NEWS FROM THE 15th DISTRICT
Dear Friends,
I hope everyone in Central and South Texas had a wonderful holiday season. I want to take the time to give you all an update on my recent work in Washington, D.C., and our region on behalf of the 15th District of Texas.
As always, it is my honor and privilege to serve the 15th District of Texas. Here are a few highlights and updates from the past few weeks.
Congressman Gonzalez Announces District Offices to Collect "Valentines For Veterans"
On January 16, I announced the 15th District of Texas first annual "Valentines for Vets" program. Through this program we will collect and distribute Valentine's Day cards to our local veterans.This Valentine’s Day, I hope the community will join me in honoring our troops with a small token of appreciation. Everyone is welcome to participate in this program by dropping off or mailing cards to one of our district offices by Friday, February 7, 2020.
Read my full press release here.
Congressman Gonzalez Disappointed in Final USMCA Implementing Bill's Lack of Security Measures For Mexico
On January 16, I wrote an editorial regarding the passage of the United States-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) agreement implementing legislation in the U.S. Senate. For months now, I have appealed to the governments of the United States and Mexico to secure trade and tourism routes leading to the United States. The inaction of both governments has had devastating consequences. I implored Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador to take this matter seriously and act accordingly for the well-being and safety of thousands of people on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border.
Read my full editorial here.
Congressman Gonzalez at House Financial Services Hearing on CECL
On January 15, I spoke with the Financial Accounting Standards Board Chair Russell Golden about the impact the Current Expected Credit Losses (CECL) standard will have on community banks and small businesses. It's clear CECL is too much, too late and we need to stop and study this accounting model further.
Watch the full video here.
Congressman Gonzalez at House Foreign Affairs Committee Hearing on Security and Rule of Law in Mexico
On January 15, I asked the witnesses how we are measuring success of the Merida Initiative, ensuring accountability in criminal justice institutions, and how we can prevent further corruption in law enforcement.
Watch the full video here.
Congressman Gonzalez on House Impeachment Managers and Transmission of Impeachment Articles
On January 15, I issued a statement the vote to appoint managers for the impeachment trial of Donald J. Trump. Our democracy is in good hands with the newly designated House Impeachment Managers.
Read my full press release here.
Congressman Gonzalez Continues to Champion Older Americans and Workers
On January 15, I voted YES on H.R. 1230, Protect Older Workers Against Age Discrimination Act. The bill amends the Age Discrimination Act of 1967 to establish an unlawful employment practice against age discrimination. As a proud cosponsor of the legislation, I am committed to fighting age discrimination and will continue to push for equality in the workplace for all Americans.
Read my full press release here.
Congressman Gonzalez Announces the 15th District of Texas Winners for Congressional App Challenge
On January 15, I announced the winners of the annual Congressional App Challenge (CAC) competition from the 15th District of Texas. I congratulate the winners and look forward to using their apps in the near future.
Read my full press release here.
Congressman Gonzalez Meets With Japanese Government Officials
(Congressman Gonzalez with Mr. Shoichi Kondo and Mr. Michihiro).
On January 14, I met with Mr. Shoichi Kondo and Mr. Michihiro, members of the Japanese Government in Washington, DC. During this meeting we discussed national security issues and our military partnership. It was an honor to be able to meet with them both, as Japan is one of our most important strategic allies in the Pacific.
Congressman Gonzalez on Pentagon Funding Diverted For Border Wall
On January 14, I issued a statement in response to reports that the Trump Administration is moving $7.2 billion in Pentagon funds to construct a border wall. The President’s plan siphon off counter-narcotic and military funding to fulfill an egotistical campaign promise of building a border wall does nothing but waste taxpayer dollars, weaken our military and cripple other critical national security programs. I will always stand against a wasteful border wall.
Read my full statement here.
Congressman Gonzalez Encourages Law Enforcement Agencies to Apply for Community Policing Grants
The U.S. Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing (COPS) opened two grant funding opportunities for law enforcement agencies across the nation. I encourage all law enforcement agencies in the 15th District of Texas to pursue these and any other opportunities that give them the tools they need to continue their critical work. I stand ready to assist all applicants as they work to secure federal funding through these grant opportunities.
Read my full press release here.
Congressman Gonzalez on War Powers Resolution Vote
On January 9, I issued a statement following my YES vote on the War Powers Resolution or H. Con. Res. 83. This resolution directs the President to terminate the use of United States Armed Forces to engage in hostilities in or against Iran unless Congress authorizes them or the use is necessary to defend against an imminent attack on the United States or our Armed Forces. As a member of Congress, it is my responsibility to uphold the Constitution and keep our troops and the American people safe.
Read my full statement here.
Congressman Gonzalez Announced $13,856,191 Grant Award for Hidalgo County Head Start Program
On January 9, I announced a $13,856,191 grant award in federal funding for the Hidalgo County Head Start Program. The award is expected to provide comprehensive assistance including: educational, nutritional, health, social, and special services, to upwards of 3,690 children and their families in Hidalgo County. As your Congressman, I will continue to advocate for federal resources that will help our students succeed.
Read my full press release here.
Congressman Gonzalez Comments on Iranian Missile Attacks on U.S. Military Bases in Iraq
On January 8, I issued a statement in response to the Iranian missile strikes on U.S. military personnel and airbases in Iraq. I’m thankful American lives were not lost, and it is my hope this is the end to conflict. The Administration must present Congress with a clear strategy to deal with Iranian aggression and de-escalate this conflict before further U.S. troops are put in harm’s way
Read my full statement here.
Congressman Gonzalez on the Killing of Qasem Soleimani
On January 3, I issued a statement regarding the recent U.S. military drone strike that killed a top Iranian military commander. This strike was met with retaliation and could possibly foment another war in the Middle East. The Administration’s decision to target an Iranian general was done so without congressional notification and raises serious legal questions.
Read my full statement here.
As always it is an honor and my greatest privilege to serve the people of the 15th District of Texas. If my office can be of some assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Sincerely,
Vicente Gonzalez
Member of Congress
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