drug Price Transparency: Requires accountability from pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to be transparent on prescription costs

Supporting Small Business: Expands Association Health Plans, so small businesses and self-employers can band together to access more choices and lower rates

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://delacruz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3432,De La Cruz Bills to Expand Access to Affordable Housing Advance Committee,2025-12-17,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,TX,Monica De La Cruz,D000594,delacruz.house.gov,delacruz,https://delacruz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"WASHINGTON – This week, Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) supported the House Financial Services Committee's passage of legislation to increase the supply of affordable housing nationwide, allowing more Americans to achieve their dream of owning a home.

Additionally, two pieces of legislation led by De La Cruz, the Community Bank Representation Act and the Whistleblower Protection Act of 2025, advanced through the Committee.

""Expanding access to affordable housing is my top priority as Vice Chair of the Housing and Insurance Subcommittee. This week, our Committee advanced critical legislation, including provisions I led in the House, to reduce burdensome government regulations and expand access to innovative, affordable housing solutions. I will continue to work across the aisle to ensure the dream of homeownership remains a reality for all Americans."" - Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz

Background:

This week, the House Financial Services Committee passed several pieces of legislation through the Committee, including:

The Housing for the 21st Century Act:

A housing legislative package to improve federal programs and financing options, strengthen transparency, and boost housing supply by cutting government overregulation. The package includes four provisions originally introduced by De La Cruz the Housing Affordability Act, the VA Home Loan Awareness Act, the Disabled Veterans Housing Support Act, and the HUD-USDA-VA Interagency Coordination Act. Watch her Committee remarks here.

The Community Bank Representation Act

The legislation led by De La Cruz ensures that banks of all sizes have a seat at the decision-making table and can put forward solutions to the challenges facing the community banking sector. Watch her Committee remarks here.

The Whistleblower Protection Act

The legislation led by De La Cruz requires all contracts, regardless of when they were created, to include key whistleblower protections. This critical change will protect employees of a HUD contractor, subcontractor, or grantee from retaliation for reporting waste, fraud, and abuse.

Watch her Committee remarks here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://doggett.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-doggett-condemns-republican-plan-replacing-obamacare-nothingcare,Rep. Doggett Condemns Republican Plan Replacing ObamaCare with NothingCare,2025-12-17,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,TX,Lloyd Doggett,D000399,doggett.house.gov,doggett,https://doggett.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Contact: Luis Botello Faz

Watch the Congressman’s remarks here

Today, Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Ranking Member of the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, spoke out against the Republican-created health care crisis. After previously rejecting Rep. Doggett’s amendment to maintain the tax credits that help millions of families afford ACA plans, Republicans shut down the government for weeks, and waited all year to eventually offer a bill that replaces ObamaCare with NothingCare.

Rep. Doggett also reacted to some Republicans joining Leader Jeffries’ discharge petition to maintain the ACA credits for three more years:

“This last-minute effort by four Republicans to insulate themselves from public outrage may provide them some political cover, but it will do nothing for the struggling families who now face soaring health premiums. After signing our Democratic petition to maintain essential support for the Affordable Care Act, they once again voted against our motion to provide immediate relief by taking up the petition today.”

Watch the Congressman’s remarks here.

Rep. Doggett’s remarks, as delivered, are below:

In a bill that they call ‘big’ and ‘beautiful,’ Republicans have approved the biggest reduction in access to health care in American history. They rejected my amendment in committee to maintain the tax credits that make the Affordable Care Act truly affordable. Now, after shutting down the government for weeks, delaying further weeks, they offer this sorry bill, this loser, wrapped up in a bow for Christmas.

To Andrew and his family down in Austin, this phony bill means zero relief on premiums. Premiums that are going to spike for his family by nearly $2,000 per month. Nothing for Russell, a prostate cancer survivor just two years away from Medicare, wondering how he will afford the screenings and any necessary care.

And for a mother in Austin who contacted me about the stop-loss provision that is reinforced in this bill, it means the possibility that after her three-year-old child was diagnosed with cancer, they will lose all their coverage. These are real-life stories from my neighbors who have been forgotten by Republicans in their rush to provide more tax benefits for their billionaire buddies. They forget the struggles of so many working Americans.

Republicans have made over 70 attempts to destroy the Affordable Care Act, which they all opposed. They peddled junk insurance policies that would deny essential consumer protection benefits under the Affordable Care Act. They could even make matters worse with one provision in this bill that will allow the reinstituting of pre-existing conditions that were used to bar coverage for so many people before the Affordable Care Act.

This is their commitment to deny health care, to provide no relief on premiums that are soaring.

In short, it means replacing ObamaCare with NothingCare. I yield back.",1,2026-06-09T06:27:37Z,2026-06-09T06:30:10Z
https://escobar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3013,Court Rules Trump-Vance Administration Cannot Block Members of Congress From Conducting Oversight at Federal Immigration Detention Facilities,2025-12-17,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,TX,Veronica Escobar,E000299,escobar.house.gov,escobar,https://escobar.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Just now, a federal court temporarily stopped the Trump-Vance administration’s policy blocking Members of Congress from unannounced oversight visits to federal immigration detention facilities today. The decision restores Congress’s ability to conduct real-time oversight of how the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detain individuals — including U.S. citizens — and spend billions in taxpayer dollars, while the case continues.

In a joint statement, the plaintiffs said: “Today’s decision is a critical victory toward restoring our ability to conduct essential congressional oversight on behalf of the American people. It reinforces the rule of law and reminds the administration that oversight is not optional. Real-time, on-the-ground visits to immigration detention facilities help prevent abuses and ensure transparency. Oversight is a core responsibility of Members of Congress—and a constitutional duty we do not take lightly. We’ll continue standing up for the rule of law.”

The lawsuit, Neguse et al. v. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement et al., was brought by a dozen members of the U.S. House of Representatives after the administration imposed a seven-day waiting period and barred access to certain field offices, in violation of a longstanding federal law that guarantees congressional oversight.

The plaintiffs include Assistant Democratic Leader Joe Neguse; Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair Rep. Adriano Espaillat; Homeland Security Committee Ranking Member Rep. Bennie G. Thompson; Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Rep. Jamie Raskin; House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Ranking Member Rep. Robert Garcia; House Homeland Security Committee Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement Ranking Member Rep. J. Luis Correa; Rep. Jason Crow; Rep. Veronica Escobar; Rep. Dan Goldman; Rep. Jimmy Gomez; Rep. Raul Ruiz; and Rep. Norma Torres.

The Members of Congress are represented in this suit by Democracy Forward Foundation and American Oversight.

“This ruling is a victory for the American people and their elected representatives,” said Skye Perryman, President and CEO of Democracy Forward. “This decision makes clear that no president can hide the truth about how people are treated in federal immigration custody. We’re honored to represent these individual Members of Congress in defending accountability, transparency, the rule of law, and human dignity.""

“Today’s ruling is a clear victory for the rule of law and a clear affirmation that no administration is above it,” said Chioma Chukwu, Executive Director of American Oversight. “Members of Congress have an unquestioned right to conduct real-time oversight of immigration detention facilities, and the American people have a right to know what is happening in their name. By blocking those visits, the administration wasn’t simply breaking the law, it was trying to conceal the reality inside these facilities from the public: people in overcrowded, inhumane conditions without adequate beds, showers, or medical care. This order restores a critical check on executive power and sends a clear message that abuse cannot be hidden.”

With this decision, the court reaffirms Members of Congress’s right to access federal immigration detention facilities without prior notice — a safeguard meant to prevent abuse, protect human rights, and ensure that taxpayer funds are not used to support unlawful or inhumane practices. The ruling sends a strong message that oversight is essential to democracy and that no administration is above the law.

How did we get here?

Federal law (Sec. 527, FY2024 DHS Appropriations Act) allows Members of Congress to visit U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) sites where noncitizens are detained without prior notice. But increasingly, these representatives have been stopped at the door.

In response to questions about this, ICE officials announced a new policy requiring a seven-day waiting period and preventing entry to ICE field offices.

On July 30, a dozen individual Members of the U.S. House of Representatives sued the Trump-Vance administration, challenging the policy as an unlawful obstruction of congressional oversight.

Subsequently, the plaintiffs sought a court order requiring DHS and its Secretary Kristi Noem, as well as ICE and its Acting Director Todd Lyons to comply with the federal law granting Members of Congress the right to visit immigration detention facilities without prior notice during the course of their lawsuit.

# # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://gooden.house.gov/press-releases?ID=D7EA34CB-F6E5-4CE7-8483-9D39772850DB,Gooden Introduces Legislation to Strengthen U.S. Exports and Manufacturing,2025-12-17,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,TX,Lance Gooden,G000589,gooden.house.gov,gooden,https://gooden.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Lance Gooden (TX-05) introduced the Foreign-Trade Zone Export Enhancement Act of 2025, bipartisan legislation that will strengthen U.S. manufacturing, promote exports to key trading partners, and protect American jobs.

The bill clarifies U.S. trade law to ensure goods produced in U.S. foreign-trade zones (FTZs) can be exported duty-free to Mexico and Canada under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)—even when those goods include imported parts or materials.

“American manufacturers should never be punished for building here at home,” said Congressman Gooden. “This bill cuts red tape, boosts U.S. exports, and strengthens trade with Mexico and Canada to keep good-paying jobs in America.”

Key Provisions of the bill:

Amends the Foreign-Trade Zones Act (19 U.S.C. 81c) to create a new tariff classification ensuring duty-free export eligibility for qualifying goods produced in U.S. FTZs.

Requires CBP to implement clear, uniform regulations within 90 days of enactment.

Prevents arbitrary rule changes or reclassifications that could disrupt U.S. manufacturing or export operations.

The bill is co-led by Rep. Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) and cosponsored by Reps. Monica De La Cruz (TX-15), Virginia Foxx (NC-05), Mike Kelly (PA-16), and Vern Buchanan (FL-16).

“For the United States to remain competitive abroad and create new jobs at home, we must remove bureaucratic red tape that disrupts the flow of goods and increases costs for American manufacturers,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “This bipartisan bill will help clarify duties and strengthen our supply chain by ensuring that manufacturers operating within an FTZ are treated fairly. It will also ensure that FTZs, including the Port of Brownsville, one of the consistently top-performing zones in our nation, can continue to expeditiously process merchandise through the South Texas region and ensure goods to our Mexican and Canadian trading partners are duty-free.""

Additionally, the bill has received key industry support from the National Association of Foreign-Trade Zones.

“This legislation recognizes that U.S. manufacturers should not be penalized simply because they operate inside an FTZ,” said NAFTZ President Jeff Tafel. “We commend Reps. Gooden, Gonzalez, De La Cruz, Foxx, Kelly, and Buchanan for advancing a solution that strengthens American competitiveness and keeps the decades-long promise of the U.S. FTZ program.”",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://juliejohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-votes-against-republican-health-care-plan-urges-affordable-care-act,"Johnson Votes Against Republican Health Care Plan, Urges Affordable Care Act Tax Credit Vote",2025-12-17,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,TX,Julie Johnson,J000310,juliejohnson.house.gov,juliejohnson,https://juliejohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congresswoman Julie Johnson (TX-32) voted against the Republican health care plan. The plan would raise health care costs, effectively bans abortion coverage, and kicks millions of people off their insurance. It also fails to extend the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) tax credits — credits that nearly 100,000 of Johnson’s constituents rely on to afford their coverage.

At the same time, Johnson urged Republican leadership to schedule a vote on a three-year extension of the ACA’s tax credits. Today, a House Democratic discharge petition reached the required 218 signatures to force a vote by the full House. However, Speaker Johnson has refused to bring this bipartisan petition to the floor before the end of the year, when the tax credits are set to expire.

“Americans are about to face thousands of dollars more in health care costs each year — or lose their insurance altogether. This crisis didn’t happen by accident. It was created by President Trump and Republicans, and now they’re refusing to fix it,” said Johnson. “Republicans had all year to act. All year to protect families from skyrocketing premiums. Instead, they did nothing — and in just weeks, costs will surge for millions of Texans. Rather than providing real relief, House Republicans just passed a health care bill that raises costs, refuses to extend critical Affordable Care Act tax credits, and functions as a backdoor ban on abortion coverage by pressuring plans to drop coverage. I will not support any bill that restricts access to abortion or kicks millions of people off their insurance. That’s why I voted against the Republican plan. I will continue fighting to extend ACA tax credits and urge Speaker Johnson to put an extension up for a vote before these credits expire so we can stop this health care crisis from getting worse.”

To watch remarks from Johnson on this issue, click here.

Congresswoman Julie Johnson represents Texas’s 32nd Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives, serving on the Homeland Security Committee, Foreign Affairs Committee, and the House Administration Committee. Her district includes parts of Collin, Dallas, and Denton Counties.",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://mccaul.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/mccaul-discusses-combating-scourge-human-trafficking-task-force-hearing,McCaul Discusses Combating the Scourge of Human Trafficking With Task Force Hearing Witnesses,2025-12-17,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,TX,Michael T. McCaul,M001157,mccaul.house.gov,mccaul,https://mccaul.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) — chairman of the bipartisan Task Force on Enhancing Security for Special Events — questioned witnesses at a hearing entitled ""A Scourge Against Humanity: Addressing Human Trafficking at Mass Gatherings.”

McCaul discussed the Department of Homeland Security's Blue Campaign, which he authorized into law, with Eliza McCoy, vice president of programs and impact at the American Hotel and Lodging Association Foundation.

He also highlighted the nearly 500,000 unaccompanied alien children who entered the country under the previous administration and remain vulnerable to human trafficking with Jonathan Thompson, the executive director and CEO of the National Sheriffs' Association.

Lastly, he asked human trafficking survivor Courtney Litvak — director of the survivor leader initiatives at No Trafficking Zone — about how criminal trafficking enterprises work and what can be done to stop them.

Image

Click to watch

Full transcript of McCaul's discussion with witnesses:

Chairman McCaul: You know, when I authorized the Blue Campaign into law, it was designed to work with law enforcement, to partner with them, but also industry stakeholders … to really help combat the scourge of human trafficking. Ms. McCoy, can you give us an update on your relationship with the Blue Campaign, and how well is it working today?

Ms. McCoy: Thank you. Yes, I'm happy to. We are strong partners with the DHS Blue Campaign. We meet regularly to align our tactics and strategies and training and community outreach and awareness-raising. And we certainly think they continue to benefit from our ongoing support, particularly as they are making great strides in integrating survivor perspective and lived experience in the work that they do, and we are happy to stand alongside them in those efforts.

Chairman McCaul: That's excellent. … Over the last four to five years, we've had almost 500,000 unaccompanied children that came into this country — primarily at the hands of drug cartels, sex traffickers. It was one of the largest human trafficking events in the United States, really, of our lifetime.

Of those 500,000 children, more than 90,000 were sent to sponsors who were unvetted, essentially unvetted sponsors, or to homes where no home study was conducted. … And I saw this, where ten children would go to one house [with one] sponsor of the ten children. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know what's going on here. It was a perfect storm for child sex trafficking, and now, unfortunately, it is occurring.

Mr. Thompson, I think in your role, you're best equipped to give us sort of a prognosis of this problem. And how do you see their vulnerability going into these FIFA World Cup games and the Olympics, you know, as well, and how can we protect them?

Sheriff Thompson: Mr. Chairman, you've taped [and] bookended the situation very well. We believe it is about 400,000. We don't know. Let's be honest. The records that were developed and used from all indications and all reports and briefings I've received from the government are deeply disturbing, [as is] our inability to find [them] and assure this Congress and the nation's public that these individuals are not dead or being trafficked in one way, shape or form, including sex trafficking, labor trafficking, and others. And the third thing that is deeply, deeply troubling is that the scale of this, if you did simple math, assuming the 400,000 number is accurate, divide it simply by the number of counties in this country, 3,087 or 88, and you come up with a pretty damning number.

What I can tell you that we're looking at with the administration is, how do we get our arms around the data, number one. That's a challenge for them. And number two, then what do you do with the data from a targeting package perspective? Where does it go and how is it followed up on? And those two steps alone are incredibly labor and financially costly, takes time.

I wish I could tell you that the prospect is bright. I think there are some incredibly talented people at DHS. I think there's some incredibly talented people at our state law enforcement agencies and our local agencies that are working this. But the numbers are staggering, absolutely staggering.

Chairman McCaul: They are staggering, and I want to work with you to make sure we get that data to law enforcement. We know we've documented these unaccompanied children. … We don't know where they are — some of them — today, but we do know that they are ripe for being, you know, exploited for trafficking purposes, and it's our obligation to protect them from these traffickers. So I look forward to working with you and law enforcement on this.

Lastly, Ms. Litvak, your organization worked with the same stadium that hosted the Super Bowl back in 2017 [to turn them into] a “no trafficking zone.” Houston is going to host the FIFA World Cup next year. Can you tell us a little bit about not only your organization, but how these trafficking organizations operate? I know that 750 individuals were indicted and prosecuted after that Super Bowl game. Can you tell us about how these organizations, these criminal enterprises, work from the lowest level with the pimp and the groomer to the highest-level executive?

Ms. Litvak: Absolutely. Thank you, Chairman McCaul. So I'm so blessed to work alongside the No Trafficking Zone because we are truly a survivor-led and trauma-informed organization, and that's something that NRG Park has taken very seriously as becoming the world's first certified “no trafficking zone,” working with their general manager, Hussein, and all of our incredible impact partners. … Really trauma-informed law enforcement is so important because uninformed and quite frankly corrupt players in the anti-trafficking space even are those who pose as doing good work, but they're really a part of the problem. We want to ensure we are encouraging those who are doing the work for the right reasons to continue to collaborate together, especially because traffickers are watching our efforts, and they're calculated.

