Another exodus in Congress means Texas will need to start rebuilding its clout in 2027
Read full article: Another exodus in Congress means Texas will need to start rebuilding its clout in 2027At least 10 Texas incumbents will not be returning to Congress next term, a high-water mark for turnover in the delegation.
Illinois members of Congress are latest to tour immigration facilities after judge’s ruling
Read full article: Illinois members of Congress are latest to tour immigration facilities after judge’s rulingFour Illinois members of Congress have been allowed into a suburban Chicago immigration processing center that’s been at the forefront of an immigration crackdown.
Takeaways from the US Justice Department's initial release of Epstein files, mandated by Congress
Read full article: Takeaways from the US Justice Department's initial release of Epstein files, mandated by CongressThe Department of Justice has published thousands of its files related to Jeffrey Epstein.
Federal judge weighs Trump's claim he is immune from civil litigation over Capitol attack
Read full article: Federal judge weighs Trump's claim he is immune from civil litigation over Capitol attackAttorneys for President Donald Trump have urged a federal judge to rule that Trump is entitled to presidential immunity from civil claims that he instigated a mob’s attack on the U.S. Capitol to stop Congress from certifying the results of the 2020 election.
The Kennedy Center has added Trump's name to the memorial Congress created for John F. Kennedy
Read full article: The Kennedy Center has added Trump's name to the memorial Congress created for John F. KennedyThe Kennedy Center has added President Donald Trump's name to the memorial that Congress created for John F. Kennedy.
With ACA subsidies set to expire, Texas Republicans in Congress remain hazy about path forward
Read full article: With ACA subsidies set to expire, Texas Republicans in Congress remain hazy about path forwardTexas’ entire House GOP delegation voted this week for a health care package that lets the tax credits lapse. They will be forced to vote on a three-year extension of the subsidies in January.
Texas Democratic candidates unite in the Rio Grande Valley to court Latino voters
Read full article: Texas Democratic candidates unite in the Rio Grande Valley to court Latino votersState Rep. James Talarico faces an uphill battle in his U.S. Senate bid while 15th Congressional hopeful Bobby Pulido aims to flip the district, but he must first win his primary.
Judge temporarily blocks Trump administration policies limiting lawmakers' access to ICE facilities
Read full article: Judge temporarily blocks Trump administration policies limiting lawmakers' access to ICE facilitiesA federal judge in the nation’s capital has temporarily blocked the Trump administration from enforcing policies limiting Congress members’ access to immigration detention facilities.
House rejects resolutions to limit Trump's campaign against Venezuela and drug cartels
Read full article: House rejects resolutions to limit Trump's campaign against Venezuela and drug cartelsThe House has rejected a pair of resolutions that would put a check on President Donald Trump’s power to use military force against drug cartels and the nation of Venezuela.
The Lumbee Tribe's federal recognition is assured with a final push by Trump
Read full article: The Lumbee Tribe's federal recognition is assured with a final push by TrumpThe Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina has achieved federal recognition as a tribal nation by attaching it to a defense bill passed by Congress.
Senate passes $901 billion defense bill that pushes Hegseth for boat strike video
Read full article: Senate passes $901 billion defense bill that pushes Hegseth for boat strike videoThe Senate has given final passage to an annual military policy bill that will authorize $901 billion in defense programs.
Texas Democrats fill every state and federal race on 2026 ballot, a first for either party
Read full article: Texas Democrats fill every state and federal race on 2026 ballot, a first for either partyTexas Majority PAC and the Texas Democratic Party recruited 104 candidates to fill uncontested races. Gov. Greg Abbott’s strategist said it amounts to a gimmick “if they don’t back it up with serious resources.”
The Latest: Hegseth and Rubio brief lawmakers on US military escalation
Read full article: The Latest: Hegseth and Rubio brief lawmakers on US military escalationPresident Donald Trump’s top Cabinet officials overseeing national security are back on Capitol Hill as questions mount over the swift escalation of U.S. military force and deadly boat strikes in international waters near Venezuela.
