Monica De La Cruz

De La Cruz Leads Fight Against Mealybug

Position: Introduces the Combatting Pasture Mealybug Act, which would direct USDA to study the impact of the pasture mealybug and provide Congress with recommended containment strategies. Supporting agricultural organizations are cited.

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) introduced the Combatting Pasture Mealybug Act. The bill directs the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to study the impact of the pasture mealybug and provide Congress with recommended strategies that the Federal Government can quickly deploy to contain the invasive pest. Original co-sponsors of the legislation include Representative Brian Babin (TX-36), Michael Cloud (TX-27), Jake Ellzey (TX-06), Pat Fallon (TX-04), Brandon Gill (TX-26), Lance Gooden (TX-05), Morgan Luttrell (TX-08), Nathaniel Moran (TX-01), Beth Van Duyne (TX-24), Randy Weber (TX-14), Roger Williams (TX-25), Kat Cammack (FL-03) and David Valadao (CA-22). "The pasture mealybug poses a major threat to Texas agriculture. After hearing from Texas farmers, it's clear we must act now. That's why I am proud to lead the fight in stopping this new pest and working alongside Secretary Rollins to deploy effective solutions. Protecting Texas agriculture is my top priority, and I will fight to secure a strong future for Texas." - Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz The legislation is supported by the following organizations: Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, Texas Farm Bureau, Texas Citrus Mutual, Texas Vegetable Association, Texas International Produce Association, Mississippi Cattlemen's Association, and Florida Farm Bureau. “Pasture mealybug poses a serious threat to our grazing land resources and the future of cattle operations in Texas and the Southwest. With no viable eradication option for pasture mealybug, it is crucial that we ramp up our response efforts now. By directing USDA to study and report on strategies, the Combating Pasture Mealybug Act is imperative to ensuring long-term viability of our grasslands and forages." - Stephen Diebel, Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association President "The Texas International Produce Association (TIPA) supports Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz’s Combating Pasture Mealybug Act. While our members primarily represent the fresh fruit and vegetable industry, the strength of every agricultural sector—including livestock, forage, sod, and other crop production—contributes to the health of our overall agricultural economy. Emerging pests that threaten our farmers, ranchers, sod producers, and agricultural lands can have consequences extending well beyond a single commodity. We appreciate Congresswoman De La Cruz’s leadership in bringing attention to this threat and working to protect the long-term strength and resilience of American agriculture." - Texas International Produce Association “Texas Farm Bureau supports the Mealybug Eradication Act. Pasture mealybug poses a serious threat to productive grazing lands and the livestock industry, and we must be prepared to respond. This bill will help strengthen our understanding of the pest, improve preparedness and response capabilities, and identify strategies to contain and eradicate it. We thank Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz for her leadership and support of Texas agriculture.” - Russell Boening, President, Texas Farm Bureau First spotted in the United States in 2025, the pasture mealybug is an invasive pest that feeds on plant sap in forage grasses, attacking both above- and below-ground parts of key forage, row, and turf crops. As of September 2026, the bug has been identified in counties across Texas, Louisiana, Florida, and Georgia. Pasture mealybug infestation causes pasture dieback and major economic losses in livestock, sugarcane, turfgrass, and row-crop sectors. Damages caused by the pasture mealybug are estimated to cost billions of dollars in the long term.

De La Cruz's Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen HUD Whistleblower Protections Passes House

Position: The release supports H.R. 4646, the bipartisan Whistleblower Protection Act, which would extend Section 4712 whistleblower protections to all HUD contractors regardless of when their contracts were signed. The release frames the bill as a measure to combat waste, fraud, and abuse in government.

Read the full remarks below or watch here. "Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of my bill, H.R. 4646, the Whistleblower Protection Act, which passed with bipartisan support out of the Financial Services Committee. Texas families are stretching every dollar right now, while scammers are cashing in on taxpayer-funded programs. And while Texas families play by the rules, scammers and corrupt leaders shouldn’t get rewarded. That is why I am working to stop the abuse and bring accountability back to Washington, and this bill brings us closer to that goal by strengthening whistleblower protections for those wanting to rightfully “blow the whistle” on waste, fraud, and abuse in our government. Whistleblower protections are one of the most effective tools we have to combat waste, fraud, and abuse throughout our government. This bipartisan legislation is simple: it clarifies that whistleblower protections apply to every HUD contractor, a vital step that is necessary due to the bureaucratic implementation of congressionally enacted, enhanced whistleblower protections originally passed in 2013. When Congress initially passed these enhanced whistleblower protections in 2013, known as Section 4712, it intended for them to apply to both contracts awarded before these became law, and to contracts that predated Section 4712 becoming law but have since been modified. Unfortunately, many HUD programs have contracts that are often decades long, meaning that there are still active HUD contracts that pre-date 2013 and do not include key protections from Section 4712, leaving thousands of HUD contractors with uncertainty. This legislation fixes that by providing much-needed clarity to HUD and ensuring whistleblower protections apply to every HUD contractor, regardless of when a contract was signed. This is something HUD has even asked for, most recently in their FY2027 budget request to Congress. We must never allow retaliation against people who are simply trying to act in the taxpayers’ best interest. And I will never stop rooting out corruption and cutting government waste, fraud, and abuse of your taxpayer dollars. I ask for my colleagues to join me in supporting my bill, the bipartisan Whistleblower Protection Act, and I yield back." Background: Section 4712 strengthened whistleblower protections for federal contract employees. While the provisions were applied to new contracts, HUD contracts pre-dating 2013 were left without these key protections. The Whistleblower Protection Act will require all contracts, regardless of when they were created, to include these key whistleblower protections. This critical change will protect employees of a HUD contractor, subcontractor, or grantee from retaliation for reporting waste, fraud, and abuse.

