NEWS FROM THE 15th DISTRICT

Dear Friends,

I am grateful for this opportunity to give you 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 represent you in Congress. Here are a few highlights and updates from the past few weeks.

Congressman Gonzalez Votes in Favor of Emergency Funding for Coronavirus

On March 4, the House of Representatives voted in favor of H.R. 6074, the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, which provides $8.3 billion in new funding to combat the coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic and will keep Americans safe. The president signed the bill into law on Friday, March 6. I was proud to support this legislation, which allows the United States to more adequately address the coronavirus threat, develop treatments and vaccines, and give those affected the care they need. 

For updates on the coronavirus, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. 

Read my full press release here.

Congressman Gonzalez and Vela Introduce Bill to Enable More Efficient Transportation of South Texas Agriculture

I along with Congressman Filemon Vela, introduced H.R. 5898, the Promoting Agricultural Commerce Act, legislation that will allow South Texas sugar growers and other commodities to more efficiently transport their products across the Rio Grande Valley. 

Read my full press release here.

Congressman Gonzalez Encourages Students in San Antonio Area to Attend Service Academy Day

I am encouraging students in the San Antonio area who are interested in attending a U.S. Service Academy to attend the Service Academy Day this Sunday. Students will learn about the admissions process for the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy.

More information available here.

Congressman Gonzalez Statement Following Declaration of Local Public Health Emergency in San Antonio

On March 2, I issued a statement in response to San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg's local health emergency declaration due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) by San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg. I am disturbed by health management officials' handling of this situation, but maintain confidence in the medical and professional staff at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and at hospitals in Texas

Read my full statement here.

Congressman Gonzalez Announces Vietnam War 50th Commemoration Pinning Ceremony

On Sunday, April 19 will be hosting the first in a series of Vietnam 50th Commemoration pinning ceremonies to honor Vietnam-era veterans in the 15th District of Texas. We owe a long overdue ‘thank you’ to these veterans for their service and sacrifice and these pinning ceremonies are one of the many ways we can honor them and their service.

Read my full press release here.

To register for the ceremony, fill out this form here.

Congressman Gonzalez Announces Availability for $1 Billion for Infrastructure Projects

On February 25, I announced the availability of $1 billion to upgrade American infrastructure through the U.S. Department of Transportation. The Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Transportation is a Discretionary Grant program, designed to make America's infrastructure safer and more efficient. Projects for BUILD will be evaluated on a number of criteria including safety, economic competitiveness, quality of life, environmental sustainability, state of good repair, innovation, and partnership. Applications are due Monday, May 18, 2020. 

Read my full press release here.

It is always a pleasure to communicate with you via e-mail. I look forward to staying in touch. If you have an issue with a federal agency or department, or wish to contact me, please visit

www.gonzalez.house.gov

Sincerely,

Vicente Gonzalez
Member of Congress