Thursday - November 28, 2024
U.S. Congressional Tipoffs Involving Texas Newsletter for Sunday June 25, 2023 ( 86 items )  

Allred Announces $25 Million Federal Grant to DART to Fund Trail Construction Along Silver Line
WASHINGTON, June 24 -- Rep. Colin Allred, D-Texas, issued the following news release on June 23, 2023: Congressman Colin Allred (TX-32), a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, today announced that DART would receive a $25 million RAISE Grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation. The project will fund the construction of approximately 5.2 miles of shared-use trail including safety treatments, which will be built from Meandering Way in Dallas to Shiloh Road in Plano an  more

At Nominations Hearing, Sen. Cruz Blasts FCC Actions on Standard-General-TEGNA Deal, Calls Out Fraud-Risk in Affordable Connectivity Program
WASHINGTON, June 24 -- Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, ranking member of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, issued the following news release on June 22, 2023: In his opening statement at today's committee hearing to consider nominations for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Ranking Member Ted Cruz (R-Texas) criticized several recent FCC's recent actions, including its unfair quashing of the Standard-General-TEGNA transaction and its failure to safeguard the taxpayer-  more

Burgess Manages Rule Debate
WASHINGTON, June 22 -- Rep. Michael Burgess, R-Texas, issued the following remarks on June 21, 2023: * * * Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), Vice Chairman of the House Rules Committee, delivered the following remarks while managing the Rule Debate for H.R. 3799, H.R. 3564, and H. Res. 461. * * * As prepared for delivery: Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the rule and underlying bills. Today, the Republican Majority continues its long process of reversing the damages inflict  more

Burgess Votes for Middle Class Families
WASHINGTON, June 24 -- Rep. Michael Burgess, R-Texas, issued the following statement on June 23, 2023: * * * Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), Vice Chairman of the House Rules Committee, released the following statement after voting in support of H.R. 3564 - the Middle Class Borrower Protection Act of 2023. "Here we go again," said Burgess. "This administration conjured up another foolhardy plan to cheat hardworking Americans from the opportunity to own their home. "The Federal Ho  more

Burgess Works to Provide CHOICE to Small Businesses
WASHINGTON, June 24 -- Rep. Michael Burgess, R-Texas, issued the following statement on June 23, 2023: * * * Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), Vice Chairman of the House Rules Committee, released the following statement after voting in support of H.R. 3799 - the CHOICE Arrangement Act. This legislation will allow America's small businesses to provide their employees with high-quality and affordable health care insurance coverage. "Our economy rests on the backs of American small bu  more

Castro, Jayapal, Booker, Hirono, and Durbin Lead 80 House and Senate Democrats in Push to Extend ACA Eligibility to DACA Recipients
WASHINGTON, June 24 -- Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-Texas, issued the following news release and letter on June 23, 2023: Today, Representatives Joaquin Castro (TX-20) and Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and Senators Cory Booker (NJ), Mazie Hirono (HI) and Dick Durbin (IL) led 80 House and Senate Democrats in a comment letter expressing support for the Biden administration's proposed rule to extend eligibility for ACA coverage and certain other federal health insurance programs to recipients of the Deferred   more

Castro, Meeks, McGovern, Lee Lead Key Democrats Calling on the Biden Administration to Prioritize Constructive Engagement With Venezuela
WASHINGTON, June 23 -- Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-Texas, issued the following news release on June 22, 2023, and a letter: Today, Reps. Joaquin Castro (TX-20), ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05), ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, James P. McGovern (MA-02), ranking member of the House Rules Committee, and Barbara Lee (CA-12), ranking member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operati  more

Chairman Arrington Delivers Opening Statement at Hearing on Growth and Taxes
WASHINGTON, June 23 -- Rep. Jodey Arrington, R-Texas, issued the following opening statement on June 22, 2023: * * * Today, House Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) delivered the following remarks at a hearing entitled, "Reigniting American Growth and Prosperity: Incentivising Economic Excellence Through Tax Policy." To watch the full remarks, click here. "This hearing is the second in a series on growth entitled, 'Incentivising Economic Excellence Through Tax Policy.' "Econom  more

Chairman Williams and Rep. Ellzey Issue Statements Following the Passage of H.R. 1606, the Veteran Entrepreneurship Training Act
WASHINGTON, June 21 -- Rep. Roger Williams, R-Texas, issued the following statement on June 20, 2023: * * * Today, Chairman Roger Williams (R-TX) and Congressman Jake Ellzey (R-TX) released the following statements on the passage of H.R. 1606, the Veteran Entrepreneurship Training Act. "After dedicating their lives to protect the freedom of all Americans, our veterans deserve access to the tools and resources to be successful when transitioning to civilian life," said Chairman Williams. "Toda  more

Committee Approves FY 2024 Defense Bill
WASHINGTON, June 23 -- Rep. Kay Granger, R-Texas, chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee, issued the following news release: The Full Committee met to consider the Fiscal Year 2024 bill for the Defense Subcommittee. The measure was approved by the Committee with a vote of 34 to 24. The Defense bill funds agencies and programs under the jurisdiction of the Department of Defense (DOD) and Intelligence Community, including the Military Services, Central Intelligence Agency, and the Nat  more

