In a television interview on Thursday, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz said the uproar over Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ previous meetings with the Russian ambassador is nothing more than “political theater.”
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.
As Trump talks unity, Texas delegation offers a divided response
Among members of Congress, Texans’ reactions to President Donald Trump’s first joint address to Congress fell along partisan lines.
Around D.C., Sheila Jackson Lee’s image belies her persistence
Some see U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee as a publicity hound, but according to dozens of interviews with members of Congress, House staffers and political players back home in Houston, there is a method to her madness.
Rio Grande Valley officials welcome federal lawmakers’ visits but keep expectations low
Local leaders say the many members of Congress who have visited the region recently won’t glean a clear perspective of border life in a one-day visit.
Texas congressional Democrats fear “dreamers” will lose benefits
Texas Democrats in Congress are bracing for the possibility of the Trump administration ending benefits for people who were brought into the U.S. illegally as children.
Most Texans in Congress not planning in-person town halls over recess
Few of the 38 Texans in Congress plan on reaching out to constituents at in-person public forums during this congressional recess, according to a Tribune search of lawmakers’ websites and social media.
Texans in Congress raise questions about Russia, Trump administration
U.S. Sen. John Cornyn said the Senate should investigate now-former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn, according to a news report.
Vela on the ICE raids, the border wall, and Beto vs. Joaquin (video)
Full video of Evan Smith’s 2/13 conversation with U.S. Rep. Filemon Vela, D-Brownsville.
U.S. Rep. Filemon Vela will back Joaquin Castro if he runs for Senate
U.S. Rep. Filemon Vela says he will back U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, should the San Antonio Democrat challenge U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz in 2018.
At homeland security hearing, McCaul calls Trump’s travel ban rollout “problematic”
U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, the top House Republican on homeland security issues, strongly criticized the Trump administration Monday for the chaotic rollout last month of a travel ban of mostly Muslim countries.



