This article may contain commentary
which reflects the author’s opinion.
Top House Republicans have quietly barred Rep. Dan Crenshaw from participating in any foreign travel for the next three months after what sources described as an alcohol-related incident during an official congressional delegation to Mexico, according to new reporting from Punchbowl News.
The restriction, imposed by GOP leadership, prevents the Texas congressman from joining any foreign CODELs through early next year, Punchbowl News reported. The move followed an internal review of Crenshaw’s conduct during the trip.
Republican leadership has not disclosed specifics about the incident. People familiar with the matter told Punchbowl News that details remain closely held among senior lawmakers and staff.
What is known is that the behavior raised enough concern for leaders to take the unusual step of issuing a formal travel suspension.
While members of Congress have faced private reprimands in the past for inappropriate conduct on foreign trips, a documented travel ban from party leadership is considered rare.
Crenshaw, a former Navy SEAL who lost his right eye during combat operations in Afghanistan, has served in Congress since 2019. He has frequently taken part in foreign travel related to national security, defense cooperation, and intelligence matters.
The three-month ban marks a setback for a member who has carved out a public identity centered on military expertise and foreign policy engagement.
The development comes during a period of increasing scrutiny of Crenshaw within his own party.
In recent weeks, he drew attention for criticizing what he described as a troubling trend of elevating fringe or extremist voices on the political right.
During an interview on Face the Nation, Crenshaw said “moral clarity is a lot more important” than giving a platform to figures he considers deeply objectionable.
He cited conservative commentator Tucker Carlson’s decision to host Nick Fuentes as an example.
Those comments resurfaced older tensions between Crenshaw and some conservative activists.
Crenshaw has previously faced criticism from segments of the GOP base over several policy positions and public remarks.
In one instance, he was caught on a hot microphone making dismissive comments about Carlson.
Some activists argued that his positions reflected a shift toward the political center.
Inside Texas Republican politics, he is now facing a primary challenge that could test his standing with voters.
Texas State Rep. Steve Toth has launched a campaign against him for the 2026 cycle.
Toth has argued that Crenshaw has abandoned core conservative principles.
While early polling shows Crenshaw holding a strong lead, the challenge highlights a perception among critics that he is vulnerable on his right flank.
Grassroots organizers in the state have raised concerns about his voting record, particularly on issues related to national security authorities and spending.
They also point to his frequent cable news appearances and say they want a representative who reflects a more combative stance toward the political left.
The new travel restriction could further complicate Crenshaw’s efforts to maintain influence on Capitol Hill.
Foreign CODELs are often used by lawmakers to observe military operations, meet with foreign leaders, and gather information that informs congressional decision-making.
Losing access to those trips, even temporarily, limits his visibility on matters central to his political brand.
GOP leadership has not publicly explained whether Crenshaw will face additional consequences or whether the matter is considered closed once the suspension expires.
For now, the party is maintaining a tight hold on information surrounding the incident.
The episode underscores the balancing act faced by many Republicans as they navigate internal party dynamics, public expectations, and heightened scrutiny brought on by national political divisions.
Crenshaw’s next steps, including how he addresses both the suspension and the primary challenge, remain to be seen.
With the travel ban in place until early next year, the congressman’s role on the international stage will be significantly limited.
