Dear Friends,  

I hope everyone is staying hydrated in this heat and gearing up for the new school year! I am excited to share the latest news and updates from Congress and the work I am doing on behalf of the 34th Congressional District of Texas. 

Warm regards, 

Congressman Vicente Gonzalez

89th Anniversary of Social Security

Tomorrow marks 89 years since President Franklin D. Roosevelt enacted the Social Security program, which has provided retirement security for millions of Americans. This essential program pays retirement and disability benefits to insured workers and, in many instances, to workers' spouses or survivors. Since its inception, we have honored our promise to protect our seniors and ensure reliable access to the resources they have earned. 

However, House Republicans are calling for a $1.5 trillion in cuts to Social Security, including raising the retirement age for working Americans. 

As your Congressman, rest assured that I will continue to support and enhance the Social Security program and block policies that open the door to financial exploitation. 

I believe that those who worked and paid into these programs deserve to receive their full retirement benefits. That is why I was the first member of Congress to cosponsor all three bills to eliminate the Windfall Elimination Provision and cosponsored each iteration of this legislation in previous sessions of Congress, including H.R. 82, the Social Security Fairness Act; H.R. 4260 the Public Servants Protection Act; H.R. 5342, and the Equal Treatment of Public Servants Act. Democrats and Republicans must come together and pass this legislation to allow Social Security to continue to function for the people.  

Two-Year Anniversary of the PACT Act 

Two years ago, I voted to pass the Honoring our PACT Act. This landmark legislation has helped over 1.1 million veterans and over 10,000 survivors nationwide. In the 34th Congressional District of Texas alone, the VA has received over 4,500 claims. While this is great progress for our veterans, we have so much more to do. We have a responsibility to care for the brave men and women who sacrificed for our country. Rest assured that I will continue to fight for our veterans’ health and wellbeing.  

Team Gonzalez Participates in Purple Heart Day in Donna

My team was honored to commemorate #PurpleHeartDay in Donna last week. Our veterans’ sacrifices are the foundation of our freedom. I am proud to continue working for them with initiatives like the PACT Act to ensure they receive the care and support they deserve. May God bless our troops.

Secured Over $3.8 Million for Longest Runway South of Austin at Harlingen Valley International Airport 

Thanks to $3.8 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which I helped pass, our own Valley International Airport will complete construction on the longest runway south of Austin. This significant investment for Valley International Airport will enhance our ability to meet current and future demands of our transportation hubs. Valley International Airport is one of the 245 airports across 39 states that will receive funding to modernize and improve their infrastructure.  
To date, Valley International Airport has received $15.9 million in infrastructure improvement grants through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. 

Read my full statement here.

Over $1 Million from the American Rescue Plan Used to Construct New Well in Raymondville

On Tuesday, I joined Raymondville Mayor Gilbert Gonzalez at the groundbreaking of the city’s second deep water well. I was proud to vote the American Rescue Plan Act, which is providing nearly $1.7 million to fully fund this project. 

 Announced Nearly $1.7 million for Cameron County Irrigation District No. 2

Yesterday, I was proud to announce nearly $1 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for two key irrigation projects alongside Bureau of Reclamation Deputy Commissioner Roque Sanchez and Cameron County Commissioner David Garza, for Cameron County Irrigation District No. 2! This funding will save hundreds of acre-feet of water annually, helping to secure our water future in the Valley. 

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 Constituent on VA Insurance Refund

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