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 I 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.    

I Urged Speaker Pelosi and Leader Schumer to Reconsider Provisions Targeting Energy Jobs in the Build Back Better Act 

On Friday, September 24, I led a letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer urging caution on the provisions included in the Build Back Better Act that unfairly target oil and gas jobs. While I agree that we should support the growth of green jobs, and invest in our workforce and healthcare system, we must not do it in a way that hurts Texas jobs and Texan families. 

Read my full letter here. 

The Second Hearing with the Select Committee on Economic Disparity and Fairness In Growth 

On Tuesday, September 28, I attended the second hearing of the Select Committee on Economic Disparity and Fairness in Growth. This hearing focused on the role globalization plays in the economic disparity plaguing the United States. 

My colleagues and I heard from four expert witnesses and discussed how to better ensure our world economy benefits all Americans rather than a select few. 

I am committed to securing opportunities for South Texans. 
 
Speaking with CNN’s Jim Sciutto 

On Friday, September 24, I spoke with CNN’s Jim Sciutto about the ongoing negotiations of the bipartisan infrastructure bill, my thoughts on the Build Back Better Act and the Southern Border. 

I have been clear that the Bipartisan Infrastructure bill is a win for the United States. We can’t wait any longer to fix our roads, bridges, drainage systems, and broadband. We must also ensure the reconciliation bill is responsibly paid for without jeopardizing energy jobs across the U.S. and in South Texas. 

I understand we need to remove people on the border back to their home country in an orderly, and humane way. I believe the solution is to establish a process for migrants to apply for asylum in their home or neighboring country, disincentivizing people and families from making this treacherous journey to our Southern Border 

 
Watch the full interview here. 

Speaking with Fox News’ Neil Cavuto 

On Thursday, September 23, I spoke with Neil Cavuto regarding the  Southern Border and the Reconciliation and Infrastructure  bills. 

My concern is how we’re going to pay for the reconciliation bill, I don’t have a problem with the amount if it is being well invested in American ideals. We need to ensure that we are fair and  not unnecessarily targeting any one sector of our economy. 
 
Watch the full interview here. 

Speaking with CNN’s Ana Cabrera 

I am confident we will get the Bipartisan Infrastructure bill passed. This legislation is an opportunity to make historic and necessary investments in our country. Our nation needs this. Any members who oppose sending these resources home will have a lot to explain to the communities they represent. 
 
Watch the full interview here. 

Speaking with MSNBC’s Lawrence O’Donnell 

 
On Thursday, September 30, I spoke with MSNBC’s Lawrence O’Donnell on my thoughts behind the bipartisan infrastructure bill being voted on separately from reconciliation. The American people deserve this win, and I hope we can come together to deliver on this much needed funding.

Watch the interview here.

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with Vice President Harris and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus 

Thank you to Vice President Kamala Harris for inviting the Congressional Hispanic Caucus to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. We have much to be proud of in our community, but much work remains. I am proud to represent one of the largest Latino communities in the nation. We need to ensure that we are continuing to fight for seats at the table and progress in our community. 
 
 
Congratulations to Four Blue Ribbon Schools in the 15th District of Texas 

Four schools in the 15th District of Texas have received the prestigious National Blue Ribbon Award by the U.S. Secretary of Education, Miguel Cardona. 

This honor is awarded to schools who achieve extraordinary academic excellence in recognition of their hard work. 

Congratulations to Hidalgo Elementary School, Navarro Elementary School, South Texas Preparatory Academy, and Achieve Early College High School. I am grateful to represent academic institutions that go above and beyond for student success, thank you for all you do! 

Read the press release here. 

Awarding $2.2 Million for Elderly Housing in Seguin 

On Monday, September 20, I announced an grant of $2,274,088 from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the National Church Residences in Seguin, Texas. 

This funding is a part of HUD’s section 202: Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program, which will support the construction of 14 affordable low-income housing units for elderly individuals. I am proud of the work National Church Residences does to give back and provide support for our elderly members in our community. 

Read the press release here. 

Awarding 5 million for Tropical Texas Behavioral Health 

On Thursday, September 30, I awarded the Tropical Texas Behavioral Health (TTBH) with $5,000,000 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Department of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). 

This grant will support the TTBH’s work to enhance and expand clinical services to serve those impacted by mental health and substance abuse issues. The services provided by TTBH are more important than ever as we recover from the sprawling impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Read the press release here.

Participated in a Panel with AIPAC and Congressional Hispanic Caucus Colleagues 

On Tuesday, September 28, I participated in a panel with my colleagues in the Congressional Hispanic Caucus to discuss the importance of the U.S. and Israel alliance and how to continue strengthening our relationship.  
 
Spoke with the U.S. Mexico Foundation 

On Wednesday, September 23, I was honored to join my colleagues Congressmen Henry Cuellar and Lou Correa and Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia, and the U.S.-Mexico Foundation to discuss the importance of the U.S.-Mexico relationship. 

It was great to speak about the key items that are vital for the economic growth supported by our two countries. 

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 do your part to 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 $3,000,000,000 from the American Rescue Plan to fund six 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 U.S. 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!      
 
More information can be found 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.