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Joaquin Castro @joaquincastrotx.bsky.social · 4h

...including the possible deployment of U.S. military forces in Gaza.

I urge the administration to immediately brief the Congress on the specifics of these proposals, including through testimony in open congressional hearings.

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Joaquin Castro @joaquincastrotx.bsky.social · 4h

The proposal calls for the creation of a 'Board of Peace' to govern Gaza that would be chaired by President Trump, and for the United States to work with Arab and international partners to develop an International Stabilization Force to deploy in Gaza...

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Joaquin Castro @joaquincastrotx.bsky.social · 4h

While the plan announced by President Trump could end this current conflict between Israel and Hamas, I have serious concerns about the potential for it to further entrench the United States in the region, to the detriment of our national interest.

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Joaquin Castro @joaquincastrotx.bsky.social · 4h

...and the full withdrawal of the Israeli Defense Forces from Gaza, in a manner consistent with President Trump’s 20-point plan.

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Joaquin Castro @joaquincastrotx.bsky.social · 4h

Israel and Hamas must act in good faith to conclude negotiations, which should include the ultimate transfer of Gaza to the Palestinian Authority, ensuring Hamas has no role in governance in Gaza...

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Joaquin Castro @joaquincastrotx.bsky.social · 4h

However, I recognize that this is only the beginning and I am troubled by recent developments. Israel must reverse its action to cut off significant amounts of humanitarian assistance to Gaza, a decision that directly contradicts the agreement announced by President Trump.

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Joaquin Castro @joaquincastrotx.bsky.social · 4h

Israelis and Palestinians deserve peace and security. For that reason, I remain hopeful that this latest agreement, negotiated with the support of the United States, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, will hold.

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Joaquin Castro @joaquincastrotx.bsky.social · 4h

...the Israeli government broke the ceasefire, prolonged the conflict, exacerbated the humanitarian catastrophe by cutting off humanitarian assistance to Gaza for months, and engaged in ethnic cleansing through a pattern of action designed to forcibly remove Palestinians from Gaza.

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Joaquin Castro @joaquincastrotx.bsky.social · 4h

The January 2025 ceasefire agreement announced by then-President Biden would have required continued negotiations to lead to a full release of hostages and an end to hostilities. After refusing to negotiate for months...

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Joaquin Castro @joaquincastrotx.bsky.social · 4h

I withheld initial public comment on these welcome developments because I was and continue to be concerned about the future of this ceasefire.

We have been here before.

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Joaquin Castro @joaquincastrotx.bsky.social · 4h

I am heartened to see the return of the Israeli hostages held by Hamas and the images of them reuniting with their families. I am also glad to see innocent Palestinians return to their homes and start the difficult process of rebuilding their lives after two years of carnage.

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Joaquin Castro @joaquincastrotx.bsky.social · 4h

Israelis and Palestinians deserve peace and security. I am heartened to see the return of the Israeli hostages held by Hamas and much-needed aid enter Gaza.

I remain hopeful that this latest agreement will hold and urge Israel and Hamas to act in good faith to conclude negotiations. My statement:

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Joaquin Castro @joaquincastrotx.bsky.social · 1d

Thank you to @burnpits360.bsky.social for organizing the Gala of Valor—a powerful tribute to veterans—and for awarding me the PACT Act Champion Service award. Thank you to Le Roy and Rosie Torres for your incredible work leadership and for taking care of our veterans.

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Joaquin Castro @joaquincastrotx.bsky.social · 4d

Sonia is one of the countless small business owners who get insurance on the exchange. If Congress doesn’t extend critical healthcare tax credits, staying covered could become out of reach for Sonia. Republicans need to end the shutdown and keep Texans insured.

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Joaquin Castro @joaquincastrotx.bsky.social · 6d

I look forward to working with you, Secretary Treasurer-elect Lorraine Montemayor and the entire team to build our infrastructure of opportunity here in Texas.

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Joaquin Castro @joaquincastrotx.bsky.social · 6d

Congratulations to Rick Levy on your success as President of the @texasaflcio.org. I know President-elect Aguilar Leonard will build on your work to grow a labor movement that stands up for the people of Texas.

Texas AFL-CIO @texasaflcio.org · 7d

NEW: Following the retirement announcement of President Rick Levy, the Texas AFL-CIO Executive Board has elected Leonard Aguilar and Lorraine Montemayor to leadership! They will be sworn in on Dec. 2.

Read the full announcement: texasaflcio.org/news/texas-a...

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Joaquin Castro @joaquincastrotx.bsky.social · 6d

A masked ICE agent pointed a gun at a US citizen because she was filming him.

Another shot a priest with a pepper spray gun because he was protesting.

The priest said “we could hear them laughing.”

Trump is using cruelty and fear to silence Americans and rob us of our rights. We won’t let him.

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Joaquin Castro @joaquincastrotx.bsky.social · 6d

Later today, the Senate will have the opportunity to vote for @schiff.senate.gov and @kaine.senate.gov's resolution to prevent Trump from taking us into yet another endless war.

I urge Senators to vote yes.

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Joaquin Castro @joaquincastrotx.bsky.social · 6d

Over the last few months, the Trump Administration has pursued illegal military action in the Caribbean and are preparing for what looks like a regime change military operation in Venezuela.

Without a vote and without public debate.

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Joaquin Castro @joaquincastrotx.bsky.social · 6d

Unfortunately, the Trump Administration has cancelled our San Antonio passport event due to the government shutdown.

If you had urgent travel, please call my district office at (210) 348-8216.

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Joaquin Castro @joaquincastrotx.bsky.social · 7d

My Texas colleagues and I demand that Governor Abbott stand up to Trump and bring back the Texas National Guard where it belongs—to Texas.

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Joaquin Castro @joaquincastrotx.bsky.social · 7d

Today we remember and mourn the victims of Hamas’ brutal attack on October 7th. I grieve for the families of the hostages and victims. May we honor their memory by working towards the release of the remaining hostages.

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Joaquin Castro @joaquincastrotx.bsky.social · 8d

Health care prices will soar an average of $459 for 87K people in our San Antonio district if Republicans let critical tax credits expire. Families can’t afford to pay more for insurance—Congress needs to extend these tax credits.

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Joaquin Castro @joaquincastrotx.bsky.social · 8d

I urge the Israeli government to release the U.S. citizens and ensure their safe return to the United States, and the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem to continue consular visits with detained American citizens and to work toward their immediate release.

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Joaquin Castro @joaquincastrotx.bsky.social · 8d

I am deeply concerned about reports of mistreatment of the American citizens detained by Israel for participating in the Gaza aid flotilla. apnews.com/article/gaza...

Gaza flotilla activists allege mistreatment while being detained in Israel

Activists detained while trying to reach Gaza by sea have complained of mistreatment by Israeli guards.

apnews.com

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