Dear Friends,

I am excited to share 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

Federal Disaster Relief is now available to Cameron, Hidalgo, and Willacy County Residents

Congressman Gonzalez hosting a press conference announcing federal assistance to affected South Texans, May 2025

Attention Cameron, Hidalgo and Willacy County residents and business owners — the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced that federal disaster assistance is now available for our region! Find out how to apply for federal assistance below:

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced that individuals and business owners from impacted counties can now apply for federal assistance. Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-interest loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help recover from the effects of the disaster. For more information and how to apply for assistance, please visit FEMA’s website here.

FEMA has also announced the following Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) locations in TX-34 where agency officials will be available to assist you directly. These locations are open from 8 a.m. CT to 7 p.m. CT., 7 days a week until further notice:

HIDALGO COUNTY:
Weslaco EDC  
275 S. Kansas Avenue  
Weslaco, TX  78596

WILLACY COUNTY:
Sebastian Community Center  
434 West 8th Street  
Sebastian, TX  78594

CAMERON COUNTY:
Harlingen Convention Center
701 Harlingen Heights Drive
Harlingen, TX 78552

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to Texas small businesses, private nonprofit (PNP) organizations, and residents affected by the March floods. For more information and how to apply, please visit the SBA’s website here. 

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act is Broken and Bad for South Texas

On May 22, 2025, House Republicans voted to pass a budget that would devastate South Texans. 

There is nothing beautiful about a bill that lowers taxes for the ultra-rich at the expense of our senior citizens, our children, and our veterans.

Specifically, this bill strips health insurance from almost 50,000 South Texans, harms senior citizens by triggering massive cuts to Medicare, takes food away from hungry children by cutting $300 billion in SNAP funding, increases the cost of education through cuts to Pell Grants, and harms federal workers retirement benefits. According to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office, the bill also adds at least $3.8 trillion to our deficit over the next 10 years. This is disgraceful! That is why I could not in good conscience vote for the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

I am willing to work with my Republican colleagues on a fiscally responsible budget, one that truly reflects South Texas values and does not harm those that are most in need.

To read my full statement, click here.

Helping South Texas Agriculture: Economic Relief Deadline Extended

Eligible South Texas farmers and producers affected by Mexico’s ongoing failure to deliver water payments can apply for economic assistance from through the Texas 1944 Water Treaty Assistance Grant, now until June 5th!

More information can be found on the Texas Department of Agriculture’s website here.

This funding comes from the December 2024 stopgap appropriations bill, which passed Congress thanks to Democratic votes and was signed into law by the Biden Administration. 

Backing our Troops, Fighting for NAS Kingsville

On May 20, 2025, I testified before the House Armed Services Committee on behalf of Naval Air Station Kingsville to highlight the critical improvements urgently needed to improve the well-being of the base and its personnel. I am proud to represent NAS Kingsville and will continue to fight for our brave men and women in uniform.

To watch my full statement, click here.

Serving YOU: Constituent Services Spotlight

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.