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Dear Mr. xxxxxx,
As I begin another busy week in Texas, I wanted to pass along my latest update on what I have been doing to fight for you, Texas’ 21st Congressional district, and our country as a whole:
Putting Americans back in charge of their healthcare:
On Wednesday, I introduced the Healthcare Freedom Act of 2022 (HR 9160) to put Americans back in charge of their own healthcare.
This bill would create “Health Freedom Accounts” modeled after the current Health Savings Account (HSA). But, unlike restricted HSAs, my bill would allow anyone to hold a Health Freedom Account, and allow tax-free withdrawals for insurance, direct primary care, healthcare sharing options and medications. Importantly, my bill would also equalize the employer-employee tax structure for healthcare by allowing everyone to contribute to HFAs tax-free.
This bill is a crucial step to disrupting our broken healthcare system, restoring free market practices, lowering costs, and giving Americans access to the high quality of care they deserve.
You can read the full text of my bill by clicking here.
Demanding accountability for the FBI:
Last week, my good friend Utah Senator Mike Lee and I, along with 38 of our colleagues, demanded a briefing from the FBI on its use of the FACE Act to target Americans for their beliefs.
Congressional scrutiny of the FBI’s use of the FACE Act is needed to ensure the FBI is applying it as Congress intended and, if not, determine whether the FBI can continue to be trusted with this authority.
You can read my full letter to the FBI by clicking here.
Investigating unconstitutional racism in federal spending:
On Thursday, Reps. Mary Miller, Bob Good, and I demanded the Department of Education investigate universities that used unconstitutional race and sex diversity quotas when nominating students for Google’s PhD fellowship.
As these universities receive federal funding, we called on the Department of Education to investigate their actions and hold them accountable for any discriminatory conduct. The American people deserve answers and transparency, and every gifted STEM student at a taxpayer-funded university deserves a level playing field.
You can read our full letter to the Department of Education by clicking here.
Visiting Tivy High School:
On Thursday, I stopped by Tivy High School in Kerrville to meet with senior government and ROTC classes to discuss life in Congress, current issues, and our nation's founding principles.
Thank you to Principal Balser and the Tivy HS Staff for hosting me and my team!
Here are some news stories about what I’ve been up to lately:
Want to help serve the 21st District?
Students and young adults interested in learning more about how Congress works and serving the constituents of the 21st Congressional district are invited to apply for a congressional internship with my San Antonio district office.
Interns will benefit from a behind-the-scenes look into Congress and gain valuable experience in public service while assisting fellow Texans with federal agencies and supporting staffers. Stipends are available on a case-by-case basis.
You can find more information on interning with my office by clicking here.
Medicare Open Enrollment
Medicare Open Enrollment runs from October 15 to December 7, 2022. During this time, people eligible for Medicare can compare 2023 coverage options on Medicare.gov. You can use the Medicare Plan Finder to compare options for health and drug coverage, which may change from year to year.
Create your own app!
Rep. Roy is happy to announce that the district-wide Congressional App Challenge is now open to middle school and high school students! This challenge encourages students interested in computer science careers to develop coding skills by creating a unique app. Find out more here.
Passport resources
The State Department is encouraging passport applications and renewals during the off-peak travel season in fall or winter because demand is lower and processing is faster. Please remember to check your passport expiration date and keep in mind some countries require your passport to be valid for six months after your visit. You can find information on how to apply or renew your passport here.
VA website portal
The VA has launched the Visitor Engagement Reporting Application (VERA), a self-service portal which allows visitors to schedule, reschedule, and cancel in-person or virtual appointments with a Veterans Benefits Admin representative. You can visit the portal by clicking here.
USDA Wildfire and Drought Resources
The US Department of Agriculture offers several resources available to farmers and ranchers impacted by the recent wildfires and drought in Texas. We encourage you to take advantage of this federal assistance if eligible.
Resources for wildfire and drought recovery and risk management are available here and here, respectively.
Texas Travel Industry Recovery Grant Program
Governor Greg Abbott recently announced the opening of the Texas Travel Industry Recovery Grant Program. This program will provide grants to Texas businesses that have been negatively impacted during the COVID-1andemic, including the travel, tourism, and hospitality industry. For more information, please click here.
Baby Formula Resources
The Department of Health and Human Services has compiled resources for parents struggling amidst the ongoing baby formula shortage:
- A resource page on where to find formula in your community here.
- A social media kit in English, Spanish, Vietnamese and Haitian Creole here.
- A public service announcement from the First Lady and U.S. Surgeon General here.
If you have any concerns that my office can help out with, please don’t hesitate to call or email through the “email me” portal on my website. If you feel so inclined, you can also just send an old-fashioned letter to my Washington or district offices.
If your friends, relatives, or neighbors would also like to sign up for these weekly updates, they can do so by sending my office a quick email or simply by signing up here. For more up-to-the-minute updates, you can follow my press team on Facebook and Twitter.
Sincerely,
Chip Roy
Member of Congress
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