Committee Approves FY 2024 Energy & Water Development, Related Agencies Bill
WASHINGTON, June 23 -- Rep. Kay Granger, R-Texas, chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee, issued the following news release: The Full Committee met to consider the Fiscal Year 2024 bill for the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Subcommittee. The measure was approved by the Committee with a vote of 34 to 24. The Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies bill provides $57.958 billion in discretionary spending, which is $1.963 billion below the FY24 President's B  more

Committee Approves FY 2024 Homeland Security Bill
WASHINGTON, June 22 -- Rep. Kay Granger, R-Texas, chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee, issued the following news release: The Full Committee met to consider the Fiscal Year 2024 bill for the Homeland Security Subcommittee. The measure was approved by the Committee with a vote of 33 to 25. The Homeland Security bill includes $91.515 billion in total discretionary appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security, including $62.793 billion within the bill's allocation, $5.837   more

Committee Approves FY 2024 Legislative Branch Bill
WASHINGTON, June 22 -- Rep. Kay Granger, R-Texas, chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee, issued the following news release: The Full Committee met to consider the Fiscal Year 2024 bill for the Legislative Branch Subcommittee. The measure was approved by the Committee with a vote of 33 to 24. The Legislative Branch bill includes $5.302 billion in discretionary appropriations to fund the offices of the House of Representatives and joint legislative branch items, a decrease of $262.9 m  more

Committee on Small Business Announces July Hearing Schedule
WASHINGTON, June 22 -- Rep. Roger Williams, R-Texas, chairman of the House Small Business Committee, issued the following news release: The House Committee on Small Business announced its July hearing schedule. Full Committee Hearing - "Pandemic Fraud Accountability: Reviewing the SBA Inspector General's COVID-19 Fraud Report" * Date & Time: Thursday, July 13th, 2023, at 2:00 P.M. EDT * Location: Hearing Room, 2360 Rayburn House Office Building Full Committee Markup * Date & Time: Tuesday,  more

Committee Releases FY 2024 Financial Services & General Government Appropriations Bill
WASHINGTON, June 22 -- Rep. Kay Granger, R-Texas, chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee, issued the following news release on June 21, 2023: The House Appropriations Committee released the Fiscal Year 2024 bill for the Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee. The bill will be considered tomorrow, June 22nd at 8:30 a.m. The markup will be live-streamed and can be found on the Committee's website. The Financial Services and General Government bill provides a non-defense  more

Committee Releases FY 2024 State, Foreign Operations & Related Programs Appropriations Bill
WASHINGTON, June 23 -- Rep. Kay Granger, R-Texas, chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee, issued the following news release on June 22, 2023: The House Appropriations Committee released the Fiscal Year 2024 bill for the State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Subcommittee. The bill will be considered tomorrow, June 23rd at 10:30 a.m. The markup will be live-streamed and can be found on the Committee's website. The State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs bill provides   more

Congressman Ellzey Statement on Defense Appropriations Bill
WASHINGTON, June 23 -- Rep. Jake Ellzey, R-Texas, issued the following statement on June 22, 2023: * * * The Fiscal Year 2024 Defense Appropriations bill funds agencies and programs under the jurisdiction of the Department of Defense (DOD) and Intelligence Community, including the Military Services, Central Intelligence Agency, and the National Security Agency. For Fiscal Year 2024, which begins October 1, the bill provides $826.45 billion in new discretionary spending, which is $285.87 millio  more

Congressman Gonzalez Announces $8.9 Million in Federal Funding for Harlingen and McAllen Airports
WASHINGTON, June 22 -- Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, D-Texas, issued the following news release on June 21, 2023: Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has awarded $8.9 million in funding to two Rio Grande Valley airports for general improvements via the agency's Airport Improvement Program. "As our region continues to grow, it is crucial that our airports' infrastructure is able to meet the demands of increased travel over the next few d  more

Congressman Gonzalez Joins Letter to Protect South Texas Letter Carriers From Extreme Heat
WASHINGTON, June 21 -- Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, D-Texas, issued the following news release on June 20, 2023: Last week, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) joined Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) and fellow South Texans in signing a bipartisan letter to Postmaster Louis DeJoy requesting that South Texas be prioritized for the delivery of the next generation of United States Postal Service (USPS) trucks. "South Texas letter carriers work long hours and brave severe weather conditions to ensure   more

Congressman Luttrell Notches Wins in FY24 NDAA Markup
WASHINGTON, June 23 -- Rep. Morgan Luttrell, R-Texas, issued the following news release: Congressman Morgan Luttrell (R-TX) scored several key wins in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), including top priorities. The NDAA, which is an annual congressional bill giving guidance on the policies and funding of defense agencies, now heads to the House floor for a vote by the full U.S. House of Representatives. "The Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act boosts defense spendi  more

CONGRESSMAN MARC VEASEY ADVANCES NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024
WASHINGTON, June 23 -- Rep. Marc Veasey, D-Texas, issued the following news release: Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33) and his House Armed Services Committee (HASC) colleagues successfully advanced H.R. 2670, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024, out of committee late last night. This comprehensive legislative package includes crucial provisions supporting foreign relations, enhancing oversight of the Department of Defense, and generating employment opportunities for  more

