Press Releases
Castro Statement on ICE Raids in Texas
San Antonio, TX - Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) released the following statement regarding reports of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids taking place in Texas: “I have been informed by ICE that the agency’s San Antonio field office has launched a targeted operation in South and Central Texas as part of Operation Cross Check. I am asking ICE to clarify whether these individuals are in fact dangerous, violent threats to our communities, and not people who are here … Continue Reading
February 09, 2017
Castro Statement on 9th Circuit Court of Appeals Decision
San Antonio, TX - Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) issued the following statement after the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against reinstating President Trump’s travel ban executive order: “I’m glad the 9th Circuit has ruled that the President’s travel ban executive order will remain on hold. The administration will likely challenge today’s decision, and I will continue to follow the case closely as it progresses through the courts.” … Continue Reading
February 07, 2017
Castro Introduces Resolution Calling for DOJ Investigation into Trump Compliance with Constitution
Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) introduced a resolution (H.Res. 102) calling on the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to appoint an independent counsel to investigate whether President Trump or his staff directed, or knowingly permitted, United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) actions that violated judicial orders designed to stay the January 27, 2017 travel ban executive order (E.O. 13769). “Numerous media reports suggest that members of the Trump … Continue Reading
February 03, 2017
U.S.-Japan Caucus Launches for 115th Congress
Washington, D.C. - Today, Co-Chairs Joaquin Castro (TX-20) and Dave Reichert (WA-08) announced the launch of the U.S.-Japan Caucus for the 115th Congress. The U.S.-Japan Caucus is a bipartisan congressional organization with more than 100 members who are dedicated to strengthening U.S.-Japan relations. “The United States and Japan should build on the progress of recent years to position our partnership for 21st century engagement,” said founding Co-Chair Joaquin Castro. “I look forward to … Continue Reading
February 03, 2017
Castro Statement on Easing of Sanctions against Russia
Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement after the U.S. Treasury Department eased sanctions on the Russian intelligence service FSB: “The Trump Administration is going to extreme lengths to put Russian interests above the United States’. This is bad national security policy. “It is unfathomable that our government would ease … Continue Reading
January 31, 2017
Castro Statement on Texas State of the State Address
Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) released the following statement regarding Governor Greg Abbott’s State of the State address: “Contrary to what the Governor proclaimed in his address today, our state government is on the wrong track. The Texas economy has slipped from third to 21st in the nation. Greg Abbott and Republican leaders have stayed silent while Donald Trump has bullied and threatened Texas companies. They haven’t taken a stand against the President’s … Continue Reading
January 29, 2017
Castro Statement on Refugee Executive Order
San Antonio, TX - Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, issued the following statement regarding President Trump’s executive order limiting refugees’ entry into the United States: “President Trump's ban on Muslim refugees betrays American values while undermining national security and economic prosperity. It is … Continue Reading
January 27, 2017
Castro Statement on State Department Resignations
San Antonio, TX - Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, released the following statement regarding the resignation of several top State Department officials: “This significant loss of institutional knowledge hurts our foreign policy apparatus. These public servants’ expertise is badly needed in the administration of a uniquely inexperienced President. A strong State Department is … Continue Reading
January 27, 2017
Castro, Wagner Announce Launch of Congressional Caucus on ASEAN
Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) and Congresswoman Ann Wagner (MO-02) announced the creation of the bipartisan Congressional Caucus on ASEAN. The Caucus aims to strengthen ties between the United States and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and foster a dialogue on Capitol Hill around issues related to Southeast Asia. “ASEAN plays a significant role in the global economy and in matters of global security. It’s essential that members of Congress … Continue Reading
January 25, 2017
Castro Statement on Immigration-Related Executive Orders
Washington, D.C. - Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, issued the following statement regarding the immigration-related executive orders President Donald Trump signed today: “The border wall is a lazy and ineffective security strategy. In fact, recent polls show that 59 percent of the American people disagree with building a wall along our nation’s southern border. The wall could cost up … Continue Reading
January 17, 2017
Castro Statement on the Inauguration Ceremony
San Antonio, TX - Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) issued the following statement regarding his decision not to attend this year’s inauguration ceremony: “Every American should respect the office of the presidency and the fact that Donald Trump will be the 45th President of the United States. But winning an election does not mean a man can show contempt for millions of Americans and then expect those very people to celebrate him. “I come from a family and a place, Texas, … Continue Reading
January 07, 2017
Castro Statement on Declassified Report on Russian Interference in the U.S. Election
San Antonio, TX - Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement regarding the declassified Intelligence Community Assessment of Russia’s involvement in the 2016 U.S. election: “The intelligence community has determined that President Putin ordered the Russian government to manipulate our nation’s presidential election through an extensive cyber operation and … Continue Reading
January 05, 2017
Castro Named Chair of Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute
Washington, D.C. - Today, the members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) named Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI). In this role, Congressman Castro will help foster the next generation of Hispanic leadership in the United States. “I look forward to invigorating our nation’s future Hispanic leaders through my chairmanship of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute,” said Rep. Castro. “CHCI connects young Latinos with … Continue Reading
December 29, 2016
Castro Statement on New Russian Sanctions
San Antonio, TX - Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement regarding the Obama Administration’s new sanctions on Russia for its interference in the United States’ 2016 election: “I support the Administration’s actions against Russia’s interference in the U.S. election and will work in Congress to ensure these sanctions remain in place. We must defend our … Continue Reading
December 27, 2016
Castro Statement on Prime Minister Abe’s Visit to Pearl Harbor
San Antonio, TX - Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), founding co-chair of the U.S.-Japan Caucus and member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement regarding Japanese Prime Minister Shinz? Abe’s visit to Pearl Harbor today with President Barack Obama: “In the 75 years since the tragic loss of life at Pearl Harbor, the United States and Japan have built an alliance that seeks to foster peace and stability around the world. Both President Obama and Prime … Continue Reading
December 17, 2016
Castro Statement on Enactment of FY2017 State Department Reauthorization
San Antonio, TX - Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, issued the following statement after President Barack Obama signed into law the Department of State Authorities Act for Fiscal Year 2017: "This marks the first time in 14 years State Department reauthorization legislation has become law. The legislation the Congress passed and President Obama signed strengthens our nation's … Continue Reading
December 12, 2016
Castro Statement on Russian Interference in the U.S. Election
San Antonio, TX - Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement regarding Russian interference in the 2016 election: "Reports of Russian interference in our nation's election to influence the outcome for one candidate are extremely distressing. Congress must investigate this breach and determine the full extent of Russian involvement. This kind of electoral … Continue Reading
December 07, 2016
Castro Statement on 75th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor
Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), founding co-chair of the U.S.-Japan Caucus and member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement to mark the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor: "Today we mark a solemn date in our nation's history. The loss of life at Pearl Harbor 75 years ago was a tragedy that will never be forgotten. "Since that time, the United States' relationship with Japan has grown into a strategic alliance … Continue Reading
December 06, 2016
Castro Statement on San Antonio Sinkhole
Washington, D.C. - Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) released the following statement regarding the sinkhole that took the life of Bexar County Sheriff's Deputy Dora Linda (Solis) Nishihara: "I am deeply saddened to learn of the loss of Sheriff's Deputy Nishihara. I join the entire San Antonio community in mourning her passing and offer my condolences to her loved ones. Our city is grateful for her service and sacrifice. "The sinkhole that took Sheriff's Deputy Nishihara's life and … Continue Reading
December 06, 2016
Castro Statement on House Passage of FY2017 State Department Reauthorization
Washington, D.C. - Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, today issued the following statement after voting in favor of the Department of State Authorities Act for Fiscal Year 2017: "Today's State Department reauthorization legislation strengthens the United States' diplomatic corps, provides increased safety protections for our diplomats and embassies abroad, and ensures Congress … Continue Reading