The Texas Tribune’s Washington bureau chief, Abby Livingston, sat down with U.S. Rep. Sylvia Garcia, D-Houston, for a discussion about the federal government’s response to the coronavirus pandemic, the economic impacts facing Texans and Garcia’s thoughts about recent news that could shape the 2020 election cycle.

Here’s a look at some of Garcia’s responses.

What are your thoughts about the recent allegations of sexual misconduct made toward Vice President Joe Biden and her role in the impeachment of President Donald Trump? Does she think that Texas will be in play for the 2020 election?

What economic impacts should Texans expect to face, and how is Congress planning to address the current downturn?

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What does Garcia think about Gov. Greg Abbott’s decision to begin reopening the Texas economy?

What lessons has Congress learned from its response to the coronavirus outbreak?

Garcia is currently serving her first term representing Texas’ 29th Congressional District, becoming the first Latina to represent the district. She sits on the House Judiciary and Financial Services committees. Garcia previously served in the Texas Senate. Before that she also served as director and presiding judge of the Houston Municipal System and was later elected Houston city controller and a Harris County commissioner.

The interview was streamed on the Tribune’s website, Facebook page and Twitter, as well as by our media partners at KXAN and KPRC2 to a live audience of more than 2,800 viewers.

This event is presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, TEXAS 2036 and AT&T. Media support is provided by KXAN and KPRC2.

Tribune events are also supported through contributions from our founding investors and members. Though donors and corporate sponsors underwrite Texas Tribune events, they play no role in determining the content, panelists or line of questioning.

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