ICYMI: Texas border cities like Laredo continue to rank among the safest in the nation. According to @FBI data, rates of murder and violent crime remain lower than in many major cities across the country. In Laredo, the murder rate is 2 per 100,000 people, less than half the (cont in image...)

During my visit to Starr County, I met with local leaders and community members to discuss how federal resources can help strengthen our community and address the priorities that matter most to families throughout the county. I toured the Roma Miguel Aleman Suspension Bridge (cont in image...)

While in Webb County, I visited downtown Laredo and joined the community at San Agustin Church to discuss how my office can help secure the federal resources needed to support the community. Afterwards, I visited Dr. Henry Cuellar Elementary, where I spoke with students in (cont in image...)

As your Congressman, my top priority is making sure families in #TX28 have the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. Today, while making visits across our district, I was in Zapata County meeting with local leaders and seniors to talk about how federal investments (cont in image...)

I am devastated by the tragic shooting this morning at the church at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis. The loss of innocent children and the injuries sustained by so many is heartbreaking. Places of worship should be sanctuaries of peace, not scenes of violence, and (cont in image...)

Folks, let me take a moment to recognize something truly special: National Dog Day! Celebrated every year on August 26, this day is all about honoring the incredible love, loyalty, and companionship that our canine friends bring into our lives. It's a time to encourage dog (cont in image...)

Today marks four years since the tragic day when 13 brave U.S. soldiers gave their lives during the Kabul airport attack, including our own Lance Corporal David Lee Espinoza of Rio Bravo. Lance Cpl. Espinoza was just 20 years old, a graduate of Lyndon B. Johnson High School, (cont in image...)

Recently, my Outreach Coordinator, Toro Martinez, joined the Harlandale ISD Board of Trustees to present a Congressional Recognition honoring the late Coach Sylvia Cardenas. Coach Cardenas dedicated her career to uplifting generations of students and athletes, leaving a lasting (cont in image...)

This morning, I held a press conference with Mayor Victor Treviño, the Laredo Police Department, the Webb County Sheriff’s Office, Chief Miguel Rodriguez, and our constables to reaffirm what families along the border already know: our communities are among the safest in (cont in image...)

I was pleased to join families, community leaders, Councilwoman Cigarroa, Dr. Martinez, and the dedicated team at Roots Recovery for Anthony’s Block Party last night during Overdose Prevention Month. This event was a powerful reminder that saving lives and supporting our (cont in image...)

In the FY26 Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations bill, I helped secure no less than $6 million to support INTERPOL Washington’s International Child Sexual Exploitation Database and victim identification efforts worldwide. This funding strengthens the global fight (cont in image...)

My Laredo Outreach Coordinator, Andres Velazquez, recently joined Mai Matcha Café for their grand opening celebration, where he presented the owner with a Congressional Recognition on my behalf.   Mai Matcha Café brings a refreshing new take on traditional Japanese matcha tea, (cont in image...)

📢National crime statistics confirm what South Texans have long known: our border communities are among the safest in the country. The 2024 Uniform Crime Report shows violent crime and murder rates in cities like Laredo and Rio Grande City are far lower than the national average (cont in image...)

I attended the WBCA Mr. South Texas Announcement and was glad to join dignitaries and community leaders for this special event. It was wonderful to see everyone come together to celebrate a tradition that highlights the culture, pride, and spirit that make Laredo so special. I (cont in image...)

The deployment of an Aerostat in Zapata County is part of a program that enhances security, improves situational awareness, and optimizes resource allocation across the southern border. Flying at 3,000 feet, the Aerostat serves as a visible “eye in the sky,” acting as a strong (cont in image...)

In the FY26 Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations bill, I helped secure $2 million for Kevin and Avonte’s Law, which provides resources to help state and local law enforcement locate and protect individuals with Alzheimer’s, autism, or other developmental disabilities (cont in image...)

FYI: The nonpartisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget projects federal deficits will total $22.7 trillion over the next decade. That’s $1 trillion higher than previous estimates. This worsening outlook is driven by the partisan budget bill passed in July, which alone (cont in image...)

