Dear Friends,

I am excited to share  the latest news from Congress and the work I am doing in Washington, D.C., on behalf of the 34th Congressional District of Texas.

Warm regards, 

Congressman Vicente Gonzalez

Retroactive Payments from the Social Security Fairness Act Have Begun

Exciting news for South Texas retired firefighters, police officers, educators, and public servants. Retroactive payments from the Social Security Fairness Act have started for those who qualify! Social Security is a lifeline for many in our region, and I was proud to support the Social Security Fairness Act!

The Social Security Administration advises beneficiaries to verify that their mailing address and direct deposit information are up to date. You are able to check your information on your “My Social Security Account”.

For more information, please visit the Social Security Administration’s website here.

My Statement on President's Trump's Address to Congress

"On Tuesday night, I sat in the House Chamber and listened to President Trump address our nation. Let me be clear – I do not want President Trump to fail. If he fails, South Texans and the American people fail.”  

“But I remain concerned by what the President did not mention in his address. It has been 43 days since he took the oath of office, and we have only seen the price of everyday items continue to rise and the threat of cuts to vital programs like Medicare, Social Security, Medicaid, Head Start, and SNAP linger. These are not simply line items on a budget – people’s health and wellbeing are at stake.” 

Read my full statement here.

Opposed Republican Budget Resolution that would Harm Our District

Last week, I voted against House Republicans’ partisan budget plan. This budget is not only fiscally irresponsible, but would jeopardize healthcare for thousands, especially our seniors, and let children and families go hungry. We can and must do better, not just for South Texans, but for all Americans.

Read my full statement here.

Re-introduced the Land Port of Entry Modernization Trust Fund Act 

I was proud to join my colleagues, Congressmen Henry Cuellar, Gabe Vasquez, Tony Gonzales, and Congresswoman Veronica Escobar in re-introducing the bipartisan Land Port of Entry Modernization Trust Fund Act. This legislation would ensure our ports of entry are well maintained and able to meet the needs of increasing cross border travel. South Texas is one of the main arteries for trade, travel, and tourism in the nation. 

 Met with Cameron County 9-1-1 Emergency District

It was an honor to see the Cameron County 9-1-1 Emergency District in Washington, D.C., and discuss critical issues to ensure they can continue to protect and serve our community. I am incredibly thankful for the vital services that our 9-1-1 professionals provide.

Met with Brownsville Public Utilities Board

Thank you to the Brownsville Public Utilities Board for a great meeting in Washington, D.C., where we discussed our region’s water needs and the importance of vital infrastructure investments to address them. For example, I was proud to champion the authorization of $40 million for Brownsville in the Water Resources Development Act. While funding has yet to be allocated, this marks a significant step forward in addressing the city’s infrastructure needs. Rest assured that I will continue working to secure funding to address our water needs.

Advocated for USA Shooting Athletes’ Digital Rights

In a victory for America’s Olympic athletes, Meta Platforms has reversed course and will stop shadow banning posts from Olympic athletes. America’s shooting athletes represented their country at the highest level and deserve to proudly showcase their sport and ability on any social media platform. I’m proud to have advocated for this and to have worked with Senator Marsha Blackburn from Tennessee on this important issue.

Read my letter to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg here and find out more here.

Questioned Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell on Lowering Costs for South Texans 

On February 13 2025, I questioned Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell on what the Federal Reserve is doing to lower costs for working class families in South Texas when he testified before the House Financial Services Committee.

See the full proceedings here.

Team Gonzalez Attended the 2025 Boys and Girls Club of McAllen Gala

My team was honored to attend the 2025 Boys and Girls Club of McAllen Gala. A special congratulations to Hidalgo County Precinct 2 Commissioner, Eddie Cantu, for his dedication and hard work to support the Boys and Girls club mission. I also want to give my gratitude to the Boys and Girls Club of McAllen for providing important services to over 18,000 children in the Rio Grande Valley.

 Met with Officials from the Government of Mexico to Increase Americans’ Safety Abroad

I met with Governor of Quintana Roo, Mara Lezama Espinosa, and the Secretary of Tourism, Bernardo Cueto Riestra, for a productive discussion on how to increase security measures for American tourists when visiting the Mexican State of Quintana Roo.

Spoke at UT Austin’s Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs

It was an honor to speak to the next generation of policy leaders & public servants at the University of Texas at Austin‘s Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin during the 29th Barbara Jordan National Forum. 

I would also like to give a special thank you to our former TX-34 intern and current student, Ashley Alvarado, for organizing and moderating a great discussion on leadership and resilience!

Joined KRGV to Discuss important Issues Facing our Country Right Now

It was a pleasure to join KRGV for a sit-down interview on February 18, 2025, to discuss border security and immigration issues impacting South Texas and the entire nation.

For the full interview, click here!

Every day, my office and I ensure federal agencies are working with you and for you. Whether you are having issues with passports, USCIS, OPM, the VA, or the IRS, we are here to assist you.   

Please call (956) 682-5545 or submit a request online here to speak with someone on my team. 

Please do not reply to this email as this inbox is not monitored. Instead, please visit Gonzalez.House.Gov or call us at (956) 682-5545 or (202) 225-2531.