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Hi Friends,
It’s been a busy couple of weeks in South Texas and in Washington, D.C. I wanted to update you on some of the work I've been doing for our region.
Hosted the Select Committee on Economic Disparity and Fairness in Growth in South Texas
On Friday, June 17, I hosted six of my Congressional colleagues from the Select Committee on Economic Disparity and Fairness in Growth in South Texas to conduct a field hearing centered on infrastructure investments.
We spoke with members of some of the hardest-hit communities about key infrastructure and flooding drainage inadequacies. We also heard from local elected leaders and experts from our own community. I am proud to showcase the Rio Grande Valley and discuss ways to keep up with our rapidly growing region and secure the needed investments to make the Rio Grande Valley an even better place to live.
The committee first held a roundtable discussion with local community members about the daily challenges they experience when a storm hits, or how they access the digital world in an area that lacks broadband. Our community has made leaps and bounds when it comes to investing in people and programs, but we can do more and that starts with robust federal investment.
Next, we visited Indian Hills. I felt it was important to highlight the disparity in our region. It is not enough to say that a family has a roof over their heads, we can and must do more.
Finally, we convened a full select committee hearing where we spoke to Hidalgo County Commissioner David Fuentes, Cameron County Commissioner David Garza, Jordana Garcia Barton, a broadband expert and former colonia resident, Cameron County Judge Eddie Trevino, and Susan Kibbe of the South Texas Property Rights Association.
 
Sent Letter Urging President Biden Not to Ban Oil & Gas Exports
On Tuesday, June 21st, I led a letter to President Biden, Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo urging them to continue oil and gas exports.
The Administration must implement policies that put American energy first and lower gas prices. We must continue our efforts to reduce our reliance on foreign countries and grow American energy independence.
Read the letter here and my press release here.
Voted for The Protecting Our Kids Act
On Wednesday, June 8, I voted for H.R. 7910, the Protecting Our Kids Act, which includes a series of measures that aim to ensure that massacres, like Uvalde, never happen again.
If made into law, this bill would raise the minimum age to buy semi-automatic weapons to 21 years of age—the same federal minimum age to buy a handgun. It would also establish new criminal offenses for gun trafficking, create a framework to regulate firearms storage, and regulate ghost guns and bump stocks.
Watch my video about this bill on Twitter or Facebook.
Passed: My amendment to protect access to credit in South Texas
On Wednesday, June 15, the House passed my amendment to H.R. 2543, the Federal Reserve Racial and Economic Equity Act, to ensure that community banks can continue offering access to credit in underserved communities.
The ability to access credit is vital. It provides financial flexibility and resilience as well as helps build up personal equity. With my legislation, we are investing in generational change and access to the tools to build prosperity.
Watch my speech on the House floor about my legislation on Twitter or Facebook.
Introduced the GOLD CARD Act
On Friday, June 10, I introduced bipartisan H.R. 7995, the GOLD CARD Act of 2022, with Congressman Michael C. Burgess (TX-26). This legislation aims to expedite the approval process by exempting the prior authorization process for qualifying medical providers. By doing this, patients and doctors can receive routine and critical medical treatment without having to jump through hoops with insurance companies.
Read my press release here.
Participated in the Summit of the Americas
On Friday, June 10, I attended the Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles, California with fellow members of the U.S. House of Representatives to speak with our neighbors on ways we can strengthen our ties.
It was an honor to join President Biden, Speaker Pelosi, my colleagues in Congress and many other distinguished leaders from Canada, Latin America, and the Caribbean. I was disappointed that Mexican President López Obrador chose politics over this productive and much needed summit as we continue to confront some the most pressing issues facing our hemisphere. President Lopez Obrador’s actions, or lack thereof, continue to deteriorate the fabric of the democracy next door. His absence sent a bad signal to the world that I am sure the Mexican people are not proud of.
 
Sent letter to Congressional Leadership Urging them to permanently strengthen SNAP
On Thursday, June 9, I sent a letter with 76 of my colleagues urging House leadership to bring legislation to the floor for a vote to permanently strengthen Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Over the past few years, SNAP has been a lifeline for families struggling to pay for their groceries during this public health crisis. Now, we are on the verge of a huger cliff. If Congress does not take steps to continue the SNAP relief for families facing food insecurity.
Read my letter here.
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,
Congressman Vicente Gonzalez |