I was pleased to present a Congressional Recognition to the First State Bank of San Diego in honor of 71 years of dedicated service to the community. Since its founding in 1954, the bank has remained a trusted, locally owned institution, supporting the people and businesses of (cont in image...)

Yesterday, I joined community leaders and residents in San Diego for the ribbon cutting of the new Tovar Street Bridge and to celebrate major improvements along SH 359, both made possible through significant federal investments to improve safety, mobility, and quality of life in (cont in image...)

Yesterday afternoon, I had the pleasure of presenting Congressional Recognitions to two remarkable individuals. Jorge Javier López was honored for his incredible contributions to the arts in our community, and Maritza Bautista, the founding executive director of the Daphne Art (cont in image...)

Today, we marked the final day for the remaining Summer 2025 interns in my Washington, D.C. office. My Chief of Staff, Patrick O’Connor, presented Bella Gutierrez, Carolina Benavides, and Karyme Flores with certificates on my behalf to recognize their dedication and (cont in image...)

🚨 #TX28 : The cost of living continues to rise – and families across South Texas and the country are feeling it. From groceries to gas, health care to housing, retaliatory tariffs are driving up prices and straining household budgets. When I visit with small businesses, (cont in image...)

Recently, my Outreach Coordinators, Kelly Brooks and Adison Denham, met with Jourdanton Mayor Robert Williams and City Manager Debbie Molina at City Hall to discuss federal grant opportunities for local projects. From park walking trails and community centers to fire department (cont in image...)

In the FY26 Interior Appropriations bill, I helped secure $426 million for the Brownfields Grants Program, which includes $300 million in advanced appropriations provided by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that I voted for. This important program provides for the (cont in image...)

Yesterday, my Outreach Coordinator, Kelly Brooks, joined local leaders in Tilden for the McMullen County Emergency Management meeting to discuss ways to strengthen and expand our region’s ability to prepare for and respond to emergencies. As South Texas continues to grow, it’s (cont in image...)

Report after report has come out this week coming to the same conclusion – families and businesses are struggling to keep up with retaliatory tariffs. With many companies no longer able to shield consumers from rising import costs, families are now forced to bear the (cont in image...)

Today, my Outreach Coordinator, Melissa Peña, joined @cityoflaredo Mayor Victor Treviño, Councilwoman Melissa Cigarroa, and community members at the Breastfeeding Awareness Fair hosted by Doctors Hospital. Mayor Treviño read a proclamation recognizing Breastfeeding Awareness (cont in image...)

90 years ago, President Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act into law, creating an essential American promise that provides retirement, disability, and survivors benefits to millions of Americans. Today, over 135,000 people in #TX28 depend on Social Security to help pay (cont in image...)

As part of the FY26 Interior Appropriations Bill, I helped secure $35 million for small and rural communities – including those in South Texas – to tackle the complex challenges of improving their water and wastewater systems. Across our region, too many families still face (cont in image...)

My San Antonio Outreach Coordinator, Jesus Martinez, recently presented 18 Congressional Recognitions to the presidents of Neighborhood Associations in the Eastside of San Antonio in Bexar County who have participated in the monthly roundtable discussion group. These leaders (cont in image...)

Short-term boosts in revenue like last month’s jump in tariff collections can’t replace a stable, long-term economic plan. Even with the added income from customs duties, our deficit is still rapidly growing. To make a bad situation worse, the partisan budget bill signed last (cont in image...)

Short-term boosts in revenue like last month’s jump in tariff collections can’t replace a stable, long-term economic plan. Even with the added income from customs duties, our deficit is still rapidly growing. To make a bad situation worse, the partisan budget bill signed last (cont in image...)

A recent report from the @USCBO confirms what we already knew – the partisan budget passed last month funds tax breaks to the wealthiest households by slashing critical health care and nutrition programs that everyday families in South Texas rely on. While the top 10% will (cont in image...)

I was saddened to hear of the passing of Former Seguin Mayor Betty Ann Matthies, a remarkable public servant whose life was defined by compassion, leadership, and unwavering dedication to her community. Throughout her life, Betty Ann was devoted to serving others – from more (cont in image...)

