Press Releases
CASTRO CALLS FOR STRONGER ENFORCEMENT OF EXISTING SANCTIONS ON NORTH KOREA
Washington, D.C—Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) offered an amendment to the North Korea Sanctions Enforcement Act of 2014 (H.R. 1771) and made the following remarks during the House Foreign Affairs Committee consideration of the bill and amendment. Congressman Castro’s amendment was adopted unanimously by the Committee: “Mr. Chairman, I want to thank you and Ranking Member Engel for including my amendment to H.R. 1771 in the en bloc package. Recently, a U.N panel recommended that the … Continue Reading
May 29, 2014
VIDEO: CASTRO ON CHINA’S NEED TO SUPPORT HUMAN RIGHTS
Washington, D.C—Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) spoke in support of H. Res. 599, urging the Government of the People’s Republic of China to respect the freedom of assembly, expression, religion, and all fundamental human rights of its citizens, in commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square demonstrations. The resolution passed by 379-1. Below is part of Rep. Castro’s remarks as delivered: “Thank you Mr. Speaker, with no other speakers, I’d simply say, the worth of a … Continue Reading
May 29, 2014
CASTRO SPEAKS IN SUPPORT OF TARGETED SANCTIONS IN VENEZUELA
Washington, D.C—Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) spoke in support of targeted sanctions on Venezuela during U.S. House consideration of the Venezuelan Human Rights and Democracy Protection Act (H.R. 4587). The bill was adopted by a voice vote by the U.S. House of Representatives. Below are his remarks as delivered: “Thank you Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. R. 4587, the Venezuelan Human Rights and Democracy Protection Act, and yield myself as much time as I may consume. I … Continue Reading
May 22, 2014
CASTRO APPLAUDS PASSAGE OF NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT (NDAA) FOR FISCAL YEAR 2015
Washington, D.C -Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, applauds the passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2015 (H.R. 4435), which provides necessary authorities and $513.4 billion in funding provisions for our nation’s military. The NDAA was adopted by the House of Representatives with overwhelming support, 325-98. “I’m particularly proud that this bill recognizes the sacrifices of our men and women in uniform … Continue Reading
May 20, 2014
CASTRO CALLS ON CONGRESS TO OPEN MILITARY ACADEMIES TO DREAMERS
Washington, D.C—Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) introduced an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2015 that would allow students with Deferred Action Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status to become eligible to apply to the U.S Military Academies. Currently, military academies accept international students from select countries every year. However, students who have gone through the American school system and are eligible for a work-permit and Social … Continue Reading
May 09, 2014
VIDEO: CASTRO DISCUSSES POLITICAL UNREST IN VENEZUELA, COMMENDS TARGETED SANCTIONS
Washington, D.C—Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) discussed the political unrest in Venezuela during House Foreign Affairs Debate on Venezuelan Human Rights and Democracy Protection Act (H.R. 4587). Below are his remarks as delivered: “I want to speak on these resolutions, with respect to the Venezuela Resolution, thank you Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen for your work. You know, the United States one of our jobs around the world is to make sure we stand up for democracy and for human rights … Continue Reading
May 09, 2014
CASTRO ON VETERANS MEDICAL CENTER DELAY ALLEGATIONS
Washington, D.C—Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) released the following statement and letter following allegations of Veterans Affairs (VA) officials in Austin and San Antonio of manipulating medical appointment data at the Austin VA Outpatient Clinic and the North Central Federal Clinic in San Antonio: “The allegations reported about VA hospitals’ officials in Texas tampering with waitlists of our sick veterans are deeply troubling. That is why I’ve written to Veterans Affairs Secretary … Continue Reading
May 08, 2014
CASTRO STATEMENT ON SEXUAL ASSAULT IN THE MILITARY
Washington, D.C- Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) issued the following statement after the House Armed Services Committee voted against amending the Uniform Code of Military Justice to move prosecution of sexual assault cases in the military out of the chain of command: “Yesterday, during our work on the annual defense bill, the House Armed Services Committee debated for the first time to determine whether to take sexual assault cases out of the chain of command. I worked with … Continue Reading
May 01, 2014
REP. CASTRO ANNOUNCES $44 MILLION FOR SAN ANTONIO MILITARY PROJECTS
Washington, D.C- Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) announced $44.1 million for two military projects in San Antonio as part of the 2015 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act (H.R 4486). $5.8 million will help fund the construction of a fire station at the San Antonio Military Medical Center (SAMMC). Currently, fire units stationed in the main base of Fort Sam Houston provide the firefighting and emergency response to the SAMMC complex. Because of the great size of … Continue Reading
April 15, 2014
ON TAX DAY, REP. CASTRO CALLS ON CONGRESS TO RESTORE TAX FAIRNESS FOR MIDDLE CLASS
San Antonio, TX- On Tax Day, Rep. Joaquin Castro (TX-20) introduced the Cut Taxes for the Middle Class Act (H.R. 4469) to restore tax fairness for America's middle class families. This bill extends 8 tax cuts that expired at the end of 2013 and are meant to lift Americans in a time of economic recovery. The beneficiaries of these tax cuts range from Texans and those in states with no income tax to students aspiring to get a higher education to businesses that hire low-income folks and … Continue Reading
March 31, 2014
CASTRO VISITS TROOPS IN AFGHANISTAN
Washington, D.C- Congressman Joaquin Castro (D-TX) released the following statement upon his return from visiting the U.S. military troops stationed in Afghanistan. Congressman Castro joined House Armed Services Committee Chairman Howard "Buck" McKeon (R-CA) and Rep. Jeff Denham (R-CA) as part of the Congressional delegation chosen to visit the troops a week before Afghanistan holds presidential elections on Saturday, April 5, 2014. "I visited the U.S troops stationed in Kabul, Kandahar and … Continue Reading
March 26, 2014
CASTRO CHALLENGES IMMIGRATION REFORM STONEWALL, DEMANDS VOTE
Washington, D.C- Congressman Joaquin Castro (D-TX) released the following statement upon the House Democrats announcement of a Discharge Petition on H.R 15, the bipartisan Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act: "Today, I'm proud to join my House colleagues in filing a discharge petition on immigration reform on behalf of the American people. Folks from all ends of the political spectrum, across industries and regions have demanded Congress to fix our … Continue Reading
March 24, 2014
CASTRO ANNOUNCES INAUGURATION OF U.S-JAPAN CAUCUS
Washington, D.C- Congressman Joaquin Castro (D-TX) announces the creation of the bipartisan U.S- Japan Caucus. Rep. Castro is co-leading with Rep. Devin Nunes (R-CA) in the U.S. House of Representatives: "I'm thrilled to help establish this bipartisan caucus and further strengthen the relationship between the U.S. and Japan on a range of issues including international economics, national security, and international development. As a Representative of San Antonio, it is especially important … Continue Reading
March 20, 2014
CASTRO ON THE 4th ANNIVERSARY OF THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT & LOCAL ENROLLMENT EFFORTS
San Antonio, TX - Congressman Joaquin Castro [TX-20] released the following statement highlighting the 4th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act and local efforts to help San Antonians get access to affordable, quality health care: "The Affordable Care Act means access to quality, affordable health care coverage no matter your lot in life. The Affordable Care Act has benefited over 70 million Americans who already had insurance, but are now able to take advantage of preventive care … Continue Reading
February 27, 2014
CASTRO STATEMENT ON TEXAS BAN ON GAY MARRIAGE RULED UNCONSTITUTIONAL
Washington, D.C. - Congressman Joaquin Castro [TX-20] released the following statement in support of the federal court ruling in San Antonio striking down Texas’ ban on gay marriage: “Today is a triumphant day for equality in Texas. The federal court in San Antonio reaffirmed what we’ve believed all along, that in the United States of America equality and freedom are not dependent on the color of your skin, the origin of your last name, or the person you love. I welcome today’s … Continue Reading
February 12, 2014
CASTRO STATEMENT ON DEBT CEILING & MILITARY COLA FIX
Washington, D.C. - Congressman Joaquin Castro [TX-20] released the following statement after voting in favor of fixing the Military retirement COLA cuts that were negotiated as part of the Budget Deal, as well voting in favor of paying our nation’s bills and preventing default: “Congress governs in large part by authorizing expenditures and paying for those debts. By raising the debt ceiling and preventing an unprecedented national default, Congress is simply paying for the bills the … Continue Reading
January 16, 2014
CASTRO HELPS INTRODUCE BILL TO PROVIDE IN-STATE TUITION FOR DREAMER STUDENTS
Washington, D.C. - Today, Thursday, January 16th, 2014 U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and Congressman Jared Polis (D-CO) introduced the Investing IN States To Achieve Tuition Equity (IN-STATE) for Dreamers Act of 2014. The IN-STATE for Dreamers Act establishes the American Dream Grant program, which encourages states to increase access to higher education for low-income students, regardless of immigration status. This program would provide $750 million in need-based student financial aid to … Continue Reading
January 16, 2014
CASTRO STATEMENT ON OMNIBUS BILL PASSAGE
Washington, D.C— Congressman Joaquin Castro released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the bipartisan $1.012 trillion omnibus bill, funding agencies for Fiscal Year 2014. The funding bill passed with 359 Representatives voting in favor and 67 voting against. “Stopgap funding measures have been mired by partisan politics causing the budget cycle to be unsteady and inefficient. After years of operating without a long-term budget funding government … Continue Reading
January 09, 2014
CASTRO URGES APPROPRIATORS TO FUND SAN ANTONIO COURTHOUSE
Washington, D.C. - Congressman Joaquin Castro [TX-20] along with a group of bipartisan legislators wrote a letter today to urge the powerful House Appropriations Committee to provide adequate funding for Federal Buildings Fund construction in FY 2014 before the January 15 funding deadline. This funding will enable construction to begin on critical projects across the country, including the San Antonio Courthouse. “The San Antonio Courthouse is among the busiest in the nation, but because … Continue Reading
January 07, 2014
CASTRO APPLAUDS BIPARTISAN FIRST STEP TO EXTEND UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE
Washington, D.C. - Congressman Joaquin Castro [TX-20] released the following statement applauding the Senate's vote to begin debate on a bipartisan extension of unemployment insurance and calling on the House to take up the vote: “Today the Senate took an important first step toward providing economic stability for the millions of Americans who have been dropped off unemployment insurance. Over 64,000 Texans lost their unemployment insurance in the middle of the holidays. As we mark the … Continue Reading