De La Cruz, Monica RSS Articles

De La Cruz Urges President Trump to Launch Whole-of-Government Fight Against Screwworm

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON - Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) and members of the Texas Congressional Delegation urged President Trump to implement a whole-of-government strategy to fight outbreaks of the New World Screwworm. Following confirmed cases of the flesh-eating parasite across Texas, lawmakers warn that failure to contain the pest could cause catastrophic losses of up to $1.3 billion for the U.S. livestock industry.

The letter is co-signed by Representatives Randy Weber (TX-14), Beth Van Duyne (TX-24), Dan Crenshaw (TX-02), Nathaniel Moran (TX-01), Brian Babin (TX-36), Jodey Arrington (TX-19), Troy Nehls (TX-22), Jake Ellzey (TX-06), Wesley Hunt (TX-38), Michael McCaul (TX-10), Morgan Luttrell (TX-08), Lance Gooden (TX-05), John Carter (TX-31), Ronny Jackson (TX-13), Roger Williams (TX-25), August Pfluger (TX-11), Keith Self (TX-03), Michael Cloud (TX-27), Pat Fallon (TX-04), Chip Roy (TX-21), and Brandon Gill (TX-26).

Read the full letter here or below.

Dear President Trump,

We want to thank you for your commitment to America's agricultural industry. We remain committed to work alongside you and your administration to address the issues facing rural America and our agricultural producers.

On June 3, 2026, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed the first domestic cases of Cochliomyia hominivorax, commonly known as the New World Screwworm (NWS). The flesh-eating parasite poses a serious threat to livestock producers. This was proven in the 1950's and 1960's when NWS cost livestock producers historical losses of roughly $20 million and $100 million in southeastern and southwestern states, respectively. This equates to roughly $1.3 billion annually in modern cost estimates.

In the first 100 days of your second term in office, you and your cabinet members recognized the harmful impact NWS posed to U.S. livestock producers, and began working with Mexican counterparts to mitigate the threat. This led to the historic investment of $750 million to construct a fly sterilization facility at USDA's Moore Air Base in Edinburg, Texas. Though the facility has immense promise to combat the growing presence and threat of NWS, there are some immediate actions that departments and agencies can be making to bolster the federal government's response. Therefore, we are asking you and your cabinet to prioritize an expedited and enhanced coordinated, whole-of-government strategy to combat NWS.

Several Secretaries within your Cabinet have taken action to mitigate the threat caused by NWS. Efforts include the establishment of the New World Screwworm Directorate by Secretary Rollins, the Food and Drug Administration's approval of emergency authorized usage for veterinary treatment and prevention under Secretary Kennedy, and, under the leadership of Secretary Hegseth, the Army Corps of Engineers' oversight on Moore Air Base's construction. We appreciate the historic strides your Administration has made and ask that as more cases of NWS begin to be reported within the United States, your administration prioritizes a whole-of-government approach to finding additional, creative solutions to combat NWS. This comes at a time when states are stepping up to address the issue, such as the Governor of Texas' recent state-wide disaster declaration.

As your partners in Congress, we stand ready to provide any resources necessary to support U.S. livestock producers and eradicate NWS. Thank you for your consideration. We look forward to addressing this issue, together.

De La Cruz Restores the Dream of Homeownership Through Passage of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) voted in support of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act. After bicameral collaboration, the legislation will codify President Trump's commitment to ensuring the American dream of homeownership is within reach for all Americans.

De La Cruz spoke on the House floor in support of the bill. Watch the full clip here.

"For many Texas families, the dream of owning a home has slipped out of reach. By expanding housing supply, lowering costs, and protecting neighborhoods from institutional investors, we are passing bipartisan, common-sense legislation to restore the American dream. After diligent work across both chambers, I am thrilled to send this critical bill to the President's desk to become law." - Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz

Background:
The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act has five provisions led and co-led by De La Cruz, including:

The Housing Affordability Act: Updates existing multifamily loan limits to accurately adjust for modern expenses.
The VA Home Loan Awareness Act: Ensures Veterans and their families are aware of their VA benefit eligibility when applying for a home loan.
HUD-USDA-VA Interagency Coordination Act: Requires the Secretaries of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to collaborate across agencies to maximize housing programs.
The Housing Supply Expansion Act: Removes the federal chassis requirement for manufactured housing.
Housing Unhoused Disabled Veterans Act: Excludes disability benefits from a Veteran’s income for housing eligibility purposes in the Housing and Urban Development-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) Program.

De La Cruz Hosts Roundtable on 1944 Water Treaty and USMCA

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) hosted a roundtable highlighting the critical need to include the 1944 Water Treaty in the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

The roundtable convened government officials alongside South Texas farmers, who shared firsthand accounts of how the Mexican government's failure to meet its water delivery obligations has devastated local agriculture.

"The Mexican government's refusal to fulfill its obligations under the 1944 Water Treaty has devastated Texas agriculture. While there are currently no consequences for this non-compliance, we are working to change that by integrating the treaty into the USMCA. Our roundtable is a crucial step toward demanding accountability, enforcing consequences, and ensuring South Texans always receive the water they are owed." - Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz

Background:

The roundtable served as a final advocacy push in Congresswoman De La Cruz's efforts to include the 1944 Water Treaty in ongoing USMCA negotiations. Over the last year, Congresswoman De La Cruz has consistently urged U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer and Secretary of State Marco Rubio to integrate the 1944 Water Treaty into the trade agreement. Additionally, she led the Texas Congressional Delegation in a letter urging that the upcoming joint review be used to enforce the Mexican government's compliance with water deliveries.

Roundtable attendees included:
Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15)
Julie Callahan, Chief Agricultural Negotiator, Office of the U.S. Trade Representative
Riley Pagett, Chief of Staff for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs (USDA)
Tony Frye, Deputy Commissioner for Public and Congressional Affairs (IBWC)
Max Hamilton, Director of the Office of Mexican Affairs, U.S. Department of State
Jeff Freeland, Deputy Director of the Office of Legislative Affairs, The White House
Jennifer Cervantes, Representative for Rio Grande Valley Sugarcane Growers
Dante L. Galeazzi, President and CEO of Texas International Produce Association

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De La Cruz Imposes Consequences for Mexico's Refusal to Comply with the 1944 Water Treaty

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) introduced the Water Assurance and Treaty Enforcement for Rio Grande Farmers Act (WATER for Farmers Act). The legislation will impose tariffs on Mexico if they refuse to comply with the 1944 Water Treaty. The funds collected from the tariffs will be allocated to the South Texas farmers impacted by missed water deliveries.

De La Cruz introduced the legislation alongside Congressman Randy Weber (TX-14), Congressman Michael Cloud (TX-27), and Congressman Troy Nehls (TX-22). Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) introduced the legislation in the Senate.

"For too long, the Mexican government has refused to comply with the 1944 Water Treaty, and South Texas farmers have faced the consequences. It's time to hold the Mexican government to their agreed-upon water deliveries, and, if not, impose tariffs to support the farmers who have suffered due to their inaction." – Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz

Background:
Under the 1944 Water Treaty, the Government of Mexico is required to deliver 350,000 acre-feet of water per year to the United States over a five-year cycle. However, consistent delivery delays have resulted in devastating economic consequences for South Texas farmers, including the closure of the last sugar mill in Texas.

To address this crisis, the WATER for Farmers Act would impose tariffs on Mexico if the government continues to violate the treaty by withholding obligated water deliveries.

The duties collected from these tariffs would fund a new "South Texas Agricultural Compensation Trust Fund" within the U.S. Treasury. At the discretion of the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, this fund would provide financial compensation to South Texas farmers and producers who have suffered losses due to the Government of Mexico's non-compliance with the 1944 Water Treaty.

De La Cruz Announces Winners of 2026 TX-15 Congressional Art Competition

Wed, 27 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON - Congresswoman De La Cruz (TX-15) announced the winner of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for Texas's 15th District, Ashley Esparza from Achieve Early College High School. Ashley's piece, "Little Patriots, Big Dreams," was selected from entries submitted by high school artists across the district. As the first-place winner, Ashley's piece will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year alongside winning artwork from districts across the country.

De La Cruz also honored second-place winner Julisa Saenz from Edinburg North High School for her piece, "Freedom," and Gabbriella Gaines from Three Rivers Junior-Senior High School for her third-place piece, "I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream."

"I am thrilled to congratulate Ashley on this incredible achievement! Her work beautifully captures the spirit of this year's theme, 'America 250', and it will be an inspirational and patriotic addition to the halls of the Capitol. I am proud of all the students who participated, and I hope you all continue to share your passion for creativity." - Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz

Little Patriots, Big Dreams by Ashley Esparza

Background:

Every spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide high school visual arts competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in the nation and each Congressional District. Since the competition began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students have participated.

This year's competition was judged by a panel of educators and artists: Ashley Gonzalez from Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District (ECISD), Rigobert Gonzalez, University of Texas - Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), and Cecilia Garza, South Texas artist.

For more information about the annual art competition, please visit our website here

De La Cruz Introduces Legislation to Honor Local War Hero, Lance Corporal Dustin Sekula

Thu, 21 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz introduced the Lance Corporal Dustin Sekula Congressional Gold Medal Act. The bill would posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal to Edinburg, Texas, native Lance Corporal Dustin Sekula. The legislation seeks to honor Sekula's courageous service and ultimate sacrifice for his country.

Lance Corporal Sekula was the first Edinburg native to be killed during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was just 18 years old when he died on April 1, 2004, after sustaining injuries from enemy fire in Iraq. A proud Marine, Sekula had turned down an agriculture college scholarship to join the military at the age of 17, driven by a desire to serve and protect the United States.

The medal would be presented to Sekula's family in recognition of his heroic life and the lasting impact he has had on his community and his country. His legacy continues in Edinburg, where the Dustin Sekula Memorial Library stands as a tribute to his memory.

“Lance Corporal Dustin Sekula made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, and this bill ensures that his bravery and service are honored at the highest level. His story is one of unwavering dedication to his family, his community, and his country. We must never forget his courage and sacrifice.” - Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz

De La Cruz Honors Texas Law Enforcement for National Police Week

Fri, 15 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON - In honor of National Police Week, Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) recognized the selfless service and achievements of Texas law enforcement on the House floor.

De La Cruz hosts Major Fred Whisenant, Trooper Juan Zuniga, and Trooper Roman Gonzalez of the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Honor Guard in Washington, D.C.

Trooper Juan Zuniga and Trooper Roman Gonzalez of the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Honor Guard

In honor of National Police Week, I rise to recognize two exceptional officers from Texas’ 15th Congressional District, Trooper Juan Zuniga and Trooper Roman Gonzalez.

Trooper Zuniga, a McAllen native, has spent over 12 years protecting the citizens of our state. Since graduating from the Department of Public Safety Academy in 2013, he has served as a mentor and a highly skilled expert in crash reconstruction and drug recognition.
Edinburg native, Trooper Roman Gonzalez, has led a life defined by sacrifice. Before his 17-year career as a Trooper, Roman served as a U.S. Marine in Iraq, where he earned the Combat Action Ribbon for his courage on the front lines.

Both of these men continue to go above and beyond as members of the elite Texas DPS Honor Guard. They ensure that our fallen heroes are laid to rest with dignity, precision, and respect.

Troopers Zuniga and Gonzalez represent the very best of South Texas. Thank you for your service.

Watch the full speech here.

Police Chief Jaime Ayala of the Edinburg Police Department

I rise to recognize Police Chief Jaime Ayala of the Edinburg Police Department, who was recently awarded the Mike Gentry Executive Leadership Award by the Texas Police Chiefs Association.

This award is reserved for those who embody exceptional leadership in law enforcement.

Since stepping into his role, Chief Ayala has shifted the department’s focus from simply responding to crime to actively preventing it.

By building a proactive agency and deploying drones for real-time emergency responses, he has ensured that Edinburg remains at the cutting edge of public safety innovation.

Under his leadership, the Edinburg Police Department was awarded the Rio Grande Valley’s Favorite Law Enforcement Agency for the third year in a row.
This honor reflects his team’s deep commitment to serving and connecting with our community. Congratulations to Chief Ayala on this incredible achievement!

Watch the full speech here.

Sergeant Joshua Roque of the Jim Wells County Sheriff’s Office
I rise today to honor Alice-native Sergeant Joshua Roque for his outstanding service and leadership at the Jim Wells County Sheriff’s Office.

Since joining the department six years ago, Sgt. Roque has demonstrated an exceptional work ethic and leadership. Moving from his role as a Correctional Officer to Patrol Sergeant, he has distinguished himself not only as a Deputy but also as a resilient member of the SWAT team.

He is known throughout the agency for his professionalism and positive attitude that he brings to every shift.

Whether he is supervising his squad or making critical decisions under pressure, he leads with integrity.

Thank you, Sergeant Roque, for your dedication to public safety and unwavering commitment to the mission of the Jim Wells County Sheriff’s Office.

Watch the full speech here.

PHOTOS: De La Cruz Celebrates Local Business Owners, New Rec Center in the Rio Grande Valley

Thu, 07 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON - In honor of Small Business Week, Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) and the RGV Partnership recognized the vital contributions of South Texas small business owners who have made an impact in the Rio Grande Valley community.

Following the event, De La Cruz joined the City of San Juan for the grand opening of the new recreation center. Having secured $2 million for the facility in FY24, she joined local leaders to celebrate the project officially coming to life.

De La Cruz honors Gilbert Morin Perez, owner of Fresh Coat Painters of McAllen and winner of the Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year, with a special certificate of Congressional recognition.

De La Cruz joins City of San Juan officials and community leaders to celebrate the opening of the San Juan Parks and Recreation facility. In FY24, De La Cruz secured $2M in federal funding to bring this project to fruition.

De La Cruz, Texas Delegation Push for JBSA-Lackland to Host Space Force

Tue, 05 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON - Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) and members of the Texas Congressional Delegation sent a letter to the Department of the Air Force urging the selection of Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (JBSA-Lackland) as the permanent headquarters for the United States Space Force component to U.S. Cyber Command (SPACEFOR-CYBER).

In the letter, the lawmakers outline why San Antonio is the premier choice to support the intersection of military and space interests. By leveraging existing infrastructure at JBSA-Lackland, the current home of the Sixteenth Air Force (Air Forces Cyber), the Air Force can ensure operations can begin immediately and efficiently.

The letter is co-signed by Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Representatives Brian Babin (TX-36), Beth Van Duyne (TX-24), Nathaniel Moran (TX-01), Randy Weber (TX-14), August Pfluger (TX-11), Michael McCaul, (TX-10) Lance Gooden (TX-05), Keith Self (TX-03), Pat Fallon (TX-04), Ronny Jackson (TX-13), Morgan Luttrell (TX-08), Michael Cloud (TX-27), Craig Goldman (TX-12), Brandon Gill (TX-26), and Troy Nehls (TX-22).

Read the full letter here or below.

Dear Secretary Meink,

As members of the Texas Congressional Delegation, we are writing in support of Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (JBSA-Lackland) to be selected as the permanent home of the United States Space Force component to U.S. Cyber Command (SPACEFOR-CYBER). Under President Trump’s leadership, the United States Space Force has been at the intersection of the country’s military and space interests. To continue this important mission, JBSA-Lackland offers a uniquely powerful combination of operational infrastructure, geographic advantages, and a skilled workforce prepared to serve our country.

The Sixteenth Air Force (Air Forces Cyber), the Air Force’s Information Warfare Numbered Air Force, is headquartered at JBSA–Lackland. Co-locating SPACEFOR-CYBER with the Sixteenth Air Force would immediately create deep operational synergy, shorten coordination timelines, and enhance unity across air, space, and cyber domains. Instead of building entirely new infrastructure, the Air Force would be leveraging an existing information warfare ecosystem.

As an urban hub, San Antonio is well-positioned to support the critical infrastructure that SPACEFOR-CYBER would provide. The greater San Antonio area is a cyber hub, often referred to as “Military City, USA,” with a dense concentration of intelligence, private-sector cyber, and information technology organizations. The presence of NSA Texas and other intelligence activities provides for efficient information sharing and rapid operational coordination in support of both U.S. Cyber Command and U.S. Space Command missions. The region’s proximity to NASA and coastal installations at Boca Chica, Texas, provides a strategic and unique opportunity for collaboration across agencies.

The city’s robust higher-education ecosystem, including universities such as the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) with strong programs in cybersecurity, computer science, engineering, and data science, provides a steady pipeline of highly skilled talent. The State of Texas, in collaboration with private enterprise, has consistently invested in cyber and defense-related initiatives, creating a business environment that attracts technology firms and defense contractors who can partner with SPACEFOR-CYBER on technological innovation and workforce development.

We urge you to select Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland as the permanent home of SPACEFOR-CYBER.

Thank you for your continued leadership in shaping the future of the Department of the Air Force and the United States Space Force.

De La Cruz Votes to Advance Farm Bill

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) voted in support of the passage of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, also known as the Farm Bill, on the House floor. The legislative package passed with bipartisan support.

"Food security is national security. As a member of the House Agriculture Committee, I am proud to deliver a major victory for South Texas farmers and producers. By passing the Farm Bill, we are reinforcing American agriculture’s global dominance and ensuring our farmers have the reliable water access they deserve. This is not just a bill; it’s a long-term investment in the future of Texas farming and our communities." - Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz

Background:
De La Cruz offered an amendment to establish a permanent, inter-agency working group led by the Secretary of Agriculture. The group will coordinate a strategy to protect South Texas farmers and producers from the impacts of the Government of Mexico’s failure to comply with water deliveries under the 1944 Water Treaty.

Additionally, this year's Farm Bill included three provisions led by De La Cruz:

Texas Agricultural Producers Assistance Act: Addresses the significant economic losses suffered by Texas ag producers due to the Mexican government’s non-compliance with the 1944 Water Treaty.
Southern Border Farmers and Ranchers Protection Act: Authorizes payments under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) to assist farmers and ranchers with repairing damages to farming infrastructure caused by illegal criminal activity along the Southern border.
Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program Enhancement Act: Mandates the USDA to enter into a contract to evaluate the Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program with a land-grant college or university or a non-land-grant college of agriculture.

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