After taking office on January 11, Congressman Sylvester Turner is on his way to Washington, D.C., to represent Texas’ historic 18th Congressional District. Before leaving for Washington, D.C., the Congressman gave the Houston Defender an exclusive interview. Turner talked on the political climate in the U.S. House of Representatives and enumerated the problems he intends to focus.
Working with a conservative Congress
In response to the question of whether he could cooperate with the conservative Congress and the recently elected president, Turner stated that he had already encountered similar situations in his political career and had managed to work with President Donald Trump after Hurricane Harvey in Houston in 2017.
Turner stated that the governor, the Texas Senate, and the Texas House were all under Republican control in 2003. The minority was Democrats. We were nevertheless able to advance policies that were best for the districts because I managed to cooperate with them. We will continue to uphold the principles and ideals that the people of the 18th hold dear. I have no problem standing up, opposing, and doing everything in my power to keep those policies from becoming a reality if they raise issues that are completely at odds with what is best for the people in 18th century.
Turner s top priorities during the term
The historic district faces a number of challenges, according to former Congresswoman Erica Lee Carter, daughter of the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, who served out the remainder of her mother’s term in office.
Carter expressed his excitement in Turner’s ability to persevere despite numerous obstacles at the federal level while always prioritizing Texas. You still have to work where there is a chance, and that might be in the areas of environmental pollutants, the cancer cluster, healthcare, which is one of his passions, criminal justice system reform, and many other issues. I am aware that he is determined to deal with those.
Because Republicans have stated that they wish to repeal Obamacare, which he vehemently opposes, Turner said health care is a key priority. He stated that he would focus on expanding Obamacare, bringing down rates to make them accessible, and improving the quality of life for inhabitants of the 18th district, whose life expectancy is shorter than that of other zip codes, in light of his previous health issues.
“Healthcare would be the top priority,” Turner stated. In addition, there are environmental injustice issues arising from the cancer cluster in the Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens region.
Turner said he will meet with the National League of Cities this week in Washington, DC, to discuss infrastructure problems and the lack of affordable housing, particularly high insurance and mortgage rates. He also mentioned that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will give Houston and Harris County a total of $382 million for disaster resilience and Hurricane Beryl recovery.
According to Turner, we require infrastructure because people in marginalized communities—particularly those in the 18th or in locations that are constantly in need and recovering from flooding—need it. People are being forced to leave their neighborhoods or become homeless as a result of the rising cost of housing. In order to provide more affordable homes, I intend to exert every effort at the federal level.
Turner will place a high priority on fostering economic growth, generating well-paying jobs, and assisting business owners.
He stated that in order to help people support themselves and their families, we must collaborate with the Small Business Administration, the private sector, and industry to establish well-paying jobs.
Working with Whitmire
In response to a reported disagreement between himself and current Mayor John Whitmire, Turner brought up Bob Lanier, his previous rival in the mayoral campaign. When Lanier was elected mayor in 1991, Turner was a member of the state legislature.
“I collaborated with him [Lanier],” Turner stated. It all comes down to what’s best for everyone. For the sake of residents of the 18th and Houston as a whole, I’m willing to collaborate with this mayor and his administration. However, it is crucial that the funds be used for the exact goals for which they were intended when we put a lot of effort into bringing resources to the city and to the 18th at the congressional level.
According to Turner, his responsibility is to return federal funds and guarantee their proper use.
Serving his constituents
As he reflected on his time, he stated that he would contribute his own viewpoints while also building on the legacy of Sheila Jackson Lee, Craig Washington, Mickey Leland, and Barbara Jordan. In order to interact with the community, he also stated that he will hold town hall meetings with his constituents.
There isn’t anyone in Texas that I can think of who has served as a lawmaker, mayor, and now a member of Congress, he added. I believe I offer the 18th Congressional District my own distinct viewpoint and experiences.
The Swearing-in Ceremony
Surrounded by family friends, congressional colleagues, and those who had worked alongside him in the legislature and City Council, Turner assumed his new position.
Congressman Al Green, Texas State Senator Molly Cook, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, U.S. Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher, Houston Councilmembers Abbie Kamin, Martha Castex-Tatum, Dr. Carolyn Evans-Shabazz, Tiffany D. Thomas, Chair of the 18th Congressional District Linda Bell Robinson, and Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis were among those in attendance.
Turner’s address gave Houstonians optimism, and you could feel the history in the room, according to Staci Childs, a member of the Texas State Board of Education who represents District Four.
