In case you missed it this week:
Congresswoman Escobar Introduces the El Paso VA Medical Center Activation Readiness Act to Ensure High Quality Care to Veterans Across El Paso
This week, I introduced the El Paso VA Medical Center Activation Readiness Act of 2026, bipartisan legislation to strengthen congressional oversight and ensure the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is fully prepared to open the El Paso VA Medical Center and deliver timely, high-quality care to veterans across the region.
Ensuring dependable access to VA care will require robust planning, coordination, and transparency from the Department of Veterans Affairs. The El Paso VA Medical Center Activation Readiness Act of 2026 would require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide a comprehensive briefing to Congress on the Department’s activation planning for the facility, including workforce readiness, patient demand, and coordination with regional partners.
To learn more, read my full press release here.
Congresswoman Escobar Honors Hal Marcus in the U.S. House of Representatives
Last week, I submitted a Congressional Record to honor Hal Marcus. Find my submission here or read it below:
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of a remarkable artist, musician, and proud El Pasoan, Hal Marcus.
“For decades, Hal Marcus helped shape the artistic spirit of El Paso, leaving an indelible imprint through his creative works and the countless individuals and institutions he uplifted along the way. Hal brought joy, imagination, and a sense of possibility to those around him. His artistic contributions captured the essence of the borderland region with a distinctive and enduring style.
“As a steward of history, Hal was deeply devoted to preserving and promoting early regional art, helping elevate awareness of El Paso’s rich cultural heritage and ensuring future generations could learn from and be inspired by it.
“The passing of Hal Marcus is a profound loss for El Paso. Yet his legacy lives on in his beautiful and loving family, the vibrant cultural landscape he helped, the artists he inspired, and the community he brought together.
“May he rest in peace, and may his memory continue to inspire us all.”
Congressional App Challenge Winner
It was wonderful to have the privilege of hosting our 2026 Congressional App Challenge winner, Nathan Egbuna, for developing an educational platform that helps students build financial literacy through hands-on learning!
Nathan was here in Washington with hundreds of his fellow winners to showcase their work to Congress and the broader tech community.