De La Cruz, Correa Reauthorize National Diabetes Prevention Program

Position: Introduces bipartisan legislation to reauthorize and increase funding for the National Diabetes Prevention Program, a nationwide framework aimed at preventing Type 2 diabetes.

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) introduced the bipartisan Diabetes Prevention Program Reauthorization Act alongside Congressman Lou Correa (CA-46). The legislation reauthorizes and increases funding for the National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), a nationwide framework focused on preventing Type 2 diabetes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 40 million Americans are living with diabetes, and up to 43% of adults in the Rio Grande Valley are estimated to have diabetes. “Preventive care is essential to helping every Texan live a healthy life. While diabetes continues to impact our communities, my bipartisan Diabetes Prevention Program Reauthorization Act guarantees these lifesaving programs remain accessible to the families who need them." - Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz “For many of our neighbors in Orange County and for millions of Americans across the country, the financial and health impacts of type 2 diabetes are very real, and incredibly devastating. To address this crisis head on, we must increase access to preventive care so that our brothers and sisters on Main Street have access to the support they need and deserve. This legislation is a necessary step in our fight against type 2 diabetes, and I’m honored to work alongside Rep. De La Cruz to keep our communities healthy.” - Congressman Lou Correa The legislation is supported by YMCA of the USA.

De La Cruz Urges DHS Secretary Mullin to Prioritize Religious Worker Visa Applications

Position: The release urges DHS to prioritize processing of religious worker visa applications to reduce delays, and states the representative co-sponsored the Religious Worker Protection Act to extend R-1 status pending permanent residence applications.

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) wrote Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin, urging the agency to prioritize processing religious worker visa applications. Processing delays have impacted religious leaders in Texas and those who rely on these individuals for religious and community services. In the letter, De La Cruz urges DHS to use all available resources to minimize delays and ensure religious leaders are able to support their congregations. In addition to the letter, De La Cruz co-sponsored the bipartisan Religious Worker Protection Act. The legislation would give DHS the authority to extend nonimmigrant religious worker (R-1) status until an individual’s application for permanent residence is finalized. Read the full letter here or below. I write to urge the prioritization of religious worker visa applications. Churches and faith-based institutions serve as the foundation for our communities, and our religious leaders as an extension of our families. Our immigration system recognizes this by allowing for those in religious vocations to serve in the United States, including through the R-1 religious worker visas. In January 2026, the Trump Administration acted to reduce wait times for religious workers wanting to continue serving our faith-based communities in the United States. Specifically, your department removed the previous one year foreign residency requirement, allowing R-1 workers who have reached the five year maximum to seek readmission without a mandatory one year period abroad. While we commend the actions taken to speed up the immigration process for our religious workers, I urge you to prioritize reducing the processing times for religious worker visa applications, which U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) data states have processing times of 8.5 and 11.5 months, respectively, depending on the applicant type. These processing delays are felt throughout our communities, who rely on our religious leaders for vital religious and community services. I urge you to use your available resources to reduce the processing timelines and stand ready to assist you in any way necessary. Thank you for your continued efforts to safeguard our country and support the diverse faith communities that enrich our society. I look forward to continuing to work together to ensure that our immigration system functions in a way that strengthens religious freedom, supports the rule of law, and provides certainty for the communities we serve.

De La Cruz Pushes to Expand Housing in Texas Communities

Position: Introduces the Freedom to Build Act to reduce housing costs by rewarding communities that reform regulatory and permitting processes that add delays and costs to new home construction.

