NEWS FROM THE 15th DISTRICT

Dear Friends,   
 
I hope you and your families are safe and well. It has been a busy couple of weeks and I wanted to provide you with a brief update about what we have been working on to serve the people of the 15th Congressional District of Texas. Together, we will continue to seize opportunities and overcome the challenges our communities face.   

$147.7 Million in Title I Funding for Schools in Central & South Texas 

On Wednesday, July 7, I announced over $147 million in final Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21) Title I allocations for schools in the 15th District of Texas. 

The funds will be used for teacher development and retention, which will have a direct and positive impact on student achievement. 

I am proud to support education initiatives that will enhance the experience and quality of education for both students and teachers. To read the full release and total amounts allocated to individual school districts click here and here. 
 
Creating a Select Committee to Investigate the January 6  Insurrection: 

On Wednesday, June 30, I voted for H.Res. 503, which empowers Congress to find the truth of the January 6th insurrection at the United States Capitol and ensure that this assault on democracy does not happen again. This bipartisan legislation establishes a Select Committee charged with investigating and reporting upon the facts and causes, as well as making recommendations to prevent similar domestic terrorist attacks. 

Our nation was scarred by this attack and may we never rest until the perpetrators are brought to justice. Our democratic process was attacked that day, and I will never forget the brave Capitol Police officers who stood on the front lines to protect us.  

Read my full statement here. 

Securing Funding for the South Texas Infrastructure

  
On Thursday, July 2, I secured $12,384,078 in funding for four key infrastructure projects in the 15th District of Texas with the passage of H.R. 3684, the INVEST in America Act.  

Updated and modern Infrastructure is critical to the continued prosperity of our region. The INVEST in America Act will spur pandemic recovery, increase economic growth, and create jobs in the 15th District of Texas. The projects that were chosen will help expand trade and tourism, grow our economy and help South Texas thrive. These federal dollars will flow directly to our communities. This bill now moves to the Senate for its consideration. 
 
Read the press release here. 

My Statement with Congressman Vela on Governor Abbott and the Former President’s Visit to the Southern Border

 
On Wednesday, June 30, Congressman Filemon Vela (TX-34) and I issued statements in response to former President Donald Trump and Governor Greg Abbott’s visit to Weslaco, Texas.  

Inviting the former President, who incited the January 6th insurrection in an effort to overthrow the government and prevent the peaceful transition of power, is nothing short of a slap in the face to South Texans. Wasting taxpayer dollars to promote the construction of a border wall instead of correcting the failed electrical grid is bad leadership that is further putting Texans’ lives at risk.   

The Governor must stop trying to divide and misrepresent the border community on that national stage and instead work with stakeholders to enact meaningful policy solutions that will bring real border security. 

Read Congressman Vela’s statement and the full press release here. 

My Response to the Recent Decision by the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Veterans Affairs to Bring Deported Veterans Home 

On Friday, July 2, the Departments of Homeland Security and Veterans Affairs launched an initiative to bring our deported Veterans and their family members home to the nation they so bravely fought for. I have been a staunch advocate of this effort and believe it's our responsibility to address the injustices we have wrought on those who defended our freedom. I plan to refile the bipartisan Repatriate Our Patriots Act as soon as possible to ensure that we codify this initiative so no Administration can deport our honorable veterans in the future.

Read my full statement here. 
 
Announcing the Opening of the Emergency Connectivity Fund Application 

On Thursday, July 1st, I announced the launch of the Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) application period. The Emergency Connectivity Fund is an innovative new program that offers funding for schools and libraries to provide the equipment and services their communities need for remote learning.  
The $7.17 billion program was authorized as part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, which I supported.The  Fund will deploy broadband service and put devices into the hands of the students, teachers, and library patrons who need them.  I will continue working to ensure that access to broadband and technology no longer keeps South Texas students locked out of the virtual classroom. 

For eligible schools and libraries, the ECF Program will cover costs of laptop and tablet computers; Wi-Fi hotspots; modems; routers; and broadband connectivity purchases for off-campus use by students, school staff, and library patrons. Schools and libraries interested in applying for funding are encouraged to visit the FCC’s informational website. 
 
Reminders & Updates 

Coronavirus Economic Relief for Transportation Services Program Application  
 
The U.S. Treasury Department’s Coronavirus Economic Relief for Transportation Services (CERTS) program is now accepting applications. The portal will be open through Monday, July 19, 2021.  

Eligible transportation services can apply to receive resources to maintain payroll, hire back employees who may have been laid off, and cover applicable overhead and operational expenses. 

 
You can read their guidelines here and apply here.  
 
Home Refinancing Options for Low-Income Families  

 
On Sunday, June 6, Fannie Mae made RefiNow available to single-family lenders in connection with the Federal Housing  Finance Agency (FHFA) refinance option for low-income borrowers with Enterprise-backed single-family mortgages.   
 
Among the features offered with the RefiNow option, it:   

• Reduces a borrower’s monthly payment.   
• Provides a $500 appraisal credit to the lender at the time the loan is purchased if an appraisal was obtained for the transaction.   
• Waives the 50 basis point adverse market refinance fee for loans at or below $300,000.   
• Allows a debt-to-income ratio (DTI) up to 65%.   

• Send an email to [email protected] with the subject line “Reevaluation Request for  [insert your 10-digit application number]    
• Include in the body of the email identifying information for the application including application number, business name, business address, business owner names(s), and phone number.   
• Please also include an explanation and any documentation that addresses the reason for the decline, if available. SBA will contact applicants if additional documentation is required to complete our review.