VELA, Filemon, a Representative from Texas; born in Harlingen, Cameron County, Tex., February 13, 1963; graduated from St. Joseph’s Academy, Brownsville, Tex.; B.A., Georgetown University, Washington, D.C., 1985; J.D., University of Texas, Austin, Tex., 1987; civil attorney; elected as a Democrat to the One Hundred Thirteenth Congress (January 3, 2013-present).