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News from Representative Vicente Gonzalez
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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 I 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.
My Statement On the End of the Afghanistan War
On Monday, America witnessed an end to our longest war. As the last planes left Afghanistan, we all watched a chapter of our history come to an end. Thank you to all who served, we can never repay you. To remaining Americans, partners, and allies still seeking safe passage out, there is no deadline. We will continue working for your safe passage.
Supporting Legislation to Posthumously Award the Congressional Gold Medal to Our 13 Fallen Service Members
On Tuesday, August 31st , 158 of my House colleagues and I introduced legislation to honor the 13 servicemembers killed in Afghanistan last week. This bill would posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal to honor the brave men and women who fought to keep Americans and our Afghan allies safe as they evacuated.
The legislation will award the Congressional Gold Medal to Staff Sgt. Darin Taylor Hoover, Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo, Sgt. Nicole Gee, Cpl. Hunter Lopez, Cpl. Daegan Page, Cpl. Humberto Sanchez, Cpl. David Lee Espinoza, Lance Cpl. Jared Schmitz, Lance Cpl. Rylee McCollum, Lance Cpl. Dylan Merola, Lance Cpl. Kareem Nikoui, Hospitalman Maxton Soviak and Staff Sgt. Ryan Knauss.
Read the press release here.
Secured a Commitment from Speaker Pelosi to Pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill by September 27th
Last week, my colleagues and I secured a commitment from Speaker Pelosi and House leadership to bring the bipartisan infrastructure bill for a vote on or before September 27th.
This vital legislation must be passed as soon as possible so that we can repair, modernize and expand our roads, bridges, and broadband infrastructure. The 15th District of Texas deserves swift passage of this bill to improve our interstate and broadband connectivity. It is past time that we make a bold investment in our infrastructure.
Voted to Pass H.R. 4, The John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act
On Tuesday, August 24th, I voted to pass H.R. 4, the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. This important legislation seeks to protect our freedom to vote and preserve the integrity of our electoral process.
The Senate must pass this legislation and get this bill to President Biden’s desk as soon as possible. We must protect this sacred right that heroes like John Lewis fought so bravely to protect.
Presenting American Rescue Plan Funding for the Pharr – San Juan – Alamo Independent School District
On Monday, August 30th, I attended the Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District (PSJA ISD) school board meeting to discuss the American Rescue Plan Act and the $131,483,000 in funding that will ensure our students and educators have the resources to protect themselves as they combat learning loss and resume in-person learning.
Supporting the RGV Partnership
Last week, I met with the RGV Partnership and local business and community leaders from Starr, Hidalgo, Willacy, and Cameron Counties. I was grateful for the opportunity to discuss the importance of investing in all aspects of infrastructure, infrastructure legislation being considered by the U.S. House of Representatives, and cross-border cooperation with Mexico. I look forward to working with them and leaders across the region to ensure a bright future for South Texas.
Funding for the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley to Diversify the Geoscience Field
I recently announced over $314,000 for the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) from the National Science Foundation. This grant will focus on diversifying the geoscience workforce and help students achieve success as they work to attain a higher education.
The Geoscience field is one of the least diverse STEM fields and lacks different perspectives to understand and address issues. I look forward to seeing students of differing backgrounds pursue this career path and pioneer solutions in the field.
McAllen International Airport Receives Grant from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
I am proud to award the McAllen International Airport with $3,300,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act that I helped pass for the 15th District of Texas. This funding was allocated by the Federal Aviation Administration with the purpose of improving the airport’s drainage system to meet FAA standards and enhance safety. Continued investments in drainage will allow us to meet the increased travel needs of our region and keep passengers and airport employees safe.
Read the press release here.
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley to Receive Funding to Explore Advancements in Aerospace Engineering
On Monday, August 30th, I announced an award of $249,927 for the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) by the National Science Foundation. This funding was allocated from the funds in the American Rescue Plan Act that I voted to pass. The grant will help advance research into nano ceramic fibers that can withstand intense heat without melting for use on aircrafts, missiles, and rockets. This research will provide hands on experience to undergraduate and graduate students as they advance in their respective fields.
HHS Funds UTRGV Efforts to Advance Scientific Discoveries
On Wednesday, September 1st, I proudly announced that the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley was awarded $363,386 from the Department of Health and Human Services to advance research in the molecular basis of bacterial chromosome segregation and organization. We must support our researchers as they explore the next frontier of scientific discovery.
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.
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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 do your part to 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 $3,000,000,000 it received from the American Rescue Plan to fund six collective programs:
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!
More information can be found here.
Home Refinancing Options for Low-Income Families
On Sunday, June 6th, Fannie Mae made RefiNow available to single-family lenders in connection with the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) refinance option for low-income borrowers with Enterprise-backed single-family mortgages.
Among the features offered with the RefiNow option, it:
- 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.
Small Business Administration Targeted Economic Injury Disaster Loan (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 |
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