Vicente Gonzalez is currently serving his third term in the United States Congress as the elected representative of the 15th District of Texas which encompasses the growing suburban counties of Brooks, Duval, Guadalupe, Jim Hogg, Karnes, and Live Oak as well as portions of Hidalgo, and Wilson counties. Congressman Vicente Gonzalez came to Washington to continue fighting for South Texans and ensure that individuals and communities have the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. Congressman Gonzalez earned his GED in 1985 before attending Del Mar College where he received an Associate’s degree in Banking and Finance in 1990. He worked his way through college at Embry Riddle University where many of his classmates were active duty military personnel.
Congressman Gonzalez is proud to represent a thriving agricultural community of more than 8,000 farms totaling upwards of 4,303,286 acres. The 15th District of Texas is home to a diverse array of produce, specialty crop, and livestock operations. The district is known for its citrus, cotton, sugarcane, sorghum, and cattle ranching operations.
Congressman Gonzalez has a proven record of supporting research, pest management, trade assistance, and other federal programs that give farmers and ranchers the resources they need to have a productive business.
The congressman understands the importance of protecting the safety net and is dedicated to elevating the concerns and priorities of South Texas agriculture producers in Washington, D.C. Congressman Gonzalez supports increasing market access for all American agricultural products and efforts to strengthen the farm economy and provide regulatory certainty to agriculture producers.
Recently, alongside Congressmen Filemon Vela and Henry Cuellar, Congressman Gonzalez helped secure $59 billion in federal funding for citrus research in the Rio Grande Valley, a huge advancement for the area’s citrus farmers.
Congressman Gonzalez also joined colleagues from across the country to request an additional $2.5 million in federal funding for research on the sugarcane aphid, a pest that poses a threat to sorghum in South Texas and across the country
As America responds to confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19), I wanted to share the most comprehensive, up-to-date safety information for our community.​
The CDC has a 24-hour hotline for COVID-19 related questions at 1-800-232-4636.
CDC RESOURCES
Constituents can now get to CDC’s home page on the coronavirus, simply by going to coronavirus.gov. Additional information can be found below.
NEW CDC INFORMATION ON STATE AND LOCAL PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICIALS: CDC points out that state and local public health authorities are on the front lines of the response to COVID-19 and often have the most up-to-date and detailed information on cases in their jurisdictions. State and local public health officials are often the experts best positioned to inform your constituents about the COVID-19 response in your state or locality.
STEPS TO KEEP AMERICANS SAFE FROM CORONAVIRUS: CDC has published a new, excellent document that provides:
ADDITIONAL GUIDANCE FOR OLDER AMERICANS AND/OR THOSE WITH SERIOUS MEDICAL CONDITIONS: In addition to the CDC guidance for all Americans on how to prevent the spread of coronavirus (such as hand washing, etc.), the CDC has now published additional guidance for older Americans and/or those who have serious chronic medical conditions – the individuals who are at higher risk of getting very sick from coronavirus. For those at higher risk of serious illness, the additional guidance includes:
NEW CDC GUIDANCE ON STRATEGIES TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF CORONAVIRUS IN NURSING HOMES: CDC recommends such steps as limiting visitors, aggressive disinfecting of facility, and closely monitoring residents with symptoms of respiratory infection.
TRAVEL RESRICTIONS: The government determined that the potential for widespread transmission of the coronavirus by infected individuals seeking to enter the United States threatens the security of the homeland. Travel restrictions now apply.
I AM STRANDED ABROAD. WHAT DO I DO?
Congressman Gonzalez is actively working on solutions for constituents stranded in different countries around the world. The Coronavirus pandemic brings a number of challenges when dealing with foreign countries, however, Congressman Cuellar is committed to bringing all constituents safely back home. If you or a loved one is stranded abroad, please see the information below:
An individual stranded abroad should email their name, date of birth, passport numbers, location and contact info to the public e-mail address of their closest embassy or consulate. To find the closest embassy or consulate, click here.
