Several Republicans abstained from requesting earmarks in the budgeting process, citing concerns about ethics and wasteful spending.
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
Democrats are in danger of losing three congressional strongholds in South Texas
The seats in question are held by U.S. Reps. Henry Cuellar of Laredo and Vicente Gonzalez of McAllen. A third vacant seat recently belonged to Filemon Vela of Brownsville, who stepped down to take a private sector lobbying job.
Posted in
Politics
Two Democrats, two Republicans will compete in special election for South Texas congressional seat that GOP wants to flip
The winner of the special election will replace former U.S. Rep. Filemon Vela, D-Brownsville, who resigned last month to work for Akin Gump.
Posted in
Politics
How a Plano toy inventor helped push U.S. Rep. Van Taylor out of office
Josh Malone funded a super PAC that spent over $400,000 working to defeat the Plano congressman, who got forced into a primary runoff and then admitted to an affair and ended his campaign.
Posted in
Graphics and data reporting
Here’s your ballot for the May 24 Texas primary runoff election
See the full list of candidates in the Democratic and Republican primary runoffs, and find out who’s on your ballot based on where you live.
Posted in
Politics
Ted Cruz and John Cornyn vote no as Senate confirms Ketanji Brown Jackson to Supreme Court
Texas’ U.S. senators have acknowledged the historical nature of Jackson’s nomination but said ahead of their votes that they believe her ideology could be harmful for the court and the country.
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Congress
Texas Republicans who opposed resolution supporting NATO criticize and question its language
Two of the 11 members who opposed the measure say language calling for a Center for Democratic Resilience was vague and troubling.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Texas’ Henry Cuellar one of two Democrats to vote against landmark marijuana legalization bill
The bill faces stiff headwinds in the Senate, where it would require 60 votes to pass. A similar measure the House passed in 2020 failed in the upper chamber.
Posted in
Congress
Texas Republicans pushed Biden administration to keep rule that turns asylum-seekers away at the border
The Biden administration will drop the policy that critics have called an inhumane rule.
Posted in
Texas 2022 Elections
U.S. Rep. Filemon Vela steps down, setting up a heated battle for his South Texas district
Vela’s resignation is effective at 11:59 p.m. Thursday in a move he said was coming. Gov. Greg Abbott can now call a special election to fill his unfinished term.