My traffickers specifically would study the laws, primarily when I was first targeted at my own high school as a minor, as a junior in high school. My traffickers waited because they knew the law in Texas that once you turn 18, there's a lot less that law enforcement can do to intervene. … In Harris County alone, being one of the largest counties in the whole country, there's an average of over 200 runaway minors daily. Law enforcement are already so understaffed and overworked and underpaid, but once we understand the themes, the patterns, we study those patterns by bringing survivor leaders to the forefront.

So my lived experience in NRG Park and in the surrounding hotels and motels, I was trafficked during the 2017 Super Bowl in February, where the New England Patriots and the Atlanta Falcons came to our city. But where did I meet these illicit sex buyers? So on the lower levels here, beginning in street and gang trafficking, what is one of the number one markets that is targeted to procure and to exploit already vulnerable individuals? It's actually hidden in plain sight. It's our sexually oriented businesses, specifically strip clubs.

Houston is actually the strip club capital of the country, which many people may mistake states such as Nevada and California for. …And that's why I think it's so important to have a structure such as a task force to combat this issue, because these organized criminals work in networks. They are educated, they know the laws, they are experts at evading detection, but they're hidden in plain sight. Club owners and strip club general managers operate just the same as sex traffickers and human traffickers. So when you get to the more sophisticated levels of organized crime, … you have MS-13 cartel, all these horrible groups that are very prevalent in Texas, especially being a border state, and we have to be able to fill these gaps, but how do we address those? We talk with survivors, just like those who are on this panel right now, to hear what would have made a difference when we were being trafficked, but then to understand these aren't always just street level criminals.

There are what's known as corporate CEO traffickers. I was trafficked by both men and women. I was sold to both men and women. But these traffickers can be lawyers, as were some of mine, and they're businessmen, businesswomen, who are well spoken, and sadly, a lot of women are aiding these criminal networks. Sometimes we know that people can go from being victimized to being forced to be bottoms, which is people who do recruiting for human traffickers, but there's so many other organized crime networks and criminal enterprises taking place, such as drug trafficking. But when you have corporate America involved, my traffickers were laundering the money that we were making from the strip clubs with corporate America businesses. This is something that we have to find more ways to track this crime, because data and mass under reporting is such a huge issue, but especially when victims like myself are under immense threat and pressure by those who will use violence. But force, fraud and coercion are so important for us to tackle at all levels.

Chairman McCaul: … And in this case, we shouldn't just go after the lowest level of these organizations. We need to go up to the very top, high level. … I know that the FBI is working on several sting operations that we can't discuss today. I wish them the best. I know, when [Backpage.com] was taken down by Congress and you were held captive, that had an immense impact on the traffickers. And as you told me, they were very, very upset about that which is good news.

###",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://mccaul.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/special-events-task-force-chairman-mccaul-gives-opening-remarks-human,Special Events Task Force Chairman McCaul Gives Opening Remarks at Human Trafficking Hearing,2025-12-17,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,TX,Michael T. McCaul,M001157,mccaul.house.gov,mccaul,https://mccaul.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) — chairman of the bipartisan Task Force on Enhancing Security for Special Events — held a hearing entitled ""A Scourge Against Humanity: Addressing Human Trafficking at Mass Gatherings.”

Image

Click to watch

Full Transcript of McCaul's Opening Remarks:

This is the third hearing of the bipartisan Task Force on Enhancing Security for Special Events in the United States. The task force provides us a unique opportunity to evaluate the range of threats facing upcoming mass gathering events — most importantly, as I stated, the FIFA World Cup and America’s 250th Anniversary.

Over the past several months, we have examined historic security incidents at major events, engaged with federal law enforcement on emerging threats such as malicious drone activities, which are one of the biggest threats. We’ve held in-depth discussions with security leadership from FIFA and the Olympics.

These discussions have informed our work to provide legislative solutions to protect these events and ensure that they showcase American leadership. In fact, the legislation this task force was working on to counter adversarial drones at these events recently passed the House in the National Defense Authorization, which we’re very pleased to see and we thank the White House for working with us to get that language in there and passed into law.

When we first established this [task force], Ranking Member Pou and I agreed that human trafficking associated with these events would be among the various challenges needed to be addressed. This is an issue that’s near and dear to my heart, and I know it’s near and dear to the ranking member’s heart. It’s one that’s a very tragic story that we’ve seen upfront, close and personal, especially with Ms. Courtney Litvak, whom I’ve had the honor to be associated with — from her family to [our] work, getting her appointed to the White House Advisory Council on Human Trafficking. [She is] a person who experienced grave danger and abuse at the hands of these traffickers, and I know she has her personal story to tell, but I was so glad that God blessed us and saved her life and brought her home.

Millions of people, though, will be subjected to forced labor and sexual exploitation. They are every day. As we prepare to host the largest international sporting event in history, it is essential that law enforcement, advocacy groups, industry partners, and the federal government work together to disrupt trafficking operations to protect the most vulnerable amongst us.

There are about an estimated 27.6 million people being trafficked worldwide — an astounding number — 77% in forced labor, 23% in sex trafficking. And men and boys account for 57% of victims, women and girls for 43%. It occurs every day in the United States and across the globe.

This crime remains hidden to a large extent. The experiences of survivors are not told as often as they should [be]. Their courage in sharing their stories, like Ms. Litvak, often has helped law enforcement learn how to recognize signs of exploitation, intercept criminal networks, and rescue victims.

I have been long committed to this cause. I call it human slavery. Back in 2017, I was proud to sponsor a bill, which became law, and that was the Congressional authorization of DHS’s Blue Campaign. This legislation has enabled the Department of Homeland Security to properly coordinate anti-human trafficking activities and served as a resource to state and local law enforcement to end human trafficking. I don’t think we’re anywhere near ending human trafficking, though, unfortunately.

In 2020, I led legislation requiring the U.S. Department of State to track and report when and where traffickers applied for U.S. visas, and we denied those visas. This bill extended the U.S. Advisory Council on Human Trafficking that I talked about through 2025 — we’ll have to reauthorize that — to ensure survivors have a platform on that council to advise the President’s Interagency Task Force on policies to combat trafficking.

As I mentioned, we’re delighted to have Courtney Litvak here, and all of you, between the sheriff and the hotel and motel association.

We rely on law enforcement to enforce justice and put a stop on these horrible crimes being committed. Training and coordination must extend beyond law enforcement to include — as we have here today — hotel staff, organizers, transportation, it goes into a lot of different areas.

And I can go on and on with this, but at the end of the day I think this is an important hearing to address a very horrible crime — a scourge — that’s around the world, but obviously, seeing it in the United States is very difficult.

I anticipate [we will see it again] with these world cup events coming up — just like we’ve seen with Super Bowl games, and I think we’ll be talking about the Houston one in particular.

As a former federal prosecutor and [former] chairman of this committee, it’s one of the most horrific things I’ve seen in my lifetime, and I want to do everything we can Ms. Pou and this task force, to make sure these games are safely conducted with as little of this criminal activity as possible.

###",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://nehls.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-troy-e-nehls-votes-yes-lower-cost-healthcare-and-provide-better-choices,Rep. Troy E. Nehls Votes YES to Lower Cost of Healthcare and Provide Better Choices for All Americans,2025-12-17,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,TX,Troy E. Nehls,N000026,nehls.house.gov,nehls,https://nehls.house.gov/media,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. —Congressman Troy E. Nehls (R-TX-22) released the following statement after voting to pass H.R. 6703, the Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act, legislation that reforms America’s healthcare system by improving healthcare options, expanding choice, lowering premiums for all Americans, and increasing transparency and competition in healthcare:

“Democrats created Obamacare, which is an absolute failure,” said Congressman Nehls. “Since the implementation of Obamacare, premiums have increased by 80%, making health insurance unaffordable. Democrats broke healthcare, plain and simple. The Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act reforms the system Democrats broke by providing better options for American workers and families, boosting competition, and increasing transparency to lower healthcare costs for every American.

“Just seven percent of Americans are on Obamacare. The Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act lowers costs for all Americans, not just those on Obamacare. My House Republican colleagues and I will continue to fight to fix what Democrats broke, and to lower the costs of healthcare and make it more efficient for Americans far and wide.”",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://roy.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-roys-statement-hr-3492-protect-childrens-innocence-act-0,"Rep. Roy's Statement on H.R. 3492, the Protect Children’s Innocence Act",2025-12-17,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,TX,Chip Roy,R000614,roy.house.gov,roy,https://roy.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Rep. Chip Roy (TX-21) issued the following statement Wednesday afternoon on H.R. 3492, the Protect Children’s Innocence Act:

""Today, in consideration of H.R. 3492, the Protect Children’s Innocence Act, which would criminalize those providing so-called “gender-affirming care” to children, I had planned to offer an amendment to partially address my concerns about its prospects of passage in the Senate and potential constitutional challenges the act will face.

I will not offer the amendment, however, to avoid any confusion about how united Republicans are in protecting children from these grotesque procedures.

As I have long made clear, the trans agenda is abhorrent and should be criminalized. To succeed and to be effective, we must ensure the language we are adopting avoids potential pitfalls, from the expansive uses of the Commerce Clause to definitions and provisions that might invite constitutional challenge. It was my belief—and remains my belief—that my amendment was a path to increase the likelihood of passage in the Senate and success in the courts.

House leadership has known for a long time there were concerns about the legislation among members, many faith-based groups, and knowledgeable lawyers, and should have addressed those concerns before bringing the measure to a vote. Doing so would have avoided any confusion about our unity on this matter.""",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://weber.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3542,Rep. Weber Introduces Legislation to Establish Voluntary Standards for Environmental Packaging Claims,2025-12-17,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,TX,"Randy K. Weber, Sr.",W000814,weber.house.gov,weber,https://weber.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Randy Weber (TX-14) introduced the Packaging and Claims Knowledge (PACK) Act of 2025, commonsense legislation to establish the first voluntary federal standard for environmental claims on packaging and put an end to misleading “green” labels that confuse consumers and undermine real recycling efforts.

Across the country, a patchwork of state regulations has resulted in unverified claims like “recyclable,” “compostable,” and “reusable” to appear on packaging, often without any connection to real-world recycling or composting systems. This confusion has made it harder for consumers to know what can actually be recycled and has weakened legitimate environmental initiatives.

The PACK Act addresses this problem by promoting science-backed, industry-driven standards for environmental labeling. Under the legislation, companies may only make environmental claims if those claims are scientifically verified and recognized by existing recycling or composting programs, ensuring honesty and transparency without imposing new mandates.

“Americans want to do the right thing, but misleading labels make that harder,” said Rep. Weber. “The PACK Act cuts through that confusion. It’s pro-environment, pro-business, and rooted in common sense, all while holding companies accountable and giving consumers clear, honest information they can trust.”

Industry leaders praised the legislation’s approach.

“AMERIPEN applauds Rep. Randy Weber for introducing the Packaging and Claims Knowledge (PACK) Act and supports the PACK Act’s creation of a federal framework for recyclable, compostable, and reusable claims for consumer packaging under the Federal Trade Commission (FTC),” said Lynn Dyer, President of AMERIPEN. “This new framework will address concerns with the patchwork of state regulations and its negative effect on interstate commerce and consumer awareness regarding management of consumer packaging. AMERIPEN will continue to support Congressman Weber as he moves this critical legislation through the House of Representatives.”

“The Plastics Industry Association thanks Congressman Weber for introducing the PACK Act,” said Matt Seaholm, PLASTICS President and CEO. “Plastic packaging is essential to modern life—protecting products, keeping food fresh, and ensuring medical supplies arrive safely—yet companies and consumers are currently navigating a complex landscape of rules around recyclable, compostable, and reusable packaging claims. This growing patchwork not only creates regulatory uncertainty but also has the potential to increase costs and contribute to broader affordability concerns.""

""The PACK Act would establish a clear national framework under the FTC, reducing uncertainty and supporting businesses operating across state lines. As an industry that employs more than one million Americans, we appreciate Congressman Weber’s leadership on this important issue that strengthens U.S. manufacturing and consumer confidence.”

“We welcome the introduction of the PACK Act for creating a single, national framework for packaging claims,” said Peter DePasquale, Vice President, Government Affairs, Keurig Dr Pepper. “By setting clear, national standards and certifications through credible third parties, this legislation helps ensure consumers receive accurate information while giving companies the consistency they need to innovate and accelerate investment in sustainable packaging solutions nationwide.""

Background:

Packaging and labeling standards in the United States are increasingly influenced by state-level regulations, particularly those adopted in California. Because of the size of California’s market, standards set by the state can have national implications for manufacturers, supply chains, and consumers, even when companies operate primarily outside of California.

This dynamic has raised concerns about regulatory consistency and the impact of state-specific requirements on interstate commerce.",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-cortez-masto-colleagues-outbound-investment-measures-pass-senate-head-to-president-trumps-desk-to-become-law/,"Cornyn, Cortez Masto, Colleagues’ Outbound Investment Measures Pass Senate, Head to President Trump’s Desk to Become Law",2025-12-17,2025,2025-12,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), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Dave McCormick (R-PA), and Michael Bennet (D-CO), along with Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee Chairman Tim Scott (R-SC) and Ranking Member Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), released the following statements after their outbound investment measures to safeguard the United States’ national security against threats posed by countries of concern like China, Russia, and Iran by prohibiting and requiring notification of U.S. investments in certain technologies in such countries, passed the Senate as part of the conferenced National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):

“The need to address capital flowing from the U.S. to countries of concern was realized during the first Trump administration, and my legislation presents a generational opportunity to confront the threats China, Iran, North Korea and others pose to our national and economic security,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This landmark legislation would prohibit and require notification of U.S. investments in certain technologies in countries of concern, ensuring American ingenuity, innovation, and investment do not end up in the hands of adversaries like the Chinese Communist Party to be weaponized against us. I’m proud this long-awaited effort is approaching the finish line and am grateful to colleagues past and present for their contributions to this effort, and I look forward to President Trump signing it into law as part of the annual defense bill.”

“The future of our national security is reliant on making sure we remain ahead of our adversaries in the race to develop cutting-edge technologies like AI and semiconductors,” said Sen. Cortez Masto. “To do so, we must make sure no American investments go toward helping Communist China develop these technologies. I’ve been proud to work alongside Senator Cornyn to ensure the United States meets this moment head on, and I look forward to these provisions finally becoming law.”

“This legislation takes a strong step in providing the Trump administration with the tools it needs to protect our national economic security. As Americans, we benefit immensely from our free markets and open investment environment. But we must ensure that we are not fueling the Chinese Communist Party’s efforts to undermine our military strength and national security,” said Senate Banking Committee Chairman Scott.

“This is an important step toward ensuring the United States remains the world’s leader in advanced technology. Our bipartisan bill will help ensure that we develop the most sensitive and cutting-edge technology here in America rather than supercharge its development in countries that do not share our values. I’ll keep fighting to protect our economic and national security from threats posed by China,” said Ranking Member Warren.

“Our military has long maintained a strong innovative and technological advantage over the Chinese Communist Party, but that advantage is eroded when American financial institutions invest in CCP-controlled companies developing technologies that could hand the future of warfare to America’s adversaries,” said Sen. Sullivan. “It is a shame Congress has to step in to instill some sense of patriotism into Wall Street, but our national security interests demand it. I applaud Senator Cornyn for leading this critically important legislation to make Americans safer at home and to maintain an arsenal of freedom that gives our men and women in uniform the edge they need to defend our interests around the world.”

“With the inclusion of Outbound provisions in the NDAA, the Senate has maintained its steadfast commitment to stopping the Chinese Communist Party’s development of advanced technology that threaten America’s national security. It is vital that we continue to prevent the harmful flow of U.S. investment into China for the development of technology like semiconductions, AI, and quantum computing,” said Democrat Leader Schumer. “I am proud to have championed this legislation that will help to protect our national security and ensure that the United States maintains a competitive edge in the critical technologies our military relies on.”

“American capital shouldn’t subsidize the growth of Communist China’s military and surveillance state,” said Sen. Ricketts. “The FIGHT China Act will address national security threats. It will protect American capital, intellectual property, and innovation from supporting Communist China’s malign ambitions.”

“This is a common-sense measure that strengthens our national security toolkit to address new challenges created by emerging technology,” said Sen. Kim. “With this legislation, we can have the visibility we need into American investments in strategic sectors to look out for our nation’s security, and strengthen our defense against evolving threats, including by competitors like China who use these investments against us.”

“China’s growing influence in emerging technologies poses a serious threat to our national and economic security,” said Sen. McCormick. “I’m pleased to see this commonsense legislation included in the NDAA and headed to the President’s desk. It will help prevent U.S. investment from supporting the Chinese Communist Party’s military modernization in artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing.”

“As China backs Russia’s war against Ukraine, hacks U.S. infrastructure, and threatens our allies and partners across the Indo-Pacific, we must prevent U.S. investments from fueling China’s development of artificial intelligence, advanced semiconductors, hypersonics, and other technologies with potential military uses,” said Sen. Bennet. “This legislation will protect U.S. national security by screening and blocking these investments.”

The legislation is also cosponsored by Senators Jim Banks (R-IN), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), and John Fetterman (D-PA).

Background:

Building on Sen. Cornyn’s previous efforts to increase transparency and prohibit investments by American entities in sensitive technologies in China, and in conjunction with the Trump administration’s America First Investment Policy, the outbound investment measures included in the conferenced National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) would permit the Secretary of the Treasury to require notification of or prohibit U.S. investments in certain technologies in countries of concern, including:

The People’s Republic of China (PRC);

Cuba;

Iran;

North Korea;

Russia;

And the Maduro Regime.

Notifiable technology includes semiconductor technology and microelectronics, artificial intelligence (AI) systems, quantum information technologies, high-performance computing, and supercomputing hypersonic systems. Prohibited technology includes advanced semiconductor technology and microelectronics, artificial intelligence systems, quantum information technologies, high-performance computing and supercomputing hypersonic systems.

Lastly, the legislation would permit the Secretary of the Treasury to impose sanctions under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) against PRC entities that engage with the PRC military and intelligence sectors.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-supported-defense-bill-passes-senate-3/,Cornyn-Supported Defense Bill Passes Senate,2025-12-17,2025,2025-12,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 2026, which includes multiple wins for Texas and legislation authored by U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) that will benefit Texas service members and military installations, as well as support ongoing national security efforts:

“As our world becomes increasingly dangerous, it’s never been more imperative for the United States to ensure proper resources are available to bolster our defense capabilities and readiness to address emerging threats,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This legislation includes several of my provisions, including legislation I authored to prohibit American investment in certain technologies in China, Iran, North Korea, and other foreign adversaries, and I am glad it is heading to President Trump’s desk.”

Sen. Cornyn’s Legislation Included in the NDAA:

Comprehensive Outbound Investment National Security (COINS) Act (formerly known as the Foreign Investment Guardrails to Help Thwart (FIGHT) China Act): Safeguards the United States against the growing threat posed by the People’s Republic of China by prohibiting and requiring notification of U.S. investment in certain technologies in China, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Russia, and Venezuela.

Improving Police Critical Aid for Responding to Emergencies (CARE) Act: Equips law enforcement officers with quality trauma kits so they can respond immediately if a civilian or fellow officer experiences a traumatic injury during a call.

Partnership for Advancing Regional Training and Narcotics Enforcement Response Strategies (PARTNERS) Act: Requires the Department of War (DoW) to recommend future additional joint training with Mexican military forces to combat cartels.

Counternarcotics Enhancement Act: Directs the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) to develop an action plan to enhance counternarcotics collaboration, coordination, and cooperation between the U.S. and Mexico.

Growing University AI for Defense (GUARD) Act: Codifies a portion of President Trump’s AI Action Plan and enables the Department of War (DoW) to establish and lead a National Security and Defense AI Institute to advance defense innovation, workforce development, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) readiness.

Disinterment of Fernando V. Cota from Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery: Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to disinter Fernando V. Cota, an alleged serial murderer and convicted rapist, from Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at the request of the son of one of his alleged victims.

Provisions to modernize the U.S. nuclear security enterprise by directing a focused effort on the safety and security of U.S. nuclear infrastructure through the upgrading of aging facilities.

Provisions to enhance U.S. military recruiters’ access to secondary schools to ensure military recruiters have as equal access to high schools as colleges and employers do, ensuring prospective recruits understand the benefits of military service.

Other Texas-Specific Provisions Include:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-touts-working-families-tax-cuts-will-make-life-more-affordable-for-texans/,Cornyn Touts Working Families Tax Cuts: Will Make ‘Life More Affordable’ for Texans,2025-12-17,2025,2025-12,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) touted the benefits of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, also known as the Working Families Tax Cuts, which will put money back into the pockets of hardworking Texans and help ease the financial burden facing Americans after 40-year high inflation under the Biden administration. Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn’s remarks are below, and video can be found here.

“In November, the American people delivered a clear message that the Biden administration, who presided over 40-year high inflation, was taking the country in the wrong direction.”

“Everything cost more than 20% more from the time President Biden took office to the time he left.”

“The good news is Republicans have taken important steps that will help ease the affordability crunch for all Americans, particularly when it comes time to file their taxes next year.”

“This legislation will help Americans keep more of what they earn by lowering taxes across the board, and not a single Senate Democrat voted for it. Essentially, by voting against it, they voted for a $3,000 tax increase on most families back in Texas.”

“Twelve million Texas families who claim the standard deduction each year would have had to pay an additional $7,450 in taxes next spring without that legislation having passed. The lower rates from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act from 2017 were set to expire at the end of this year, but the Working Families Tax Cuts made these lower rates permanent.”

“If you’ve only been listening to our Democratic colleagues, you’d be forgiven for thinking Republicans have done nothing to address the cost of health care in this country, but that’s not true. In the Working Families Tax Cuts, we expanded access to Health Savings Accounts, also known as HSAs.”

“There’s a lot more work that needs to be done, and I look forward to working with all of our colleagues next year to continuing to develop policy solutions that will lower costs for patients and families, but one of the things that we should not, and we must not, and we will not do is expand the fraud-riddled Obamacare enhanced subsidies that were provided during the Biden administration.”

“Employees and self-employed individuals can now deduct up to $25,000 on qualified tip income through 2028. Next time you go to a restaurant or a bar, why don’t you ask the wait staff what they think about President Trump’s No Tax on Tips and No Tax on Overtime? I’ve done that, and it’s no surprise, they welcome that with open arms.”

“There’s still more work to be done, but I believe Republicans have delivered an important first step toward making life more affordable for the people we represent.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.cruz.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sen-cruz-senate-passage-of-rotor-act-a-key-step-for-aviation-safety,Sen. Cruz: Senate Passage of ROTOR Act a Key Step for Aviation Safety,2025-12-17,2025,2025-12,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), Chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, praised the passage of the bipartisan ROTOR Act as a step forward for aviation safety and a measure that honors the victims of the January 29th fatal crash near DCA. Almost a year after the accident, the ROTOR Act – which the Senate passed by unanimous consent Wednesday – tightens the rules for military aircraft, requiring them to transmit precise location information to avert future collisions. Senator Cruz also announced the ROTOR Act now has the backing of the White House, and the administration committed to help work with House colleagues to see that the ROTOR Act is passed into law.

Upon passage, Sen. Cruz said, “This bill will be a fitting way to honor the lives of those lost nearly one year ago over the Potomac River. The goal of the victims’ families is to ensure no one else endures a similar avoidable, completely unnecessary, tragedy. The ROTOR Act will save lives.”

The families of Flight 5342 said, “Today, the Senate passed the bipartisan ROTOR Act unanimously, marking an important step toward improving air travel safety. We extend our deepest gratitude to Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz and Ranking Member Maria Cantwell, in addition to Senate Aviation Subcommittee Chairman Jerry Moran and Ranking Member Tammy Duckworth, for their leadership and commitment to making our skies safer for all. We now call upon the House of Representatives to swiftly pass this legislation and deliver it to the President’s desk to be signed into law before January 29, 2026 – the one-year anniversary of our loved ones’ passing.”

Tim and Sheri Lilley, parents of the First Officer of Flight 5342 said, “We are deeply appreciative of the bipartisan effort that led to today’s Senate passage of the ROTOR Act. We are grateful for the leadership and tireless efforts of Senators Cruz and Cantwell to achieve this important milestone. We thank President Trump for his support of aviation safety and for recognizing the urgency of this moment. With this important action, Senators across the aisle honored the 67 lives lost on January 29, including our son Sam. While no legislation can bring Sam back, today’s action acknowledges the magnitude of that loss and affirms that meaningful change can come from it. We urge the House to act promptly and ensure these safety measures advance without delay. The flying public and all who rely on our national airspace deserve nothing less.”

BACKGROUND

The ROTOR Act requires all aircraft, civil and military, to equip and receive ADS-B broadcasting signals. The bill also directs the FAA to comprehensively evaluate the safety of airspaces around airports across the country so that no other airspace has the same risk of collisions as DCA did on January 29, 2025, and it improves aviation safety information sharing between the FAA and the military. Finally, the updated ROTOR Act strips section 373(a) from the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which would have widened the loophole that allows military helicopters to operate in DC airspace without broadcasting their location.

On January 29, 2025, American Airlines Flight 5342 and a Black Hawk military helicopter collided midair near DCA, tragically claiming 67 lives. Since then, there have been discoveries of known safety gaps.

In July 2025, Sen. Cruz introduced the ROTOR Act along with Sens. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Aviation, Space, and Innovation, Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Shelly Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), and Todd Young (R-Ind.).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://arrington.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4257,Arrington Introduces Bill to Protect Americans from Malign Foreign Investments,2025-12-16,2025,2025-12,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) introduced the Consistency in Foreign Investment in the USMCA (CFIUSMCA) Act, legislation to stop foreign adversaries - particularly China - from using Mexico and Canada as backdoors to move goods into the United States under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The bill would give U.S. trade officials clear authority to push for strengthened and more coordinated investment screening requirements throughout North America during the upcoming six-year review of USMCA to protect American jobs and national security.

“Mexico's weak investment standards have created a backdoor for China to move products into the United States tariff-free and allow CCP-aligned entities to gain a foothold in industries vital to our national security,” said Chairman Arrington. “My Consistency in Foreign Investment in the USMCA Act will ensure our North American trading partners meet the same national security standards we set for ourselves and keep malign foreign investments out of America’s backyard.”

“By guarding against national security threats posed by foreign investments, strengthening an alignment between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, the Consistency in Foreign Investment in the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement Act will ensure stronger protections for American workers, consumers, and small businesses,” said Rep. Brad Schneider (IL-10), the bill’s Democratic co-lead. “Creating a CFIUS-like mechanism in both countries will encourage more closely monitored screening of foreign investments and reinforce the importance of North American coordination when reviewing for potential national security risks.”

“China is actively investing in strategic industries in Mexico as they seek to infiltrate the U.S. and North American markets,” said Mike Meyer, President of the North American Die Casting Association. “The Consistency in Foreign Investment in the USMCA Act will direct USTR to align the U.S., Canada, and Mexico to protect against these incursions, which result in Chinese state-owned enterprises shipping castings to the U.S. tariff-free and made out of Chinese metal and with Chinese machine tools.”

“Companies backed by the Chinese Communist Party are expanding their hold in Mexico in an effort to import into the U.S. molds, tooling, and components made with Chinese machinery,” said Kym Conis, Managing Director of the American Mold Builders Association. “Congress should pass the Consistency in Foreign Investment in the USMCA Act to direct USTR to work with our partners in Canada and Mexico to during USMCA negotiations to ensure thorough government reviews of investments in strategic industries.”

“The USMCA joint review is a critical opportunity to close gaps in the agreement that Beijing exploits to circumvent U.S. economic security policies,” said Connor Pfeiffer, Senior Director of Government Relations for FDD Action. “Investment screening is a key tool for addressing these threats, especially in Mexico. That’s why FDD Action is proud to endorse this effort to protect North America from harmful Chinese investment.”

Additionally, this legislation is co-sponsored by Rep. Nathaniel Moran (TX-01) and House Select Committee on China Chairman John Moolenaar (MI-02).

Background:

The bill would provide USTR with the Congressional backing to ensure that Mexico and Canada adopt strong foreign investment review safeguards, similar to the U.S.’s Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S. (CFIUS), in the upcoming six-year review of USMCA.

During his first term, President Trump negotiated his signature USMCA agreement, which boosted exports of American agriculture, energy, and manufactured goods to both Canada and Mexico.

This agreement provided significant benefits for the American people and was the first trade deal in American history to require the U.S. and its trading partners to jointly review the terms of the agreement every six years for areas of improvement.

Even before USMCA went into force, economic and geopolitical rivals like China have sought to exploit the North American market and export goods duty-free to the U.S. For example, since President Trump first imposed tariffs on China in 2018, Chinese net annual foreign direct investment into Mexico has increased from $270 million to $710 million in 2024.

While the U.S. and Canada maintain strong laws that adequately screen concerning foreign investments, Mexico’s does not, posing a direct threat to the American economy and national security.

The CFIUSMCA Act would give the Trump administration Congressional support to require that Mexico establish a foreign investment review mechanism consistent with the U.S.’s system.

This legislation would also give USTR support to establish a shared mechanism for the U.S., Canada, and Mexico to coordinate in addressing shared threats to strategically important economic sectors and critical infrastructure in North America.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://arrington.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4259,"‘SUN’S UP, GUNS UP!’ Arrington Praises Texas Tech Football on House Floor",2025-12-16,2025,2025-12,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) spoke on the House floor in celebration of Texas Tech’s historic Big 12 Championship season and College Football Playoff berth.

Click HERE to watch

Remarks as Delivered:

As we say in West Texas, ‘SUN’S UP, GUNS UP!'

Our Texas Tech Red Raiders have gone through this football season, guns a-blazing, and have taken the Big 12 by storm, posting a historic 11-win regular season with an average victory margin of more than 35 points and their best year since 2008.

Now, after securing their first outright Big 12 championship, the Red Raiders are knocking on the door of their first-ever national championship.

I want to congratulate Coach Joey McGuire, his tremendous staff, and the outstanding student-athletes there at Texas Tech, all of whom represent the spirit of West Texas—tenacious, relentless, and a hundred percent class and character.

Mr. Speaker, Texas Tech, I would argue, is America’s team.

It’s a Main Street university in middle America, made up of mostly kids from working families.

It’s a heartland culture that reflects our nation’s traditional faith and family values.

Like our pioneering fathers who braved the harsh elements to settle the Great Plains of West Texas, Red Raiders know how to work, how to fight, and never quit.

They don’t expect anybody to give them anything.

They don’t waste time complaining about being underrated or underestimated.

They know that respect is earned, not given—and they know it’s not about pleasing the crowd or the pundits. It’s about giving their best to each other, and to themselves, and to their university that they love.

I’m proud to be a Red Raider. I’m honored to represent Texas Tech in Congress, and I’m fired up for the country to know more about West Texas—the Food, Fuel, Fiber, and Football Capital of the World!

Mr. Speaker, as for me and my house, we will be in Miami on New Year’s Day with a lot of proud and rowdy Red Raiders, cheering on America’s team to win it all.

Guns up, go Red Raiders, let’s win that national championship!

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-castro-leads-bicameral-introduction-of-comprehensive-arms-trafficking-legislation,Congressman Castro Leads Bicameral Introduction of Comprehensive Arms Trafficking Legislation,2025-12-16,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,TX,Joaquin Castro,C001091,castro.house.gov,castro,https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT), Congresswoman Norma Torres (CA-35), Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10), and Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20) led the bicameral introduction of the Americas Regional Monitoring of Arms Sales (ARMAS) Act, legislation that would mobilize resources across the federal government to disrupt firearms trafficking from the United States to Latin America and the Caribbean and implement stronger transparency, accountability, and oversight for U.S. arms exports.

“Our country’s broken gun laws have global consequences—they have destabilized nations and fueled violence in the streets of Mexico, the Caribbean, and across the Western Hemisphere for decades,” said Congressman Castro. “The ARMAS Act is a necessary step to curbing the flow of U.S. made weapons to Latin America and saving lives. The Trump administration’s unregulated export regulations spread terror far beyond our own borders. It’s time to stop this carnage and hold the State Department accountable for regulating gun exports.”

“Every year, hundreds of thousands of American-made guns are illegally trafficked into Latin American countries. These guns are then used by cartels and gangs to commit violence and sow instability that has real consequences for us here at home. Our bill would overhaul the current system for approving firearms exports, increasing transparency and making it harder for dangerous people to get their hands on illegally trafficked guns,” said Senator Murphy.

“For too long, dangerous American made firearms have been allowed to flow beyond our borders with far too little oversight, fueling violence, displacement, and instability throughout Latin America and the Caribbean,” said Congresswoman Norma Torres. “As someone who has spent years working to combat firearms trafficking and its devastating impact on communities in the Northern Triangle, I know that transparency and accountability save lives. The ARMAS Act restores strong State Department oversight of U.S. arms exports, brings federal agencies together to shut down trafficking networks, and ensures our policies do not undermine the safety of our neighbors or our own national security.”

""Transnational criminal organizations, especially drug cartels, rely on American-made guns to control their human trafficking and drug smuggling operations by force,"" said Congressman Dan Goldman. ""We must take every avenue possible to ensure that American weapons do not get into the hands of the cartels, who use them to threaten the safety and prosperity of the entire Western Hemisphere. It's incumbent upon American leadership and a strong federal response to keep weapons of war out of the hands of the cartels. The ARMAS Act is a key component of that much-needed response.”

“Weapons trafficked through the United States are fueling Haiti’s escalating gang violence and deepening the country’s instability,” said Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, Co-Chair of the House Haiti Caucus. “Strengthening transparency, accountability, and oversight of U.S. arms exports is essential to addressing this regional challenge and preventing firearms from falling into the hands of dangerous criminals.”

The ARMAS Act will address these challenges by:

Transferring small arms authority from the Department of Commerce back to the Department of State to ensure greater accountability and transparency;

Requiring the development of a comprehensive interagency strategy and program to disrupt arms trafficking;

Providing congressional notification, review, and oversight of certain small arms exports;

Requires the submission of an annual report by the State Department and relevant agencies that will allow Congress to understand the challenges and successes of current efforts to address illegal arms trafficking and inform future strategies;

Tracing the origin of firearms captured from criminals by increasing the adoption of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms’ e-Trace platform by foreign law enforcement agencies;

Prohibiting the Department of Commerce from promoting small arm sales globally throughout the transfer of authority period.

Background:

Congressman Castro has been a longtime leader in efforts to prevent gun violence and stem the illegal trafficking of U.S. firearms across the Western Hemisphere. Recent efforts include:

In October 2025, Reps. Castro, Gregory Meeks (NY-05) and Senators Warren (D-MA) and Dick Durbin (D-IL), wrote to the Department of Commerce and the State Department pressing for answers about the Trump administration’s elimination of a rule that was stemming the export of dangerous weapons to cartels and criminal organizations around the world.

In February 2025, Reps. Castro, Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Maxwell Frost (FL-10) and Senator Durbin (D-IL) introduced the Stop Arming Cartels Act, legislation that aims to address the sale and trafficking of firearms from the United States to transnational criminal organizations abroad.

In March 2024, Reps. Castro and Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), along with Senators Chris Murphy (D-CT) and Tim Kaine (D-VA), introduced the Caribbean Arms Trafficking Causes Harm (CATCH) Act, legislation designed to curb illicit arms trafficking from the United States to the Caribbean.

In December 2023, Reps. Castro, Norma Torres (CA-35), Dan Goldman (NY-10), and Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20) led more than a dozen of their colleagues to introduce the Americas Regional Monitoring of Arms Sales (ARMAS) Act, legislation that would mobilize resources across the federal government to disrupt firearms trafficking from the United States to Latin America and the Caribbean and implement stronger transparency, accountability, and oversight for U.S. arms exports.

In September 2023, Reps. Castro, Norma Torres (CA-35), and Dan Goldman (NY-10), along with Senator Warren, sent a letter to Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, seeking answers on Commerce's lackluster oversight of assault weapons exports and its failure to release data on its approvals of these exports.

In April 2023, Reps. Castro (TX-20) and Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05), along with Senator Dick Durbin (IL), wrote to the Comptroller General of the U.S. Government Accountability Office calling for a federal probe into the consequences of firearms trafficking from the United States to the Caribbean. The report, which was subsequently released in November 2024, found that 73% of guns recovered in the Caribbean can be traced back to the United States.

In 2022, Congressman Castro voted to pass, and President Biden signed into law the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the most significant gun violence prevention reform in nearly three decades. Among its many provisions, the law created new federal criminal offenses for firearm straw purchasing and trafficking.

The ARMAS Act is co-sponsored by Reps. Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Seth Magaziner (RI-02), Nydia Velázquez (NY-07), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Jim McGovern (MA-02), Robin Kelly (IL-02), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), and Rob Menendez (NJ-08).

The ARMAS Act is endorsed by the Newtown Action Alliance, Stop U.S. Arms to Mexico (a project of Global Exchange), and the Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://keithself.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-keith-self-introduces-veterans-affairs-advisory-committee,Congressman Keith Self Introduces the Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee Oversight Act of 2025,2025-12-16,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,TX,Keith Self,S001224,keithself.house.gov,keithself,https://keithself.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Congressman Keith Self has introduced the Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee Oversight Act of 2025. This legislation will modernize and consolidate advisory committees within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), as part of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs’ broader effort to reauthorize long-overdue VA programs for the first time in three decades.

“Congress has a responsibility to ensure that the VA’s advisory system provides real value to veterans, not just additional layers of bureaucracy,” said Congressman Self. “For too long, many of these advisory committees have operated without proper oversight or have sat idle while veterans face real challenges that demand attention. This bill creates a more targeted, accountable, and efficient advisory structure that reflects the needs of today’s veterans and upholds our duty to be responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars.”

This bill would:

• Centralize all statutory VA advisory committees under a single, unified subchapter to create consistent oversight and reporting.

• Retires a wide range of legacy committees to eliminate redundancy, consolidating their functions into three new advisory committees focused on modern veteran needs:

o Veterans Health Advisory Committee

o Veterans Economic Opportunity & Transition Advisory Committee

o Advisory Committee on Veterans Special Populations

• Standardize membership requirements, meeting frequency, and reporting timelines to ensure relevance and accountability.

• Impose a uniform sunset date of 2026 for outdated or duplicative statutory committees unless Congress affirmatively renews them.

• Require VA to report all inactive or lapsed committees to Congress within 30 days of enactment.

• Ensure advisory bodies provide meaningful recommendations aligned with current veteran demographics, challenges, and policy needs.",1,2026-04-21T05:46:59Z,2026-04-21T05:48:34Z
https://nehls.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-aviation-chairman-nehls-opening-statement-form-hearing-faa-administrator,House Aviation Chairman Nehls Opening Statement form Hearing with FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford,2025-12-16,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,TX,Troy E. Nehls,N000026,nehls.house.gov,nehls,https://nehls.house.gov/media,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Opening remarks,as prepared, of Aviation Subcommittee Chairman Troy E. Nehls (R-TX) from today’s hearing entitled, “The State of American Aviation”:

I’d like to start by thanking Administrator Bedford for being here today for his first Congressional hearing since becoming Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Additionally, I’d be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the fatal accident that occurred right here in Washington, D.C. on January 29th of this year that needlessly claimed the lives of 67 souls. To the families here with us today, my commitment to you remains steadfast, and I can assure you that this subcommittee will continue to do everything in its capacity to make sure a tragedy like this never happens again.

That tragedy reinvigorated everyone in the aviation industry to come together to identify and address the deficiencies, lack of communication and coordination, and neglect that all played a role in this tragedy.

While I eagerly await the results of the NTSB’s final report before taking any substantive legislative action, I am encouraged that there was immediate corrective action taken to make permanent route changes and helicopter restrictions near DCA, adjustments to air traffic control staffing and arrival flow at DCA, and ADS-B Out requirements for most aircraft near DCA’s Class Bravo Airspace to name a few.

In times like those, we are served with the stark reminder that aviation safety is a journey rather than a destination. Following that tragedy, the entire aviation industry coalesced around one phrase: “air traffic control modernization.” So, what is the state of American aviation?

From my vantage point, the state of American aviation is busy. But busy is not a bad thing. In this instance, it’s a good thing. With the promise of innovation and modernization around the corner, there is tremendous excitement around the state of American aviation. From initiatives to increase the throughput of air traffic controllers into the workforce to key rulemakings that will unleash American innovation, the Trump Administration has been busy. While they have a challenging task ahead of them, they have the support of this subcommittee.

Administrator Bedford, I believe that you are the man for the job. The task is unprecedented, but you have two documents that ought to serve as a roadmap.

The first is the bipartisan FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 which contained numerous provisions directing the Administration to phase out legacy systems in use across the National Airspace System (NAS) and operationalize key programs developed under the NextGen initiative.

The second is this Administration’s Air Traffic Control Modernization Plan, for which Congress appropriated $12.5 billion dollars to carry out radar replacement and a total update of the FAA’s telecommunications infrastructure.

Administrator Bedford, this subcommittee will be conducting oversight of that $12.5 billion to ensure we avoid the absolute disaster that was NextGen. The stakes are too high, and we simply can’t afford to get this wrong. We owe it to the American people and to every single AA 5342 family.

With that, Administrator Bedford, thank you for being here today, and I look forward to hearing from you on the state of American aviation.",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-bill-to-vet-unaccompanied-alien-children-prevent-placement-of-uacs-with-criminal-sponsors-passes-house/,Cornyn Bill to Vet Unaccompanied Alien Children & Prevent Placement of UACs with Criminal Sponsors Passes House,2025-12-16,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,TX,John Cornyn,C001056,www.cornyn.senate.gov,cornyn,https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement after his Kayla Hamilton Act, which would require the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to conduct thorough background and criminal record checks on unaccompanied alien children (UACs) and potential sponsors prior to their placement, passed the U.S House of Representatives. This legislation is named in honor of Kayla Hamilton, a young woman who was sexually assaulted and brutally murdered by a 17-year-old MS-13 gang member and UAC who illegally entered the country through the southern border and was released by the Biden administration to a sponsor.

“The Biden-Harris border crisis allowed for countless unvetted aliens to flood into the country and harm innocent Americans, and I am glad the House has passed my legislation named in honor of Kayla Hamilton to fix this vetting loophole,” said Sen. Cornyn. “We owe it to Kayla and other victims of senseless tragedies to ensure comprehensive background and criminal record checks are conducted on unaccompanied alien children and potential sponsors prior to their placement, and I am glad we are one step closer to ensuring more thorough vetting is the law of the land.”

Additional cosponsors include Sens. Ted Cruz (R-TX), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Katie Britt (R-AL), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Ted Budd (R-NC), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), and Thom Tillis (R-NC). Congressman Russell Fry (SC-07) introduced this legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Background:

The Kayla Hamilton Act would require thorough background and criminal record checks on UACs prior to their release to a sponsor and prohibit the release of any UAC into the custody of criminals or illegal aliens. The bar to placement applies not only to individuals seeking to sponsor a UAC, but also any adult living in the household of the potential sponsor who has a criminal history.

The bill also requires the federal government to:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-blumenthal-lee-kennedy-bill-to-prosecute-ai-generated-csam-passes-senate-unanimously/,"Cornyn, Blumenthal, Lee, Kennedy Bill to Prosecute AI-Generated CSAM Passes Senate Unanimously",2025-12-16,2025,2025-12,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), Mike Lee (R-UT), and John Kennedy (R-LA) released the following statements after their Enhancing Necessary Federal Offenses Regarding Child Exploitation (ENFORCE) Act, which would hold those who use generative AI to create or distribute Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) and obscenity accountable by ensuring they are subject to the same statutory penalties as those who create or distribute other forms of child pornography, passed the Senate unanimously:

“Outdated laws are no excuse for letting vile child abusers off the hook,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This legislation would update current law to hold those who use AI to create and distribute CSAM accountable, and I’m glad to see it pass the Senate unanimously.”

“This bill is deeply important to protecting our children from child sexual abuse material, which is rampant on the internet. As technology advances, we know that the methods of abuse also change,” said Sen. Blumenthal. “I’m glad this important bill has moved through the Senate today. I hope our colleagues in the House of Representatives will stand with us and adopt the ENFORCE Act so we can take effective law enforcement action against these hideous abusers of children. There is no excuse for delay or inaction. The lives of our children are at stake.”

“Online predators victimize children through AI-generated imagery,” said Sen. Lee. “Such filth is not protected speech, and I am proud to cosponsor the ENFORCE Act to empower federal prosecutors to defend our kids against AI exploitation and hold predators fully accountable. This bipartisan effort strengthens the TAKE IT DOWN Act signed by President Trump to protect America’s children from explicit deepfakes.”

“Child predators are resorting to more advanced technology than ever to escape justice, so Congress must work to close every legal loophole that these criminals exploit. I’m proud that the U.S. Senate is doing just that by passing the ENFORCE Act, which would help law enforcement fight the animals creating deepfake content of America’s kids,” said Sen. Kennedy.

Background:

In recent years, child safety researchers have noted a rise in the use of visual generative machine learning models to create highly realistic CSAM and obscenity. And while there is legislation to protect victims from this growing online threat, more must be done to hold offenders accountable to the fullest extent of the law. The ENFORCE Act would ensure offenders who use generative AI to produce and distribute CSAM and obscenity are subject to the same statutory penalties as those who create or distribute other forms of child pornography by making the following changes to the U.S. criminal code:

Clarifying and updating the definition of “modified” CSAM;

And equating the collateral consequences of the child obscenity statute with the CSAM statute.

This legislation is endorsed by The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), Raven, Thorn, the National Children’s Alliance, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), Rights 4 Girls, and the National District Attorneys Association (NDAA).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-sounds-alarm-to-hhs-on-california-companys-embryonic-gene-editing-technology/,Cornyn Sounds Alarm to HHS on California Company’s Embryonic Gene-Editing Technology,2025-12-16,2025,2025-12,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) sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. raising concerns over reports of the gene-editing company Preventive working on technology that would allow them to create a child born from a gene-edited embryo, raising serious ethical and legal concerns:

Sen. Cornyn wrote, “While some will argue that the goal of genetically editing embryos is only to prevent genetic diseases in babies before they are even born, we must also acknowledge the real risk that such a technology will lead to ‘designer children,’ where parents, or others, can select their preferred traits for their children.”

“Scientific advancement cannot devolve into evil and immoral eugenic practices. Efforts to improve embryos will also lead to the impulse to destroy embryos, human life, who do not possess the full measure of these preferred traits,” he continued.

“All parents want their children to live the healthiest lives possible, but advancing this type of technology would come with grave consequences, intentional or not. Some of life’s questions must be left up to our Creator, not Silicon Valley elites,” he concluded.

Full text of the letter can be found here and below.

The Honorable Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

Secretary

Department of Health and Human Services

200 Independence Ave S.W.

Washington, D.C. 20201

Dear Secretary Kennedy:

I am writing to you to express my deep concern regarding recent news about a company, Preventive, which was first reported in a Wall Street Journal article on November 8, 2025. Preventive is reportedly working on technology that will allow them to create a child born from a gene-edited embryo. This raises serious ethical and legal questions.

Gene therapy technology has the potential to open doors to life-changing and life-saving measures for children and adults otherwise suffering from terrible conditions, like sickle cell disease, neuromuscular diseases, and certain cancers. However, these types of therapies must be differentiated from embryonic gene editing.

While some will argue that the goal of genetically editing embryos is only to prevent genetic diseases in babies before they are even born, we must also acknowledge the real risk that such a technology will lead to “designer children,” where parents, or others, can select their preferred traits for their children. Scientific advancement cannot devolve into evil and immoral eugenic practices. Efforts to improve embryos will also lead to the impulse to destroy embryos, human life, who do not possess the full measure of these preferred traits.

Congress has made clear that federal research funding must not be used for genetically modifying human embryos, and the Food and Drug Administration cannot review applications for human trials if they involve embryo editing. This is also in line with the policy of our counterparts around the world, including in the European Union, Mexico, and Canada. I ask that you use your authority and work with the Department of Justice to ensure any companies operating in the U.S. and using human gene-editing technology are following all applicable laws.

All parents want their children to live the healthiest lives possible, but advancing this type of technology would come with grave consequences, intentional or not. Some of life’s questions must be left up to our Creator, not Silicon Valley elites.

Can you confirm that Preventive is following all Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) regulation relating to gene-editing technology?

What steps is HHS taking to ensure companies in this field are fully complying with the law?

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter, and please do not hesitate to contact my office if we can support your efforts in this area.

Sincerely,

U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX)",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/on-fox-cornyn-praises-trump-admins-venezuela-boat-strikes-condemns-rise-in-antisemitism-slams-dems-unaffordable-care-act/,"On Fox, Cornyn Praises Trump Admin’s Venezuela Boat Strikes, Condemns Rise in Antisemitism, Slams Dems’ Unaffordable Care Act",2025-12-16,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,TX,John Cornyn,C001056,www.cornyn.senate.gov,cornyn,https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today on Fox News’ The Faulkner Focus, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) praised the Trump administration, including Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, for its handling of the Venezuela boat strikes following a Senate-wide briefing, condemned the Australia terror attack and rise in antisemitism, and blasted Democrats for trying to deflect blame for the abject failures of Obamacare. Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn’s remarks are below, and video can be found here.

On Administration’s Briefing on Venezuela Boat Strikes:

“The briefers, Secretary Rubio, Secretary Hegseth, and others did a good job of explaining the careful planning that went into these strikes and the legal justification, which is consistent, as Senator Graham has said, with other previous interventions by other administrations in the region. Cocaine, fentanyl – these are weapons of mass destruction being trafficked by designated terrorist organizations.”

“I was satisfied with what I heard and I’m glad President Trump is doing what needs to be done in order to save American lives.”

On Australia Terror Attack:

“Tragically, this is another horrible reminder there are sleeper cells of basically terrorists that have either been radicalized overseas or have been radicalized in place, who are willing to kill innocent people, and of course, in this instance, targeting the Jewish community.”

“There has been a rise of antisemitism that needs to be rebuked by the Left and the Right because it is unacceptable.”

“This is a very sad, sad occasion, but it unfortunately means we need to maintain our vigilance. Thank goodness here in the United States, the FBI and the Department of Justice are doing a good job disrupting terrorist plots, but this could happen anywhere.”

On Democrats’ Health Care Lies:

“Democrats are trying to deflect the blame. They are the ones that created this situation, where the premiums and the Affordable Care Act or Obamacare exchanges are going up 18% this next year. That’s unsustainable.”

“President Trump is correct to say let’s send the money to the consumer and not to the insurance companies.”

“We need to continue to hold the Democrats’ feet to the fire because they created this mess in the first place, but now we’re all obligated to try to fix it.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.cruz.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sen-cruz-releases-statement-on-guilty-verdict-against-jimmy-lai,Sen. Cruz Releases Statement On Guilty Verdict Against Jimmy Lai,2025-12-16,2025,2025-12,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 U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement after the announcement of a guilty verdict by the Hong Kong High Court against Jimmy Lai.

In 2019, Sen. Cruz was in Hong Kong and met Jimmy Lai and other pro-democracy dissidents, before he was arrested. Earlier this month, Sen. Cruz met with the family of Jimmy Lai, where he discussed the persecution by the Chinese Communist Party and his ongoing wrongful detention.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.cruz.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-unanimously-passes-sens-cruz-ossoff-bill-to-extend-civil-rights-cold-case-review-board-term,"Senate Unanimously Passes Sens. Cruz, Ossoff Bill to Extend Civil Rights Cold Case Review Board Term",2025-12-16,2025,2025-12,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. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), a member of the Judiciary Committee, and Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) released the following statement after their Civil Rights Cold Cases Records Collection Reauthorization Act passed the Senate.

Sen. Cruz said, “Civil rights cold case victims and their families deserve justice. Giving the review board more time to investigate these unsolved cases is essential to delivering long-overdue accountability. I am thankful to my colleagues in the Senate for passing this important bipartisan measure, and I call on my colleagues in the House to move quickly to pass this bill so the review board can continue its work.”

Sen. Ossoff said, “We must continue working for justice for these victims, for these survivors, for these families, especially the families of those who were killed, and continue our work to safeguard civil and human rights in the United States.”

Read the full text of the bill here.

BACKGROUND

This bill would extend the term of the Civil Rights Cold Case Review Board by four years. The board is tasked with investigating criminal investigations from the Civil Rights Era, led by a panel of private citizens appointed by the President.

In 2022, Sens. Cruz and Ossoff wrote and passed into law the Civil Rights Cold Case Investigations Support Act of 2022, which extended the board.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://delacruz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3429,De La Cruz Statement on Mexico's Agreement to Meet 1944 Water Treaty Obligations,2025-12-15,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,TX,Monica De La Cruz,D000594,delacruz.house.gov,delacruz,https://delacruz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) released the statement below following the agreement reached between the U.S. and Mexico to ensure the Mexican government complies with obligated water deliveries under the 1944 Water Treaty.

""Alongside Secretary Rollins and the entire Trump Administration, we have secured a second agreement of water deliveries from the Mexican government. In one year, we delivered a historic agreement of over 500,000 acre-feet of water, more than the other four years of the current cycle combined. Our fight is not over, and I will continue to push the Government of Mexico to comply with obligated water deliveries under the 1944 Water Treaty."" - Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz

Background:

The Government of Mexico has agreed to release 202,000 acre-feet of water to the United States beginning December 15, 2025. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), negotiations remain ongoing, and a plan is expected to be finalized by the end of January 2026.

Congresswoman De La Cruz has prioritized holding the Mexican government accountable for the water they owe South Texas under the 1944 Water Treaty. In April, Congresswoman De La Cruz helped secure an agreement of up to 420,000 acre-feet of water from the Government of Mexico through the end of October 2025. Recently, she introduced the Ensuring Predictable and Reliable Water Deliveries Act to impose restrictions on the Mexican government if they fail to meet their obligated water deliveries under the 1944 Water Treaty.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://escobar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3011,Congresswoman Escobar Signs Discharge Petition to Ban Members of Congress from Owning and Trading Stocks,2025-12-15,2025,2025-12,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 signing onto Discharge Petition No. 11. This would force a vote on the House floor for the Restore Trust in Congress Act, a bill to ban stock trading and ownership by Members of Congress and their family members:

""It’s long past time to ban congressional stock trading. I’m proud to be a cosponsor of HR 396 and to have signed on to the bipartisan discharge petition in the House. This is a commonsense reform that increases transparency, fights corruption and helps ensure Congress works for the people we serve — and never for ourselves.

""I've never traded stocks and as long as I'm in public office, I never will. It is my hope that the discharge petition gains more support from my colleagues so we can pass this bill and send it to the Senate.

""The American people should have representatives whose only focus is what’s in the best interests of their community, not personal financial gain.”

# # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://fallon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1639,Rep. Pat Fallon's MERICA Act Passes the House,2025-12-15,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,TX,Pat Fallon,F000246,fallon.house.gov,fallon,https://fallon.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. -- The House of Representatives voted this evening to pass the Mineral Extraction for Renewable Industry and Critical Applications Act, the ""MERICA Act,"" introduced by Congressman Pat Fallon (TX-04).

“Proud to see the House vote in favor of the passage of the MERICA Act this evening, a bill that I introduced in order to break our reliance on China for rare earth minerals and instead open up federal lands for their extraction here at home,” commented Rep. Pat Fallon.

“H.R. 3872, better known as the MERICA Act, would amend the Mineral Leasing Act for Acquired Lands (MLAAL) by adding hardrock minerals as part of the listed deposits subject to leasing under MLAAL so that all federally acquired lands can be considered for hardrock mineral leasing. As things currently stand, we have valuable lithium deposits locked up on federal lands, and we cannot access nor utilize them under current law. In fact, much of Texas’ Fourth Congressional District falls within what is known as the Smackover Formation, a geological formation that encompasses areas from eastern Texas to the Florida panhandle. A recent U.S. Geological Survey-led study estimates there to exist 5 to 19 million tons of lithium reserves in this mineral-rich deposit.”

“Strong, secure rare earth mineral supply chains and stockpiles are a US national security priority as we seek to deter Chinese aggression in the Indo-Pacific. There is no reason why we should not look to our own domestic reserves to make decoupling from the CCP a reality. The MERICA Act is an excellent opportunity to do so, and I urge the Senate to advance this key piece of legislation.”",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://gonzalez.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-congressman-gonzalezs-bill-give-small-businesses-seat-table,House Passes Congressman Gonzalez’s Bill to Give Small Businesses a Seat at the Table,2025-12-15,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,TX,Vicente Gonzalez,G000581,gonzalez.house.gov,gonzalez,https://gonzalez.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Contact: Alexis Torres

Washington, D.C.—As small businesses in South Texas are struggling with labor shortages and higher costs, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34), a member of the House Financial Services Committee, announced that his bipartisan bill, H.R. 4449, the Advocating for Small Business Act, advanced out of the U.S. House of Representatives. It was included in a wide-ranging legislative package called the Incentivizing New Ventures and Economic Strength Through Capital Formation (INVEST) Act and would specifically establish Offices of Small Business within each of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rulemaking divisions to make federal regulators more responsive and accessible to local entrepreneurs.

“Small businesses are the backbone of America and create two out of every three new jobs,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “Yet, far too often, these businesses face barriers when trying to access capital because the rules are designed with only large firms in mind. To strengthen South Texas’s economy and create jobs, we need to provide the same flexibility given to those on Wall Street. I’m elated that my bill was included in the INVEST Act and passed out of the House. Now, I urge the Senate to join us in delivering much-needed support to small business owners who are eager to reach their full economic potential.”

In July 2025, Congressman Gonzalez championed his bill before the House Financial Services Committee before it was reported favorably out for full consideration. The SEC is primarily responsible for enacting rules that both protect investors and help businesses raise capital. However, there is currently no dedicated office within the SEC that represents the best interests of small businesses during the rulemaking process.",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-carter-colleagues-call-for-investigation-into-mishandling-of-army-physician-allegations/,"Cornyn, Carter, Colleagues Call For Investigation into Mishandling of Army Physician Allegations",2025-12-15,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,TX,John Cornyn,C001056,www.cornyn.senate.gov,cornyn,https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Last week, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) and Congressman John Carter (TX-31) led a letter calling for the Department of the Army Inspector General and the Department of War Inspector General to conduct independent investigations into the mishandling of allegations of sexual misconduct involving Major Blaine McGraw and requesting information about what resources are being provided to the victims and what steps the Army intends to take moving forward to prevent an incident like this from happening again:

“The Army and Department of War Inspector Generals must conduct an investigation into the systemic failures that allowed Major Blaine McGraw to continue in his capacity amidst multiple accusations of egregious sexual misconduct,” said Sen. Cornyn. “The allegations made against Major McGraw and how they were mishandled warrant a thorough investigation, and I implore the Army and the Department to promptly look into this matter, bring justice to his countless victims, and work to prevent another failing in the future.”

Additional signatories include Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Representative August Pfluger (TX-11). A copy of the letter can be found here and below.

Lieutenant General Gregory D. Brady

The Inspector General Department of the Army

1700 Army Pentagon, Room 3E588

Washington, D.C. 20310-1700

December 11, 2025

Dear Lieutenant General Brady,

I am writing to request immediate and comprehensive action regarding the deeply disturbing allegations involving Major McGraw, a former Army physician in Texas. The reports indicating widespread misconduct toward service members and military families raise profound concerns about clinical oversight, command accountability, and the integrity of the military health system.

These accusations do not reflect isolated lapses; they point to potential long-term failures. Because the alleged conduct may have occurred over an extended period and across multiple duty stations, it is imperative that any review extends far beyond a routine internal inquiry.

I urge you to ensure that the Department of War initiates an independent, thorough investigation into both Major McGraw’s actions and the Army’s handling of prior complaints or warning signs. This review must safeguard patient privacy, protect potential victims, and evaluate whether pathways for reporting medical misconduct were available and effective.

In addition, I request that the Department of War Office of Inspector General promptly examine how clinical, command, and Defense Health Agency oversight structures failed to identify and intervene in this case. A transparent assessment of systemic shortcomings, and actionable recommendations to strengthen standards of care and accountability will be essential to restoring trust within the military community.

To support the Department’s review and to ensure transparency for those affected, I request answers to the following questions:

Will the Department ensure a comprehensive investigation into all allegations involving Major McGraw, including an assessment of the Army command climate, supervisory actions, and compliance with applicable medical and reporting policies at each installation where he served?

What trauma-informed resources, victim assistance programs, and behavioral health services will the Department and the Army make available to former patients and their families during the investigative process?

Has the Department notified the Texas Medical Board or other relevant state licensing authorities of Major McGraw’s suspension and the ongoing criminal investigation? If not, when will such notification occur?

Will the Department commit to identifying any systemic or oversight failures that enabled this alleged misconduct, and provide a plan for implementing corrective actions to prevent similar breakdowns in the future?

Will the Department review oversight, supervision, and reporting requirements within Defense Health Agency Graduate Medical Education programs to ensure trainees are appropriately monitored and patient safety is protected?

Will the Department review the conduct and reporting actions of medical supervisors and personnel who worked with Major McGraw to determine whether they fulfilled their obligations under Army and DoW policy?

What policies, reporting pathways, and oversight mechanisms will the Department and the DoW Inspector General review to ensure that patients who experience misconduct by military medical providers can report concerns safely and with confidence that their complaints will be addressed.

The men and women served by the military health system deserve confidence that their care is provided in an environment that prioritizes safety, accountability, and professionalism. I appreciate your attention to this urgent matter and request to be kept informed of the Department’s findings and next steps.

Sincerely,

/s/",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-colleagues-bill-to-help-adjust-military-life-insurance-for-inflation-signed-into-law/,"Cornyn, Colleagues’ Bill to Help Adjust Military Life Insurance for Inflation Signed into Law",2025-12-15,2025,2025-12,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), Ted Cruz (R-TX), and Angus King (I-ME) and Representatives Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) and Keith Self (TX-03) released the following statements after their Fairness for Servicemembers and their Families Act, which will help ensure life insurance packages for service members and veterans account for increases in cost of living and inflation, was signed into law by President Trump:

“We need to make sure service members, veterans, and their families have the financial support they need and deserve,” said Sen. Cornyn. “I’m grateful to President Trump for his unwavering support of our brave men and women in uniform and for signing this bill into law, which will help ensure the Veterans Affairs Department can offer competitive life insurance packages that keep pace with the current cost of living.”

“While we can never fully repay the debt that we owe to those who serve our country, we should work each and every day to get them the benefits that they deserve,” said Sen. Hassan. “This bipartisan legislation will help ensure that the life insurance offered for our veterans and servicemembers is keeping pace with real-world costs to help protect the financial security of the families of those who serve.”

“We owe our servicemembers and their families a debt we can never repay, and we have a straightforward obligation to ensure they are financially secure,” said Sen. Cruz. “This bill brings us one step closer to fulfilling that goal, and I’m thankful to President Trump for signing into law.”

“Our servicemembers, veterans and their families make countless sacrifices every day to protect our nation, and we are indebted to their selfless service,” said Sen. King. “With the bipartisan Fairness for Servicemembers and their Families Act, we can ensure life insurance packages for military members adjust with the rising cost of living — giving more peace of mind to military families as they increasingly face the difficulties of an unstable economy. I’m grateful to my colleagues, and the President for signing a bill into law that honors our commitment to the brave men and women who have given so much to our country.”

“Our servicemembers put their lives on the line for their country and we must protect the well-being of their families in the event of a tragedy,” said Rep. Strickland. “This new law makes it clear that our nation will always stand by our military families.”

“I’m grateful to President Trump for standing with our military families and signing the Fairness for Servicemembers and Their Families Act into law,” said Rep. Self. “This commonsense bill ensures our veterans and their families receive the full value of the benefits they’ve earned by requiring the Department of Veterans Affairs to regularly review and adjust the maximum coverage for servicemembers’ and Veterans’ Group Life Insurance programs to keep pace with inflation—so these hard-earned benefits never lose value to rising costs.”

This legislation is also cosponsored by Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), and Mazie Hirono (D-HI).

Background:

The Fairness for Servicemembers and their Families Act will 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 law will strengthen the financial safety net for veterans, service members, and their families by requiring a report to the U.S. Veterans Affairs Department, the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, and the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs regarding cost of living increases and inflation rates every five years to ensure they don’t go years without assessing inflation rates.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-del-valle-isd-to-receive-1m-to-boost-evidence-backed-mental-health-services-for-students/,Cornyn: Del Valle ISD to Receive $1M to Boost Evidence-Backed Mental Health Services for Students,2025-12-15,2025,2025-12,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 the U.S. Department of Education announced that Del Valle Independent School District was awarded a federal grant of $1,151,269 through the Mental Health Service Professional (MHSP) Demonstration Grant Program, which helps recruit, train, and employ mental health service providers in schools to address the mental health crisis affecting our youth and implement evidence-backed mental health services for students:

“Schools remain one of the most consistent and accessible places for students to receive mental health support, yet they often lack the appropriate staffing or resources necessary to adequately respond to the growing complexity of students’ needs,” said Sen. Cornyn. “These critical resources will help close this gap by increasing the recruitment, training, and retention of mental health professionals in schools, ensuring they are better equipped to identify signs of crisis.”

A significant portion of MHSP funding was authorized by Sen. Cornyn’s school safety and mental health legislation, which was signed into law in 2022 and is the largest investment in community-based mental health care in U.S. history. This award is one of 65 grant recipients that the Trump administration is encouraging to focus on “merit-based personnel hiring and evidence-based student services.” The purpose of the grants is to hire more school psychologists and to build the necessary infrastructure so the mental health resources can continue after the grant.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-region-one-to-receive-nearly-2m-to-boost-evidence-backed-mental-health-services-for-students/,Cornyn: Region One to Receive Nearly $2M to Boost Evidence-Backed Mental Health Services for Students,2025-12-15,2025,2025-12,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 the U.S. Department of Education announced that Region One Education Service Center was awarded a federal grant of $1,198,055 through the Mental Health Service Professional (MHSP) Demonstration Grant Program, which helps recruit, train, and employ mental health service providers in schools to address the mental health crisis affecting our youth and implement evidence-backed mental health services for students:

“Schools remain one of the most consistent and accessible places for students to receive mental health support, yet they often lack the appropriate staffing or resources necessary to adequately respond to the growing complexity of students’ needs,” said Sen. Cornyn. “These critical resources will help close this gap by increasing the recruitment, training, and retention of mental health professionals in schools, ensuring they are better equipped to identify signs of crisis.”

A significant portion of MHSP funding was authorized by Sen. Cornyn’s school safety and mental health legislation, which was signed into law in 2022 and is the largest investment in community-based mental health care in U.S. history. This award is one of 65 grant recipients that the Trump administration is encouraging to focus on “merit-based personnel hiring and evidence-based student services.” The purpose of the grants is to hire more school psychologists and to build the necessary infrastructure so the mental health resources can continue after the grant.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-san-antonio-schools-to-receive-more-than-600k-to-boost-evidence-backed-mental-health-services-for-students/,Cornyn: San Antonio Schools to Receive More Than $600K to Boost Evidence-Backed Mental Health Services for Students,2025-12-15,2025,2025-12,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 the U.S. Department of Education announced that Education Service Center, Region 20, which covers Bexar County and surrounding areas, was awarded a federal grant of $647,156 through the Mental Health Service Professional (MHSP) Demonstration Grant Program, which helps recruit, train, and employ mental health service providers in schools to address the mental health crisis affecting our youth and implement evidence-backed mental health services for students:

“Schools remain one of the most consistent and accessible places for students to receive mental health support, yet they often lack the appropriate staffing or resources necessary to adequately respond to the growing complexity of students’ needs,” said Sen. Cornyn. “These critical resources will help close this gap by increasing the recruitment, training, and retention of mental health professionals in schools, ensuring they are better equipped to identify signs of crisis.”

A significant portion of MHSP funding was authorized by Sen. Cornyn’s school safety and mental health legislation, which was signed into law in 2022 and is the largest investment in community-based mental health care in U.S. history. This award is one of 65 grant recipients that the Trump administration is encouraging to focus on “merit-based personnel hiring and evidence-based student services.” The purpose of the grants is to hire more school psychologists and to build the necessary infrastructure so the mental health resources can continue after the grant.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.cruz.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sens-cruz-cornyn-bipartisan-bill-to-modernize-military-life-insurance-signed-into-law,"Sens. Cruz, Cornyn Bipartisan Bill to Modernize Military Life Insurance Signed into Law",2025-12-15,2025,2025-12,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. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), and Angus King (I-Maine), and U.S. Reps. Keith Self (R-Texas-03) and Marilyn Strickland (D-Wash.-10) released the following statements after their bipartisan Fairness for Servicemembers and their Families Act was signed into law by President Trump. Law will ensure life insurance packages for servicemembers and veterans account for increases in cost of living.

Sen. Cruz said, “We owe our servicemembers and their families a debt we can never repay, and we have a straightforward obligation to ensure they are financially secure. This bill brings us one step closer to fulfilling that goal, and I’m thankful to President Trump for signing it into law.”

Sen. Cornyn said, “We need to make sure service members, veterans, and their families have the financial support they need and deserve. I’m grateful to President Trump for his unwavering support of our brave men and women in uniform and for signing this bill into law, which will help ensure the Veterans Affairs Department can offer competitive life insurance packages that keep pace with the current cost of living.”

Sen. Hassan said, “While we can never fully repay the debt that we owe to those who serve our country, we should work each and every day to get them the benefits that they deserve. This bipartisan legislation will help ensure that the life insurance offered for our veterans and servicemembers is keeping pace with real-world costs to help protect the financial security of the families of those who serve.”

Sen. King said, “Our servicemembers, veterans and their families make countless sacrifices every day to protect our nation, and we are indebted to their selfless service. With the bipartisan Fairness for Servicemembers and their Families Act, we can ensure life insurance packages for military members adjust with the rising cost of living — giving more peace of mind to military families as they increasingly face the difficulties of an unstable economy. I’m grateful to my colleagues, and the President for signing a bill into law that honors our commitment to the brave men and women who have given so much to our country.”

Rep. Keith Self said, “I’m grateful to President Trump for standing with our military families and signing the Fairness for Servicemembers and Their Families Act into law. This commonsense bill ensures our veterans and their families receive the full value of the benefits they’ve earned by requiring the Department of Veterans Affairs to regularly review and adjust the maximum coverage for servicemembers’ and Veterans’ Group Life Insurance programs to keep pace with inflation—so these hard-earned benefits never lose value to rising costs.”

Rep. Strickland said, “Our servicemembers put their lives on the line for their country and we must protect the well-being of their families in the event of a tragedy. This new law makes it clear that our nation will always stand by our military families.”

