Dear john,

This week in the House Appropriations Committee, we are working to finalize Fiscal Year 2023 spending measures. 

As part of the FY 23 Appropriations Bill, I requested funding for 15 community based projects across Texas-28.  This is non-formula funding that will go towards projects that are a priority in our community.

As always, if you need help with a federal agency, please contact one of my offices:

• Washington D.C.:(202) 225 1640
• Laredo: (956) 725-0639
• Mission: (956) 424-3942
• San Antonio: (210) 271 2851
• Rio Grande City: (956) 424-3942 

Sunday, Imelda and I celebrated our 30th Wedding Anniversary. I am thankful of what we have achieved and of our two girls, Catherine and Cristina. 

I introduced an amendment to protect women farm workers. Strong working conditions for our farm workers are critical to the resiliency of the food and agricultural supply chain. This amendment requests USDA to conduct a study on the working conditions for women farm workers who are vulnerable to assault and sexual exploitation. CLICK ON THE PICTURE TO WATCH ME SPEAK IN THE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE. 

I was awarded the Legislator Award on behalf of the Association of Drilling Contactors for my unyielding support of drilling contractors in the energy industry. 

I met with the Texas Automobile Dealers Association (TADA). TADA represents over 1,400 franchised automobile dealerships in 290 communities throughout the state.

I met with Sergio Gomez Lora, CEO of the Mexican Business Coordinating Council, representing the private sector in Mexico. Strengthening our relationship with the Mexican private sector will further facilitate trade between our two countries and assist in solving supply chain issues.

My Rio Grande Valley Coordinator, Nicolas Cruz, attended a community welcome dinner hosted by Teach for America Rio Grande Valley to welcome the newest teachers joining their organization.

My Laredo Outreach Coordinator, Melissa Peña, attended the Laredo Sector Border Patrol Media Briefing on the Dangers of Crossing the Border Illegally.

Nicolas attended the Starr County Small Business Workshop. The event was hosted by the Starr County Industrial Foundation, Starr County Judges Office, Small Business Administration, and Lone Star Nation Bank to educate business owners on how to apply for loans and provide them with assistance.