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.    

My statement regarding the proposed settlement for families separated during the Trump Administration

Judge Renee Rodriguez-Betancourt Appointed  to Coordinating Council on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention 

On Monday, October 18th, I proudly announced the appointment of Judge Renee Rodriguez-Betancourt to serve as a Practitioner Member of the Coordinating Council on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. Judge Rodriguez-Betancourt currently serves in the 449th District Court of Texas which specializes in the processing of juvenile cases. 

In her new position, Judge Rodriguez-Betancourt will make annual recommendations to Congress and the President to improve juvenile delinquency programs and coordinate with other federal programs to better serve at-risk youth. 
 
 
Read the full release here. 

Cosponsored the Social Security 2100: A Sacred Trust 

On Tuesday, October 26th, I cosponsored the Social Security 2100: A Sacred Trust, which aims to bridge the healthcare coverage gap and modernize the Social Security benefits to better address seniors’ current needs.  

This legislation will improve benefits for the first time in 50 years by protecting low-income workers, ending the five-month waiting period for disability benefits, protect against inflation, and repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision. 

I am proud to support legislation that will provide South Texas seniors support and updated guidance as they deal with the economic effects of the pandemic. No senior should receive a below-poverty level check each month after paying into this program their entire working lives. 

Find the bill here and read the press release here. 
 
Voted to Posthumously Award the Congressional Gold Medal to the 13 Servicemembers Killed in the August 26 Attack in Kabul, Afghanistan 

On Monday, October 25th, I voted for H.R. 5142, to posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal to the 13 service members killed in the August 26th attack in Kabul, Afghanistan.  

I cosponsored this legislation to give the highest congressional honor to these brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives. We will never forget their memories and bravery as they fought to uphold our nation’s values. 
 
 
 
Sent Bipartisan Letter the U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Urging Fair Trade for Agriculture and Energy Producers in Texas 

On Tuesday, October 19th, I sent a bipartisan, bicameral letter to the U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, Ken Salazar, urging him to ensure fair trade practices for Texas agriculture and energy producers. 

The current Mexican Administration has shown preferential treatment for state owned enterprises (SOEs) and are actively pushing out American investments. This is in direct violation of the U.S.-Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA)  and hurts Texas jobs and enterprise. I look forward to working with the Ambassador to protect American investments and jobs.  

Read the letter here. 
 
Joined 19 of My Colleagues Urging Congressional  Leadership to Maintain Medicaid Expansion Incentives 

On Tuesday, October 19, I sent a letter with my friend and colleague, U.S. Representative Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07),  to Speaker Pelosi, Leader Hoyer, and Leader Schumer urging the continuation of Medicaid expansion incentives in the Build Back Better Act.

 
The American Rescue Plan Act included an increase to the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) for states who newly expand Medicaid - motivating states to close the coverage gap. We must maintain these incentives, utilizing every available method to provide affordable healthcare care coverage to the 4 million Americans that currently fall in the coverage gap.  
 
Read the letter here. 
 
Convened local pharmacists and the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure 

On Wednesday, October 27th, I gathered a group of South Texas pharmacists and Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) Administrator, Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, to discuss the adverse impacts of Direct and Indirect Renumeration (DIR) fees on community pharmacies and patients, and the vital role our local pharmacies play in our community. 

I am grateful to the Administrator for her time and look forward to working with the administration to lower prescription drug prices and protect our community pharmacies. 

Opening of UTRGV Institute of Neuroscience 

Congratulations to The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Institute of Neuroscience on your grand opening! 

The new institute will specialize in researching diseases like Epilepsy, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and Multiple Sclerosis. It will also conduct advanced research and offer educational opportunities for medical professionals who specialize in brain health. 

UTRGV continues to provide our students with world class education and research opportunities to advance our healthcare system. I am anxious to see the many achievements of the UTRGV Institute of Neuroscience. 
 
 
 
 
Celebrating the 2022 State Elementary Teacher of the Year 

Congratulations to Ms. Jennifer Han on being named the 2022 Texas Elementary Teacher of the Year! 

Ms. Han teaches fourth grade and robotics at Juan Seguin Elementary School in McAllen, Texas. Ms. Han is a product of McAllen ISD and graduated from McAllen Memorial High. Now, she is leading the way in exemplary teaching practices. I am proud to represent such a dedicated teacher who goes above and beyond for her students. This award is well deserved. 
 
 
 
Reminders & Updates   

USDA Reconnect Program Opens on November 24th 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is making $1.15 billion available through the USDA’s Reconnect program. 

On November 24th, the department with start taking applications for grants and loans to assist in providing rural areas with high-speed internet. 

To see if you qualify and to apply, click here. 
 
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 6th, 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%.       

To learn more click here.          
 
FCC Emergency Broadband Benefit            
           
For residents of the 15th District of Texas that need assistance paying for internet, I encourage you to utilize the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Emergency  Broadband Benefit program. The Emergency Broadband Benefit program provides a temporary discount on monthly broadband (high-speed internet) bills for qualifying low-income households.           
            
To learn more about the program and to apply, click here.         
 
Small Business Administration Targeted Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Advance Applications             
            
The Small Business Administration (SBA) is now accepting requests to reevaluate declined Targeted Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Advance applications. To request a reevaluation, applicants should follow these steps:  

• 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.