NEWS FROM THE 15th DISTRICT

Dear Friends,

I hope you and your families are doing 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.  

My office is monitoring the situation in Afghanistan closely and are in regular contact with relevant stakeholders. If anyone from TX-15 needs assistance with evacuation from Afghanistan, please contact my office at (202) 225-2531. 

My Letter to President Biden Urging a Solution to the Influx of Migrants on Our Southern Border 

On Friday, August 13, I sent a Letter to President Biden demanding answers and solutions to the situation on our Southern Border. Local communities should not have to bear the brunt of this crisis. The federal government must step in and provide resources to stop the spread of COVID-19 and relieve the financial burden that the increase in irregular migration has on the cities in the 15th District of Texas and along the border. 

Read the full letter to President Biden here. 

Supporting Our Schools As They Work to Keep Our Children and Teachers Safe 

Mask mandates are not about politics -  they are safe, effective and backed by science. I stand by and applaud the educational leaders who have defied Governor Abbott’s illogical executive order banning mask mandates. Superintendents and schools in South Texas must be able to implement common-sense precautions to keep students, teachers, families and essential workers safe. 

My letter to Speaker Pelosi Urging the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill Be Brought Immediately to the House Floor for a Vote 

I, along with eight of my House colleagues, sent a letter to Speaker Pelosi urging her to bring the recently passed bipartisan Senate infrastructure bill to the House floor immediately. This is a critical piece of legislation that our nation has been waiting decades for—we cannot wait a moment longer. It is past time we addressed the crumbling infrastructure around us. Our nation needs modernized and updated roads, bridges and buildings. We also need to address the digital divide and bring an essential service to our rural and low income communities through broadband coverage. 

The reconciliation bill should not be added to this package, it will only prolong the legislative process and hold up the infrastructure bill in negotiations. 

Read the release here and the full letter here. 

Speaking With CNN’s Alisyn Camerota 

On Wednesday, August 18, I spoke with CNN’s Alisyn Camerota on the situation in Afghanistan our the American response to this crisis. We must do everything in our power to keep our promise to our personnel, allies and partners in the region and get them out safely.

 
Watch the full interview here. 
 
Reminders & Updates  
 
Rental Assistance Resources  
 
The pandemic has hit many individuals and families hard. Resources are available to help those struggling with rental payments and looming eviction notices.  

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office at (956) 682-5545 if you need assistance with any of these resources.  
 

  
Get Vaccinated To Protect Against the Delta Variant   
 
South Texas has led the country in vaccinations, but we’re not out of the woods yet. With the spread of the Delta variant, we must be vigilant and protect our community.   
 
Get vaccinated and help us return to normal.   
 
Find locations to get your COVID-19 vaccine here.   
 
Investing In America’s Communities Program  
 
The Economic Development Administration (EDA) is investing the $3 billion it received from the American Rescue Plan to fund 6 collective programs:   
 

• Build Back Better Regional Challenge   
• Good Jobs Challenge
• Indigenous Communities 
• Travel, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation   
• Statewide Planning, Research and Networks    

 
Please Be Advised: Extreme Passport Delays. Apply Early!  
 
Due to the ongoing pandemic, passport processing centers are experiencing delays in the renewal process. The State Department recommends renewing your passport at least six months before you plan to travel, and urgent day-of appointments are reserved only for life-and-death cases.   
 
The State Department continues to onboard more staff to quickly process the influx of applications, but at the moment routine service can take up to 18 weeks and expedited service can take up to 12 weeks. Don’t wait to renew, apply early!   

• 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%.    

To learn more click here.     

• 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.