Press Releases
Castro Statement on U.S. Strikes in Syria
San Antonio, TX - Tonight, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) issued the following statement: “Tonight, the United States launched missiles at an airfield in Syria. The Assad regime’s repeated chemical attacks on its own citizens are war crimes and indisputably horrific, but Congress plays an important role in authorizing military force. I continue to believe that Congress must authorize any additional use of force against the Syrian … Continue Reading
April 05, 2017
Castro Statement on North Korea Missile Test
Washington, D.C. - Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and founding co-chair of the U.S.-Japan Caucus, released the following statement on North Korea’s ballistic missile test: “North Korea’s continued missile tests violate UN Security Council resolutions and threaten regional stability. The United States is fully committed to defending our allies in the region, including Japan and South Korea. Nothing good will come from the Kim regime’s … Continue Reading
March 24, 2017
Castro Statement on Republicans’ Healthcare Bill
Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) issued the following statement after Republicans decided not to hold a vote on their healthcare reform legislation: “Members of Congress from across the country realized that this bill would hurt their constituents. Millions of people would have lost their coverage, including more than 660,000 Texans. The legislation also would have resulted in lost, or jacked up prices for, essential care like emergency room visits, prescription … Continue Reading
March 23, 2017
Castro Statement on HPSCI Chairman Devin Nunes’ Announcement
Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI), issued the following statement: “Chairman Nunes’ actions today compromise the effectiveness of the House Intelligence Committee. Speaking to both the media and the White House prior to conferring with fellow HPSCI members undermines the committee’s ability to do its job and provide appropriate oversight. “As recently as this morning, I have spoken … Continue Reading
March 21, 2017
Castro Statement on House Intelligence Committee Hearing
Washington, D.C. - Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, released the following statement on today’s public hearing: “Two portions of today’s hearing stood out as particularly significant. First, the American people learned that the FBI is investigating possible links between the Trump campaign and Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. election. Second, both FBI Director Comey and National Security Agency Director Rogers … Continue Reading
March 13, 2017
Castro Statement on Death of Eligio “Kika” de la Garza, II
San Antonio, TX - Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) released the following statement on the death of former Congressman Eligio “Kika” de la Garza: “I am very saddened to learn of Kika de la Garza’s passing. His life was one of committed service - first in the Navy and Army, then in the Texas Legislature, and later in the U.S. Congress. He worked tirelessly to make life better for Texans, pushing for greater educational opportunity and federal support for farmers and ranchers. De la … Continue Reading
March 10, 2017
Castro, Cornyn Introduce Legislation to Strengthen Local Cybersecurity Defenses
Washington, D.C. - Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) yesterday reintroduced The National Cybersecurity Preparedness Consortium Act, H.R. 1465, legislation that allows non-profit entities, including universities, to work more closely with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to address cybersecurity risks and incidents at the state and local level. Every member of the San Antonio delegation in the House (Reps. Henry Cuellar (TX-28), Lloyd Doggett (TX-35), Will Hurd (TX-23), and Lamar … Continue Reading
March 06, 2017
Castro Statement on New Travel Ban Executive Order
San Antonio, TX - Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement after President Donald Trump signed a new version of his previous executive order targeting travelers from several Muslim-majority countries: “President Trump is dead set on finding a way to implement the Muslim ban he called for throughout his campaign. Today’s slightly modified order … Continue Reading
February 22, 2017
Castro Statement on DHS Memos Regarding the Implementation of Immigration Executive Orders
San Antonio, TX - Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) released the following statement regarding the two immigration-related memos that U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary John Kelly issued on the implementation of President Trump’s "Enhancing Public Safety in the Interior of the United States" and "Border Security and Immigration Enforcement Improvements" executive orders: “Secretary Kelly’s memos confirm that the President’s aggressive immigration executive … Continue Reading
February 19, 2017
Castro Statement on 75th Anniversary of Executive Order Authorizing the Internment of Japanese Americans During WWII
San Antonio, TX - Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and founding co-chair of the U.S.-Japan Caucus, issued the following statement on the 75th anniversary of the signing of Executive Order 9066, which authorized the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II: “The internment of Japanese Americans during World War II was a dark moment in our nation’s history - one we must never repeat. On this anniversary, we recognize the … Continue Reading
February 15, 2017
Castro Introduces Legislation to Make Pre-K Teachers Eligible for the Educator Expense Deduction
Washington, D.C. - Yesterday, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), founding co-chair of the Congressional Pre-K Caucus, introduced legislation to ensure pre-k teachers who spend personal funds on classroom supplies receive the same tax deductions as K-12 teachers. The Pre-K Teacher Parity Act, H.R. 1013, amends the educator expense deduction to include early childhood educators, providing them with a $250 deduction for certain teaching expenses. “Teachers at all grade levels in this nation … Continue Reading
February 15, 2017
Castro Statement on Resignation of National Security Advisor Michael Flynn
Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement after the resignation of National Security Advisor Michael Flynn: “General Flynn’s resignation is a step in the right direction, but many questions remain. Who associated with the Trump Administration knew the details of Flynn’s conversations with Russian officials, and when did they know them? … Continue Reading
February 11, 2017
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