Dear Neighbor,  Last Friday, I wrote to you about Governor Abbott’s announcement that he intended to reconvene the Texas Legislature in a special session for the purpose of redrawing Texas’ Congressional districts.  As you likely know, Congressional maps are redrawn every ten years following the census.  Texas’ maps were revised just four years ago. President Trump explained to reporters last week, however, that he wants Texas to redraw the maps now so that Texas will send five more Republicans to Congress (and five fewer Democrats).  That would mean changing Texas’ 38-member Congressional delegation from 25 Republicans and 13 Democrats to 30 Republicans and 8 Democrats.  To achieve that end, districts across the state will have to be reconfigured, including ours. The Texas Legislature convened its special session on Monday, and Congressional redistricting is on its 30-day agenda.  While neither the Senate nor the House has introduced the official proposed new congressional map, their committees are convening public hearings on redistricting this week. I plan to testify, and I am writing to let you know that you can, too. The Texas State House Select Committee on Congressional Redistricting announced that it will hold three public hearings, including one in Houston, which will be held on Saturday, July 26 at 11 a.m. at the University of Houston's Main Campus.  Members of the public can testify in person or submit written comments here.   The Texas State Senate Special Committee on Congressional Redistricting will hold four virtual hearings, including one focused on the Houston area on Monday, July 28 at 3 p.m.  Members of the public can sign up to testify here or submit written comments here. This unusual redistricting effort is about more than any one member of Congress or any one congressional district.  It is an attack on the citizens of Texas and on our right and our ability to choose the people we want to represent us at the ballot box.   Sincerely,