South Texas is no stranger to floods. The increasing severity and recurrence of inclement weather coupled with the rapid expansion of our region has led to outdated flood maps, posing a high risk to our schools, homes, and businesses. 

On Monday, April 10, I reintroduced H.R. 2568, the Improvement of Mapping, Addresses, Geography, Elevation and Structures (IMAGES) Act of 2023 with U.S. Representative Alex Mooney (WV-02). This bill would create detailed flood maps that individuals as well as governments can utilize to know their flood risk before buying and proactively prepare for a natural disaster. 

Read my press release here. 

It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of Sgt. Fieldy. On Thursday, April 7, our community said its final goodbye to Sgt. Fieldy, a hero who served three tours in Afghanistan.  

Sgt. Fieldy and his handler, Cpl. Caceres, worked in tandem to save American lives by detecting explosive devices and identifying safe pathways for soldiers overseas. Unfortunately, current law does not allow Military Working Dogs to be buried in Veteran cemeteries alongside their brothers and sisters in arms. 

That is why I introduced H.R. 918, the Sgt. Fieldy Act, which would allow Cpl. Caceres and Sgt. Fieldy to lie and rest together for eternity. 

It was great to join the Kingsville Chamber of Commerce and provide a legislative update to our community. 

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Inflation Reduction Act, and CHIPS and Science Act created numerous funding opportunities for South Texas to work on vital projects. 

From updated infrastructure, lower healthcare costs, growing the Texas A&M University – Kingsville (TAMUK) campus, and more, rest assured that I am partnering with local officials to bring these resources home for the people of Kingsville and Kleberg County. 

On Tuesday, April 12, I toured Texas A&M University – Kingsville (TAMUK) and had a great meeting with TAMUK President, Dr. Robert Vela. We discussed university priorities and how we can work together to support students and the surrounding communities in Kleberg County. 

Preparing our students to meet the challenges of the future is how we foster thriving community. 

On Thursday, April 6, I sent a letter to President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. urging him to honor his administration’s promise to replenish the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR). 

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has caused a chain reaction in the world market, driving up the price of crude oil as supply declined while our allies worked to economically weaken Russia and its influence. To relieve prices at the pump, the Biden Administration dipped into the SPR with the promise of restoring supply when the price of crude oil dropped.

 
I am heartened to know that after sending my letter, the Biden Administration announced on Wednesday, April 12, that they plan to refill reserves “soon”. While this news is welcomed, the American people deserve transparency.  

Read the letter here. 

Our Veterans continue to serve even after their time with the military has ended. 

On Tuesday, April 12, I was honored to visit the Ernest L. Anderson American Legion Post 99 in Kingsville to present some of our South Texas Vietnam Veterans with a Vietnam Veteran 50th Anniversary Commemorative Medal to congratulate and recognize their service to our country. 

On Thursday, April 13, I joined community leaders to celebrate the over $2.4 million in Federal funding for the Boys and Girls Club of America-Rio Grande Valley in Fiscal Year (FY) 2023. 

I was proud to secure this Community Project Funding, which will modernize and expand the Boys and Girls Clubs in Weslaco and across the Rio Grande Valley.  

I’m excited to see these investments come to fruition in our community. 

On Friday, April 14, I had the immense honor of joining Brownsville’s Warriors United in Arms to address our Veterans and honor the 28 young men from Brownsville, Texas, who lost their lives in the Vietnam War. 

Although years have passed, their memories will never be forgotten. We will continue to remember and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the security and freedom of our country. 

Thank you for having me and thank you to our South Texas Veterans.