Congressman Gonzalez Responds to President Biden’s Third State of the Union Address

WASHINGTON, D.C.– Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) released the following statement in response to President Joseph R. Biden Jr.’s third State of the Union address.  

“Over the last three years, President Biden and Congressional Democrats have delivered transformative results for the American people and South Texas communities,” said Congressman Gonzalez. 

  “The American Rescue Plan Act and Inflation Reduction Act have helped South Texans and millions of others in our country afford lifesaving medicine and medical care by capping out-of-pocket prescription drug costs, saving Medicare recipients hundreds of dollars annually, while limiting the price of insulin to only $35 a month for those on Medicare Part D. However, there is still much more work that needs to be done to lower the price of prescription drugs and protect Social Security and Medicare from extremist proposals to privatize or defund it. In the greatest country in the world, no hardworking person should be forced to ration or forgo life-saving medicine to afford monthly bills or put food on the table. I stand ready to work with the President and my congressional colleagues to ensure that every senior, veteran, and family has access to the care they need.” 

“Moreover, our border’s safety is vital to not only South Texas, but to the country as a whole. House Republicans must stop playing games with our national security and start delivering real solutions. That is why, just last week I hosted President Biden in Brownsville. We met with U.S. Customs and Border Patrol officers and local leaders who deal with migrant surges first-hand. These brave men and women need more resources, and we have an opportunity — and a responsibility — to send them what they need. I have been critical of both President Trump and President Biden for not doing enough to strengthen our border’s security and fix our broken immigration system. We are at a critical point, and we must quickly pass the Senate Bipartisan Border Package so that our border personnel have the necessary tools to handle future migrant surges in a safe and humane manner. I thank the President for visiting Brownsville and urging congressional action on this issue, which is one of the many priorities for our region.” 

“Tonight’s speech promised to build further on past success and underscored the urgency of protecting the very things that we hold dear: the promises we made to our seniors with Social Security and Medicare, a fair shot at the middle class for any American willing to work hard, a safe and secure border, and so much more. South Texans are counting on him to keep his word and I stand ready to work with the President and my colleagues to deliver.”  

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