Press Releases

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) brought Acting Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling to Hidalgo County to address critical workforce shortages with local manufacturing and agricultural leaders.

To start the day, De La Cruz and Acting Secretary Sonderling toured Stanley Black & Decker’s Mission facility with CEO Chris Nelson and celebrated their new $1 billion investment in U.S. manufacturing. Stanley Black & Decker is a vital part of our South Texas community, supporting over 300 local jobs, with further growth ahead.

Following the tour, De La Cruz and Acting Secretary Sonderling hosted a roundtable with Rio Farms, Inc. on Texas agricultural labor challenges and highlighted De La Cruz’s Fair Wages for Farm Workers Act. The legislation codifies Department of Labor rulings to streamline H-2A visas and provide certainty for Texas farmers.

Watch the Congresswoman's full video recap here.