NEWS FROM THE 15th DISTRICT

Dear Friends,

I hope you and your families are doing well. It has been a busy couple of weeks and I wanted to provide you with a brief update about what we have been working on to serve the people of the 15th Congressional District of Texas. Together, we will continue to seize opportunities and overcome the challenges our communities face. 

Please know that I am aware of the influx of migrants at our Southern Border and have called on the Biden Administration for resources and solutions. The federal government must take more responsibility and I am actively working with the Secretary of Homeland Security, Alejandro Mayorkas, the White House, and local officials to provide relief for our community and keep South Texans safe.  

Calling on President Biden Requesting Answers on Rising COVID-19 Cases and Migrant Releases 

I called on President Biden demanding answers on the migrant surge and reports that COVID-19 positive individuals are being released into our community. This is completely unacceptable and I will keep working to ensure that our community receives the resources and funding it needs to address these recent events. Read my statement here. 

Reimbursing Farmers and Ranchers for Migration Property Damage 

On Monday, August 3, I introduced a bipartisan, bicameral legislation entitled the Reimbursing Agriculture Producers for Immigration Damages Act or RAPID Act. This bill seeks to reimburse our farmers and ranchers for damages and vandalism to their property from irregular migration. Read the release here.

 
Introducing the Border Health Security Act to Bolster Infectious Disease Monitoring and Support Border Health Initiatives 

Diseases don’t recognize international borders. It is imperative that our communities along both the Canadian and Mexican borders are equipped to handle current and future public health challenges. The Border Health Security Act is bipartisan, bicameral legislation that aims to increase multi-country cooperation, screen for infectious diseases, and support public health initiatives. 

Learn more about the bill here. 

 
The Repatriate Our Patriots Act 

Congressman Don Young and I reintroduced the bipartisan Repatriate Our Patriots Act to provide honorably discharged veterans who were deported a path to citizenship and a chance to access the benefits they are rightfully owed. No honorably discharged veteran should be deported and denied citizenship for a country they fought to protect and defend.  

The Monitor and AIM Media Texas Editorial board highlighted this bipartisan bill and the work we are doing to bring our men and women in uniform home. Read the editorial here. 

Inaugural Hearing of the Select Committee on Economic Disparity and Fairness in Growth 

On Thursday, July 29, I participated in the inaugural hearing of the Select Committee on Economic Disparity and Fairness in Growth. My colleagues and I spoke with and questioned experts on solutions to bridge the economic and digital divide in our country.  

I am committed to working with my colleagues to ensure the 15th District of Texas and our nation are able to achieve livable wages, expand access to critical modern infrastructure, and create an economic system that offers everyone a fair shot at the American Dream. 

Watch my 1st round of questions here: 
 

 
Watch the 2nd round of questions here: 

 
My Letter to Secretary of Commerce Regarding Maintaining Tomato Trade Pricing 

I led a bipartisan letter to Secretary of Commerce, Gina Raimondo, urging her to reject a proposal to reinterpret the definition of Minimum Reference Price in the 2019 Tomato Suspension Agreement (TSA). Changing the current reference pricing that provides predictability would impact tens of thousands of jobs, distributors and consumers.  

Read my letter to Secretary Raimondo here. 
 
$1.25 Million for the South Texas Industrial Assessment Center 

On Tuesday, July 27, I announced that the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley South Texas Industrial Assessment Center will receive $1,250,338 in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Energy.  
This investment will provide young minds in our region opportunities to improve manufacturing, drive economic growth and develop more energy-efficient business models. I’m proud to secure this federal funding to equip our students and institutions of higher education to create a more sustainable future. 
 
Read more about the grant here. 

Securing Funding for the McAllen International Airport 

I was proud to announce $15,679,241 for the McAllen International Airport from the Federal Aviation Administration to improve drainage and erosion control for the airport and its surrounding facilities. This funding will update the airport’s infrastructure to prevent flooding and ensure safe and efficient travel. Read the press release here.