Rep. Marc Veasey drops bid for Tarrant County judge
Read full article: Rep. Marc Veasey drops bid for Tarrant County judgeThe Fort Worth Democrat had filed to challenge GOP incumbent Tim O’Hare just before last week’s deadline to get on the 2026 ballot. His withdrawal gives Commissioner Alisa Simmons a clear path to the Democratic nomination.
In North Texas, game of musical chairs culminates in primary between Democrats Colin Allred and Julie Johnson
Read full article: In North Texas, game of musical chairs culminates in primary between Democrats Colin Allred and Julie JohnsonThe primary between predecessor and successor arose from a combination of redistricting and the entry of Rep. Jasmine Crockett into the U.S. Senate race, which prompted Allred to drop out.
Trump’s pardon of Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar leaves local Republicans surprised and disappointed
Read full article: Trump’s pardon of Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar leaves local Republicans surprised and disappointedSome county GOP officials said the president’s pardon could complicate their plans to unseat the Laredo Democrat in South Texas’ battleground 28th Congressional District.
Higher cost, worse coverage: Affordable Care Act enrollees say expiring subsidies will hit them hard
Read full article: Higher cost, worse coverage: Affordable Care Act enrollees say expiring subsidies will hit them hardAmericans are feeling the strain already with less than three weeks to go until the expiration of COVID-era tax credits that have helped many people pay for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act.
Jasmine Crockett leads James Talarico by 8 points in Senate Democratic primary, new poll finds
Read full article: Jasmine Crockett leads James Talarico by 8 points in Senate Democratic primary, new poll findsCrockett had higher name recognition and an overwhelming edge among Black voters, while Talarico kept her margin to single digits through greater support among white and Latino voters.
A Lubbock County commissioner announced his congressional campaign. Then he was removed from office.
Read full article: A Lubbock County commissioner announced his congressional campaign. Then he was removed from office.Lubbock County Judge Curtis Parrish removed Commissioner Jason Corley from office this week, the latest twist in the Republicans’ fraught relationship.
Lawmakers urge Education Department to add nursing to 'professional' programs list amid uproar
Read full article: Lawmakers urge Education Department to add nursing to 'professional' programs list amid uproarA bipartisan group in Congress is urging the Education Department to add nursing to a list of college programs that are considered “professional.”.
After Trump pardon, Rep. Henry Cuellar restored to homeland security funding post
Read full article: After Trump pardon, Rep. Henry Cuellar restored to homeland security funding postAfter his corruption indictment last year, the Laredo Democrat forfeited his role as the top Democrat on the House Appropriations subcommittee that oversees more than $65 billion in annual spending.
Senators seek to change bill that allows military to operate just like before the DC plane crash
Read full article: Senators seek to change bill that allows military to operate just like before the DC plane crashSenators from both parties are pushing to change a defense bill after crash investigators and victims' families warned it could undo key safety reforms.
Homeland Security Secretary Noem defends Trump’s hard-line immigration policies during tense hearing
Read full article: Homeland Security Secretary Noem defends Trump’s hard-line immigration policies during tense hearingHomeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has defended the Trump administration's immigration policies during a contentious House committee hearing.
Senate rejects extension of health care subsidies as costs are set to rise for millions of Americans
Read full article: Senate rejects extension of health care subsidies as costs are set to rise for millions of AmericansThe Senate has rejected legislation to extend Affordable Care Act tax credits, essentially guaranteeing that millions of Americans will see a steep rise in costs at the beginning of the year.
Tariffs have cost U.S. households $1,200 each since Trump returned to the White House, Democrats say
Read full article: Tariffs have cost U.S. households $1,200 each since Trump returned to the White House, Democrats saySweeping taxes on imports have cost the average American household nearly $1,200 since Donald Trump returned to the White House this year, according to calculations by Democrats on Congress’ Joint Economic Committee.
Is Jasmine Crockett’s Senate campaign an asset or a liability for Democrats? It depends on who you ask.
Read full article: Is Jasmine Crockett’s Senate campaign an asset or a liability for Democrats? It depends on who you ask.Some Democrats dismissed the Dallas congresswoman as too polarizing to capture the swing voters needed to win. Others said her turnout-over-persuasion approach is the recipe to break through.
Lumbee Tribe poised to gain federal recognition through Defense bill
Read full article: Lumbee Tribe poised to gain federal recognition through Defense billThe Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina could be federally recognized through the National Defense Authorization Act the House plans to vote on this week.
Hegseth tells congressional leaders he is weighing release of boat strike video
Read full article: Hegseth tells congressional leaders he is weighing release of boat strike videoDefense Secretary Pete Hegseth says he's still weighing whether to release the full video of an attack on an alleged drug boat that killed two survivors.
Democratic Rep. Marc Veasey files for Tarrant County judge, forgoing eighth term in Congress
Read full article: Democratic Rep. Marc Veasey files for Tarrant County judge, forgoing eighth term in CongressThe Fort Worth congressman’s district was upended under the new GOP-friendly map approved this summer. He was expected to run for the district being vacated by Rep. Jasmine Crockett.
Affordable Care Act enrollment is slightly ahead of last year so far, despite expiring subsidies
Read full article: Affordable Care Act enrollment is slightly ahead of last year so far, despite expiring subsidiesInitial new federal data shows the number of Americans signing up for Affordable Care Act health insurance for 2026 is moderately higher than it was at a similar time last year.
Rep. Jasmine Crockett enters Democratic primary for U.S. Senate
Read full article: Rep. Jasmine Crockett enters Democratic primary for U.S. SenateCrockett, a second-term congresswoman, has skyrocketed to fame through viral spats with Republicans, becoming one of her party’s most prolific fundraisers.
Democrat Colin Allred drops out of Senate race, announces run for 33rd Congressional District
Read full article: Democrat Colin Allred drops out of Senate race, announces run for 33rd Congressional DistrictThe former Dallas congressman said he wanted to help his party avoid a runoff. In his campaign to return to the House, he will face U.S. Rep. Julie Johnson, his successor in Congress.
Supreme Court’s map ruling sends Texas Democrats toward potential primaries, retirement or higher office bids
Read full article: Supreme Court’s map ruling sends Texas Democrats toward potential primaries, retirement or higher office bidsHouston Democrats are barreling toward a primary while North Texas Democrats await Rep. Jasmine Crockett’s Senate decision.
Supreme Court lets Texas keep new congressional map while legal battle continues
Read full article: Supreme Court lets Texas keep new congressional map while legal battle continuesThe ruling is a major win for the Trump administration and Texas Republicans, who engineered the map to give the GOP control of 30 of the state’s 38 congressional districts.
Where the blame will fall if ACA subsidies expire, according to a new poll
Read full article: Where the blame will fall if ACA subsidies expire, according to a new pollA new survey of Affordable Care Act health insurance enrollees finds that many are already struggling with the high cost of health care.
Admiral says there was no 'kill them all' order in boat attack, but video alarms lawmakers
Read full article: Admiral says there was no 'kill them all' order in boat attack, but video alarms lawmakersA Navy admiral has told lawmakers that there was no “kill them all” order from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in the boat attack in the Caribbean, but the video of survivors being killed has alarmed lawmakers, That disclosure Thursday comes as Congress scrutinizes an attack on an alleged drug boat in international waters near Venezuela.
Donald Trump to pardon Texas Democrat Henry Cuellar
Read full article: Donald Trump to pardon Texas Democrat Henry CuellarCuellar had faced a dozen charges of bribery, money laundering and conspiracy. On Wednesday, he filed for reelection as a Democrat, quieting speculation that he migh switch parties.
Webb County Judge Tano Tijerina launches run for Congress, seeking to flip South Texas district red
Read full article: Webb County Judge Tano Tijerina launches run for Congress, seeking to flip South Texas district redNational GOP recruiters see Webb County’s top elected official as a promising candidate to unseat longtime U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar in 2026.
Lawmakers voice support for congressional reviews of Trump's military strikes on boats
Read full article: Lawmakers voice support for congressional reviews of Trump's military strikes on boatsLawmakers from both parties say they support congressional reviews of U.S. military strikes against vessels suspected of smuggling drugs in the Caribbean Sea.
U.S. Rep. Troy Nehls won’t seek reelection, becoming sixth Texas Republican to announce exit from Congress
Read full article: U.S. Rep. Troy Nehls won’t seek reelection, becoming sixth Texas Republican to announce exit from CongressThe Richmond Republican, a staunch ally of President Donald Trump, made the announcement with days left before the deadline for candidates to file for the 2026 primaries.
Brandon Herrera raises $1 million, swipes at Rep. Tony Gonzales over alleged affair
Read full article: Brandon Herrera raises $1 million, swipes at Rep. Tony Gonzales over alleged affairGonzales recently made his first public remarks about the death of his 35-year-old aide who died after lighting herself on fire. He vigorously denied reports that the two were engaged in an extramarital affair.
Webb County judge disputes allegation that he violated federal law to dodge Texas’ resign-to-run rule
Read full article: Webb County judge disputes allegation that he violated federal law to dodge Texas’ resign-to-run ruleTano Tijerina, the top elected official in a county that includes Laredo, is expected to seek the GOP nomination in Texas’ 28th Congressional District, long held by Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar.
Speaker Johnson defends Crenshaw after he was reportedly banned from congressional overseas travel
Read full article: Speaker Johnson defends Crenshaw after he was reportedly banned from congressional overseas travelPunchbowl News reported that the Houston congressman was banned from taxpayer-funded travel for 90 days after toasting a Mexican official who made an inappropriate joke.
Republicans hyped the Epstein files for years. Now Trump is under pressure to deliver
Read full article: Republicans hyped the Epstein files for years. Now Trump is under pressure to deliverThe Justice Department is on the clock to release files relating to Jeffrey Epstein after President Donald Trump signed a measure passed by Congress.
Supreme Court temporarily restores Texas’ new congressional map
Read full article: Supreme Court temporarily restores Texas’ new congressional mapThe administrative ruling is a first step before the court decides whether to pause the use of the 2025 map, drawn to increase GOP seats in the U.S. House, for the rest of the legal battle.
The fallout of Epstein's crimes spans the globe. Here's a look at some of those paying the cost
Read full article: The fallout of Epstein's crimes spans the globe. Here's a look at some of those paying the costThe fallout from Jeffrey Epstein’s transgressions spans oceans and continents, from the vulnerable girls he exploited to the elite people and institutions that chose to get involved, cover it up — or look away.
Abbott, Republican lawmakers’ comments cited in court order overturning Texas’ congressional gerrymander
Read full article: Abbott, Republican lawmakers’ comments cited in court order overturning Texas’ congressional gerrymanderJudge Jeffrey Brown pointed to comments from the governor and GOP legislators as the basis for his ruling that the new map can’t be used in 2026.
After blocking redistricting map, Judge Jeffrey Brown draws fire from Texas Republicans who once praised him
Read full article: After blocking redistricting map, Judge Jeffrey Brown draws fire from Texas Republicans who once praised himUntil being labeled as the "radical left," Brown was widely supported by Texas Republicans, including Gov. Greg Abbott, who previously hired him as his clerk. Abbott called the ruling “clearly erroneous.”
Texas Republicans started a national redistricting arms race. They may be losing.
Read full article: Texas Republicans started a national redistricting arms race. They may be losing.With Texas’ new map blocked by a federal court, California Democrats are emerging victorious — though the Supreme Court has yet to weigh in.
Data shows a spike in military aircraft accidents in 2024. This year doesn't look any better
Read full article: Data shows a spike in military aircraft accidents in 2024. This year doesn't look any betterInternal Pentagon figures show the number of major accidents involving military aircraft spiked in 2024.
A small Texas think tank cultivated COVID dissidents. Now they’re running U.S. health policy.
Read full article: A small Texas think tank cultivated COVID dissidents. Now they’re running U.S. health policy.People with ties to Brownstone Institute have significant authority over access to vaccines and scientific research.
Texas officials react to federal court block of congressional map for 2026 election
Read full article: Texas officials react to federal court block of congressional map for 2026 electionOn Tuesday, a federal three-judge panel ruled against the use of a new Texas congressional map for the 2026 midterm election.
