Vicente Gonzalez

Congressman Gonzalez Urges Acting Secretary of the Navy to Prioritize Facility Upgrades at NAS Kingsville

Position: Congressman Gonzalez urges the Acting Secretary of the Navy to include two infrastructure projects at Naval Air Station Kingsville—a new visitor credentialing facility and fire station replacement—in the Navy's 2027 Unfunded Priority List request to Congress.

Contact: Alexis Torres Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) urged Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao to include two pressing infrastructure projects at Naval Air Station (NAS) Kingsville in the Navy’s 2027 Unfunded Priority List (UPL) request to Congress. The first project is the construction of a new pass & tag facility to expedite visitor credentialing and enhance security measures. The second is the replacement of the current fire station, which will allow it to meet safety standards and accommodate modern firefighting equipment. “NAS Kingsville, located in the 34th Congressional District of Texas, has been essential to training the next generation of U.S. Navy and Marine Corps aviators since it first opened its doors in 1942. Today, it is home to Training Air Wing Two and trains nearly half of Navy and Marine Corps’ tactical jet pilots each year. The base also employs over 4,000 people and contributes at least $1 billion to the Texas economy annually,” wrote Congressman Gonzalez. “As you can see, NAS Kingsville is vitally important to my district and to the nation. That is why the Navy must act quickly to address these long overdue infrastructure issues,” he continued. The Navy’s UPL is an annual report, which identifies certain programs, activities, or mission requirements that are in need of federal appropriations funding but was not requested in the President’s most recent Budget. In addition to today’s letter, on April 15th, Congressman Gonzalez testified before the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) to advocate for both facility upgrades as the Committee begins to craft the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027. Today’s letter in full can be viewed here.

Congressman Gonzalez Announces $124.5 Million in Texas Energy Revenues, including $4.6 Million for 34th Congressional District

Contact: Alexis Torres Washington, D.C. —Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) announced Texas will receive $124,527,356 in energy revenues from offshore oil and gas production, including $4,616,226.05 for the 34th Congressional District of Texas. This funding, distributed by the U.S. Department of Interior’s Fiscal Year 2026 energy reserves under the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA) of 2006, will allocate $1,418,081.58 to Cameron County, $1,392,635.96 to Kenedy County, $1,001,238.68 to Kleberg County, and $804,270.56 to Willacy County to support coastal conservation and restoration, hurricane protection programs, infrastructure projects, and more. “America thrives when domestic energy leaders meet market demands, powering our economy while supporting critical investments in coastal resilience through GOMESA funding,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “South Texas plays a vital role in advancing our country’s energy security, and these funds ensure our region directly benefits from the energy operations it supports. By reinvesting in Cameron, Kenedy, Kleberg and Willacy Counties, we are strengthening long-term resilience through hurricane preparedness, environmental conservation, and improvements to marine and coastal infrastructure.” GOMESA of 2006 established a revenue-sharing framework that directs a portion of offshore oil and gas revenues to Gulf-producing states through the Department of Interior. The Act also directs a percentage of the revenue to the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). For more details on total disbursements for Texas, click here. Issues:Energy & Environment

Congressman Gonzalez Joins House Armed Services Hearing to Advocate for Facility Upgrades and Job Security at Coastal Bend Military Installations

Position: Congressman Gonzalez advocates for federal investment in Naval Air Station Kingsville and Corpus Christi Army Depot to support military readiness, national security, and local economic development.

Contact: Alexis Torres Washington, D.C.—As the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) begins crafting the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) asked the Committee to prioritize federal investments in Naval Air Station (NAS) Kingsville and the Corpus Christi Army Depot (CCAD). Both military installations drive the economy in South Texas, employ thousands of Coastal Bend workers, and play a crucial role in military readiness and national security. Image

Congressman Gonzalez Opposes Elimination of Home Energy Assistance Program

Position: Congressman Gonzalez and 73 colleagues oppose the Administration's budget proposal to eliminate the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), arguing that the program is essential for low-income households struggling with rising energy costs and should be funded at the highest level possible for FY 2027.

