The COVID-19 pandemic has affected each of us and while I know we can finally feel hopeful because of the advancement of a vaccine, it is critically important that we continue to do everything possible to keep ourselves and each other safe until the vaccine has been widely distributed, which will take another few months. In the meantime, I’m working to ensure El Pasoans have the resources needed to survive. I continue to work for resources for families, schools, food banks, hospitals, clinics, businesses, and so many others so that we aren’t picking winners and losers in a COVID relief package.  

Millions across the country are without a job, a paycheck, or any relief. Families are worried about community banks running out of food, eviction notices, and keeping their children safe. My office has been flooded with messages from El Pasoans who are desperate for assistance in the form of stimulus checks. 

Over 50 of my Democratic colleagues and I led a letter to House and Senate leaders urging them to include relief checks in the next COVID-19 stimulus package. The pandemic is only worsening existing systemic inequalities in our society, with low-wage earners, women, and Black and Latino communities disproportionately suffering from the human and economic toll of the virus. We must help those in need and I will continue working with my colleagues to ensure stimulus checks are included in the next relief package.

In addition to my work on getting you the relief you need; I’ve also worked on other issues in D.C. that I’d like to make you aware of. 

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021

This week, I voted for H.R. 6395, the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2021. This bipartisan bill authorizes $741 billion in discretionary spending for our national defense for FY 2021, including approximately $69 billion for Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO). This critical legislation supports our brave servicemembers, honors El Paso’s values, strengthens our security, and advances America’s leadership in the world.

The FY21 NDAA is a strong bipartisan bill that honors our promise to our brave men and women in uniform in El Paso and across the globe and advances a smart national defense strategy.

As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I am immensely proud of the House of Representatives for approving – with a veto-proof majority – a robust defense bill that confronts our nation’s history, fosters diversity, responds to the COVID-19 pandemic, and answers women, families, and Vietnam veterans’ calls for action. Yesterday, the Senate passed this legislation, and I hope the President signs the FY21 NDAA into law immediately.

The FY21 NDAA bolsters the quality of life for our brave servicemembers and their families, improves military housing, protects and uplifts women and their families, supports UTEP and other research institutions, expands advanced manufacturing in El Paso, and more.

Click here to learn more about some of the key provisions included in the FY21 NDAA.

The Servicemembers and Veterans Initiative Act of 2020

Congresswoman Escobar delivers floor speech in support of H.R. 8354

This week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed by a vote of 400-1 my bipartisan legislation to protect servicemembers, veterans, and their families. H.R. 8354, the Servicemembers and Veterans Initiative Act of 2020, would permanently establish the Servicemembers and Veterans Initiative within the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Our servicemembers and veterans have served our country and defended the freedoms we enjoy each day, and we must do everything to protect them. With the passage of the bipartisan Servicemembers and Veterans Initiative Act, we are a step closer to enabling the Department of Justice to coordinate with the Department of Defense to shield these courageous men and women from abuses such as fraud, predatory lending, and other fraudulent schemes. I urge the Senate to stand with us in our effort to protect servicemembers, veterans, and their families and pass this legislation as soon as possible.

Ahead of the bill’s passage, I delivered remarks in support of the legislation and presided over debate. Click here to watch the full video.

Water Resources Development Act of 2020

The House of Representatives passed the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act of 2020 (WRDA). WRDA authorizes an additional $50 million for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and El Paso County to improve stormwater systems, reduce flood damages, and overhaul other aspects of our region’s water infrastructure. 

El Paso is a vibrant community with unique water infrastructure needs and El Paso Water has played a critical role in maintaining and improving our infrastructure to provide a sustainable water supply and reduce our city’s flood risk. WRDA is essential to El Pasoans' everyday lives and I am proud to have fought to secure this much-needed funding for critical rehabilitation projects in our region.

Fighting for Justice for SPC Vanessa Guillén

Congresswoman Escobar delivers remarks about Ft. Hood

The murder of Specialist Vanessa Guillén and the movement it sparked has forced our military to take a long, hard look at the policies and culture that have enabled sexual harassment and assault. On Tuesday, the Fort Hood Independent Review Committee (IRC) confirmed that the federal government and the military have failed our servicemembers.

From sexual harassment and assault response to the missing soldier policy, a dramatic change of culture is needed – we owe it to our men and women in uniform and their families. On Wednesday, I joined my colleagues in the House Armed Services Committee Subcommittee on Military Personnel and held a hearing on the findings and recommendations of the Fort Hood IRC and a path forward. Click here to view my remarks.

I’m pleased the U.S. Army has committed to implementing the IRC’s recommendations and will examine ways to apply the painful lessons learned across the Army. I urge the Department of Defense to follow suit.

Testing and Additional Resources

The fight against COVID-19 is far from over, and this is not the time to let our guard down. We have to do our part and stay home unless we absolutely need to leave for an essential activity. We all have a role to play in slowing the spread and protecting ourselves, our family, and our community. 

New information about COVID-19 is coming out daily, please visit my resource page on my website for the latest updates, recommendations from the CDC, and a Frequently Asked Questions section to know the latest. Additionally, visit the sites below to stay up to date.

The CDC provides updates on the virus and safety information for the public and healthcare professionals, as well as Frequently Asked Questions available here. 

The City of El Paso has a hotline for residents to call for more information regarding COVID-19. The number is 915-21-COVID, or 915-212-6843.

If you need to get tested because you believe you’ve been exposed to COVID-19 or are experiencing symptoms, please get tested. The City of El Paso also offers mobile testing centers throughout the city that are now open and are free of charge for any symptomatic or asymptomatic person. So, whether you are exhibiting symptoms or not, you can get tested! For more information on locations and operating hours, please click here. 

The Texas Department of State Health Services provides updates on the disease's spread within the state.

The safety and well-being of you and your loved ones is of the utmost importance. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my office via email at Veronica.Escobar@mail.house.gov or by phone at 915-541-1400.

Sincerely,

Veronica Escobar
Member of Congress