Members of the state’s GOP delegation were among the loudest voices critiquing their own party’s “One Big Beautiful Bill.” In the end, each of them voted for it.
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
Energy
Senate passes GOP’s tax and spending bill with Cornyn, Cruz priorities included
The package includes $13.5 billion to reimburse states for border spending. It is expected to meet resistance in the House from some Texas Republicans.
Posted in
Politics
Texas Democrat Colin Allred launches 2026 U.S. Senate campaign
Allred lost to U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz last year by 8.5 points while outperforming the top of the ticket.
Posted in
Politics
Sen. John Cornyn looks to overcome Paxton primary challenge by embracing Trump
As he faces the toughest electoral challenge of his career, Cornyn has also wielded his powers as a U.S. senator to lean into partisan issues prized by the GOP base.
Posted in
Congress
Ted Cruz wants to stop states from regulating AI. Some of his Republican colleagues aren’t so sure
Senate Republicans, Democrats and outside groups are mounting an offensive against Cruz’s push to withhold AI money from states that regulate the technology.
Posted in
Higher Education
Proposed Pell Grant cuts threaten college access for nearly 500,000 Texas college students
Proposals in the federal budget bill would cut the maximum Pell Grant award amount by $1,500 and take away eligibility for students enrolled less than half-time.
Posted in
Politics
Progressive Rep. Greg Casar has a playbook he wants Democrats to use in 2026
Casar, the chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, thinks economic populism and “authentic candidates” can win back recently converted GOP voters.
Posted in
Politics
Rep. Jasmine Crockett drops bid for influential post on House oversight panel
The Dallas Democrat had said her party should respond more aggressively to the Trump administration and pitched herself as the best messenger for the job.
Posted in
Politics
Former U.S. Rep. Blake Farenthold of Corpus Christi dies at 63
Farenthold, a local radio personality, served in Congress from 2011 to 2018 and is credited with securing funding for the port. He resigned amid allegations of sexual harassment.
Posted in
Economy
American babies may get $1,000 each to invest because of Ted Cruz
Included in Congress’ major tax and spending bill is Cruz’s proposal to give every American baby $1,000 to invest.