It's been another busy week in Washington and TX-23. I am proud to serve our district in Congress. Each day, I work to address your concerns and protect our liberties. From helping you navigate federal casework to addressing your concerns, my team and I are always here to help. Please read below for some updates on my recent work representing you in Washington, D.C. and back home in TX-23.

“Representing more than 40 percent of our southern border, I know firsthand the struggles that border communities, Border Patrol Agents, and law enforcement officers face each and every day. H.R. 2, The Secure the Border Act, is a step in the right direction, and I am proud to have negotiated several key provisions that were included in this legislation. These measures increase funding for Border Sheriffs and police officers on the frontlines, provide CBP with additional manpower, improve pay for our men and women in green, and streamline the deployment of anti-smuggling technology. H.R. 2 also cracks down on false asylum claims while preserving the right for people fleeing legitimate persecution to have their day in court. For this reason, I voted YES on final passage.”

Recently, I met with Armed Services YMCA CEO, and Retired Navy Admiral, William D. French. I was pleased to hear about the important work that the ASYMCA is doing to improve quality of life for military families. TX-23 is home to key installations such as JBSA, Fort Bliss, and Laughlin AFB. It is absolutely essential that servicemembers and their loved ones have access to youth development options and health initiatives.

It was a pleasure having the management team from the City of Pearsall in D.C. last week. We discussed key infrastructure projects for the greater community. I look forward to continuing my work in Congress to help secure funding for Pearsall and Frio County. 

It’s always good catching up with Sheriff Randy Brown and his deputies in Medina County.We discussed the uptick of illegal, migrant-related activity in the area, as well as the challenges associated with the rollback of Title 42. Sheriff Brown told me about the staffing shortages that the department is facing, and the dire need for additional resources to combat the crisis that continues to grow at our southern border. 

After meeting with Sheriff Brown and his team, I went to the Uvalde Emergency Operations Center to meet with County Constable Emmanuel Zamora to discuss the desired expansion of the facility. This initiative was selected by my office as one of my community funded projects for this year, and I look forward to securing funding to make sure Uvalde has an adequate facility to stage emergency responses.

Later on, I had the opportunity to sit down with Julye Keeble from the Uvalde Leader News to discuss current funding opportunities for school security initiatives, and the importance of making schools a safe environment for ALL students.

I then met with two outstanding student-athletes – Justyn Rendon and Cayden Smith – to congratulate them on being chosen as the two members of Uvalde High School’s football team to wear #21 this season. This honor is given to two players each year as a way to respect and remember the 21 victims of the Robb Elementary shooting last year. I know these young men will do an excellent job in honoring the memories of those we lost on that day.

I also met with Nichole Ogburn and Arnulfo Reyes. Both of these heroes were teachers at Robb Elementary, and I appreciated hearing from them on the continued struggles that each of them face, nearly a year after the senseless tragedy. 

As a father with children currently in school, I understand firsthand the importance of keeping schools safe havens for children to learn and grow in.

The day after Title 42 expired, I wanted to hear from boots on the ground about the crisis that continues to unfold at the southern border. In El Paso, I met with leaders at Border Patrol and Customs OFO, who walked me through the challenges they are facing in the area.

My team and I are always available to assist you. Please feel free to contact my office at any time.