I began this rainy week celebrating the Legal Services Corporation’s (LSC) 50-year anniversary and honoring the work that LSC does to promote and ensure equal access to justice for all Americans.  Established in 1974, LSC is the single largest funder of civil legal aid for low-income Americans in the nation.  LSC kicked off its anniversary year here in Houston, and leaders of our community came together to support and further this mission, including leaders of the Texas Access to Justice Commission and Lone Star Legal Aid. 

Since I took office in January 2019, my office has referred more than 100 constituents for legal services.  These constituents faced eviction, immigration issues, and other civil matters and sought help from volunteer lawyers committed to justice and fairness in our legal system.  We need more legal aid in Texas, not less, to achieve our founding principle of equal justice under the law.  Despite nearly 3 million hours in free legal services Texas lawyers provided for low-income Texans in 2022 and 2023, fewer than 10 percent of the civil legal needs of low-income Texans are currently being met. I will continue to advocate in Congress for increased legal aid funding so that we can meet that demand and expand access to justice for all.

Monday also marked the 51st anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision, which the Supreme Court overturned in the summer of 2022.  I spent time this week connecting with people about the impacts of the decision and laws in Texas banning access to abortion and what that means for reproductive health care in our state.  The reports are devastating.  I met with an OB/GYN in TX-07 to discuss the way the laws affect his ability to take care of his patients and what consequences are for Texas women, families, and physicians.  

You may have seen the Houston Chronicle’s report this week that a new study in the in the Journal of the American Medical Association concluded that Texas is estimated to have seen more than 26,000 rape-related pregnancies during the 16 months after the state outlawed all abortions, with no exceptions for survivors of rape or incest. 

In Congress, I am working to restore the right for Texans and all Americans to make these personal medical decisions without government interference and to restore the framework of Roe v. Wade as the law of the land in all 50 states.

This week is also National Gun Violence Survivors Week.  It is the time of year when gun deaths in the United States surpass the number of gun deaths our peer countries experience in an entire year.  Think about that: it is still the first month of the year.  On Wednesday, I met with volunteers from Moms Demand Action to discuss the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act–which I voted for and President Biden signed into law–and what we can do to make our communities safer from gun violence.

Also on Wednesday, I had a great meeting with Harris County Flood Control District Executive Director Dr. Tina Petersen and Chief Partnerships and Programs Officer Scott Elmer to discuss ongoing water infrastructure projects in TX-07 and how we can continue to work together on flood mitigation efforts across our community.

On Thursday, I stopped by Kroger in The Heights where I visited with TX-07 neighbors “Across the Aisles” about issues they care about and to let them know how my office can help.  Across the Aisles is one of my favorite ways to meet and talk to constituents, and I look forward to continuing to serve our neighbors and helping our community in every way possible.

Although the House was not in session this week, I co-sponsored the Abortion Care Capacity Enhancement and Support Services (ACCESS) Act of 2024, H.R. 7059, to enact a grant program to increase capacity to provide abortion services and reproductive and sexual health care, and have worked with my colleagues on letters we hope to send out next week.

Big news this week!  Our team has now successfully resolved more than 13,000 matters before federal agencies for TX-07 residents.  I am so proud of the work that they do—and the way that they do it.  Our constituent advocates assist residents with matters such as obtaining benefits from Social Security, Medicare, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, as well as addressing matters before the Small Business Administration, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, Internal Revenue Service, and others. 

Need help with a federal agency?  Click here. 

Recently, I have been hearing from many of you about concerns with the delayed delivery of mail and the issues with the U.S. Postal Service in our area resulting from a backlog of mail and packages at USPS facilities in North Houston and Missouri City.  I share your concerns, and I have been working with my colleagues in our congressional delegation, as the distribution facilities are located in neighboring districts.  We have requested a meeting and tour of the Missouri City facility, and hope it will be scheduled soon.  The issue affects everyone in our region, and I know how much people in our district rely on the U.S. mail.  Our district team is actively working to try and help resolve constituent issues as well as address the underlying problems.  We will do all we can to help resolve the issues, and we will of course keep you posted.

Save the Date!  Our Team TX-07 Constituent Advocates will hold a pop up at the Metropolitan Multi-Service Center on West Gray on Wednesday, February 7.  Watch here for more details!

I am also looking ahead to our annual Valentines for Veterans program in February.  We have several elementary schools signed up to participate this year, and I hope you will join in sending notes of gratitude and love to Houston area veterans.  We will collect and deliver them on behalf of our district in a few weeks.  To learn more about how to send your valentines, call our Houston Office at (713) 353-8680.

I will be back in Washington next week, as the House will be back in session on Monday.  As of today, there are plans to vote on a number of bills, including the No Immigration Benefits for Hamas Terrorists Act (HR 6979); the Protect our Communities from DUIs Act (HR 6976); and the Consequences for Social Security Fraud Act (HR 6678).  It is also possible the House will consider the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act (HR 7204), but no vote has been scheduled yet.  This bipartisan tax bill, which I am currently reviewing, was announced this month and passed the House Committee on Ways & Means recently by a vote of 40 to 3.

I’ll send another report next week.  Until then, 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. 

I am proud to represent you, I am here to help you, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Best wishes,