Press Releases
CASTRO, MCCAUL URGE PRESIDENT OBAMA TO ALLOW INCREASED CRUDE OIL EXPORTS
Washington, D.C. - Congressmen Joaquin Castro (TX-20) and Michael McCaul (TX-10) today sent a letter urging President Barack Obama to lift the prohibition on U.S. crude oil exports to Mexico. Doing so would afford Mexico the same trade exemption granted to Canada thirty years ago. “Mexico is Texas’ largest trade partner, and the country’s recent energy reforms open the door for our economic ties to expand even further,” said Rep. Castro. “Lifting these crude oil export restrictions will … Continue Reading
April 23, 2015
CASTRO CYBERSECURITY AMENDMENTS UNANIMOUSLY PASS THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Washington, D.C. - Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) introduced two cybersecurity amendments that today both unanimously passed the House of Representatives. The first amendment elevates the profile of the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) and highlights the cybersecurity work being done there. The second amendment makes self-assessment tools available to small and medium-sized businesses for determining their cybersecurity readiness. The amendments are on H.R. 1731, the National … Continue Reading
April 16, 2015
CASTRO INTRODUCES TAX CUTS FOR AMERICA ACT
Washington, D.C. - Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) today introduced legislation to extend tax credits that will spur economic growth, boost job creation, and help hardworking Americans. The Tax Cuts for America Act would support veterans, teachers, businesses, and energy efficient projects by extending a variety of tax credits that expired at the end of 2014. “When Americans reflect on what makes this country great, we think about our educators, our men and women in uniform, and our … Continue Reading
April 15, 2015
CASTRO SEEKS CLARITY ON BORDER SECURITY EFFORTS
Washington, D.C. - Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) today sent a letter to U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Gil Kerlikowske requesting data on federal efforts to secure the Texas-Mexico border. Rep. Castro released the following statement explaining the rationale behind this request: “The state of Texas has spent a significant amount of money implementing former Governor Perry’s Operation Strong Safety (OSS) to secure the Texas-Mexico border, and there’s a budget request … Continue Reading
April 02, 2015
CASTRO STATEMENT ON IRAN FRAMEWORK
Washington, D.C. - Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Armed Services Committee, today released the following statement after a framework to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon was announced. “I welcome the preliminary framework agreement regarding Iran’s nuclear program the United States and our international partners have achieved. This is a positive step towards cutting off Iran’s pathway to a nuclear weapon and an arms race … Continue Reading
April 01, 2015
CASTRO HONORS WORLD WAR II VETERAN WITH MEDAL PRESENTATION
Washington, D.C. - Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) today presented World War II veteran and San Antonio resident Paul Garcia with five medals to honor his military service. Rep. Castro awarded Mr. Garcia the World War II Victory Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, the Honorable Service Lapel Button, and the Honorable Discharge Lapel Pin. “Mr. Garcia is an example of the best San Antonio, and America, has to offer,” said Rep. Castro. “His willingness … Continue Reading
March 26, 2015
CASTRO STATEMENT ON PASSAGE OF MEDICARE ACCESS AND CHIP REAUTHORIZATION ACT
Washington, D.C. - Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) today issued the following statement after voting in favor of the bipartisan Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015. The measure passed the House of Representatives with a bipartisan vote of 392-37. “Passage of this bipartisan legislation marks significant progress for American seniors, children, and families who will now have more secure access to healthcare. Implementing a permanent solution that does away with the … Continue Reading
March 26, 2015
CASTRO STATEMENT ON HOUSE BUDGET VOTE
Washington, D.C. - Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) today issued the following statement after casting his vote against the House GOP’s budget. The measure passed the Republican-led House of Representatives 228-199. "The Republican budget that passed in the House of Representatives today is a disservice to the American people. It favors the ultra-wealthy, stifles opportunity, and stacks the deck against hardworking, middle class folks. Instead of strengthening families, the Republican … Continue Reading
March 17, 2015
REPS. CASTRO, PETERS LEAD EFFORT TO CLEAR GREEN CARD BACKLOG
Washington, D.C. - Today, Representatives Joaquin Castro (TX-20) and Scott Peters (CA-52) led 71 other colleagues in a letter to President Obama, urging him to take concrete actions to help clear the green card backlog, improve the lives of hundreds of thousands of immigrants, and provide a critical shot in the arm for innovation and job creation. “The United States provides top-notch educations to smart folks from around the world, and our economy stands to benefit from their brilliance … Continue Reading
March 04, 2015
CASTRO STATEMENT ON PASSAGE OF HOMELAND SECURITY FUNDING
Washington, D.C. - Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) issued the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation funding the Department of Homeland Security through the end of the 2015 Fiscal Year: “Today Congress did right by the American people and passed a clean, long-term funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Funding for an agency as critical as DHS should never be a vehicle for partisan attacks. The brinksmanship we witnessed these … Continue Reading
February 28, 2015
CASTRO STATEMENT ON FAILURE OF SHORT-TERM DHS FUNDING
