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. 

Urged President Biden to Bolster American Energy Independence, Applauding Recent Russian Oil Ban 

On Wednesday, March 9, I led a letter with members of the Texas delegation applauding the Biden Administration’s decision to ban Russian oil imports and called for the U.S. to unleash American energy production. We are the largest exporter of liquified natural gas and the largest, and cleanest, producer of oil and natural gas in the world. 

As the chairman of the Oil and Gas Caucus, I have always been a strong supporter of energy independence for our nation. This is an opportunity to grow American jobs, boost our economy, and ensure that we aren’t dependent on other nations for our energy needs. We have the ability produce our resources right here at home, it’s time we make this a reality. 

Read the letter here. 

Spoke with Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky 

On Saturday, March 5, members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Senate Foreign Relations Committee spoke with Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, about the current state of Ukraine and what our nation can do to support them. It was an honor to speak with President Zelensky and offer South Texas’ support. I will continue standing in solidarity with the Ukrainian people as they defend themselves against Russia’s unprovoked invasion.  
 
Launched the Bipartisan Border Security Technology Caucus 

On Thursday, March 10, I announced the formation of the bipartisan Border Security Technology Caucus with Representatives Tim Ryan (D-OH-13), Tony Gonzales (R-TX-23), and Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN-03).  

With the creation of this caucus, we hope to strengthen our nation’s border security and recommend available technologies to help secure and strengthen our national security. It is imperative that we use modern tools and technology to meet the challenges of our world. I am proud to work with Reps. Ryan, Gonzales, and Fleischmann to find common sense, bipartisan solutions for our nation’s safety. 

Read the press release here. 

Wrote to Attorney General Garland Urging DOJ to Expedite its Texas Voting Rights Case 

On Tuesday, March 1, I sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Justice asking that the current lawsuit against the State of Texas and its Secretary of State, John Scott, be expedited. With the implementation of S.B. 1, multiple restrictive voting procedures were enforced, leading to thousands of mail-in ballot rejections across the state and right here in South Texas. 

This legislation undermines our democratic process and the civil right to vote through discriminatory practices. As the general election grows closer, we hope these cases can be brought to a resolution before the election, so all Texans are allowed to voice their opinion and vote. 

Read the letter here.

 
Sent Letter to U.S. Secretary of State Sharing Concern on Increased Visa Fees for Agricultural Workers 

On Friday, February 25, I sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of State, Antony Blinken sharing my concern with the Department’s staggering 63% increase in fees for H-2A visas. This visa program is vital to our economy, and without it our farmers and ranchers are unable to provide food to our families and communities.  

This dramatic increase in visa fees from $190 to $310 hinders an employer’s ability to employ foreign laborers to work in the U.S. By almost doubling the price, our agriculture employers will have to cut back on labor, which will be detrimental to domestic production and exacerbate the increasing labor shortage in the industry. The State Department must rethink this policy and lower the H-2A visa fee. 

Read the letter here. 

Voted for Omnibus Bill 

On Wednesday, March 9, I voted for the Fiscal Year 2022 government funding package, a comprehensive piece of legislation that keeps our country running and provides vital funding for our community. 

Within the bill there were many provisions that I was excited to see passed. Namely, 10 projects totaling $11.2 million dollars will be funded in the 15th District of Texas: 

• Brooks County VFW, $304,454
• City of McAllen Police Forensics Equipment, $250,000 
• City of Alamo Police Radio Equipment, $540,000 
• McAllen Hike and Bike Project, $400,000 
• McAllen Center for Urban Ecology, $1,000,000 
• Jim Hogg County Street Lighting Community Improvement Project, $700,000
• Pacific Trails Park in the city of Elsa, $350,000 
• Edinburg Fire Department Complex, $500,000 
• North Main Drain Expansion Project in Hidalgo County, $3,706,267 
• City of Schertz for Corbett Water Ground Storage Tank Project, $3,500,000  

The package also reauthorized the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and my bill within VAWA, VAWA Protections for Rural Women Act of 2021. This legislation helps respond and provide resources for those experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking.

 
Finally, the bill provides $13.6 billion to support the people of Ukraine as they defend themselves against Russia’s attack. 

Watch my video here and read my press release here. 

Voted for the Honoring our PACT act of 2021

 
On Thursday, March 3, I voted for H.R. 3967, the Honoring Our PACT Act of 2021, which streamlines and simplifies the healthcare process for veterans and service members exposed to burn pits while deployed.  

Our veterans deserve quality health care after bravely serving our nation. I am proud the have voted for this legislation and to keep our promise to our service members. 

 
Read my press release here. 

My Response to President Biden’s State of the Union Address 

On Tuesday, March 1, President Biden gave his State of the Union address to the joint session of Congress outlining his administration’s accomplishments and vision for the future. 

Read of an excerpt of my response below: 
 
 
Read my full response here. 

Celebrating One Year Since the Passage of the American Rescue Plan Act 

Friday, March 11th, marked one year since the passage of the historic American Rescue Plan Act. This legislation has helped South and Central Texans get back on their feet and put our kids back in school. 

