In the News

HOUSTON — A huge project is getting started in Houston's Greater East End and Fifth Ward that will bring new trails and a new library to the beautiful green space along Buffalo Bayou.

The $310-million investment will impact the often under-served communities on the east side.

"The west has been conquered. It is time to come east and invest and make sure there is equity," Rep. Sylvia Garcia said.

Democratic lawmakers have called on the US justice department to investigate whether Florida and Texas officials broke any federal law when they moved dozens of Venezuelan asylum seekers from Texas to Martha's Vineyard under allegedly false pretenses.

The letter from the congressional representatives Gerry Connolly, Sylvia Garcia, Ted Lieu and dozens of other Democrats followed the emergence of a report in which a 27-year-old Venezuelan said he was paid $200 by a mystery figure known as "Perla" to find people outside the San Antonio migrant center to board a flight.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has taken credit for relocating the migrants and refugees from San Antonio, Texas, and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has applauded the effort.
The letter was sent to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland, according to a press release issued Friday.

Led by Gerry Connolly (D-Va.), Sylvia Garcia (D-Texas), Ted Lieu (D-Calif.), and Mondaire Jones (D-N.Y.), the letter refers to the investigation opened by the Bexar County Sheriff's office, and urges the DOJ to follow suit with a "thorough investigation," with the aim of "deliver[ing] accountability to those that violated the law."

As prepared for delivery:

Director Wyche and members of the NASA family;

President DesRoches and the Rice University community;

Chairwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson; Representative Brian Babin; Representative Shelia Jackson Lee; Representative Al Green; Representative Sylvia Garcia; Representative Lizzie Fletcher; and Mayor Turner;

And Senator John Cornyn; Senator Ted Cruz; and Representative Randy Weber who sent in videos.

IAH's terminal redevelopment program is the largest project in the airport's 53-year-history and is scheduled to be completed in 2024.

Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia says Hobby Airport also received funding through the bipartisan infrastructure bill.

"I represent Hobby and it's great to say I represent a five-star airport," Garcia added with a smile. "I now have a great line for my district, because not only are we five-star, we have money to address the equity issues and access. The upgrades that will be done will help serve the disabled community."

"Today is a day to reflect on how far we have come and to reaffirm our commitment to the exploration of space for the benefit of all," said Kjell Lindgren, who with his Expedition 67 crewmates joined the celebration through a video sent down from the International Space Station. "The Apollo program was an awe-inspiring example of what we are capable of when we commit our talents and resources to a complex goal. We are proud to continue that bold tradition today. "

Congress members Eddie Bernice Johnson, Brian Babin, Al Green, Sylvia Garcia and Lizzie Fletcher, as well as Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, also attended and spoke at the event. Texas Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz delivered recorded remarks by video.

"Homeownership is key to reaching the American dream for the majority of immigrants, first-generation Americans, and minorities across our nation and region," said Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia. "Unfortunately, many Latino and Black families, like the ones in my district, face disproportionate challenges and barriers on their path to homeownership. I welcome all efforts aimed at increasing homeownership in communities that face these challenges."

The members left of zero are on the liberal end of the spectrum and so they are typically Democrats, while the members to the right of zero are on the conservative end and are typically Republicans. The members towards either end of the spectrum are more ideological with their votes.

How well do these ideal points translate to the statements made by these members? I use six statements below based on four ideological members and two more moderate members to convey the differences.

First is a statement from the far left from Sylvia Garcia of Texas: