The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) recently released the Buffalo Bayou and Tributaries Resiliency Study Interim Report.  Earlier this month, I called on USACE to extend the public comment period.  Following my letter, USACE has assured our office that they will continue to accept comments past the original comment period end date of November 2.  It is critical that our community provide feedback of this critical study – which will help shape how our region will build to withstand flooding.  The report and public comment form are both available here.  I am organizing a telephone town hall to gather feedback on the plan, so stay tuned for more information.

Open enrollment for Medicare has recently begun!  The open enrollment period will end on December 7, 2020.  Information about open enrollment can be found online at this link.  You can check all the necessary steps to participate in open enrollment and learn more about Medicare plans.

This week I co-sponsored H.R. 7057, the Understanding COVID-19 Subsets and ME/CFS Act.  This bill expands and coordinates funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to understand the impact of COVID-19 on chronic neuroimmune diseases.  Reports have indicated there could be a rise in ME/CSF diagnosis linked with increasing COVID-19 cases across the country, and our bill would provide insight on the virus’ long-term impacts.

I was also glad to meet virtually with the American Federation of Government Employees Local 1633 this week.  I appreciated having the opportunity to hear from AFGE members about how the pandemic has influenced their jobs and lives, and what we can do in Congress to help.  Many of these AFGE members work at the DeBakey VA Hospital and are on the frontlines of responding to the pandemic and taking care of our veterans.

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to be a major concern in our region and in our state.  Just this week, three of the top health experts in our community, Dr. Peter Hotez, Dr. Umair Shah, and Dr. David Persse, warned about a possible third COVID-19 peak.  The positivity rate in Harris County has increased to 8 percent, and total cases have increased to 162,807.  26,778 of those cases are active cases.

We know how to slow the spread of the virus, and we must continue work together to help protect ourselves and our neighbors.  Staying home when possible, washing our hands, and wearing masks are some of the easiest ways for us to do this.

It is my privilege each year to nominate a few residents of Texas’ Seventh Congressional District to four of the five service academies.  Next week is the last week to submit Military Service Academy Nomination Applications!  Applications are due next Friday, November 6.  You can learn more about the process and download the application on my website. 

I am honored and proud to represent you, and I am here to help you.  Please let me know what my team and I can do for you by emailing here or calling (713) 353-8680 any time.

Best wishes,