INSIDER
House passes GOP bill requiring proof of citizenship to vote, boosting election-year talking point
Read full article: House passes GOP bill requiring proof of citizenship to vote, boosting election-year talking pointThe House has passed a bill requiring proof of U.S. citizenship for voter registration.
โHold the lineโ: Republicans rally to Abbottโs defense in border standoff with Biden
Read full article: โHold the lineโ: Republicans rally to Abbottโs defense in border standoff with BidenFrom the Texas House to former President Donald Trump, Republicans around the country defended Gov. Greg Abbottโs challenges to the Biden administration's border policies.
DeSantis plans to go from Iowa to South Carolina, skipping New Hampshire, as he targets Haley
Read full article: DeSantis plans to go from Iowa to South Carolina, skipping New Hampshire, as he targets HaleyRon DeSantis is taking his battle with Nikki Haley directly to her home state, planning to head straight to South Carolina, which holds the first GOP votes in the South, after Mondayโs Iowa caucuses.
Texas Republicans vote against shutdown-preventing government funding bill
Read full article: Texas Republicans vote against shutdown-preventing government funding billThirteen Texas Republicans opposed the GOP-led legislation, which would keep the government funded as Congress negotiates federal appropriations. The bill passed after nearly all Democrats came to back it.
Texas Republicans oppose a temporary speaker as U.S. House struggles to find leadership
Read full article: Texas Republicans oppose a temporary speaker as U.S. House struggles to find leadershipThe move would let the House act on legislation amid the Israel-Hamas war and other priorities, but several Texans recoiled at the idea, saying it would hand power to Democrats and break trust with supporters.
Chip Roy, Michael Cloud say theyโre still against Scalise after he wins party nomination for U.S. House speaker
Read full article: Chip Roy, Michael Cloud say theyโre still against Scalise after he wins party nomination for U.S. House speakerThe two Texas holdouts, combined with a handful of other members who have vowed to vote against Rep. Steve Scalise, could delay the selection of the next House speaker.
Texas Republicans stuck with Kevin McCarthy, but it wasnโt enough to save him
Read full article: Texas Republicans stuck with Kevin McCarthy, but it wasnโt enough to save himIn January, some Republican Texans led the charge to challenge McCarthyโs leadership bid. But this time, all Texas Republicans who were present voted to save McCarthy and every U.S. House Democrat voted to remove him.
U.S. House Republicans from Texas target federal funding unless Homeland Security chief is removed
Read full article: U.S. House Republicans from Texas target federal funding unless Homeland Security chief is removedEscalating their fight over Secretary Alejandro Mayorkasโ handling of immigration at the southern border, far-right representatives say they will oppose any appropriations for his agency.
U.S. Rep. Chip Roy helps bend powerful House committee further to the right
Read full article: U.S. Rep. Chip Roy helps bend powerful House committee further to the rightWith help from two other ultraconservatives, the Texas Republicanโs seat on the Rules Committee has let him press for red-meat priorities, even in traditionally bipartisan legislation.
At Texas-Mexico border, Ron DeSantis unveils immigration platform with Trump in mind
Read full article: At Texas-Mexico border, Ron DeSantis unveils immigration platform with Trump in mindThe Florida governor calls for deputizing local law enforcement to police the border and deport migrants, saying his plan is โmore aggressiveโ than the former presidentโs proposals.
In U.S. House, the far right gains a powerful spending-cuts ally in Texas Republican Kay Granger
Read full article: In U.S. House, the far right gains a powerful spending-cuts ally in Texas Republican Kay GrangerThe chair of the House Appropriations Committee vows to hold spending bills to 2022 levels to counter โyears of out-of-control spending.โ
Texas Republicans in Congress stand behind Donald Trump after federal indictment
Read full article: Texas Republicans in Congress stand behind Donald Trump after federal indictmentGOP lawmakers dismiss the charges over classified documents as a partisan attack, but Democrats say the matter proves nobody is above the law.
