Representative Lizzie Fletcher

Dear Neighbor,

I was glad to be home in Houston this week for important events in our community.

On Tuesday, we gathered with community leaders, law enforcement officers, United States Postal Service representatives, and family of Harris County Sheriff’s Deputy Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal to dedicate and name the Fleetwood post office at 315 Addicks-Howell Road the Deputy Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal Post Office.

Deputy Dhaliwal represented the very best of our community: he worked for equality, connection, and community through his life of service to others. I was proud to work with a bipartisan delegation, our community partners, and those in the Sikh community, to pass legislation to rename the post office building the Deputy Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal Post Office.

For decades to come, people who come to this post office will learn about the values of this community represented in the life and example of the man for whom it is named.

Tuesday was also National Night Out! I was glad to visit with neighbors across the district. Postponed from August because of the weather, I think we should have it in October every year! I’m grateful to all the families, neighbors, and law enforcement officers who welcomed me and members of our TX-07 team and who went out to get to know one another and strengthen our community bonds!

On Wednesday, the House Committee on Energy & Commerce’s Communications and Technology Subcommittee held a virtual legislative hearing on broadband legislation, including my bill the Broadband Incentives for Communities Act—another bill that emerged from the partnerships and work we have done here in our community. The City of Houston has become a model for prioritizing critical investments in broadband infrastructure. Recognizing that communities across the country could benefit from lessons we have learned and additional resources, I introduced a bill to provide grants to facilitate broadband upgrades and deployment.

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. You can watch my remarks in Wednesday’s hearing here.

On Friday, I introduced the Toxic Free Beauty Act with my colleague Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. Some of the chemicals used to create personal and professional care, beauty, and salon products have been linked to serious harm to human health and the environment, but to date, the FDA has only banned or restricted eleven chemicals. Through the Toxic-Free Beauty Act, products containing certain toxic chemicals would be officially considered harmful for consumers by the FDA and result in enforcement against these products, effectively banning the chemicals from use.

I also cosponsored two bills this week aimed at helping our Afghan allies: H.R. 5096 - Afghan and Iraqi Allies Resettlement Improvement Act, to help improve the resettlement process for SIV’s as they enter the United States by providing language accessibility resources and employment opportunities, and H.R. 5168 - Welcoming Evacuees Coming from Overseas to Mitigate Effects of Displacement (WELCOMED) Act, to provide a corrective fix to grant Afghan evacuees entering the U.S. under humanitarian parole the same level of access to resettlement services provided to all other refugees.

Three deadlines for students are approaching!

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
November 5, military service academy nomination applications are due. 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. 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.
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.

And of course, we can all look forward to cheering on the Astros. I’ve loved seeing people across our community in their Astros gear as the Houston area and Astros fans nationwide were electrified by the first games of the American League Division Series against the Chicago White Sox. As the Astros continue through the playoffs, I know we will all be rooting for them as they fight to win it #ForTheH!

I am proud to represent you and I am here to help you. Please call my office at (713) 353-8680 or (202) 225-2571 or email here at any time to ask for assistance or share your thoughts. My team and I look forward to hearing from you.

Best wishes,