If U.S. Rep. Pete Sessions is to succeed in his bid to serve as the third-ranking Republican in Congress, the 10-term Dallas congressman will need the support of his fellow Texans.
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.
Analysis: The Hard Way to Win a Speaker’s Race
Anti-establishment Republicans have tried three times to knock House Speaker Joe Straus, R-San Antonio, out of the top job. Now they’re entering an election season nearly five dozen votes short of what they need.
Analysis: Dancing With Those Who Brung Ya
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