Washington, D.C. - Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) released the following statement after the House failed to pass a three-week Continuing Resolution to fund the Department of Homeland Security: “Today, I voted against a three-week band-aid to temporarily fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). I support funding DHS for a full year. We need to provide certainty to all Americans that our nation’s security will not lapse because of the musings of Congress. At a time when we are … Continue Reading
February 27, 2015
HOUSE GOP REJECTS CASTRO AMENDMENT TO HOLD STUDENTS' TEXTBOOKS TO HIGHEST ACADEMIC STANDARDS
Washington, D.C. - Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) today introduced an education amendment, which was rejected by House Republicans on H.R.5. The commonsense amendment would appoint a neutral ombudsperson in the Department of Education to ensure American students’ textbooks meet the high academic standards our young people need to succeed in their future pursuits. This nonpartisan ombudsperson would field and help resolve K-12 textbook disputes. “Our students deserve textbooks that … Continue Reading
February 18, 2015
CASTRO STATEMENT ON STATE OF TEXAS V. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Washington, D.C. - Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) issued the following statement on the decision of a Texas U.S. District Judge in the case of the State of Texas v. United States of America: "Our nation’s immigration system is broken, and with his executive actions President Obama acted within his legal authority to provide some relief to people who are impacted by the inaction of Congress. Yesterday’s decision by a Texas judge to block temporarily the implementation of Deferred Action … Continue Reading
February 18, 2015
CASTRO STATEMENT ON STATE OF TEXAS V. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Washington, D.C. - Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) issued the following statement on the decision of a Texas U.S. District Judge in the case of the State of Texas v. United States of America: "Our nation’s immigration system is broken, and with his executive actions President Obama acted within his legal authority to provide some relief to people who are impacted by the inaction of Congress. Yesterday’s decision by a Texas judge to block temporarily the implementation of Deferred Action … Continue Reading
February 11, 2015
CASTRO INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO INCREASE STEM EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
Washington, D.C. - Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) yesterday introduced legislation to promote and expand access to education in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) subjects. The Supporting Afterschool STEM Act (H.R.831) would create a grant to encourage afterschool programs that bolster STEM learning and provide students with opportunities to learn about the fields driving job creation in America. “It is essential we give our young people every opportunity to succeed in the … Continue Reading
February 10, 2015
CASTRO STATEMENT ON DEATH OF KAYLA JEAN MUELLER
Washington, D.C. - Congressman Joaquin Castro, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Armed Services Committee, today released the following statement after news of the death of Kayla Jean Mueller, an American held captive by the terror group ISIS: “I am deeply saddened to learn of Kayla Jean Mueller’s tragic passing. Ms. Mueller was a selfless young woman committed to helping others in a part of the world enduring great suffering. Her bravery and compassion will not be … Continue Reading
October 10, 2014
CASTRO STATEMENT ON TEXAS VOTER ID BLOCK
San Antonio, TX-- Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) released the following statement after a federal judge in Texas found that the Texas voter ID law was intended to discriminate against minorities and declared it unconstitutional: "This is a great victory for Democracy. Far too many have sacrificed for our freedoms and rights as Americans. This voter ID law was found unconstitutional for discriminating against minorities. I applaud this ruling for staying true to our values of justice and … Continue Reading
October 06, 2014
CASTRO ON SUPREME COURT’S DECISION TO ALLOW GAY MARRIAGE TO PROCEED IN STATES
San Antonio, TX - Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) released this statement following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to deny gay marriage appeals from five states seeking to prohibit same-sex marriage. This decision ensures that gay marriages is able to proceed in 30 states, in addition to Washington, DC: “Today’s decision by the Supreme Court not to reverse the victories for marriage equality in five states, effectively allows for folks in over half of the country to marry who they … Continue Reading
September 26, 2014
CASTRO STATEMENT ON CORRUPT USE OF TEXAS TAXPAYER FUNDS
San Antonio, TX - Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) released this statement following an independent audit report that shows the corrupt practices of Governor Perry’s Texas Enterprise Fund. A fund that was started under the mandate that beneficiaries would be creating jobs, gave away almost half of the $500 million of taxpayer money to institutions that never promised to create jobs and many that did not even submit applications. “This independent audit illustrates, once again, how … Continue Reading
August 26, 2014
Castro Highlights STEM Education Efforts As San Antonians Go Back To School
San Antonio, TX - Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) is highlighting the importance of Science, Technology, Math, and Engineering (STEM) education as students in San Antonio head back to school this week. This year, Congressman Castro introduced the Supporting Afterschool STEM Act (H.R.5217), which would create a grant to encourage afterschool programs to bolster STEM learning. Congressman Castro also continues to support local efforts to make STEM education an integral part of the San … Continue Reading