Contact: Alexis Torres, WASHINGTON, D.C. – As South Texans continue to struggle with skyrocketing costs, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) and 73 of his colleagues urged House Appropriations Committee leadership to reject the Administration’s budget proposal to eliminate the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Over 125,000 Texans qualify for this program, which is administered through the state’s Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program and helps families save thousands of dollars a year on energy bills. The members wrote, “Nearly six million low-income households rely on this program to heat and cool their homes. At a time when energy and gas prices are skyrocketing, and total utility debt has climbed to its highest since 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic, to propose this elimination is unfathomable. We urge you to reject this program’s elimination, and fund LIHEAP at the highest level possible for FY 2027.” “More than 80 million Americans are struggling to pay their energy bills, and one in five households report forgoing basic necessities like food and medicine to pay an energy bill,” they continued. “Families need support now more than ever to afford the most basic household goods as rising energy costs and gasoline, food, and heating oil prices surge due to tariffs and President Trump’s war of choice in Iran. Eliminating LIHEAP will further exacerbate the energy affordability crisis and the nearly impossible choices households face every day due to rising costs.” LIHEAP assists low-income individuals and families with the costs of heating and cooling their homes and helps to mitigate the impacts of rising energy costs and extreme weather events. Across the nation, LIHEAP helps nearly 6 million households afford their energy bills. Over 66,500 Texas households benefit from LIHEAP, with average savings of $3,178 for cooling assistance and $1,102 for heating assistance. Read the full letter here. Issues:Energy & Environment

Congressman Gonzalez Delivers $27.5 Million in New Round of Federal Funds for NINOS Head Start

Contact: Alexis Torres Washington, D.C. —Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) delivered $27,557,609 in federal funding for the Neighbors in Need of Services, Inc., (NINOS) Head Start program. This announcement is the second installment of a five-year award period allocated through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). These funds will further support early childhood education for young children in Cameron and Willacy Counties. “Investing in early childhood education means investing in our children’s futures while enabling parents in the Rio Grande Valley to work without the burden of costly childcare,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “These federal funds will create a stable foundation for our most vulnerable children in Cameron and Willacy Counties to become life-long learners and eventually contribute to the economic and cultural wellbeing of our communities. I remain committed to strengthening Head Start programs like NINOS—a pillar of our community—and assuring every family has the support they need.” “NINOS is grateful to Congressman Gonzalez for his continued support of our program and the families we serve. This funding goes directly into our community, supporting over 2,000 children and families each year across Cameron and Willacy counties while sustaining more than 500 local jobs. Beyond wages, this investment ensures that working parents have a safe, reliable place for their children to learn, grow, and thrive. It is a direct investment in both our workforce and the future of our community,” said David Kowalski, Executive Director of NINOS, Inc. Since 1990, NINOS, Inc has served South Texas families with children from birth to four years of age through educational programs, nutritional guidance, dental health services, and other child-care and family support services. To learn more about its mission and programs, click here.

Congressman Vicente Gonzalez: Rename Cesar Chavez Sites After South Texas Hero, Dr. Hector P. Garcia

Contact: Alexis Torres Washington, D.C.—Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) urged Texas Governor Greg Abbott to rename sites, formerly memorializing the now-disgraced Cesar Chavez, in honor of legendary South Texan, Dr. Hector P. Garcia. Dr. Garcia was a Mexican-American physician, decorated World War II veteran, founder of the American GI Forum, and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient. “On March 18, 2026, the New York Times published an investigation with serious allegations of abuse perpetrated by Cesar Chavez, the former leader of United Farm Workers of America,” wrote Congressman Gonzalez. “In response to these allegations, many public entities are considering removing or have already removed Cesar Chavez’s name from streets, buildings and schools. As you consider renaming some of these establishments, I ask that you rename them in honor of a great South Texas hero, Dr. Hector P. Garcia. Dr. Garcia was a civil rights leader with an impeccable record of hard work and strong moral leadership.” As a child, Dr. Garcia migrated with his family to Mercedes, Texas, in 1917. His father quickly realized that education would be the key to his children’s success, though that proved to be an arduous journey for Dr. Garcia due to systemic racism and discrimination. Despite these barriers, Dr. Garcia would go on to become a Doctor of Medicine before joining the Army and serving in World War II, where he rose to the rank of Major and was awarded the prestigious Bronze Star Medal. Upon his return to South Texas, Dr. Garcia continued his service by advocating for Hispanic and veteran communities. In 1948, he founded the American GI Forum in Corpus Christi, Texas, an organization that remains a powerful force in ensuring Hispanic military veterans can access the benefits they earned. In recognition of his significant contributions to our nation, President Ronald Reagan presented Dr. Garcia with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1948, making him the first Mexican American awarded with the nation’s highest civilian honor. As public officials in South Texas and across the nation work to remove the Chavez name from public sites, the life, legacy and significant contributions of Dr. Hector P. Garcia continue to inspire generations of Americans and deserve strong consideration. The full letter can be read here. Issues:Veterans & Our Military

Congressman Vicente Gonzalez Urges Release of South Texas DACA Recipients in ICE Detention

Position: Congressman Gonzalez opposes the detention of DACA recipients whose status is in renewal and calls on the Trump Administration to exercise prosecutorial discretion to release detained constituents, arguing that such detentions violate fair immigration enforcement practices.

