This isn't a new story. Texas enjoyed tremendous influence in Congress throughout the 20th Century, but not so much since then.
From the Chron:
Texans are scrambling to salvage the Lone Star State's clout in the Republican-led House of Representatives as post-election changes are expected to strip two veteran lawmakers of committee chairmanships.
Six-year term limits are ending Rep. Lamar Smith's command of the wide-ranging 39-member House Judiciary Committee, an assignment the San Antonio Republican has used to showcase immigration and law enforcement issues crucial to Texas.
And Rep. Ralph Hall is preparing to step down as chairman of the 40-member House Committee on Science, Space and Technology, where the Rockwall Republican has spotlighted issues of concern to NASA and Houston's Johnson Space Center.
