John,

As we look ahead to a new week, I wanted to share an update with recent news from my office and programs and services that could help your family.

First, a quick note on my health: Earlier this year, the San Antonio Express-News wrote about my diagnosis with neuroendocrine cancer. In February, I underwent scheduled surgery to remove small tumors in my digestive system, and I’m happy to share that the surgery was successful. I was cleared to return to Washington in mid-April, and I’m glad to be back at work on your behalf.

Have you signed up for the Affordable Connectivity Program? In 2021, I voted to establish the Affordable Connectivity Program, a federal initiative to expand high-speed internet access. The program provides a discount of up to $30/month toward internet service and a one-time discount of up to $100 to buy a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet. To learn more and check your eligibility, click here.

Keeping Our Country’s PACT: Last year, I voted for the Honoring Our PACT Act, which expands VA health care and benefits for veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange, burn pits, and other toxins during their service in Vietnam-era conflicts, the Persian Gulf, or post-9/11 conflict zones. The VA is now accepting PACT Act claims from veterans and survivors. To learn about eligibility for new VA services, click here.

Traveling Soon? The State Department is currently experiencing delays that extend to six months or more with passport applications or renewals . To avoid travel problems, travelers are strongly encouraged to apply for a passport as far in advance as possible. If you run into extended delays, my office can contact the State Department on your behalf for an update on your application.

News from Washington

Preventing Fentanyl Deaths: Over the last four years, fentanyl-related deaths in Texas have increased more than 500%. As Congress works to stop cross-border drug trafficking, I recently passed an amendment to invest in public health campaigns that prevent youth drug abuse and reduce the demand for illegal fentanyl.

Expanding VA Care for Panama Canal Veterans: From 1958-1999, thousands of American service members in the Panama Canal Zone were exposed to toxic herbicides that left them more vulnerable to cancer and other health conditions. After they came back home, many affected veterans struggled to get the care they needed. Recently, I introduced the bipartisan Panama Canal Zone Veterans Act, which would expand VA health care and benefits to those affected.

Honoring Uvalde: May 24 marked one year since the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. On Capitol Hill, we observed a bipartisan moment of silence for Uvalde, and I delivered a speech from the floor of the House of Representatives to recognize the victims and call for stronger gun laws. Over the last few years, gun deaths have risen in Texas as state lawmakers have loosened gun safety laws. I strongly support common-sense measures to reduce gun violence, including universal background checks, a higher age for gun purchases, and bans on the assault rifles that are most commonly used in mass shootings.

Health Care Access for DACA Recipients: For years, I’ve been pushing the federal government to make DACA recipients eligible for the same health care programs that other Americans can access. Several weeks ago, the Biden administration announced a plan to extend Medicaid coverage and HealthCare.gov tax credits to DACA recipients. When the plan is finalized, eligible Texans will have a special enrollment period to select affordable insurance coverage.

Improving Contracting Opportunities for Women and Minority-Owned Businesses: San Antonio has a strong tradition of entrepreneurship, and I want to make sure all our small businesses have a fair shot at competing for federally funded projects. This spring, I introduced bills to increase transparency in government contracts and push the Department of Transportation to communicate better about federal contracting opportunities.

Recognizing the Cultural Legacy of Latino Musicians: Every year, the Library of Congress adds new songs and albums to the National Recording Registry, our national archive of recorded sound. Last fall, I asked my social media followers to share their submissions for songs by Latino musicians that should be formally recognized as part of our nation’s cultural heritage. After getting hundreds of great suggestions, I worked with my colleagues in the Congressional Hispanic Caucus to narrow our list down to just 25 official nominations of songs and albums (listen to our Spotify playlist here). Recently, the Library of Congress announced the addition of four new recordings by Latino artists, including Irene Cara’s “Flashdance…What a Feeling,” Daddy Yankee’s “Gasolina,” (the first reggaeton song on the registry), Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas is You,” and the first recordings of Mariachi music. The full list of recordings in the registry can be found here.

News from San Antonio

$38 Million for San Antonio’s Migrant Response: In May, Congressman Greg Casar and I expedited $38 million in federal funding to help Catholic Charities, United Way, and the city of San Antonio meet the humanitarian needs of migrants who travel through our community. While the end of pandemic-era immigration restrictions has not led to the big rise in migration that some predicted, these funds will still quickly go to good use.

New Funding for Arts, Airports, and Domestic Violence Prevention: Earlier this year, my office got nearly $200,000 in new funding for arts and literacy programs at Centro Cultural Aztlan and the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center on San Antonio’s Westside. Together with Reps. Henry Cuellar and Lloyd Doggett, I also announced $20 million in new funding to expand San Antonio International Airport and bring new business to our city. In February, I was also glad to announce nearly $1 million in new funding for Guardian House and Children’s Hospital of San Antonio to help families break cycles of domestic violence and support victims of child abuse.

Announcing San Antonio’s Congressional Art Competition Winners: Every year, my office holds a Congressional Art Competition to highlight San Antonio’s young artists. This year, we received 96 entries from talented high school students throughout our congressional district. The first-place winner, Hogai Qasmi of NISD’s Brandeis High School, will be honored at a special reception in Washington D.C. and her artwork will be displayed in the halls of the U.S. Capitol for one year. Read more about the winners.

Ending Surprise Billing at BAMC: For years, San Antonians have struggled with surprise medical bills after emergency treatment at Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC). Last year, I passed legislation requiring BAMC to treat standard co-pays, co-insurance, and other normal fees as payment in full. Starting on June 21, when the amendment goes into effect, BAMC will have financial counselors, sliding-scale payment options, and fee waivers available to bring the cost of treatment down.

Pushing for Good Jobs in Federal Hydrogen Projects: In 2021, I voted for the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, a $1.2 trillion investment in our nation’s infrastructure and clean energy future. As the federal government works to allocate that funding, I led Texas Democrats in a letter asking the Biden administration to prioritize high-quality, good-paying union jobs when selecting recipients for federal hydrogen energy projects in Texas.

Around Town

Celebrating College Success in San Antonio