Houston 2026: A Federal Plan for a Stronger, Healthier Future

Hands Off Medicare and Medicaid: End the assault on affordable healthcare, especially for those most in need. Democrats need a fighter in Congress to stop the Trump and MAGA assault on Medicare and Medicaid. Wipe Out Medical Debt: Far too many Houstonians are carrying unsustainable and completely unexpected medical debt. The Federal Government has the leverage and resources to buy much of this debt for pennies on the dollar and can deliver much needed relief to families that cannot pull themselves up while being weighed down by medical debt. Healthcare for All: Among large US cities, Houston has the highest uninsured rate in the nation, hundreds of thousands more are underinsured. A public option provides every American another choice for stability in coverage, lower costs, and affordable quality care. Create a Chronic Care Cap: Address the financial devastation stemming from chronic health care needs by passing legislation that caps health care for chronic conditions based on a percentage of patients income. Ease the Burden on Disabled Americans: The current disability benefits system is slow, burdensome, and unfair—forcing people through years of red tape just to access basic support. It’s time to streamline the process, eliminate waiting periods, and remove income cliffs that punish part-time work. Disability looks different for everyone. The system should reflect that—with speed, compassion, and common sense. Invest in Community Health Clinics: Increase investment in community health clinics in underserved neighborhoods in Houston, such as Third Ward and East End. It is imperative to ensure access to primary care for populations with the highest uninsured rates and limited healthcare resources. Increase Home Health Options: Expand Medicaid to include home health care so seniors can stay in their home as they age. Expand Prescription Drug Coverage: Reduce prescription drug costs under Medicare Advantage, especially for seniors and individuals with chronic conditions in Houston who rely on expensive medications to manage their health. Universal Cap On Insulin Prices: Pass legislation to cap insulin prices for all individuals with diabetes in Houston, ensuring it remains affordable, regardless of income, no expectations or loopholes. Model this legislation on the Affordable Insulin Now Act, which caps insulin prices at $35 per month for those eligible under Medicare.

No Cuts to Social Security, Medicaid, & Medicare: Advocate for legislation to protect Social Security, Medicaid, and Medicare from the hands of Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and their DOGE cronies, ensuring these essential programs remain secure for every Houstonian. Make Medicare Do More: Increase funding for Medicare Advantage plans in Houston to expand coverage, especially for vision, dental, and mental health care services. This will ensure that seniors and those with disabilities in Houston have access to the care they need for healthy aging. Retirement Security & Pension Protection: Ensure public pension funds remain solvent, secure, and protected from any attempts to strip benefits workers have paid into. Fix Social Security For The Future: The current payroll tax for Social Security is regressive and leaves the program vulnerable to unfair attacks by Donald Trump and MAGA. Applying the Social Security payroll tax to incomes over $400,000 would level the playing field and fortify the program for the long-term.

Build Better Houston VA Facilities: Advocate for increased federal funding to support the expansion and modernization of Houston’s VA facilities, ensuring that veterans have access to timely, high-quality healthcare and services tailored to their unique needs. Improve Mental Health Services for Veterans: Strengthen mental health care programs at VA hospitals in Houston to address the rising demand for services, including counseling, therapy, and support for veterans coping with PTSD, depression, and anxiety. End Veteran Homelessness This Decade: Increase funding for housing programs aimed at preventing homelessness among veterans in Houston, providing access to safe, affordable housing for those who have served our country. Get Vets Jobs: Secure additional resources to help veterans transition to civilian careers by expanding job training programs, creating job fairs, and connecting veterans to local businesses offering stable, well-paying jobs. Enhance Support for Disabled Veterans: Advocate for greater support for disabled veterans in Houston, ensuring they have access to the resources they need, including vocational rehabilitation, financial assistance, and adaptive technologies for greater independence. Make It Easier For Vets To Get Help: Ensure Houston veterans have access to dedicated support services that guide them through the process of obtaining the full benefits they’ve earned, from healthcare and education benefits to disability claims and pensions. Reduce Barriers to Benefits: Veterans receiving disability benefits face unnecessary barriers when accessing SSDI—like long wait times, redundant reviews, and income limits that punish part-time work. Strengthening Social Security means fixing the system for everyone, including those who’ve already sacrificed the most.

Support the PRO Act: Pass the PRO Act to protect workers’ rights to organize and collectively bargain, ensuring Houston workers have the power to fight for fair wages, safe working conditions, and better benefits. This protection must extend to gig workers and independent contractors—folks who do essential work but are often shut out of basic labor rights. From rideshare drivers to delivery workers, every worker deserves a voice on the job and a fair shot at economic security. Raise the Federal Minimum Wage: Fight for a federal minimum wage increase to $15 per hour, and ensure that future increases are tied to inflation, so that all workers in Houston, regardless of their industry, can earn a living wage and keep up with rising costs. Advocate for Paid Leave: Push for national policies that guarantee paid family, medical, and sick leave for all Houston workers, recognizing the importance of supporting families and health without risking their financial security. Expand Access to Affordable Childcare: Advocate for affordable childcare options for working families in Houston, helping parents stay in the workforce and providing quality care to ensure children’s development while parents support their families.

Protect Title I Funding: Instead of gutting the Department of Education, we should be increasing Title I funding and expanding federal support for low-income schools to ensure equity in education. Fund Free School Meal Programs: Hunger puts far too many at a disadvantage from day one in schools, we must take steps to ensure every student has access to healthy meals while learning. Support Students with Learning Disabilities: Protect and advocate for increased funding and resources to support students with special needs and ensure their success. This includes dedicated investments in training programs for teachers and paraprofessionals, equipping them with the tools, knowledge, and support needed to provide high-quality, inclusive education. Every student deserves a learning environment that meets their needs—and every educator deserves the preparation to deliver it. Eliminate Tuition for Trade Schools and Community Colleges: Advocate for the elimination of tuition for community colleges and trade schools in Houston, making education and skills training more accessible to all residents, especially those from low-income communities. Financial Aid Reform: End predatory lending practices and make college more affordable through systemic financial aid reform. This includes abolishing the outdated 15-week requirement for Pell Grant eligibility, so students pursuing short-term, high-demand training programs—like Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification—can access the financial support they need. No one should be locked out of opportunity simply because their career path doesn’t fit a traditional academic timeline. Increase Access to Professional Certifications & Workforce Development: Invest in expanding workforce development programs and certification opportunities for Houston high school graduates, focusing on fields like healthcare, technology, and skilled trades to meet the needs of the local economy. Connect Employers with Job Seekers: Organize regular job fairs in Houston, collaborating with local employers, educational institutions, and workforce development agencies to connect job seekers with high-quality, stable, and good-paying job opportunities in Houston’s thriving sectors.

Houston’s Energy Strength, Reimagined for All: As the energy capital of the world, Houston is uniquely positioned to lead the next generation of global energy innovation. That leadership must center on creating good-paying, union-friendly jobs that support families and strengthen our local economy. Federal investments in infrastructure, clean tech manufacturing, and climate resilience must prioritize local hiring, workforce development, and job pipelines—especially in communities that have historically been left out. By combining Houston’s energy expertise with bold investment in its workers, we can build a future that’s both sustainable and economically strong. Support Investments in Clean Energy: Maintain Houston’s role as a leader in energy innovation by advocating for significant federal investments in renewable energy sources, carbon capture technologies, energy-efficient buildings, and electric vehicle infrastructure to reduce emissions and create sustainable energy solutions for Houston’s future. Diversify Houston’s Energy Industry: Focus on diversifying Houston’s energy industry, creating good-paying green energy jobs while providing opportunities for workers from traditional energy sectors to receive training and opportunities as the workforce adapts to modern energy energy demands. Engage Youth in Climate Action: Empower young people in Houston by creating job training programs, internships, and leadership opportunities in the green energy sector, equipping them to contribute to the city’s transition to sustainable energy while fostering leadership in the fight against climate change. Address Environmental Pollution: Hold companies accountable for polluting Houston’s neighborhoods, especially in vulnerable communities like the East End and Fifth Ward, by ensuring enforcement of environmental regulations and pursuing actions to clean up toxic sites like cancer clusters. Infrastructure Modernization Grants: Secure federal funding to upgrade and modernize Houston’s infrastructure, including water treatment facilities, aging pipelines, and flood control systems. This will improve resilience to climate impacts and ensure that all residents have access to safe, clean water. Lead Pipe Replacement Initiative: Launch a citywide initiative in Houston to replace all lead pipes in older neighborhoods, ensuring that all residents, especially children, have access to clean, safe drinking water, and protecting public health across the city. Emergency Response Funding: Establish a federal emergency fund to support rapid responses to water contamination crises, ensuring Houston and other affected communities can quickly access resources for water testing, cleanup, and public health protection. Regulatory Strengthening: Strengthen the oversight and enforcement powers of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ensure that Houston’s water sources are safe, and pollution is met with swift and effective penalties, keeping residents safe from environmental harm. Improve Flood Control Systems: Secure federal funding to upgrade Houston's flood control infrastructure, including levees, reservoirs, and drainage systems, to protect communities from severe flooding and reduce property damage. Strengthen Flood Resilience: Advocate for the development of flood-resilient buildings and neighborhoods, ensuring that new construction and retrofitting efforts prioritize flood prevention and water management systems. Enhance Early Warning Systems: Increase funding for flood prediction and early warning systems to help residents prepare for impending floods and reduce the loss of life and property.

Support the Equality Act: Advocate for comprehensive federal protections to ensure LGBTQ+ individuals are guaranteed full legal rights in employment, housing, and public accommodations. Protect LGBTQ+ Youth: Fight for the creation of a Youth Bill of Rights to ensure LGBTQ+ youth have access to affirming mental health care, inclusive schools, and safe environments. Uphold Dignity and Respect: Stand firmly against discriminatory legislation and harmful rhetoric targeting LGBTQ+ communities. Ensure every individual is treated with dignity, respect, and full equality under the law—free from discrimination, persecution, or political scapegoating. Rights, safety, and humanity are non-negotiable. Support Houston’s LGBTQ+ Community Centers: Advocate for increased funding and support for local LGBTQ+ community centers and organizations, such as the Montrose Center, to provide mental health services, outreach programs, and resources for the community.

Stand Up to the Trump Administrations Violation of the Law and Basic Human Rights: The Trump administration has flouted the law of due process and defied the judiciary in their reckless pursuit of deporting undocumented individuals and even individuals legally in the United States. No matter one’s stance on the issue of legal immigration, the dehumanization, disregard for law, and calculated, large-scale raids of human ‘round ups’ used by the Trump administration echo the darkest periods of our history, ones that should never be repeated. Create a Pathway to Citizenship for Undocumented Individuals: Advocate for a clear, permanent pathway to citizenship for undocumented individuals, including DREAMers, who have been contributing to Houston's economy and community for years. Ensure that they are treated with dignity and given the opportunity to fully integrate into society. Increase Funding for Immigration Courts: Push for dramatically increasing funding for immigration courts in Houston to address the backlog and ensure swift, fair hearings for those seeking asylum, citizenship, or legal status. This will help reduce wait times and give individuals in Houston a timely opportunity to receive due process. Modernize the Green Card Process: Advocate for the modernization of the green card process, especially for mixed-status families in Houston, who often face lengthy delays and unnecessary uncertainty. Streamline the process so families can achieve stability and security, allowing them to contribute fully to their community. Support Immigrant Workers & Business Owners: Support immigrant workers and small business owners in Houston by ensuring they have access to legal protections and opportunities. This includes expanding programs to help immigrant entrepreneurs start and grow businesses in Houston, a city known for its diverse workforce and entrepreneurial spirit. Support Community Programs for New Houstonians: Secure funding for community programs that provide legal services, English classes, and essential resources to help new residents thrive and succeed in Houston.

