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CHIP ROY

Cruz: Biden admin slow-walking MPP re-implementation

On Jan. 20, his first day in office, President Joe Biden stopped its implementation, but a federal court is forcing them to reinstate it. Almost a week after the federal court order, Cruz said the administration is delaying to restart it. Reluctance in Mexico’s participation to take migrants sent back to Mexico already lagged significantly since July. Currently, the U.S. is sending thousands of migrants back under a federal public health code known as Title 42. Although U.S. federal courts can instruct the Biden administration to start MPP, or Remain in Mexico, they cannot force Mexico to participate.

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In devotion to Trump, House GOP taps Stefanik for a top post

House Republicans elevated Rep. Elise Stefanik to a leadership post Friday, highlighting how the party whose lodestar has long been conservative policies increasingly views allegiance to Donald Trump as its indispensable key to electoral success. Stefanik, a Trump stalwart from upstate New York, was elected to the No. 3 leadership job that until this week belonged to Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming. Republicans tossed Cheney from that post for continually calling out former President Trump for helping spur the violent Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection and relentlessly pushing his false claims that voting fraud caused his November reelection defeat.

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Analysis: When elected problem-solvers become part of the problem

Greg 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. “I think there's an old saying in Texas about — find all the rope in Texas and get a tall oak tree. You know we take justice very seriously, and we ought to do that— round up the bad guys,” he added. Democrats are fretting loudly, but even some Republicans, like Texas GOP Chair Allen West, think Roy went over the line.

Texas Rep. Chip Roy’s lynching comments draw criticism from Texas GOP chair

Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) is used to drawing heat from Democrats, but this week he caught ire from his own party for comments he made Thursday that glorified lynching. There’s old sayings in Texas about find all the rope in Texas and get a tall oak tree,” he said before a House Judiciary Committee hearing on violence against Asian-Americans. That’s what we believe.”Roy later defended his comments, saying “we need more justice and less thought policing.”The comments drew backlash from Democrats, but on Friday, Texas GOP Chair Allen West also weighed in on the controversy, calling Roy’s comments “inappropriate and unfortunate” in a newly released statement. “While his comments about hanging were dumb, they’re not grounds for resignation,” West said. In response to West’s comments, Roy said West “might have had the courtesy to reach out to (him) personally,” according to the Texas Tribune.

Texas Rep. Chip Roy under fire for referencing lynching during anti-Asian violence congressional hearing

Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) is under fire for comments he made during a congressional hearing on discrimination and violence against Asian Americans in the United States. That’s what we believe.”"There's old sayings in Texas about find all the rope in Texas and get a tall oak tree. Chip Roy glorified lynching at a hearing on violence against Asians. Following the House hearing, Roy defended his comments and said that, despite the backlash, he doesn’t regret his statements. No apologies.”AdThe hearing was held for discussion on how Asian Americans have faced discrimination both historically and since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

U.S. Rep Chip Roy rebuked after using hearing on violence against Asian Americans to attack China over coronavirus

The 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. That's bad guys of all colors. Meng, first elected in 2012, has spearheaded efforts to stop discrimination against Asian Americans amid the pandemic. You know we take justice very seriously and we ought to do that, round up the bad guys,” he added.

TSA screening dogs at San Antonio International Airport? It’s a possibility

SAN ANTONIO – As the second impeachment trial for former President Donald Trump begins, there is a sense of bipartisanship at the San Antonio International Airport. AdRight now the San Antonio International Airport is the only category one airport in Texas without passenger screening canine teams. If we get the dogs here at the airport, obviously it would be effective,” Tonya Hope with the San Antonio International Airport said. I mean, the country is in good hands, and, yes, we have a very bright future ahead of us,” Congressman Gonzales said. The addition of TSA screening dogs would allow for a safer experience in our airports and provides an additional level of security that our airport currently lacks.”AdREAD MORE:San Antonio International Airport working to keep passengers safe while feeling strain of pandemicSan Antonio Airport System lands coveted air service conference in 2022Tips for traveling through the San Antonio airport during the pandemic

Gov. Greg Abbott pushes Legislature to protect businesses from coronavirus-related lawsuits

Greg Abbott said Tuesday he wants state legislation that protects businesses from coronavirus-related lawsuits. Greg Abbott is pushing state lawmakers to protect individuals and companies that opened businesses during the pandemic against coronavirus-related lawsuits, he said Tuesday. “And 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. “Another thing that the pandemic has taught us is that broadband access is not a luxury,” Abbott said Tuesday.

Texas Republican Chip Roy says he voted to certify Biden as president even if it signs ‘my political death warrant’

In this image from video, Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, speaks as the House reconvenes to debate the objection to confirm the Electoral College vote from Arizona, after protesters stormed into the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021. (House Television via AP)U.S. Rep. Chip Roy of Austin, a Republican who has remained defiant against some Texas Republicans and allies of President Donald Trump during the election certification process, has called for rioters to be jailed after Wednesday’s siege of the U.S. Capitol. “The president should never have spun up certain Americans to believe something that simply cannot be,” he said Wednesday after the violence. And that vote may well sign my political death warrant, but so be it. Full speech: pic.twitter.com/lRt4VoXQtY — Rep. Chip Roy (@RepChipRoy) January 7, 2021Lawmakers had to reconvene after Trump supporters violently stormed the U.S. Capitol, which happened after a rally that Trump spoke at.

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 Attor­ney Gen­er­al 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. “It is our position that these local officials are in the best position to make the best decision for this jurisdiction,” said Travis County attorney Leslie Dippell. “My executive order stops cities like Austin from arbitrarily shutting down businesses,” he said.

Texas Republicans fighting off Democrats in battleground congressional races

Texas 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.

2020 races that haven’t been called yet

By midnight, Biden had racked up 205 electoral votes to Trump’s 171, according to the Associated Press. Congressional District 23UPDATE: Republican Tony Gonzales wins election to U.S. House in Texas' 23rd Congressional District, AP reports. Gonzales' lead, which ballooned to 14,000 votes before midnight, is a much healthier advantage than past races in the district’s history, but it remained too close to call with only 78% of precincts reporting. “With thousands of ballots yet to be counted, the Gonzales campaign’s attempt to declare victory is premature,” Jones' campaign manager Lacey Morrison said. Flores stunned the Texas political landscape by winning the District 19 state senate seat.

5 things to watch on Election Day in Texas

Editor’s note: Get election results on our homepage and Vote 2020 page. While the top of the ballot has received the most attention, the balance of the Texas House of Representatives is also at stake. For the first time in years, Democrats have a chance to flip the 150-member Texas House, which has been controlled by Republicans for more than a decade. There are 18 to 22 state House races that Democrats are targeting. More key races for Congress, Texas Senate, County CommissionersAside from the Texas House and president, there are several high-profile federal-, state- and county-level races that have local implications.

Chip Roy and Wendy Davis go down to the wire in a tight TX-21 race that has Texas’ full attention

U.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. “I’m Chip Roy, and here’s some Texas common sense: We can reopen safely. “Chip Roy is an elected leader, but he’s 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,” 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.

Republican Chip Roy wins reelection to U.S. House in Texas' 21st Congressional District, AP reports

Find other election results Type to search all races...U.S. Rep., District 21 View All CandidatesGet more election results on our homepage and Vote 2020 page. AP: Republican incumbent Chip Roy defeats Democratic challenger Wendy Davis in Congressional District 21 race1 a.m. : Republican incumbent Chip Roy is the projected winner in the race for Congressional District 21, defeating Democratic challenger Wendy Davis, the Associated Press reports. ---10:15: Republican incumbent Chip Roy has taken a wider lead against his Democratic challenger, Wendy Davis. 9:40: Republican incumbent Chip Roy has taken a narrow lead against his Democratic challenger, Wendy Davis. Texas Congressional District 21 (KSAT/Brittney Daniels)Campaign FundsAs of June 30, Davis has raised more than $4.4.

Democrats overwhelm Republicans in latest fundraising period for Texas' hottest U.S. House races

But 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 Collins’ $1 million.

Key races to watch in 2020 election in Bexar County

Recent polling shows that Biden is up by 17 percentage points in Bexar County. Rickhoff, who has previously held office as Bexar County clerk, said he’d bring a fresh perspective to help resolve the ongoing issues within the sheriff’s office. READ MORE:Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar touts experience, jail system improvements for re-electionFormer Bexar County clerk seeks to replace current sheriffBexar County Commissioner Precinct 3Watch the Bexar County Precinct 3 Commissioner debate above. With Kevin Wolff, the lone Republican Bexar County Commissioner, stepping down from the Precinct 3 post, voters who live in northern Bexar County will decide on their next representative. Previously, only two women have ever held a seat on Bexar County Commissioner’s Court, according to the Express-News.

Republican Chip Roy defending his Congressional seat against former state Sen. Wendy Davis in District 21

The race for U.S. Congressional District 21 has been one to watch since the primaries when election officials announced Wendy Davis won the Democratic nomination and would challenge Republican incumbent Chip Roy on Election Day. Davis is a former state senator for State District 10 who led a 13-hour filibuster to block a bill restricting abortion rights in Texas. The AreaU.S. District 21 covers a vast area north of San Antonio and many communities along the I-35 North and I-10 West corridors, including parts of Bexar, Hays Travis, and Comal counties. Texas Congressional District 21 (ESRI/Chip Roy, U.S. House)Campaign FundsAs of June 30, Davis has raised more than $4.4. Voters will decide who they want as their next congressional district representative in less than one month.

Texas congressman calls on state attorney general to resign

FILE - 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. "Rooting out corruption is on the ballot," Manny Garcia, the Texas Democratic Party’s deputy executive director, said in a statement.

U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, Attorney General Ken Paxton’s former top aide, calls for Paxton’s resignation

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, a former top aide to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, called on his former boss to resign from his post after top members of Paxton’s staff said the attorney general should be investigated for “abuse of office, bribery and other potential criminal offenses.”"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. "The allegations of bribery, abuse of office, and other charges levied against him by at least 7 senior leaders of the Office of the Attorney General are more than troubling on the merits." 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 AG’s 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

U.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.

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

Republican 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.