The federal government blocked an attempt to rename these places 30 years ago when Texas passed a law to eliminate the term. Now, lawmakers are once again pushing for the change.
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
Most U.S. House Republicans from Texas vote against forming a commission to investigate Jan. 6 insurrection
The bill creating the commission, which would have subpoena power, passed 252-175. Republican U.S. Reps. Tony Gonzales of San Antonio and Van Taylor of Plano were the only two GOP Texans to support the measure.
Posted in
Politics
U.S. Rep. Chip Roy loses bid to replace Liz Cheney as third-ranking House Republican
Roy announced Thursday that he was seeking the post but was quickly denounced by former President Donald Trump.
Posted in
Politics
Gov. Greg Abbott sets July 27 as date of special election runoff to succeed late U.S. Rep. Ron Wright
The runoff pits Wright’s widow, Susan Wright, against state Rep. Jake Ellzey of Waxahachie. Both are Republicans.
Posted in
Higher Education
Texas colleges and universities get $2 billion in federal stimulus money. Half must go directly to struggling students.
The federal government also announced that undocumented and international students can now receive those emergency funds, too, rolling back a Trump administration rule that allowed schools to distribute grants only to students who qualified for federal financial aid.
Posted in
University of Texas/Texas Tribune Polls
Joe Biden as popular as top Republican officeholders in Texas, UT/TT Poll finds
Texas voters have a strong preference for politicians from their own parties, but overall, the president is as popular here as the governor or either of the state’s U.S. senators.
Posted in
Politics
Republicans Susan Wright, Jake Ellzey headed to runoff for North Texas congressional district
A runoff date has yet to be scheduled in the race, which drew 23 candidates vying to replace U.S. Rep. Ron Wright, R-Arlington.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Freshman GOP Texas congressman made a personal pitch to Joe Biden: Let me help with criminal justice reform
U.S. Rep. Troy Nehls, the former sheriff of Fort Bend County, made the request after Biden’s joint address Wednesday night. Biden’s answer: “I’ll reach out to you.”
Posted in
Politics
Donald Trump makes late push for Susan Wright in special election to fill her late husband’s U.S. House seat
The former president is set to appear on a tele-town hall Thursday to get out the vote for Wright in Saturday’s contest.
Posted in
Politics
Texas releases $11 billion of $18 billion in federal stimulus money for public schools
The newly released funds come after educators and state Democrats urged the governor to unlock the pandemic relief money as schools plan their budgets for the next school year