Dear john,

Today, I announced $375,000 in federal funds to support border security in Zapata County. The funds, provided by Operation Stonegarden, will be used by the Zapata County Sheriff’s Office to pay overtime and acquire essential equipment, including patrol units, License Plate Recognition systems (LPRs), and advanced communication radios. This grant will impact the 13,849 residents of Zapata County.

I helped start Operation Stonegarden in 2008 and have since secured nearly $10 million in Operation Stonegarden funds for Zapata County. This has meant more security for the people at the border to feel safe at home, work, and school. As Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, I will continue to provide the necessary funding our local law enforcement agencies need to keep our South Texas communities safe and secure. Thank you to Zapata County Sheriff Raymundo Del Bosque as well as our local, state, and federal officers for their commitment to helping secure our southern border.