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Congressman Al Green addresses Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, announces measures to aid Houston’s Ukrainian community

Congressman Al Green held a press conference with the Consul General of Ukraine, and the president of the Ukrainian American Cultural Club of Houston, addressing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and announcing measures to aid the Ukrainian community at home and abroad. Green sent a letter to President Joe Biden asking for the government to send Ukraine ammunition, hardware, and fuel.

Texas Democratic Rep. Al Green and state lawmaker arrested at Capitol voting rights protest

Texas Democratic Rep. Al Green was arrested along with a state lawmaker while protesting outside the Capitol and Supreme Court buildings in support of voting rights on Tuesday.Why it matters: Green is the latest of several Democratic lawmakers arrested while protesting for voting rights in the U.S. Capitol in recent weeks. Get market news worthy of your time with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free.Reps. Hank Johnson (D-Ga.), Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas) and Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio), chair of the Con

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Texas Dems may have infected Pelosi and Harris aides

Everyone stricken so far – the six lawmakers and the aides to Pelosi and Harris – was fully vaccinated. But White House protocols still aim to keep out anyone recently exposed. And the 55 Texas Democrats have become potential vectors since fleeing Austin. The Democrats fled to break quorum in the Texas House, halting an elections bill demanded by Gov. Reynolds noted that Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, another Houston congressperson, has also been prodding the White House to set that up.

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American Rescue Plan: Local officials to address how $1.9T plan will impact Houston, Harris County

HOUSTON – Local officials are slated to hold a news conference Friday at 2:30 p.m. to discuss the passage of the American Rescue Plan and its direct impact on Houston, Harris County, and area school districts. U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18), Texas Rep. Al Green (TX-09); U.S. Rep. Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), U.S. Rep. Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Mayor Sylvester Turner, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, Houston Independent School District Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan, and other local officials are expected to attend the event. KPRC will broadcast a live stream of the event. Be sure to watch in the video player at the top of this article when the video becomes available.

U.S. House passes COVID-19 relief bill that would give millions of Texans $1,400 checks

Known as the American Rescue Plan, the $1.9 trillion bill shores up and builds upon previous COVID-19 spending bill provisions. On Saturday, both of the state's Republican senators, John Cornyn and Ted Cruz, voted against the bill. The bill also funds an additional $300 in unemployment payments per week until early September. The House passed a previous version of this bill in late February but Democratic moderates in the Senate were successful in scaling back the legislation. The original House bill also included a minimum wage hike to $15 per hour, but the Senate parliamentarian ruled out that provision.

LIST: Food and water distribution sites in the Houston area

HOUSTON – Many local businesses and organizations have opened food and water distribution sites in the Houston area in the wake of the recent winter storms. Various distribution sites pop up daily, so please keep checking this list if you’re in need. Houston Community College-North Forest CampusTexas State Representative Senfronia Thompson, NACC Disaster Services, Teamsters Union, Houston Community College (HCC)- North Forest campus, HCC Trustee Rhonda Skillern-Jones, Peoples United Summit, and other volunteer groups host water and food distribution in northeast Houston. The organizers will provide food and water for about 1,000 vehicles. Pet owners will receive free pet food, supplies, and information on additional resources such as the Houston Humane Society’s free spay/neuter program.

Racial Inequities Emerge As Houston Recovers From Last Week’s Winter Storm – Houston Public Media

Already devastated by COVID-19, the winter storm is another blow to Houston’s communities of color. “Minority communities are suffering,” Green said Monday, between loading up cars. In lower-income communities, older and more compromised homes struggled under the stress of a harsh winter storm. Many of Palay’s neighbors needed house repairs even before the winter storm hit, she said. Now, she sees similarities from her own background in how communities are helping each other in this most recent crisis.

