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Hall supports NSA limits as Texas GOP split on vote

Rep. Raplh Hall

Rep. Ralph Hall voted for an amendment that would have limited a phone records collection program run by the National Security Agency. The measure failed in the House of Representatives on Wednesday.

The vote was close — 217 to 205 — and it cobbled together two rare bipartisan coalitions. The amendment was opposed by President Obama as well as Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio). But it was championed by those on the left and right wings of the House, including Democrats and Republicans.

Hall (R-Texas) who represents the Lone Star State's 4th Congressional District, which includes most of Northeast Texas, supported the amendment.

The measure, introduced by Rep. Justin Amash (R-Michigan) would have limited NSA phone surveillance to specific targets of law-enforcement investigations, not broad dragnets. 

Lawmakers from neighboring districts were spilt on the amendment. Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-Texas 1st, Tyler) joined Hall in supporting the measure.

But other Texas congressmen from around the region opposed the amendment. Jeb Hensariling (R-Texas 5th, Mesquite-Terrell-Canton), Sam Johnson (R-Texas 3rd, Collin Co.) and Pete Sessions (R-Texas 32nd, North Dallas-Richardson-Garland) all voted against H.R. 2397.

Oklahoma Republican Markwayne Mullin, who represents eastern Oklahoma's 2nd Congressional District, voted for the amendment.

Mark Haslett served as KETR's News Director from February 2013 to June 2025. During his tenure the station's news operation enjoyed an increase in listener engagement and audience metrics, as well recognition in the Texas AP Broadcasters awards and a National Edward R. Murrow award.
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