 
Securing $6.7 Million for Key Community Projects in the 15th District of Texas 

On Thursday, July 29th, I proudly secured $6,754,454 for community projects in the 15th District of Texas to update, expand, and modernize our infrastructure and facilities throughout our community. Now, it is up to the U.S. Senate to include this critical funding in their Fiscal Year 2022 Appropriations bills. I will continue to fight for these projects as the bills progress through Congress. 

The projects can be found below: 

• $304,454 to renovate the Brooks County Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) post in Falfurrias, Texas  
• $3,500,000 to update the Corbett Water Ground Storage Tank Project in Schertz, Texas  
• $350,000 for Elsa Pacific Park Trails   
• $700,000 for Jim Hogg County Lights Improvement   
• $1,000,000 for the McAllen Center for Urban Ecology at Quinta Mazatlán   
• $400,000 for the McAllen Hike and Bike Project   
• $500,000 for the Edinburg Fire Department Complex

  
You can find more information about the projects here and read the release here. 
 
 
Reminders & Updates 

Rental Assistance Resources 

The pandemic has hit many individuals and families hard. Resources are available to help those struggling with rental payments and looming eviction notices. 
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office at (956) 682-5545 if you need assistance with any of these resources. 

Get Vaccinated To Protect Against the Delta Variant  
 
South Texas has led the country in vaccinations, but we’re not out of the woods yet. With the spread of the Delta variant, we must be vigilant and protect our community.  
 
Get vaccinated and help us return to normal.  
 
Find locations to get your COVID-19 vaccine here.  
 
Investing In America’s Communities Program 
 
The Economic Development Administration (EDA) is investing the $3 billion it received from the American Rescue Plan to fund 6 collective programs:  
 
* Build Back Better Regional Challenge   
 
* Good Jobs Challenge   
 
* Indigenous Communities 
 
* Travel, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation   
 
* Statewide Planning, Research and Networks   
 
Please Be Advised: Extreme Passport Delays. Apply Early! 
 
Due to the ongoing pandemic, passport processing centers are experiencing delays in the renewal process. The State Department recommends renewing your passport at least six months before you plan to travel, and urgent day-of appointments are reserved only for life-and-death cases.  
 
The State Department continues to onboard more staff to quickly process the influx of applications, but at the moment routine service can take up to 18 weeks and expedited service can take up to 12 weeks. Don’t wait to renew, apply early!  

• Reduces a borrower’s monthly payment.    
• Provides a $500 appraisal credit to the lender at the time the loan is purchased if an appraisal was obtained for the transaction.    
• Waives the 50 basis point adverse market refinance fee for loans at or below $300,000.    
• Allows a debt-to-income ratio (DTI) up to 65%.   
• To learn more click here.    
   
  FCC Emergency Broadband Benefit      
       
  For residents of the 15th District of Texas that need assistance paying for internet, I encourage you to utilize the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Emergency  Broadband Benefit program. The Emergency Broadband Benefit program provides a temporary discount on monthly broadband (high-speed internet) bills for qualifying low-income households.     
        
  To learn more about the program and to apply, click here.   
   
  SBA Targeted EIDL Advance Applications       
        
  The Small Business Administration (SBA) is now accepting requests to reevaluate declined Targeted Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Advance applications. To request a reevaluation, applicants should follow these steps:      
• Send an email to [email protected] with the subject line “Reevaluation Request for [insert your 10-digit application number]” 
• Include in the body of the email identifying information for the application including application number, business name, business address, business owner names(s), and phone number.  
• Please also include an explanation and any documentation that addresses the reason for the decline, if available. SBA will contact applicants if additional documentation is required to complete our review.     
   
  As always, it is my sincere honor to represent the 15th District of Texas. Please reach out to my office if you have any questions or concerns in relation to federal matters.      
   
  *Please do not respond 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.* 

Sincerely,

Vicente Gonzalez
Member of Congress