Last night in Laredo, I attended the Imaginarium of South Texas Gala alongside my wife Imelda, local leaders, officials, and friends for a wonderful evening celebrating two individuals who’ve made a lasting difference in our community. We honored Dr. Ricardo Cigarroa and the Honorable Alyssa Cigarroa, District 8 Councilwoman, for their dedication to serving others and strengthening our community. Through their leadership, compassion, and commitment to helping others, they’ve touched the lives of countless people across our district. Their work reflects the values of compassion, civic engagement, and service that help South Texas continue to grow and thrive. Congratulations again to Dr. Cigarroa and Councilwoman Cigarroa on this well-deserved recognition.

Over the past two days, the Appropriations Committee considered the FY2027 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations bill. As Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, I worked with my colleagues on difficult but necessary funding and policy issues affecting DHS and the U.S. Coast Guard. The Department of Homeland Security plays a major role in the daily lives of South Texans, whether through our ports of entry, border operations, international trade, or emergency response efforts. That is why I voted no and will continue pushing for strong oversight, responsible spending, and practical solutions that reflect the needs of our communities. Policymaking is a process, but I cannot support major border wall funding and a surge in funding without responsible oversight and operational changes. I grew up and live on the border. I have visited detention facilities and heard firsthand some of the toughest stories that make clear the need for stronger oversight and operational changes. Through it all, I continue to support robust funding, pay increases for personnel, and advanced technologies for the Department. But we must continue working in a bipartisan way to deliver for South Texas.

I was glad to welcome Mayor Adrian Gonzalez, Assistant City Manager Antonio Lopez, and Commissioner Adrian Farias from Weslaco to Washington this morning. They shared updates on several city priorities, including federal grant opportunities and ongoing infrastructure needs, particularly around flood control. Conversations like these help ensure communities in the Rio Grande Valley have a voice in the federal process and can continue moving important projects forward. Thank you for stopping by and for your continued service to the people of Weslaco.

I met with members of @MissionCommerce Board of Directors, including Brenda Enriquez, Vanessa Nichole Hernandez, Hector Sanchez, Susie Torres, Paco Rodriguez, Chad Nunnery, Joe Vargas, Sandra Vecchi and Dilbag Singh during their visit to Washington as part of the Rio Grande Valley Partnership's annual RGV to DC fly-in. We discussed economic development priorities in Mission and across the Rio Grande Valley, including local business needs, infrastructure projects, workforce issues and the role cross-border trade continues to play in South Texas. The Greater Mission Chamber represents businesses across a number of industries, from banking and construction to health care, hospitality and retail. Hearing directly from business and community leaders helps ensure South Texas priorities are represented in Washington. Thank you to the Greater Mission Chamber board members for meeting with me and providing an update on issues affecting Mission and the Rio Grande Valley.

It was a late night at the Capitol after two long days of committee markups and votes — 2:30 a.m. on Tuesday and 1:30 a.m. last night. Over the past several days, we have been working through appropriations bills, debating amendments, and advocating for priorities important to South Texas. While the hours can be long, these discussions help shape funding decisions that affect our communities and our country. There is still work to be done, but I wanted to share a quick update and thank everyone across South Texas for the opportunity to represent you in Congress. We will keep fighting for our communities and the issues that matter most to our region.

As Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, I offered an amendment during yesterday’s markup of the FY2027 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations bill to protect additional areas in South Texas from future border wall construction. My amendment would extend protections to locations in and around Laredo, the Falcon Lake area in Zapata County, San Ignacio, Big Bend National Park, and other historic and community areas that are important to the people who live and work along the border. I believe in strong border security and the resources necessary to keep our communities safe. At the same time, border security should be smart, targeted, and responsive to local needs. Many of these areas have historically experienced low crossing activity, and that remains true today. With significant investments already being made in personnel, technology, and other enforcement tools, there are places where a border wall simply does not make sense. South Texans, as well as those who live and work along the border, know these communities better than anyone. We can secure the border while also respecting the historic sites, public spaces, and neighborhoods that make our region unique. That is what this amendment seeks to accomplish.

Today, as Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, I offered an amendment to strengthen oversight of Department of Homeland Security funding. This was an important effort to continue the guardrails and accountability provisions we worked on during the FY2026 appropriations process. As DHS receives significant additional funding, it is important that oversight capacity keeps pace and that Congress continues to provide the tools necessary to ensure transparency and accountability. Strong oversight helps prevent waste, fraud, and abuse while ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly, consistent with congressional intent, and in a manner that maintains public trust.

Members of my Washington, D.C. team, interns, and my daughter Christina attended the Congressional Baseball Game this evening. The annual game is one of Capitol Hill’s longest-standing traditions, bringing together Members of Congress, staff, interns, and supporters from across the country in support of a good cause. Thank you to our staff and interns for all of their hard work serving the people of South Texas, and thank you to Christina for joining us for a great evening at the ballpark.

Today, as Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, I offered an amendment during consideration of the FY2027 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations bill to strengthen oversight and accountability in immigration enforcement. My amendment would establish standards for body-worn cameras, strengthen detention and use-of-force requirements, prohibit racial profiling, and ensure enforcement actions are carried out professionally and consistent with the law. It also includes protections for sensitive locations such as schools, hospitals, houses of worship, and disaster-relief facilities. Many of these standards already exist for state and local law enforcement. Strong enforcement and accountability should go hand in hand, and I believe these reforms would help strengthen public confidence while supporting the mission of DHS.

