Dear john,

Last week, U.S. Congressman Jodey Arrington (R-TX-19) and I introduced the bipartisan I-27 Numbering Act of 2023. This legislation would name the interstate-designated segments of the Texas Ports-to-Plains Corridor as “Interstate Route 27.”

I-27 will grow Texas’ GDP by $17.2 billion and create 178,600 construction jobs. It will also add 17,000 long-term employment opportunities. With this project, Laredo will also become the only port of entry with four interstate corridors: I-35, I-2, I-69, and I-27 – a boon for our trade economy.

As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, I will continue to fund projects in South Texas that bring good-paying jobs and ease quality of life for my constituents.

As always, if you need help with a federal agency, please contact one of my offices:

• Washington D.C.: (202) 225-1640
• Laredo: (956) 725-0639
• San Antonio: (210) 271-2851
• Rio Grande City: (956) 487-5603

I heard testimony from Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas in the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security. Thank you, Secretary Mayorkas, for offering your insight into the crucial role that DHS plays in securing our border, keeping drugs off our streets, and protecting our families. I look forward to continuing to work with you.

I also attended a hearing with Jen Easterly, Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). CISA is in charge of strengthening cybersecurity and infrastructure protection across all levels of government within the United States. I will continue to work with CISA and bolster our nation's cybersecurity.

I heard testimony from David Pekoske, Administrator for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). TSA is responsible for security operations at over 400 airports throughout the United States. I look forward to continue working with Administrator Pekoske and the TSA to esnure safe travel across our contry.

Thank you to the City of San Antonio and the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce for hosting me during the annual SA to DC reception. This year is the 44th SA to DC fly-in, where local leaders and business community members advocate for San Antonio in the nation’s capital. I will continue to be Military City, USA’s voice in Washington.

I met with Texas Rail Advocates (TRA) in my Washington, DC office. Railways play an important role in shipping international freight through Laredo both to and from the United States. Thank you to TRA President Peter J. LeCody and your team for meeting with me. I will continue to advocate for railways in South Texas.

I also met with the National Association of Postal Supervisors (NAPS), Branch 103 (San Antonio) and Branch 288 (Lower Rio Grande Valley), in my Washington, DC office. Thank you to Branch President John Lomba, Mary Barcenez, and Bertha Conway from Branch 103, and Branch President Mario Garcia and Efren Lopez from Branch 288, for visiting!

Thank you to the Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA) for meeting with me. Petroleum production is crucial to economic development and good-paying jobs in South Texas and across the United States. I will continue to be independent petroleum’s voice in Washington.

I met with NeighborWorks Laredo and housing advocates in my Washington, DC office. Thank you to Elizabeth Alonzo-Villarreal, CEO of NeighborWorks Laredo, Michael Shackelford from Alamo Community Group, Rollin Wood from Native Partnership for Housing, and Maurilio Leon from Tenderloin Neighborhood Development Corporation for visiting me. The four organizations help provide affordable housing opportunities for residents of Laredo, San Antonio, New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and California. I look forward to continuing to work with you to expand home ownership in South Texas and across the country.

I also met with Tom Schneberger and Matt Westbrook from USA Rare Earth in my Washington, DC office. Rare earth minerals are important for modern-day technology, including phones and computers. I look forward to working with USA Rare Earth to secure rare earth and critical minerals to continue creating new technology.

I met with VIA Metropolitan Transit during the annual SA to DC fly-in. VIA provides public transportation for the City of San Antonio and Bexar County. Thank you to President & CEO Jeffrey Arndt, Athalie Malone, Kevin Wolff, Jon Gary Herrera, and Louis Cooper for stopping by!

I also met with Port San Antonio in my Washington, DC office. Port San Antonio is an important economic driver and a hub for STEM in San Antonio’s South Side. Thank you for working with me to bring great progress to our shared San Antonio community.

Thank you to Kim Jefferies from Haven for Hope, Nicole Collazo from the San Antonio Housing Trust, and your delegation of San Antonio housing advocates for visiting me in my Washington, DC office. Housing is important to the wellbeing of South Texans. Last year, I secured over $2.1 million for housing upgrades and improvements at four San Antonio public housing communities: Fair Avenue, Linda Lou, Riverside and Highview apartment complexes. I will continue to fight in Congress for expanded housing opportunities and resources.

Thank you to Councilwoman Teri Castillo and San Antonio Digital Connects (SADC) for meeting with me. They were accompanied by Michelle Martinez of M. Martinez Communications – Michelle is a former staffer of mine.

Broadband and internet connectivity are crucial to success in the 21st Century. Last year, I helped pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which created the Affordable Connectivity Program to get more Americans online. I will continue to bridge the digital divide across South Texas.