Congressman Moran on the Wrongful Investigation of the 2016 Trump Campaign
WASHINGTON, June 24 -- Rep. Nathaniel Moran, R-Texas, issued the following statement on June 23, 2023: * * * Congressman Nathaniel Moran (TX-01) released the following statement after the House Judiciary Committee's hearing on the Durham Report, which revealed the Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) politically motivated investigation into President Trump's 2016 campaign: "The FBI has a duty to serve and protect the American people by conducting thorough investigations with due process, a  more

Congressman Moran's Bill to End Uyghur Forced Labor Passes Foreign Affairs Committee
WASHINGTON, June 22 -- Rep. Nathaniel Moran, R-Texas, issued the following statement on June 21, 2023: * * * Congressman Nathaniel Moran (TX-01) released the following statement after his legislation, No Dollars to Uyghur Forced Labor, was passed by the House Foreign Affairs Committee: "The Chinese Communist Party's blatant disregard of human rights and cruel enslavement of the Uyghur people in the Xinjiang region of China is detestable. The United States must not be complicit in funding proj  more

Congressman Pat Fallon Sends Letters to Armed Services Demanding Halt to COVID-19 Related Discharge Signing Bonus Repayment
WASHINGTON, June 21 -- Rep. Pat Fallon, R-Texas, issued the following news release on June 20, 2023: Congressman Pat Fallon (TX-04) along with nine fellow House Republicans sent follow-up letters today to the Secretaries of the U.S. Army, Navy and Air Force demanding that they halt their policy of forcing U.S. servicemembers who were discharged for their refusal to take the COVID-19 vaccine to repay their signing bonuses. These letters were reported on by the Daily Caller earlier today. These   more

Congresswoman Escobar Votes to Advance the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act
WASHINGTON, June 23 -- Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-Texas, issued the following news release: Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) and her House Armed Services Committee (HASC) colleagues advanced out of committee H.R. 2670, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024. "This year's National Defense Authorization Act is a bill that puts America above our adversaries around the world," said Congresswoman Escobar. "Despite stark differences between our parties, the spirit of   more

Congresswoman Escobar, Lead Sponsors of the Women's Health Protection Act Announce Effort to Force a House Vote to Protect Abortion Rights
WASHINGTON, June 22 -- Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-Texas, issued the following news release on June 21, 2023: Today, the lead sponsors of the Women's Health Protection Act (WHPA) Rep. Judy Chu, Rep. Lois Frankel, Chair of the Democratic Women's Caucus (DWC), Rep. Ayanna Pressley, and Rep. Veronica Escobar released the following statements on the discharge petition filed by House Democrats. The discharge petition, which was filed this morning, would force a vote on WHPA--even if Speaker McCarthy ob  more

Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher, Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland, and Congresswoman Cori Bush Reintroduce Bill To Assist Travel for Abortion Care
WASHINGTON, June 23 -- Rep. Lizzie Fletcher, D-Texas, issued the following news release on June 22, 2023: Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), and Congresswoman Cori Bush (MO-01) reintroduced the Reproductive Health Travel Fund Act to establish a grant program to help ease the financial burden of women and families being forced to travel, sometimes long distances, to access abortion care. The reintroduction comes as abortion is now banned in 16  more

CONGRESSWOMAN SYLVIA GARCIA ANNOUNCES $545,000 IN FEDERAL FUNDING TO THE ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF MEXICAN AMERICANS, INC.
WASHINGTON, June 23 -- Rep. Sylvia Garcia, D-Texas, issued the following news release: Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (TX-29) announces $545,000 to the Houston-based Association for the Advancement of Mexican Americans, Inc. for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Projects of Regional and National Significance. "I am proud to announce the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service's federal grant to Houston's Association for the Advancement of Mexican Americans, Inc. (AAMA) in my dist  more

Cornyn Statement on Democrats Blocking Resolution to Stop Biden Admin Firearm Confiscation Ploy
WASHINGTON, June 23 -- Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, issued the following statement on June 22, 2023: * * * U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement after Senate Democrats blocked the Congressional Review Act resolution of disapproval he introduced with Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) and more than 40 of their Senate Republican colleagues that would have prevented the Biden administration's Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) from enforcing an anti-Second  more

Cornyn, King Introduce Bill to Increase U.S.-Mexico Military Cooperation to Combat Cartels
WASHINGTON, June 23 -- Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, issued the following news: U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Angus King (I-ME) introduced the Partnership for Advancing Regional Training and Narcotics Enforcement Response Strategies (PARTNERS) Act, which would allow the Department of Defense (DoD) to train Mexican military forces in the United States to combat cartels in Mexico: "The United States and Mexico must work together to put a stop to the cartel violence and drugs ravaging communi  more

Cornyn, Menendez, Van Drew, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Strengthen 9/11 Victims Law
WASHINGTON, June 22 -- Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, issued the following news on June 21, 2023: Today, U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and U.S. Congressman Jeff Van Drew (NJ-02) introduced the Ensuring Justice for Victims of Terrorism Act, which would close loopholes in the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA) to allow families of victims of terrorism to seek financial compensation from foreign sponsors of terrorism: "The Justice Against Sponsors of Terroris  more

Cornyn, Shaheen, Rubio, Durbin Lead Bill to Quickly Replenish U.S. Defense Stockpiles After Providing Aid to Allies Like Ukraine
WASHINGTON, June 22 -- Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, issued the following news: U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Marco Rubio (R-FL), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) introduced the Securing American Acquisitions, Readiness, and Military Stockpiles (ARMS) Act, which would give the Department of Defense (DoD) enhanced procurement authorities to quickly refill American defense stockpiles after the President provides aid to an ally or partner attacked by a foreign adversary, including re  more