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What you need to know about the new Houston and Harris County winter storm relief fund

HOUSTON – Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo announced the Greater Houston 2021 Winter Storm Relief Fund on Monday during a news conference at 1 p.m.Turner said Hidalgo could not be at the news conference, but the relief fund is a joint effort between the city and the county. The fund will focus on relief and recovery efforts across the City of Houston and Harris County. The Greater Houston Community Foundation and United Way of Greater Houston will jointly oversee and administer the grant distribution process with the help of a grants committee. “...We learned after Hurricane Harvey that there were a lot of unmet needs. Here are other things you need to know about the fund:

Baytown City Council Will Vote On Changing Offensive Lake Name – Houston Public Media

The city council will consider a resolution on renaming Lake Negrohead to Lake Henry Doyle at its meeting Thursday. The Baytown City Council will vote on a resolution to change the name of Negrohead Lake, a move 30 years in the making, the city’s mayor anounced Monday. The city council will consider the resolution on renaming the body of water to Lake Henry Doyle at its meeting Thursday. That school was later renamed the Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University. The lake in Baytown, which had previously been renamed from a more offensive racist term, was set to be named in Doyle’s honor.

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‘Negrohead Lake’ is a name that still exists: Local leaders, NAACP call for name change in Baytown

BAYTOWN, Texas – Texas Rep. Al Green joined the NAACP Houston Branch and several of Houston’s elected officials in convening a press conference to demand the racially, insensitively named “Negrohead Lake” be renamed “Lake Henry Doyle” Monday morning. The Baytown lake, which was formerly named “Ni**er Lake” before it was changed in 1962, has caused officials to stand firm against its name that has caused much offense over the years. Officials are asking lawmakers to move swiftly in the renaming of the lake as a way to come against racism and social inequality. Officials said the lake is one of 33 landmarks in Texas with similar offensive names. He ended up going to TSU, where he studied at Thurgood Marshall School of Law, Bledsoe continued.

Called ‘Mr. Impeachment’: Rep. Al Green recalls harrowing flight experience in call for penalty notice for making disturbances on airplanes

HOUSTON – Congressman Al Green held a press conference on Monday to propose a deterrence to in-flight disruptions on airplanes, ahead of the inauguration. Here’s the letter:Sample HTML blockGreen recalled a harrowing personal experience on a commercial flight to Nashville, Tenn., in which he was called “Mr. Impeachment” by Trump supporters and remarks were made that “something was going to happen” on that flight. Green said he was concerned that his head was exposed and he couldn’t look backward on the plane. The full news conference -- including Green’s recollection of his frightening plane experience -- will be posted shortly in the video player at the top of this article.

Here’s How Houston-Area Representatives Voted On Trump’s Latest Impeachment – Houston Public Media

The final “yes” votes to impeach included every Houston Democrat, and no Texas Republicans. TODAY IN HOUSTON | Start your day with the Houston Public Media newsletterCongress voted to impeach President Donald Trump for a second time on Wednesday, with all four Democratic representatives from Houston voting in favor of the measure and every Texas Republican voting against it. During the debate before Wednesday’s vote, Green — who has pushed multiple times for impeachment since Trump took office — said that “hearts are hurting” over the vote. MORE | Here Are The Texans In Congress Who Voted To Reject The Election ResultsNone of those votes came from Houston-area Republicans, however, as no Texas Republican voted for the measure. Subscribe to Today in Houston Fill out the form below to subscribe our new daily editorial newsletter from the HPM Newsroom.

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Congressman Al Green discusses impeachment options for Trump

___4:55 p.m.Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska has become the first Republican member of the Senate to call for President Donald Trump’s resignation. His call comes two days after supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol and unsuccessfully tried to stop Congress from affirming Biden’s victory. —Alan Fram___12:45 p.m.A leading centrist Democratic senator says it seems unlikely that President Donald Trump can be quickly removed from office. Schiff said Friday that Democrats warned during Trump’s impeachment that he would “try to cheat” to remain in office. ___8:40 a.m.A police officer has died from injuries he suffered when President Donald Trump’s supporters stormed the Capitol.

