Dear Friends, 
 
As your representative for the 34th Congressional District of Texas, I am excited to share with you the latest news and updates from Congress and the work I am doing in Washington, D.C. on behalf of South Texans. 

Warm regards,

Congressman Vicente Gonzalez

Congressmen Gonzalez and Nehls Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Help Texas Gulf Coast Shrimpers

Last month, I was proud to introduce H.R. 7932, the Save Our Shrimpers Act, with my friend and fellow Texan, Congressman Troy Nehls (TX-22). Foreign shrimp imports continue to flood our domestic seafood markets, threatening the livelihoods of our local shrimpers. That is why I am proud co-lead of this bill to deter U.S. taxpayer money from subsidizing foreign shrimpers. We must do everything in our power to help South Texas shrimpers who are integral to our economy and community.  
 
Read my full statement here and read the bill text here. 

Bipartisan Panel for Solutions to Key Issues in our Country

     I also had the pleasure of participating in a bipartisan panel with the Midland Chamber of Commerce and my colleagues, Congressmen Bob Latta (OH-5), Brett Guthrie (KY-2), Jeff Duncan (SC-3), and August Pfluger (TX-11) where we discussed key issues like energy, immigration, healthcare, and national security. We had a wonderful and productive conversation on how both parties can find common ground and work together to create solutions for all Americans.

$18.2 million from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to Support TX-34 Transit

Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, nearly $700 million is coming to enhance our local transit systems across TX-34. The funding will be split between Brownsville ($4,027,292), McAllen ($11,517,119), and Harlingen ($2,744,209).   

Over $749,000 is also being allocated to replace or purchase buses or construct bus-related facilities in Kleberg County Human Services ($84,750), the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council ($158,857), the Rural Economic Assistance League, Inc. ($412,933), and the City of South Padre Island ($92,567).  This historic legislation continues to deliver on our promise to build a more connected South Texas. 
You can read the full statement here.

2024 Congressional Art Competition

Last month we announced the winner of our 2024 Congressional Art Competition with Sylvia Reyna, 10th grade student from Edinburg High School, winning first place with her piece “Legacy”. It will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol along with other art pieces from districts across the nation.  
 
This year, my office received a record number of entries, totaling 108 from 17 high schools in the 34th Congressional District of Texas. 
 
For more information, you can read the release here. 

Harlingen Air Traffic Control Tower Groundbreaking

In late April, I joined local Harlingen leaders to break ground on a new air traffic control tower at Valley International Airport. I was proud to secure $4.5 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support this project and improve air traffic safety and efficiency.

Congressman Vicente Gonzalez Announces $26.7 Million Grant for NINOS Head Start

I was thrilled to announce a $26.7 million grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to support the Head Start Projects operated by Neighbors in Need of Services (NINOS). This funding will significantly enhance early childhood education services for South Texas families and underscores our commitment to ensuring the developmental success of our young children.  
 
You can read the release here.

Update on Water Shortage 

Our region is experiencing a severe drought and water shortage that is hurting our agricultural industry, irrigation districts, and municipalities. We have seen its harmful impact on our community with the recent closure of Texas's only sugar mill in Santa Rosa. 

A solution requires strong partnership between federal and local leaders, and a commitment to improving outdated infrastructure to better capture rainfall and prevent water seepage and evaporation. That is why I met with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Texas lawmakers, to urge the Biden Administration to force Mexico into delivering the water that is owed. I also met with Texas Farm Bureau and local farmers and leaders to discuss solutions to our water shortage issue. 

Congressman Gonzalez with South Texas Farmers

Local Infrastructure Projects 

This past month, I was proud to break ground on a $20 million expansion to the North Main Drain. This will expand the current capacity from 100 feet to nearly 350 feet while reducing flood risks and preserving water resources for Hidalgo County, including Edcouch, Edinburg, and McAllen.

Every day, my office and I ensure federal agencies are working with you and for you. Whether you are having issues with passports, USCIS, OPM, the VA, or the IRS, we are here to assist you. 

Please call (956) 682-5545 or submit a request online here to speak with someone on my team.

Vietnam Veteran gets his Well-Deserved Medals Thanks to Team Gonzalez

Robert is a Vietnam Veteran who served honorably in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps. With assistance from my team, he was finally awarded five service medals 50 years after his homecoming which includes:

• Vietnam Service Medal with a Bronze Star 
• Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat V 
• National Defense Service Medal 
• Armed Forces Reserve Medal 
• Honorable Discharge Button

Thank you for your service, Robert! It was an honor recognizing your dedication to our country.

Take a Look at this Testimony from Marcela Who Needed Help to Receive Passport