Press Releases
CASTRO STATEMENT ON SEQUESTRATION
Washington, D.C-Texas Congressman Joaquin Castro released the following statement regarding the budget cuts scheduled to take effect today: "Sequestration is a direct result of hostage politics. By setting impending doom deadlines, Congress is losing the faith of the American people to govern effectively. These budget cuts are an example of yet another self-inflicted wound that sabotages our efforts to build out the Infrastructure of Opportunity for hard-working families." "I am extremely … Continue Reading
February 28, 2013
CASTRO STATEMENT ON THE PASSAGE OF VAWA REAUTHORIZATION
Washington, D.C. - Texas Congressman Joaquin Castro released the following statement upon the bipartisan reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) [H.R. 11] in the House of Representatives: "As a proud cosponsor of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) reauthorization, I am pleased that the House transcended partisan politics to help keep Americans safe from violent assault. Domestic violence is an issue that, sadly, affects all of our communities. San Antonio had more than … Continue Reading
February 27, 2013
CASTRO STATEMENT ON LEW CONFIRMATION AS SECRETARY OF TREASURY
Washington, D.C. - Texas Congressman Joaquin Castro released the following statement: "Secretary Geithner lead the Treasury Department during one of the worst economic recessions our nation has seen. Now our economy is on the road to recovery with thirty-five consecutive months of private sector job growth. I am grateful for his steadfast leadership in guiding our economy through the complexities of this historic crisis." "I want to commend Jack Lew on his confirmation as the next Secretary … Continue Reading
February 26, 2013
CASTRO STATEMENT ON HAGEL SENATE CONFIRMATION AS SECRETARY OF DEFENSE
Washington, D.C- Texas Congressman Joaquin Castro released this statement following the confirmation of Senator Chuck Hagel as Secretary of Defense: "Secretary Leon Panetta has done an exemplary job leading the Department of Defense. Secretary Panetta's steady leadership winding down the war in Afghanistan, overseeing the shrinking of defense budgets, and ensuring inclusiveness in our military exemplifies service to country. I want to sincerely thank and commend Secretary Panetta him for his … Continue Reading
February 12, 2013
CASTRO STATEMENT ON PASSAGE OF BIPARTISAN VAWA REAUTHORIZATION IN THE SENATE
Washington, D.C. - Texas Congressman Joaquin Castro released the following statement upon the bipartisan adoption of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Reauthorization [S. 47] in the Senate: "I am hopeful that in this new Congress, House Republican leaders will quickly bring up this bipartisan VAWA bill for a vote," Castro said. "As legislators we are charged with the great responsibility of ensuring the safety of all Americans, especially those most vulnerable among us. Partisan politics … Continue Reading
February 02, 2013
CASTRO STATEMENT CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY
San Antonio, TX - Texas Congressman Joaquin Castro released this statement Celebrating Black History Month:"Every February, Texans and Americans across the country join together to celebrate the diversity of America by highlighting the achievements and contributions of the African American community. February is an especially powerful month to commemorate the inseparable nature of African Americans in the story of America as it is the same month two iconic leaders, President Abraham Lincoln … Continue Reading
February 01, 2013
CASTRO STATEMENT ON OUTGOING AND INCOMING SECRETARIES OF STATE
San Antonio, TX - Texas Congressman Joaquin Castro released this statement as Hillary Rodham Clinton stepped down from her post as Secretary of State and John Kerry became the head of the Department:"Our nation is fortunate to have folks like Mr. Kerry and Mrs. Clinton who devote their lives to service. I want to sincerely thank Secretary Clinton for her tireless service to our nation. Although my first House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing was Secretary Clinton's last as the head of the … Continue Reading
February 01, 2013
CASTRO STATEMENT ON JANUARY JOBS REPORT
San Antonio, TX - Texas Congressman Joaquin Castro released this statement after the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the United States added 157,000 jobs to the economy in January and the unemployment rate remained essentially unchanged at 7.9%:"Today's jobs report indicates that the United States economy continues to recover. Congress must show leadership in confronting the nation's fiscal issues. We must prevent the manufactured crisis of the past, and provide certainty so that the … Continue Reading
January 29, 2013
CASTRO STATEMENT ON IMMIGRATION REFORM
Washington, D.C.- Texas Congressman Joaquin Castro released this statement following President Obama's call for comprehensive immigration reform: "As a Texan who has witnessed the hardships our broken immigration system presents for immigrants and their families, my friends and neighbors, it is very important to me that we finally resolve this long-debated issue. We need to overhaul our current immigration system by working on a comprehensive solution that includes an earned path to … Continue Reading
January 25, 2013
CASTRO STATEMENT ON DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE DECISION TO LIFT WOMEN IN COMBAT BAN
