A Texas elections administrator from Tarrant County told a U.S. House committee there was a social media call for his violent death, and election workers nationwide have reported more than 1,000 “hostile contacts” over the past year.
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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Climate Change in Texas
Texas Dems uniformly vote for Biden’s cornerstone climate and health care legislation
The bill would invest billions into issues acutely impacting Texas, including climate change and health care, and is the result of months of intraparty fighting between moderates and progressives.
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Health care
How a Texas couple led a long crusade and won protections for veterans exposed to toxic fumes
Le Roy and Rosie Torres founded the Burn Pits 360 group that advocated for years for Congress to help veterans suffering from injuries caused by the massive disposal sites on overseas bases. Le Roy came home from Iraq suffering from breathing problems.
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Climate Change in Texas
Texas Democrats in Congress balance climate concerns and fossil fuel constituencies as they consider landmark bill
The handful of Texas Democrats who have a penchant for defending the state’s oil and gas industry includes members of the powerful House Energy and Commerce Committee and representatives from some of the top oil producing, refining and transporting regions of the state.
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Health care
After fierce criticism for delaying landmark veterans bill, Ted Cruz votes to pass it
Cruz drew ire last week for fist bumping another senator who also voted against advancing the bill that will help provide care for veterans exposed to toxic burn pits. On Tuesday, he joined Senators in passing the legislation.
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Criminal Justice
Bucking other Texas Democrats, Cuellar and Gonzalez vote against U.S. House bill that would ban semi-automatic weapons
The chamber’s attempt to ban semi-automatic weapons after a series of mass shootings appears destined to fail in the Senate.
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Climate Change in Texas
U.S. Senate approves bill containing Texas’ “Ike Dike” coastal protection project
The U.S. Senate voted to authorize the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to begin planning for a massive coastal barrier project in Galveston Bay meant to protect against hurricanes’ storm surge. Funding is not yet secured.
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Economy
Dallas landlord made record profits while evading eviction moratoriums, U.S. House committee says
Four corporate landlords, including Dallas-based Invitation Homes, tried to evict thousands of tenants during a federal ban on evictions, according to an investigation by a congressional subcommittee.
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Economy
Semiconductor subsidies bill backed by top Texas Republicans passes in U.S. House and heads to Biden for final approval
In spite of strong support among Texas GOP leaders, nearly all Texas House Republicans voted against the bill intended to boost the state’s semiconductor industry.
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Congress
Texas Republicans in Congress vote against bill to protect right to contraception
The House passed the measure, but it will have a harder time getting through the evenly divided Senate.