Court order striking down Texas redistricting map upends plans for candidates across the state
Read full article: Court order striking down Texas redistricting map upends plans for candidates across the stateRepublicans who were planning to run for newly gerrymandered districts may have to reassess, while Democrats who were drawn out of their seats could suddenly have a path back to Congress.
Entire Texas congressional delegation votes to release Epstein files
Read full article: Entire Texas congressional delegation votes to release Epstein filesAfter months of resisting calls to release the files, President Donald Trump signaled this week that he will sign the bill if it reaches his desk.
Federal court blocks Texas from using new congressional gerrymander in 2026 midterms
Read full article: Federal court blocks Texas from using new congressional gerrymander in 2026 midtermsThe decision is a major blow for Republicans, in Texas and nationally, who pushed through the mid-decade redistricting at the behest of President Donald Trump. Attorney General Ken Paxton said he would appeal.
Epstein files and affordability concerns threaten to knock Trump's 2nd presidency off course
Read full article: Epstein files and affordability concerns threaten to knock Trump's 2nd presidency off coursePresident Donald Trump's political dominance is showing cracks as he faces challenges on affordability and the Jeffrey Epstein case.
Tejano star Bobby Pulido’s congressional run emphasizes bipartisanship, rural concerns in South Texas
Read full article: Tejano star Bobby Pulido’s congressional run emphasizes bipartisanship, rural concerns in South TexasTejano music star Bobby Pulido announced his Democratic candidacy for Texas’ 15th Congressional District in September, positioning himself as a bipartisan voice focused on rural issues and middle-class families in South-Central Texas.
Joaquin Castro on why a Democratic Senate logjam stopped him from running for AG
Read full article: Joaquin Castro on why a Democratic Senate logjam stopped him from running for AGThe San Antonio Democrat said at The Texas Tribune Festival that he hoped to form a statewide slate with Colin Allred, Beto O’Rourke and James Talarico, but the group couldn’t find consensus.
Voters in Texas’ 18th District waited months for an election. They’ll soon have two more.
Read full article: Voters in Texas’ 18th District waited months for an election. They’ll soon have two more.The race to fill Texas’ long-vacant 18th Congressional District seat is headed to a runoff, just before the start of a new election cycle.
Millions could see doubled premiums as Affordable Care Act tax credits set to expire
Read full article: Millions could see doubled premiums as Affordable Care Act tax credits set to expireCongress remains split on whether to keep the enhanced Affordable Care Act tax credits even after President Donald Trump signed a spending bill to end the record government shutdown.
Fresh off defeating state THC ban, Texas hemp industry faces wipeout under federal deal to end shutdown
Read full article: Fresh off defeating state THC ban, Texas hemp industry faces wipeout under federal deal to end shutdownThe issue roiled Texas politics earlier this year when Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed a ban on THC products spearheaded by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.
U.S. House OKs funding deal to reopen government with support from Texas Republicans
Read full article: U.S. House OKs funding deal to reopen government with support from Texas RepublicansThe spending package includes a provision that will criminalize the sale of almost all consumable hemp products nationwide, restoring a similar ban to the one vetoed by Gov. Greg Abbott.
More Americans are unhappy with the way Trump is managing the government, AP-NORC poll shows
Read full article: More Americans are unhappy with the way Trump is managing the government, AP-NORC poll showsA new AP-NORC poll finds U.S. adults’ opinions of how President Donald Trump is managing the federal government have dropped sharply since early in his second term, highlighting the risks posed by the government shutdown and his efforts to reshape the federal workforce.
Why a Visa-Mastercard legal settlement could lead to your rewards credit card getting declined
Read full article: Why a Visa-Mastercard legal settlement could lead to your rewards credit card getting declinedVisa and Mastercard have proposed a settlement in their long-running legal dispute with merchants over interchange fees.
Appeals court weighs arguments on law cutting Medicaid funds to Planned Parenthood
Read full article: Appeals court weighs arguments on law cutting Medicaid funds to Planned ParenthoodA federal appeals court has heard arguments about a spending law that stopped Medicaid reimbursements for Planned Parenthood, the nation's largest abortion provider.
Texas Head Start closures during government shutdown add to state’s child care woes
Read full article: Texas Head Start closures during government shutdown add to state’s child care woesHundreds of families lost child care when certain programs weren’t funded earlier this month, and scores more may be affected if Congress doesn’t fund the government by Dec. 1.
What to know about Trump's plan to give Americans a $2,000 tariff dividend
Read full article: What to know about Trump's plan to give Americans a $2,000 tariff dividendPresident Donald Trump boasts that his tariffs protect American industries, lure factories to the United States, raise money for the federal government and give him diplomatic leverage.
Texas Sens. Cornyn, Cruz vote for funding deal to end government shutdown
Read full article: Texas Sens. Cornyn, Cruz vote for funding deal to end government shutdownIf approved by the House, the agreement would fund the government through the end of January, with certain agencies funded through September, including those that provide food assistance.
An emerging shutdown deal doesn't extend expiring health subsidies. Here's what could happen to them
Read full article: An emerging shutdown deal doesn't extend expiring health subsidies. Here's what could happen to themA legislative package that could end the weekslong government shutdown leaves out any clear resolution on the expiring Affordable Care Act tax credits that have made private health insurance less costly for millions.
“You woke us up”: California Gov. Gavin Newsom, energized by Prop 50 redistricting win, thanks Texas
Read full article: “You woke us up”: California Gov. Gavin Newsom, energized by Prop 50 redistricting win, thanks TexasThe Democrat took a victory lap on rival Gov. Greg Abbott’s home turf Saturday and called on other blue states to push back on a GOP effort to retain control of the U.S. House.
Rep. Al Green switches congressional districts in bid for reelection
Read full article: Rep. Al Green switches congressional districts in bid for reelectionThe veteran lawmaker whose current district was redrawn to benefit Republicans would face the winner of the 18th Congressional District special election runoff.
Senate Republicans vote down legislation to limit Trump’s ability to attack Venezuela
Read full article: Senate Republicans vote down legislation to limit Trump’s ability to attack VenezuelaSenate Republicans have rejected legislation that would have put a check on President Donald Trump’s ability to launch an attack against Venezuela.
Cornyn “open to” changing Senate filibuster, Hunt and Paxton back Trump’s call to scrap it
Read full article: Cornyn “open to” changing Senate filibuster, Hunt and Paxton back Trump’s call to scrap itThe president has sharpened his calls for Senate Republicans to kill the longstanding legislative maneuver, saying the GOP’s electoral success could hinge on it.
Trump has other tariff options if the Supreme Court strikes down his worldwide import taxes
Read full article: Trump has other tariff options if the Supreme Court strikes down his worldwide import taxesPresident Donald Trump has warned that the Supreme Court will leave the United States “defenseless’’ and possibly “reduced to almost Third World status’’ if it strikes down the tariffs he imposed this year on nearly every country on earth.
Christian Menefee, Amanda Edwards advance to runoff in special election for Houston congressional seat
Read full article: Christian Menefee, Amanda Edwards advance to runoff in special election for Houston congressional seatThe runoff winner will serve out the term of U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turner, who died in office earlier this year. The seat will immediately be up for election again in 2026 for a full two-year term.
Conservative Supreme Court justices appear skeptical of Trump’s sweeping unilateral tariffs
Read full article: Conservative Supreme Court justices appear skeptical of Trump’s sweeping unilateral tariffsA majority of Supreme Court justices seem skeptical about President Donald Trump’s ability to unilaterally impose far-reaching tariffs, putting at risk a cornerstone of his agenda in the biggest legal test yet of his boundary-pushing presidency.
Texas airports see major delays, long security lines as government shutdown continues
Read full article: Texas airports see major delays, long security lines as government shutdown continuesAirports across the country have experienced shortages of air traffic controllers and security workers, who have gone weeks without pay amid the shutdown.
Uncertainty grows on when Texans will get SNAP benefits as U.S. Supreme Court emergency order blocks full aid
Read full article: Uncertainty grows on when Texans will get SNAP benefits as U.S. Supreme Court emergency order blocks full aidThe order will expire two days after an appeals court issues a more permanent ruling on the funding while the Trump administration will continue with partial SNAP payments.