Committees and Caucuses
The House Committee on Financial Services
I am honored to serve on the House Committee on Financial Services. I currently sit on the following subcommittees:
- Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, Ranking Member
- Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance
The role of the Committee is to oversee the entire financial services industry, including the securities, insurance, banking and housing industries. The Committee also oversees the work of the Federal Reserve, the Treasury, the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) and other financial services regulators.
For nearly ten years, I served as president of the Houston Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). In that capacity I worked hard to make sure that every American had equal opportunities. I continue this fight on the House Committee on Financial Services. As long as I am in Congress, I will work to protect programs like the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG), Section 8 housing and to increase funding for fair housing programs.
I will also be a strong advocate to protect consumers from predatory lending practices. Predatory lenders cost homeowners and buyers more than $9 billion per year. That is why we must stop the predatory lending practices that occur in the sub-prime lending industry. One of my top priorities will be to protect the millions of potential homeowners who may become victims of these unethical lending practices.
More than 72,000 Houstonians are employed by 8,000 Houston firms in the finance, insurance, real estate and banking industries. As a Member on the Financial Services Committee, I will continue to participate actively in the growth of our dynamic financial services industry as well as address issues important to Houstonians. I will work to expand access to financial services so that all Americans have the opportunity to realize the American Dream.
The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus
Founded in 1994, the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) is comprised of Members of Congress of Asian or Pacific Islander descent, as well as members who have a strong dedication to promoting the well-being of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community.
I serve as a member of this caucus to promote the interests of the constituents of the Ninth Congressional District of Texas, many of whom are from the AAPI community. I also serve on the Executive Board of CAPAC, and as the CAPAC Housing Taskforce Chair.
The Congressional Black Caucus
Founded in 1971, the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) is committed to producing tangible results in suffering communities through legislation that creates jobs, fosters minority business opportunities, and builds a stronger foundation for the future.
I am one of 46 members that comprise the caucus, which includes Rep. Jim Clyburn, the Assistant Democratic Leader and Ranking Members for seven House Committees.
