Press Releases
MCALLEN, Texas – Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) issued a statement that he will self-quarantine following close contact with a House colleague who announced Wednesday evening they tested positive for COVID-19:
"Last week, I was in close contact with a colleague who on Wednesday evening tested positive for COVID-19. I have decided to voluntarily self-quarantine until Wednesday, March 25, 2020. I remain asymptomatic and in good health.
I have alerted House leadership and am awaiting guidance from the Office of Attending Physician.
WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) wrote to President Donald J. Trump, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to implore them to take all necessary and appropriate actions to support students, small businesses, seniors, state and local governments, the uninsured, and ensure an accurate decennial Census.
WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) along with 71 other House Members sent a bipartisan letter to Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos requesting the cost of protective measures for COVID-19 do not fall on students.
Many students have taken out student loans and incurred debt to pay for their educational expenses. The Members asked for the U.S. Department of Education to work with higher education institutions to reimburse housing expenses, tuition and study abroad programs to mitigate the financial impact of the coronavirus for students.
WASHINGTON – Following the signing by the president of H.R. 6201, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) issued a statement:
WASHINGTON – Today, Congressmen Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15), Filemon Vela (TX-34), Henry Cuellar (TX-28) and Michael Cloud (TX-27) sent a bipartisan letter urging Texas Governor Greg Abbott to make more COVID-19 diagnostic testing available in South Texas hospitals and medical centers, and erect drive-thru testing sites for South Texas communities.
WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) issued a statement to urge constituents of the 15th District of Texas to reconsider travel and offer guidance on testing:
"As your Member of Congress, one of my top priorities is to keep you informed on critical issues such as the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Everyone, especially individuals who are at higher risk of contracting the virus, should reconsider non-essential travel.
WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez announced the availability of Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance from the Small Business Administration (SBA). SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loans offer up to $2 million in assistance and can provide vital economic relief to small businesses impacted by the temporary loss of revenue due to the coronavirus (COVID-19).
WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) pushed back its deadline for the ReConnect Pilot Program to March 31. The ReConnect Pilot Program seeks to give grants and loans to provide funds for the cost of infrastructure associated with rural broadband.
"With the extension from the USDA for the ReConnect Pilot Program, I encourage those in the 15th District of Texas to continue to apply," said Congressman Gonzalez. "My office is here to assist any who may need assistance with this application."
WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) signed onto H.R. 6070, the Border Health Security Act of 2020, as an original cosponsor. This legislation, introduced by Congresswoman Xochitl Torres Small (NM-02), will ensure that there is continued coordination of resources, effective communication, and information sharing between the United States, Mexico, and Canada to address emerging public health crises.
WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) issued a statement following Texas Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Department of Insurance calling on health insurers and health maintenance organizations operating in Texas to waive costs associated with the testing and telemedicine visits for the diagnosis of coronavirus (COVID-19):