WASHINGTON - Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) introduced the Freedom to Build Act to lower housing costs and eliminate the "bureaucrat tax", the hidden cost per new build caused by regulatory delays and red tape. "Government overregulation has created a hidden tax on new home builds, putting the American dream of homeownership out of reach for too many Texas families. My Freedom to Build Act changes that. By rewarding communities that make key reforms, we can lower costs for Texas families and ensure they can afford a place to call home." - Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz The Freedom to Build Act is supported by the National Association of Home Builders, Mortgage Bankers Association, and National Association of Realtors. "Housing affordability begins with housing supply, and communities need the tools and incentives to build more homes. Congresswoman De La Cruz's Freedom to Build Act recognizes that outdated regulations, lengthy approval processes, and unnecessary barriers can make it harder to deliver the housing Americans need. By encouraging local governments to modernize permitting and reduce obstacles to responsible development, this legislation helps create an environment where more homes can be built, costs can come down, and more families have the opportunity to achieve homeownership. The National Association of REALTORS® commends Congresswoman De La Cruz for her leadership on policies that address our nation's housing shortage and expand access to affordable housing." - Shannon McGahn, Chief Advocacy Officer and Executive Vice President of the National Association of REALTORS According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the "bureaucrat tax" accounts for 24% of the cost of a new single-family home and 41% of the cost for multifamily housing.

De La Cruz Urges President Trump to Launch Whole-of-Government Fight Against Screwworm

Position: The release urges the President to implement a whole-of-government strategy to combat the New World Screwworm, a parasite confirmed in Texas, citing potential livestock industry losses of up to $1.3 billion annually and recognizing actions already taken by Cabinet officials.

WASHINGTON - Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) and members of the Texas Congressional Delegation urged President Trump to implement a whole-of-government strategy to fight outbreaks of the New World Screwworm. Following confirmed cases of the flesh-eating parasite across Texas, lawmakers warn that failure to contain the pest could cause catastrophic losses of up to $1.3 billion for the U.S. livestock industry. The letter is co-signed by Representatives Randy Weber (TX-14), Beth Van Duyne (TX-24), Dan Crenshaw (TX-02), Nathaniel Moran (TX-01), Brian Babin (TX-36), Jodey Arrington (TX-19), Troy Nehls (TX-22), Jake Ellzey (TX-06), Wesley Hunt (TX-38), Michael McCaul (TX-10), Morgan Luttrell (TX-08), Lance Gooden (TX-05), John Carter (TX-31), Ronny Jackson (TX-13), Roger Williams (TX-25), August Pfluger (TX-11), Keith Self (TX-03), Michael Cloud (TX-27), Pat Fallon (TX-04), Chip Roy (TX-21), and Brandon Gill (TX-26). Read the full letter here or below. We want to thank you for your commitment to America's agricultural industry. We remain committed to work alongside you and your administration to address the issues facing rural America and our agricultural producers. On June 3, 2026, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed the first domestic cases of Cochliomyia hominivorax, commonly known as the New World Screwworm (NWS). The flesh-eating parasite poses a serious threat to livestock producers. This was proven in the 1950's and 1960's when NWS cost livestock producers historical losses of roughly $20 million and $100 million in southeastern and southwestern states, respectively. This equates to roughly $1.3 billion annually in modern cost estimates. Several Secretaries within your Cabinet have taken action to mitigate the threat caused by NWS. Efforts include the establishment of the New World Screwworm Directorate by Secretary Rollins, the Food and Drug Administration's approval of emergency authorized usage for veterinary treatment and prevention under Secretary Kennedy, and, under the leadership of Secretary Hegseth, the Army Corps of Engineers' oversight on Moore Air Base's construction. We appreciate the historic strides your Administration has made and ask that as more cases of NWS begin to be reported within the United States, your administration prioritizes a whole-of-government approach to finding additional, creative solutions to combat NWS. This comes at a time when states are stepping up to address the issue, such as the Governor of Texas' recent state-wide disaster declaration.

De La Cruz Restores the Dream of Homeownership Through Passage of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act

Position: The release states Rep. De La Cruz voted in support of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, which it describes as intended to ensure homeownership is within reach for Americans.

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) voted in support of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act. After bicameral collaboration, the legislation will codify President Trump's commitment to ensuring the American dream of homeownership is within reach for all Americans. Background: The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act has five provisions led and co-led by De La Cruz, including:

De La Cruz, Texas Delegation Push for JBSA-Lackland to Host Space Force

WASHINGTON - Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) and members of the Texas Congressional Delegation sent a letter to the Department of the Air Force urging the selection of Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (JBSA-Lackland) as the permanent headquarters for the United States Space Force component to U.S. Cyber Command (SPACEFOR-CYBER). In the letter, the lawmakers outline why San Antonio is the premier choice to support the intersection of military and space interests. By leveraging existing infrastructure at JBSA-Lackland, the current home of the Sixteenth Air Force (Air Forces Cyber), the Air Force can ensure operations can begin immediately and efficiently. Read the full letter here or below. Dear Secretary Meink, As members of the Texas Congressional Delegation, we are writing in support of Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (JBSA-Lackland) to be selected as the permanent home of the United States Space Force component to U.S. Cyber Command (SPACEFOR-CYBER). Under President Trump’s leadership, the United States Space Force has been at the intersection of the country’s military and space interests. To continue this important mission, JBSA-Lackland offers a uniquely powerful combination of operational infrastructure, geographic advantages, and a skilled workforce prepared to serve our country. The Sixteenth Air Force (Air Forces Cyber), the Air Force’s Information Warfare Numbered Air Force, is headquartered at JBSA–Lackland. Co-locating SPACEFOR-CYBER with the Sixteenth Air Force would immediately create deep operational synergy, shorten coordination timelines, and enhance unity across air, space, and cyber domains. Instead of building entirely new infrastructure, the Air Force would be leveraging an existing information warfare ecosystem. As an urban hub, San Antonio is well-positioned to support the critical infrastructure that SPACEFOR-CYBER would provide. The greater San Antonio area is a cyber hub, often referred to as “Military City, USA,” with a dense concentration of intelligence, private-sector cyber, and information technology organizations. The presence of NSA Texas and other intelligence activities provides for efficient information sharing and rapid operational coordination in support of both U.S. Cyber Command and U.S. Space Command missions. The region’s proximity to NASA and coastal installations at Boca Chica, Texas, provides a strategic and unique opportunity for collaboration across agencies. The city’s robust higher-education ecosystem, including universities such as the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) with strong programs in cybersecurity, computer science, engineering, and data science, provides a steady pipeline of highly skilled talent. The State of Texas, in collaboration with private enterprise, has consistently invested in cyber and defense-related initiatives, creating a business environment that attracts technology firms and defense contractors who can partner with SPACEFOR-CYBER on technological innovation and workforce development. We urge you to select Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland as the permanent home of SPACEFOR-CYBER. Thank you for your continued leadership in shaping the future of the Department of the Air Force and the United States Space Force.

De La Cruz Votes to Advance Farm Bill

Position: Congresswoman De La Cruz voted in support of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, stating that the bill reinforces American agricultural competitiveness, ensures farmer water access, and represents a long-term investment in Texas farming communities.

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) voted in support of the passage of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, also known as the Farm Bill, on the House floor. The legislative package passed with bipartisan support. "Food security is national security. As a member of the House Agriculture Committee, I am proud to deliver a major victory for South Texas farmers and producers. By passing the Farm Bill, we are reinforcing American agriculture’s global dominance and ensuring our farmers have the reliable water access they deserve. This is not just a bill; it’s a long-term investment in the future of Texas farming and our communities." - Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz Additionally, this year's Farm Bill included three provisions led by De La Cruz:

De La Cruz, Texas Delegation Urge Ambassadors Greer, Callahan to Include 1944 Water Treaty in USMCA

Position: The representatives urge the U.S. Trade Representative to incorporate strict enforcement mechanisms into USMCA renegotiations to ensure Mexico's compliance with the 1944 Water Treaty and increase consequences for non-compliance.

WASHINGTON - Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15), along with a dozen members of the Texas Congressional Delegation, sent a letter to the United States Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassador Jamieson Greer and Chief Agricultural Negotiator Ambassador Julie Callahan, urging the Administration to use the upcoming USMCA renegotiations to ensure the Government of Mexico’s compliance with 1944 Water Treaty deliveries. By incorporating strict enforcement mechanisms into the trade agreement, the Mexican government will face stricter consequences if they fail to comply with the 1944 Water Treaty delivery obligations. The letter is co-signed by House Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19), House Small Business Committee Chairman Roger Williams (TX-25), Republican Study Committee Chairman August Pfluger (TX-11), Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Brian Babin (TX-36), Congressman Michael Cloud (TX-27), Congressman Troy Nehls (TX-22), Congressman Lance Gooden (TX-05), Congressman Jake Ellzey (TX-06), Congressman Wesley Hunt (TX-38), Congressman Randy Weber (TX-14), Congressman Keith Self (TX-03), and Congressman Morgan Luttrell (TX-08). Read the full letter here or below. The effects of not including strong enforcement mechanisms for the 1944 U.S.-Mexico Water Treaty are clear. In 2023 alone, South Texas suffered an economic impact of almost $1 billion due to the water shortage.[2] This included the closure of the last sugar mill in Texas, resulting in the loss of 500 jobs and $100 million from the state’s economy. A long term solution to this perennial issue requires robust enforcement mechanisms. Specifically, we ask for the inclusion of the following into the USMCA: