Press Releases
CASTRO STATEMENT ON FARM BILL
Washington, D.C. - Texas Congressman Joaquin Castro [TX-20] released this statement following the failure of the 2013 Farm Bill (H.R. 1947) in the U.S. House of Representatives:"Today's vote is yet another example of Congress' inability to get to work on behalf of the American people. House Republicans attempted to hijack the Farm Bill and use American families who depend on food and nutrition programs during times of economic hardship as a straw man to an extreme agenda. House Republicans … Continue Reading
June 15, 2013
CASTRO STATEMENT ON FINAL PASSAGE OF NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT (NDAA) FOR FISCAL YEAR 2014
Washington, D.C. - Texas Congressman Joaquin Castro, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, voted in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2014 (H.R. 1960), which provides necessary authorities and funding provisions for our nation's military. Congressman Castro worked closely with the House Armed Services Committee to include measures important to San Antonio-Military City USA-and military families across the USA, including an accountability report … Continue Reading
June 06, 2013
CASTRO STATEMENT ON KING IMMIGRATION AMENDMENT
Washington, D.C. - Texas Congressman Joaquin Castro [TX-20] released this statement following the passage of an amendment to Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act [H.R. 2217] offered by Rep. Steve King [R-IA] that treat DREAMers, undocumented spouses of service members, and other immigrants in the same way as violent criminals. Under this amendment, even those already granted deferred action could be subject to deportation: "Just as national momentum is at an all-time high for … Continue Reading
May 25, 2013
CASTRO, BIPARTISAN HOUSE GROUP CALL FOR PROTECTION OF MILITARY COMMUNITIES IN TEXAS AND ACROSS USA
San Antonio, TX - Texas Congressman Joaquin Castro [TX-20] is leading a coalition of 27 Republican and Democratic Congressmen to urge the Pentagon to assess military infrastructure abroad before calling for painful cuts in military communities at home. In a letter (attached and below) to Defense Secretary Hagel sent today, the bipartisan coalition-made up of 14 Texas representatives and 10 House Armed Services Committee members-is pressing the Pentagon for information on the hundreds of … Continue Reading
May 01, 2013
CASTRO SUPPORTS CRITICAL TEEN PREGNANCY PREVENTION PROGRAMS
Texas has one of the highest teen pregnancy rates in the nation. Our state ranks 48th of 50 in teen pregnancies. Of additional concern, in 2010, Texas led the nation in the rate of repeat births, with 22 percent of girls ages 15-19 having a second child. Teen pregnancies not only permanently impact the lives of youth, children and their communities, but also result in significant costs to the state. Unfortunately, our state is making less progress in reducing teen pregnancy than the nation … Continue Reading
March 30, 2013
CASTRO STATEMENT HONORING CESAR CHAVEZ DAY
San Antonio, TX- Texas Congressman Joaquin Castro released the following statement celebrating Cesar Chavez Day, March 31: "On what would have been his 86th birthday, America honors the life and legacy of civil rights leader Cesar Chavez. This day gives us a chance to pause and pay tribute to his leadership in the fight for social and economic justice for all Americans. His positive leadership and oratory skill live on today with the oft repeated phrase he coined, "Si se puede," yes it can … Continue Reading
March 14, 2013
GATES ADDRESSES FIRST BI-PARTISAN MEETING OF THE FRESHMAN CLASS
Washington, D.C.-Today, Bill Gates addressed the first bi-partisan meeting of the Freshman Class. Gates and his wife Melinda co-chair the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation where they work to expand opportunity to the world's most disadvantaged people by collaborating with grantees and partners. The luncheon was hosted by Republican Freshman Class President Luke Messer and Democrat Freshman Class Co-Presidents Rep. Matt Cartwright and Rep. Joaquin Castro. "It was an honor to talk to new … Continue Reading
March 08, 2013
CASTRO STATEMENT ON FEBRUARY JOBS REPORT
San Antonio, TX - Texas Congressman Joaquin Castro released the following statement after the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the United States added 236,000 jobs to the economy in February and the unemployment rate decreased to the lowest level in four years to 7.7%: "I am encouraged by the signs of steady growth in core sectors like business and construction. The addition of 236,000 jobs in the past month is a clear indicator that our economy continues to improve. We know there is more … Continue Reading
March 04, 2013
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