This morning, my wife Imelda and I were honored to join our fellow parishioners of @DioceseofLaredo at the Sames Auto Arena to celebrate its 25th anniversary – established by Pope John Paul II on August 9, 2000 – and to recognize Bishop James A. Tamayo’s 25 years of service as (cont in image...)

This evening, I attended and presented a Congressional Recognition at the annual “Summer Under the Stars BBQ Cook-Off” with Poteet Mayor Denise Leal Sanchez, Mayor JR Gallegos, local leaders, and neighbors. This celebration of community, food, fellowship, and music under the (cont in image...)

This afternoon, I met with Fire Chief Brad Chambers, Mayor JR Gallegos, Atascosa County Judge Weldon Cude, Councilman Joey Macon, and fire chiefs from surrounding communities at the City of Pleasanton Fire Department for a briefing on recent fire response efforts – preparedness (cont in image...)

Today, I joined friends and neighbors at Cafe Chris to honor owner Mary Rodriguez and her granddaughter Erica Lopez with a Congressional Recognition on the one-year anniversary of the café’s reopening. Cafe Chris has been serving Pleasanton for over 30 years, but a fire last (cont in image...)

Today I met with @PleasantonISD Superintendent Cheryl Barron, Board President Ralph Unger, Trustee Pete J. Pawelek, and district staff to discuss school infrastructure, student success, and how federal funding can support their mission. Investing in South Texas education starts (cont in image...)

It was a pleasure to visit @BillMillerBarBQ in Pleasanton today, where I enjoyed a break from the heat with some classic South Texas barbecue and refreshing tea. While there, I had the chance to speak with Carlos from Tuttle Outdoor Power about the work they're doing and the (cont in image...)

📢ICYMI: Texans can once again take advantage of the annual Tax-Free Weekend today through Sunday. As an original cosponsor of the bill, authored by @RodneyEllis , I fought for this commonsense law to help families save on clothes, shoes, and school supplies under $100. It’s a (cont in image...)

Yesterday evening, family, friends, and fans from across Texas gathered for a heartfelt celebration of the life and legacy of the legendary Flaco Jiménez, a trailblazing musician whose influence transcended generations and genres. I was honored to be represented by my Outreach (cont in image...)

This morning, I presented a Congressional Recognition to Alejandra “La Guerita” Gonzalez for her achievements as a boxer and her outstanding commitment to service and leadership. At just 15 years old, Alejandra has already won Gold at the Junior Olympics in Edinburg, Texas and (cont in image...)

I'm excited to share another important win for South Texas in this year's Homeland Security appropriations bill. I secured $2 million to establish a new Organized Retail and Supply Chain Crime Coordination Center, which will identify and disrupt criminal organizations targeting (cont in image...)

This morning, I joined @GCHCTexas and @cityoflaredo Mayor Victor Treviño to celebrate National Health Center Week and award Gateway with a Congressional Recognition for their essential role in keeping South Texas healthy, strong, and connected. As the third-largest healthcare (cont in image...)

Yesterday evening, I attended a ceremony celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Franciscan Friars of Hebbronville and their century of faithful service to Jim Hogg County. The Friars arrived in 1926 escaping persecution in Mexico and have since been a vital part of the (cont in image...)

I'm deeply saddened by the passing of Texas Transportation Commission Chairman Bruce Bugg. His vision and dedication to improving our state’s transportation system helped move Texas forward, making our roads safer, expanding access, and strengthening critical infrastructure. (cont in image...)

I'm excited to share another important win for South Texas in this year's Homeland Security appropriations bill. I helped secure $84 million for workforce care and suicide prevention. This funding is vital because it supports the mental health and wellbeing of the men and women (cont in image...)

My Outreach Coordinators, Kelly Brooks and Adison Denham, recently attended the back-to-school event at the Lytle Community Center to connect with local organizations, listen to community priorities, and offer the support of my team. The event brought together agencies and (cont in image...)

This week in Webb County, planning began on a major new water pipeline along U.S. Highway 59, which was made possible by $7.5 million in federal funding I helped secure. Once complete, this project will deliver clean, reliable water to rural communities across South Texas, (cont in image...)