De La Cruz, Monica RSS Articles

De La Cruz Leads the Strengthen Taxpayer Rights Act

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON - In the height of tax season, Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) introduced the Strengthen Taxpayer Rights Act alongside Congressman Zach Nunn (IA-03). The legislation codifies taxpayer protections to ensure the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) appeals process is always fully independent and not tilted against the taxpayer.

"The Strengthen Taxpayer Rights Act gives American taxpayers the certainty that their appeals process will be fair and independent. Tax season can be complicated enough; Americans need less, not more, bureaucracy when appealing an IRS decision.” - Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz

“The IRS shouldn't be judge and jury in its own cases. The Strengthen Taxpayer Rights Act restores common-sense protections so that when an Iowan appeals an IRS decision, the process is truly independent, not predetermined by the same agency that made the call.” - Congressman Zach Nunn

The legislation has garnered support from the National Taxpayers Union (NTU) and the Taxpayers Protection Alliance (TPA).

Background:
Building on the Taxpayer First Act of 2019, De La Cruz's legislation restores the historical independence of the IRS appeals process by ensuring that enforcement personnel cannot join conferences without taxpayer consent.

While these sessions were traditionally neutral, a 2016 policy shift allowed IRS Counsel and Compliance to participate, even over a taxpayer’s objection. By codifying these protections, the Strengthen Taxpayer Rights Act ensures the Independent Office of Appeals remains a fair and unbiased forum for all taxpayers.

De La Cruz Secures Release of Antonio Gámez-Cuéllar

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) secured the release of Antonio Gámez-Cuéllar, an 18-year-old McAllen High School senior and celebrated member of the award-winning Mariachi Oro program, following her direct advocacy with the White House, incoming DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin, the office of White House Border Czar Tom Homan, and senior officials throughout the federal government.

"Antonio is going home. The Gámez-Cuéllar family are valued members of our community. I was honored to stand with Antonio and his fellow mariachis when they visited my office last year, and I am honored to stand with him again. My work is not done. I will continue to advocate for his family in keeping with the law, and I will not stop until they are reunited."

"While some were busy politicizing this family's situation, I was busy solving it. Today is a reminder of why effective representation in Washington matters. South Texans deserve both a secure border and commonsense policies, and I will always fight for both." - Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz

Background:

De La Cruz has long championed commonsense immigration measures, including her Bracero Program 2.0 Act and Fair Wages for Farm Workers Act, while consistently maintaining that enforcement resources must prioritize threats to public safety.

En Español:

La Congresista De La Cruz agradece el apoyo de toda la comunidad y confirma que Antonio Gámez-Cuéllar será liberado gracias a las gestiones directas de su oficina con la Casa Blanca y funcionarios federales de alto nivel.

"La familia Gámez-Cuéllar es muy valorada en nuestra comunidad. Trabajé muy duro para que Antonio pudiera regresar a su casa, pero mi trabajo no ha terminado. La familia Gámez-Cuéllar es muy valorada en nuestra comunidad. Trabajé muy duro para que Antonio pudiera regresar a su casa, pero mi trabajo no ha terminado. Voy a seguir luchando hasta que esta hermosa familia mariachi esté reunida muy pronto."

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VIDEO: De La Cruz on President Trump's State of the Union

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON - Following President Trump's State of the Union Address this evening, Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) released the statement below.

The full statement can be found here or below.

"Tonight, President Trump made it clear: the state of our union is strong.

Over the last year, we have worked to fix the problems caused by the Biden Administration and deliver big wins for South Texans.

We solidified historic tax cuts, drove down inflation, and secured the border.

Today, prosperity is returning to our communities, and the dream of homeownership is once again becoming a reality for millions of families.

This is just the beginning. I will continue to build on this progress and restore the American dream." - Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz

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De La Cruz, South Texas Leaders Meet with Speaker Johnson on Immigration

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

This week, Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) and South Texas community leaders met with Speaker Mike Johnson to discuss her proposals for key reforms to immigration policies, specifically legislation to streamline visa programs and ease workforce shortages, particularly in the agriculture and construction industries.

Following their meeting, De La Cruz hosted a meeting with White House officials to continue discussions on her immigration proposals as a part of her South Texas (STX) Days district fly-in.

"Speaker Johnson and White House officials are engaged and have heard our concerns for common-sense policies to bridge gaps in our immigration system and protect the American dream. On behalf of South Texas, I am fighting to deliver solutions to ensure our South Texas communities remain prosperous." - Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz

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PHOTOS: De La Cruz Hosts South Texas Community Leaders for STX Days

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON - This week, Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) hosted community leaders from across Texas's 15th District for her 2nd South Texas (STX) Days in Washington, DC.

"It was an honor to host my second South Texas Days this week, connecting local leaders with federal resources that will make a real impact back home. By bringing our communities' needs directly to Washington, we are solving problems through honest conversation and advocacy. Ensuring South Texas has a powerful, persistent voice in DC will always be my top priority." - Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz

During the two-day event, South Texas community leaders participated in discussions with the White House, the Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Department of Transportation (DOT), the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the House Appropriations Committee, and the Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD).

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De La Cruz's Bringing the Discount Window into the 21st Century Act Passes the House Floor

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz's (TX-15) Bringing the Discount Window into the 21st Century Act passed the House floor.

The legislation addresses needed improvements for the Federal Reserve’s discount window operations and technology to better equip the mechanism to serve depository institutions, including community banks. This is De La Cruz's 8th bill passed off the House floor.

De La Cruz spoke on the floor to urge her colleagues to support the bill. Watch the full clip here.