‘National Disgrace’: Houston Reacts To Siege At The U.S. Capitol – Houston Public Media

"It was a national disgrace, and an international embarrassment," Mayor Sylvester Turner said Thursday. Turner said the attack was not unforeseen, and criticized national leaders for being unprepared for the possibility of that scenario. Democratic members blamed the president for telling his followers to march on the Capitol as Congress prepared to certify Biden's victory. "Please pray for our elected officials, their staff and families, and the Capitol Police and law enforcement." She called Trump’s role in riling the crowd in Washington “unsurprising,” and was looking forward to Trump finally being out of office.

houstonpublicmedia.org

‘Un-American’: US Rep. Nehls recalls exchange he had with mob storming Capitol as he helped barricade House doors

“What’s taking place here right now is un-American,” Nehls said as the Capitol was being occupied by protesters. “This is a sacred house.”As house members were evacuated to safety, Nehls stayed behind. Through a broken window, Nehls said he tried to negotiate with the protesters, hoping to convince them to stand down. ‘Something close to sedition’: Green talks about Capitol being stormedU.S. Rep Al Green (D-Dist. He said that while he believes in peaceful protests, the chaos that engulfed the Capitol was indicative of an uprising against the government.

Congressman Al Green Answers Your Questions (Dec. 22, 2020) – Houston Public Media

On Tuesday’s show: Rep. Green answers listener questions about issues facing Greater Houston, and John Holiday, finalist on The Voice, talks about his singing career. Also this hour: Houston Rep. Al Green answers your questions about issues facing Greater Houston and matters before Congress. Then, area psychologist Dr. Daniel Garcia of The MendCenter discusses how to maintain good mental health amid a holiday season coupled with a global pandemic. And we talk with John Holiday, a Rosenberg native who was a finalist in the most recent season of The Voice. MORE: John Holiday performs in 2015 at Houston Public Media:Subscribe to Today in Houston Fill out the form below to subscribe our new daily editorial newsletter from the HPM Newsroom.

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Houston Newsmakers: Local U.S. Reps weigh in on COVID-19, stimulus negotiations, presidential power

The only way to stop the pandemic is through personal actionsU.S. Representatives Dan Crenshaw, (R) 2nd and Al Green, (D) 9th, are from different political parties with sometimes wildly different ideas about how to get things done for the benefit of America. Yet somehow both say personal responsibility plays a big role in helping to end the pandemic that has claimed more than 250 thousand American lives. We can’t conquer this alone.” See more of this conversation on this week’s NEWSMAKERS EXTRA with U.S. Rep Al Green . Other top topics:Challenge of passing COVID Stimulus BillRecognition of President-Elect BidenTrump Impact on current and future U.S. PoliciesMore Information:U.S. Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R), 2nd Congressional District-Website: https://crenshaw.house.gov/-Twitter: @RepDanCrenshawU.S. Rep. Al Green, (D), 9th Congressional District-Website: https://algreen.house.gov/-Twitter: @RepAlGreen

Houston’s Nigerian community hosts protest in support of the End SARS movement

HOUSTON – Momentum is growing on an outcry for justice in Nigeria, where more than 50 civilians have been killed during peaceful protests. In Houston, Congressman Al Green joined the Coalition Against Human Rights Abuse and the Houston Nigerian community to protest the killings on Saturday. “It is time for us to let Nigeria know we will not allow human rights to be ignored.”“People who look like me are dying everyday,” said a Houston resident. The End SARS movement calls for an end to violence and police brutality being done by the special anti-robbery squad in the west African country. The movement has been viral on social media for days.

Father of Joshua Johnson, veteran shot in deputy-involved-shooting, reveals new surveillance video from scene

“175 days ago, Harris County Sheriff’s Deputy Tu Tran killed Joshua Johnson,” Green said at the site of Johnson’s questionable shooting death. Johnson, a Navy veteran, was shot down the street from his parents' home on East Ritter Circle on April 22. “I was a father...a father that would have glad took a bullet for his family-- for his son,” Beary said. According to investigators, Johnson was shot and killed by a Harris County Sheriff’s deputy on the Gulf Coast Task Force who was on a stakeout for a capital murder suspect in October. Investigators said words were exchanged and then the deputy, later identified as Tu Tran, a 12-year veteran of the HCSO, shot Johnson killing him.

