See how John Cornyn actually votes — against your values.
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Prediction track record
How often we called John Cornyn's passage votes correctly, from their stated positions on each bill's tagged topics. Excludes “unclear” calls and abstentions.
38 predictions on record · none have been resolved by a passage vote yet. Check back as bills move.
Pending vote119-hr-5340
To prohibit the disclosure of records by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development of individuals for the purposes of immigration enforcement, and for other purposes.
Based on 2 data points across public statements and recorded votes · AI analysis of public records
118-hr-4366·Mixed signal
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024
35/100
What they said
Apr 27, 2026
Senator Cornyn supports legislation to recover fraudulent spending, protect taxpayer dollars, and establish accountability measures including a Veterans Scam and Fraud Evasion Officer at the VA to prevent fraud targeting veterans and the general public.
Senator Cornyn's statement emphasizes anti-fraud measures, accountability, and protecting taxpayer dollars through legislation like the VSAFE Act. However, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 is a broad omnibus spending bill that funds multiple federal departments and agencies. Cornyn voted yes on passage of this spending bill, which typically includes the very kind of discretionary spending and appropriations that anti-fraud advocates often scrutinize. The bill does not appear to be primarily structured around fraud prevention or recovery mechanisms that Cornyn's statement highlights; rather, it allocates funds across departments. A yes vote on an omnibus appropriations bill is directionally misaligned with a public position centered on preventing wasteful spending and holding fraudsters accountable, though the bill does include VA appropriations relevant to veterans.
Senator Cornyn supports legislation to recover fraudulent spending, protect taxpayer dollars, and establish accountability measures including a Veterans Scam and Fraud Evasion Officer at the VA to prevent fraud targeting veterans and the general public.
Senator Cornyn's statement emphasizes protecting taxpayer dollars, recovering fraudulent spending, and establishing accountability measures including anti-fraud protections at the VA. However, his cloture vote was 'no' on the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024, which includes the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs appropriations bill. A cloture vote is procedural and does not directly reflect support or opposition to the bill's substance; a 'no' vote on cloture typically indicates opposition to advancing the bill toward passage. This creates tension between his stated commitment to protecting veterans and taxpayer funds and his procedural vote to block consideration of legislation that funds the VA.
Pairs with ambiguous language and high uncertainty are withheld until more data is available. Procedural, cloture, and amendment votes are excluded — they don't cleanly signal substantive support or opposition.
Pro analysis
AI rep analysis — Pro
Get an AI-narrated read on John Cornyn's full voting record against your stated values — aligned themes, conflicts, notable votes, and what to watch for.
We haven't extracted campaign positions for John Cornyn yet. Once their campaign website or position pages are processed, this card will track what they said vs how they voted.
Crossing the aisle
Passage votes where John Cornyn broke ranks with ≥75% of Republicans. Threshold catches substantively partisan splits; unanimous-ish or close votes are excluded.
1
Cross-aisle vote
118-sjres-117·Nov 21, 2024·80% of R voted YES
A joint resolution relating to the disapproval of the Presidential report with respect to the indebtedness of the Government of Ukraine.
Cornyn, Padilla Introduce Bill to Strengthen Electric Grid Reliability - Senator Cornyn
Position: Senators Cornyn and Padilla support reauthorization of the Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) program to provide federal funding for electric grid weatherization and resilience improvements against extreme weather events.
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Alex Padilla (D-CA) today introduced legislation that would reauthorize their Preventing Outages With Enhanced Resilience and Operations Nationwide (POWER ON) Act to help weatherize electric grids across the nation:
“Texas is no stranger to extreme weather events, and it’s imperative that we have the infrastructure capable of withstanding the gamut of everything from freezing cold temperatures to sweltering heat waves, flooding, and devastating wildfires,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This bipartisan legislation would reauthorize the grid resilience program Senator Padilla and I created, which is essential to preventing outages and ensuring Texans can depend on the power they need to weather any storm.”
“As we continue to grapple with threats to the electric grid from extreme weather, investing in projects to improve the flexibility and resiliency of the power system is crucial,” said Sen. Padilla. “The GRIP program is a major success, driving improvements and innovation to make the electric grid more secure and efficient. Our bipartisan effort will continue to help us keep the lights on and keep costs down for future generations.”
