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Para leer en español, haz clic aquí. Dear [firstname],
I hope this email finds you and your family safe and healthy. I want to share some updates on what I have been working on this week in Congress. |
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Hispanic Heritage Month |
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Happy Hispanic Heritage Month, El Paso! This month is dedicated to people across our country to come together and celebrate the incredible contributions and voices of Latinos who enrich our American culture and society. Unfortunately, this month of celebration and pride comes at a time when Latinos are being disproportionately affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. While the pandemic is impacting everyone across the country, the data tells us that Latinos are most at risk. This is a result of two main factors: the first is that a significant number of Latinos are essential workers, the second is because Latinos have less access to health insurance and healthcare. It is, unfortunately, is no surprise that Latinos are three times as likely to become infected with COVID-19 and nearly twice as likely to die from the virus than any other group. This month and every month, let us celebrate our culture, contributions, and resilience of our Latino communities in El Paso and address the structural economic and health inequities magnified by this pandemic. |
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2020 Election: What You Need to Know to Vote |
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The November election is right around the corner and I want to ensure El Pasoans have the information and resources they need to vote as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. On September 12, 2020, I hosted a conversation with El Paso County Elections Administrator, Lisa Wise, themed “2020 Election: What You Need to Know to Vote.” During this conversation, Lisa Wise debunked myths and discussed important information like vote by mail, early voting, drop-boxes, deadlines, election protocols, and more. Unfortunately, we had technical difficulties and we were unable to go live on Facebook during the event. Please take a moment to watch this important conversation here. If you have any questions about casting your vote this November, please visit the El Paso County Elections Department website. |
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Legislative Package to Expand Veterans' Mental Health Coverage and Improve Veterans’ Experiences in Obtaining Health Care |
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On Wednesday, I introduced two bills to improve veterans' quality of care from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and center veterans' experiences in federal policymaking. We lose thousands of brave veterans to suicide every year, and a majority of those are not accessing health care through the VA. The Honor Our Commitment Act would require the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs to provide mental health care to veterans who received Other-than-Honorable (OTH) discharges, commonly referred to as "Bad Paper" discharges. This critical legislation will ensure that no veteran is left behind because they can’t cut through red tape and access the services and resources they need and deserve. We have a duty and responsibility to provide care to our servicemembers and veterans, and we must guarantee the care they receive is adequate and comprehensive. I have heard from far too many servicemembers and veterans who have issues receiving benefits and care. The Ask Veterans Act would require the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to contract an experienced, outside organization to conduct annual surveys of veterans' experiences obtaining care at specific VA locations. To gain insight into veterans’ experiences in our VA’s and ensure transparency, we need to listen and take cues from our veterans directly. Both of these bills were previously introduced by my predecessor, former Congressman Beto O’Rourke. I’m grateful to him for all the work he did on veterans’ issues and I intend to continue to be a strong advocate for our veterans. |
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The I Am Vanessa Guillén Act |
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The unspeakable tragedy of Specialist Vanessa Guillén’s murder has shed new light and revealed to the American public the epidemic of unchecked sexual harassment and assault that too many service members have suffered. My colleagues and I introduced the I am Vanessa Guillén Act in honor of Specialist Vanessa Guillén and the many survivors of military sexual violence who have bravely come forward in the wake of her disappearance and brutal murder. You can watch my remarks here.
Specialist Guillén – and all servicemembers – deserve respect and justice, and it’s our obligation to protect those who bravely put their lives on the line for our country. We can’t continue the same approaches that have failed victims. |
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The Strength in Diversity Act |
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The House of Representatives passed an amendment I offered to H.R. 2639, the Strength in Diversity Act, a bill to support local communities in their efforts to desegregate public schools. The bill provides funding and expertise to support school districts that voluntarily develop, implement, or expand school diversity initiatives. While it’s hard to believe, our schools are still deeply segregated, even decades after the passage of Civil Rights legislation intended to offer all our children equal opportunities. My amendment requires applying entities to provide information to the Department of Education regarding how the grant funds will be used to directly support student diversity. Schools across our nation with predominantly children of color receive billions of dollars less every year. Our children deserve to have access to equal resources and opportunities, regardless of their race and socioeconomic status. We have taken a step forward to desegregate our public schools and strengthen our education system in El Paso and across our country. |
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Disturbing Allegations of Mass Hysterectomies |
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As you may know, a licensed professional came forward and reported high rates of hysterectomies on immigrant women, including claims that the procedures were performed without consent. In response, my colleagues Representatives Espaillat and Ruiz and I co-led a letter to the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Inspector General Joseph V. Cuffari to call for an immediate investigation into the allegations. These shocking allegations described by a medical professional, if true, shed light on a new kind of horror at the hands of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The accusations of a high rate of forced hysterectomies and reported medical neglect represent unconscionable inhumanity and are atrocities none of us ever thought would be possible in America in modern times. The DHS and ICE must provide Congress all information related to this complaint and immediately start a comprehensive and transparent investigation. If these allegations are affirmed, this is an incredible violation of human rights and there must be accountability for these crimes against humanity. I will continue to work to ensure all migrants are treated with dignity and respect. |
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Testing and Additional Resources |
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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. Because 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. 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,
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