Democracy: What needs to be done to protect our democracy and restore faith in our institutions?
Texas is sadly one of the hardest states to vote in. As a former voting rights attorney, I have seen firsthand the devastation on the faces of Americans when they are disenfranchised. I’m committed to ensuring that it is easy and safe for all eligible Americans to vote in our elections, which is why I have been a proud cosponsor of the John Lewis Freedom to Vote Act.
Immigration: What policy changes are needed so the U.S. immigration system is both effective and humane?
My mom was raised in Brownsville where I often spent summers visiting my grandmother. I support comprehensive reform that includes securing our border, reforming our asylum process, protecting Dreamers and providing a pathway to earned citizenship and matching our immigration system to the needs of our economy. I am a cosponsor of the bipartisan Dignity Act, and the Bipartisan Border Bill.
Cost of Living: What actions can Congress take to bring down the cost of living for Americans?
I was raised by a single mom and it wasn’t always easy. I know what it is like when costs go up. I was proud to champion legislation to lower health care and energy costs and cap the cost of prescription drugs and insulin for folks on Medicare. We also must cut the cost of child care, work towards universal pre-k and establish nationwide paid family and medical leave.
Reproductive Rights: What should Congress do to protect reproductive rights?
My wife and I were blessed to have two healthy boys in Dallas, and I cannot imagine if the doctor at one of those appointments had said that something was wrong with our baby but there was nothing they could do about it because of Texas’ abortion ban. Among the first pieces of legislation I plan to support is the Women’s Health Protection Act, which will codify Roe v. Wade as the law of the land.
Climate Change: What measures need to be taken at the federal level to address the impacts of climate change?
We can address the climate crisis, lower energy costs and incentivize economic growth simultaneously. We need an all-of-the-above energy approach that keeps costs low, creates jobs and strengthens our grid. For the last hundred years Texas has been an energy leader and I will continue to support responsible oil and gas production as well as our fast-growing wind, solar and hydrogen sectors.