This legislation is also cosponsored by Senators Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), and Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii).

Click here to read the full bill text.

BACKGROUND

The Fairness for Servicemembers and their Families Act will help ensure the maximum group insurance available to servicemembers and veterans account for increases in cost of living. From 2006 to 2023, the maximum insurance value available for servicemembers and veterans remained static, lagging far behind inflation rates.

This law strengthens the financial security of veterans, servicemembers, and their families by requiring the U.S. Veterans Affairs Department to report to the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs regarding increased costs of living every five years.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-al-green-declares-trump-threat-democracy-140-courageously-vote,Congressman Al Green Declares Trump a Threat to Democracy as 140 Courageously Vote to Advance Impeachment,2025-12-12,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,TX,Al Green,G000553,algreen.house.gov,algreen,https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"(Washington, D.C.) — On Friday, December 12, 2025, Congressman Al Green delivered remarks on the House floor to confront the threats posed by Donald John Trump to democracy and the Constitution and to commend the courageous Members who voted to advance his impeachment resolution.

You can access and listen to Congressman Al Green’s speech on his official YouTube page or by clicking here. The floor speech highlighted is also accessible on various social media platforms, including Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly known as Twitter).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://arrington.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4253,Arrington Fights Back Against Far-Left Officials Targeting Immigration Enforcement,2025-12-12,2025,2025-12,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) introduced H.R. 6608, the Safeguarding Homeland Immigration Enforcement from Local Detention (SHIELD) Act - new legislation responding to escalating rhetoric from far-Left state and local officials who have threatened to arrest or prosecute federal immigration agents for doing their jobs. The SHIELD Act ensures that no jurisdiction can obstruct federal immigration enforcement for political reasons, and it cuts off all federal funds to any state or locality that arrests, detains, prosecutes, or otherwise interferes with a federal officer performing immigration-related duties.

“Any state or local leader who arrests federal agents for enforcing immigration law are abandoning the heart of constitutional order, aiding and abetting criminal illegal aliens, and fueling the perverse incentives that drive illegal immigration,” said Chairman Arrington. “My Safeguarding Homeland Immigration Enforcement from Local Detention (SHIELD) Act stands up for the rule of law and pushes back on far-Left radicals by cutting off every federal dollar to any jurisdiction that obstructs or prosecutes our officers - even once - carrying out their critical security responsibilities. I’m proud to lead the fight to support our federal officers and hold lawless politicians who undermine the safety and security of the United States fully accountable.”

“I am proud to stand with my friend Representative Arrington in our shared fight to protect Americans from violent illegal aliens,” said Representative Tim Burchett (TN-02). “The SHIELD Act prevents liberal municipalities from obstructing federal immigration enforcement by stripping their federal funding. No city or state government should be able to subvert the Trump Administration's goal of deporting the millions of illegals that came into our country under President Biden.”

“Federal immigration officers must be able to carry out their duties without intimidation from activist officials who undermine federal law,” said Representative Claudia Tenney (NY-24). “The SHIELD Act reinforces the constitutional authority of the federal government by cutting off federal funds to any jurisdiction that targets or obstructs ICE agents. This common sense legislation strengthens the rule of law and safeguards those who protect our communities.”

“As a cosponsor of the SHIELD Act, I am committed to ensuring that federal immigration enforcement officers can carry out their duties without interference from state or local governments,” said Representative Rich McCormick (GA-07). “Immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility, and no jurisdiction should be allowed to arrest, prosecute, or obstruct federal officers for simply doing their jobs. Upholding the rule of law and protecting the men and women enforcing our immigration laws is essential to public safety and the security of our nation.”

“Our immigration agents put their lives on the line every day to uphold the rule of law,” said Representative Glenn Grothman (WI-06). “We’re facing a constitutional crisis when local governments try to block federal agents from enforcing our immigration laws. Every country has immigration laws, and we cannot remain a nation if ours aren’t enforced. Chairman Arrington’s SHIELD Act draws a clear line: if you undermine federal immigration enforcement, you lose federal dollars. This legislation protects our ICE agents and pushes back on local officials who interfere with enforcement. I’m proud to support it.”

“Federal agents must be able to protect Americans from illegal aliens without threat of arrest by liberal elected officials,” said Representative Clay Higgins (LA-03). “President Trump has delivered the most secure border in our nation's history. We shall continue strong immigration enforcement. I'd like to thank Chairman Arrington for taking the lead on this legislation.”

“I’m proud to support the Safeguarding Homeland Immigration Enforcement from Local Detention (SHIELD) Act that puts a stop to radical state and local officials threatening to arrest or prosecute federal immigration agents for enforcing the law,” said Representative Keith Self (TX-03). “Under this bill, any jurisdiction that dares to obstruct ICE or Border Patrol officers will lose every penny of federal funding—no exceptions. If politicians providing sanctuary to criminals wage war on federal law enforcement, they will be doing it without a single dollar of taxpayer money from hardworking Americans. Our brave agents risk their lives to secure the border and remove dangerous criminals; the least we can do is make sure rogue officials can’t throw them in jail for doing their jobs.”

Background:

SHIELD Act, a single instance of arresting, detaining, prosecuting, or obstructing a federal immigration officer triggers full loss of federal financial assistance for that fiscal year.

The Attorney General, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security, determines whether a jurisdiction has violated the law.

Funding may be restored only if the AG certifies the jurisdiction has ceased the offending conduct and provides written assurances that it will not recur.

The law takes effect immediately upon enactment.

“Federal funds” includes all forms of assistance—grants, contracts, cooperative agreements, and more.

The purpose is to protect federal immigration enforcement officers and prevent states and localities from undermining federal immigration law for ideological or political reasons.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://carter.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3775,Rep. Carter Leads Letter Calling for Inspector General Investigation into Handling of Army Physician Case,2025-12-12,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,TX,John R. Carter,C001051,carter.house.gov,carter,https://carter.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"(Washington, DC) Representative John Carter (TX-31), Co-Chairman of the House Army Caucus, led a letter along with Senators Cornyn and Cruz, and Representative August Pfluger (TX-11), calling for an Inspector General to conduct an independent investigation into the handling of disturbing allegations involving Major Blaine McGraw.

“As a former judge and Co-Chair of the House Army Caucus, I find the allegations against Major McGraw to be an egregious breach of the trust placed in him and the oversight failures that allowed him to continue practicing are equally alarming,” said Congressman Carter. “The Inspector General must conduct a thorough, independent investigation to determine how this individual was able to continue victimizing Soldiers and their families. I expect this matter to be handled swiftly and with the utmost respect for the survivors, and I will be closely monitoring the findings to ensure that decisive steps are taken to prevent this from ever happening again.”

“The Army and Department of War Inspector Generals must conduct an investigation into the systemic failures that allowed Major Blaine McGraw to continue in his capacity amidst multiple accusations of egregious sexual misconduct,” said Sen. Cornyn. “The allegations made against Major McGraw and how they were mishandled warrant a thorough investigation, and I implore the Army and the Department to promptly look into this matter, bring justice to his countless victims, and work to prevent another failing in the future.”

A copy of the letter can be found below or by clicking here.

Dear Lieutenant General Brady,

I am writing to request immediate and comprehensive action regarding the deeply disturbing allegations involving Major McGraw, a former Army physician in Texas. The reports indicating widespread misconduct toward service members and military families raise profound concerns about clinical oversight, command accountability, and the integrity of the military health system.

These accusations do not reflect isolated lapses; they point to potential long-term failures. Because the alleged conduct may have occurred over an extended period and across multiple duty stations, it is imperative that any review extends far beyond a routine internal inquiry.

I urge you to ensure that the Department of War initiates an independent, thorough investigation into both Major McGraw’s actions and the Army’s handling of prior complaints or warning signs. This review must safeguard patient privacy, protect potential victims, and evaluate whether pathways for reporting medical misconduct were available and effective.

In addition, I request that the Department of War Office of Inspector General promptly examine how clinical, command, and Defense Health Agency oversight structures failed to identify and intervene in this case. A transparent assessment of systemic shortcomings, and actionable recommendations to strengthen standards of care and accountability will be essential to restoring trust within the military community.

To support the Department’s review and to ensure transparency for those affected, I request answers to the following questions:

Will the Department ensure a comprehensive investigation into all allegations involving Major McGraw, including an assessment of the Army command climate, supervisory actions, and compliance with applicable medical and reporting policies at each installation where he served?

What trauma-informed resources, victim assistance programs, and behavioral health services will the Department and the Army make available to former patients and their families during the investigative process?

Has the Department notified the Texas Medical Board or other relevant state licensing authorities of Major McGraw’s suspension and the ongoing criminal investigation? If not, when will such notification occur?

Will the Department commit to identifying any systemic or oversight failures that enabled this alleged misconduct, and provide a plan for implementing corrective actions to prevent similar breakdowns in the future?

Will the Department review oversight, supervision, and reporting requirements within Defense Health Agency Graduate Medical Education programs to ensure trainees are appropriately monitored and patient safety is protected?

Will the Department review the conduct and reporting actions of medical supervisors and personnel who worked with Major McGraw to determine whether they fulfilled their obligations under Army and DoW policy?

What policies, reporting pathways, and oversight mechanisms will the Department and the DoW Inspector General review to ensure that patients who experience misconduct by military medical providers can report concerns safely and with confidence that their complaints will be addressed.

The men and women served by the military health system deserve confidence that their care is provided in an environment that prioritizes safety, accountability, and professionalism. I appreciate your attention to this urgent matter and request to be kept informed of the Department’s findings and next steps.",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://delacruz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3428,De La Cruz Leads Community Bank Representation Act,2025-12-12,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,TX,Monica De La Cruz,D000594,delacruz.house.gov,delacruz,https://delacruz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) introduced the Community Bank Representation Act to expand responsibilities for the Federal Reserve Board's community bank representative.

""Community banks are the lifeline of our main streets, providing access to capital and partnerships that help small businesses thrive. My Community Bank Representation Act will ensure that banks of all sizes have a seat at the decision-making table, empowering them to put forward solutions to the challenges facing the community banking sector."" - Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz

The legislation is supported by the Independent Bankers Association of Texas.

“Congress was intentional in providing a seat for a community banker on the Federal Reserve Board. The Community Bank Representation Act ensures that the seat is given due authority to guide FRB policy when it comes to the oversight of community banks. Thank you to Representative Monica De La Cruz for introducing the Community Bank Representation Act to protect and advance Congress’s intent to give community banks a strong voice in financial regulation.” - Christopher Williston,

President and CEO, Independent Bankers Association of Texas

Background:

The Community Bank Representation Act expands the role of the community bank representative on the Federal Reserve Board (FRB). This legislation authorizes the community bank representative on the FRB to oversee the supervision and regulation of community banks, offer policy recommendations to the FRB, testify twice a year before the Senate Banking Committee and House Financial Services Committee, and consult with the Governor designated by the Chairman of the FRB to serve on the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://doggett.house.gov/media/press-releases/doggett-van-hollen-demand-answers-flexible-foreign-aid-funds,"Doggett, Van Hollen Demand Answers on “Flexible” Foreign Aid Funds",2025-12-12,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,TX,Lloyd Doggett,D000399,doggett.house.gov,doggett,https://doggett.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Contact: Luis Botello Faz

202-494-4620

Washington, D.C.—Today, U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas) and Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Maryland) led colleagues in requesting immediate answers from State Secretary Marco Rubio regarding the Trump Administration’s approach to U.S. foreign assistance. They were joined by 120 House members and 5 Senators. After shuttering USAID and rescinding most of its funding, the Trump Administration had $1.8 billion in remaining appropriated funds to which it has sought a $2.9 billion addition to establish the America First Opportunity Fund for “flexible” foreign aid spending. This would purportedly be used toward vaguely defined initiatives advancing Trump’s “America First” agenda.

“Since the Administration has refused to provide a meaningful explanation as to how these foreign aid funds are being used, we are seeking answers to provide the oversight that this Republican Congress refuses to provide,” said Rep. Doggett. “Taxpayer dollars should not be used as a slush fund to reward Trump's billionaire friends and political allies while pursuing his latest whim. Let’s assure that there really is no waste, fraud, and abuse.”

“President Trump illegally rescinded billions of previously appropriated foreign aid dollars and is currently sitting on nearly $2 billion in unspent funds for foreign assistance, after taking a chainsaw to USAID and our international development architecture. And yet, his Administration has asked Congress for nearly $3 billion more for vaguely defined so-called ‘America First’ initiatives. Given this Administration’s track record and Congress’s power of the purse, we need answers on how they intend to use these taxpayer dollars,” said Senator Chris Van Hollen.

In the letter, the Members wrote, “After the Administration justified its dismantling of USAID to eliminate ‘waste, fraud, and abuse,’ it may be creating an unaccountable foreign aid system highly susceptible to the very corruption it claimed to have addressed…It is critical that Congress maintain effective oversight over the world’s largest foreign aid budget that encompasses vital national security priorities like military assistance, arms agreements, and counterterrorism efforts.” The letter seeks answers regarding the reallocation of USAID funds and the proposed America First Opportunity Fund.

Today’s full letter can be read here.

The letter is cosigned by Cory Booker (NJ), Andy Kim (NJ), Jeff Merkley (OR), Bernard Sanders (VT), Steny Hoyer (MD-05), Joe Neguse (CO-02), Gabe Amo (RI-01), Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Becca Balint (VT-AL), Donald Beyer (VA-08), Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), Suzzane Bonamici (OR-01), Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), André Carson (IN-07), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Troy Carter (LA-02), Greg Casar (TX-35), Sean Casten (IL-06), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Judy Chu (CA-28), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Joe Courtney (CT-02), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Jason Crow (CO-06), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Diana DeGette (CO-01), Christopher Deluzio (PA-17), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), John Garamendi (CA-08), Jesús García (IL-04), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), Al Green (TX-09), Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Steven Horsford (NV-04), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Henry Johnson (GA-04), Julie Johnson (TX-32), William Keating (MA-09), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Greg Landsman (OH-01), Summer Lee (PA-12), Susie Lee (NV-03), Mike Levin (CA-49), Sam Liccardo (CA-16), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), Seth Magaziner (RI-02), John Mannion (NY-22), Doris Matusi (CA-07), Sarah McBride (DL-AL), James McGovern (MA-02), Robert Menendez (NJ-08), Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Dave Min (CA-47), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Joseph Morelle (NY-25), Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Donald Norcross (NJ-01), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Johnny Olszewski (MD-02), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Frank Pallone (NJ-06), Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Nellie Pou (NJ-09), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Emily Randall (WA-06), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Deborah K. Ross (NC-02), Raul Ruiz (CA-25), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Bradley Schneider (IL-10), Kim Schrier (WA-08), Terri Sewell (AL-07), Brad Sherman (CA-32), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Darren Soto (FL-09), Greg Stanton (AZ-04), Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), Thomas R. Suozzi (NY-03), Mark Takano (CA-39), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Bennie Thompson (MS-02), Dina Titus (NV-01), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Derek Tran (CA-45), Juan Vargas (CA-52), Gabe Vazquez (NM-02), Marc A. Veasey (Tx-33), Nydia Velázquez (NY-07), James Eugene Simon Vindman (VA-07), Walkinshaw (VA-11), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Maxine Waters (CA-43), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Nikema Williams (GA-05)

Full text below:

We write regarding the Administration’s actions over U.S. foreign aid, including the State Department’s plans to reallocate nearly $2 billion that Congress had appropriated for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) toward vaguely defined initiatives aimed to advance President Trump’s “America First” agenda. This follows the Administration’s request to establish the $2.9 billion America First Opportunity Fund (A1OF) for “flexible” foreign aid spending in May, despite its appeal that Congress rescind $8.3 billion in previously appropriated foreign aid in June and unilateral cancellation of $5 billion in foreign aid already signed into law in August. Given the Administration’s pledge to eliminate “waste, fraud, and abuse” in U.S. foreign aid, we request more information on the potential transformation of these Congressional budget accounts into multi-billion-dollar funds that your Department has argued “make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous” without providing any further explanation.

The Department’s September 12 notification to Congress outlines that the $1.8 billion previously appropriated for programs implemented by USAID would instead be obligated for State Department-run programs, including countering “Marxist, anti-American regimes” in Latin America, supporting “U.S. immigration priorities” in Africa, and “economic development and conservation work” in Greenland. Meanwhile, the cancellation of at least $19 million in emergency food assistance for famine-stricken Sudan and $27 million to counter deadly infectious disease in the conflict-afflicted Democratic Republic of Congo risks infectious disease outbreaks and global conflict that endanger Americans, running counter to the President’s stated mission.

The President’s FY2026 Budget Request to Congress indicated the A1OF would utilize $2.9 billion to “focus on strategic investments that make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous” and fund “new activities to strengthen America’s national security priorities.” Unlike previous Congressional Budget Justifications, it did not specify what those activities would be nor the amount of funding allocated for each activity. The Administration suggested the A1OF could be used for initiatives as varied as U.S. contributions to the United Nations; international peacekeeping; international security assistance; loan guarantees; global disease outbreaks; or anything else the President deems necessary.

After the Administration justified its dismantling of USAID to eliminate “waste, fraud, and abuse,” it may be creating an unaccountable foreign aid system highly susceptible to the very corruption it claimed to have addressed. Considering our constitutional responsibility to serve as stewards of taxpayer dollars, we request your prompt answers to the following questions by December 30.

Regarding the reallocation of USAID funds:

1. Knowing that the $1.8 billion had to be obligated by September 30, did the Administration have a plan for what specifically to fund before it abruptly cancelled USAID programs in July?

2. Regarding the $1.8 billion obligated by September 30, please provide an itemized list of every country and/or organization that is receiving funding, the amount, and the purpose.

3. What specific activities will be supported by funding dedicated to “[confronting] the Marxist, anti[1]American regimes of Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua”?

