NEWS FROM THE 15th DISTRICT
Dear Friends,
I hope you and your loved ones are doing well. As your U.S. Representative for the 15th Congressional District of Texas, I wanted to update you on what I've been working on to make our community an even better place.
Sent Letter to Secretary Mayorkas and Blinken Urging Revocation of Visas
On Monday, April 4, I sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, and U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, Alejandro Mayorkas, urging them to revoke visas for members of Mexico’s Federal Congress (Chamber of Deputies) who took part in the creation of the Mexico-Russia Friendship Committee.
Russia has done the unthinkable and invaded a peaceful and democratic country without provocation. At a moment when the world is united in its stance against Russian aggression, members of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s MORENA party decided to demonstrate support for the Russian regime.
I condemn these actions and firmly believe those who choose to stand with tyranny must not be allowed the privilege of entering, traveling or investing in the United States of America.
Read my letter here.
Called on the Administration to present a plan to help South Texas with the impending influx of migrants
On Tuesday, March 29, I sent a bicameral, bipartisan letter with members of the Texas Delegation to President Biden urging for the continuation of Title 42, a public health order enacted in March 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic that enacts immigration restrictions at our borders.
Before ending these restrictions, we need assurances that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is ready to handle the increase in apprehensions along the southern border and support South Texas communities that shoulder the costs of mass migration.
Read my statement here and the letter here.
Introduced Bill to Increase Funding for Flood Victims
On March 25, I introduced H.R. 7221, the Increased Cost of Compliance Modernization Act with Congressman Tom Rice (SC-07). This legislation would raise the Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) coverage limit from $30,000 to $100,000 for policyholders. Devastating floods are becoming the norm due to a changing climate, increased urbanization, and aging infrastructure. Dealing with flooding in your home is already difficult and costly. With this legislation we will increase mitigation measures and limit the damage flooding can have on our community.
Read my press release here.
Introduced Bipartisan Bill to Ban Uranium Imports from Russia
On March 25, I introduced legislation to ban Russian uranium imports with Representatives Adrian Smith (NE-03), Pete Stauber (MN-08), and Henry Cuellar (TX-28). In 2020, 16% of our total uranium purchases came from Russia. We have the ability to produce uranium at home and prevent U.S. tax dollars from funding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. With this bill, we are a step closer to reducing our energy reliance on foreign countries and focusing on energy production at home.
Read my press release here.
Voted to Cap Insulin at $35 a Month
On Friday, March 31, I joined my House colleagues to pass H.R. 6833, the Affordable Insulin Now Act, to cap insulin at $35 dollars a month.
South Texas has a 20% higher rate of diabetes than the rest of Texas.. A vial of insulin costs $10 to produce but is sold for 10 times the price in America. It’s time we stop big pharma from lining their pockets. With this bill, we can ease the financial burden that diabetes can have on a family. Now, the Senate must pass this bill and send it to the president’s desk.
Watch my speech on the house floor about this bill here.
Voted for the SECURE 2.0 Act
On March 29, I voted to pass H.R. 2954, the Securing a Strong Retirement Act of 2021 (SECURE 2.0) to benefit retirement savers and employers.
Everyone deserves the ability to save for retirement. Unfortunately, retirement isn’t a reality for many. This legislation will improve the ability to save more and save earlier, ensuring a secure future for those who have worked hard throughout their life.
Participated in Select Committee on Economic Disparity and Fairness in Growth Hearing
On Wednesday, April 6, I participated in a hearing with the Economic Disparity and Fairness in Growth to address the power imbalances in the private sector. A healthy economy relies on competition, and it is imperative that we ensure that corporate profits don’t come at the expense of worker protections and consumer prices.
Reminders & Updates
Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Grants Now Available
The 2022 COPS Anti-Methamphetamine Program (CAMP) and Anti-Heroin Task Force (AHTF) Program are now open and accepting application. Up to $15 million is available for CAMP and $35 million is available for AHTF. Applications for both grants are due June 1, 2022, at 7:59 PM EST.
You can find more information for the COPS Anti-Methamphetamine Program (CAMP) here and more information about the Anti-Heroin Task Force (AHTF) Program here.
U.S. Department of Agriculture Disaster Assistance
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is offering disaster assistance in response to the recent wildfires, tornadoes, droughts and severe weather impacting Texas.
Help is available for farmers and livestock producers who were affected by these natural disasters. Impacted producers should contact their local USDA Service Center to report losses and learn more about program options available to assist in their recovery from crop, land, infrastructure, and livestock losses and damages.
Additional USDA disaster assistance information can be found on farmers.gov.
Reopening of U.S. Capitol and White House Tours
Great news! On Monday, March 28, 2022, the U.S. Capitol will reopen for tours in a limited capacity and on Friday, April 15, 2022, the White House will begin conducting tours.
Please be advised that White House tours fill up fast, and these requests need to be made at least 21 days in advance. My office recommends sending these requests as early as possible. The White House is the only entity with the authority to grant or deny White House tours, the office of Congressman Vicente Gonzalez is only the venue for submitting the request.
U.S. Capitol tours are reopened at a limited capacity and arrangements must be made through my office for the time being.
We are excited to begin welcoming South Texans back to Washington, D.C.! Please fill out the tour request form on my website here.
Now Accepting Appropriations Requests
My office is now accepting appropriations requests for Fiscal Year 2023. Please submit your request here.
For any questions regarding this process please call my Washington, D.C. office at (202) 225-2531.
Social Security Office Expanding In-Person Appointments
In early-April the U.S. Social Security Administration will add in-person appointments and in person services for those without an appointment.
The Social Security Administration is recommending virtual appointments, if possible, in order to allow timely service for those who do not have that option.
Visit How to Get Help from Social Security to learn:
- The best ways to get help from Social Security.
- What you should know before you visit a Social Security office, so they can help you safely.
- Innovative options that could help you have your hearing sooner if you are appealing a decision.
Social Security Administration National 800 Network Number Additional Submission Time
Recently, technical issues surrounding the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) National 800 Network Number (N8NN) and Field Office general inquiry phone lines may have caused difficulties for some attempting to contact SSA.
On April 1, 2022, beneficiaries who allege difficulties in submitting timely 2022 GEP, IEP, or EP enrollment request via phone or fax will be allowed additional consideration of equitable relief until December 30, 2022.
For more information, click 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:
- File an accurate return and use e-file and direct deposit to avoid delays
- For an accurate return, collect all documents before preparing a tax return; make sure stimulus payment and advance Child Tax Credit information is accurate
- Avoid lengthy phone delays; use online resources before calling the IRS
- Waiting on a 2020 tax return to be processes? Special tip to help with e-filing a 2021 tax return
- 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:
Please Be Advised: Extreme Passport Delays. Apply Early!
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, 2021, 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.
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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