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.
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
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.
Posted in
Politics
Texas Congressional Delegation’s Members Build, Share War Chests
Newly filed federal campaign finance reports telegraph which federal House members are worried about re-election, which are eager to ingratiate themselves to colleagues in Washington and who might be in legal trouble.
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Politics
Ghost of Export-Import Bank Haunts Highway Bill
Two weeks after it was supposedly killed, the federal Export-Import Bank may soon be resuscitated by tagging its future to a massive highway funding bill. The congressional gamesmanship has conservatives vowing to kill the bank for good.
Posted in
Energy
Texas Members of Congress Spar Over Crude Oil Export Ban
Texas Congressmen Gene Green and Joe Barton went head-to-head Thursday on a bill that would lift a 40-year-old ban on crude oil exports.
Posted in
Politics
Hitting “Washington Cartel,” Cruz Conjures New Foil
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz is opening a new front in his war of words against Washington, D.C., decrying a “Washington cartel” replete with corruption and cronyism.
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Politics
Why Are So Few Texas Women in Congress?
Texas has just three women in its 38-member congressional delegation, and hasn’t sent a new long-term congresswoman to Washington in almost 20 years. Many in both parties wonder why the state’s once-promising fount of woman candidates is running dry.
Posted in
Congress
Democrats Help Defeat Obama’s Legacy Bill
The U.S. House on Friday shot down President Obama’s bid to negotiate the largest trade deal in American history. The people taking knives to his agenda were in his own party, including most of Texas’ Democratic delegation.
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Politics
In Austin, Flores Doesn’t Mince Words on Ex-Im Bank
U.S. Rep. Bill Flores, the latest Texas Republican to come out against the U.S. Export-Import Bank, did not shy away from his new position Wednesday as he spoke to business groups fighting to keep the 81-year-old federal agency alive.