It's been another busy week in Washington and TX-23. I am proud to serve our district in Congress. Each day, I work to address your concerns and protect our liberties. From helping you navigate federal casework to addressing your concerns, my team and I are always here to help. Please read below for some updates on my recent work representing you in Washington, D.C. and back home in TX-23.

On Wednesday, I had the opportunity to host Veterans Affairs Secretary, Denis McDonough, on a tour of the Audie L. Murphy Memorial VA Hospital and Northwest San Antonio VA Clinic. While we were there, we held a roundtable conversation with local veterans and community leaders to discuss ways to enhance veteran care services, modernize VA care facilities, and strengthen the historic investments made by the PACT Act for treating veterans exposed to hazardous waste from working with burn pits and other toxic substances. It was important for me to get Secretary McDonough in front of local veterans and community leaders—not bureaucrats.

I wanted him to hear the truth about how veterans’ issues play out in the real world. I’m pleased to say we had an incredibly productive discussion that will translate into results for the San Antonio veteran community.

On Memorial Day, I joined the Knights of Columbus assemblies 1102 and 2040 in San Antonio to recognize four veterans who gave the ultimate sacrifice defending our freedoms. As a 20-year Navy veteran, it was a privilege to help commemorate this event.

There are no words to express what our servicemembers give up to keep our nation prosperous and free - we owe them and their families every ounce of gratitude.

I enjoyed meeting with Sam O’Krent, his family, and the hardworking staff at O’Krent’s Floors in San Antonio on Tuesday.

Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and provide great employment opportunities in TX-23. I will continue to advocate and fight in Congress for small businesses.

Later on, I met with Frio County’s Judge, Rochelle Camacho, to discuss the need for hiring more officers to combat the border crisis.

Communities across TX-23 have been on the frontlines of combatting the border crisis. I'm leading the charge in Congress to help allocate more resources in areas like Frio County to help alleviate the strain border communities are facing.

Rounding out the day, I joined La Salle County Sheriff, Anthony Zertuche, on a ride along through high-traffic areas. Sheriff Zertuche highlighted the increase in property damage due to illegal high-speed chases.

Incidents like these are becoming all too familiar in TX-23, and ongoing threats to public safety cannot become the new normal.

If you are planning to travel internationally — plan ahead to ensure your passport is up to date. Wait times for passport requests can span several weeks, especially during peak travel season.

My office is ready to assist if you are having issues with obtaining your passport.

My team and I are always available to assist you. Please feel free to contact my office at any time.