On the recordJanuary 10, 2019
I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I was just on the floor, but I could not leave the floor without reminding us that our constituents have names. So I wanted Edith to know how concerned I am about her, and to say that when I spoke about the 20 days and the 20 pennies, all of that is, if you will, things that are static, but a human being who has to deal with life's ups and downs is real. Edith Banda--recently returned from a reservist deployment in the Middle East--is among thousands of people in the Houston area feeling the impact of the government shutdown. Edith has not worked her Federal job in downtown Houston, which is where my congressional office is, since the shutdown 17 days ago. Making matters worse, she and dozens of others in Houston are unable to seek private sector work, because such jobs require permission, and the people who process these requests have been furloughed; just like some are trying to get unemployment, and some of the documentation they need are with people who are furloughed. Edith has been selling her personal possessions to make ends meet, but she said another couple of weeks of no work would be crushing. Now, I know our Speaker has indicated that we are working very hard here to get access to credit through credit unions and no-interest loans. We have letters that they can send. I want to personally say that my office is open. 713-655-0050 is my local office.…
