The state — which spent over $11 billion on Operation Lone Star — could receive more through a separate $3.5 billion reimbursement fund administered by the Department of Justice.
Gabby Birenbaum
Gabby Birenbaum is the Washington Correspondent for the Texas Tribune. She covers the Texas congressional delegation and the impact of federal policy on Texas. Gabby previously covered Washington for The Nevada Independent, where she wrote the weekly D.C. Download newsletter and covered the 2024 presidential election and competitive Senate race. Prior to The Nevada Independent, Gabby worked at The Washington Monthly and Vox. Gabby graduated from Northwestern University, where she studied journalism and political science. She is a native of Arlington, Virginia and is based in Washington, DC. In her free time, she enjoys playing tennis, watching movies and being a long-suffering fan of DC sports teams. Her work is supported by a partnership with Report for America.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
As Big Bend wall outcry builds, Paxton does not say whether construction should proceed
The attorney general’s campaign said he wants strong border security that considers Big Bend’s “unique characteristics” — but did not say whether he supports building a wall there.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Talarico floods Texas airwaves in U.S. Senate race as Paxton, GOP stay quiet
With early voting about two months away, the Democrat has had TV nearly to himself, outspending his Republican rival more than 200-to-1 on advertising as GOP groups weigh when — or whether — to get involved.
Posted in
Immigration
Feds pausing Big Bend border construction while CBP commissioner visits the park
It was not immediately clear how long CBP plans to implement the pause. The Trump administration had announced plans to build an access road and vehicle barriers in the park.
Posted in
Courts
Lawsuit seeks to stop Big Bend border wall construction
A tribal nonprofit and an outdoor recreation company filed the federal lawsuit, arguing the work threatens archeological sites and sacred grounds.
Posted in
Immigration
Democrats in Congress, able to visit ICE lockups in Texas, describe grim conditions
Immigration officials denied the allegations, but Reps. Joaquin Castro and Veronica Escobar said they’ve come across numerous problematic examples.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
James Talarico rolls out economic agenda that takes aim at “false Gospel of trickle-down economics”
Like his U.S. Senate rival, Ken Paxton, the Austin state lawmaker introduced a plan to address what he called an “affordability crisis.” But they differed on who is to blame for rising costs.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
National Democrats add former GOP Rep. Tony Gonzales’ district to Texas congressional target list
The sprawling district, vacated by former GOP Rep. Tony Gonzales earlier this year, went for President Trump by 15 points. But Democrats see an opening to win its Hispanic-majority electorate.
Posted in
Congress
Cornyn reaches deal to scrap DOJ anti-weaponization fund, ending Blanche standoff
Cornyn said he will vote to advance Todd Blanche’s nomination after the acting attorney general formally rescinded the fund and clarified the scope of a tax audit shield for President Trump and his circle.
Posted in
Congress
Trump says he will pull Blanche’s attorney general nomination until Cornyn leaves office
The president suggested Cornyn was holding up Todd Blanche’s nomination because he endorsed Ken Paxton over the senior senator. Cornyn said it has nothing to do with their political history.
