We’ve added Texas’ congressional delegation to our Ethics Explorer, an interactive tool to help educate citizens on the degree to which elected officials’ personal interests conflict with the public interest when passing bills and setting policy.
Texas congressional delegation
Posted in
Health care
As Health Care Law Nears Rollout, Cruz, Cornyn Remain Prominent Critics
With major components of the Affordable Care Act set to take effect in the coming months, Texas’ U.S. senators have remained vocal in their calls to defund or dismantle the law.
Posted in
Demographics
El Paso Lawmaker Can’t Join Hispanic Caucus; Some Seek Rule Change
Despite representing a district whose constituents are overwhelmingly Hispanic, U.S. Rep. Robert “Beto” O’Rourke, D-El Paso, is ineligible for membership in the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. Some say that should change.
Posted in
Politics
The Polling Center: Texas GOP Voters, Congress and Immigration
Republican voters in Texas still have immigration and border security atop their lists of most important problems facing the state, and their sway over members of the Texas delegation will be noted by political colleagues and potential opponents alike.
Posted in
Energy
Natural Gas Bill Could Have Big Impact on Texas
Texas, the country’s leading natural gas producer, could benefit from a federal bill that focuses on permits for pipelines. But critics of the measure say that there are environmental issues that should not be ignored.
Posted in
Bidness As Usual
Pension Changes to Benefit 10 in State’s Congressional Delegation
A vote by the Texas Legislature to raise state district judges’ salaries will benefit lawmakers whose state pensions are based on the judges’ salaries. Among those benefiting are 10 members of Texas’ congressional delegation.
Posted in
Congress
CHC: We Have Not Endorsed Border Surge Amendment
In the wake of a Texas congressman’s resignation from the group, the remaining members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus said they have not endorsed a controversial border-enforcement provision of the Senate’s immigration overhaul bill.
Posted in
Politics
Redistricting Lawyers: Keep the Senate Maps for 2014
UPDATED: At a federal redistricting hearing in San Antonio, lawyers for the state and the various plaintiffs agreed that the state Senate maps used in 2012 should be left as is for the 2014 elections. But they still differ on the House and Congress plans.
Posted in
Politics
Seeking Bipartisanship in a Sharply Divided Town
U.S. Reps. Kevin Brady and Pete Gallego are from different political parties, but they are united in trying to bring a little bipartisanship to the Texas delegation. They have scheduled a breakfast next week to discuss ways to forge a common agenda for the state.
Posted in
State Government
Democracy and Texas Voters — By the Numbers
Texas politicians can easily represent the people who elect them without necessarily representing the people of Texas. To get re-elected, they have to please their voters, not the general population.
