Combating Criminal Gangs

Recently, reports surfaced that alleged Tren de Aragua (TDA) gang members took control of an apartment complex in Aurora, Colorado.

This gang has also had a significant footprint in Texas and is notorious for crimes that include murder, kidnapping, and extortion. These actions are deplorable and have no place in our country.

Since last year, I’ve sounded the alarm on TDA's threat to our national security and pushed for the White House to designate TDA as a transnational criminal organization (TCO). In July, TDA was officially designated a TCO, providing law enforcement with more tools at their disposal to keep this dangerous gang off our streets.

I will continue fighting to ensure our border is secure in every aspect possible.

Honoring our Veterans

When the news broke this week that the annual Veterans Day ceremony at Fort Sam Houston Cemetery was going to be discontinued, I immediately engaged in conversations with the VA. This event is an honored tradition at a sacred resting place for tens of thousands of Texas veterans.

It holds a special place in the hearts of military families in South Texas, including my own.

I am thankful the VA reversed course on the decision to cancel the annual Veterans Day ceremony.

Nothing brings San Antonio together more than our veterans—thank you to the San Antonio Congressional delegation and our South Texas veterans for working in lockstep to uphold this special tradition.

On Thursday, members of the San Antonio Congressional delegation sent a bipartisan letter led by Rep. Tony Gonzales (TX-23) to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Denis McDonough urging the agency to reverse the recent decision to cancel the annual Veterans Day Observance Ceremony at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. Click here to read the letter.

RESULTS: El Paso VA Groundbreaking

When I was elected to serve in Congress, I was fresh out of the U.S. Navy—taking care of our troops has always been personal for me. Through my seat on the House Appropriations Committee, I helped advance over $700 million in funding for a new VA facility for West Texas veterans.

Since 2021, this has been a priority of mine. This state-of-the-art facility will serve over 54,000 veterans in West Texas. The men and women who answered the call to serve deserve access to the best quality of care. I look forward to seeing this project through.

Congressman Gonzales partnered with VA Secretary Denis McDonough to advance his appropriations request to construct a new VA healthcare facility in El Paso. For more information, click here.

We Must Act: School Safety

The school shooting that took place at Apalachee High School is nothing short of devastating. Our kids and teachers deserve better than to live in fear—we can and must do better.

As Congress reconvenes next week, I am urging my colleagues to support the National Strategy for School Security Act. This important legislation will provide school campuses in all corners of our nation with a school safety model that can be scaled and implemented. Our classrooms should be safe havens for all students.