The latest Congress news from The Texas Tribune.
Kathaleen Wall has run multiple television ads arguing her opponent, Fort Bend County Sheriff Troy Nehls, has not taken sex trafficking seriously. Nehls has vehemently rejected that assertion. Full Story
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The tense exchanges between the two Democrats marked a clear turning point in the race to take on Republican U.S. Sen. John Cornyn. Full Story
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LGBTQ Texans are getting back to Pride’s protest roots while standing alongside Black and brown people in their community, who are still fighting for equality on two fronts. Full Story
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The federal government plans to cease funding for the sites at the end of June. Full Story
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As cases surge in Texas and the pandemic rages on, the representatives said ICE should release all detainees who are not a safety risk and who are more vulnerable to contracting the virus. Full Story
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During an interview with The Texas Tribune, Escobar, D-El Paso, said the state's leadership missed an opportunity to implement robust testing when an emergency was declared. Full Story
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During a Houston policing roundtable organized by U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, several local leaders emphasized the need for social services funding. Full Story
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In 1980, Texas became the first state to adopt Juneteenth as a holiday. It is officially recognized in all but three states: Hawaii, North Dakota and South Dakota. As Americans continue to march for racial justice, black Texans say the holiday has taken on additional weight. Full Story
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Cornyn is not the first Texas lawmaker to take similar steps toward celebrating Juneteenth. On Monday, U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Houston, introduced a resolution aiming to recognize the historical significance of the holiday. Her measure has more than 200 cosponsors. Full Story
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The Houston Democrat isn't the first member of the state's delegation who has taken such action. Full Story
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A day earlier, Cornyn had pushed back against the notion of changing base names, saying "I am for looking forward, not looking backward." Full Story
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Cornyn said he's worried efforts to erase America's history could lead to people forgetting their mistakes. Full Story
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George Floyd's brother Philonise Floyd was also a featured witness at the hearing, where he spoke about the pain of losing his brother. Full Story
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The state triggered an extended benefits period, adding an additional 13 weeks of unemployment starting in July. It is the second benefits extension this year. Full Story
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Members of Congress and staff worry that the country's political dysfunction has rendered the federal government incapable of addressing police violence legislatively before the November elections. Full Story
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The North Texas representative is vying to be the top Republican on the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Full Story
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Our signature ideas weekend is now an ideas month, and that’s only one of the many pandemic-inspired changes we have in store. Full Story
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The 2020 Texas Democratic and Republican primary runoffs will take place July 14. See the full list of candidates, and find out who's on your ballot based on where you live. Full Story
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The former presidential candidate and the U.S. representative from San Antonio, two of Texas’ most prominent Democrats, have yet to formally endorse the Democratic nominee for president. Full Story
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Johnson, R-Richardson, was first elected to Congress in 1991 and gained a reputation as a strong conservative voice in the Texas delegation. He was a prisoner of war for nearly seven years. Full Story
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