AUMF
Public safety is the first responsibility of government, and we have been actively addressing the threats to our safety at home and abroad.  Recent developments in the Middle East have led to an increased focus on the role of our armed forces there.  Three weeks ago, the House voted on a War Powers Resolution to limit the President’s military actions regarding Iran.  This week, the House passed two additional measures to protect American lives and values: legislation to repeal the 2002 Iraq Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) and to prohibit funding for military action against Iran that has not been authorized by Congress.  Consistent with the sentiments expressed by neighbors who have called our office in recent weeks, I voted in favor of both.

CREDIT Act
I also voted for a comprehensive credit package that would protect consumers from the many flaws with credit reporting, requiring more transparency, due process, and fairness from credit scoring companies.

Trade and Economy
I was glad to see the president sign the United States-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) trade agreement into law this week.  Last year, I worked as Co-Chair of the New Democrat Coalition Trade Task Force to ensure any new trade agreement between our three countries benefits our workers and our businesses.  I was proud to work with Ambassador Lighthizer and our coalition to get it right and get it to a yes vote in the House.

I was glad to meet with folks from the University of Houston who came out on behalf of the American Physical Society’s Congressional Visit Day. 


I was also glad to meet with leaders from the University of Houston to talk about how to convene folks doing critical energy research and drive our conversation about our energy future.  And I enjoyed meeting with another constituent about a recent study outlining a roadmap for at-scale deployment of carbon capture, use, and storage.  It is incredibly useful for my new role as the chair of the Science Committee’s Energy Subcommittee.

I also had the privilege of welcoming TX07 resident Dr. Jim Allison for a reception and screening of a recent documentary about his life and work. Recipient of the 2018 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for pioneering a new cancer treatment method, Dr. Allison is the Chair of Immunology & Executive Director of Immunotherapy platform at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and a staunch advocate for the National Institutes of Health.  I am honored and delighted that he will join me next week as my guest for the State of the Union address.  At a time when Americans are concerned about the future of health care in our country, his groundbreaking research and his advocacy for shared investment in research through the National Institutes of Health is an inspiring and important.



Thank you to everyone who came to my town hall in Jersey Village last week! The best way for me to do my job is by hearing directly from you.



If you didn’t get a chance to join us, there will be more. But you can always call my office and share your thoughts, ask questions, or schedule a meeting.

Have a great weekend.

Sincerely,