Travelers are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at step.state.gov. STEP provides updates from the State Department and helps the nearest embassy or consulate make contact with the traveler.
If you are concerned about a loved one overseas, please call:
NEW CDC GUIDANCE ON CRUISE SHIP TRAVEL: CDC recommends travelers, particularly those with underlying health issues, defer all cruise ship travel worldwide. Cruise ship passengers are at increased risk of person-to-person spread of infectious diseases, including COVID-19.
NEW CDC INFOGRAPHICS ON CORONAVIRUS
Infographic on the Symptoms of Coronavirus (In English, Spanish, and Chinese)
Infographic on Preventing the Spread of Coronavirus (In English, Spanish, and Chinese)
Congressman Gonzalez is committed to ensuring the health and safety of all South Texans as well as ensuring that people are able to travel or transport goods safely through the region. This means providing robust federal funding for the construction, maintenance, repair, and expansion of levees that mitigate flooding, water treatment plants and filtration facilities that provide potable water to our communities and farmers and ranchers, highways and bridges that support family vehicles and freight, freight and passenger railway systems, and air traffic control towers, runways, and terminals that ensure safe and efficient air travel.
The 15th District is home to the Pharr International Bridge, the number one land port of entry for fresh fruits and vegetables, the Supervia highway, and recently-designated I-69, which will ultimately provide relief to the traveling public along the I-2/I-69 interchange. McAllen International Aiport, New Braunfels Airport, and a number of other regional airports and airfields are located throughout the congressman’s district.
The congressman has a proven record of supporting federal programs such as the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant program, which helps states and local communities finance surface infrastructure improvements, the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) and the Federal Aviation Administration’s Contract Tower Program, which help our air traffic controllers to direct aircraft, safeguard our skies, and provide a safe space for military operations across the country.
With the current administration, Congressman Gonzalez is working on a $1 trillion infrastructure package that would create jobs, expand our region's economy, and modernize the infrastructure of the region.
Congressman Gonzalez firmly believes that a strong national defense, free and fair international trade, and diplomacy are the keys to American global leadership. The congressman supports efforts to improve national security, promote democracy, bolster our allies, and hold bad actors accountable for their efforts to destabilize the international community.
Texas’ 15th District shares a border with Mexico and Congressman Gonzalez understands the importance of the United States’ relationship with its southern neighbor. He has seen firsthand the benefits of international trade and is committed to ensuring that South Texas businesses and stakeholders have a seat at the table as the Administration moves to modernize our nation’s free trade agreements, including the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The congressman knows that the benefits of free trade extend far beyond the borders of the 15th District and firmly believes that free trade agreements can strengthen international relations.
Congressman Gonzalez believes that a combination of diplomacy, collective defense, and international trade is the best strategy for maintaining positive relationships with U.S. allies around the world, promoting prosperity, and security. The congressman supports both robust international affairs and defense budgets as well as an active and engaged U.S. Trade Representative and coordination between the Departments of State, Defense, Commerce, and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. The congressman is a strong advocate of our country’s partnerships with Israel, Mexico, our allies in Central and South America, in Europe, Asia, and across the world.
Since being sworn in, Congressman Gonzalez has supported bipartisan legislation that: reaffirms our partnerships with Mexico and Israel; imposes sanctions on those who threaten the international order; and proposes policies to tackle the complex threats facing our nation and our allies.
Congressman Gonzalez has long been a voice for the American consumers and an advocate for fiscally-responsible policies that encourage economic growth and job creation in South Texas. Congressman Gonzalez supports updating our nation’s tax regime so that all Americans benefit from the nation’s tax system equitably.
As a member of the powerful House Committee on Financial Services, Congressman Gonzalez seeks to enact policies that protect seniors and service members from financial exploitation and balance the needs of taxpayers, businesses, and regional and community financial institutions.
Congressman Gonzalez is also a member of the Blue Dog Coalition, a group of 18 centrist Democrats committed to financial stability, ensuring a strong national defense, and transcending party lines to get things done for the American people.
A staunch supporter of pragmatism and mutual respect, Congressman Gonzalez proudly serves as the sole Texan in the Problem Solvers Caucus. The newly-formed caucus consists of Democrats and Republicans who pursue common sense, bipartisan economic policies working together for the common good of the United States of America.
Congressman Gonzalez firmly believes that children are the future and that all children deserve a quality education from nursery school to college and beyond.
The congressman works tirelessly to ensure that South Texas K-12 schools receive proper funding to equip teachers and prepare young people for the challenges they may face in the classroom and beyond.
Congressman Gonzalez is a strong supporter of Head Start, Title I, GEAR-UP, Pell Grant, and other programs that support early childhood education, secondary education and post-secondary education and enable children in low-income communities to fulfill their academic potential and graduate from high school ready for college.
The congressman realizes that while invaluable, a top-notch education can come at a high price. Congressman Gonzalez supports efforts to lower student loan debt and make college more accessible and affordable. The congressman co-sponsored two pieces of legislation that would address these issues: H.R. 2015, the Equitable Student Aid Access Act, which would amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to facilitate the process of applying for financial aid, and H.R. 813, the Affordability for Constant and Continual Education to Enhance Student Success Act, which amends the higher education fund of 1965 to increase the number of Pell Grants a student can receive in one year.
Congressman Gonzalez supports an all-the-above approach to energy and understands the importance of American energy not only to power our cars and homes, but also as a national security issue and a job creator. The 15th District is home to the Eagle Ford Shale, one of the largest oil production areas in the state, creating more than 3.8 million jobs and generating $473 billion in gross domestic product. The Congressman has seen firsthand the effects of a thriving oil and gas industry.
As chairman of the newly formed Congressional Oil and Gas Caucus, Congressman Gonzalez aims to bring this Texas perspective to Washington, D.C., regarding the issue. The congressman seeks to educate fellow lawmakers about the production and distribution of oil, gas and other petroleum hydrocarbons, including crude oil, natural gas and gas liquids.
Congressman Gonzalez supports the development of sources of renewable energy, acknowledging the potential in wind and solar energy for both the South Texas economy and American energy independence. Currently, Texas produces more wind energy than most other U.S. states.
All South Texans deserve access to affordable, quality health care, especially those who live in rural communities and medically underserved areas. Unfortunately, South Texas is home to a large uninsured or underinsured population. Congressman Gonzalez is working with his colleagues to develop innovative ideas that lower health care costs and provide better coverage for more people.
The congressman recognizes that more needs to be done to lower premiums, expand coverage, and improve the Affordable Care Act. While the Affordable Care Act was a step in the right direction, he understands it is not perfect. For these reasons, he supports working across the aisle to build consensus and develop common sense solutions to the problems in our nation’s healthcare system.
Congressman Gonzalez is a staunch supporter of Medicaid and other programs that provide coverage for those who need it most: children with special needs, seniors, and the disabled. Thousands of elderly Texans rely on Medicare during their retirement years. The congressman is committed to strengthening the program and ensuring that the federal government honors its obligation to our seniors.
The congressman knows that medical doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals work tirelessly to deliver lifesaving services to South Texans. The congressman believes that we must not only invest in our community health clinics and hospitals, but that we also must fully fund health professions training programs like those at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine and Texas Lutheran University so that South Texans receive the best care possible.
For decades, Medicare and Social Security have helped millions of Americans retire comfortably after a lifetime of work. As a country, we made a promise to protect our elderly and ensure they would have reliable access to the resources and support that they earned. Today, more than ever, we cannot abandon our seniors when their resources, and ultimately their independence is threatened.
Congressman Gonzalez opposes ill-advised efforts to privatize Social Security or turn Medicare into a voucher system. The congressman supports protecting Social Security and expanding and improving Medicare for all Americans.
Unfortunately, one in every five elderly Americans have been victims of financial abuse. As a member of the House Committee on Financial Services, Congressman Gonzalez seeks to enact policies that protect senior citizens from financial exploitation.