14 U.S. House Republicans from Texas vote against raising the debt limit
Read full article: 14 U.S. House Republicans from Texas vote against raising the debt limitJoined in opposition by four Texas Democrats, the โnoโ votes werenโt enough to sink the proposal, which next heads to the U.S. Senate.
Debt ceiling agreement gets thumbs up from business groups, jeers from some on political right
Read full article: Debt ceiling agreement gets thumbs up from business groups, jeers from some on political rightThe reviews are starting to come in about the debt ceiling agreement reached by President Joe Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
U.S. House passes border bill shaped by Texas Republicans as Title 42 ends
Read full article: U.S. House passes border bill shaped by Texas Republicans as Title 42 endsThe Secure the Border Act would resume construction of the border wall, limit asylum eligibility and require asylum-seekers to wait in Mexico. It faces tough going in the Senate.
For a Texan who wants to build bridges in Congress, U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales has burned quite a few
Read full article: For a Texan who wants to build bridges in Congress, U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales has burned quite a fewThe two-term Republican, criticized by his own party for breaking with the GOP on key votes, is not inclined to change his ways.
Texas looms large in 2024 presidential race as Trump, others angle for early support
Read full article: Texas looms large in 2024 presidential race as Trump, others angle for early supportThe former president is courting state support as other GOP candidates try to emerge from his shadow, including Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley.
Texasโ U.S. Rep. Chip Roy says Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis should be president
Read full article: Texasโ U.S. Rep. Chip Roy says Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis should be presidentThe Austin Republican is the staunch conservative who led 19 House members in blocking Kevin McCarthyโs bid for the speakership. โI believe itโs time for a new generation of leadership,โ he said of DeSantis.
U.S. Rep. Chip Roy offers warm reception to Biden border proposal as Democrats recoil
Read full article: U.S. Rep. Chip Roy offers warm reception to Biden border proposal as Democrats recoilThe Austin Republicanโs tacit approval only adds fuel to the fire for Texas Democrats recoiling at the report that the Biden administration could detain asylum-seekers.
U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales defiant as he faces censure for breaking with Republican Party
Read full article: U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales defiant as he faces censure for breaking with Republican PartyThe censure resolution cites Gonzalesโ rejection of a border security proposal by fellow Texas Republican Rep. Chip Roy, and his support of a bill for same-sex marriage protections and a bipartisan gun safety law.
Texas defense hawks urge Congress away from military funding cuts to raise the debt ceiling
Read full article: Texas defense hawks urge Congress away from military funding cuts to raise the debt ceilingTexas Republicans in the U.S. House are working with their divided party to eke out a path forward on raising the debt limit.
U.S. Rep. Chip Roy says heโll use debt ceiling threat to push through his border security plan
Read full article: U.S. Rep. Chip Roy says heโll use debt ceiling threat to push through his border security planThe debt ceiling has long been a political tool to force partisan agenda items across. But Roy is facing some resistance within his own party on his border plan.
Texas Republicans urge Chip Roy and other McCarthy opponents to let Congress get to work
Read full article: Texas Republicans urge Chip Roy and other McCarthy opponents to let Congress get to workTexans poised to assume committee leadership are growing frustrated by Republicans blocking Kevin McCarthyโs election for speaker because Congress canโt get to work until a leader is in place.
U.S. Rep. Chip Roy emerges as key GOP agitator in U.S. House speaker fight
Read full article: U.S. Rep. Chip Roy emerges as key GOP agitator in U.S. House speaker fightThree Texas Republicans, including Roy, voted three times against U.S. Rep. Kevin McCarthyโs bid to be House speaker. Theyโre demanding rules changes that would give more power to rank-and-file members.
Kevin McCarthy elected House GOP leader over objections from Chip Roy, Michael Cloud and other hardliners
Read full article: Kevin McCarthy elected House GOP leader over objections from Chip Roy, Michael Cloud and other hardlinersThe California Republican still needs at least 218 votes to become House speaker. That vote will be on Jan. 3.
