On Thursday, April 27, I re-introduced H.R. 2946, the Safe Zones Act, which would create asylum processing centers along the United States – Mexico border and Guatemala to stem the flow of migration to our southern border and mitigate the use of human traffickers.  

I have continuously called on the Biden and Trump Administration’s to implement “safe zones”, because I believe this will significantly decrease the number of migrants arriving at our southern border. We have all seen how migrant influxes continue to strain local, state and federal resources.  
I was heartened to hear that the same day that I introduced the Safe Zones Act, the Biden Administration answered my calls for asylum processing centers outside of the United States and announced that they would  be implement this policy. However, we can’t stop there, Congress must pass my legislation to permanently implement regional asylum processing centers within our immigration system. 

 
Find out more about my bill here.

Last week, interns from our Washington, D.C. office had the opportunity to tour the White House! I am so thankful for their hard work and service to the people of the 34th Congressional District of Texas. I can’t wait to see what they do next! 

If you’re coming to D.C. and would like to request a White House or U.S. Capitol tour, fill out my form here. The White House is currently booking three months in advance, so don’t delay! 

I had a busy week meeting with Texans to focus on ways to support and advance our agricultural producers. 

Every 5 years, Congress passes a new “farm bill" to protect and enhance crop insurance, renew the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and support farmers and ranchers after drought or disaster—to name a few. 

Thank you to the Texas Cattle Feeders, Plains Cotton Growers, South Texas Cotton and Grain Association, Rio Grande Valley Sugar Cane Growers, and the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA) for meeting with me this week. It’s important that we work together to advance South Texas’ priorities in this bill and ensure we are supporting those that put food on our tables. 

On Wednesday, April 26, I met and welcomed the new Uzbekistan Ambassador to the United States, Sidikov Furqat Axmedovich. As co-chair of the Congressional Uzbekistan Caucus, I have been working closely with my Congressional colleagues to facilitate better trade and create a close partnership between our two countries. 

On Wednesday, April 26, House Republicans passed H.R. 2811, the Default on America Act,  a dangerous bill that would cut funding for veterans’ healthcare, and leaves thousands without access to Medicare, and more. All parties must come together in good faith to prevent a default and protect the full faith and credit of the U.S. Below is my statement on the vote: 

On Friday, April 28, I announced that entities in the 34th Congressional District of Texas will receive $11,057,999, in Water and Energy Efficiency Grants from the U.S. Department of Interior’s Bureau of Reclamation. These funds are part of the 2023 WaterSMART Grants funded through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which I voted in favor of last Congress. 

I’m excited to see our community and its needs being recognized and met by the federal government with these grants. This funding will support water and drainage updates to prevent flooding and modernize our aging infrastructure. 

Read my press release here.