Contact: Alexis Torres Washington, D.C.—Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) urged President Donald J. Trump and his Administration to immediately release detained Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients who are in the process of renewing their status, including constituents of the 34th Congressional District of Texas, Mr. Juan Sebastian Chavez Velasco and Mr. Jahasiel Pena Enriquez. “Over the last year, we have seen a growing pattern by this Administration to unjustly operate outside the norms of the law and take a rogue approach towards immigration enforcement,” wrote Congressman Gonzalez. “For example, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients are facing growing delays in renewal processing, resulting in a lapse of their protections status after years of timely compliance, which ultimately presents an opportunity for immigration officials to detain them. These individuals are our friends, family, and neighbors who hold work authorization, contribute to our communities, strive to build stable lives, and have often lived in our country much longer than their nation of origin. Therefore, I am asking for the immediate release of DACA constituents that have been detained and are going through their application renewal or ongoing immigration processes.” Congressman Gonzalez continued, “Recently, we saw the Gamez-Cuellar family detained for going to their immigration appointment, a routine part of the process, as they await a decision on their asylum case. Just like them, Mr. Juan Sebastian Chavez and Mr. Jahasiel Pena Enriquez were waiting for their DACA renewal when they were detained. South Texans believe in the rule of law, but we also believe our immigration policy should be rooted in fairness, dignity, and common sense. These individuals and so many others have contributed to our community and demonstrated a willingness to follow our country’s legal processes. I therefore call on you to exercise prosecutorial discretion to ensure the prompt release of Juan Sebastian Chavez and Jahasiel Pena Enriquez.” Juan Sebastian Chavez Velasco had an active DACA status at the time of his apprehension on February 18, 2026. Mr. Chavez initially submitted his application for DACA renewal in November, as was requested of him. He was targeted and arrested by ICE in Weslaco, Texas, on the way to deliver milk to his premature, 12-day-old daughter. Mr. Chavez’s protections expired on March 10, 2026, while in detention. Jahasiel Pena Enriquez, the sole provider of his family, has been a DACA recipient since the program’s inception in 2012. For over 14 years, he has promptly maintained active status. On November 21, 2025, he submitted a renewal application, well before his February 13, 2026, expiration date. However, on January 29, 2026, immigration enforcement officers detained Mr. Pena Enriquez while he was driving home. These are not the first cases of DACA recipients being unlawfully targeted and detained—instead it represents an alarming trend of the current Administration’s abuse of power. Earlier today, a federal judge ordered for the return of a deported DACA recipient within the next seven days, ruling that the deportation of Maria de Jesus Estrada Juarez was a “flagrant violation” of her DACA protections and that she has a right to live in the United States without fear of removal. Read Congressman Gonzalez’s full letter here. Issues:Border & Trade

Congressman Vicente Gonzalez Introduces Bill to End Warrantless Immigration Raids

Position: Congressman Gonzalez opposes warrantless immigration enforcement actions and advocates for legislation requiring judicial warrants for federal law enforcement searches of private property during immigration enforcement operations.

Contact: Alexis Torres Washington, D.C.—Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) introduced the Say No to Warrantless Searches Act to codify Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable searches and seizures. In South Texas, Minnesota, and other parts of the country, Federal law enforcement officers have disregarded the Constitution by forcibly entering homes with an administrative warrant or without a signed judicial warrant and arresting individuals, including American citizens. “Warrantless immigration raids on private properties are setting a dangerous, unconstitutional precedent in this country—not just for immigrant families, but for every American family,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “Codifying the Fourth Amendment gives power back to the people and disallows the current President, or future Administrations, from undermining the values this nation was founded on. I refuse to let South Texans live in fear because rogue immigration operations are indiscriminately targeting our communities. Congress must immediately pass my bill and begin restoring our role as a check on the Executive branch.” Notably in the Rio Grande Valley, a family in Donna, Texas, filed a lawsuit last month against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after Federal officers unconstitutionally jumped over their fence, entered the home, and arrested two parents in the process of obtaining lawful status to live and work permanently in the United States. Under this bill, Federal law enforcement officers engaging in immigration enforcement activity cannot conduct a search of private property without obtaining a judicial warrant. While the Fourth Amendment already offers these protections, they are being circumvented by this Administration because it is not statutory law and therefore interpreted by Supreme Court case law. According to an internal ICE memo, DHS has deliberately disregarded the Constitution and reversed longstanding policy by permitting Federal officers to enter homes without authorization. The full bill text can be found here.