In his first State of the Union address, President Donald Trump touted a “new tide of optimism” sweeping the country in the wake of his administration’s “righteous mission” to address immigration reform and unemployment, among other issues.
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
Demographics
Texas lawmakers hope Trump’s State of the Union speech clarifies his immigration plan
After the release of a framework of the White House’s plan on immigration and border security, President Donald Trump’s State of the Union speech will preview how much he is willing to compromise to get something to his desk.
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Congress
U.S. Rep. Kay Granger of Texas seen as contender to chair powerful Appropriations Committee
A New Jersey congressman’s announcement Monday that he was retiring immediately set off speculation as to who might replace him as chair of the powerful House Appropriations Committee. One contender: U.S. Rep. Kay Granger.
Posted in
Texas Elections 2018
Beto O’Rourke adds state Rep. Joe Moody to U.S. Senate campaign
State Rep. Joe Moody is joining fellow El Paso Democrat Beto O’Rourke’s campaign to unseat U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas.
Posted in
Texas Elections 2018
At Koch network retreat, Cornyn acknowledges a need for a tax reform sales job
U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, acknowledged Saturday that Republicans will need to fight to sell their tax overhaul that was recently signed into law by President Donald Trump, saluting plans by the influential Koch network to spend up to $20 million to promote the law’s benefits.
Posted in
Texas Elections 2018
Houston fundraiser with New York Democrat Chuck Schumer rankles some Texans
U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, one of the most visible Democrats in Congress, is coming to Houston for a fundraiser this weekend. Both the location and the host sparked tension among Texas political players on Friday.
Posted in
Health care
As anti-abortion activists prepare to rally in Austin, they celebrate a “sensational” year
When anti-abortion activists march outside the state Capitol on Saturday, they’ll do so celebrating a year of multiple successes at the state and federal level.
Posted in
Economy
AG Paxton says he will consider suing to end DACA if court case drags on
In an amicus brief filed with the U.S. Supreme Court, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on Thursday stated that if the 2012 Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program still exists in June, his office would consider filing suit to eliminate the program.
Posted in
Congress
Federal government shutdown ends after Congress breaks logjam
The federal government shutdown ended Monday after the U.S. Senate and House passed a previously stalled funding measure.
Posted in
State Government
These Texas lawmakers are forgoing their pay during the government shutdown
The Texas Tribune checked with all the Texans in Congress about whether they planned to forgo their pay during the government shutdown that began Saturday.