Texas Republicans Chip Roy and Louie Gohmert among few to vote against U.S. House bill to help poor mothers access formula
Read full article: Texas Republicans Chip Roy and Louie Gohmert among few to vote against U.S. House bill to help poor mothers access formulaThe bill, which passed in the House, would expand the formula brand choices available to mothers on a federal assistance program in an attempt to mitigate a disruptive baby formula shortage around the country.
Texts show Utah Sen. Lee's early work to overturn election
Read full article: Texts show Utah Sen. Lee's early work to overturn electionUtah Sen. Mike Lee worked on early efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election, helping push legally dubious schemes to keep then-President Donald Trump in power, before he shifted course and quickly backed away.
Texts show U.S. Rep. Chip Roy sought evidence of election fraud in 2020, argued against attempts to block certification
Read full article: Texts show U.S. Rep. Chip Roy sought evidence of election fraud in 2020, argued against attempts to block certificationCNN on Friday published the Austin congressmanโs text messages with President Donald Trumpโs chief of staff in the aftermath of the election.
U.S. House approves bill that would create commission to investigate Jan. 6 insurrection at the Capitol
Read full article: U.S. House approves bill that would create commission to investigate Jan. 6 insurrection at the CapitolThe bill creating the commission, which would have subpoena power, passed 252-175. It was highly contentious within the House GOP conference, and it's unclear if it will pass the Senate.
U.S. Rep. Chip Roy loses bid to replace Liz Cheney as third-ranking House Republican
Read full article: U.S. Rep. Chip Roy loses bid to replace Liz Cheney as third-ranking House RepublicanRoy announced that he was seeking the post on Thursday, but was then quickly denounced by former President Donald Trump.
Donald Trump denounces Chip Roy's bid for U.S. House Republican leadership post: "He has not done a great job"
Read full article: Donald Trump denounces Chip Roy's bid for U.S. House Republican leadership post: "He has not done a great job"Roy was among a small handful of Texas Republicans who voted against overturning the election in January.
U.S. Rep. Chip Roy reportedly considering bid to replace Liz Cheney in GOP leadership role
Read full article: U.S. Rep. Chip Roy reportedly considering bid to replace Liz Cheney in GOP leadership roleAnalysis: When elected problem-solvers become part of the problem
Read full article: Analysis: When elected problem-solvers become part of the problemGreg Abbott talks about border security at a news conference at Anzalduas Park in Mission on March 9, 2021. Credit: Jason Garza for The Texas TribuneEditor's note: If you'd like an email notice whenever we publish Ross Ramsey's column, click here. โI think there's an old saying in Texas about โ find all the rope in Texas and get a tall oak tree. You know we take justice very seriously, and we ought to do thatโ round up the bad guys,โ he added. Democrats are fretting loudly, but even some Republicans, like Texas GOP Chair Allen West, think Roy went over the line.
U.S. Rep Chip Roy rebuked after using hearing on violence against Asian Americans to attack China over coronavirus
Read full article: U.S. Rep Chip Roy rebuked after using hearing on violence against Asian Americans to attack China over coronavirusThe hearing, scheduled before the attack, was intended to address the acceleration of attacks against Asian Americans in the year since the COVID-19 pandemic overtook American life. "And as a former federal prosecutor, I'm kind of predisposed and wired to want to go take out bad guys. AdMeng, first elected in 2012, has spearheaded efforts to stop discrimination against Asian Americans amid the pandemic. Asian Americans have been victim to a rise in racist attacks since the onset of the virus, which was first detected in China. You know we take justice very seriously and we ought to do that, round up the bad guys,โ he added.
Gov. Greg Abbott pushes Legislature to protect businesses from coronavirus-related lawsuits
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott pushes Legislature to protect businesses from coronavirus-related lawsuitsGreg Abbott is pushing state lawmakers to protect individuals and companies that opened businesses during the pandemic against coronavirus-related lawsuits, he said Tuesday. Itโs another in a long line of Abbottโs attempts to support businesses despite the worsening public health crisis and ongoing economic turbulence in Texas. He told a table of business leaders Tuesday in San Antonio that businesses โhave gone above and beyond" to remain open during the pandemic. โAnd yet those same businesses, they face the threat of potential lawsuits for the fact that they opened up," he said. U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, unsuccessfully pushed for federal legislation that would have included similar civil liability protections for businesses.
