Congressman Castro Recognized as the Most Effective Democratic House Member in International Affairs
The Center for Effective Lawmaking Highlights Congressman Castro for His Continued Legislative Success in the 118th Congress
Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, was recognized by the Center for Effective Lawmaking (CEL) as the most effective Democratic House Member in International Affairs in the 118th Congress. This is in addition to being recognized in March 2025 by the center as the most effective Democratic House Member in the last Congress overall, in which he was lauded for his ability, “to work behind the scenes to move his proposals through the lawmaking process.”
“As Congress has become increasingly deadlocked, my staff and I have worked to find ways to continue to be most effective in enacting important legislation,” said Congressman Castro.
“I am honored to be recognized by the Center for Effective Lawmaking as the most effective Democratic House member in International Affairs in the 118th Congress. Every bill signed is a step forward towards building out the infrastructure of opportunity for the American people and ensuring that the United States remains a strong pillar of democracy.”
“I want to thank my staff for all their great work and commitment to advancing sound foreign policy and thank the Center for Effective Lawmaking for this honor,” concluded Congressman Castro.
Read an excerpt of the report below, and highlights from the New 118th Congress Interest & Legislative Effectiveness Scores here:
“Our analysis found that Representative Castro ranked as the most effective Democratic House Member in the policy area of International Affairs in the last Congress. This is in addition to our previous analysis showing him ranked as the most effective Democratic House Member in the last Congress overall, as well as one of the most effective Representatives in terms of having their sponsored standalone bills substantially incorporated into the laws of other members of Congress. We congratulate the Representative for his hard work and setting an example for promoting the importance of effective lawmaking.”
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Castro has leveraged his senior positions on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and House Committee on Foreign Affairs to build bipartisan support for his legislative priorities and incorporate them into must-pass legislation, including the Intelligence Authorization Act and the Department of State Authorization Act. Castro’s legislation concerning international affairs that were enacted into law in the 118th Congress includes H.R. 3042, the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Candidate Country Reform Act. This legislation redefined the MCC’s candidate country pool to include countries eligible for lending through the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development. The law extended eligibility to an additional 33 countries. In August 2025, the Millennium Challenge Corporation announced the selection of Fiji and Tonga, South Pacific countries that were made newly eligible due to Rep. Castro’s legislation, for MCC programs.
For a full list of Castro’s international affairs legislation enacted into law during the 118th Congress, click here.
In addition to effectively advancing legislation pertaining to international affairs, Castro has been a leading voice on international crises. Castro held both the Biden and Trump Administration accountable for the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Castro has also called out the Trump Administration for its unconstitutional military strikes in the Caribbean.
“Rising threats around the world make it more important than ever for Congress to shape legislation on international issues that advance security, prosperity, and democracy,” said Congressman Castro.