Email from Rep. Gonzales

Partnering with USDA to Protect Texas Agriculture

The New World Screwworm Working Group, a collaborative group I founded, continues to develop recommendations to combat the screwworm.

On Thursday, I convened a meeting between the New World Screwworm Working Group, the USDA, and relevant Texas agriculture organizations to collaborate on screwworm prevention efforts and engage in an important discussion on next steps to continue combating this deadly parasite.

We also discussed the USDA's New World Screwworm Response Playbook to respond to a domestic outbreak. Partners of the New World Screwworm Working Group are committed to working with the USDA on these efforts.

Those in attendance included representatives from the Texas Farm Bureau, Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, Texas Sheep and Goat Raisers Association, Texas Wildlife Association, Texas A&M Agrilife, Texas Cattle Feeders Association, Livestock Marketing Association of Texas, Texas Deer Association, and Texas State Representatives Don McLaughlin and Ryan Guillen.

We had a great discussion on how much progress is being made to combat the screwworm.

PICTURED: Congressman Gonzales hosted a New World Screwworm Working Group collaborative meeting with the USDA on Thursday.

To read the USDA's New World Screwworm Response Playbook, click here.

Fighting for Military City, USA

I’m leading the way in Congress to support San Antonio’s military installations. I urged the Secretary of the Army to utilize Military City, USA’s strong assets as the U.S. Army transforms into a more efficient and agile organization.

San Antonio's proximity to the southern border, its longstanding partnerships with homeland security assets, in addition to existing relationships with military allies in Latin America, and San Antonio’s broader cyber ecosystem, including NSA Texas, Texas Cyber Command, and Air Forces Cyber positions Military City, USA as the best choice to support the Army’s endeavors and the Western Hemisphere Command.

The focus of my request is on not just retaining, but GROWING Fort Sam Houston's personnel count and operational footprint as part of the U.S. Army's restructuring. San Antonio can and should win out in the long run to expand its capabilities and existing infrastructure as Military City, USA.

PICTURED: Congressman Gonzales' letter to Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll.

Supporting Local Businesses

On Tuesday, I met with Helotes Area Chamber of Commerce to discuss new business and community developments in town.

In Congress, I helped craft the Working Families Tax Cut Act. This legislation, which was signed into law by President Trump, makes the small business tax deduction permanent.

You can count on me to put Main Street FIRST.

PICTURED: Congressman Gonzales with Helotes Area Chamber of Commerce board members.

On the Go in Del Rio

On Wednesday, I presented an American flag, flown over the U.S. Capitol building, to Val Verde Commissioner Juan Carlos Vazquez.

The flag will soon fly over the Judge Antonio “Tony” Faz County Annex Building for the community to enjoy.

One of the many services my office offers is flag requests. Visit my website to order an American flag flown over the U.S. Capitol building.

PICTURED: Congressman Gonzales presenting an American flag to Commissioner Juan Carlos Vazquez.

Securing Housing for Veterans

This week, I also visited a housing development for veterans that I helped fund through my seat on the House Appropriations Committee. I secured $1 million for this project and am grateful to have partnered with F.O.B. Del Rio on this mission.

As a 20-year Navy veteran, supporting the men and women who fought for our country is personal. I am grateful that veterans in need of housing in Val Verde County will have a place to call home.