Dear Neighbor,
Thanks to all who joined in our telephone town hall this afternoon covering the last quarter in Congress. With so much ground to cover, I encouraged people to sign up for this weekly newsletter. And I hope we have some new subscribers this week. I’m glad as always to provide an update on a very busy week’s work in Washington. |
On Wednesday and Thursday, members of Congress undertook the serious matter of voting on the 2022 National Defense Authorization Act. This bill, passed annually to fund our military and defense, includes important provisions that will ensure better access to health care and child care, criminalize sexual assault among servicemembers, honor our obligations to our allies by paying for relocation of Afghan SIVs and their families, provide a historic 32% increase in research and development funding, and help close the pay gap by funding a 2.7% pay increase for uniformed servicemembers. We debated the bill and amendments over two days. I was honored to preside over the House as Speaker Pro Tempore when the House passed the bill. |
On Friday, we voted on the Women’s Health Protection Act. As an original co-sponsor, I was glad to see this bill brought to the floor quickly. Before the vote, I spoke on the House Floor in favor of its passage. You can watch my comments below. ⬇️ |
On Thursday, the Environment Subcommittee of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee held a hearing with testimony from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, Dr. Richard Spinrad. You can learn more and watch the hearing here. |
Last week, I wrote that I joined a group of my Texas colleagues calling upon the White House o issue a Statement of Administration Policy in support of the Women’s Health Protection Act. On Monday, the administration did issue an SAP strongly in support of reproductive freedom. |
Also earlier this week, I joined a bicameral group of 236 legislators in filing an amicus brief in the the case of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, challenging Roe v. Wade decision. |
Tuesday morning, I spoke with the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) about the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the bipartisan infrastructure bill before the House. It was a great opportunity to highlight the ways Texas stands to benefit from the bill: - $26.9 billion for repairing Texas highways and more than half a billion dollars for bridge replacement and repairs in the state. In addition, Texas can also compete for funds for major projects that deliver economic benefits to our communities.
- $39 billion to modernize public transit and improve accessibility. Texas is expected to receive $3.3 billion over five years to improve public transportation options, funding that could be used for local projects like expanded bus rapid transit and building out light rail.
- $1.2 billion for infrastructure development at our airports over five years.
- $17 billion for port infrastructure and to reduce congestion and emissions near ports.
- $5 billion for a Department of Energy grant program to reduce the likelihood and consequences of impacts to the electric grid due to extreme weather, wildfire, and natural disaster.
I was grateful for the opportunity to share this and much more information with H-GAC and look forward to our continued partnership! |
With so many important issues before Congress in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Build Back Better Act, I spent much of the week talking with members of our community about concerns and priorities for these bills. I also had the chance to visit with the Mayor of Southside Place about infrastructure needs, constituents about immigration reform issues, prescription drug pricing, and medical research.
And, I was glad to meet with our new D.C. interns and welcome them to our office this week! |
As the delta variant appears to be subsiding, public health officials continue to urge Texans not to let their guard down yet. Hospitalization rates have declined for the last two weeks, though our state still has one of the highest COVID-19 death rates in the country. Public health officials strongly recommend continuing to use masks in indoor spaces and to get vaccinated.
After the White House announced its support for COVID-19 booster shots, this week, the FDA approved a Pfizer booster shot for those in high-risk categories, including the elderly, those with pre-existing conditions, and health workers. The CDC is now commencing with its own approval process. If you have not gotten your first or second shot, please consider getting vaccinated now. |
Two deadlines for students are approaching!
On November 1, submissions for the Congressional App Challenge will close. Those students who have a great idea for an app and have a passion for coding are encouraged to apply soon! Learn more at CongressionalAppChallenge.us/students |
I have the privilege each year to nominate outstanding young members of our community to the nation’s service academies. The honor of attending a service academy comes with an obligation and commitment to serve in the military upon graduation. And on November 5, military service academy nomination applications are due. I am planning a Houston-Area Service Academy Resource Fair so that students can learn more about the process and meet experts—until then, you can learn more on my website and begin the application process. |
As always, I am honored to represent our district in Congress and glad to listen, help, and keep you informed. Please don’t hesitate to contact me or call my D.C. office at (202) 225-2571 or my Houston office at (713) 353-8680.
Best wishes, |
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