Splitting the majority party in the House of Representatives leaves a potential speaker with two routes to the top. Lawmakers did it one way in Texas and another way in Washington, D.C.
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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Politics
Texans Eye Leadership Posts After Boehner Retires
U.S. House Speaker John A. Boehner’s retirement could create an opportunity for at least two Texas Republicans — U.S. Reps. Pete Sessions and Jeb Hensarling, both of Dallas — to become national party leaders.
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Politics
U.S. Rep. Neugebauer Won’t Seek Re-election
U.S. Rep. Randy Neugebauer, R-Lubbock, announced Thursday that he would not seek re-election in 2016. Neugebauer has represented his West Texas district in Congress for seven terms.
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Politics
Cruz, Trump to Headline Rally Targeting Iran Deal
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz will join real estate developer Donald Trump on Wednesday for a rally decrying President Obama’s Iran deal. The pair will speak on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol at noon Central time.
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Politics
Could Cruz Prompt Another Government Shutdown?
Presidential candidate Ted Cruz will head back to the U.S. Senate next week. With his return comes anxiety that he could instigate yet another government shutdown, this time over federal funding for Planned Parenthood.
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Politics
Showdowns Loom in Congress, and Texans Will Have Starring Roles
When Congress reconvenes next week after its August recess, there are a couple of things you can count on: impassioned debate on domestic and foreign policy, and Texans having major parts in those debates.
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Politics
Among Texas Democrats, No Clear Consensus on Iran Deal
When Texas Democratic House members return to the nation’s capital next week, they will be hit with a firestorm of a debate: the Iran deal.
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Politics
Texans in Congress Again Target Oil Export Ban
The nation’s capital is bracing for a frenetic fall. At best, Congress can expect a four-month legislative slog through everything from Iran to abortion; at worst, the government could shut down. It’s anyone’s guess what that will mean for a renewed push to end the country’s crude oil export ban.
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Politics
Cruz and Cornyn Clash on Senate Floor
In the span of 10 minutes on Sunday afternoon, Texas’ two senators engaged in what was — by Senate standards — a tough exchange on the chamber’s floor.
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Politics
Cruz Calls Senate Majority Leader McConnell a Liar
There are few places in modern life where strict decorum remains like the halls and the floor of the United States Senate. And on Friday morning, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz shattered one of the surest unwritten rules of the upper chamber.