The congressman has proudly co-sponsored legislation that would: address the long-term challenges associated with funding Social Security and ensure that seniors’ hard-earned benefits keep pace with the rising cost of living, healthcare, and prescription drugs. Some of this legislation includes: H.R. 676, Expanded & Improved Medicare For All Act, H.R. 849, Protecting Seniors' Access to Medicare Act of 2017, and H.R. 508, the Seniors Have Eyes, Ears, and Teeth Act of 2017.
More than 600 guardsmen, more than 34,000 veterans, and 780 servicemembers call the 15th District home. There are two National Guard facilities and several defense equipment and parts manufacturers located in the congressman’s district. The 15th District also runs adjacent to several of the active duty and National Guard installations in South Texas, including Randolph Air Force Base – Joint Base San Antonio and Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi Army Depot, and Naval Air Station Kingsville, among others. The Lonestar State is home to 15 major military installations, several defense manufacturers, and nearly one in ten servicemembers.
Congressman Gonzalez is a proud member of the Blue Dog Coalition’s Task Force on National Defense, a group that proactively promotes a strong national defense and supports efforts to improve the lives of our servicemembers and veterans. Congressman Gonzalez and his colleagues are committed to ensuring that America’s military has the resources it needs to keep Americans and our allies safe from new international security challenges.
Congressman Gonzalez is proud of his military background, having graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi with a Bachelor’s of Science in Aviation Business Administration.
The Congressman’s father was a U.S. Merchant Marine who served honorably in the Korean War. He understands the debt that America owes to our veterans and their families for their service and sacrifices to our grateful nation. Whether it is fighting for improved mental health services; additional resources for military families, caretakers, and injured or disabled veterans; strong GI bill benefits to ensure every veteran has access to higher education; or safeguarding their right to stay where they belong, in the United States of America, Congressman Gonzalez is committed to veterans and their families.
Congressman Gonzalez is leading the charge in Washington to bring our unjustly deported veterans home. These honorable men and women risked life and limb to protect our freedom. Currently, Congressman Gonzalez is working with the White House and his colleagues in the U.S. Congress to right this wrong and repatriate our patriots.
In today’s competitive global society, having a positive partnership with our neighbors is imperative. Congressman Gonzalez believes that a close relationship with Mexico and Canada is the bedrock of a healthy, prosperous economy.
In 1994, The United States, Canada, and Mexico entered a trilateral trade accord called the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The bloc was intended to increase trade and investment between the three countries by eliminating tariffs and other barriers. NAFTA helped to foster economic growth within the continent and Mexico and Canada became our nation’s top two export countries.
Texas lies at the center of the trade agreement, geographically and commercially. NAFTA allowed for over two decades of growth for South Texas businesses and communities, and expanded markets for U.S. farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers. The trade deal helped to vitalize connections between the partner countries, and spurred economic development in South Texas, and across the nation.
Congressman Gonzalez recognizes the significance of NAFTA and the role it has played in bolstering the American and Texas economies. Nevertheless, there is always room for improvement. After over twenty years, the North American Free Trade Agreement needed to be updated to reflect the current needs and objectives of the millions of Americans whose jobs and businesses depend on the critical trilateral trade pact. The U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) was signed by the partner countries on November 30, 2018 as a successor to NAFTA.
Since taking office in the 115th Congress, Congressman Gonzalez has been at the forefront of protecting and improving American trade relationships. In 2017, Congressman Gonzalez and other members of Congress met with U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer to discuss the modernization of NAFTA and the importance of cross-border trade for the region.
U.S. alliances with neighbors to the north and south is paramount to the 15th District of Texas and must remain a top priority. Congressman Gonzalez has already begun cultivating a strong relationship with incoming Mexican officials. Earlier this year, during a bipartisan congressional delegation to Mexico and Guatemala, Congressman Gonzalez met with Mexican President-elect Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s Chief of Staff and Cabinet members to discuss, among other things, the significance of cross-border trade.
Congressman Gonzalez will continue to approach any impending trade agreements with cautious optimism to ensure that jobs, business, and trade opportunities in Central and South Texas remain stronger than ever.