"By improving efficiencies in the U.S. banking system, we are ensuring homeowners, small businesses, and farmers can access the capital they need. House passage is just the first step toward starting a comprehensive review and implementing improvements for the discount window. Next stop: the Senate!" - Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz
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De La Cruz: Expanding Housing Affordability Through The Housing for the 21st Century Act

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) spoke in support of Financial Services Committee Chairman French Hill's Housing for the 21st Century Act. The legislation increases the housing supply by reducing overregulation and modernizing Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) programs.

The legislative package includes three of De La Cruz's bipartisan provisions to update the Federal Housing Administration's (FHA) mortgage insurance loan limits for residential multifamily construction to bring more homes on the market, to ensure Veterans are made aware of their eligibility for VA loan products, and to strengthen the coordination of our federal housing agencies to maximize the impact of our current federal housing programs.

De La Cruz's full floor remarks can be found here or read below.

"Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6644, the Housing for the 21st Century Act, sponsored by Chairman Hill.

This legislation includes dozens of common-sense, bipartisan housing solutions that meet the needs of the housing crisis everyday Americans are dealing with.

I am particularly proud to see three key provisions of mine included to update the FHA’s mortgage insurance loan limits for residential multifamily construction to bring more homes on the market; ensure Veterans are made aware of the VA loan products they are eligible for; and strengthen the coordination of our federal housing agencies to maximize the impact of our current federal housing programs.

H.R. 6644 is a critical step towards putting our housing sector back on the right footing and I urge my colleagues to join me in support.

Thank you, and I yield back."

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De La Cruz Votes to End Shutdown, Secure Funding for South Texas

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON - Today, Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) released the statement below following her vote to pass the Senate Amendment to H.R. 7148, Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026.

"My vote today brings home wins for South Texas while rejecting the chaos of a shutdown. I am proud to invest over $13 million for transportation and critical infrastructure in our communities, while holding the Mexican government accountable for their refusal to meet 1944 Water Treaty deliveries. Now, our focus must be on passing our final funding bill that supports Border Patrol agents and builds on the successes of President Trump's historic border security." - Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz

Background:
The Senate Amendment to H.R. 7148, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026, includes funding for Defense; Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education; Transportation and Housing and Urban Development; Financial Services and General Government; and National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs. The legislation includes a two-week continuing resolution for the Department of Homeland Security, allowing Congress to continue negotiations.

De La Cruz secured language to ensure funds appropriated through this legislation are not made available to the Government of Mexico until the Secretary of State certifies that Mexico has met their obligated deliveries under the 1944 Water Treaty.

Additionally, De La Cuz secured the following community project funding for Texas's 15th Congressional District:
$5,500,000 for the West Main Drain Project in Edinburg
$2,000,000 for the Military Parkway Expansion Project for the City of Mission
$3,520,000 for the Bridge Operations & Logistics Transformation project in the City of Pharr
$2,300,000 for Seguin Community Center Improvements

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De La Cruz on New Commitment to Secure Water for South Texas

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON - Today, Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) released the statement below following the announcement of a new commitment between the United States and Mexico to ensure full compliance with water delivery obligations under the 1944 Water Treaty.

"After years of non-compliance from the Mexican government on 1944 Water Treaty obligations, we have delivered accountability and secured historic water deliveries. I have led the charge for South Texans, working alongside President Trump and Secretary Rollins to demand the certainty our farmers need. Today's announcement, which secures a minimum of 350,000 acre-feet of water annually and consistent, bilateral meetings, is a step in the right direction. Alongside this Administration, I will fight to ensure every drop of our water is secured." - Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz

Background:
Today, U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and U.S. Department of State Secretary Marco Rubio announced the Mexican government's commitment to deliver a minimum of 350,000 acre‑feet of water annually and a plan to fulfill outstanding water debt from the previous 1944 Water Treaty cycle. Additionally, the U.S. and Mexico announced they will hold monthly meetings to ensure that timely, consistent deliveries are met.

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De La Cruz Honors WWII Veteran, Tours Family-Owned Farm in Alice

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 05:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON -This week, Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) visited Alice, Texas, to hold a Congressional Record Ceremony in honor of World War II Veteran Francisco Ybanez and tour Edelen Farms in Alice.

To start the day, Congresswoman De La Cruz hosted a Congressional Record Ceremony to honor the service of World War II Veteran and Texas-native Francisco Ybanez. In 2024, De La Cruz honored Mr. Ybanez's life of service, sacrifice, and dedication to the Alice community on the House floor. Read the full Congressional Record here.

Following the ceremony, Edelen Farms in Alice hosted Congresswoman De La Cruz for a tour of their family-owned, second-generation farm operations. Owned by Andrew and his wife, Kaylyn, the farm's goal is to provide healthy, locally-grown food options for the community.

Staff Mobile Office Hours

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 18:00:00 GMT

District staff will visit Live Oak County this month, ready to help you! If you need assistance with any federal agency -- the VA, Social Security, passport services, or anything else -- please plan a visit with a caseworker who can open an inquiry on your behalf.

July 18th, 2024
2 - 3p.m.
George West Library
402 Houston St
George West, TX 78022

Staff Mobile Office Hours

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 16:30:00 GMT

District staff will visit Live Oak County this month, ready to help you! If you need assistance with any federal agency -- the VA, Social Security, passport services, or anything else -- please plan a visit with a caseworker who can open an inquiry on your behalf.

July 18th, 2024
12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
Three Rivers Library
102 Leroy St
Three Rivers, TX 78071