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Representatives Al Green and Sylvia Garcia Urge Governor Abbott and FEMA to Expand Mobile Coronavirus Testing Sites for Vulnerable Communities in Texas

April 20, 2020

Media Contact: Robert Julien (DC): Email: Robert.julien@mail.house.gov; Cell: 202-227-0330

HOUSTON, TX – Representatives Al Green (TX-09) and Sylvia Garcia (TX-29) led two congressional letters urging Governor Abbott and FEMA to expand mobile coronavirus testing sites for hard-hit communities in Texas. As the state prepares itself for its projected peak in COVID-19 cases, it is important that we are doing everything possible to save lives in communities of color that have been disproportionately affected by the virus. By making mobile testing sites available in vulnerable communities, we will expedite the testing process and help prevent the further spread of this virus in communities that are struggling the most.

"To truly assess the severity of this pandemic across our state, we need more testing. This is why I have joined my colleague Congresswoman Garcia in writing a letter to Governor Abbott and to the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) to request more mobile testing units," said Congressman Al Green. "Vulnerable communities like African Americans, Latinos, and senior citizens have been disproportionately impacted by coronavirus and are dying at alarmingly high rates. They need our protection. Increasing mobile testing units in vulnerable communities would help us to track and mitigate the spread of COVID-19."

"Texas is nowhere near where it needs to be in testing, especially as the state is taking steps to reopen our economy. We have a responsibility to keep our constituents safe and cannot allow for vulnerable communities like African Americans, Latinos, and senior citizens to be left behind in our efforts to fully tackle COVID-19. This is why my colleague Congressman Al Green and I are urging Governor Abbott and FEMA to significantly expand our testing capabilities in Texas. In doing so, we will be able to save lives, reduce the likelihood of additional waves of infection, and responsibly reopen our government in a way that will keep people safe and healthy," said Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia.

Here are the letters to Governor Abbott and FEMA.

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Congresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in November 2018, becoming the first Latina ever to represent the Texas 29th Congressional District. She serves on the House Judiciary and Financial Services Committees.