The latest Congress news from The Texas Tribune.
As the Ukraine crisis intensifies, President Joe Biden issued sanctions against a pipeline company. Cruz previously blocked State Department nominees because Biden wouldn’t oppose the project. Full Story
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Casar has impressive progressive endorsements, from Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders. But he also is tied to some of Austin’s most progressive policies, which have attracted powerful enemies and turned off some moderate Democrats. Full Story
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The Houston Republican’s acceptance of the 2020 presidential election results — and his comments at recent forums — fuel criticism as he seeks reelection. Full Story
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The support comes with less than three weeks left in the crowded primary race to success retiring U.S. Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson in her securely Democratic district in Dallas. Full Story
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The statewide races on the March primary ballots are sprinkled with the names of state and federal legislators from Texas. You might think they have the upper hand in those contests. Maybe, and maybe not. Full Story
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Nehls tweeted that the police illegally entered his office and took photos of legislative documents, suggesting he was under investigation as political retribution. Capitol Police said they entered his office because it was open as routine safety protocol. Full Story
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Morgan Luttrell is backed by former Gov. Rick Perry, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, U.S. Rep. Dan Crenshaw of Houston and the top super PAC aligned with House GOP leadership. Christian Collins has the support of U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, the campaign arm of the House Freedom Caucus and some of the most ardent pro-Trump Republicans in the House, like U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia. Full Story
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The U.S. senator joined some of his Republican colleagues in questioning Biden’s promise to pick a Black woman for the country’s highest court, while civil rights advocates say the nomination is long overdue for better representation on federal courts. Full Story
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The U.S. Department of Justice has made efforts in the past to avoid public investigations of officials that could sway elections. Full Story
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On this week’s episode, Matthew speaks with Abby and Karen about U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar’s legal situation and whether the omicron wave is receding. Full Story
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Paxton’s attack ads suggest that he sees Gohmert as a bigger threat than the other two Republicans in the race — Land Commissioner George P. Bush and former state Supreme Court Justice Eva Guzman. Full Story
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The GOP-backed voting law — passed under the banner of ensuring election integrity — banned local election officials from sending out unsolicited mail-in ballot applications. But Crenshaw and other politicians can still do it. Full Story
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U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Austin, is the favorite to return to Congress via Texas’ 37th District, while Republican Wesley Hunt is the leading contender in the 38th District. Full Story
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He also reiterated he is not backing away from his bid for another term in the March primary. “Let me be clear: I’m running for reelection and I intend to win,” Cuellar said. Full Story
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Johnson did not make her retirement official until November, setting off an abridged scramble to set up campaigns ahead of the December filing deadline but attracting a packed lineup of experienced candidates who are either well connected, well known or well funded. Full Story
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In an advertisement that will begin airing this weekend, Cuellar says he’ll “never stop fighting for South Texas.” Full Story
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The federal infrastructure bill’s passage renewed hopes that Texas would finally get a coastal storm barrier. But Galveston and Houston could still get hit by a hurricane before it is built. Full Story
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Democratic leaders now plan in the coming hours to execute a maneuver to change the rules and allow the filibuster to be broken with a simple majority vote. But Democrats, with a 50-50 majority secured by Vice President Harris’ tiebreaking vote, do not have the support to execute that plan. Full Story
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An FBI spokesperson said the agency was present on two streets around Cuellar’s house in Laredo “conducting court-authorized law enforcement activity.” Full Story
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Justices on Wednesday heard the Republican senator’s challenge to a federal campaign finance law that the federal government says is meant to prevent corruption. Full Story
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