Press Releases

“Twenty-five years later and our community still mourns this painful chapter in our history that took the lives of eight South Texans. With this Congressional Recognition, we are preserving their memory and enshrining the strength and resiliency of a community that came together during an unimaginable tragedy into the record books of the United States Congress,” said Congressman Gonzalez.

“Brownsville has quickly become a prime attraction for American manufacturers and businesses to call our city home. We must have the transportation and infrastructure in place to meet these heightened demands for economic growth. This funding helps us get there while creating hundreds of new jobs and bringing millions of dollars in new opportunities to the Rio Grande Valley. When we invest in local development, we invest in the future of South Texas,” said Congressman Gonzalez.

Washington, D.C.—Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) testified before the House Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Federal Lands, in support of his bill, the Hands Off Our Boca Chica Beach Act. This legislation would enshrine the Boca Chica Beach name into law, federally protecting this historic site from unnecessary name changes. It would also require the Domestic Names Committee—a key federal division of the U.S. Board of Geographic Names (BGN)—to notify the respective Member of Congress of any proposed name change that affects their district.

“Congress has an obligation to keep our government funded and ensure Americans can access the critical support they need to get ahead in life. Today’s continuing resolution will assure essential federal programs and services remain open and accessible to South Texans, including for our veterans, senior citizens, and the many working families who continue to struggle to afford rent and healthcare and put food on the table. For our military, this extension also allows us to maintain military readiness and deliver on-time paychecks to American troops as they honorably serve our nation at home and abroad.

"Education is the great equalizer," said Congressman Gonzalez. “We owe it to the children of South Texas to provide the resources and support needed to succeed in and beyond the classroom. As the current Administration continues to threaten the Department of Education’s existence and strip funding from our public schools, I remain steadfast in my commitment to securing federal investments for our communities. Every student, regardless of background or zip code, deserves a fair chance at achieving their full potential.”

“Law enforcement officers put their lives on the line each day to protect our communities, and they deserve the reliable equipment needed to stay safe and return home to their families,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “Thanks to the funding I secured and passed into law, we are strengthening community safety and empowering Cameron County to enhance its recruitment and retention of skilled deputies. I’m grateful for Sheriff Treviño’s leadership and for every deputy, dispatcher, and member of the Sheriff’s Office working to ensure South Texas remains one of the safest places in the country to live, work, and raise a family.”

“Coastal Bend families deserve modern infrastructure, and these funds will be used to enhance public access to Baffin Bay, mitigate shoreline erosion, support local law enforcement operations, and serve as a catalyst for expanded marine research throughout Laguna Madre,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “Through my close partnership with Judge Madrid, Mayor Fugate, and local leaders, I successfully secured this project and passed it into law. I look forward to its completion.”