Austin can prohibit late on-site dining over holiday weekend, judge rules. But the state could appeal.
Read full article: Austin can prohibit late on-site dining over holiday weekend, judge rules. But the state could appeal.Elia Montoya serves breakfast dishes to U.S. Rep. Chip Roy and his family at Juan In A Million in East Austin in May. After the ruling, Deputy Attorยญney Genยญerยญal Aaron Reitz announced on Twitter that the state would appeal. Under the curfew, patrons are not ordered to leave at 10:30 p.m., but they could not be served on-site. โIt is our position that these local officials are in the best position to make the best decision for this jurisdiction,โ said Travis County attorney Leslie Dippell. โMy executive order stops cities like Austin from arbitrarily shutting down businesses,โ he said.
Texas Republicans fighting off Democrats in battleground congressional races
Read full article: Texas Republicans fighting off Democrats in battleground congressional racesTexas Democrats are hoping to flip several congressional seats held by Republicans on Election Day. At least five Republican incumbents whom Democrats targeted cruised to reelection, according to races called by Decision Desk HQ. Similarly, U.S. Rep. Van Taylor, R-Plano, also held off a challenge from Democrat Lulu Seikaly in Collin County's 3rd Congressional District. Three new members-elect in safe Republican seats also won their races, according to Decision Desk HQ. In the 4th Congressional District that covers the northeastern part of the state, State Sen. Pat Fallon will replace John Ratcliffe, who is now director of National Intelligence.
Chip Roy and Wendy Davis go down to the wire in a tight TX-21 race that has Texasโ full attention
Read full article: Chip Roy and Wendy Davis go down to the wire in a tight TX-21 race that has Texasโ full attentionU.S. Rep. Chip Roy, R-Austin, is in a close contest with Democratic challenger Wendy Davis. That brawl is between two Austin-based political heavyweights, Republican U.S. Rep. Chip Roy and Democratic former state Sen. Wendy Davis. โIโm Chip Roy, and hereโs some Texas common sense: We can reopen safely. โChip Roy is an elected leader, but heโs all over town not wearing a mask in crowded indoor places, dismisses reports about the danger to children and Chip Roy continues to advise an extreme plan to infect two-thirds of the population to stop the virus,โ he said. And Davis re-emerged on the Texas political scene as the face of the Austin's Women's March in 2017, pink hat and all.
Democrats overwhelm Republicans in latest fundraising period for Texas' hottest U.S. House races
Read full article: Democrats overwhelm Republicans in latest fundraising period for Texas' hottest U.S. House racesBut the Democratic fundraising shows serious momentum as the national party reaches the finale of its drive to make Texas the top congressional battleground nationwide this November. At least five of the 12 races being targeted by both have drawn millions of dollars in outside spending by national groups such as the DCCC; the National Republican Congressional Committee; House Majority PAC, which supports Democrats; and Congressional Leadership Fund, which backs Republicans. The biggest disparity was between Roy and his Democratic foe, Wendy Davis, who more than doubled his fundraising, $3.5 million to $1.6 million. Regardless of candidate-to-candidate comparisons, though, the latest filings showed a staggering wave of money is pouring in to the races. Allred ended the period with more money in the bank, $1.7 million to Collinsโ $1 million.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton says he wonโt resign after accusations of criminal activity by top aides
Read full article: Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton says he wonโt resign after accusations of criminal activity by top aidesIn his limited public statements on the allegations, Paxton has pointed the finger back at the top deputies accusing him of wrongdoing. My obligation as attorney general is to conduct an investigation upon such referral,โ Paxton said. โI am confident that he will diligently and faithfully serve the office and the people of Texas,โ Paxton said in a statement. โFor the good of the people of Texas and the extraordinary public servants who serve at the Office of the Attorney General, Attorney General Ken Paxton must resign,โ Roy said in a statement. Roy served as Paxtonโs initial first assistant attorney general during Paxtonโs first term, but resigned upon Paxtonโs request in a major shake-up of senior staff in 2015.