In February 2021, record amounts of snow, ice, and prolonged sub-zero temperatures overwhelmed the Texas power grid and forced the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) to shut off electricity for more than four million Texans, leaving them without heat for days on end. More than 200 lives were lost. This disaster laid bare the vulnerabilities of our electric grid infrastructure and the need for electricity providers and suppliers to protect against future extreme weather events. Insufficient grid resiliency increases the likelihood of blackout events, which threaten lives and cost the U.S. economy billions of dollars.
Following Winter Storm Uri, Senator Cornyn introduced the Preventing Outages with Enhanced Resilience and Operations Nationwide (POWER ON) Act, now law, which established the Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to provide critical resources to help states weatherize electric grids.
This legislation would reauthorize the grid resilience grant program at the DOE to prevent a lapse in federal funding that is essential to protecting energy facilities and energy infrastructure against future extreme weather events.
Cornyn, Coons, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Bolster Ukraine’s Defense Arsenal Using Seized Russian Sovereign Assets - Senator Cornyn
Position: The senators support legislation allowing Ukraine to use seized Russian sovereign assets to purchase military equipment for defense against Russian aggression, building on existing law to expand permissible uses of frozen Russian funds.
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Chris Coons (D-DE), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) today introduced the Seized Assets for Battlefield Equipment and Readiness (SABER) Act, which would amend current law to allow Ukraine to use assets confiscated from the Central Bank of the Russian Federation and other Russian sovereign assets for the purchase of military equipment to defend against Vladimir Putin’s war machine:
“The REPO Act laid important groundwork for seizing and repurposing billions of dollars in frozen Russian assets to help the Ukrainian people defend their own sovereignty after Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine,” said Sen. Cornyn. “By extending the law’s permissible use of funds to replenish Ukraine’s arsenal, this legislation would go one step further to helping our ally defend against Russian aggression and force Putin to foot the bill for arming Ukraine.”
“Ukraine is on the frontline of freedom in Europe, protecting the rest of the world from Putin’s unprovoked aggression,” said Sen. Coons. “Ukraine’s army has fought courageously under incredibly difficult circumstances, and we need to ensure they have the tools and funds they need to defeat Putin on the battlefield and build back stronger once the war ends. With this bipartisan legislation, we are opening up new pathways for support so we can assure our and Ukraine’s security.”
“The Rebuilding Economic Prosperity and Opportunity for Ukrainians (REPO) Act ensured that frozen Russian assets be used to support Ukraine’s fight for sovereignty. As Ukrainians continue to resist Russia’s assault, they should have every means available to defend themselves. The SABER Act would build on existing law, allowing confiscated Russian sovereign assets to be used to purchase military equipment Ukraine needs to defeat Putin’s war machine,” said Sen. Wicker.
“The resolve and resilience of Ukrainians in defending their homeland from Russian forces has been commendable, and the international community must continue to do all we can to ensure Ukraine has what it needs to be successful on the battlefield and rebuild their country,” said Sen. Kaine. “That’s why I’m joining my colleagues in introducing this bipartisan legislation to allow the use of Russian sovereign assets to buy defense articles that would support Ukraine’s fight against Russia.”
“Putin’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine sparked the largest land war in Europe since World War II, and the United States must do our part to stand with our Ukrainian allies. Our bipartisan legislation assists Ukraine as they continue to defend against Putin’s unrelenting attacks. Importantly, this support for Ukraine comes at no cost to the American taxpayer,” said Sen. Grassley.
“Seizing Russian sovereign funds so that war criminal Putin can’t use them for his illegal invasion in Ukraine was the first step, and we achieved that through our bipartisan REPO law,” said Sen. Whitehouse. “Hundreds of billions of dollars in frozen Russian funds should be put to good use repelling Russian invaders and supporting the brave Ukrainians fighting for freedom.”
U.S. Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) is leading companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.
The Rebuilding Economic Prosperity and Opportunity for Ukrainians (REPO) Act, now law, currently permits frozen Russian sovereign assets under U.S. jurisdiction to be confiscated and transferred to Ukraine for the use of:
Senator Cornyn’s SABER Act would add another permissible use, allowing seized Russian sovereign bank assets to be used for Ukraine’s purchasing of defense articles and services to respond to and recover from the consequences of the aggression of the Russian Federation.
Cornyn, Colleagues’ Bill to Prevent Foreign Adversaries from Influencing U.S. Policy Passes Senate Foreign Relations Committee - Senator Cornyn
Position: The senators support legislation to close Foreign Agents Registration Act loopholes that allow unregistered agents of foreign adversaries to lobby in the United States, citing national security and democratic integrity concerns.
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Jim Risch (R-ID), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Peter Welch (D-VT), and John Kennedy (R-LA) released the following statements after their Preventing Adversary Influence, Disinformation and Obscured Foreign Financing (PAID OFF) Act, which would help close Foreign Agents Registration Act loopholes that allow unregistered agents of foreign adversaries to lobby in the United States, passed the Senate Foreign Relations Committee:
“American policy should not in any way reflect the handiwork of foreign adversaries who are actively working to tip the scales in their favor and undermine our interests,” said Sen. Cornyn. “By exposing the efforts of countries of concern like China or Russia to exert malign influence, this legislation would better safeguard U.S. decision making.”
“When foreign adversaries skirt loopholes to lobby Congress, they directly threaten our democracy,”said Sen. Whitehouse.“This bipartisan legislation is long overdue and will help prevent unregistered foreign agents from putting a thumb on the scale of American policy.”
“For years, the United States’ biggest adversaries have exploited loopholes in U.S. lobbying laws to influence senior government officials and advance their geopolitical goals,”said Sen. Risch.“Well-known examples include Russia’s efforts to prevent sanctions against its Nord Stream 2 pipeline and Chinese surveillance firm Hikvision’s attempts to avoid sanctions. This provision will close key loopholes to ensure transparency and accountability of malign foreign lobbying efforts in the United States.”
“Foreign adversaries like China and Russia should never be allowed to covertly influence American policy or public opinion,” said Sen. Tillis. “I’m proud this bipartisan legislation passed out of committee so we can close dangerous loopholes and strengthen our national security.”
“Americans ought to know if a foreign government is attempting to sway policy decisions in the United States,” said Sen. Grassley. “I applaud the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for advancing our bipartisan PAID OFF Act, which will close loopholes to ensure unregistered foreign agents can no longer secretly stick their noses in American politics.”
“Our foreign adversaries are working hard to gain influence over U.S. politics,” said Sen. Fischer. “We need to reform FARA – the law requiring foreign agents to disclose who they’re working for – so we can better expose those who are quietly working on behalf of foreign governments. I thank Senator Cornyn for leading this important bill – let’s get it over the finish line.”
“With one of the highest rates of misinformation and disinformation in the world, it’s no wonder that the American people are losing trust in our democratic institutions,” said Sen. Welch. “Foreign adversaries have exacerbated that distrust by using loopholes in U.S. lobbying laws to undermine U.S. decision-making and influence politics. Congress must pass this bipartisan legislation to close these loopholes, protect our national security, and hold bad actors accountable.”
“Foreign agents working for our adversaries like China and Iran shouldn’t be able to hide in the shadows while they try to bend American policy to their will. If you’re being paid to push the interests of our enemies, the American people deserve to know who is signing the checks and what you’re up to. The PAID OFF Act strengthens our disclosure laws and ensures full transparency,” said Sen. Kennedy.
Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-TN) is a cosponsor of this legislation.
U.S. Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) is leading companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.
The Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) has not been amended since the 1990s, and the law has not kept up with modern foreign adversary influence campaigns using commercial activities and registration loopholes as subterfuge to advance malign interests. Currently, agents representing foreign adversaries are able to avoid FARA registration by claiming a commercial activity, domestic interest, or Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) exemption, which shields their influence and advocacy from the Department of Justice. This legislation would close these loopholes by requiring agents working on behalf of a Chinese, Russian, Iranian, North Korean, or Cuban government or commercial entity to register under FARA, providing greater transparency into their influence campaigns. The legislation would sunset after five years. Additionally, the legislation includes a mechanism for the Secretary of State to propose additions or deletions to the countries of concern list in the State Department Basic Authorities Act. Any additions or deletions would become effective if Congress passes a joint resolution of approval.
Cornyn, Coons Introduce Bill to Combat PRC-linked Organized Crime in Latin America - Senator Cornyn
Position: Senators Cornyn and Coons support legislation to establish a formal consultation and information-sharing program between U.S. and Latin American law enforcement agencies to combat Chinese Communist Party-linked organized crime in the Western Hemisphere.
