My kids returned to school this week and were excited to meet their new teachers and see their friends.

Back to school is an exciting time, and I wish all students across TX-23 a happy, safe, and fun-filled year of learning.

Improving School Security

In Congress, I've worked hard to secure millions of dollars in funding to enhance school security, improve mental health services, and provide resources to teachers, school faculty, and first responders so they are prepared in the event of an emergency.

I'm also working on legislation that pairs new resources with better guidance on school safety.

My bill, the National Strategy for School Security Act, will develop a strategic operating plan with best practices for school safety measures. This important change will provide educational institutions with a national model that they can scale and implement.

Founding the School Security Caucus

As the proud founder and Co-Chair of the Bipartisan School Safety and Security Caucus, I am working hard to ensure that school security remains a priority in Washington. Our task force gives Members of Congress the opportunity to come together and foster policy discussions pertaining to school safety.

Pictured: In May, Rep. Tony Gonzales held a school safety roundtable on Capitol Hill. Uvalde CISD Superintendent Ashley Chohlis and Uvalde Chief of Police Homer Delgado were in attendance. Click here to learn more.

Through the Bipartisan School Safety and Security Caucus, I have helped introduce several school safety bills in the U.S. House of Representatives and held roundtable discussions with educators, law enforcement, and school safety experts on Capitol Hill.

Advancing School Safety Legislation

I support a well-rounded approach to school security that invests in mental health initiatives and equips school faculty with the resources necessary to prevent school violence from taking place.

I'm working to advance several bills in Congress that will support this mission.

UNITED Act - recommits mental health resources to underserved communities across the nation
EAGLES Act - establishes a national program focused on targeted school violence prevention
ALYSSA Act - requires silent panic alarms in all schools to immediately alert law enforcement of an active shooter incident
Strengthening Our Schools Act - increases investments in School Resource Officers to help protect students and faculty from potential active shooter situations
ATTAIN on Mental Health Act - creates a user-friendly, online dashboard to expand access to funding for mental health and substance use disorder grants