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Government

Congressmen introduce bill targeting illicit pill presses amid fentanyl crisis

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Congressmen Dan Crenshaw (TX-02) and Josh Harder (CA-09) introduced H.R. 9258—the Disrupt Fentanyl Pill Production Act. This legislation aims to end counterfeit pill operations, one of the most nefarious aspects of the fentanyl epidemic. If passed, H.R. 9258 will empower law enforcement agencies to trace pill presses used by cartels and other criminal enterprises to mass-produce illicit drugs sold on American streets.


Government

Congresswoman announces new group to tackle South Texas water issues

Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) has announced the formation of the South Texas Water Working Group, a collaborative initiative aimed at addressing water challenges in South Texas communities. This effort reflects Congresswoman De La Cruz's commitment to working with local leaders to develop and implement long-term solutions for water sustainability and security in the region.


Government

Luttrell leads bipartisan push for MDMA-assisted therapy approval

Congressman Morgan Luttrell (R-TX) and 60 other Members of the House of Representatives have sent a bipartisan letter to President Biden and administration officials, emphasizing the need for new treatments for PTSD and advocating for MDMA-Assisted Therapy (MDMA-AT) as a potential solution to prevent suicide among veterans. The letter, co-led by Reps. Bergman (MI-01), Correa (CA-46), and Panetta (CA-19), also urges the FDA to rely on scientific evidence in its forthcoming decision on MDMA-AT approval, expected within the next week.


Government

McCaul criticizes Biden-Harris policies after reported release of suspected terrorists

U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas), chairman emeritus of the House Committee on Homeland Security, released a statement today addressing a House Judiciary Committee report. The report highlights concerns about the Biden-Harris administration's border policies and their impact on national security.


Government

Houston appoints J. Noe Diaz as new police chief

Today, Mayor John Whitmire announced the appointment of J. Noe Diaz as the new Chief of Police for the Houston Police Department.


Government

Lawmakers urge Biden-Harris administration to approve LNG export permits

U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) has joined the co-chairs of the House Energy Export Caucus, including Congressman Jodey Arrington (R-Texas), and a bipartisan group of 50 representatives in urging the Biden-Harris administration to authorize liquified natural gas (LNG) export permits. This call follows a federal judge's decision to block the administration’s ban on new permits.


Government

House passes Congressman Wesley Hunt's Royalty Resiliency Act

On August 1, 2024, Congressman Wesley Hunt's legislation H.R. 7377, known as The Royalty Resiliency Act, passed the House. This bill amends the Federal Oil and Gas Royalty Management Act of 1982 to improve the management of royalties from oil and gas leases.


Government

Hunt praises bipartisan effort on Water Resources Development Act

The Water Resources Development Act of 2024 (WRDA), designated as H.R. 8812, was passed today. The act includes a significant provision directing the United States Army Corps of Engineers to complete the Buffalo Bayou Tributaries Resiliency Study (BBTRS). This provision, introduced by Congresswoman Fletcher and Congressman Hunt, represents the final step before constructing a viable flood mitigation project aimed at permanently ending flooding in Houston.


Government

Congresswoman De La Cruz hosts town hall with VA Secretary McDonough

Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) today expressed her gratitude to Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough for participating in a productive and insightful Zoom Town Hall focused on veterans' issues. The event, held on July 31, 2024, provided veterans in Texas's 15th Congressional District with valuable information and addressed their concerns directly.


Government

Houston addresses hurricane response; appoints new fire chief amid police report release

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner has addressed the city's response to Hurricane Beryl, highlighting significant challenges in infrastructure and emergency preparedness.


Government

Bipartisan bill aims at boosting US leadership in semiconductor R&D

This week, U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas), House Republican Conference Vice Chairman Blake Moore (R-Utah), Representatives Suzan DelBene (D-Wash.), and Doris Matsui (D-Calif.) introduced the Semiconductor Technology Advancement and Research (STAR) Act.


Government

McCaul criticizes Biden's Supreme Court overhaul proposal

U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) released a statement following President Biden's announcement of a proposal to overhaul the U.S. Supreme Court during a speech at the LBJ Library in Austin, Texas.


Government

Operation Lone Star reduces illegal crossings into Texas by significant margin

Governor Greg Abbott, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), and the Texas National Guard continue to collaborate on securing the border, stopping the smuggling of drugs, weapons, and people into Texas, and preventing transnational criminal activity between ports of entry.


Government

Thomas Muñoz appointed as new chief of Houston Fire Department

Mayor John Whitmire has appointed Thomas Muñoz as the new chief of the Houston Fire Department.


Government

Rep. Troy E. Nehls urges DHS action on Venezuelan prisoners

Congressman Troy E. Nehls (R-TX-22) has sent a third letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, addressing concerns about violent criminals being released from Venezuelan prisons and entering the United States through migrant caravans. Congressmen Byron Donalds (R-FL-19), Randy Weber (R-TX-14), and Pete Stauber (R-MN-08) co-signed the letter, urging Secretary Mayorkas to prevent Venezuelans from entering the country, deport those already released pending immigration proceedings, and initiate a moratorium on all Venezuelan migration until...


Government

McCaul criticizes Biden-Harris administration's border policies

U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul, chairman emeritus of the House Committee on Homeland Security, issued a statement following his vote for H.Res. 1371, a resolution condemning the Biden administration and Vice President Harris for their handling of border security.


Government

House passes appropriations bill with $2.4 million for South Texas

The House passed the Interior Appropriations bill on Wednesday, July 24, including more than $2.4 million in funding for projects across South Texas.


Government

Senate passes bill targeting illegal synthetic drug financing

The Senate has passed H.R. 1076, the Preventing the Financing of Illegal Synthetic Drugs Act, a bipartisan bill introduced by Rep. Monica De La Cruz (R-Texas) in February 2023. The legislation aims to prevent the financing of illegal synthetic drugs. With its passage in both the House and the Senate, it now awaits the President’s signature to become law.


Government

McCaul supports passage of Water Resources Development Act

U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) praised the passage of the Water Resources Development Act of 2024 (WRDA) out of the U.S. House of Representatives. This bipartisan bill aims to strengthen and preserve water projects and infrastructure throughout Texas and the United States.


Government

Chairman Nehls addresses rail safety post-East Palestine derailment

Washington, D.C. - Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee Chairman Troy E. Nehls (R-TX) delivered opening remarks at today's hearing titled "Examining the State of Rail Safety in the Aftermath of the Derailment in East Palestine, Ohio."