January 31, 2024
Dear  John xxxxxx,

Happy New Year! This month I have been working hard for you in the district and in Washington. Even through extreme winter weather our team has continued their advocacy for our constituents. Here's a recap of what I have been working on this January: 

Legislative Updates

• This month I attended a Committee on Financial Services with the Department of Housing and Urban Development and Secretary Fudge to talk about affordable housing supply and equitable access. 
• This month I did TV interviews with CNN and CBS to talk about the situation at the border. I will continue to advocate and fight for the safety of migrants and asylum seekers. 
• I also participated in a strategic planning retreat with my colleagues in the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC). We met to to discuss our upcoming goals and priorities to serve our Latino communities better. As the CHC Whip, I will continue working hard to uplift our caucus.

Community Updates

• This month I attended the inauguration and first council meeting of our new municipal community leaders. Congratulations to our new Houston Mayor John Whitmire, City Controller Chris Hollins, and Council Member Mario Castillo that represents my home!
• Team Garcia visited seniors at Magnum Howell Community Center to spread awareness about Social Security Administration Scams targeting seniors. REMEMBER: Social Security will never ask you for personal identifying information when calling you. 
• Team Garcia also visited Legacy Community Health Pharmacy to talk to pharmacists about how $35 insulin caps are helping our constituents with diabetes afford their medications without breaking the bank. 

Local Projects

• We understand community frustration with recent mail delays. I have been working with Rep. Al Green to pinpoint the issues causing a backlog of mail at the United States Postal Services facilities in North Houston and Missouri City. I have held several meetings with local USPS staff to try and reach a solution for constituents waiting for their crucial packages, like prescription medication. 
• This month our district received several federal grants that will help improve our infrastructure and our community: This month we received $80 Million through the President’s Investing in America Agenda to address Legacy Pollution by Plugging Orphaned Wells in Texas. TX-29 also received $70 Million for up to five hydrogen fueling stations for medium- and heavy-duty freight trucks.    

Casework Highlights

• Immigration Case:
  Constituent contacted our office regarding the concerns of her application for Legal Permanent Residence taking too long in processing. Thanks to our office’s inquiry, USCIS was able to see that there was a systems issue with the application, the issue was resolved, and the application was soon thereafter approved by USCIS. The constituent was happy that our office was able to talk to the agency on her behalf and our work helped USCIS process the case. 
• Immigrant Visa Case for a DACA recipient:
  A constituent, who was a DACA recipient, was able to apply for an immigrant visa, but needed to do so outside of the United States. Sadly, the case was in processing for quite some time. Thanks to our office, we were able to provide more information to the constituent about the processing of her application and follow-up with the agency as needed. Eventually, the case was approved by the Department of State and the constituent was able to be reunited with her family in the United States. We are happy that she is back home.

Stay Connected With Us

For help with active federal cases call our Houston office at (832) 325-3150. For regular updates be sure to follow our social media pages: 

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I look forward to continuing to work hard for you next month! Thank you for allowing me to represent you. 

Sincerely,

Sylvia R. Garcia
Member of Congress