Welcomed Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough to South Texas 
On Thursday, October 6, and Friday, October 7, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary, Denis McDonough, and I met with South Texas veterans to discuss the issues important to them and how we can help support those transitioning to civilian life. 

We began the day meeting with a local South Texas Veterans union to discuss how we can provide a better flow of information and services to our community. 

We then toured the VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Healthcare System and spoke with veterans and VA staff on how we can build upon recent advancements and legislation to provide the best care for our veterans. 

We ended the visit with a roundtable, where we spoke about the historic passage of the PACT Act and what that means for those exposed to toxic substances while deployed. We also pushed for the importance of building a VA hospital in South Texas, ending the over 3-hour long drive our veterans must make to San Antonio for adequate care. From getting veterans off the streets with my bill the Housing Our Veterans Act and veteran employment, we had a fruitful discussion that focused on the issues affecting our community and how we can create solutions. 

Updated the LRGVDC on What I Have Been Doing in Congress for Our Community 
On Wednesday, September 28, I joined the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council (LRGVDC) to offer a legislative update on what I have been doing in Congress to benefit South Texas. 

From passing the Inflation Reduction Act which will lower prescription drug prices for our seniors to the passing and implementation of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, I have been working on long-term solutions to address some of the most pressing needs of our communities. 

South Texas is under increasing pressure and need for additional resources due to our fast-growing population. Bills like the CHIPS and Science Act will reduce the strain on our supply chain and focus on American made innovation. Along with the government funding bill for FY2022 which invests $11.2 million that I secured for community projects, we are making targeted investments to benefit the whole and not just the few. 

Our work together for South Texas is just beginning. We’ve got a lot more to do and I promise that I will continue fighting for our region and the issues important to us in Congress. 
 
 
Celebrated Stonegarden Grant with the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office 
On Friday, September 30 I awarded the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office with a $6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Operation Stonegarden Grant Program (OPSG).  

This funding will help local law enforcement work with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) to invest in joint efforts that secure our border. 
 
Met with our South Texas Farmers and the Texas Farm Bureau 
Farmers are the foundation of our economy; they put food on our tables and are critical to our national security. On Thursday, September 29 and Friday, September 30, I visited two farms in South Texas to talk with our local farmers to discuss their priorities and what I can continue to do to support them. 

Legislation like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the FY2023 Appropriations Bill will allocate money to help our agriculture industry and protect the livelihoods of our local farmers. 

I am also honored to have received the “Friend of the Farm Bureau” award for my work on behalf of our South Texas farmers by the Texas Farm Bureau. This line of work is not easy and comes with many ups and downs. With a changing climate it is up to us to ensure we do everything in our power to keep our farms running and food on the table. 

 
Celebrated Funding Coming to the City of Elsa 
On Tuesday, September 27, I proudly celebrated the work our local officials and stakeholders did to help us deliver over $700,000 for the City of Elsa. 

I secured $350,000 for the Elsa-Getting Connected Project in the FY23 Appropriations package to help connect families and friends outdoors and improve health and wellness. We also shepherded $370,000 for the City of Elsa’s Fire Department to support their work to keep our communities safe. 

Thank you to the City of Elsa for having me! 

Met with Our Local Pharmacists 
On Monday, September 26, I visited the Torres Pharmacy to talk about the challenges our local pharmacies are facing and how the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act is helping to lower prescription drug prices. 

We also spoke about my bipartisan bill, the Drug Price Transparency in Medicaid Act, which limits harmful practices by middlemen to stop the increase in prescription drug costs.  

Congress has the responsibility to make healthcare more affordable, and I won’t stop fighting until South Texans have quality and certainty in their healthcare options. 
 
Celebrated Over $300,000 for the Falfurrias VFW 
On Monday, September 26, I celebrated over $300,000 in funding that I secured for the Falfurrias VFW. This funding will equip the VFW to make long overdue improvements to their facility allowing our veterans, their families and the community to gather. 

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