Crockett Added to Bipartisan Working Group Tackling Agriculture Labor Crisis
WASHINGTON, June 22 -- Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, issued the following statement on June 21, 2023: * * * House Agriculture Committee Member Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (TX-30) released the following statement after announcing her appointment to a new bipartisan Agricultural Labor Working Group, focusing on workforce issues within the agricultural sector. The group's mandate will focus on addressing the growing labor shortage hitting American farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producer  more

Foreign Relations Committee Chairmen McCaul, Menendez Call on Blinken, Burns to Receive Classified Briefing on China-Cuba Spy Facility
WASHINGTON, June 24 -- Rep. Michael T. McCaul, R-Texas, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following news release and letter: House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX) and Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Menendez (D-NJ) sent a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken and CIA Director William Burns calling for a classified briefing on the reported Chinese spy facility in Cuba. The chairmen are deeply alarmed with the national secur  more

Foreign Relations Committee Chairmen Menendez, McCaul Call on Blinken, Burns to Provide Classified Briefing on China-Cuba Spy Facility
WASHINGTON, June 24 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following news release and letter: U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and U.S. Representative Michael McCaul (R-Texas), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee sent a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken and CIA Director William Burns calling for a classified briefing on the reported Chinese spy facility in   more

Granger Secures Funding for Texas' 12th Congressional District, Supporting Local Defense Jobs and Economy
WASHINGTON, June 23 -- Rep. Kay Granger, R-Texas, issued the following news release on June 22, 2023: Today the House Appropriations Committee passed the Defense Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2024. This bill provides critical funding for the Department of Defense. "As the Chairwoman of the Appropriations Committee, I secured funding that is crucial to defense jobs in and around Fort Worth," said Chairwoman Kay Granger. "With North Texas being home to Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base F  more

Granger, North Texas Colleagues, Urge U.S. State Department to Resolve Unacceptable Passport Delays
WASHINGTON, June 24 -- Rep. Kay Granger, R-Texas, issued the following news release and letter on June 23, 2023: Congresswoman Kay Granger (R-TX), Chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee, led a letter--along with her North Texas colleagues--seeking answers from the Department of State on the dramatic delays in processing passport applications. "My office has seen a massive increase in requests for assistance regarding passport applications and renewals. Families in my district and acr  more

Grassley, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Strengthen 9/11 Victims Law
WASHINGTON, June 23 -- Sen. Charles E. Grassley, R-Iowa, issued the following news release: Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) joined Sens. John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), along with Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-N.J.), in introducing the Ensuring Justice for Victims of Terrorism Act. The bill would close loopholes in the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA) to allow the families of victims of terrorism to seek financial compensation from foreign sponsors of terrorism. "Congres  more

Grassley, Cruz Renew Bicameral Push To Strengthen Penalties For Criminal Illegal Immigrants
WASHINGTON, June 24 -- Sen. Charles E. Grassley, R-Iowa, issued the following news release on June 23, 2023: Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), a senior member and former chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, joined Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Rep. Stephanie Bice (R-Okla.) in reintroducing Kate's Law. The bicameral bill would establish a mandatory minimum sentence of five years for any person with multiple convictions, or a conviction for an aggravated felony, who enters the country illegally.  more

Graves Introduces Legislation to Provide Reliable & Affordable Energy to Missouri Families
WASHINGTON, June 22 -- Rep. Sam Graves, R-Missouri, issued the following news release: Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06) introduced legislation to help provide stable energy rates and a reliable energy grid to states in the Southwestern Power Administration (SWPA), including Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas. "Missouri's rural electric cooperatives and municipal utilities have worked with the Southwestern Power Administration (SWPA) to provide affordable and reliable elect  more

House Appropriations Committee Members Granger, Calvert on FY24 Defense Appropriations Bill
WASHINGTON, June 15 -- Rep. Kay Granger, R-Texas, chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee, issued the following news release: The Defense Subcommittee met to consider its Fiscal Year 2024 bill. The measure was approved by the Subcommittee. Appropriations Chairwoman Kay Granger and Subcommittee Chairman Ken Calvert released the following statements after the closed markup. Appropriations Chairwoman Kay Granger: "As we face growing threats around the world, we must provide the men and   more

House Budget Committee Chairman Arrington Delivers Opening Statement at Hearing on Growth, Taxes
WASHINGTON, June 24 -- Rep. Jodey Arrington, R-Texas, chairman of the House Budget Committee, issued the following opening statement on June 22, 2023, at a hearing entitled, "Reigniting American Growth and Prosperity: Incentivising Economic Excellence Through Tax Policy": * * * "This hearing is the second in a series on growth entitled, 'Incentivising Economic Excellence Through Tax Policy.' "Economic growth and prosperity, I believe, is the tide that lifts all boats with more and better jobs  more

House Budget Committee Chairman Arrington, Ranking Member Boyle Launch Bipartisan Budget Process Reform Effort
WASHINGTON, June 24 -- Rep. Jodey Arrington, R-Texas, chairman of the House Budget Committee, issued the following news release on June 23, 2023: Today, House Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington (R-TX) and Ranking Member Brendan Boyle (D-PA) announced their intention to lead a new bipartisan effort focused on budget process reform. This new House Budget Committee initiative will convene Members, stakeholders, and experts to examine alternatives to the current flawed and ineffective Congre  more