Texas congressman calls on state attorney general to resign
Read full article: Texas congressman calls on state attorney general to resignFILE - In this June 28, 2020 file photo, Texas State's Attorney General Ken Paxton waits on the flight line for the arrival of Vice President Mike Pence at Love Field in Dallas. Roy said in a Monday, Oct. 5, 2020, statement that Paxton must resign for the good of the people of Texas. Paxton asked a Houston lawyer to act as special prosecutor in the investigation of Paul's claims, the newspapers reported. Paxton's defense attorney, Philip Hilder, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. โRooting out corruption is on the ballot,โ Manny Garcia, the Texas Democratic Partyโs deputy executive director, said in a statement.
U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, Attorney General Ken Paxtonโs former top aide, calls for Paxton's resignation
Read full article: U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, Attorney General Ken Paxtonโs former top aide, calls for Paxton's resignationWASHINGTON โ From left, U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, and Attorney General Ken Paxton. "For the good of the people of Texas and the extraordinary public servants who serve at the Office of the Attorney General, Attorney General Ken Paxton must resign," he said in a statement. Roy called the office of the attorney general "too critical to the state and her people to leave in chaos." "The Attorney General deserves his days in court, but the people of Texas deserve a fully functioning AGโs office," he added. Roy served as Paxton's initial first assistant attorney general during Paxton'd first term, but left, in a major shake-up of senior staff, in 2015.
TV ad blitz kicks off in high-profile battle between U.S. Rep. Chip Roy and Wendy Davis
Read full article: TV ad blitz kicks off in high-profile battle between U.S. Rep. Chip Roy and Wendy DavisU.S. Rep. Chip Roy, R-Austin, is being challenged by Democratic former state Sen. Wendy Davis in Texas' 21st Congressional District. The TV ad campaign is getting a relatively early start in the race for Texas' 21st Congressional District, foretelling a contentious, expensive sprint to November for U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, R-Austin, and his well-known Democratic opponent, Wendy Davis. Davis' campaign is going up with a spot that highlights her biography and the fact that she's a grandmother. Meanwhile, the pro-Roy Club for Growth is starting to air an attack ad against Davis, whom the ad calls a "self-serving politician." Roy's seat is among seven that the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is targeting this fall in Texas.
Texas was always key to Democrats 2020 congressional ambitions. Less than three months from Election Day, their confidence is growing.
Read full article: Texas was always key to Democrats 2020 congressional ambitions. Less than three months from Election Day, their confidence is growing.There are as many as nine congressional races in Texas that have the attention of at least one of the national parties. The DCCC, she added, is "very optimistic that we're going to make a lot of headway in Texas this year." "Texas Democrats nominated an unelectable slate of socialist extremists who are far out of step with voters," Bob Salera, a spokesperson for the National Republican Congressional Committee, said in a statement for this story. As for the seven seats that national Democrats are working to flip, a general hierarchy has emerged around where they are most hopeful. "I have no interest in trying to align or differentiate myself from any national Democrats because ultimately it's about the people of this district."
Gov. Greg Abbott calls for resignation of Bexar County GOP chair after she floats racist George Floyd conspiracy theory
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott calls for resignation of Bexar County GOP chair after she floats racist George Floyd conspiracy theoryRepublican Party of Bexar County Chairman Cynthia Brehm. Greg Abbott is calling for the resignation of the Republican Party chair in one of the state's biggest counties after she floated a conspiracy theory about the death of George Floyd. "Cynthia Brehm should immediately resign her position as Chair of the Bexar County Republican Party." Garcia's tweet prompted U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, R-Austin, whose district includes Bexar County, to call for Brehm to step down immediately. The Bexar County Republican Party chair has a new conspiracy theory.