The 2023 Congressional Art Competition is officially in the books! We had more than 70 entries - a record high - from more than 16 different high schools in the district! I want to congratulate everyone who competed, with a special shoutout to Sahatya Valadez, from Brownsville’s James Pace Early College High School, who won first place, and whose artwork will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.        

For more information regarding future Congressional Art Competitions, deadlines, rules, and eligibility, please visit my website, Gonzalez.house.gov, or contact my District Office at 956-682-5545. 

On May 21, 2022, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) proposed a rule to require publicly traded companies to disclose their Green House Gas emissions from their operations, known as Scope 3.  

This rule would hamstring small and medium-sized farms, forcing them to focus on paperwork rather than putting food on the table for Texans. To report this data these small and medium farms would be required to purchase costly equipment to track and disclose data and allocate additional resources to disclose business related emission data.  

That is why I was proud to introduce the bipartisan Scope 3 Act with fellow Texan U.S. Representative Ronny Jackson (R-TX-13). Supported by many local organizations, like the Texas Farm Bureau, Texas Cattle Feeders Association, Texas Bankers Association, and the Texas Corn Producers. This legislation would decrease the number of hoops that small to medium-sized, farms, and ranches would be forced to jump through under Scope 3. 

Read my press release here. 

As many of you know, the Texas Department of Public Safety carried out commercial truck inspections at the Veterans International Bridge at Los Tomates and the Free Trade International Bridge at Los Indios from May 2, 2023, to May 7, 2023. The last time this happened, these inspections resulted in hours’ long delays and cost consumers and businesses an estimated $477 million per day. 

I wrote a letter to Governor Abbott demanding answers for the additional and unnecessary inspections. While I am grateful the Governor ceased these inspections, impacted families and businesses deserve to know why our community was targeted. I will continue to fight until we get the answers we deserve.  

Read my full letter to Governor Abbott here. 

This week, I announced that South Texas received more than $25 million dollars in funding, including $13,165,000 for the Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley, $6,219,543 for the City of Brownsville, and $5,705,000 for the City of McAllen to meet ongoing and anticipated needs due to the expiration of Title 42.  

In the last few weeks, I had the opportunity to meet with Secretary Mayorkas, local non-governmental organizations, local government officials from the City of Brownsville, and Rio Grande Valley Sector Chief Patrol Agent Gloria Chavez to discuss preparations for the expiration of the Public Health Emergency and Title 42. I have continued urging the Biden Administration to provide the necessary planning and resources to our border communities to adequately prepare for the anticipated influx of migrants seeking asylum at our southern border. Our immigration system is already stretched thin, and we must enact  smart, common sense immigration reform now.  

You can read my press release about the expiration of Title 42 here and funding South Texas will receive from DHS to manage the increased encounters of migrants at our border here.  

Last week, Brownsville experienced a tremendous tragedy when eight people lost their lives and another 10 were injured. My wife, Lorena, and I are praying for  the victims, their families, and anyone else impacted by this tragedy. This is the time where we as a community need to lean on each other more than ever, and if anyone from my office can be of assistance, please to not hesitate to call us at 956-682-5545 or 202-225-2531. 

On Wednesday, May 3, I had the opportunity to show my friend, colleague, and Ranking Member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Rick Larsen, South Texas. 

It’s no secret that our community is booming and growing by the day. Such growth requires the need for improved infrastructure, including expanding our road and bridges, improving our drainage, and investing in our airports, seaports, and land ports. Too often, South Texas is left behind when it comes to funding for our community. Thankfully, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is delivering  $273 million  to our community. 

First, we stopped at SpaceX, a key site of growth and innovation.  

Then, we toured the Port of Brownsville – a vital artery in our local economy, the supply chain, and trade between the U.S. and Mexico. 

Next, we met with officials at the Veterans International Bridge and Gateway International Bridge who ensure a safe and efficient flow of travel between Mexico and the U.S. 

Lastly, we ended the day at the Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport where we talked about improvements being made to support increased travel coming through our region. 

On Wednesday, May 10, I met with the Texas Land and Title Association to discuss title insurance and how we can create more pathways to accessible homeownership while ensuring robust protections for homebuyers.   

During the pandemic, Congress passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which required Medicaid programs to keep people enrolled during the COVID-19 crisis. Continuous enrollment ended on March 31, 2023 allowing states to redetermine eligibility for Medicaid enrollees. The state of Texas is urging Medicaid recipients to update their information and be on the lookout for renewal notices and information. To learn more about updating your coverage or what this means for you, please visit https://yourtexasbenefits.com/Learn/Home or call 2-1-1  .  

Unsubscribe