House Energy & Commerce Subcommittee Issues Testimony From Texas A&M University Pandemic & Biosecurity Policy Program Director Parker
WASHINGTON, June 24 -- The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health issued the following written testimony by Gerald W. Parker, director of the Pandemic and Biosecurity Policy Program at Texas A&M University, involving a hearing on June 13, 2023, entitled "Legislative Solutions to Bolster Preparedness and Response for All Hazards and Public Health Security Threats": * * * Introduction. I come before you today as an individual who has spent an entire career in biodefense, public health   more

House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair McCaul Applauds Committee Passage of Multiple Foreign Affairs Bills
WASHINGTON, June 22 -- Rep. Michael T. McCaul, R-Texas, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following news release on June 21, 2023: House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX) reacts to today's committee passage of multiple bills. H.R. 3033, Solidify Iran Sanctions Act of 2023: Eliminates the 2026 sunset in the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996. Instead of expiring on an arbitrary deadline, the sanctions imposed under the act would remain in place until Ir  more

House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair McCaul Calls for Accountability in COVID-19 Origins
WASHINGTON, June 22 -- Rep. Michael T. McCaul, R-Texas, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following statement on June 21, 2023: * * * House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul released the following statement on reports that Ben Hu, a researcher at the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) who was conducting gain-of-function research on coronaviruses at dangerously unsafe biosafety levels, was one of three scientists who were ill with COVID-like symptoms in  more

House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair McCaul Presses Blinken to Produce Missing Afghanistan Documents or Face Subpoena
WASHINGTON, June 22 -- Rep. Michael T. McCaul, R-Texas, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following news release and letter: House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken once again reiterating the department must comply with unfulfilled document requests surrounding the committee's investigation into the Afghanistan withdrawal by Monday, June 26th or face a subpoena. The department has failed to produce  more

House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair McCaul Speaks on House Floor in Support of Resolution Calling for Release of Mark Swidan
WASHINGTON, June 21 -- Rep. Michael T. McCaul, R-Texas, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following news release: House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul spoke on the House Floor in support of passing H.Res. 90, demanding that the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Chinese Communist Party immediately release Mark Swidan. - Chairman McCaul delivered the following remarks - Mr. Speaker, Mark Swidan is an American, a Texan, and [has bee  more

House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman McCaul on Secretary Blinken Disappointing China Trip
WASHINGTON, June 21 -- Rep. Michael T. McCaul, R-Texas, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following statement on June 20, 2023: * * * House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul released the following statement expressing his disappointment with Secretary Blinken's recent trip to China. Despite 11 hours of talks and the expenditure of thousands of US taxpayer dollars, Chairman McCaul highlights that the meeting yielded nothing substantial, except a mere pr  more

House Foreign Affairs Committee Members McCaul, Kim Welcome Prime Minister Modi
WASHINGTON, June 23 -- Rep. Michael T. McCaul, R-Texas, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following news release: House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX) and Subcommittee on the Indo-Pacific Chairwoman Young Kim (R-CA) issued the following statement welcoming Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Congress. "We warmly welcome Prime Minister Modi's visit and joint address to Congress, and the deepening of ties between the United States and India,  more

House Homeland Security Subcommittee Chair Pfluger: 'The Chaos of the Southwest Border Could Be Taken Advantage of By Anti-US Regimes'
WASHINGTON, June 22 -- Rep. August Pfluger, R-Texas, chairman of the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Counterterrorism, Law Enforcement, and Intelligence, issued the following news release: House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Counterterrorism, Law Enforcement, and Intelligence Chairman August Pfluger (R-TX) delivered the following opening remarks during a hearing to examine the threats posed to the U.S. homeland by malign nation-state actors in Central and South America. As prepared  more

House Oversight Subcommittee on Economic Growth Chair Fallon: EPA Proposed Emissions Rules Hijack Auto & Energy Industries, Remove Consumer Choice
WASHINGTON, June 22 -- Rep. James Comer, R-Kentucky, chairman of the House Oversight and Accountability Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Energy Policy, and Regulatory Affairs, issued the following news release on June 21, 2023: Economic Growth, Energy Policy, and Regulatory Affairs Subcommittee Chairman Pat Fallon (R-Texas) opened today's subcommittee hearing on "Clearing the Air: Examining the Environmental Protection Agency's Proposed Emissions Standards" by outlining how the Environmental Pr  more

House Oversight Subcommittee on Government Operations Chair Sessions: Americans Presently Dealing With Pandemic-Era Disruptions to Service Across Federal Agencies
WASHINGTON, June 22 -- Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Texas, chairman of the House Oversight and Accountability Subcommittee on Government Operations and the Federal Workforce, issued the following news release: Government Operations and the Federal Workforce Subcommittee Chairman Pete Sessions (R-Texas) delivered opening remarks at a subcommittee hearing titled Please Leave Your Message at the Tone: Addressing Post-Pandemic Backlogs and Delays at Federal Agencies." In his opening statement, Subcommitte  more