I also met with the San Antonio River Authority in my Washington, DC office. Last year, I secured over $75,000,000 for the River Authority’s Westside Creeks Ecosystem Restoration Project to restore the Alazan, Apache, Martinez, and San Pedro Creeks. The project will help restore 11 miles of creekways and improve the quality of life for San Antonio residents. I look forward to continuing our work with the San Antonio River Authority.

I hosted Pleasanton Mayor Clint Powell, Pleasanton City Manager Johnny Huizar, and Ernie Gonzalez, Jr., and Ernie F. Gonzalez from EMC Strategy Group, in my Washington, DC office. The City of Pleasanton and I recently announced $2,975,000 in federal funding for the construction of a new Pleasanton Police Department and Municipal Court building. This is just one of the many victories we have brought to the city. Thank you, Mayor Powell, City Manager Huizar, Ernie Gonzalez, Jr., and Ernie F. Gonzalez for your shared commitment to delivering for Pleasanton. I look forward to continuing our work together.

My friend, colleague, and fellow Texan, Congressman Tony Gonzales (TX-23) and I met with the Center for Health Care Services in Washington, DC. Thank you to President & CEO Jelynne LeBlanc Jamison and Vice President of Government Affairs Allison Greer Frances for visiting us. We discussed strengthening mental health and substance use disorder prevention, care, and recovery resources. Last year, Congressman Gonzales and I introduced the Taking Action to Prevent Suicide (TAPS) Act to assess the underlying factors, including mental health, leading to high suicide rates at U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). We remain committed to improving access to mental health services across South Texas.

After introducing the bipartisan I-27 Numbering Act of 2023 with my colleague and fellow Texan, Congressman Jodey Arrington, I hosted Lubbock County Judge Curtis Parrish, Danny Magee from the City of Eagle Pass, and John Osborne, Lauren Garduno, Steve Smith, and Duffy Hinkle of the Ports-to-Plains Alliance to discuss and celebrate this milestone. As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, I will continue to fund projects in South Texas that increase trade, bring good-paying jobs, and ease quality of life for my constituents.

I also met with Pete Arguello, Senior Director of Governmental Relations at UT Health San Antonio, and Joe Donnelly, Assistant Vice President for Corporate Development at Spurs Sports & Entertainment, in my Washington, DC office. Pete is a former staffer of mine. We discussed the Human Performance Optimization (HPO) program, a joint effort between UT Health San Antonio and Spurs Sports & Entertainment to research physical human performance. Thank you both for meeting with me, and I look forward to working with you to continue your important research.

I presented a Certificate of Congressional Recognition to my outgoing intern, Juan Buhigas Palinkasev. Juan interned in my Washington, DC office this Spring. Juan is a student at American University and will be completing his Master’s Degree in International Affairs Policy & Analysis. He is specializing in security and defense studies and plans to leverage his experience to become an intelligence analyst. Thank you, Juan, for your service!

Max Raymond is a Legislative Correspondent in my Washington, DC office. Born and raised in San Antonio, he's a graduate of Texas Tech University. Max interned for me in 2021 and joined my office as a Scheduler following his college education. In his free time, Max enjoys watching basketball, reading, and spending time with friends and family. Thank you for your service, Max! 

My Jim Hogg County Outreach Coordinator, Robert Bazan, attended the dedication ceremony of the new Trooper David Lee Nevarez Memorial Highway. Robert presented the Nevarez family with a U.S. flag - flown over the nation’s Capitol - to honor their sacrifice. Thank you, Trooper Nevarez, for your service!

My Bexar County Outreach Coordinator, Eric Cleveland, attended the grand opening of Restore Hyper Wellness in Live Oak. They offer groundbreaking wellness services designed to help your body optimize sleep, boost athletic recovery, speed healing, and more. Congratulations, and I wish you much success!

My Laredo Outreach Coordinator, Melissa Peña, attended the signing of a new partnership agreement between Laredo College (LC) and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV). The agreement will support seamless transfers from LC to UTRGV. Thank you to both institutions for facilitating access to higher education in South Texas.

My Jim Hogg County Outreach Coordinators, Alexis Gallegos and Robert Bazan, attended the Jim Hogg County Community Health Fair with Border Region Behavioral Health Center. Thank you to the Jim Hogg County public officials, the Jim Hogg County community, and Border Region Behavioral Health Center for prioritizing access to health care in the county.

My San Antonio office attended the Texas Fashion Industry Initiative Gala in support of local fashionistas. Thank you for your commitment to the fashion industry in our area. I will continue to support South Texas businesses.

Eric also attended Service Cuts Barbershop's ribbon cutting in Converse. Congratulations! Thank you to the Mayor of Converse, Al Suarez, and the Converse Chamber of Commerce for their continued commitment to supporting local small businesses.