The latest Congress news from The Texas Tribune.
How West Houston’s Democratic voters decide in the 7th Congressional District runoff on Tuesday will have outsized implications for national Democrats' optimism and tactics in the fall. Full Story
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The Democratic runoff between Lorie Burch and her runoff opponent, Sam Johnson, has turned heads, but not because Democrats have high hopes that they can represent Texas' 3rd Congressional District. Full Story
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Asked about a report questioning whether Farenthold's recent hiring as a lobbyist for the Port of Port Lavaca may have violated the Texas Open Meetings Act, he said, "I don't know anything about it." Full Story
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Two spirited runoffs are underway for the major-party nominations to replace retiring U.S. Rep. Lamar Smith, R-San Antonio. Joseph Kopser and Mary Wilson are vying for the Democratic nod, while the two Republicans squaring off are Matt McCall and Chip Roy. Full Story
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Seven Democrats filed to run against U.S. Rep. Pete Sessions, a Dallas Republican. The race is now down to Colin Allred and Lillian Salerno – two former Obama administration officials who argue Sessions is vulnerable. Full Story
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Weeks after resigning from Congress amid sexual harassment allegations, former U.S. Rep. Blake Farenthold will be the port's full-time legislative liaison, the Corpus Christi Caller-Times reported Monday. Full Story
As early voting begins in Texas' Republican congressional runoffs, just about every race has devolved into a battle over which candidate supports President Donald Trump more. Full Story
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U.S. Rep. Mac Thornberry, the highest-ranking House Republican – and Texan – on national defense issues, said President Donald Trump should have given "our European allies a few more months to strengthen the deal." Full Story
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Running for speaker in a chamber that's nearly two-thirds Republican seems like a long shot for Rep. Eric Johnson, D-Dallas. But there might be things he could gain other than the gavel. Full Story
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Two years ago, Texas won a case blocking an immigration policy just one letter different from DACA. As it challenges the narrower, more popular program, Texas has come armed with the same legal arguments that succeeded last time around. Full Story
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Farenthold resigned in April, months after it came to light that he settled a sexual harassment claim from a former staff member with $84,000 in taxpayer money. Full Story
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On this week's TribCast, Emily talks to Evan, Ross and Emma about who's debating whom in the Senate and gubernatorial matchups, what's next for Austin's scooters and the latest names to emerge in the Texas House speaker's race. Full Story
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Four congressional Democrats objected to the pamphlet this week, saying it includes "blatant lies about the safety of abortion." Full Story
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Nine candidates have filed for the June 30 special election to finish former U.S. Rep. Blake Farenthold's term, according to the secretary of state's office. The deadline was 5 p.m. Friday. Full Story
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A special election doesn't play out like normal elections. For starters, there are no primaries. Every candidate who files for the seat – regardless of party affiliation – will appear on one ballot. Full Story
If history is any guide, candidates that earned first place in their primary race are likely to win their runoff — especially if they finished with a lead of more than 10 percentage points. But there are instances when second-place primary finishers come out on top. Full Story
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In the Democratic primary runoff in Texas' 7th Congressional District, Laura Moser and Lizzie Pannill Fletcher discuss what propelled them to run for office and why they think they can unseat the 17-year Republican incumbent. They also show off their drawing skills. Full Story
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Citing a congressional request, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions on Wednesday said the department won't end a program that helps federally detained immigrants obtain legal advice and other resources. Full Story
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In a letter Wednesday, Gov. Greg Abbott told former U.S. Rep. Blake Farenthold he should return $84,000 that he used to settle a sexual harassment claim to taxpayers by funding a June 30 special election to finish his term. Full Story
U.S. District Judge John D. Bates ruled Tuesday that the administration's decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program was never fully explained and could not be justified. However, Bates did allow for a 90-day hold on his ruling “to afford [the Department of Homeland Security] an opportunity to better explain its view that DACA is unlawful.” Full Story
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