IMPORTANT UPDATE FROM WASHINGTON, D.C.

Dear Friends,

I hope this message finds you well. Please know that I along with my Congressional colleagues are working hard to negotiate a pandemic relief package for the American people.

Currently, Congress is working on a bipartisan aid package that would provide $908 billion which includes funds for state and local government, money for first responders and schools, vaccine distribution, and an unemployment insurance extension. As it stands, the current proposals lack additional stimulus payments.

As constituents of the 15th District of Texas, I need your opinion and input:

Do you support an additional stimulus check? 

*By participating in this survey you are subscribing to our newsletter.*

House Passes the NDAA with Bipartisan Support 

Recently, the House passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to authorize pay and bonuses for service members as well as military construction projects and training programs. The NDAA will:

• Provide a 3% pay raise and hazardous pay for our troops,
• Ensure paid parental leave and address the shortage in military childcare,
• Improve military housing,
• Provide long-overdue benefits to Vietnam-era veterans exposed to Agent Orange, and
• Provide $8.4 billion in military construction projects to fortify critical infrastructure.

The defense bill now heads to the Senate, where it is expected pass with bipartisan support. However, President Trump has threatened to veto the measure. I will continue to urge the President to sign the NDAA into law – which has been passed on a bipartisan basis every year for 59 years.  

 
Stay Safe this Holiday Season

As we continue forward in the holiday season, and COVID-19 cases rise, I would like to remind everyone how important it is to be vigilant and practice social distancing.

Cases are rising across Texas. The state is reporting more than 10,000 cases daily and Texas has more than 23,000 deaths which is the second highest in the entire state. This has the potential to be a very dangerous scenario if we are not cautious.

We need to be careful as Winter comes into full force. Please do your part - wear a mask, wash your hands, be safe, reconsider your travel plans, and have a blessed holiday season! 

 
Participate in Operation Santa!

Don’t miss your chance to participate in the United States Postal Service (USPS)’s  Operation Santa!

Operation Santa is a USPS program that allows children around the U.S. to send their Christmas list to Santa so they have a possibility for their wishes to come true. Last year, Congressman Gonzalez was successful in incorporating McAllen in Operation Santa for the first time.

Individuals can adopt a child based on their letter and purchase gifts for those who are less fortunate. Some children ask for toys, basic necessities, and other items, but all are overjoyed on Christmas morning when they see presents under the Christmas tree. If you are interested in adopting a letter, visit USPSOperationSanta.com.

Children can send a letter to the North Pole (SANTA CLAUS, 123 ELF ROAD, NORTH POLE 88888) to have a chance to receive a gift. Unfortunately, not all letters will be answered.

More information on Operation Santa is available here. 

As always it is an honor to represent the 15th District of Texas. If you ever have issue concerning the federal government, please do hesitate to contact me. 

Sincerely,

Vicente Gonzalez
Member of Congress