The latest Congress news from The Texas Tribune.
As cases surge in Texas and the pandemic rages on, the representatives said ICE should release all detainees who are not a safety risk and who are more vulnerable to contracting the virus. Full Story
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During an interview with The Texas Tribune, Escobar, D-El Paso, said the state's leadership missed an opportunity to implement robust testing when an emergency was declared. Full Story
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During a Houston policing roundtable organized by U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, several local leaders emphasized the need for social services funding. Full Story
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In 1980, Texas became the first state to adopt Juneteenth as a holiday. It is officially recognized in all but three states: Hawaii, North Dakota and South Dakota. As Americans continue to march for racial justice, black Texans say the holiday has taken on additional weight. Full Story
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Cornyn is not the first Texas lawmaker to take similar steps toward celebrating Juneteenth. On Monday, U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Houston, introduced a resolution aiming to recognize the historical significance of the holiday. Her measure has more than 200 cosponsors. Full Story
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The Houston Democrat isn't the first member of the state's delegation who has taken such action. Full Story
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A day earlier, Cornyn had pushed back against the notion of changing base names, saying "I am for looking forward, not looking backward." Full Story
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Cornyn said he's worried efforts to erase America's history could lead to people forgetting their mistakes. Full Story
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George Floyd's brother Philonise Floyd was also a featured witness at the hearing, where he spoke about the pain of losing his brother. Full Story
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The state triggered an extended benefits period, adding an additional 13 weeks of unemployment starting in July. It is the second benefits extension this year. Full Story
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Members of Congress and staff worry that the country's political dysfunction has rendered the federal government incapable of addressing police violence legislatively before the November elections. Full Story
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The North Texas representative is vying to be the top Republican on the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Full Story
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Our signature ideas weekend is now an ideas month, and that’s only one of the many pandemic-inspired changes we have in store. Full Story
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The 2020 Texas Democratic and Republican primary runoffs will take place July 14. See the full list of candidates, and find out who's on your ballot based on where you live. Full Story
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The former presidential candidate and the U.S. representative from San Antonio, two of Texas’ most prominent Democrats, have yet to formally endorse the Democratic nominee for president. Full Story
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Johnson, R-Richardson, was first elected to Congress in 1991 and gained a reputation as a strong conservative voice in the Texas delegation. He was a prisoner of war for nearly seven years. Full Story
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Republicans have fought the allowance of proxy voting tooth and nail. They argue that such a move upends the Constitution, and they promise a protracted legal fight. Full Story
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We sat down for a live interview with Escobar, D-El Paso, to answer questions about the federal response to the coronavirus outbreak, how El Paso is faring and what relief Texans can expect. Full Story
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The two men vying to represent the Texas Panhandle in Congress have split a slew of endorsements ahead of the runoff to replace Thornberry, who is retiring. Full Story
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Texas had the highest uninsured rate of any state before the outbreak. It's also among a minority of states that have declined to expand Medicaid coverage to people with incomes near or below the poverty line. Full Story
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