‘Winning Texas is possible’: Jill Biden rallies supporters in Houston on first day of early voting

A poll by the University of Texas and the Texas Tribune published last week found that President Donald Trump holds a five-point lead over former Vice President Joe Biden. Jill Biden, former second lady and wife of the former vice president, stumped in El Paso, Dallas and Houston on Tuesday -- the first day of early voting in Texas. At the drive-in rally in Houston, supporters used their horns to cheer on Jill Biden as she talked about her husband’s vision for America and the importance of their votes. “For the first time in a long time, winning Texas is possible,” Jill Biden said. Early voting runs until Oct. 30.

‘Modern-day voter suppression’: Advocates, officials call on Abbott to rescind order limiting ballot drop-off sites

Greg Abbott to rescind the order he issued last week that limits the number of mail-in ballot drop-off sites to one per county. Abbott said Thursday that his order is meant to strengthen voting security and prevent illegal voting attempts during the coronavirus pandemic. Most people who spoke at Monday’s news conference highlighted the sheer size of Harris County when making the case against reducing the number of drop-off sites in the county from 12 to one. Max Miller Jr., leader of the ministers' association, called Abbott’s order “crooked” and “modern-day voter suppression,” saying that Abbott knows his order is directed at the Black community. Limiting the number of drop-off sites available to absentee voters reduces the options Texans have to participate in the 2020 election without risking their health,” Drazin continued.

House Democrats push to renew efforts for second round of $1,200 stimulus checks

The stimulus stalemate has left lawmakers at odds over how to get more relief to millions of Americans who need it. Earlier this month, Senate Republicans attempted to get a smaller bill through Congress as the standoff between both parties continued. But that relief bill did not include a second round of $1,200 stimulus checks, a measure that both parties had all but signed off on. Still, House Democrats pushed back on the stimulus check exclusion on Tuesday during a congressional hearing with Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., also spoke out about the prospect of a second round of payments, asking Mnuchin, "Yes or no, do you believe another stimulus check could help stabilize the economy?"

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2 new testing sites at Sunnyside apartments opening Thursday

HOUSTON – Two apartment-based COVID-19 testing sites in Houston’s Sunnyside will be open to everyone Thursday, officials said. Congressman Al Green will be on-site to launch two free walk-up community testing sites located at Lansborough and Magnolia Place apartments. “It is our hope that senior citizens will get the testing they need,” Congressman Al Green said. “So what we have decided to do is bring the testing sites to the senior citizens.”Everyone is welcomed to come and get tested, regardless of symptoms or referrals. Here is a list of the testing sites and their availability:

Texas congressional leaders seek legislation to protect USPS

HOUSTON The U.S. Postmaster General announced Tuesday he will halt operational changes at the United States Postal Service until after the 2020 election. Some Texas congressional members called for legislation to prevent the postmaster from doing another about-face. Embattled Postmaster General Louis DeJoy announced Tuesday that hell wait until after the November election to make operational changes at the USPS. DeJoy said retail hours wont change, mail processing equipment and collection boxes will stay where they are and overtime for employees will be restored. Two other Democratic congressional members also held press conferences Tuesday where they called the operational changes on the USPS an attack orchestrated by the nations highest office.

WATCH LIVE: Mayor Turner announces voting initiative honoring late Congressman Mickey Lelands legacy.

HOUSTON Mayor Sylvester Turner joins Congressman Al Green, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, NAACP Houston, and Mi Familia Vota to announce an initiative to increase voter participation in Harris County. The initiative will include a series of billboards across the county that highlight a memorial of the late Congressman Mickey Leland, which was recently installed in Hermann Park.

Center for Race and Justice proposed

Center for Race and Justice proposed for Prairie View A & M University (KPRC)THREE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE CENTER FOR RACE AND JUSTICE:1-PVAMU President Dr. Ruth Simmons came up with the idea in the wake of the racial unrest after the George Floyd killing. 2-Goal will be to address issues of race and to expose students to cutting edge research and activists whove lived a life of uplifting their communities. 3-One million dollar personal contribution was made by Charles Butt, Chairman of H-E-B to kick start the funding for the center to be named after Dr. Ruth Simmons. Ruth Simmons, Ph.D., President of Prairie View A & M University, says the idea behind the center is to address issues and work to find solutions to race related problems that continue to exist in this country. With funding underway and curriculum being developed she says all thats needed now is approval from the Texas A & M University System board of regents.

