Congressman Christian Menefee Hosts First-Ever Telephone Town Hall with Hundreds of Houston Constituents

October 14, 2026 Press Release HOUSTON, TX — Yesterday, Congressman Christian D. Menefee (TX-18) hosted his first-ever telephone town hall, connecting with hundreds of constituents across Texas’s 18th Congressional District for an hour-long discussion on the issues affecting Houston families. During the event, Congressman Menefee answered questions directly from constituents on a wide range of topics, including rising costs, healthcare, the war in Iran, environmental protections, and opportunities to work across the aisle with Republicans to address challenges facing the district. He also shared updates on his ongoing work in Congress and throughout the Houston community. "Hearing directly from the folks I represent is the most important part of my job," said Congressman Christian D. Menefee. "Families across Houston are working hard, but their paychecks aren't going as far as they used to. They're worried about paying for groceries, keeping their healthcare, and making sure their communities are safe. These are the concerns I'm hearing every day, and they're exactly what I'm fighting to address in Washington." Affordability was a major focus of the conversation, with one constituent, Tyler, asking what Congressman Menefee was doing to address rising grocery prices as families struggle to stretch their paychecks. In response, Menefee highlighted his support for legislation to raise wages, expand tax credits, and lower everyday expenses, including the Living Wage for All Act, the Paycheck Fairness Act, and legislation to establish a permanent $300 monthly Child Tax Credit. Drawing on his own upbringing, Menefee discussed how programs such as WIC, free and reduced-price school lunches, Pell Grants, and GI Bill benefits helped his family and shaped his commitment to protecting the social safety net. Throughout the town hall, participants also responded to three live survey questions addressing some of the most pressing issues facing the country. An overwhelming 93% of respondents said their groceries, rent, or utility bills have become more expensive, while 90% said they oppose President Trump and Republicans' war in Iran. Additionally, 53% reported that they or someone they love had been affected by Republicans' Medicaid cuts. "These results tell us exactly what families across Houston are worried about," said Congressman Menefee. "People are tired of watching their bills go up while Washington Republicans make life harder for working families. They're worried about losing their healthcare, and they want an end to this war. I'm going to keep taking their concerns directly to Washington and fighting for the relief they deserve." The town hall builds on Congressman Menefee's ongoing efforts to remain accessible and responsive to the residents of Texas's 18th Congressional District. Since taking office, Menefee and his team have closed more than 500 constituent service cases and helped recover over $1 million for constituents navigating federal agencies. Congressman Menefee plans to host additional telephone town halls to continue connecting with constituents, answering questions, and providing updates on his work in Houston and Washington. Constituents can learn more about his work or request assistance with a federal agency by visiting Menefee.House.Gov or calling the main District Office at 713-655-0050. Click HERE to listen to the full town hall. Issues : Congress