One year ago, an unspeakable tragedy occurred in Uvalde, and the small town of just over 15,000 people was forever changed. No words can lessen the grief and sadness that remains within the Uvalde community. I remain unwavering in my commitment to deliver tangible results that will help Uvalde rebuild. Over the past year, I have continued to meet with community leaders to deliver improvements for Uvalde. 

We secured funding for a new mental health facility and an updated emergency operations center within the community. The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA), which was signed into law in June of last year, has resulted in millions of dollars for school security and mental health assistance - I am proud to have worked with my colleagues to get this life-saving legislation passed into law. This bill is a generational investment, and I will continue to lead the way in ensuring BCSA funding makes its way back to Uvalde and communities across TX-23. 

We are Uvalde Strong, and we will never forget the 21 souls who left our world far too soon.

Bringing it Back to Uvalde

Since 2022, School Emergency Response to Violence (SERV) Grants, through the Department of Education, has awarded $3 million to the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District. Furthermore, through the Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs (OJP) and Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), schools across TX-23 have been awarded over $1.2 million for the School Violence Prevention Program.

Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District was able to utilize this funding to assist families with obtaining access to mental health resources, updates were made to the town's emergency operations center, and campus security was strengthened.

Equipping staff, law enforcement, and students with the resources necessary to keep our classrooms safe is critical. I am proud to have helped secure this crucial funding for schools across TX-23.

In the aftermath of the Robb Elementary School shooting, I was proud to support the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA) that was signed into law in June of last year. 

 This legislation resulted in historic funding for school security initiatives and mental health services. The BSCA addresses the root problems that lead to violent events and helps identify violent offenders before a crisis occurs. This bipartisan-led effort has prevented communities across the nation from having a similar tragedy in their backyard.

I will continue to push for the utilization of the generational investments made possible in the BSCA across TX-23.

On Wednesday, alongside Rep. Jared Moskowitz of Parkland, Florida, we held the first meeting of the Bipartisan School Safety and Security Caucus. 

During our roundtable meeting, we were able to engage in a productive conversation with mental health professionals, school safety experts, and Uvalde survivors. As a Co-Chair, my mission is to enact bipartisan solutions to end school violence. I look forward to inviting more citizens and Members of Congress to join us in the fight to protect our kids.

Through the work of this caucus, our children's safety will be put first.

Wrap-Up

The Uvalde community has spent the past year searching for solutions so that never again will they have to experience this kind of a tragedy. Through my work on the Appropriations Committee and the newly established Bipartisan School Safety and Security Caucus, I remain committed to securing the resources and enacting policies that will bring the next chapter of healing to Uvalde.



On May 24, 2023, Congressman Tony Gonzales held a moment of silence on the U.S. House of Representatives floor in memorium of the 21 lives lost at Robb Elementary School.

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