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.
Congress
Read the latest Texas Tribune coverage of Congress, from the state’s lawmakers in Washington to key legislation and political debates shaping Texas and the nation.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Some Texans in Congress vote through proxies for the first time in American history
Republicans have fought the allowance of proxy voting tooth and nail. They argue that such a move upends the Constitution, and they promise a protracted legal fight.
Posted in
Politics
Influential conservative group endorses Ronny Jackson over Josh Winegarner in runoff for U.S. Rep. Mac Thornberry’s seat
The two men vying to represent the Texas Panhandle in Congress have split a slew of endorsements ahead of the runoff to replace Thornberry, who is retiring.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
They lost their jobs and insurance in the pandemic. Now they’re slipping through Texas’ health care safety net.
Texas had the highest uninsured rate of any state before the outbreak. It’s also among a minority of states that have declined to expand Medicaid coverage to people with incomes near or below the poverty line.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Coronavirus tests are supposed to be free. Some Texans are still being saddled with large bills.
Congress directed most insurance companies to cover test costs for insured patients in March, and has promised to reimburse providers for testing those who are uninsured.
But experts say there are gaps in the protection that can leave patients surprised with bills.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
“We need herd immunity”: U.S. Rep. Chip Roy of Texas says Americans can’t wait for a vaccine to return to normalcy
The firebrand Austin conservative spoke with The Texas Tribune’s Evan Smith about reopening the economy, voting in person and how he practices social distancing.
Posted in
COVID-19 Recession in Texas
A prominent Texas man’s network of hotels got millions in taxpayer loans, irking smaller businesses and some lawmakers
Monty Bennett’s Dallas-based hotel network applied for $126 million from the government’s Paycheck Protection Program and has received $76 million, according to data compiled by The Washington Post.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Only 23% of Texas registered voters approve of the job Congress is doing — and that’s an improvement over 18% in February
There’s no partisan split among Texas voters when it comes to assessing Congress’ performance: 53% of Democrats and 57% of Republicans disapprove of the job federal lawmakers are doing.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Congress approves another $484 billion to help people and businesses hit by coronavirus’ economic crisis
The bill will temporarily replenish about $320 billion into a forgivable loan fund earmarked for small businesses.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
As Congress rushed coronavirus aid to Texas business owners, some small companies fell through the cracks
Congress is preparing to send billions more to businesses. Some say the first round of money was depleted as larger enterprises beat smaller businesses to the punch.