House Oversight Subcommittee on Government Operations Leaders Sessions, Mfume Continue Bipartisan Probe Into Misleading Statements About Login.gov
WASHINGTON, June 22 -- Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Texas, chairman of the House Oversight and Accountability Subcommittee on Government Operations and the Federal Workforce, issued the following news release: Subcommittee on Government Operations and the Federal Workforce Chairman Pete Sessions (R-Texas) and Ranking Member Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.) are continuing oversight of Login.gov after GSA representatives knowingly misled federal agencies about the service's compliance with certain NIST security sta  more

House Small Business Committee Chair Williams, Vice Chair Luetkemeyer Pen Letter to Department of Energy on Impact of New Rule Changes on Small Businesses
WASHINGTON, June 23 -- Rep. Roger Williams, R-Texas, chairman of the House Small Business Committee, issued the following news release on June 22, 2023: Congressman Roger Williams (R-TX), Chairman of the House Committee on Small Business, issued the following statement after sending a letter with Vice Chairman Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO) to the U.S. Department of Energy regarding a new regulation and its potentially adverse impacts on small businesses. "The federal government's countless attempt  more

House Small Business Committee Chairman Williams, Rep. Ellzey Issue Statements Following Passage of H.R. 1606, the Veteran Entrepreneurship Training Act
WASHINGTON, June 21 -- Rep. Roger Williams, R-Texas, chairman of the House Small Business Committee, issued the following news release: Chairman Roger Williams (R-TX) and Congressman Jake Ellzey (R-TX) released the following statements on the passage of H.R. 1606, the Veteran Entrepreneurship Training Act. "After dedicating their lives to protect the freedom of all Americans, our veterans deserve access to the tools and resources to be successful when transitioning to civilian life," said Chai  more

ICYMI: Congresswoman Bice and Sen Cruz Lead Bicameral Push to Reintroduce 'Kate's Law' to Jail Repeat Illegal Immigrants
WASHINGTON, June 24 -- Rep. Stephanie Bice, R-Oklahoma, issued the following news release on June 23, 2023: Congresswoman Stephanie Bice (OK-05) and Senator Ted Cruz (TX-02) recently spoke to Fox News on the bicameral reintroduction of "Kate's Law," also called the Stop Illegal Reentry Act. This legislation would jail illegal immigrants who repeatedly enter the U.S. after being deported. Read more below. FIRST ON FOX: Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, is spearheading a bicameral reintroduction of legisl  more

Jayapal Statement on Supreme Court Decision in United States V. Texas
WASHINGTON, June 24 -- Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Washington, issued the following statement on June 23, 2023: * * * Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement Subcommittee Ranking Member Pramila Jayapal issued the following statement regarding the Supreme Court's 8-1 ruling today in the case of United States v. Texas: "I applaud the Supreme Court's decision in United States v. Texas to uphold the longstanding precedent that the Executive Branch has the ability to set its own immigration e  more

Kamlager-Dove Statement on Juneteenth
WASHINGTON, June 21 -- Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove, D-California, issued the following statement on June 19, 2023: * * * Today, Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) released the following statement commemorating Juneteenth: "Nearly 160 years after the last enslaved people in Galveston, Texas were freed, I join in celebrating Juneteenth with communities in the 37th District and across the country. "Years later, policies and rhetoric aimed at sanitizing Black stories persist. But to recogn  more

King, Cornyn Introduce Bill to Fight Maine's Opioid Epidemic With DoD Training for Mexican Military
WASHINGTON, June 24 -- Sen. Angus S. King Jr., I-Maine, issued the following news release: U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and John Cornyn (R-Texas) have introduced a bipartisan bill to address America's epidemic of illegal drugs by improving Mexico's military capabilities to take on drug cartels. The Partnership for Advancing Regional Training and Narcotics Enforcement Response Strategies (PARTNERS) Act would allow the Department of Defense   more

Lankford Issues Statement on Supreme Court Decision on Detention and Deportation of Illegal Immigrants
OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, June 24 -- Sen. James Lankford, R-Oklahoma, issued the following statement on June 23, 2023: * * * Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today issued a statement following the Supreme Court decision on United States v. Texas: "The chaos the Biden Administration has caused at the border by emboldening the cartels to promote human trafficking and drug trafficking has turned every state into a border state. If the Supreme Court says that states cannot defend themselves, then the  more

Lujan, Cornyn Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen Drought Protections for Acequias
WASHINGTON, June 22 -- Sen. Ben Ray Lujan, D-New Mexico, issued the following news release on June 21, 2023: Today, U.S. Senators Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) introduced bipartisan legislation that ensures acequias are able to access the same USDA disaster assistance programs available to other agricultural systems. The ACEQUIA Act amends the Non-insured Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) to ensure that Parciantes qualify for drought and other disaster assistance. Additionall  more

McCaul Announces 2023 Congressional App Challenge
WASHINGTON, June 23 (TNSres) -- Rep. Michael T. McCaul, R-Texas, issued the following news release on June 22, 2023: Today, U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) announced the 2023 Congressional App Challenge, an annual competition that encourages students to learn how to code by creating their own app. This challenge is open to middle and high school students in Texas' 10th Congressional District through November 1st, 2023. "Texas' 10th district is already a vibrant hub for technology and  more

