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Hi Friends,
I wanted to share a few highlights from this month. It’s been a busy couple of weeks, but I am proud to work for you and for South Texas. I promise to keep fighting for our values and for improvements to grow and support our community.
Voted to Pass Minibus Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2023
On Wednesday, July 20, I voted to pass H.R. 8294, the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2023, a package of six funding bills for fiscal year 2023.
These bills strengthen our nation by investing in our agriculture sector, small businesses, affordable housing, and federal nutrition programs, and enforcing stronger consumer protection. It will also help our service members by investing in VA health care, military housing, and childcare, and create good-paying jobs to rebuild our nation’s infrastructure.
Voted to Pass the National Defense Authorization Act
On Thursday, July 14, I voted to pass the fiscal year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act to support our national security capabilities and our service members and their families. Among the items passed in the legislation was my amendment that begins the process of identifying and bringing our deported veterans back home.
Every year, Congress must vote to approve the Defense Department’s budget and identify new ways to support our national security. With the passage of this bill, I voted to increase pay for service members and their families, invest in civilian harm mitigation measures, strengthen supply chain security, and bolster our allies and partners.
Watch my video here.
Voted to Pass the Active Shooter Alert Act
On Wednesday, July 13, I voted to pass H.R. 6538, the Active Shooter Alert Act, which gives local police departments the ability to send out AMBER Alert-like messages in the event of a mass shooting. I am proud to stand with House Democrats to continue passing legislation to make our communities and children safer.
We must do everything in our power to make sure events like the tragedy that just happened in Uvalde and Highland Park never happen again. I promise to continue to fight for South Texas.
Participated in Select Committee on Economic Disparity and Fairness in Growth Roundtable
On Thursday, July 14, I participated in the Select Committee on Economic Disparity and Fairness and Growth Roundtable on Rural America with Under Secretary for Rural Development, Xochitl Torres Small. Historically, rural communities are left behind, and many who live in these regions face difficult barriers to economic mobility. I discussed with experts how to expand prosperity by investing in broadband, healthcare access, and workforce development.
Joined the Port of Brownsville to Celebrate $68 Million in Funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
On Wednesday, July 6, I joined the Port of Brownsville to celebrate $68 million in funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help deepen the Brazos Island Harbor Channel. South Texas continues to be a major hub for trade, and it is imperative that we keep up with demand and ensure our region, workers, and families are taken care of.
Thank you to the Port of Brownsville for having me! I am so proud to see that the legislation I helped pass is making a direct impact on our region. There is more to come from this legislation, and I am excited to see the other good it will do to help modernize and support our community.
Held Bipartisan Briefing with Border Security Technology Experts
On Thursday, July 14, the Bipartisan Border Security Technology Caucus held a briefing with Ben Glass, CEO of Altaeros, the world’s only developer of fully autonomous aerostat platforms. Ben was kind enough to provide us with a thorough understanding of some of the technology his company is working on which can become an asset for surveillance of border areas in a cost-efficient manner.
I co-founded this caucus because I know we have the technology and ability secure our border and support our border patrol personnel.
Joined President Biden in Marking First Bipartisan Gun Legislation in 30 Years
I proudly joined my Congressional colleagues to mark the first gun and school safety legislation signed into law in over thirty years. Congress has stood by for far too long while mass shootings have become commonplace. This law will not take away Second Amendment rights. It will ensure that we have the resources to we keep our children and community safe from further harm. I was proud to vote for this bill and support its passage, but there is more we can do to stop gun violence in our country.
Watch my video here.
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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
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