Restore Voting Rights Protections: Advocate for the passage of the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act to restore crucial protections and ensure that every Houstonian can exercise their right to vote without discrimination or unnecessary barriers. Fight Against Voter Suppression: Stand against voter suppression tactics, such as the closing of polling places, restrictions on mail-in voting, and other measures aimed at disenfranchising Houston residents. Push for policies that ensure everyone in Houston, regardless of background, has easy and equal access to the polls. Increase Access to Voting: Focus on expanding voter access, particularly for young people, students at the University of Houston and other local schools, and historically disenfranchised groups in Houston. Support measures like expanded early voting hours and more accessible polling locations to ensure that every voice is heard.

Fight for the Right to Abortion & Contraception: Pass a national law guaranteeing the right to abortion care and access to contraception, ensuring every individual has full control over their reproductive health decisions. In response to ongoing attacks in the courts, codify access to mifepristone, a safe and FDA-approved medication used in the majority of abortions, so that extremists cannot use the legal system to strip away essential healthcare. Reproductive freedom must be protected by law, not left up to the whims of judges or politicians. Join the Black Maternal Health Caucus: Join the Black Maternal Health Caucus to tackle the public health crisis facing Black women and children in Houston. Push for policies that address high maternal mortality rates in underserved communities and ensure that every mother and child has access to quality care. Increase Federal Funding for Rape Kit Backlogs: Advocate for increased federal funding to help clear rape kit backlogs at the Houston Police Department and ensure survivors of sexual assault receive the justice and support they deserve. Provide funding to local organizations that offer critical services to survivors. Push for a Congressional Commission on Campus Sexual Assault: Fight for the creation of a congressional commission to study and address campus sexual assault, with a focus on Houston universities like the University of Houston, ensuring that campuses are better equipped to prevent and respond to sexual violence.

Advocate for a AR-15 Purchasing Ban & Universal Background Checks: Fight for a purchasing ban on assault-style weapons and the implementation of universal background checks to prevent dangerous individuals from accessing firearms in Houston. Support local efforts to reduce gun violence and increase public safety. Combat Trafficking of Stolen Firearms: Collaborate with Houston Police and federal agencies like the ATF to address the trafficking of stolen firearms, targeting gun violence and ensuring that dangerous weapons are not making their way into our communities. Support the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act: Advocate for the passage of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act to ensure law enforcement accountability in Houston, including measures to prevent misconduct, and provide funding for mental health services for police officers to improve community interactions and public safety.

Expand Access to Mental Health Services in Schools: Advocate for increased funding to expand mental health services in Houston high schools and on college campuses, ensuring students have access to counselors, therapists, and mental health resources to address the rising levels of anxiety and depression. Support Mental Health Initiatives: Partner with local universities to develop and implement campus-specific programs that focus on mental well-being, offering support services such as peer counseling and stress management workshops to help students succeed academically and emotionally. Expand Access to Community-Based Support: Work with local mental health organizations in Houston to provide outreach programs and community-based support, ensuring that students from underserved neighborhoods have access to the mental health care they need to thrive both in and out of school.

Create a Youth Advisory Council in Houston: Establish a Youth Advisory Council made up of high school and college students from Houston to give them a direct voice in shaping local and national policies. This council will focus on issues like education, employment, and mental health, ensuring young people have a say in decisions that affect their futures. Advocate for a Youth Bill of Rights: Push for the creation of a Youth Bill of Rights to protect the fundamental freedoms of young people in Houston, including access to education, employment opportunities, and protection from discrimination. This initiative will ensure that every young person is guaranteed the rights and support they need to succeed. Establish an Office of Young Americans in Houston: Support the establishment of a local Office of Young Americans in Houston, dedicated to engaging and empowering youth in decision-making processes. This office will focus on providing resources, mentorship, and leadership training to help young people actively participate in local governance and policy development.