Menendez, Booker, Cornyn, Van Drew, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Strengthen 9/11 Victims Law
WASHINGTON, June 22 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release on June 21, 2023: Today, U.S. Senators Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) and U.S. Congressman Jeff Van Drew (NJ-02) introduced the Ensuring Justice for Victims of Terrorism Act, which would close loopholes in the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA) to allow families of victims of terrorism to seek financial compensation from foreign sponsors of terrorism: "I'm proud to be wo  more

Padilla, Tillis Lead Bipartisan Legislation to Help Find Missing Persons on Federal Land
WASHINGTON, June 23 -- Sen. Alex Padilla, D-California, issued the following news release on June 22, 2023: Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Thom Tillis (R-NC), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) introduced the TRACE Act, bipartisan legislation that would require the Department of Justice (DOJ) to include an additional category to the existing National Missing and Unidentified Persons Systems (NamUs) database so the public and law enforc  more

Pfluger Votes to Censure Adam Schiff
WASHINGTON, June 23 -- Rep. August Pfluger, R-Texas, issued the following news release on June 21, 2023: Wednesday, Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) voted to censure Representative Adam Schiff (CA-30) for abusing his position of power on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI) to promote a false narrative and promote a foreign malign influence campaign against President Donald Trump. Rep. August Pfluger (TX-11): "Adam Schiff used his position of power to lie to the Ameri  more

REP LIEU HONORS JUNETEENTH
WASHINGTON, June 21 -- Rep. Ted Lieu, D-California, issued the following statement on June 19, 2023: * * * Today, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County) issued the following statement commemorating Juneteenth. President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law in 2021, making the day a federal holiday. Juneteenth marks the anniversary of the emancipation of the last enslaved Black Americans in the United States. "Today we celebrate Juneteenth, the day the  more

Rep. Allred, RM Meeks, Reps. Jacobs, Jackson, Cherfilus-McCormick, Kamlager-Dove Introduce Resolution Supporting the African Union Joining the G20
WASHINGTON, June 21 -- Rep. Colin Allred, D-Texas, issued the following news release: Congressman Colin Allred (TX-32), introduced a resolution supporting the African Union's permanent membership in the Group of 20 (G20). Building on the commitments made at the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in 2022, the resolution calls on the U.S. to use its voice, vote, and influence at the G20 to expeditiously facilitate the African Union's permanent membership. House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member G  more

Rep. Jackson Secures Major Victories for TX-13 in Fiscal Year 2024's NDAA
WASHINGTON, June 24 -- Rep. Ronny Jackson, R-Texas, issued the following statement on June 22, 2023: * * * Today, Congressman Ronny Jackson (TX-13) championed Texas' defense priorities during the House Armed Services Committee's (HASC) markup of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024. Jackson issued the following statement in support of the legislation, which passed out of committee by a vote of 58-1. The NDAA is expected to be considered on the House Floor in the c  more

Rep. Van Duyne Votes to Release Transcripts From Damning and Detailed Interviews With IRS Whistleblowers
WASHINGTON, June 23 -- Rep. Beth Van Duyne, R-Texas, issued the following statement on June 22, 2023: * * * Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne (TX-24), a member of the House Committee on Ways and Means, issued the following statement on the release of IRS whistleblower information today: "Today, House Ways and Means Committee Republicans voted to release transcripts of two whistleblower interviews conducted earlier this year. These transcripts include damning and detailed information about how the   more

Rep. Watson Coleman Reintroduces Stay Cool Act to Better Prepare Communities to Address Heat Emergencies
WASHINGTON, June 23 -- Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release on June 22, 2023: Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) reintroduced the Stay Cool Act, a package of proposals for addressing the increased threat of heat emergencies by improving how we study, react to, and mitigate extreme heat. The Stay Cool Act is a first-of-its-kind comprehensive bill that studies and addresses rising surface temperatures across the United States in order to prov  more

Robust Border and Homeland Security Funding Package Supported by Gonzales Passes House Appropriations Committee
WASHINGTON, June 23 -- Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, issued the following news release on June 22, 2023: Congressman Tony Gonzales (TX-23), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, voted to advance the FY24 Homeland Security Appropriations bill on Wednesday. The Congressman was proud to secure much-needed funding to support Uvalde County's efforts to modernize their Emergency Operations Center facility. Other provisions essential to TX-23 and beyond include $19.9 billion (a $3.22 billion   more

Roy, Paul, Davidson Reaffirm Congress' Constitutional Authority to Declare War
WASHINGTON, June 23 -- Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, issued the following news release on June 22, 2023: On Thursday, Representative Chip Roy (R-TX-21), Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) and Representative Warren Davidson (R-OH-8), joined by 14 of their colleagues, introduced legislation to make it clear that NATO cannot override Congress' constitutional responsibilities to declare war. Rep. Roy said,"Decisions of war and peace, of life and death, are among the most serious any government makes. The framers   more

Sen. Cruz Introduces Bill to Accelerate Senate Scrutiny and Approval of New CDC Director
WASHINGTON, June 23 -- Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, issued the following news release on June 22, 2023: U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) introduced a bill to move up the date by which the position of Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) becomes a Senate-approved position. Currently, the CDC Director is directly appointed by the president without Senate confirmation, but the position is scheduled to become a Senate-confirmed position starting in January 2025. Sen. Cruz's bill,  more

