Dear Friends,

I hope everyone is having a great start to the new year. I am excited to share with you the latest news from Congress and the work I am doing in Washington, D.C. on behalf of the 34th Congressional District of Texas. 

Warm regards, 

Congressman Vicente Gonzalez

Sworn in to the 119th Congress

I am honored to continue representing the 34th Congressional District of Texas in the newly minted 119th Congress. Since coming to Congress in 2017, I have delivered over $7.2 billion to South Texas and have made it my mission to protect Social Security and Medicare, lower healthcare prices, and ensure the Rio Grande Valley continues to grow and prosper. While there are many challenges ahead, rest assured that I will continue to deliver real results and fight for South Texas. 

Celebrated  the Social Security Fairness Act Becoming Law

I am excited to announce that earlier this month, President Biden signed H.R. 82, the Social Security Fairness Act into law. This vital legislation will help our teachers and educators, firefighters, police officers, and millions of other retired public servants receive the full benefits they paid into their entire careers. It is because of this that I cosponsored the bill, signed a discharge petition to force a vote on this bill on the House floor, and proudly supported its passage.

Currently, the Social Security Administration (SSA) is evaluating on how to implement this new law for millions of Americans, including delivering retroactive 2024 benefits, and will notify beneficiaries of any changes to payments. In the meantime, SSA recommends beneficiaries verify that their mailing address and direct deposit information are up to date. This may be checked on their website under “My Social Security Account” www.ssa.gov/myaccount. Those who have not yet filed for Social Security Benefits and are receiving a public pension you can file online at www.ssa.gov/apply.

For more information on this, you can review an FAQ on the bill.

Certified the 2024 Presidential Election and Ensured a Peaceful Transfer of Power

I am honored to have taken part in the certification of the election results for the President of the United States. After the events on January 6, 2021, it is crucial that South Texans and Americans nationwide do not lose faith in our government institutions. Our country is the greatest democracy on this planet, and we must continue to embrace our civic values and traditions, including the peaceful transfer of power even if we do not agree with the results.


 

Honored a South Texas Hero by Renaming the Brownsville Post Office after  First Lieutenant Andres Zermeño

I am proud to report that President Biden signed my bill, H.R. 6244, into law on January 2, 2025. This legislation renames the post office, located at 1535 East Los Ebanos Boulevard, in Brownsville, Texas, in honor of First Lieutenant Andres Zermeño. 
 
Lieutenant Zermeño, a Brownsville native, is an American hero who gave his life for his family, his hometown, and his country while serving overseas in Afghanistan. It is an honor and privilege to have introduced this legislation which pays tribute to his extraordinary legacy.

Announced $3 Million for Brownsville's Resacas

I am excited to announce a $3,000,000 investment in BPUB’s Resaca Restoration Project through the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. This historic investment was made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law which I proudly voted in support of. This funding will work to conserve Brownsville’s unique and historic resacas so that future generations can experience their natural beauty and environmental benefits. Not only do our resacas help shape Brownsville’s unique landscape, but they also mitigate flooding and are vital to our local ecosystem.

It is an honor to continue serving South Texas in the new 119th Congress. If you’re in DC, please stop by and say hi. My new office is located in 1201 Longworth House Office Building.

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. 

Please do not reply to this email as this inbox is not monitored. Instead, please visit Gonzalez.House.Gov or call us at (956) 682-5545 or (202) 225-2531.