Press Releases
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
August 02, 2014
CONGRESSMAN CASTRO STATEMENT ON PASSAGE OF GOP BORDER SUPPLEMENTAL AND ANTI-IMMIGRANT DACA BILL
Washington, D.C. - Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed two anti-immigrant bills - the GOP Border Supplemental, and legislation that would revoke legal status for DREAMERS, including almost 100,000 Texans, which allows them to go to college and work: “Tonight, Republicans passed bills that will not secure the border, will not bring an end to the humanitarian situation testing our nation’s conscience, and will do … Continue Reading
July 22, 2014
CONGRESSMAN CASTRO WELCOMES TAYLOR AS SAN ANTONIO’S INTERIM MAYOR
Washington, D.C. - Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) released this statement welcoming Ivy Taylor as San Antonio’s Interim Mayor, as his brother Julian Castro resigns as Mayor to become Secretary of Housing and Urban Development: “Congratulations to Ivy Taylor for being selected Interim Mayor of the great city of San Antonio and making history as our city’s first African American mayor. I look forward to working with Mayor Taylor as we continue to fuel the momentum our city has achieved … Continue Reading
July 09, 2014
CASTRO STAMENT ON CONFIRMATION OF JULIAN CASTRO AS HUD SECRETARY
Washington, D.C. -Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) released this statement following the bipartisan confirmation of his brother Julian Castro as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The Senate Confirmed Julian Castro as HUD Secretary with an overwhelmingly bipartisan 71-26 vote : “Today’s bipartisan Senate confirmation is a testament to the incredible work Julian has done as Mayor of our hometown of San Antonio. I’m proud of Julian and excited for our … Continue Reading
June 20, 2014
BIPARTISAN, BICAMERAL BILL TO ACCELERATE DEVELOPMENT GAINS AND PROMOTE INNOVATION AT USAID
Washington, D.C—Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (D-TX-20), Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX-10), Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), and Senator John Boozman (R-AR) introduced the Global Development Lab Act [H.R. 4905/ S. 2502], which authorizes USAID’s U.S. Global Development Lab research-based work to help hundreds of millions of people lift themselves out of extreme poverty. This bipartisan and bicameral bill allows this new arm within USAID to harness innovation, science and technology, and … Continue Reading