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Hi friends,
As we gear up for fall and take a break from the heat, I wanted to share with you some resources and how I've been working to help our community.
South Texas continues to lead the charge for change, and I am so excited to be a part of so many great things coming to our community. It’s through your hard work and dedication that we have been able to work together to provide support and help grow South Texas.
Announced over $3.6 Million for Local Police Departments
On Wednesday, October 19, I announced $3,656,029 from the Department of Justice through the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Hiring Program.
This grant will be used to hire 15 police officers for the City of McAllen, 8 officers for the City of Edinburg, and 5 officers for the City of Alton.
The Rio Grande Valley is one of the safest regions in the country thanks to the dedication and hard work of our local law enforcement. I’m proud to know that our police departments will have more support to continue their work to protect our community.
Find out more about the grants here.
Met With Students at the Veterans Memorial High School
On Monday, October 17, I had the opportunity to meet with the senior class of 2023 at Veterans Memorial Early College High School where I spoke with them about the importance of civic engagement and how we can all serve our community.
From teaching, to engineering, to voting, each person plays an important role creating a better society and a better life. I’m glad I could speak with the next generation of leaders and learn what’s important to them as they enter the workforce and this new stage in their life.
Thank you for having me!
 
Presented the City of Progreso with over $1.4 Million in American Rescue Plan Funding
On Tuesday, October 18, I celebrated $1,472,839 in American Rescue Plan funding allocated for the City of Progreso. The American Rescue Plan, passed in March 2021, continues supporting South Texans and ensuring our communities and small businesses are equipped to overcome the lasting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
Introduced the “Sgt. Fieldy Act”
On Friday, October 7, I introduced H.R. 9152, the “Sgt. Fieldy Act” which will allow the internment of military working dogs in national and certain state-run veteran cemeteries. This bill follows a letter I sent to Veterans Affairs Secretary, Denis McDonough calling for his intervention in this matter.
Named after South Texas’ very own hero, Sgt. Fieldy, an Improvised Explosive Device Detector (IDD) military working dog who served three tours overseas detecting Improvised Explosive Devices (IED’s) and saving countless lives. In 2016, Sgt. Fieldy received the K9 Medal of Courage Award on Capitol Hill. And in 2018, he was selected as the Military Hero Dog. Recently his handler, Cpl. Nicolas Caceres was informed that Sgt. Fieldy was denied burial at the veteran cemetery in Mission, Texas. My legislation will ensure veteran canines are able to lay to rest with their service companions in veteran cemeteries. 
Read the press release here and watch KRGV article here.
Led a Letter to President Biden Urging Him Against Policies that Could Raise Prices at the Pump
On Wednesday, October 12, as Chairman of the Congressional Oil and Gas Caucus, I sent a letter to President Joseph R. Biden Jr. warning against a crude oil export ban.
American energy exports play a key role in helping to stabilize global energy markets. Instituting an export ban on the heels of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) decision to cut oil production by 2 million barrels a day would lead to higher prices at the pump and hurt our efforts towards American energy independence.
Read the press release here and the letter here.
Sent a Letter to Governor Abbott Demanding Answers for Charging Additional Taxes to Those Deployed with Operation Lone Star
On Friday, October 7, I sent a letter with U.S. Representatives Escobar, Doggett, and Castro demanding answers from Governor Abbott about another failing from his Operation Lone Star.
We received reports that soldiers deployed with Operation Lone Star will soon be forced to pay additional federal taxes which should have been withheld by the Texas Military Department (TMD). This incident, compounded with several months of widespread reports of late paychecks, dismal living conditions, and low soldier morale, are unacceptable conditions for our soldiers. This letter demands answers to several questions so we may better understand how this happened and ensure soldiers are appropriately prepared to file taxes.
Read the letter here.
Announced $550,000 for Tropical Texas Behavioral Health
On Monday, October 17, I announced a grant of $550,000 for Tropical Texas Behavioral Health from the U.S. Department of Justice to create a collaboration with the Brownsville Police Department. This will help those with mental illness avoid incarceration and instead be taken to treatment facilities to support them.
Sincerely,
Congressman Vicente Gonzalez
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