The Brief: July 15, 2014

The Big Conversation

A bipartisan effort by two Texas lawmakers — GOP U.S. Sen. John Cornyn and Democratic U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar — grabbed headlines as having the potential to break the logjam as to what to do about the surge in unaccompanied minors across the border.

"The new legislation would treat all unaccompanied migrant children crossing the border equally, allowing for voluntary reunification with their families, whether they come from Mexico, Central America or any other region," reported the Houston Chronicle's Kevin Diaz. "Several top Republicans in Congress have said the policy change would be a condition for approving a White House funding request for the border."

The Hill's Cristina Marcos and Peter Schroeder added the name of another Texas lawmaker as deeply involved in finding a solution.

"Rep. Kay Granger (R-Texas), the [House GOP immigration] working group’s leader, will argue that child immigrants from Central America should be subject to the same rules as those from Mexico," they wrote. "A source close to Granger said the group will also advise that National Guard troops be sent to the border, a longstanding demand from Republicans. Granger will offer the presentation at a pivotal conference meeting expected to signal the party's direction on the issue."

As Diaz writes, though, opposition can be found from both the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and from Republicans who disagree with Obama's call for $3.7 billion in emergency funding for the border. Also, immigration advocates question whether the proposal gives unaccompanied minors enough time to seek asylum. The Cornyn-Cuellar legislation would give them seven days.

The Day Ahead

•    Democratic lieutenant governor candidate Leticia Van de Putte will appear at The Monitor Newsmaker Breakfast Series at the McAllen Convention Center.

•    SD-4 GOP candidate Brandon Creighton will hold a fundraiser from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Landry's Seafood in The Woodlands.

Trib Must-Reads

Video: Ship Channel Fueling Industry, Debate, by Alana Rocha

Texas Utilities Preparing for New EPA Regulations, by Jim Malewitz

Texas Sees Rise in Medicaid Signups, by Eli Okun

Elsewhere

Texas redistricting hearings begin anew, San Antonio Express-News

Federal judge overturns Arlington ordinance, Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Florida fears worst; state officials preparing for SpaceX to locate in Texas, McAllen Monitor

Texas 130 operator gets payment extension though Moody's says company is in default, San Antonio Express-News

Texas town's fracturing ban appears headed for ballot, Houston Chronicle

George W. Bush Undergoes Second Knee Surgery in Chicago, NBC DFW

Perry-Paul launch foreign policy war of words, The Associated Press

Did the GOP Just Take a Big Leap Forward in Data?, National Journal

Quote to Note

“The state of Texas, as it has in redistricting cycles since 1970, adopted maps that discriminated against its citizens.”

— U.S. Department of Justice Attorney Bryan Sells, during opening statements at the latest round of the legal challenge to electoral maps enacted by the Legislature in 2011

Today in TribTalk

Alarmist views on climate shouldn't guide policy, by David Blackmon

Trib Events for the Calendar

•    The Texas Tribune Festival runs from Sept. 19-21 at the University of Texas at Austin. The next round of participants has now been announced, a list headed by Wendy Davis, Rick Perry, John Cornyn and Atlanta, Ga., Mayor Kasim Reed. Act now!