Dear Neighbor,
I was glad to be home in Houston again this week for a committee work week, where I was also able to participate in important meetings and events in our community. |
On Tuesday, the House voted to concur in the Senate’s amendment to the House’s bill to provide a temporary extension of the public debt limit until December 3, 2021. I joined my colleagues in voting yes to this proposition and avoiding default on our debts and risking the full faith and credit of the United States. While I would have preferred a longer extension and more durable solution to the recurring issue of paying debts the United States has already incurred, this is the responsible path forward at this moment. I hope my colleagues on both sides of the aisle will find such a solution in the coming weeks, as this gamesmanship has real consequences for our economy and our country. |
I was glad to see leaders from across our community on Wednesday at Mayor Sylvester Turner’s State of the City address. It was a terrific opportunity to catch up with constituents and others and to hear the Mayor’s optimistic outlook for the City of Houston.
On Friday, I was glad to attend the groundbreaking of the new T.T. and W.F. Chao Foundation HOPE Health and Wellness Center with community leaders and long-time HOPE clinic volunteers. Earlier this year, I gladly supported funding for this center, which will provide quality primary care as well as OB/GYN, dental, vision, and behavioral specialists, a pharmacy, a teaching kitchen, a café, and a garden—all of which tie into long-term, comprehensive care. A federally qualified health center (FQHC), HOPE Clinic has served a vital role as a principal health care provider for our large multicultural community in Southwest Houston, providing care to the uninsured and underinsured in many languages, and Friday’s groundbreaking was a testament to the hard work and vision of its founders and leaders who saw the need in our community and envisioned way to meet it. |
I was also glad to meet with community members in our District Office and virtually, including energy company leaders discussing innovative carbon capture and utilization projects and other environmental initiatives here at home. |
I also enjoyed meeting with Fred Malinowski, Special Agent in Charge of Houston Field Division for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to learn more about issues in his jurisdiction and how we can work collaboratively. |
This week, The Hill published an op-ed I wrote about my bill that I told you about last week, the Broadband Incentives for Communities Act. You can read it here. Or this quick excerpt summarizing it:
We have a unique opportunity to capitalize on our federal investments and close the digital divide. To do that successfully, we must work together. Local governments are critical partners in achieving nationwide high-speed broadband. My bill will help ensure these crucial funds are efficiently and effectively used, and that communities across the country obtain the benefits of this essential infrastructure. |
Help is here for families across our community through the expanded Child Tax Credit. The fourth installment of Child Tax Credit payments hit bank accounts Friday, providing major tax relief, as well as work, income, educational, and health benefits to nearly all working families. The Child Tax Credit in the American Rescue Plan provides the largest child tax credit ever and historic relief to the most working families ever. If you qualify, check your bank account to make sure it arrived! |
Medicare Open Enrollment began Friday and ends December 7. If you qualify, join the more than 4.3 million Texans who enjoy the benefits of Medicare. Learn more about enrollment, Medicare Advantage programs, and Medicare Part D by clicking here! |
This week, COVID-19 positivity in Texas is down, at 8.5%, but hospitalization rates continue to rise. Those who can—please get vaccinated. Those who can’t—wear a mask where appropriate to protect yourself, your family, and our community from further spread.
Many in our community who did not have the Pfizer vaccine have been awaiting news on when they will be able to get a booster shot. Good news: on Friday, the FDA panel that oversees vaccine rollouts recommended Moderna booster shots for those 65 and older. |
Each year, I have the privilege of nominating outstanding young members of our district to four of the nation’s five service academies. For those seeking a nomination, the deadline to apply this year is November 5. On Saturday, October 30, my office will be holding a Houston-area Service Academy Day for students from across our area where they and their families can learn about the opportunities and the process of applying for a nomination. |
Click here to download a flyer to share with young people you know who may be interested!
Also, on November 1, submissions for the Congressional App Challenge will close. Those students have a great idea for an app and have a passion for coding are encouraged to apply soon! Learn more at: CongressionalAppChallenge.us/students
And on November 22, spring internship applications are due. College students and recent graduates who are interested in gaining valuable insight about congressional work are welcome to apply! Our interns receive the opportunity to work closely with our team. If you or someone you know is interested in interning in our office this Spring, you can begin the application process here.
I’ll be back in Washington this week, and look forward to reporting back to you next week on the work we have done to move forward the bipartisan infrastructure and Build Back Better bills. And as I look ahead, I’ll be watching the ALCS from D.C. Congrats to the Astros on their ALDS win and… |
I am honored to represent you in Congress and glad to listen to you, help you, and keep you informed. As always, please do not hesitate to call on me and my team if there is anything we can do to assist you or anything you want us to know. You can email here or call (713) 353-8680 or (202) 225-2571 at any time. Best wishes, |
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