On Wednesday, March 15, I attended the City of Santa Rosa’s grand opening of the new and improved Santa Rosa Community Park. 

In 2019, a storm damaged the park, leaving many in the community without access to a recreational area. Through funding from the American Rescue Plan and other programs, Santa Rosa was able to make critical updates to the park so that residents are able to stay active, socialize, celebrate birthdays and events, escape the South Texas heat and more. I’m glad to see funding coming directly to South Texas to support our growth. 

On Thursday, March 16, I joined Al Mediodia Valle to talk about the work I have done in Congress on behalf of South Texas. 

Watch my interview here.

Last year, I heard the story of Sgt. Fieldy, an Improvised Explosive Device Detector Dog (IDD) also known as a Military Working Dog, who served three tours in Afghanistan and saved thousands of American lives. 

Sgt. Fieldy was adopted after her military service by handler, Cpl. Nicolas Caceres, who  served in Afghanistan with her. Recently, Sgt. Fieldy was denied burial at the Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery in Mission, Texas. Under current law, Military Working Dogs are considered  “equipment” or “property” and as such are not afforded the right to burial in Veteran cemeteries. My bill, H.R. 918, the Sgt. Fieldy Act, would change that and allow national and certain state-run Veteran cemeteries to inter Military Working Dogs. 

Our Military Working Dogs are heroes and deserve the same honor as those they served with. It’s time we ensure Sgt. Fieldy and the 1,600 current Military Working Dogs can also be put to rest with their brothers and sisters in arms. 

On Friday, March 17, I joined my friend, Congressman Buddy Carter, in reintroducing H.R. 1613, the Drug Price Transparency Act. 

This bipartisan bill will limit the power of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs), middlemen in the Medicaid managed care chain, to artificially spike prices. This legislation will provide accountability to our pharmaceutical supply chain and lower  prescription drug costs for South Texans. 

No one should have to choose between buying life-saving medication and putting food on the table. 

One of the most important jobs I have as your representative is to be your voice in Congress. That also means stepping in when you aren’t getting the assistance and answers you need from federal agencies. 

From issues with your tax return, receiving your VA disability benefits, to getting your passport, my office is ready to assist. Please call us at (956) 682-5545 or fill out our casework form here. 

Check out a recent success story from Alfonso Castillo!