The funding from this law continues to provide support throughout the 15th District of Texas. The Emergency Connectivity Fund is helping us connect students and teachers to the classroom, building out our broadband network as we worked from home, and modernized our community. Schools in the 15th District of Texas collectively received over a billion dollars to provide protective supplies, address the teacher shortage, and address the persistent problem of learning loss throughout South Texas. Our counties received over $254 million, and our cities received over $219 million to provide rental relief, help our small businesses, and keep people employed. Those are only a few of the great things and programs that the American Rescue Plan has supported. This legislation will continue to impact the 15th District of Texas for years to come, and I am proud that I voted for this bill and bring it home to the people of South Texas. 

 
Announced Grant for the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley 

Last week, I announced a grant of $174,922 to the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley from the National Science Foundation to assist in researching time series data. This research will aim to address gaps in analysis and find solutions and new ways to create better predictions in a wide variety of environments. 
 
Reminders & Updates  
     
Low-No Grant Program and Bus Grants Program Now Available to Apply 

On Monday, March 7, the Biden Administration announced the availability of $1.47 billion in competitive grant funds for the Low or No Emission (Low-No) Grant Program and the Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program. These grants are designed to help modernize bus fleets across the country. 

Find out if you’re eligible here and here. 

The deadline to apply is May 31, 2022, at 10:59 P.M. CST / 11:59 P.M. EST. 

All proposal must be submitted electronically. To apply go to Grants.gov and input in the search bar: funding opportunity FTA 2022-001-TPM-LWNO for Low-No and FTA 2022-002-TPM-BUSC for Buses and Bus Facilities. 
  
Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Veterans Affairs (VA) and Defense (DoD) launch New Online Service for Noncitizen Service Members, Veterans, and their Families   

The Department of Homeland Security in partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense launched two new resources to support noncitizen service members, veterans, and their families. This program is through the Immigrant Military Members and Veterans Initiative (IMMVI) and will host an online center through the DHS to consolidate federal resources.   
  
The online center will include a portal for veterans who need assistance in applying to return to the United States or accessing VA benefits that they are entitled to. It will also provide previously removed veterans a simple a fast way to get in contact with the appropriate department for assistance or to answer questions.   
  
You can access the website here.   
   
Tax Filing Season is Here!    

The 2021 tax filing season began on Monday, January 24, 2022, and ends on Monday, April 18, 2022. Here is a 5-point checklist from the IRS for a speedy process and refund delivery:     

1. File an accurate return and use e-file and direct deposit to avoid delays    
2. For an accurate return, collect all documents before preparing a tax return; make sure stimulus payment and advance Child Tax Credit information is accurate    
3. Avoid lengthy phone delays; use online resources before calling the IRS    
4. Waiting on a 2020 tax return to be processes? Special tip to help with e-filing a 2021 tax return    
5. Free resources are available to help taxpayers file.     

All of these free resources and more can be found on the IRS website. For more information on where to find a VITA program provider near you, please visit the IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) website.    
   
      
USDA Reconnect Program Still Open!   

     
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is making $1.15 billion available through the USDA’s ReConnect program.        
      
On November 24, 2021, the Department began taking applications for grants and loans to assist rural areas access high-speed internet.        
      
To see if you qualify and to apply, click here.        
   
               
Texas Homeowners Assistance Fund    

The application portal for the Texas Homeowners Assistance Fund is now open for homeowners who live in Hidalgo County or whose mortgage is serviced by HomeLoanServ.     
    
This financial assistance program is designed to support those who have fallen behind on their mortgage and related expenses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Funded through the American Rescue Plan Act and administered by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA), this program is operating in its pilot phase for Hidalgo County residents.     
    
Learn more and apply here.     
    
      
Get Vaccinated to Protect Against COVID-19  
      
South Texas has led the country in vaccinations, but we’re not out of the woods yet. With the spread of the Delta and Omicron variants, we must be vigilant and do our part to protect ourselves, our families and community.               
             
Find locations to get your COVID-19 vaccine and booster here.               
      
Investing In America’s Communities Program  

            
The Economic Development Administration (EDA) is investing the, $3 billion from the American Rescue Plan Act to fund six collective programs, three of which are still open: 

• Indigenous Communities      
• Travel, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation       
• Statewide Planning, Research and Networks       

   
Due to the ongoing pandemic, passport processing centers are experiencing delays in the renewal process. The U.S. 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 currently routine service can take up to 11 weeks and expedited service can take up to 7 weeks. Don’t wait to renew, apply early!           
    
  
More information can be found here.               
      
Still Available: Home Refinancing Options for Low-Income Families      

           
On Sunday, June 6, 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.                 
       
Apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program  

             
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) created the Affordable Connectivity Program as a permanent installation of the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program established to provide a temporary discount on monthly broadband (high-speed internet) bills for qualifying low-income households during the COVID-19 pandemic.       
    
Those fully enrolled in the Emergency Broadband Benefit by December 31, 2021, will continue to receive their monthly benefit until March 1, 2022.     
    
To re-enroll in this program, find if your eligible, or 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