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Chris Coons (D-DE) introduced the Eliminate PRC Organized Crime Act, which would target the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) influence via organized criminal groups in Latin America by establishing a program to formalize greater consultation and information sharing between U.S. and Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) law enforcement agencies:
“Confronting Chinese organized crime, which is often propped up by the Chinese Communist Party, must be a shared mission of the Western Hemisphere, and it’s important our law enforcement agencies reflect that,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This commonsense legislation will combat the CCP’s influence in our hemisphere by increasing cooperation and communication between U.S. and Latin American law enforcement agencies.”
“China is growing increasingly aggressive toward our allies in the Pacific as well as our allies in Latin America and the Caribbean,” said Sen. Coons. “Chinese-linked criminal networks endanger Americans and our communities by flooding our country with everything from fentanyl to dangerous counterfeits. This bipartisan bill will empower our allies in the Western Hemisphere with more tools to keep criminals at bay, protecting themselves and us.”
"Chinese criminal networks in the Western Hemisphere pose a direct threat to U.S. national security, supporting drug trafficking and other illicit activities and destabilizing key U.S. partners. FDD Action is proud to endorse this effort to help Latin American partners build law enforcement capacity to take on this threat," said FDD Action Senior Director of Government Relations Connor Pfeiffer.
The Eliminate PRC Organized Crime Act would:
This legislation is endorsed by FDD Action, the National HIDTA Directors Association, and the National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition
Cornyn, Whitehouse Introduce Bill to Support Youth Aging Out of Foster Care - Senator Cornyn
Position: Senators Cornyn and Whitehouse introduced legislation to expand the Chafee Foster Care Program by authorizing the use of federal funds for legal services to youth aging out of foster care, and requiring states to address legal issues in transition planning.
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) today introduced the Fresh Starts for Foster Youth Act, which would support youth aging out of the foster care system by improving their access to legal services:
“The Chafee program has a proven track record of equipping youth with the tools they need to be successful in adulthood, including by providing a path to education, jobs, and housing,” said Sen. Cornyn. “By adding access to legal services to the list of already authorized uses of Chafee funds, this legislation would further improve outcomes and give Texas kids aging out of foster care the best possible chance for a bright future.”
“Modernizing America’s foster care system means providing support at every step of their journey to adulthood,” said Sen. Whitehouse. “This bill continues the legacy of the late Rhode Island Senator John Chafee’s significant reforms to foster care by giving young people the tools and support they need to overcome obstacles and find their footing.”
This legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congressmen Darin LaHood (IL-16) and Danny K. Davis (IL-07).
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood provides resources to support youth ages 14 to 21 as they transition from the foster care system to independent adulthood. The Chaffee program has a proven track record of improving outcomes for kids and young adults aging out of foster care by increasing their access to education, workforce training, housing opportunities, and preventive health awareness.
Sen. Cornyn’s Fresh Starts for Foster Youth Act would update the Chafee program by adding access to legal services to the list of authorized purposes for which states may use federal funds within this program. It would also require states to certify that their case planning process for youth aging out of the foster care system considers legal issues that may impact a youth’s transition to adulthood, as well as efforts to resolve those issues. This may include legal issues affecting housing, education, custody or emancipation, employment, and other matters.
This legislation aligns with President Trump’s Executive Order, Fostering the Future for American Children and Families, First Lady Melania Trump’s Fostering the Future initiative, and the administration’s commitment to improve outcomes for children, youth, and families involved in the foster care system.
The Fresh Starts for Foster Youth Act is endorsed by more than 150 organizations, including the Texas Alliance for Youth Success and Texans Care for Children.
Cornyn, Senate GOP Colleagues Introduce Bill to Increase Protections for Firearms Industry Against Liberal Lawsuits - Senator Cornyn
Position: Senators Cornyn and colleagues introduced the SHOT Act to strengthen the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act by providing enhanced legal protections to firearms manufacturers and sellers against lawsuits, which they characterize as frivolous attacks by anti-gun groups.
AUSTIN – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) and 15 of his Senate Republican colleagues introduced the Stopping Harmful and Outrageous Torts (SHOT) Act, which would strengthen the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA) to provide enhanced protections to the firearms industry from frivolous lawsuits brought by progressive anti-gun groups:
“I am a proud supporter of the PLCAA, which protects our firearms industry from the constant onslaught of frivolous attacks by the Radical Left, progressive officials, and rogue activist judges,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This legislation would strengthen the PLCAA to ensure it can continue to defend law-abiding Americans’ Second Amendment rights against anti-gun groups’ evolving tactics, and I urge the Senate to bring it to the floor for a vote as soon as possible.”
