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Government

Texas sends hurricane aid to Florida and Tennessee amid storm threats

Governor Greg Abbott has announced the deployment of Texas emergency response and recovery resources to Florida and Tennessee. This decision follows requests from the Florida Division of Emergency Management in anticipation of Hurricane Milton and from the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency for assistance after Hurricane Helene.


Government

Bipartisan bill targets veteran suicide prevention through improved data collection

Congressman Morgan Luttrell (R-TX), along with Congressmen Greg Landsman (D-OH), Derrick Van Orden (R-WI), and Chris Deluzio (D-PA), has introduced the What Works for Preventing Veteran Suicide Act. This bipartisan legislation aims to enhance the effectiveness of suicide prevention programs within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The bill is designed to address the high rates of veteran suicides by improving data collection and transparency, ensuring that resources are directed towards the most effective initiatives.


Government

De La Cruz introduces bipartisan bill to improve Medicare helpline services

Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz has introduced the Improving Medicare Services Act of 2024, a bipartisan effort aimed at enhancing the 1-800-Medicare call line. The legislation, co-led by Congressman Lou Correa, seeks to ensure seniors receive necessary healthcare assistance by modernizing this critical resource for Medicare beneficiaries.


Government

Houston funds 29 projects enhancing artistic creativity with $71,500 in grants

The City of Houston is providing $71,500 in grants to 29 individuals and nonprofit organizations through the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs (MOCA).


Government

Biden administration approves permit for Laredo international bridge project

Today, Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz of Texas announced the White House's approval of a conditional permit for the Laredo 4/5 International Bridge. The project aims to enhance trade and economic relations between the United States and Mexico.


Government

Lawmakers urge Biden-Harris administration to enforce DNA collection under immigration law

This week, Congressman Michael McCaul of Texas, along with Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa and 31 other lawmakers, called on President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris to comply with federal immigration laws by collecting DNA samples from every immigrant encountered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This request is in accordance with the DNA Fingerprint Act of 2005.


Government

Houston celebrates Hispanic heritage by honoring outstanding contributors

Mayor John Whitmire, in collaboration with the Mayor's Hispanic Advisory Board, has commenced a month-long celebration of Hispanic culture and achievements by honoring individuals who have significantly contributed to the Houston Hispanic community.


Government

Houston awards $130K in grants for arts tourism and disaster resilience

The City of Houston Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs (MOCA) has announced the allocation of $130,833 in grants to seven individuals and nonprofit organizations.


Government

Houston mayor announces pay raises amid celebration of diversity

October 1, 2024 Houston Mayor John Whitmire has announced a series of initiatives and achievements in his latest update to the city's residents.


Government

Governor Abbott sends generators for Hurricane Helene recovery in Georgia

Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to send emergency power generators to Georgia to support recovery efforts after Hurricane Helene. This decision follows a request from the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency.


Government

House passes NASA Reauthorization Act focusing on future explorations

U.S. Congressman Brian Babin (TX-36) has expressed his approval following the House's passage of the NASA Reauthorization Act of 2024 (H.R. 8958). This bipartisan legislation aims to reaffirm the United States' commitment to leading global space and science endeavors, with a focus on commercial partnerships and international collaboration in advancing space exploration and scientific research.


Government

Congressman McCaul criticizes Biden-Harris admin over release of criminal aliens

U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) has criticized the Biden-Harris administration following the release of new data from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The data reveals that nearly 650,000 criminal illegal aliens have been released into the United States under the current administration.


Government

Lawmakers request details from FDA on third-party medical device reviews

Congressman Dan Crenshaw and Congresswoman Angie Craig have sent a letter to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seeking details on the agency’s plan for its medical device third-party review program. This program allows qualified private-sector reviewers to assess low-risk medical devices, aiming to expedite their review process at the FDA.


Government

Roy Rodriguez named chairman by Congresswoman De La Cruz

Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) this week held her second official meeting of the South Texas Water Working Group, where she announced the appointment of Roy Rodriguez as its chairman. Rodriguez has extensive experience in public administration and water management across Texas.


Government

Bipartisan RIDER Act introduced to improve federal disaster assistance

U.S. Congressmen Brian Babin (TX-36) and John Garamendi (CA-08), along with Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), have introduced the Regional Impact of Disasters and Emergencies Relief (RIDER) Act. This bipartisan bill aims to improve access to federal relief for communities affected by major disasters by amending existing laws.


Government

Give Kids a Chance Act passes House with strong bipartisan support

U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) spoke on the House floor in support of his bill, the Give Kids a Chance Act. The legislation, which passed the House shortly after McCaul's remarks, will authorize the FDA to direct drug companies researching combination drug therapies for adults to also research combination therapies for children.


Government

House passes bipartisan bill on emerging border technologies

Congressman Morgan Luttrell (R-TX) and Congressman Lou Correa (D-CA), members of the House Border Security and Enforcement Subcommittee, recently introduced the Emerging Innovative Border Technologies Act. The legislation has now passed in the U.S. House of Representatives with strong bipartisan support. This act mandates that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) present a detailed plan to Congress for identifying, integrating, and deploying advanced technologies to enhance border security operations.


Government

McCaul commends passage of Building Chips in America Act

U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul has expressed approval following the passage of the Building Chips in America Act of 2023. This legislation, which McCaul introduced alongside Representatives Jen Kiggans (R-Va.), Scott Peters (D-Calif.), Brandon Williams (R-N.Y.), and Colin Allred (D-Texas), aims to speed up the environmental regulatory process for domestic semiconductor chip manufacturing projects. The bill now awaits the president's signature.


Government

De La Cruz introduces bill to strengthen whistleblower protections

Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) has introduced H.R. 9721, known as the Ensuring Access to Whistleblower Protections Act. This legislation aims to close gaps in whistleblower protections for employees of HUD contractors. The bill mandates that contracts pre-dating 2013, which currently lack key whistleblower protections, will be updated to include Section 4712 anti-retaliation provisions when they undergo modifications.


Government

McCaul votes for enhanced security act after second attempt on Trump's life

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) voted for the Enhanced Presidential Security Act of 2024, legislation that directs the U.S. Secret Service to apply the same standards when determining the number of agents in a protection detail for presidents, vice presidents, and major presidential and vice-presidential candidates.