NEWS FROM THE 15th DISTRICT
Dear Friends,
These past few weeks has proven to be very busy, but I am grateful for this opportunity to give you all an update on my recent work in Washington, D.C., and in South Texas on behalf of the 15th District of Texas.
As always, it is my honor and privilege to serve the 15th District of Texas. Here are a few highlights and updates from the past few weeks.
Congressman Gonzalez Votes in Favor of the United States Postal Service Fairness Act
On February 6, I voted in favor of the bipartisan H.R. 2382, the United States Postal Service (USPS) Fairness Act. This bipartisan bill seeks to repeal the requirement that the USPS prepay future retirement benefits which accounted for 100% of the USPS’s net losses in the last six years. The USPS is the only federal agency that is mandated to pre-fund its employees future health care benefits.
Read my full press release here.
Congressman Gonzalez Votes to Approve Bipartisan Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers (PAWS) for Veterans Therapy Act
On February 5, I voted to pass H.R. 4305, the Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers (PAWS) for Veterans Therapy Act. This bipartisan bill will give veterans greater access for veterans to connect with service dogs in their communities. I am a proud cosponsor of this important legislation.
Read my full press release here.
Congressman Gonzalez on the Closure of Impeachment Trial of President Donald J. Trump by the U.S. Senate
On February 5, I issued a statement following the U.S. Senate vote to end the impeachment trial of President Donald J. Trump on charges of Obstruction of Congress and Abuse of Power. The Senate’s decision to disallow new witnesses and evidence signals a deterioration of our moral and ethical values. The consequences of that vote will have a lasting impact on the foundations of our democracy and Constitution.
Read my full statement here.
Congressman Gonzalez Signed Bipartisan Letter to Census Bureau on Reaching Hard-to-Count Communities
On February 5, I signed a bipartisan letter to U.S. Census Bureau Director, Dr. Steven Dillingham, requesting the latest updates on how the Census Bureau is preparing to ensure people in hard-to-count communities like ours have adequate access to up-to-date computers in public spaces in order to complete the Census forms online.
Read my full press release here.
Congressman Gonzalez Responds to ICE Arrest at Hidalgo County Courthouse
On January 31, I issued a statement in response to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrest of Ericka Gonzalez Zuniga at the Hidalgo County Courthouse on Thursday, January 30. I was disturbed to learn that ICE arrested Ericka Gonzalez Zuniga at the Hidalgo County Courthouse yesterday. While lawful, this lacked forethought, incites fear in our community, and may have a detrimental impact on our local justice system.
Read my full press release here.
Congressman Gonzalez Calls On Constituents to Write Valentine's Day Cards for Veterans
On January 30, I called on the constituents of the 15th District of Texas to write Valentine’s Day cards for veterans.Constituents of all ages are encouraged to participate by dropping off or mailing cards to our offices in McAllen or Seguin office, or by dropping off cards at his satellite offices in San Diego, Benavides, or Falfurrias. The deadline for submissions is Friday, February 7, 2020.
Read my full press release here.
Congressman Gonzalez on USMCA Signing
On January 29, I issued a statement following President Trump's signing of the United States-Canada-Mexico Agreement legislation. The USMCA provides certainty to families, farmers, and businesses in the 15th District of Texas, but fails to address the growing insecurity that will continue to hinder North American competitiveness absent concrete action.
Read my full statement here.
Congressman Gonzalez Introduces The Affordable Homeownership Access Act
On January 28, I Introduced H.R. 5614, The Affordable Homeownership Access Act. This bill seeks to provide working families with another access point to the home buying process. Our homelessness and affordable housing crises are partially self-inflicted. Existing regulations penalize lower-income Americans who work several jobs to make a living and earn a decent wage with our current regulations.
Read my full press release here.
Congressman Gonzalez Secures $285,654,000 For Disaster Recovery
On January 23, I announced $285,654,000 in federal disaster recovery funding for severe storms and flooding that occurred in 2018 and 2019 in South Texas. After working with my colleagues in the House and Senate, I am pleased that the federal government has granted our request for aid. The Rio Grande Valley has experienced loss and damage on a scale our community has not seen in many years, and this is the first step of the recovery process. I would encourage all who were affected by these natural disasters to apply for this assistance.
Read my full press release here.
Congressman Gonzalez Announces USDA Disaster Designation For Drought Conditions in Live Oak County
On January 21, I announced that Live Oak County was designated as a natural disaster area by the USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue. In response to the severe drought conditions in South Texas, Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue has seen fit to issue disaster designations to help our struggling counties. I encourage those in the 15th District of Texas affected by these conditions to apply for available resources.
Read my full press release here.
Congressman Gonzalez Receives Guatemala's Highest Honor
(Congressman Gonzalez awarded The Order of the Quetzal by Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales).
On January 6, I was honored to receive the Republic of Guatemala’s highest honor: The Order of the Quetzal. The award was presented by the president of Guatemala Jimmy Morales Cabrera.
Read my full press release here.
Sincerely,
Vicente Gonzalez
Member of Congress
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