Senate Passes Sens. Cruz, Welch Bipartisan Bill Targeting Deadly New Street Drug Tranq
WASHINGTON, June 24 -- Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, ranking member of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, issued the following news release on June 22, 2023: U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Ranking Member Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today praised the Senate's passage of his bipartisan legislation to help combat the rise in illicit use of the dangerous animal tranquilizer xylazine, or tranq. The Testing, Rapid Analysis, and Narcotic Quality (TRANQ) Research Act, which Sen. Cruz introduce  more

Senate Passes Sens. Cruz, Welch's Bipartisan Bill Targeting Deadly New Street Drug Tranq
WASHINGTON, June 24 -- Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, issued the following news release: U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Ranking Member Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today praised the Senate's passage of his bipartisan legislation to help combat the rise in illicit use of the dangerous animal tranquilizer xylazine, or tranq. The Testing, Rapid Analysis, and Narcotic Quality (TRANQ) Research Act, which Sen. Cruz introduced with Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.), directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology (N  more

Senator Menendez Statement in Commemoration of Juneteenth
JERSEY CITY, New Jersey, June 21 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following statement on June 19, 2023: * * * U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) today issued the following statement commemorating Juneteenth: "Today we observe Juneteenth, the day enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas learned of their freedom two years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. As I reflect on the story of Juneteenth, I feel proud of my vote two years ago to establis  more

Senator Warren, Reps. Porter, Casar, Garcia, Jayapal, Schakowsky Criticize JetBlue's Bogus Astoturf Lobbying for Spirit Acquisition, Urge DOT to Resist Corporate Pressure
WASHINGTON, June 24 -- Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Massachusetts, issued the following news release: United States Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass) and Representative Katie Porter (D-Calif) alongside Representatives Greg Casar (D-Texas), Jesus Garcia (D-Ill), Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash), and Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill) sent a letter to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg urging DOT to resist JetBlue's misleading tactics to rig the Department of Transportation's (DOT) evaluation of the airline's appli  more

Senators Coons, Cornyn Introduces Bill to Strengthen Investment Capacity of Development Finance Corporation
WASHINGTON, June 23 -- Sen. Christopher Coons, D-Delaware, issued the following news release on June 22, 2023: U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) introduced the Enhancing American Competitiveness Act today to strengthen the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) so that the DFC can promote U.S. interests and better compete with Chinese influence in the developing world. This legislation will bolster the DFC's investment capacity so that it can use les  more

Sens. Cruz and Markey Send Bipartisan Letter Urging Automakers to Keep AM Radio in Vehicles
WASHINGTON, June 24 -- Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, issued the following news release on June 23, 2023: In the wake of Ford's recent announcement that it will keep AM radio in its 2024 vehicles, U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Ranking Member Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Sen. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) today sent a bipartisan letter to seven automakers that have either removed or plan to remove broadcast AM radio in their current and future vehicle models, including electric vehicles (EVs). The letter urges  more

Sens. Cruz, Barrasso Lead Republicans In Blasting Biden Efforts to Weaponize Rulemaking Reviews
WASHINGTON, June 21 -- Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, issued the following news release and a letter: U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Ranking Member Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Ranking Member John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) are leading a coalition of Senate Republican committee ranking members in sounding the alarm over an attempt by the White House to hijack the rulemaking process to advance left-wing policy goals that have been rejected by Congress. In a lette  more

Sens. Cruz, Barrasso Lead Republicans In Blasting Biden Efforts to Weaponize Rulemaking Reviews
WASHINGTON, June 22 -- Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, ranking member of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, issued the following news release: U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Ranking Member Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Ranking Member John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) are leading a coalition of Senate Republican committee ranking members in sounding the alarm over an attempt by the White House to hijack the rulemaking process to advance left-wi  more

Sens. Cruz, Cotton, Grassley Continue to Fight for Kate's Law
WASHINGTON, June 23 -- Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, issued the following news release on June 21, 2023: Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Rep. Stephanie Bice (R-Okla.) reintroduced Kate's Law, bicameral legislation which was first introduced in July 2015. The legislation is named in memory of Kate Steinle, a 32-year-old woman tragically shot and killed by an illegal alien who had several felony convictions and had been deported from the United States five times. This bill would amend federal law to impose  more

Sens. Cruz, Markey Send Bipartisan Letter Urging Automakers to Keep AM Radio in Vehicles
WASHINGTON, June 24 -- Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, ranking member of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, issued the following news release on June 23, 2023, and a letter: In the wake of Ford's recent announcement that it will keep AM radio in its 2024 vehicles, U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Ranking Member Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Sen. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) today sent a bipartisan letter to seven automakers that have either removed or plan to remove broadcast AM radio in t  more

Sens. Markey, Cruz Send Bipartisan Letter Urging Automakers to Keep AM Radio in Vehicles
WASHINGTON, June 24 -- Sen. Edward J. Markey, D-Massachusetts, issued the following news release on June 23, 2023: In the wake of Ford's recent announcement that it will keep AM radio in its 2024 vehicles, Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, and Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), ranking member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today sent a bipartisan letter to seven automakers that have either removed  more

Whip Clark Statement on Juneteenth
WASHINGTON, June 21 -- Rep. Katherine Clark, D-Massachusetts, issued the following statement on June 19, 2023: * * * Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-5) released the following statement in celebration of the third annual Juneteenth National Independence Day. "Juneteenth commemorates the day in 1865 when more than 200,000 enslaved Americans in Texas received word of their long-overdue emancipation, more than two years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Today, we reflect on   more