Email from Rep. Gonzales

Reopening the Government

This past Wednesday evening, I voted to reopen the government and pass three full fiscal year budget bills, all of which were signed into law by President Trump.

In September, I voted in the U.S. House of Representatives to keep the government open. Unfortunately, this measure was rejected by the Senate over a dozen times.

A vote to reopen the government also meant a vote to pay our federal workers, including those who were furloughed, continuing food assistance programs for families in need, and travel operations resuming as normal.

I understand the shutdown posed challenges for families and federal workers across Texas and the U.S., and I am pleased Congress has come together to find a solution.

Click here to read Congressman Gonzales’ priorities for South and West Texas that were signed into law last Wednesday.

Securing Funding for Our Farmers

Last week, President Trump signed the agriculture budget into law. Through my seat on the House Committee on Appropriations, I helped craft this legislation to support our nation’s farmers and ranchers.

My priorities advanced in the bill include $1.2 billion for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to combat pests, including the screwworm, $1.8 billion for the Agriculture Research Service to invest in agricultural innovation to protect animals and crops, and $110 million for cattle health programs.

The bill also provides funds to ensure the safety of food, drugs, and medical devices, supports USDA and FDA state inspection programs, ensures that low-income Americans have access to nutrition programs, and prevents bad actors from buying up America's farmland.

PICTURED: Congressman Gonzales visiting a cattle operation in Hondo.

Prioritizing Our Veterans and National Security

Last week, President Trump signed our strong military construction and VA budget bill into law. This bill fully funds VA benefits and healthcare programs.

I also secured over $600 million in funding to support Military City, USA.

$500 million to keep NSA-Texas permanently in San Antonio
$79 million for a new dining facility and basic military training classrooms at Lackland Air Force Base
$18 million for a new C-5 aircraft maintenance facility at Lackland Air Force Base, Kelly Field Annex

The bill also provides funding for the design of a new Army Reserve Center Building at Camp Bullis and a congressional directive urging the VA to expedite plans to replace Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital in San Antonio with a new, state-of-the-art facility.

PICTURED: Congressman Gonzales visiting Camp Bullis.

Celebrating Veterans Day

As Veterans Day passes, I continue to remember and honor the fellow men and women I served with in the Navy, as well as my grandfather, Jesus Pena, who fought in WWII.

As a 20-year veteran myself, representing those who have served our country is a top priority.

Team Gonzales is constantly on the ground making sure our veterans are taken care of. We've helped almost 1,000 individuals with Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense casework and returned over $1.9 million from the federal government back to veterans and active duty servicemembers.

To all the men and women who answered the call of duty, thank you for your service and sacrifice.

PICTURED: Congressman Gonzales with fellow Navy servicemembers in Afghanistan in the early 2000s.

Expanding Dental Care for Veterans

Last week, I introduced the Rural Veterans Dental Care Act.

No veteran should have to drive hours to see a dentist. Unfortunately, in parts of America, this is a reality. While on the road across South and West Texas, the lack of options for dental care has been brought to my attention countless times.

My legislation would establish a pilot program to deliver dental care to veterans living in rural areas through mobile services.