Dear john,

Today marks the beginning of Women's History Month – commemorating and encouraging the study, observance and celebration of the vital role of women in American history. Join me in recognizing the many women in our lives who have had a signifcant impact on who we are today.

“From the first settlers who came to our shores, from the first American Indian families who befriended them, men and women have worked together to build this nation. Too often the women were unsung and sometimes their contributions went unnoticed. But the achievements, leadership, courage, strength and love of the women who built America was as vital as that of the men whose names we know so well."-President Jimmy Carter 1980.

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
• San Antonio: (210) 271-2851
• Rio Grande City: (956) 487-5603

I spoke at the Autism Speaks 2023 Advocacy Forum in Washington, DC. As Co-Chair of the Congressional Autism Caucus, and as a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I have always been committed to increasing funding for autism research and programs that serve people with autism and their caregivers. I will continue to do so in the 118th Congress.

I met with the Texas Association of Business (TAB) in my Washington, DC, office. Commerce and entrepreneurhsip are crucial to our economy, especially in South Texas. I will continue to advocate for job creation and economic growth in Texas and across the country.

I also met with the U.S. Oil & Gas Association. The oil and gas industry provides jobs, economic opportunities, and lower prices at the pump for South Texans. And, as a member of the Congressional Energy Export Caucus, I know that exporting oil and gas is critical to supplying energy for our allies abroad. I will continue advocate for the oil and gas industry in Congress.

I met with the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) in my Washington, DC, office. We discussed a variety of issues, including agency funding, workplace rights, and employee protections. I appreciated the opportunity to listen and learn about the NTEU and their employees.

I visited the World Trade Bridge for the grand opening of 4 new lanes for the Free and Secure Trade (FAST) Program. This $10.3 million project - $8 million in federal funds - will add four new lanes and four new inspection booths to the Bridge, bringing the total to 15 inspection booths and increasing capacity by 36%. This will give the approximately 2,000 FAST trucks that cross the World Trade Bridge every day their own dedicated route. Laredo is the busiest land port in the United States. This expansion will help eliminate congestion at the World Trade Bridge port of entry and expedite the flow of trade into our country.

I announced $2,000,000 in federal funding for Zapata County to construct a new fire station to replace the current building that was built in the 1980s. Zapata County has been in dire need of a new fire station for quite some time now. The deteriorating conditions of the current building cause inefficiency problems and put our firefighter’s health at risk. With the construction of this new fire station, Chief Arriaga and his fire department will be able to provide a higher quality service to Zapata County. This new building will also help us guarantee the health of our firefighters who risk their lives every day for us.

I announced $2,965,800 for a new Duval County Emergency Operations Center (EOC). The funds will be used to provide the Duval County’s Sheriff’s Office, Fire Department, First Responders, and Emergency Services with a new state-of-the-art facility that will allow all county department heads to work together during a major disaster for proper and efficient Incident Command System (ICS) response planning. The building will also provide office space for the Texas Department of Public Safety and U.S. Border Patrol.

My daughter, Christina, and I had the pleasure of joining the Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG) for their board of directors meeting. I spoke about issues that are important to my constituency, including border security, defense, infrastructure, health care, education, and the economy. I also spoke about my role in the House Appropriations Committee and my latest work to deliver results for South Texas. It’s important that we listen to different local entities to understand all the unique issues and opportunities across Texas-28.

I met with the USDA, AACOG, and local leaders from Guadalupe County to discuss the county’s priorities. I remain committed to working together with local, state, and federal entities to deliver results for Guadalupe County residents.

I presented U.S. Border Patrol Laredo Sector Chief Agent Carl Landrum a Congressional Certificate of Recognition in honor of his retirement after 27 years of service to the United States Border Patrol. Thank you for your dedication, leadership, and valuable insight during your time at the Laredo Sector, and congratulations on your well-deserved retirement!

My wife, Imelda, my daughter, Catie, and I attended the WBCA Stars & Stripes Air Show Spectacular in Laredo. This year’s Air Show was dedicated to Laredo native Arturo Campos. Mr. Campos was a NASA engineer who helped coordinate the emergency landing in the Apollo 13 mission. We saw performances by the Air Combat Command F-16 Viper Demonstration Team and the Aeroshell Aerobatic Team. We also saw civilian demonstrations, met some pilots, and visited static displays of military and civilian aircraft.

My office held a webinar with representatives from USDA Rural Development to discuss different funding opportunities for rural areas. If you or anyone you know need any assistance from the USDA, please contact my office. 

I attended Winter Texans Senior Citizen Appreciation Day at the Zapata County Community Center. Winter Texans are residents of other states that migrate to South Texas for the winter and become active members of our community contributing to our local economies.

Thank you, Guadalupe County Precinct 3 Constable, Michael Skrobarcek, and all your men for presenting my daughter, Christina, and I a certificate of recognition for my continued support for law enforcement.

I visited VFW Post 8931 in San Diego, Duval County. I want to thank Commander Noel Valdez and all the veterans for their service and their hospitality!

My daughter, Christina, and I had lunch with some old friends in San Antonio, including SAWS CEO, Robert Puente, and City Councilman, Manny Pelaez.

Sophia De Leon is an intern in my Washington, DC office. A proud native of Austin, Texas, Sophia is currently a junior at Georgetown University majoring in Government and minoring in History and Sociology. Sophia attributes her passion for government and politics to her parents who signed her up to be a Capitol page in the Texas House of Representatives in elementary school. From that moment, Sophia’s path led her to participate in numerous extracurricular activities, including Model UN, mock trial, moot court and campaign clubs for various political candidates. Having previously interned in the Texas Senate during the 87th legislative session, Sophia seeks to broaden her understanding of the legislative process at the national level and make the most of her time in D.C.

Jesus 'Toro' Martinez serves in my San Antonio office as an Outreach Coordinator. Toro is an active member of the Bexar County Democrat Party and a renowned artist in the San Antonio area. He believes in public service and in using his art to promote fairness and equality for all. Thank you for your service!

My Zapata Outreach Coordinator, Marco Salazar, attended the Zapata County Sheriff's Office meet and greet. Thank you, Sheriff Del Bosque, for everything you and your men do for our community. 

My Laredo Outreach Coordinator, Melissa Pena, attended Harmony School of Excellence's official State Charter School announcement.

My office attended the presentation of a Veteran Headstone for Civil War Veteran, Private Matias Salinas of the Union Army. His great-grandson, Alan Salinas, was there to honor him. 

My office attended the La Estrella Del Deporte awards ceremony for the month of February. Thank you, Commissioner Gonzalez, for always recognizing our young talent.