"Radical leftists, Democrat politicians, and rogue judges are eroding our Second Amendment rights by supporting baseless lawsuits against law-abiding gun makers," said Sen. Blackburn. “The SHOT Act would put a stop to these harmful lawsuits and protect the firearms industry that is vital to upholding our constitutional right to bear arms.”
“For far too long, radical anti-gun groups have weaponized our courts with meritless lawsuits against America’s firearms industry, aided by activist judges who disregard federal law. I am proud to join Senator John Cornyn in stopping these baseless attacks on our constitutional rights and defending an industry that plays a vital role in our public safety and national security,” said Sen. Budd.
“Litigious activists should not be allowed to bankrupt lawful businesses for crimes they did not commit,” said Sen. Crapo. “The SHOT Act would reinforce Congress’s original intent by strengthening federal protections for members of the firearms industry, stopping meritless lawsuits and preventing costly legal abuse.”
“For years, bad actors have frivolously litigated the firearms industry in ways that unnecessarily strain our court system and undermine Americans’ Second Amendment rights,” said Sen. Curtis. “The SHOT Act helps ensure that lawful firearms manufacturers and sellers are not held liable for crimes committed by third parties, while closing loopholes and reinforcing existing legal protections.”
“The Constitution makes it very clear: Americans have the right to keep and bear arms. I’m proud to work with Senator Cornyn and our colleagues on the SHOT Act to protect firearm manufacturers from frivolous lawsuits by anti-gun organizations and protect the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens,” said Sen. Daines.
“The Second Amendment is a fundamental right established by our Founding Fathers. Unfortunately, that hasn’t stopped leftist organizations, special interest groups and foreign governments from attempting to strip Americans of their right to bear arms, including through baseless litigation intended to bankrupt the firearms industry,” said Sen. Grassley. “I'm proud to join my colleagues in introducing the SHOT Act, which will put a stop to these frivolous lawsuits and help protect Americans’ constitutional rights.”
“Radical anti-gun activists’ attempts to strip Idahoans of their Second Amendment rights and bankrupt our firearm industry must stop,” said Sen. Risch. “The SHOT Act will protect our Constitutional right to bear arms by ending frivolous and costly lawsuits.”
“As radical anti-gun groups continue their attacks on the firearms industry through a deluge of nuisance lawsuits and baseless claims, it’s crucial we clarify and strengthen existing protections for the industry to protect Americans’ Second Amendment rights. That’s why I’m pleased to cosponsor the SHOT Act, which makes key updates to the PLCAA – deterring such meritless litigation and defending our constitutional freedoms,” said Sen. Sheehy.
“The threats against our right to bear arms run far and wide. When radical gun-grabbing activists lose at the ballot box, they turn to the court room with bogus legal claims,” said Sen. Graham. “I’m proud to stand with Second Amendment advocates in supporting the SHOT Act, which will shut the door on absurd lawsuits that seek to put gun dealers across South Carolina out of business.”
The legislation is also cosponsored by Senators Tom Cotton (R-AR), Jim Justice (R-WV), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), and Bill Cassidy (R-LA). U.S. Congressman Derek Schmidt (KS-02) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.
The Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA) was passed by Congress 20 years ago to stop frivolous lawsuits brought by radical anti-gun groups against the firearms industry. These bogus lawsuits, premised solely on the actions of third parties who misuse firearms in a manner beyond the industry’s control, sought to bankrupt the firearms industry. In response, the PLCAA provided the firearms industry with basic immunity protections from frivolous suits that many other American industries enjoy.
Unfortunately, anti-gun groups, progressive politicians, plaintiffs’ attorneys, and rogue judges have ignored the plain text of the PLCAA and chipped away at its protections. For example, in Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. v. Estados Unidos Mexicanos, Mexico filed a lawsuit against firearms manufacturers alleging that they caused cartel violence. The District Court judge hearing the case quickly dismissed the suit under the PLCAA, but a panel of liberal judges on the First Circuit ignored the PLCAA’s text and reversed the lower court, necessitating the Supreme Court’s involvement. While a unanimous Supreme Court emphatically dismissed the suit, the entire charade cost firearms manufacturers an exorbitant amount in legal fees.