With New World screwworm recently detected in Texas and New Mexico, many people are learning about this pest for the first time. That’s why it’s important to stay informed and know what signs to look for. Animal owners should regularly check livestock, pets, and other animals for unusual wounds, swelling, irritation, or signs of maggots. If you notice anything concerning, contact your veterinarian right away. Early detection can help protect animal health and prevent the spread of this destructive pest. If you see signs of maggot infestations in live or recently deceased wildlife, especially near the U.S.-Mexico border, report it to USDA Wildlife Services at 866-4USDA-WS (866-487-3297). For more information about New World screwworm and how to protect your animals, visit screwworm.gov

As Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, I spoke during the full committee markup of the FY2027 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations bill. My remarks focused on oversight, accountability, and Congress’ responsibility to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent as intended. As DHS continues to receive significant funding, including roughly $260 billion through a recent patisian reconciliation, strong oversight is essential. That includes ensuring the Office of Inspector General has the resources needed to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse. I also highlighted the importance of protecting certain sensitive areas from border wall construction and ensuring security investments are paired with transparency and accountability. Strong security and strong oversight go hand in hand.

It was great to welcome members of @UnitedCCChamber to Washington during their annual visit with the Texas congressional delegation. We discussed issues affecting businesses across the Coastal Bend, including workforce needs, infrastructure, and economic growth. I also had the opportunity to share some of my priorities in Congress and hear directly from Chamber members about the issues affecting employers and communities across the region. Thank you to Brook Kaufman and the Chamber members for making the trip to Washington and advocating for the Coastal Bend.

Housing affordability remains a challenge for families across #TX28 and the country. I met with Brady Johanson, president of @SABuildersAssoc, Kristi Sutterfield, GSABA CEO, Abby Johanson of Haynes and Boone, and homebuilders and industry leaders from across the San Antonio area to discuss the factors driving housing costs and slowing new construction. Our conversation focused on workforce shortages, immigration policy, federal permitting delays, and regulatory requirements that can add time and expense to residential projects. We also discussed my bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act and ways to streamline federal reviews, reduce unnecessary delays, and help increase housing supply. Thank you to the builders, housing professionals, and industry leaders who shared their perspectives and experiences. Input from those working directly in the housing market is critical as Congress looks for practical solutions to help make housing more affordable.

Today, I met with Kent Britton, CEO of @ThePortofCC, along with Commissioners Amanda Torres, Michael Hunter, and Rajan Ahuja, and members of the Port leadership team to discuss the Port’s federal priorities and ongoing infrastructure projects. Our conversation focused on the Ship Channel Improvement Project and the importance of maintaining a modern port system that can support growing trade and energy exports. As the nation's largest port and a major gateway for U.S. energy products, the Port of Corpus Christi plays a critical role in our economy and supply chains. We also discussed the Port’s role in supporting military readiness, international commerce, and jobs throughout South Texas and the Coastal Bend. Thank you to the Port leadership team for the discussion and for their continued work to strengthen one of our nation’s most important maritime assets.

I met with representatives from @ABCsouthtexas to discuss workforce shortages and issues affecting the construction industry across Texas. We discussed the challenges builders are facing as demand for housing and infrastructure projects continues to grow. We also talked about federal contracting policies and ways to reduce delays that can increase costs and slow construction. I appreciate the opportunity to hear directly from industry leaders and learn more about the issues affecting the construction workforce.

I was pleased to secure several South Texas priorities in the manager’s amendment to the FY2027 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill. One provision directs federal agencies to review programs, regulations, and administrative requirements to identify opportunities to improve performance, reduce unnecessary burdens, and ensure taxpayer dollars are being used effectively. Agencies should be focused on delivering results and making the best use of federal resources. I also secured language supporting energy workforce development and career training opportunities. With South Texas playing a major role in domestic energy production, preparing students and workers for careers in the energy sector remains important to our region’s economy and workforce needs. Thank you to Chairman Aderholt and Ranking Member DeLauro for working with my office on these provisions.

I met with Sam Vale, President of Starr-Camargo Bridge Company, Bob Vale, Vice President of Trade Development, and Rose Benavidez, President of the Starr County Industrial Foundation, to discuss transportation and trade priorities in South Texas. Our conversation focused on the Rio Grande City Land Port of Entry, the Starr-Camargo Bridge expansion, and Border Pacific Railroad’s efforts to rehabilitate rail infrastructure in the Rio Grande Valley. These projects are important to keeping goods moving across our region and supporting the trade activity that drives #TX28's economy. As one of the nation's busiest trade corridors, South Texas depends on strong transportation infrastructure. Investments in our bridges, ports of entry, and rail systems help strengthen supply chains, support jobs, and keep commerce moving efficiently. Thank you to Sam, Bob, and Rose for the update and for their continued work on these projects.

Today, I spoke during consideration of the FY2027 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill. I highlighted the importance of continued funding for the National Child Abuse Hotline and the National Domestic Violence Hotline, which help individuals and families facing difficult situations. I also spoke in support of GEAR UP and Federal TRIO programs, which help first-generation and low-income students access higher education. I also raised concerns about proposed cuts to Job Corps. At a time when employers continue to face workforce shortages, programs that provide education, job training, and workforce skills remain important for young people looking to build a career. As the appropriations process continues, I will keep working to support students, strengthen workforce training opportunities, and help South Texas families.