Dear Friends,

I am excited to share the latest news and updates from Congress and the work I am doing in Washington, D.C. on behalf of the 34th Congressional District of Texas.

Warm regards, 

Sincerely,

Congressman Vicente Gonzalez

President Biden’s DACA Announcement

In early June, President Biden signed an executive order that will allow individuals, including DACA recipients and Dreamers, who have earned a degree at an accredited institution of higher education in the U.S., and received an offer of employment from a U.S. employer in a field related to their degree, to receive work visas. The order will also enable certain noncitizen spouses and children of U.S. citizens to apply for permanent residency within a three-year period and be eligible for work authorization for three years.

You can read my full statement here.

Addressing the South Texas Water Crisis in Congress

Last month, I announced the successful inclusion of crucial language in the FY25 State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs (SFOPS) appropriations bill, which will withhold funding from Mexico until it fulfills its obligations under the 1944 Water Treaty.

South Texas depends on reliable access to water, and it’s time Mexico honors its commitments. I was proud to help lead this effort to include this language in the FY25 SFOPS appropriations bill. This is not just a legislative victory; it is a vital step in protecting our farmers, ranchers, and families who depend on this water. 

New Online Passport Renewal Program

I’m pleased to announce the U.S. Department of State's new Online Passport Renewal tool is now open! This program will make it easier and faster for Texans to renew their passports. Check if you’re eligible and apply online today at

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/have-passport/renew-online.html

McAllen’s Shaine Casas Headed to Paris for 2024 Olympics

Huge congratulations to Mr. Shaine Casas! He finished with a time of 1 minute, 55.83 seconds, just 0.18 seconds behind winner Carson Foster. Casas, a McAllen High alum, advanced to Friday’s finals by winning his heat and had the second fastest time going into the finals.

All of South Texas is proud to call you our hometown Olympian. May God bless you in Paris next month! 

Meeting with Lyford CISD and Congressional Art Competition Winner Sylvia Reyna

Thrilled to have Sylvia Reyna from Edinburg High School visit the Capitol and see her incredible artwork displayed. Proud to see our South Texas talent shine at the Capitol! Sylvia’s ability to show her compassion and admiration for her grandmother’s legacy is something extraordinary. I encourage every young South Texan to continue pursuing their passions for art and creativity, whether that be through school or beyond. 

I was also honored to welcome Lyford CISD students, teachers, administrators, and board members, to the Capitol! So proud of Hailey and Yaslin who competed in the Educators Rising: 2024 National Conference and Competition. 

Congressman Gonzalez Announces $1.4 Million EDA Investment for Industrial Park and Transportation Hub in Kleberg County 

Kleberg County has been awarded $1,400,000 from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) for the construction of a 14.5-acre industrial park and transportation hub. This project is part of EDA’s 2023 Disaster Supplement Funding program which aims to boost industrial business growth in response to recent natural disasters. This is anticipated to create over 2,500 jobs and over $1 billion in private investment!

Read my full statement here. 

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.

Team Gonzalez Helps Vietnam Veteran Obtain Medals he Deserves