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“Brownsville’s airport is a vital gateway that fuels economic growth and connects families to communities across the border and throughout our nation,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “Upgrading airfield signage is an investment in the airport’s long-term future and ensures that pilots and passengers alike can travel safely through our airport. I’m proud to deliver this funding and will continue working with our local leadership to build a world-class airport that meets the needs of our region.”

Brownsville, Texas – Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) urged the U.S. Board on Geographic Names’ Domestic Names Committee to oppose a proposal to rename Boca Chica Beach to “Cyber Beach.” The federal naming committee provided less than a 24-hours-notice of a vote that would take place today, July 9, at 2 p.m. The lack of transparency is nothing more than an attempt to silence the people of Cameron County and erase our region’s history.

“Improving public safety and strengthening our local economy requires resilient infrastructure that can withstand the frequent challenges of extreme weather in South Texas,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “I proudly fought in Congress for this federal investment to help improve the City’s stormwater system and ensure our homes and businesses are protected from heavy rainfall and reduce the risk of flooding. Together, alongside the City of Mercedes and all our neighbors, we will continue to build a safer, more prosperous community.”

“A working sewage system is essential to safeguarding public health, preserving the environment, and keeping our communities safe,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “Last year’s devastating storms and flash floods left the City of Combes’ lift stations in need of urgent repairs. That’s why I worked alongside local leaders to champion this community project funding in Congress. With this investment, we will strengthen our ability to maintain reliable sewage operations daily and when extreme weather events hit flood-prone areas like the Rio Grande Valley.”

“South Texas is rapidly transforming, and we must meet the housing needs of our population,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “However, our region is facing an alarming labor shortage due to rising costs and a reckless ICE agency indiscriminately targeting construction sites and delaying the ability to build enough housing for families. There is still much work to be done to ensure that the workers who build our communities are protected at job sites and that every South Texan gets a fair shot at homeownership. We are making progress and I’m proud to have voted for this comprehensive housing affordability package, which includes a bipartisan bill I co-led to remove bureaucratic roadblocks and streamline the development of affordable housing in rural areas. I look forward to seeing it signed into law.”

Washington, D.C.—After sounding the alarm for nearly two years, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) took additional steps last week alongside Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) and the Texas Democratic Delegation in demanding answers from United States Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) Brooke Rollins and requesting a briefing on how the USDA plans to address the resurgence of New World Screwworm in Texas and across the United States.

“The resurgence of this invasive pest, which the U.S. successfully eradicated in the 1960s, could devastate South Texas ranchers, wildlife, and our communities as a whole,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “With inflation already on the rise from the Administration’s policies and war in Iran, the last thing Texans need is a potential $1.8 billion hit to our cattle industry and statewide economy. Just as I warned, the arrival of the New World Screwworm has crossed the border. The Administration didn’t act fast enough. Instead, they cut funding for early detection and prevention and prioritized billions in taxpayer money to support lowering the cost of beef from Argentina—not America. While the recent opening of a new sterile fly dispersal facility in South Texas is welcomed, it will not be operational until next fall. Now, USDA is playing catch-up to protect the livelihoods of our ranchers and prevent harmful effects to our food supply.”

“From South Texas to the halls of Congress, I will never stop fighting on behalf of our veterans, active-duty service members, and their families,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “That’s why I continue working to pass legislation to expand access to veteran health care and benefits, conduct Congressional oversight to increase transparency around missing servicemembers, and bring millions in federal funding to our region for community services. We must uphold our promise to support the brave men and women who serve our nation and when they return home.”