Congressman joins family call for justice after man was killed in officer-involved shooting

A local congressman is joining a family in a united call for justice following a deadly police shooting last month. According to investigators, Johnson was shot and killed by a Gulf Coast Task Force officer, who was issuing a felony warrant down the road. Family members, who recorded the exchange with a Harris County Sheriffs deputy at the scene the day Johnson was killed, said they want a judge to get involved. The Harris County Sheriffs Department said the name of the officer involved in the shooting has not being released because no charges have been filed. Harris County Sheriffs Department released this statement regarding the shooting:Separate investigations into the April 22 shooting death of Joshua Johnson are being conducted by the Harris County Sheriffs Office Homicide and Internal Affairs bureaus, as well as the Harris County District Attorneys Office.

'It's a sideshow': Local politicians sound off on Mueller's testimony

Several Texas representatives took part in the questioning and local political players were also watching closely. Rep. Al Green (D) - HoustonNow that we have read Mr. Muellers report and heard his testimony, we have only two choices. Either Congress will invoke the constitutional impeachment of the president or continue to allow the President to be above the law. Local Democratic and Republican Party representatives also spoke out about the seven-hour long testimony. The Mueller report already said it didn't exonerate the president.

House kills Trump impeachment resolution even as Democratic support grows

The House quashed a move to start impeachment proceedings against President Donald Trump on Wednesday even as Democratic support for an inquiry grew. The House tabled, or set aside, an impeachment resolution introduced by Rep. Al Green, D-Texas in a 332-95 vote. Support for opening a presidential impeachment inquiry has spread in recent weeks following the release of former special counsel Robert Mueller's report on his Russia investigation. Some Democratic House members who support an impeachment inquiry want the process to start through the committee process rather than going directly to the House floor. Mueller's descriptions of several potential instances of Trump trying to disrupt the probe into Russian efforts to interfere in the 2016 election moved some Democratic House members toward backing impeachment.

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House votes down rogue effort to impeach Trump

The House overwhelmingly blocked a vote to move ahead with articles of impeachment against President Trump on Wednesday, after Democratic Texas Rep. Al Green introduced the measure on Tuesday evening. House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler was one of the representatives who voted to move forward. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries of New York, the chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, told reporters Wednesday that he'd like to send the issue to the Judiciary Committee first. Any member of the House can try to force an impeachment vote. Green has unsuccessfully tried to force an impeachment vote twice before.

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Al Green to force a House vote to begin impeachment proceedings against Donald Trump

Al Green to force a House vote to begin impeachment proceedings against Donald TrumpCongressman Al Green >>Twitter calls out Trump for racist remarks in wild press conference Congressman Al Green >>Twitter calls out Trump for racist remarks in wild press conference Photo: Marie D. De Jesus, Houston Chronicle / Houston Chronicle Photo: Marie D. De Jesus, Houston Chronicle / Houston Chronicle Image 1 of / 24 Caption Close Al Green to force a House vote to begin impeachment proceedings against Donald Trump 1 / 24 Back to GalleryDemocratic Rep. Al Green of Texas says he will force a House vote this month to begin impeachment proceedings against President Donald Trump. Green labeled Trump "a racist, a bigot, a misogynist" and says he's unfit for office. Green, who twice forced impeachment votes while Republicans controlled the House, said Monday that his latest effort will cite Trump's "bigotry in policy" that is "harmful to our society." Full story on HoustonChronicle.comHouse Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other Democratic leaders have resisted calls for impeachment, despite a growing number of Democrats who support it. More than 80 House Democrats have said they favor impeachment or an impeachment inquiry against Trump, although a majority of Democrats still oppose such a move.

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