4. What specific activities will be supported by funding dedicated to “U.S. immigration priorities” in Africa? Will this include deporting third-country nationals from the United States to African countries?

Regarding the A1OF:

1. Who is the individual responsible for recommending to you any awards?

2. What governs the agreements under the A1OF? Will there be a competitive, open process for making awards? Will these be contracts, grants, or compacts?

3. What policies or procedures are being developed to ensure that A1OF funds will be administered with internal control standards comparable to those in place for foreign assistance programming prior to January 2025?

4. The A1OF proposal references investment funds. How do you classify waste, fraud, or abuse under an investment fund? What are the reporting requirements for these funds?

5. How will A1OF funding be monitored in conflict zones? How and to whom will waste, fraud, or abuse be reported?

6. The A1OF proposal directly references India and Jordan as potential funding recipients. What other countries are being considered, and under what criteria?

7. Are you consulting with local organizations and communities in deciding which projects to fund?

8. If funds are to be invested via private firms, how do you ensure for-profit programs are not advantaged over nonprofit programs?

9. What are the criteria used in awarding funds?

10. What are the branding and marking requirements under the agreements that indicate that funding was provided by the U.S.?

It is critical that Congress maintain effective oversight over the world’s largest foreign aid budget that encompasses vital national security priorities like military assistance, arms agreements, and counterterrorism efforts. We look forward to your prompt responses justifying where, why, and how the Administration intends to spend billions of taxpayer dollars around the world.

###",1,2026-05-13T06:12:22Z,2026-05-13T06:13:52Z
https://gonzales.house.gov/2025/12/rep-tony-gonzales-priorities-in-military-quality-of-life-defense-package-to-become-law,"Rep. Tony Gonzales Priorities in Military Quality of Life, Defense Package To Become Law",2025-12-12,2025,2025-12,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) voted to pass the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in the U.S. House of Representatives. The FY26 NDAA is a must-pass, yearly policy package that outlines the funding provisions for our nation’s defense priorities and military quality of life initiatives.

""As a 20-year Navy veteran, taking care of the men and women in our armed services is a top priority for me. Our servicemembers' quality of life goes hand in hand with military readiness,” said Congressman Tony Gonzales. ""In the NDAA, I worked to ensure the Pentagon implements a pay increase for military families who qualify for the Family Separation Allowance and that conditions at military housing, dining, and medical facilities across our services are evaluated and improved. This bill will soon be heading to the President’s desk to be signed into law—this is a win for our national security priorities and a win for our troops.”

Priorities for TX-23 Military Entities Secured and Passed by Congressman Gonzales:

A permanent NSA Texas in San Antonio

New Basic Military Training classrooms and a dining facility at JBSA-Lackland

A new C-5M age maintenance facility at JBSA-Lackland that will support the Air Force Reserve

Funding for the design of the Army Reserve Center Building at Camp Bullis

Servicemember Quality of Life Initiatives Passed by Congressman Gonzales:

Pay & Allowances:

3.8% pay raise for all servicemembers

Mandates an increase in the Family Separation Allowance pay

Requires a study to improve the calculation of Basic Allowance for Housing to ensure it keeps up with rising rental costs

Health Care & Leave:

Prevents reductions in uninformed healthcare personnel to ensure Military Treatment Facility staffing

Increases access to specialty care by lowering the threshold for travel reimbursement for medical appointments from 100 miles to 75

Child Care:

Extends the Child Care in Your Home Pilot Program through December 31, 2029. This program provides financial assistance to military families to help cover the cost of in-home childcare when on-base options are unavailable or insufficient

Requires an annual review of childcare financial assistance to ensure it maintains pace with growing childcare costs

Mental Health:

Expands mental health services tailored to meet the needs of the Cyber Mission Force

Requires a DoD assessment of mental health staffing levels, appointment wait times, telehealth availability, and improvement plan

Post-Military Occupation Preparedness:

Allows retiring servicemembers to immediately move into careers in the defense industrial base and medical profession

Establishes a pilot program for spouses to ensure a comprehensive transition for military families

Key Priorities in the FY26 NDAA Advanced by Congressman Gonzales:

Fully funds and provides additional authorities to DoD to support DHS border security efforts

Authorizes funding for the Golden Dome, F-47 fighter aircraft, submarines, warships, and autonomous systems

Authorizes funds and creates new authorities to support the defense industrial base, grow defense manufacturing jobs in America, and onshore defense supply chains

Includes new authorities and funding to support efforts to prepare our military for a potential conflict in the Indo-Pacific

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://gonzalez.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-gonzalez-votes-pass-fiscal-year-2026-national-defense,Congressman Gonzalez Votes to Pass Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act,2025-12-12,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,TX,Vicente Gonzalez,G000581,gonzalez.house.gov,gonzalez,https://gonzalez.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Contact: Alexis Torres

Washington, D.C.—Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) released the following statement on voting in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2026, which authorizes $890 billion in discretionary funding for our national defense and 3.8% pay raises for all military personnel. The bill now heads to the Senate before reaching the President’s desk, where it is expected to be signed into law.

Additionally, language from the Congressman’s House-passed amendment in response to the murder of Brownsville native, Seaman Angelina Resendiz, was included in the accompanying NDAA’s Joint Explanatory Statement. It requires the Secretary of Defense to brief Congress within 180 days, detailing the number of service members found deceased in the last five years while on duty and outlining how being designated as “Unauthorized Absence (UA)” or “Absent Without Leave (AWOL)” instead of “Duty-Status Whereabouts Unknown (DUSTWUN)” impacted investigative response times in these cases. Despite early warnings from her colleagues, friends, and family, Seaman Resendiz was missing for nearly two weeks before her body was found in a wooded area near Naval Station Norfolk on June 9, 2025.

“To keep Americans safe and our military strong, Congress has an obligation to annually fund the advancement of our nation’s defense priorities,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “I voted to support well-deserved pay raises for all service members around the globe, including at Naval Air Stations in Kingsville and Corpus Christi. Also included with this bill is a report that contains language I authored in response to the horrific murder of my constituent, Seaman Angelina Resendiz, to increase accountability, transparency and urgency in investigating service members who go missing while on duty. We must do better by the brave men and women who answer the call to serve, and this is an important step towards ensuring no family endures the same pain and uncertainty as the Resendiz family.”

Congressman Gonzalez has led efforts in response to the death of Seaman Resendiz and prevent this from happening to other service members.",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://juliejohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/noem-storms-out-hearing-refuses-answer-johnsons-questions,"Noem Storms Out of Hearing, Refuses to Answer Johnson’s Questions",2025-12-12,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,TX,Julie Johnson,J000310,juliejohnson.house.gov,juliejohnson,https://juliejohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC — As ICE continues detaining American citizens and operating unchecked in cities like Dallas, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stormed out of a House Homeland Security Committee hearing rather than answer Congresswoman Julie Johnson’s questions about ICE’s misconduct and her failure to rein in her own agents.

“ICE is detaining American citizens, operating without accountability, and denying due process rights to people in communities like Dallas, yet Secretary Noem refused to answer even the most basic questions about this unconstitutional misconduct,” said Johnson. “Instead of providing transparency, she walked out of a congressional hearing — abandoning her responsibility to the American people and dodging oversight in real time. The American public is outraged by what the Trump Administration is doing to use violence against American citizens, rip apart families, and terrorize neighborhoods. We deserve a Homeland Security Secretary who will face tough questions and confront abuses of power — not one who runs from the room when accountability comes calling.”

Noem claimed she left the hearing for a scheduled meeting — but subsequent reporting shows that meeting was canceled.

Johnson has been a relentless advocate for accountability from ICE and the Department of Homeland Security, directly challenging Secretary Noem and her department for denying due process and violating constitutional rights. In September, Johnson visited Texas’s Bluebonnet Detention Center, where she witnessed firsthand the treatment of detainees and spoke with individuals being held despite not having committed any crimes.

To watch Johnson’s full remarks during the hearing, click here.

Congresswoman Julie Johnson represents Texas’s 32nd Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives, serving on the Homeland Security Committee, Foreign Affairs Committee, and the House Administration Committee. Her district includes parts of Collin, Dallas, and Denton Counties.",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://mccaul.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/mccaul-discusses-admins-work-secure-air-land-and-sea-worldwide-threats,"McCaul Discusses Admin's Work to Secure Air, Land, and Sea at Worldwide Threats Hearing with Secretary Noem",2025-12-12,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,TX,Michael T. McCaul,M001157,mccaul.house.gov,mccaul,https://mccaul.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) — chairman emeritus and current vice chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security — questioned Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem at a committee hearing titled, ""Worldwide Threats to the Homeland."" McCaul and Noem discussed the administration's efforts to secure our nation's air, land, and sea.

Image

Click to watch

McCaul's exchange with Secretary Noem:

Chairman Emeritus McCaul: Thank you, Mr. Chairman, Madam Secretary, great to see you.

This hearing reminds me of the novel ""A Tale of Two Cities."" The [Democrats] see it as the worst of times, but I see it really as the best of times. And what do I mean by that? Under the Biden administration, 15 to 20 million illegal aliens — unvetted as you indicated — came into this country. What I think is most disturbing is director Kent's testimony: 18,000 known or suspected terrorists got into this country under the Biden administration.

That’s why we impeached Mayorkas. I was one of the managers. He told his Border Patrol [agents]: you don’t have to pay attention to federal law when it says “shall"" detain aggravated felons. He disregards our law and says: you know what? “May detain. It’s discretionary."" And guess what? We have thousands of aggravated felons now … in this country today. That was the worst of times. Let me go to the best of times.

[This is] the most secure border I’ve seen in my 22 years of Congress. I’ve dealt with this for a long time, coming from Texas, being chairman of this committee. The daily crossings are 95% down from the prior administration. That’s the best of times.

Zero catch and release. My very first bill in Congress 22 years ago was to end catch and release. Twenty-two years later, we finally have achieved that goal. That, Madam Secretary, is the best of times. An all-time record low. America is safer today. ...

And when I look at the Venezuelan vessels attacked, the president had every right under the Constitution — Article II — [in] international waters, [with] cartels designated as FTOs, coming into our country to spread poison to kill Americans. If that’s not self-defense, I don’t know what is.

And then finally, Madam Secretary, thank you for taking out the shadow Iranian oil tanker headed from Venezuela to Cuba, getting around our sanctions that Congress passed. I’m finally seeing an administration flexing its muscle in this hemisphere, which has been neglected for so many years.

So air, land, and sea is your charge; it’s the military charge as well. I see the land secure. I see the maritime border as getting more secure. And I applaud you for that.

On the air [security] piece, I chair the special events task force — that’s FIFA, the Olympics, [and] the 250th anniversary. Drones are the biggest threat as I see it. I see it in Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, and I see it across our border, and I see it at these events. ... And with the new NDAA authorization to allow federal and state and locals to work together to identify hostile adversary drones, and take them down, can you tell me how that will impact your ability, Madam Secretary, to better secure these special events?

Secretary Noem: Thank you, Congressman McCaul. And thank you for your leadership. I understand you are retiring, and I’m sad about that. You’ve been a statesman. Thank you for serving with such dignity.

The counter drone and drone technology that is out there today, frankly our authorities haven’t kept up with. And so thank you for that legislation. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to truly defend the homeland. Here at the Department of Homeland Security we are going to be investing upwards to $1.5 billion into drone technology and counter drone technology and mitigation measures that we can deploy, not just across different NSC events or large scale events that we are responsible for the security on, but also that we can use to partner with cities and states for celebrations and different things that they may hold as well. So we have the responsibility at the Department of Homeland Security for FIFA and the 11 cities that will be hosting the matches here in the United States — also the Olympics, the America 250 celebrations, also other national security events that happen such as Mardi Gras and other events that are going on throughout the country.

So this program that we will have will not only work within the events that the department is responsible for, but we will be able to sign agreements with states and cities to provide measures that they don’t currently have. And we’re working with the FAA as well to get what we need to be able to operate. And we don’t want us to detect. We don’t want to just monitor. We need to mitigate. We need to take these drones down. …

Chairman Emeritus McCaul: There is so much technology out there today – counter drone technology that I have been working to get into Ukraine to protect them from Russian drones that we can deploy at these events. I’d love to visit with you on that at a later date. And thank you for your service.

###",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-introduces-bill-to-advance-defense-innovation-artificial-intelligence/,"Cornyn, Cruz Introduce Bill to Advance Defense Innovation & Artificial Intelligence",2025-12-12,2025,2025-12,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) introduced the Growing University AI for Defense (GUARD) Act, which would codify a portion of President Trump’s AI Action Plan and enable the Department of War (DoW) to establish and lead a National Security and Defense AI Institute to advance defense innovation, workforce development, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) readiness:

“Our Senior Military Colleges already excel at preparing the next generation in warfighting capabilities, and now is the time to build on that success by answering President Trump’s call to create a hub for AI research, development, and talent acquisition at one of these prestigious institutions,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This legislation would empower the Department of War to establish and lead a cutting-edge AI Institute so we can streamline integration of emerging technologies in our defense sector and maintain America’s decision-making advantage over foreign adversaries.”

“The Chinese Communist Party poses the most significant national security risk to the United States over the next century, and allowing the CCP to win the race to AI would be catastrophic for American interests. Winning that race requires developing a skilled AI workforce here in the United States, which in turn requires teaching core AI skills to students and strengthening U.S.-oriented AI capabilities. This legislation will deepen those efforts by expanding AI research and talent development at our senior military colleges and DoW research universities. I’m proud to join Sen. Cornyn in this effort and urge our colleagues to advance it expeditiously,” said Sen. Cruz.

Congressman Ronny Jackson (TX-13) is leading companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives, which passed earlier this week as part of the National Defense Authorization Act.

Background:

Under the first Trump administration, Congress passed the National AI Initiative, which authorized $500 million to develop new AI institutes. Building on these efforts, President Trump released an AI Action Plan in 2025 that included a renewed focus on developing AI talent for the Department of War (DoW), specifically calling to “Grow our Senior Military Colleges into hubs of AI research, development, and talent building, teaching core AI skills and literacy to future generations. Foster AI-specific curriculum, including in AI use, development, and infrastructure management, in the Senior Military Colleges throughout majors.”

Sen. Cornyn’s legislation would codify this provision in President Trump’s AI Action Plan by enabling the DoW to establish and lead a National Security and Defense AI Institute at a Senior Military College (SMC) in the United States.

The new AI Institute would bridge academic and government industry divides to streamline integration of advanced technologies for defense systems and intelligence services responses. Specifically, the National Security AI Institute will host testbeds for defense-related AI data management, reliable AI, and AI readiness that give the United States an enduring decision-making advantage. Senior Military Colleges play a central role in developing a skilled workforce capable of implementing these emerging technologies to strengthen national security and defense capabilities.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.cruz.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cruz-cornyn-introduce-legislation-to-advance-defense-innovation-and-artificial-intelligence,"Sens. Cruz, Cornyn Introduce Legislation to Advance Defense Innovation and Artificial Intelligence",2025-12-12,2025,2025-12,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. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) introduced the Growing University AI for Defense (GUARD) Act. The bill would codify a portion of President Trump’s AI Action Plan and enable the Department of War (DoW) to establish and lead a National Security and Defense AI Institute to advance defense innovation, workforce development, and artificial intelligence (AI) readiness.

Sen Cruz said, “The Chinese Communist Party poses the most significant national security risk to the United States over the next century, and allowing the CCP to win the race to AI would be catastrophic for American interests. Winning that race requires developing a skilled AI workforce here in the United States, which in turn requires teaching core AI skills to students and strengthening U.S.-oriented AI capabilities. This legislation will deepen those efforts by expanding AI research and talent development at our senior military colleges and DoW research universities. I’m proud to join Sen. Cornyn in this effort and urge our colleagues to advance it expeditiously.”

Sen Cornyn said, “Our Senior Military Colleges already excel at preparing the next generation in warfighting capabilities, and now is the time to build on that success by answering President Trump’s call to create a hub for AI research, development, and talent acquisition at one of these prestigious institutions. This legislation would empower the Department of War to establish and lead a cutting-edge AI Institute so we can streamline integration of emerging technologies in our defense sector and maintain America’s decision-making advantage over foreign adversaries.”

Congressman Ronny Jackson (R-Texas-13) is leading companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives, which passed earlier this week as part of the National Defense Authorization Act.

BACKGROUND

Under the first Trump administration, Congress passed the National AI Initiative, which authorized $500 million to develop new AI institutes.

Building on these efforts, President Trump released an AI Action Plan in 2025 that included a renewed focus on developing AI talent for the Department of War (DoW), specifically calling to “Grow our Senior Military Colleges into hubs of AI research, development, and talent building, teaching core AI skills and literacy to future generations. Foster AI-specific curriculum, including in AI use, development, and infrastructure management, in the Senior Military Colleges throughout majors.”

The new AI Institute would bridge academia, government, and industry, enabling faster and more effective integration of advanced AI technologies into defense systems and intelligence operations. The National Security AI Institute would host testbeds focused on defense-related AI data management, reliable and trustworthy AI, and operational AI readiness. These efforts would provide the United States with a decision-making advantage. Senior Military Colleges would play a central role by preparing a skilled workforce capable of deploying and maintaining these technologies in support of national security and defense missions.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.cruz.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sen-cruz-files-amicus-brief-defending-second-amendment-pushes-for-interstate-recognition-of-firearm-permits,"Sen. Cruz Files Amicus Brief Defending Second Amendment, Pushes for Interstate Recognition of Firearm Permits",2025-12-12,2025,2025-12,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), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Federal Courts, Oversight, Agency Action, and Federal Rights, filed an amicus brief urging the Supreme Court to grant certiorari in Gardner v. Maryland. The brief advocates for expanding reciprocity for interstate firearm permit holders in keeping with the Second Amendment.