The Stopping Harmful and Outrageous Torts (SHOT) Act would address tactics the anti-gun lobby has taken to go after firearms manufacturers and undermine the PLCAA’s protections, along with holdings by rogue judges, by establishing new provisions under the law that would:
The Stopping Harmful and Outrageous Torts (SHOT) Act is endorsed by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF).
Cornyn, Welch Bill to Help Solve Cold Cases Passes Senate - Senator Cornyn
Position: The senators support legislation establishing a pilot program to fund forensic genetic genealogy technology for law enforcement to investigate and solve cold cases.
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Peter Welch (D-VT) released the following statements after their Carla Walker Act, which would allow existing federal grant funds to support forensic genetic genealogy (FGG) DNA analysis and help solve previously unsolvable cold cases, passed the Senate. The bill is named for Carla Walker, a Fort Worth native whose murderer was finally identified 46 years after her death with the help of this advanced technology.
“Carla Walker’s case was not solved for 46 years, but thanks to forensic genetic genealogy, her murderer was caught, tried, and convicted in 2021,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This bill creates a pilot program to fund the use of forensic genetic genealogy, which enables law enforcement to investigate and prosecute cold cases and other hard-to-solve crimes. By making this cutting-edge technology more widely available to investigative agencies, law enforcement will gain a reliable and effective tool to identify unknown offenders.”
“Advancements in forensic DNA technology have revolutionized our ability to fight crime. In Vermont, detectives were able to use forensic genetic genealogy analysis to help provide answers to a family who thought they might never come. We’ve also seen how this technology can be a powerful tool in giving those wrongly accused a chance to clear their names,” said Sen. Welch. “Our bipartisan bill will help investigators across the country harness the incredible power of FGG technology to crack cold cases and deliver justice to countless victims and families. I’m thankful for the partnership of Senator Cornyn’s and the Senate in pushing this bill closer to the finish line.”
U.S. Congressman Wesley Hunt (TX-38) is leading companion legislation in the House of Representatives.
Typically, when a suspect’s identity is unknown, a crime laboratory uploads the genetic material recovered from a crime scene into the FBI’s national database to search for DNA matches between the forensic sample and any known offenders. While this traditional form of forensic DNA profiling only examines 13-20 Short tandem repeat (STR) DNA markers, forensic genetic genealogy (FGG) technology examines over half a million Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) that span the entirety of the human genome. It does so by cross-referencing shared blocks of SNP markers to identify relatives of the genetic profile by uncovering shared blocks of DNA. This enables criminal investigators to build family trees that ultimately help determine the sample’s identity and solve cases.
Carla Walker was abducted from a bowling alley parking lot in Fort Worth, Texas, on February 17, 1974, and was subsequently tortured, raped, and then strangled to death. Her body was found three days later in a drainage ditch 30 minutes south of Fort Worth. The Fort Worth Police Department was able to collect a few forensic samples and clothing items from the crime scene, but law enforcement could not solve the murder due to limited forensic technology at the time. Carla’s brother, Jim Walker, never stopped searching for answers and nearly 50 years later, FGG DNA analysis was conducted on the last remaining DNA on a piece of Walker’s clothing, which led to a successful DNA match with the McCurley family and ultimately identified Glen McCurley, Jr. as the killer, who confessed in 2021 and died in prison on July 14, 2023.
Sen. Cornyn’s Carla Walker Act would create a pilot program to make this cutting-edge FGG DNA analysis more widely available to investigative agencies to:
And bring closure for the victims’ loved ones.
Cornyn, Colleagues Urge SCOTUS to Protect Women & Babies from Dangerous Chemical Abortion Drugs - Senator Cornyn
Position: Senator Cornyn and over 100 Republican lawmakers filed an amicus brief urging the Supreme Court to uphold a Fifth Circuit ruling requiring in-person dispensing of mifepristone and to reverse FDA deregulation that permits mail-order chemical abortion drugs, arguing the FDA lacked sufficient safety evidence and that the policy violates congressional intent.
AUSTIN – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) joined more than 100 bicameral Republican lawmakers in filing an amicus brief in the U.S. Supreme Court in support of Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill’s lawsuit, Louisiana v. FDA, to protect women and unborn children from dangerous mail-order chemical abortion drugs. This builds on the amicus brief he signed onto earlier this year and comes after the Supreme Court issued a temporary pause of the Fifth Circuit’s order to reinstate the in-person dispensing requirement for mifepristone, which restored access to this dangerous chemical abortion drug nationwide until May 11, 2026. The amicus brief asks the Supreme Court to reconsider their decision and uphold the Fifth Circuit’s ruling to prevent women from obtaining abortion drugs sent through the mail.
Excerpts from the amicus brief are below, and the full text of the brief can be viewed here.
The lawmakers wrote: “By deregulating chemical abortion drugs and permitting them to be sent through the mail, the Biden FDA violated that longstanding federal law. Unelected, unaccountable bureaucrats in Biden’s FDA therefore overrode the will of the American people as expressed through their elected representatives in Congress and in state legislatures and subverted Congress’s critical public policy interests in upholding patient welfare.”
“Further, the Biden FDA’s lawless action also carries serious risks that were not properly analyzed. The Biden FDA did not have a sufficient evidentiary basis to conclude that eliminating the in-person dispensing requirement was safe. And because no in-person visit is required now, women cannot be meaningfully screened for serious contraindications for the use of this drug, such as ectopic pregnancy. It also increases the likelihood that some women are being coerced into taking these drugs against their will,” they continued.
“As delegated by Congress, the FDA’s job is to ensure drug safety, not to encourage the risky use of drugs just to further former President Biden’s pro-abortion agenda. Exceeding its mandate is illegal and also harmful, both to the separation of powers and to women taking mifepristone. The Fifth Circuit was correct to grant a stay and the Court should deny the applications to stay that judgment,”they concluded.
Cornyn Introduces Bill to Designate Major U.S. Highway as ‘Interstate 47’ in Honor of President Trump - Senator Cornyn
Position: Senator Cornyn introduced legislation to designate US-287 as Interstate 47, arguing that the upgrade would increase economic growth, improve safety, advance freight movement, and reduce travel costs along the corridor from Texas to Montana.
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) today introduced the I-47 Future Interstate Act to designate US-287, which is the second-longest three-digit highway in the U.S. and runs from Port Arthur, Texas, to Choteau, Montana, as the future Interstate 47, otherwise known as Trump Interstate:
“Texas is Trump Country, and this bill cements that legacy by designating nearly 1,800 miles of open-road from Texas’ Gulf Coast to the edge of the U.S.-Canadian border as I-47 to forever be remembered as Trump Interstate,” said Sen. Cornyn. “By upgrading one of our nation’s longest highways to a future interstate, this legislation will increase economic growth and improve safety, all while honoring the most consequential president of our lifetime.”
Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) is a cosponsor of this legislation.
The I-47 Future Interstate Act would designate US-287 as a future interstate. I-47, otherwise known as Trump Interstate, would advance freight movement, promote economic growth along the corridor, improve route safety in rural and urban areas, alleviate traffic congestion, and increase federal matching for Interstate System projects.
US-287 is a nationally significant transportation corridor that plays a vital role in supporting economic growth and demographic centers from Port Arthur, Texas, to Choteau, Montana. It is the second-longest three-digit highway in the U.S. and serves as a major trucking route. In 2022, more than 923 million tons of freight moved along US-287 within Texas alone. In addition to economic impact, sections of US-287 are part of the Strategic Highway Network, and the corridor supports defense deployment needs and strategic military ports and installations.
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) did a feasibility study in July 2025 and found that upgrading US-287 to an interstate facility would result in an estimated $5.4 billion in travel cost savings, a 46,885 total increase in jobs, and $11.6 billion in total annual increase in GDP by 2050, resulting in a 161% return on investment. Currently, 8.8 million Texans reside within the study area, and this number is projected to rise to 12 million, representing 28% of the state’s population, by 2050. An interstate upgrade would also reduce average travel time and expand travel capacity, with a 43% increase in daily traffic. Notably, the study also found that in 2050, the upgrade would reduce crash rates by 28%.
Cornyn Blasts Democrat Senator for Blocking Kayla Hamilton Act, Named for Child Killed by MS-13 Gang Member - Senator Cornyn
Position: Senator Cornyn advocates for legislation requiring thorough background and criminal record checks on unaccompanied alien children and their potential sponsors before placement, and opposes the Biden administration's handling of unaccompanied minors in federal custody.
Kayla's murder highlights how irresponsible the Biden administration was in handling unaccompanied minors.
It's only common sense that we should not place our children in the custody of criminals, and we should also vet the unaccompanied minors themselves, including for ties to gangs and existing criminal histories.
Our children should not have to continue to pay the price for adults who break the law, and releasing minors into the custody of criminals is certainly not the answer.
WASHINGTON – Today on the floor, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) moved to pass his Kayla Hamilton Act, which he introduced to require the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to conduct thorough background and criminal record checks on unaccompanied alien children (UACs) and potential sponsors prior to their placement, via unanimous consent and later blasted Democrat Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) for blocking its passage. This legislation is named in honor of Kayla Hamilton, a young woman who was sexually assaulted and brutally murdered by a 17-year-old MS-13 gang member and UAC who illegally entered the country through the southern border and was released by the Biden administration to a sponsor. Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn’s remarks are below, and video can be found here.
“This bill is named in honor of Kayla Hamilton, a young woman who was viciously murdered by an MS-13 gang member. This criminal entered the United States as an unaccompanied minor and was released into the custody of an unvetted sponsor.”
“Kayla's murder highlights how irresponsible the Biden administration was in handling unaccompanied minors entering the United States during President Biden's four years in office.”
“It's only common sense that we should not place our children in the custody of criminals, and we should also vet the unaccompanied minors themselves, including for ties to gangs and existing criminal histories.”
“By not fitting the sponsors who received these unaccompanied children, the Biden administration encouraged and incentivized the irresponsible treatment of these kids. We don't know if they went to school, we don’t know if they got the healthcare that they need in order to stay healthy – we don't know – and the Biden administration took the outrageous position that it's not their responsibility.”
“Our children should not have to continue to pay the price for adults who break the law, and releasing minors into the custody of criminals is certainly not the answer.”
The Kayla Hamilton Act would require thorough background and criminal record checks on UACs prior to their release to a sponsor and prohibit the release of any UAC into the custody of criminals or illegal aliens. The bar to placement applies not only to individuals seeking to sponsor a UAC, but also any adult living in the household of the potential sponsor who has a criminal history.
The bill also requires the federal government to:
Source: GDELT 2.0 GKG, filtered to a curated list of national outlets. Inclusion is not endorsement; opinion pieces and reported news are mixed.
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Top PAC donors · 2026 cycle
Political action committees that gave the most to this rep's principal campaign committee this cycle. PAC giving is direct organizational support — industry, ideological, or leadership.
1.AMERICAN ISRAEL PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE PACIdeological5 contributionsFederal PAC arm of AIPAC, established 2021. Backs candidates from both parties who support U.S.-Israel security and economic ties.AI$64,098
2.ONE TEAM SENATE MAJORITY3 contributions$42,216
3.NO LABELS PROBLEM SOLVERS PAC (EARMARKS)2 contributions$27,500
4.2025 SENATORS CLASSIC COMMITTEELeadership2 contributionsMember-of-Congress leadership PAC — likely affiliated with a Senate Republican or Democratic leader or caucus, directs contributions to allied candidates.AI$26,683
5.CORNYN MAJORITY TEXAS2 contributions$25,500
6.FRIENDS OF KENNEDY2 contributions$24,900
7.2019 SENATORS CLASSIC COMMITTEELeadership1 contributionMember-of-Congress leadership PAC — likely affiliated with a senator or senatorial group. Backs allied candidates and party priorities.AI$14,840
8.SENATE FIREWALL 20201 contribution$14,163
9.HOLD THE SENATE1 contribution$11,160
Source: OpenFEC (api.open.fec.gov) Schedule A receipts where contributor type is “committee.” Aggregated by contributing committee. Self-transfers from joint-fundraising / victory committees are excluded.
Top individual contributors · 2026 cycle
Itemized individual contributions over $200 to this rep's campaign committee, aggregated by donor employer. PAC giving is shown above; this section is people, not organizations.
1.CHARTER BROKERAGE LLC$57,250
2.AT&T$48,815
3.BLACKSTONE$38,600
4.APOLLO$28,070
5.FIDELITY INVESTMENTS$24,600
6.IBC BANK$22,500
7.APOLLO GLOBAL MANAGEMENT$20,500
8.CITIZENS FIRST BANK$14,800
9.LION STREET$14,713
10.INTEGRITY$14,574
Source: OpenFEC Schedule A receipts where contributor type is “individual,” aggregated by the donor's self-reported employer. This is a geographic / industry correlation, not a corporate endorsement.
