Representative Lizzie Fletcher

Dear Neighbor,

After celebrating National Park Week and Earth Day this week, we are once again reminded of the beauty of our planet and the importance of taking care of it. I hope you were able to spend some time outdoors on this gorgeous weekend in Houston!

After returning home to Houston from Washington, I am glad to write to you with an update on my work this week.

We passed several bills in the House of Representatives this week. We started the week with a vote on the National Origin-Based Antidiscrimination for Nonimmigrants (NO BAN) Act, which expands the nondiscrimination provisions in the Immigration and Nationality Act to prohibit immigration bans based on religion. Houston was recently recognized once again as the most diverse city in the country. We are home to people from around the world, and we are stronger and more vibrant because of it. The NO BAN Act represents our community’s values, and I was glad to co-sponsor and vote for this important legislation, which passed with bipartisan support.

The House also passed the Access to Counsel Act of 2021, which ensures that U.S. citizens, green card holders, and other individuals with legal status are able to consult with a lawyer, relative, or other interested party to seek assistance if they are detained by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at ports of entry, including airports.

And the House also passed H.R. 51, the Washington, D.C. Admission Act, to admit the District of Columbia as the new 51^st state, finally granting the right of representation in Congress to the residents living in Washington, D.C.

We passed other critical pieces of legislation this week, which you can find here.

This week, I signed on as a co-sponsor of the Consumer Protection and Recovery Act to confirm the Federal Trade Commission’s ability to retrieve money for victims of fraud and scams. I also joined my colleagues on the New Democratic Coalition in a letter calling on President Biden to strengthen and expand the Affordable Care Act.

I participated in the Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Communications and Technology’s hearing on the future of wireless internet in our country, and joined my colleagues on the Subcommittee on Energy for a hearing on clean energy.

I also joined my colleagues in a bipartisan briefing on Afghanistan from the Secretary of Defense, Secretary of State, Director of National Intelligence, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

I was glad to convene a meeting with local mayors and representatives from cities and villages in TX-07 to discuss how they can access and use the funding made available through the American Rescue Plan.

I was also glad to meet with several TX07 residents in groups participating in virtual Hill visits, including the Land Trust Alliance, American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), J Street, and the Texas Access to Justice Commission to discuss the importance of legal aid and funding for the Legal Services Corporation.

I also met with the Texas Restaurant Association this week to hear more about their top priorities and their experiences throughout the pandemic.

Have you gotten your vaccine yet? I want to hear about what the experience was like for you! And if you haven’t gotten a vaccine, I’d like to know about your concerns. Share your story below, and let me know what you are most looking forward to after getting vaccinated!

Survey: Have You Gotten Your COVID-19 Vaccine?

If you haven’t gotten your vaccine yet, anyone who is 16 or older can now get a Pfizer vaccine at NRG Park with or without an appointment (although registering for an appointment is still preferred). You can visit vacstrac.hctx.net or call 832-927-8787 to learn more. The site accepts people without appointments daily from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Additionally, the Houston Health Department will accept walk-ins at all its COVID-19 vaccination sites, and it will extend hours at some sites starting tomorrow, Monday April 26. Appointments remain available and preferred, but walk-ins are welcome. You can visit HoustonEmergency.org/covid19 to register for appointments, and registration assistance is also available by phone by calling 832-393-4220 or 832-393-4301.

I encourage anyone who has not yet received a COVID-19 vaccine to do so, as you will be protecting yourself and helping end the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, Harris County’s positivity rate is at 9.1 percent. As more of our friends and family get vaccinated, it is still important to social distance and wear a mask as much as possible to prevent further spread.

There are two deadline extensions I want to share with you.

The deadline to submit art for Texas Seventh’ Congressional Art Competition has been extended to May 7. Those who are interested can learn more and submit artwork here.

Additionally, FEMA has extended its deadline for applications to register for individual disaster assistance following February’s Winter Storm to May 20. Those who need disaster assistance should contact their insurance company first and then FEMA. For more information on winter storm disaster aid, click here.

Next week, the House will begin a committee work period, and I will participate in several meetings and hearings. The Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Commerce will hold a hearing on Tuesday to discuss the Consumer Protection and Recovery Act. The Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health will hold a hearing on Wednesday to discuss the lingering effects of COVID-19.

I’m also looking forward to President Biden’s address to a Joint Session of Congress on Wednesday night, as well as to meeting with people across our district this week! As a reminder, if you are interested in scheduling a meeting with me or our TX07 Team, you can use this online form.

We are here to help. You are always welcome to share your thoughts and concerns by emailing here or calling (713) 353-8680 any time.

Best wishes,