Excerpts from the amicus brief are below, and the full text of the brief can be viewed here.

“If the Second Amendment means anything, it must protect Americans who act in lawful self-defense while simply traveling on the public roads of the United States.

“This case presents an enormously important Second Amendment question about the self-defense rights of interstate travelers, one that has been given short shrift by federal and state courts. The right to self-defense means little if it ends a short distance from your door.

“The United States has long recognized the need to exempt travelers from gun control laws. The need for an exemption could not be clearer than for permitting schemes like Maryland’s that are outside the American historical tradition. This Court should reaffirm the analysis it required in Bruen and restore the right of the People to self-defense in interstate travel.”

Sen. Cruz was joined in filing the amicus brief by Sens. Jim Justice (R-W.V.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Rand Paul (R-Ky.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Ashley Moody (R-Fla.), and Ted Budd (R-N.C.).

BACKGROUND

In January 2021, Eva Marie Gardner, a Virginian with a valid concealed-carry permit, was driving through Maryland to her mother’s home in Pennsylvania when another driver rammed her car twice and forced her off the highway using a PIT maneuver. The driver approached Gardner’s vehicle, putting Gardner in fear of an imminent attack, and in response she displayed her handgun in an attempt to make him back away. When police arrived, they released the aggressor and arrested Gardner for possessing a loaded handgun in Maryland without a Maryland permit. The court rejected her self-defense and Second Amendment arguments and convicted her under Maryland law.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.cruz.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sens-cruz-kennedy-colleagues-introduce-pure-act,"Sens. Cruz, Kennedy, Colleagues Introduce PURE Act",2025-12-12,2025,2025-12,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. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), John Kenned (R-La.), and colleagues introduced the Preventing Unnecessary Resource Expenditures (PURE) Act. The legislation gives law enforcement stronger, cleaner tools to combat meth trafficking by eliminating the obsolete legal distinction between pure and impure methamphetamine.

Upon introduction, Sen. Cruz said, “The distinction between pure and impure methamphetamine complicates enforcement and hampers justice. The PURE Act updates outdated rules so our criminal laws reflect modern science, strengthens the ability of law enforcement to pursue drug traffickers, and ensures the American legal system remains fair and clear. I am proud to join Senator Kennedy in introducing this legislation.”

Sen. Kennedy said, “Meth addiction is tearing families apart in Louisiana and across America. Our law enforcement officers should be able to fight this poison without having to jump through pointless, burdensome and expensive hoops. The PURE Act scraps outdated rules that waste precious time, burn through millions of taxpayer dollars and keep our communities less safe. I urge my colleagues to support this common-sense measure—it’s long overdue.”

This legislation was cosponsored by Sens. Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.).

Sen. Hagerty said, “The drug overdose epidemic is devastating communities across the United States. The PURE Act closes an antiquated loophole that burdens drug testing laboratories and delays justice. I’m pleased to support this effort to empower our prosecutors and hold methamphetamine dealers accountable.”

Sen. Graham said, “It should be easier for law enforcement to go after the people who bring dangerous drugs like meth into our communities – not harder. Meth is responsible for the destruction of countless lives, families and entire communities across the country, and it contributes to numerous other crimes. This legislation removes outdated standards and empowers law enforcement to adequately hold meth traffickers accountable. I’m glad to work with Senators Kennedy, Cruz and Hagerty on this necessary bill.”

Read the bill text here.

BACKGROUND

The PURE Act would:

Create a single, straightforward legal standard for methamphetamine—“meth mixture”—instead of separate standards for pure and impure meth.

Eliminate an outdated rule that wastes law enforcement resources and slows down prosecutions.

Ensure equal treatment under the law by removing a distinction that no longer reflects the reality of modern meth trafficking and replaces it with one standard that reflects the danger meth poses.

Reduce the burden on prosecutors and crime labs, freeing them to focus on building cases and protecting our communities.

The PURE Act brings federal law in line with today’s drug trafficking landscape, cuts unnecessary bureaucracy and strengthens law enforcement’s ability to take dangerous drug dealers off the streets.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-al-green-issues-statement-members-vote-table-impeachment,Congressman Al Green Issues Statement on Members Vote to Table Impeachment Resolution - H.Res.939,2025-12-11,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,TX,Al Green,G000553,algreen.house.gov,algreen,https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"(Washington, DC)—On Wednesday, December 11, 2025, Congressman Al Green issued the following statement regarding H.Res.939, a privileged resolution calling for the impeachment of President Donald J. Trump. After consideration, the House voted 237-140 to table the measure, with 47 members voting “present.” A copy of the members’ votes is accessible by clicking here. See Congressman Green’s response below:

Congressman Al Green stated, “Donald John Trump’s pattern of threatening rhetoric, disregard for democratic norms, and harmful behavior towards lawmakers and federal judges cannot be ignored. Today’s vote reflects the reservations Members of Congress have about Donald John Trump’s conduct and the danger it poses to our nation. While the House ultimately voted to table my impeachment resolution, the diversity of support for this impeachment includes ranking members of full committees, subcommittees, and persons from different political caucuses. This should send a powerful message to President Trump. He should understand now that targeting people is not only harmful to the people he targets, but also harmful to the continuation of his presidency.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-congressman-al-green-calls-vote-impeach-donald-john-trump,ICYMI: Congressman Al Green Calls for a Vote to Impeach Donald John Trump,2025-12-11,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,TX,Al Green,G000553,algreen.house.gov,algreen,https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Congressman Al Green made a promise and commitment to bring a vote to the floor of the House of Representatives to impeach Donald John Trump before the Christmas break. He is true to his word, and until the vote is taken, he will stage a sit-in by taking the same seat he had on the floor of the House of Representatives during the Joint Session of Congress when he told Donald Trump that he didn’t have a mandate to cut Medicaid, Medicare, or Social Security.

He will explain more about this impeachment effort during the 10 o’clock hour EST today on C-SPAN.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://arrington.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4241,"Arrington Celebrates Passage of Defense Bill, Secures Record Funding for Dyess Air Force Base",2025-12-11,2025,2025-12,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) celebrated final passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which provides $900.6 billion to strengthen America’s military and advance President Trump’s national security priorities, while securing $120 million for Dyess Air Force Base – the largest authorized investment in the history of the base.

“The first and most important job of the federal government is to provide for the common defense, and this year's National Defense Authorization Act provides the resources and support our military needs to do just that. This legislation advances President Trump’s Peace Through Strength doctrine by investing in our warfighters, reinforcing merit and accountability at the Pentagon, and restoring focus on lethality — not left-wing woke ideology.

“This legislation also delivers major wins for Dyess Air Force Base and the Big Country, including $102.7 million for new B-21 Mission Planning Facilities, $12.8 million in critical utilities and site improvements, $4.5 million to begin long-overdue gate repairs for base security, an extension of the B-1 through 2030, support for the C-130J fleet, and critical investments in the next generation of airpower to keep Dyess the tip of the spear of America’s air arsenal.

“This represents the largest authorized investment in the history of Dyess Air Force Base - a testament to its enduring role in service to our country and the brave men and women who embody the best of West Texas as they stand ready every day to defend us.” – Chairman Jodey Arrington.

Delivering for Dyess Air Force Base

The FY26 NDAA provides $120 million for Dyess Air Force Base – the largest investment in its history and over four times last year’s amount.

$102.7M for B-21 Mission Planning Facilities;

$12.8M for B-21 Utilities & Site Improvements;

$4.5M in Gate Repairs;

B-1 Lancer fleet extension through September 30, 2030; and

Critical support for the C-130J program

Codifying President Trump’s Executive Actions

The FY26 NDAA carries out President Trump’s commitment to rebuild American strength and deter aggression by codifying all or parts of 15 major executive actions, including:

Restoring America's Fighting Force (EO 14185)

Ending Radical and Wasteful DEI Programs (EO 14151)

Declaring a National Emergency at the Southern Border (Proclamation 10886)

Securing Our Borders (EO 14165)

Clarifying the Military's Role in Defending U.S. Territorial Integrity (EO 14167)

Modernizing Defense Acquisitions & Spurring Innovation (EO 14265)

Building the Golden Dome for America (EO 14186)

Deploying Advanced Nuclear Reactor Technologies for National Security (EO 14299)

Restoring American Airspace Sovereignty (EO 14305)

Unleashing American Drone Dominance (EO 14307)

The bill also codifies 30 key legislative proposals requested by the Trump Administration, including:

Eliminating statutory DEI provisions in the Department of War (DoW)

Revising national missile defense policy to align with the Golden Dome for America

Extending expiring bonus and special pay authorities

Expanding joint counterterrorism and counter–transnational organized crime authorities

Providing DoW support to protect U.S. airspace, maritime domain, and territory

Extending authorities to assist partners combating ISIS in Iraq and Syria

America First Wins

The FY26 NDAA delivers major conservative victories that restore mission focus:

Ends wokeness and DEI by eliminating programs, offices, and training across DoW.

Secures the border by expanding DoW support for DHS operations, National Guard deployments, and National Defense Areas.

Improves quality of life for servicemembers: Delivers a 3.8% pay raise and better housing, food, health care, and childcare.

Revitalizes the defense industrial base: Grows U.S. defense manufacturing jobs, onshore critical supply chains, and expands surge capacity.

Ensures allies pay their fair share: Adds new tools to push allies to shoulder more of their own defense costs.

Keeps terrorists locked up at Guantanamo: Extends the prohibition on closing the GITMO detention facility and blocks the transfer of terrorists to Afghanistan or any state sponsor of terrorism.

Counters global threats: Strengthens counterterrorism tools, deters China in the Indo-Pacific, and ensures allies contribute more to collective defense.

Budget Savings & Reforms

The FY26 NDAA authorizes $900.6 billion in national defense spending — while saving nearly $20 billion through targeted reforms:

$40.5 million from eliminating DEI activities

$6.8 billion from reductions in unnecessary Pentagon bureaucracy

$5.5 billion in cuts to consulting and service contracts

$3.7 billion in cuts to inefficient defense programs

$1.6 billion in cuts to climate change-related spending

$1.2 billion from retiring obsolete aircraft and ships

The NDAA also advances President Trump’s civil service reforms by modernizing the DoW civilian workforce, promoting skills-based hiring and performance-based advancement, and cutting wasteful red tape.

Ready, Capable, And Lethal Fighting Force

The FY26 NDAA ensures the U.S. military remains ready, capable, and lethal by:

Improving maintenance and spare-parts readiness for key systems like the F-35 and Navy ships.

Preserving critical platforms while accelerating next-generation aircraft, ships, vehicles, and munitions.

Authorizing major investments in shipbuilding, aircraft, munitions, and emerging technologies.

Modernizing the nuclear triad and strengthening missile defense and space capabilities.

Prioritizing innovation in AI, cyber, quantum, hypersonic, and biotechnology to keep America ahead of China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://crenshaw.house.gov/2025/12/rep-crenshaw-introduces-commonsense-bill-to-provide-regulatory-certainty-for-advanced-recycling-technologies,Rep. Crenshaw Introduces Common Sense Bill to Provide Regulatory Certainty for Advanced Recycling Technologies,2025-12-11,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,TX,Dan Crenshaw,C001120,crenshaw.house.gov,crenshaw,https://crenshaw.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, Congressman Dan Crenshaw (R-TX), along with Congressman Gary Palmer (R-AL), introduced the Recycling Technology Innovation Act, critical legislation that finally provides the regulatory clarity needed to unlock innovation in America’s plastics recycling sector and strengthen domestic manufacturing.

Advanced recycling technologies take plastic waste and break it down into its original molecular building blocks—materials that can be used again and again to create new products. These technologies are already operating successfully in states across the country, but inconsistent federal regulations have created uncertainty that deters investment and slows progress.

“Our problem isn’t plastics—it’s plastic waste,” said Crenshaw. “If we want cleaner communities, stronger supply chains, and real environmental gains, then we should be empowering the innovators who are turning waste into value. This legislation does exactly that. It provides common sense regulatory certainty manufacturers need and supports an industry critical to the Houston area's economy and workforce. Instead of chasing headlines or demonizing entire industries, we’re solving a real problem with a real policy solution that benefits workers, families, and the environment.""

Currently, vague and inconsistent interpretations of the Clean Air Act have left companies guessing about how advanced recycling will be regulated—a barrier to long-term planning and large-scale investment. The Recycling Technology Innovation Act solves this problem by ensuring these technologies are regulated appropriately as manufacturing units, not as waste incinerators, aligning federal policy with the 25 states that already regulate advanced recycling accordingly.

“Advanced recycling is good for the environment and good for the economy,” Crenshaw continued. “It keeps plastic waste out of landfills and out of our communities. It strengthens American manufacturing. And it helps ensure that places like Houston—home to one of the nation’s largest plastics and chemical manufacturing hubs—remain at the forefront of U.S. energy and industrial innovation.”

By providing a stable regulatory foundation, the bill will help the plastics and recycling industries plan production, build new U.S. facilities, and keep goods flowing through the supply chain without unnecessary delays. The result: more jobs, more investment, less waste, and a more competitive American manufacturing base.

Background:

Advanced recycling converts used plastics into feedstocks that can be used repeatedly in manufacturing, keeping valuable materials in the economy and out of landfills. The Recycling Technology Innovation Act aligns federal policy with the majority of states that treat these technologies as manufacturing, offering long-needed clarity to innovators and investors.",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=411835,Rep. Cuellar Votes to Advance the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act,2025-12-11,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,cuellar,https://cuellar.house.gov/news,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28), a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee and the Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, released the following statement after voting for the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):

“I voted for legislation that strengthens our national defense while delivering real support for the men and women who serve. The FY26 NDAA includes a wide range of provisions to support servicemembers, Department of Defense (DoD) civilian workers, and their families by authorizing a 3.8 percent pay increase, expanding access to childcare, and improving military housing and health care. These investments help our troops and their families stay healthy, stable, and mission ready. I will continue working to secure a bipartisan agreement that honors their service and delivers responsible defense policy for our country.”

The FY26 NDAA also advances several of the Congressman's Texas and border security priorities.

“The bill provides an extension of authority for DoD to support civilian law enforcement on counterterrorism and counterdrug activities. This extension allows our law enforcement partners to better protect South Texas. I will keep working to advance these priorities because military families deserve our full support.”

###

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

Sign up to receive Dr. Cuellar’s Email Newsletters

Click here for Dr. Cuellar's Facebook, X, or YouTube Channel

El Representante Cuellar Vota a Favor de Avanzar la Ley de Autorización de Defensa Nacional para el Año Fiscal 2026

Washington, D.C. – Hoy, el Congresista estadounidense Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28), miembro destacado del Comité de Asignaciones de la Cámara de Representantes y del Subcomité de Asignaciones para la Defensa, ha publicado la siguiente declaración tras votar a favor de la Ley de Autorización de Defensa Nacional (NDAA) para el año fiscal 2026:

“Voté a favor de una legislación que refuerza nuestra defensa nacional y, al mismo tiempo, brinda un apoyo real a los hombres y mujeres que prestan servicio. La NDAA para el año fiscal 2026 incluye una amplia gama de disposiciones para apoyar a los miembros del servicio, a los trabajadores civiles del Departamento de Defensa (DoD) y a sus familias , autorizando un aumento salarial del 3,8 %, ampliando el acceso a los servicios de guardería y mejorando las viviendas y la atención médica de los militares. Estas inversiones ayudan a nuestras tropa y a sus familias a mantenerse sanas, estables y preparadas para la misión. Seguiré trabajando para garantizar un acuerdo bipartidista que honre su servicio y ofrezca una política de defensa responsable para nuestro país.”

La FY26 NDAA también promueve varias de las prioridades del congresista en materia de seguridad fronteriza y de Texas.

“El proyecto de ley prevé una ampliación de las competencias del Departamento de Defensa para apoyar a las fuerzas del orden civiles en actividades de lucha contra el terrorismo y el narcotráfico. Esta ampliación permite a nuestros socios de las fuerzas del orden proteger mejor el sur de Texas. Seguiré trabajando para impulsar estas prioridades, porque las familias de los militares merecen todo nuestro apoyo.”

###

El congresista Henry Cuellar es miembro del Comité de Asignaciones de la Cámara de Representantes de Estados Unidos. Anteriormente, fue Representante del Estado de Texas y Secretario de Estado de Texas.",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=411836,Congressman Cuellar Helps Advance Protect America’s Workforce Act,2025-12-11,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,cuellar,https://cuellar.house.gov/news,scraper,"U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28), announced today that he voted yes on the bipartisan Protect America’s Workforce Act (PAWA) after signing the successful discharge petition that forced the bill onto the House floor. PAWA, authored by Rep. Jared Golden (ME-2) and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1), repeals an executive order that stripped union rights from roughly one million federal employees. The House passed PAWA by a bipartisan vote of 231 to 195. Twenty Republicans joined all Democrats to advance the bill.

“I supported this bill, and the original discharge petition, because federal workers deserve commonsense workplace protections,” said Dr. Cuellar. “These men and women show up every day to serve the American people. Their collective bargaining rights are essential to ensuring they have a voice on the job and protection from outside interference. I want to thank Representatives Golden and Fitzpatrick for their leadership in bringing this bill to the floor and building a bipartisan coalition to move it forward.”

The Protect America’s Workforce Act repeals a presidential executive order that sought to eliminate collective bargaining at key federal agencies, including the Departments of Defense, State, Veterans Affairs, Justice, and Energy. Many of the affected federal workers are veterans, and all are already limited in what they can bargain over under existing law.

PAWA ensures that current union contracts remain honored and reinstates fundamental protections for the workforce that keeps the federal government running. “My message is clear – stand with workers and strengthen our middle class,” Dr. Cuellar added. “I will continue working across the aisle to protect the people who serve our nation and keep our government functioning every day.”

###

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

Sign up to receive Dr. Cuellar’s Email Newsletters",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z