Washington, D.C- Texas Congressman Joaquin Castro released this statement following the decision by the Department of Defense to lift the ban on women serving in combat:"The decision by the Department of Defense to include women in combat positions is welcomed and long overdue. Service to our country should not be dependent on gender. I commend our military for the steps it has taken over the past few years to be reflective of our society and I will continue to advocate for our American troops … Continue Reading
January 23, 2013
CASTRO STATEMENT ON SECRETARY OF STATE CLINTON’S TESTIMONY ON TERRORIST ATTACKS IN BENGHAZI
Washington, D.C.- Texas Congressman Joaquin Castro released this statement following the House Foreign Affairs Committee's hearing on the Benghazi terror attack:"Today's testimony was a reminder of the tragic reality that four Americans were killed and an affirmation that we must ensure that terror attacks like this don't happen again. I thank Secretary Clinton for her thorough testimony, which detailed the measures the Department of State will apply to rectify its failures. After this hearing … Continue Reading
January 23, 2013
CASTRO STATEMENT ON LACKLAND AIRFORCE BASE SEXUAL MISCONDUCT HEARING
Washington, D.C.- Texas Congressman Joaquin Castro released this statement following the House Armed Services Committee's hearing on sexual misconduct at Lackland Air Force Base: "Today's hearing was an important step in understanding the scope of the sexual misconduct at Lackland Air Force Base. We need to make sure that justice is swiftly served and that lessons learned from this investigation be enacted as policy changes. It must be clear that the these criminal actions will not be … Continue Reading
January 23, 2013
CASTRO STATEMENT ON DEBT LIMIT SUSPENSION
Washington, D.C- Texas Congressman Joaquin Castro released this statement following passage to of a bill to ensure the complete and timely payment of the obligations of the United States government [H.R. 325]: "Today the House voted to stop fighting over the nation's debt ceiling, pay the nation's bills, and move forward to passing a budget for the nation. Although this bill is far from perfect, it prevents another round of self-inflicted wounds to our economy. It is time to stop playing games … Continue Reading
January 21, 2013
CASTRO STATEMENT COMMEMORATING MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY
Washington, D.C.-Texas Congressman Joaquin Castro released the following statement commemorating the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.: "Today we celebrate the memory of a private citizen who pushed the conscience of America to confront the realities of our democracy. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. reminded America of the injustices of discrimination and worked hard to help straighten the nation's moral compass. As we pause to commemorate his legacy the same day the first African American President … Continue Reading
January 09, 2013
CASTRO STATEMENT ON SECRETARY SOLIS RESIGNATION
Washington, D.C- Texas Congressman Joaquin Castro released this statement following the announcement of Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis's resignation from her post:"Secretary Solis has been a trailblazer from the time she served in the California State Assembly and through her time in the United States Cabinet. I am grateful for the many doors she has opened to young Latinos everywhere. I look forward to championing policy issues, like immigration reform, she worked on in her time in the U.S. … Continue Reading
January 09, 2013
CASTRO, GALLEGO ANNOUNCE SAN ANTONIO PREFERED LOCATION FOR AIRFORCE TRAINING SCHOOL
Washington, D.C-- Congressmen Joaquin Castro and Pete Gallego today announced that the United States Air Force has indicated Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland is the preferred and reasonable host for the relocation of the Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) and the Air Liaison Officer (ALO) training school. The Air Force will finalize its decisions in Fall of 2013 pending an environmental impact study. The training school is projected to be fully operational by November of 2014. TACPs and ALOs go … Continue Reading
January 04, 2013
CASTRO ELECTED DEMOCRATIC FRESHMAN CLASS CO-PRESIDENT
Washington, D.C.-Today, Rep. Joaquin Castro (TX-20) was elected Co-President of the Democratic Freshman Class of the 113th United States Congress."I am honored to represent the Democratic Freshman class, the most diverse class of newly elected legislators in congressional history," said Castro. "I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure that all of our constituents are well represented during the 113th Congress."The Freshman Class elected four Co-Presidents, each representing the … Continue Reading
January 04, 2013
113th United States Congress Takes Office
The First Session of the 113th Congress commences January 3rd, … Continue Reading
January 03, 2013
CASTRO SWORN IN AS REPRESENTATIVE OF TEXAS CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 20
Washington, D.C.-Joaquin Castro was sworn in as the Representative of Texas Congressional District 20 for the 113th United States Congress.During the ceremony, the freshman Congressman was joined by family, friends, and supporters who made the trip from San Antonio to Washington, D.C."I am honored and humbled to represent the people of San Antonio in the United States House of Representatives," said Castro. "I look forward to being a tireless advocate for those who call San Antonio home. From … Continue Reading
January 03, 2013
Representative Castro Sworn Into Office
Congressman Joaquin Castro was sworn in as a Member of the United States House of Representatives by House Speaker John Boehner January 3rd, … Continue Reading