U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz is preparing Texas Republicans for a turbulent election year amid super-charged Democratic enthusiasm — including in his own re-election campaign.
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.
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Congress
Government briefly shuts down, Harvey funding secured
The federal government shut down briefly Thursday night, over U.S. Sen. Rand Paul’s procedural objections over increased spending.
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Congress
U.S. Senate strikes deal on disaster funding that will help Harvey victims
The U.S. House and Senate are on track to secure $90 billion in disaster aid for storm-ravaged states like Texas — and to fund the government for two years.
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TribCast
Where’s the “bathroom bill” in the 2018 primaries? (podcast)
On this week’s TribCast, Emily talks to Patrick, Abby and Jay about the noticeable absence of the “bathroom bill” on the 2018 primary trail, the hottest congressional races, and a particularly timely campaign contribution received by Land Commissioner George P. Bush.
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Energy
Amarillo-area nuclear weapons plant affected by cost overruns for federal program
Millions of dollars in promised savings at the Pantex Plant in the Panhandle and another nuclear weapons facility in Tennessee haven’t appeared. But the federal government has still awarded a contractor extra profits.
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Congress
How U.S. Reps. Mike Conaway and Will Hurd explained their votes to release secret memo
Three Texans voted on the U.S. House committee that paved the way for President Donald Trump’s release Friday of a a high-profile GOP memo alleging surveillance abuses by the FBI. The committee’s deliberations shed light on their thinking on the divisive issue.
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Congress
Texans in U.S. House send letter to Senate urging vote on Harvey relief
A dozen U.S. House members from Texas sent a letter to leaders in the U.S. Senate Thursday urging quick action on a bill that would provide billions more in Hurricane Harvey relief, calling the bill “critical to the lives and livelihoods of our constituents and the nation at large.”
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Congress
Wealthy self-funder could upend open race to replace Houston U.S. Rep. Gene Green
Just a few weeks ago, Houston political observers were predicting state Sen. Sylvia Garcia would easily win the Democratic primary to replace U.S. Rep. Gene Green. Then Tahir Javed pledged to “spend whatever it takes” to come out on top.
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Guides
Campaign finance for dummies: A guide to Texas election reporting rules
We’ve compiled an overview of everything Texans should know about campaign finance reports and why they’re important.
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Texas Elections 2018
Cruz allies raise $1.7 million for new super PAC
Allies of U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, have raised $1.7 million for a new super PAC that could come in handy as Cruz seeks a second term.