The governor suggested more details would be released next week. The announcement Thursday of several initiatives is the latest in an ongoing conflict between Abbott, a Republican, and Democratic President Joe Biden’s administration.
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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Politics
U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul joins call to move 2022 Olympics from China over persecution of Uyghurs
The Uyghurs are a predominantly Muslim group who live in China’s northwestern region. The Chinese persecution of these people reportedly includes indoctrination camps and forced sterilization of women.
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Texas Legislature 2021
In fight against Texas GOP’s voting bill, options are limited for Democrats in Congress and the White House
The filibuster stands in the way of Democrats passing bills aimed at expanding access to the vote. Meanwhile, the executive branch has lost one of its most powerful tools for intervening.
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Politics
Texas officials speak at QAnon-affiliated event where Trump adviser Michael Flynn encouraged military coup on U.S. government
Texas GOP Chairman Allen West, Republican U.S. Rep. Louie Gohmert and Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller each delivered remarks at the event. Marketing for the event included a logo featuring a cowboy hat with the letters “WWG1WGA” around its band, a QAnon motto.
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Texas Legislature 2021
President Joe Biden says Texas voting bill is “part of an assault on democracy”
Senate Bill 7, a Republican priority voting bill, would limit early voting hours, curtail local voting options and further clamp down on mail-in voting, among several other provisions.
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Congress
U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz, John Cornyn vote against commission to investigate January insurrection
U.S. Senate Republicans successfully blocked the establishment of a commission to investigate the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. Cruz and Cornyn voted against proceeding with debating the commission.
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Texas Legislature 2021
State lawmakers urge federal government to remove the term “Negro” from Texas place names
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
