Dear Neighbor,

This week’s update follows an eventful week in Washington, and I am glad to be home in Houston this weekend to share it with you. 

This week, Congress voted to extend government funding through February 18, 2022, keeping the government open to ensure essential services and mandatory spending programs continue to function.  In addition to the extension of existing government programs at their same levels, the bill also includes $7 billion for resettlement of Afghan evacuees.  This short-term agreement allows us to move toward a final funding agreement in the coming months to address the needs of the American people.  As a reminder, the House voted on many of our spending bills back in the summer, but the House and the Senate have not completed their negotiations, making this short-term extension necessary.

There were also a number of bills that passed the House with strong bipartisan support, including: 

• Maternal Vaccination Act, H.R. 951, to require the CDC to incorporate efforts to increase awareness of maternal vaccinations for pregnant and postpartum individuals and their children into the national vaccination awareness campaign and increase the authorization for such campaigns by $2 million per year to $17 million per year.
• PREVENT HPV Cancers Act of 2021, H.R. 1550, to create a national public awareness campaign through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) targeted to communities with the lowest HPV vaccination rates, with the goal of increasing vaccinations and preventing HPV-associated cancers.  This bill would also reauthorize existing gynecologic cancer prevention programs.

On Wednesday, our House Energy and Commerce Committee Communications and Technology Subcommittee held a hearing entitled “Holding Big Tech Accountable: Targeted Reforms to Tech's Legal Immunity.”  The purpose was to evaluate issues surrounding social media use and discuss potential legislative solutions.

On Thursday, the full House Science, Space, & Technology Committee held a hearing on advancing U.S. leadership in semiconductor chip research, development, and manufacturing.  And our House Energy and Commerce Committee Health Subcommittee held a hearing on preventing fentanyl-related overdoses with an interagency response.

I also co-sponsored two bills this week:

• American Dream Employment Act of 2021, H.R. 2029, to provide Dreamers, Temporary Protected Status holders and individuals with Deferred Enforced Departure with protection from deportation and an opportunity to obtain permanent U.S. legal status if they meet certain requirements.
• Aviation Funding Stability Act of 2021, H.R. 4042, to enable the FAA to continue to draw from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund and maintain operations for up to 30 days should the federal government shut down from a funding lapse.

Lots of meetings again this week, many of them virtual meetings with people at home.

I was glad to address the Greater Houston Partnership’s Energy Advisory Committee to discuss energy provisions of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Build Back Better Act.

Later that day, I was glad to attend the Meyerland Community Association Annual Meeting to give an update on my work in Congress for our community. 

I’ll head back to D.C. this week for another busy week as we close out this legislative session.  The House will consider and vote on the National Defense Authorization Act, to provide our troops with the pay they deserve and our military with the tools it needs to carry out its missions safely and effectively.  The House will also consider H.R. 8363, the Protecting Our Democracy Act, and may consider legislation to address the debt limit and possible H.R. 5376, the Build Back Better Act, should the Senate amend it.

At home our team is building on the success of our Valentines for Vets program and starting a new Winter Wishes program.  I hope TX-07 teachers and students (and others!) will join us in spreading holiday cheer by making cards for our senior neighbors this holiday season.  Once cards are submitted, our team will deliver the cards to senior citizens throughout TX-07. 

We are also launching a reading challenge for elementary students.  Reading at grade level is a critical metric for a lifetime of success!  I am inviting elementary-age students and their parents across the District to take part in my new reading challenge!  Learn more and download the log sheet at fletcher.house.gov/little-learners!

Finally, I hope you will join me for a Telephone Town Hall on Tuesday, December 14. I'll provide look back on all Congress has done this year with a legislative update—including the recent infrastructure bill—and answer your questions.

As always, 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.  I look forward to hearing from you. 

Best wishes,