Dear john,

The number of people living in America without health insurance coverage hit an all-time low of 8 percent this year.

The drop in uninsured Americans began last year, when Congress passed a $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief bill that lowered premiums and out-of-pocket costs for new or returning customers purchasing plans through the Affordable Care Act’s private health insurance markets.

Now Democrats, have proposed legislation to extend those price breaks for 3 more years, and are simultaneously working to lower prescription drug costs. 

My colleagues and I will continue to work to make health care accessible to everyone in America. 

As always, if you need help with a federal agency, please contact one of my offices:

• Washington D.C.:(202) 225 1640
• Laredo: (956) 725-0639
• Mission: (956) 424-3942
• San Antonio: (210) 271 2851
• Rio Grande City: (956) 424-3942 

I announced that I secured $4 million in federal funds for the City of Laredo’s Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) program. This program helps our neighbors with serious mental illness through the city health department. 340 Webb County residents will now have access to resources they need to avoid a relapse or crisis incident. Thank you to Mayor Pete Saenz and Dr. Richard A. Chamberlain for joining me in announcing this important funding for our community.

I announced $3,539,318 federal earmark for the El Faro Road Flood Mitigation Project in Sullivan City. This will upgrade El Faro Road and the drainage infrastructure, to increase safety for families in areas prone to heavy flooding.

I met with members of UT Health San Antonio for a discussion about how we can expand healthcare research in South Texas. UT Health San Antonio provides opportunities for quality healthcare in our region, and I’m fighting for federal funding that our researchers deserve. Thank you to UT Health San Antonio President William L. Heinrich, M.D. and all the attendees for this important discussion.

I had lunch with Rio Grande City Grulla ISD Superintendent Adolfo Peña Jr, Board President Eduardo "Eddie" Ramirez, and school educators at Casa Adobe. Thank you for all you do for TX-28 students to have a quality education. I’m always fighting for better resources for our South Texas educators and students.

I joined newly-minted Eagle Scouts from Troop 201 in Laredo for their Court of Honor. To become Eagle Scout, one must work through the ranks while living the motto of “Be Prepared”. Eagle Scouts must create, plan, and execute a project that benefits their community before earning this prestigious award.

I met with the Chairman of the City of San Antonio Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Commission, Dwayne Robinson. The MLK march has grown to be the largest civil rights commemorative march in the United States with over 300,000 participants. 

My Laredo Outreach Coordinator, Melissa Peña, attended a meeting with officials from the International Water and Boundary Commission, Premier Engineering, and Zapata County officials to discuss water levels in Falcon Lake. Soon, machinery I helped secure will be brought to Zapata for dredging the lake, allowing for more water to be used for the communities that need it. Falcon Lake is essential to TX-28 and I’m working hard to bring solutions that are smart and sustainable.

Melissa attended the Zapata County Chamber of Commerce Drive Thru Back to School Backpack Giveaway. This event gives each child a backpack with school supplies, ensuring they can start their school year stress-free.

Melissa attended Mr. Jorge Castillo’s 75th birthday party. Happy birthday and I wish you the best!

Melissa attended the Montemayor Family’s Back to School Giveaway at their ranch in Penitas. This event helps our students have the supplies they need to start school effectively.

Melissa attended the City of Laredo Health Department’s Back to School Health Service Event. This event provides medical services, such as physicals and screenings, to the community at no cost.