De La Cruz, Monica RSS Articles

De La Cruz's Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen HUD Whistleblower Protections Passes House

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – Today, Housing and Insurance Subcommittee Vice Chair Monica De La Cruz's bipartisan Whistleblower Protection Act passed the House. The legislation ensures that all Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) contracts, particularly those pre-dating 2013, include whistleblower protections.

Read the full remarks below or watch here.

"Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of my bill, H.R. 4646, the Whistleblower Protection Act, which passed with bipartisan support out of the Financial Services Committee.

Texas families are stretching every dollar right now, while scammers are cashing in on taxpayer-funded programs.

And while Texas families play by the rules, scammers and corrupt leaders shouldn’t get rewarded.

That is why I am working to stop the abuse and bring accountability back to Washington, and this bill brings us closer to that goal by strengthening whistleblower protections for those wanting to rightfully “blow the whistle” on waste, fraud, and abuse in our government.

Whistleblower protections are one of the most effective tools we have to combat waste, fraud, and abuse throughout our government.

This bipartisan legislation is simple: it clarifies that whistleblower protections apply to every HUD contractor, a vital step that is necessary due to the bureaucratic implementation of congressionally enacted, enhanced whistleblower protections originally passed in 2013.

When Congress initially passed these enhanced whistleblower protections in 2013, known as Section 4712, it intended for them to apply to both contracts awarded before these became law, and to contracts that predated Section 4712 becoming law but have since been modified.

Unfortunately, many HUD programs have contracts that are often decades long, meaning that there are still active HUD contracts that pre-date 2013 and do not include key protections from Section 4712, leaving thousands of HUD contractors with uncertainty.

This legislation fixes that by providing much-needed clarity to HUD and ensuring whistleblower protections apply to every HUD contractor, regardless of when a contract was signed.

This is something HUD has even asked for, most recently in their FY2027 budget request to Congress.

We must never allow retaliation against people who are simply trying to act in the taxpayers’ best interest.

And I will never stop rooting out corruption and cutting government waste, fraud, and abuse of your taxpayer dollars.

I ask for my colleagues to join me in supporting my bill, the bipartisan Whistleblower Protection Act, and I yield back."

Background:
Section 4712 strengthened whistleblower protections for federal contract employees. While the provisions were applied to new contracts, HUD contracts pre-dating 2013 were left without these key protections.

The Whistleblower Protection Act will require all contracts, regardless of when they were created, to include these key whistleblower protections. This critical change will protect employees of a HUD contractor, subcontractor, or grantee from retaliation for reporting waste, fraud, and abuse.

De La Cruz, HHS Secretary Kennedy Visit Head Start in Alice

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15), Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., and Assistant Secretary for the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) Alex J. Adams visited the Head Start Birth to Five Program in Alice to meet with students and host a roundtable with parents and faculty.

Following the visit, Secretary Kennedy announced $225,000,000 will be invested in Head Start programs nationwide, with a grant of $348,110 for the Community Action Corporation of South Texas, which oversees the Mary R. Garcia Learning Center. The funding will help expand and improve nutritional services for children and families.

"I am thrilled to welcome Secretary Kennedy and Assistant Secretary Adams to Alice for the first time! The $225M in funding delivered today will ensure Head Start continues to empower families through early learning, child care, and nutrition support. As a mom, the health and future of our young Texans are my top priority, and I will continue to work to ensure our Head Start centers have the resources to set our children up for lifelong success." - Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz

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De La Cruz Recaps 2026

Fri, 04 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) released a mid-year update detailing legislative achievements and constituent service milestones reached during the first half of 2026. De La Cruz’s efforts have focused directly on expanding housing access, lowering living costs, supporting Texas Veterans, and investing federal funding in South Texas communities.

"From hosting Cabinet officials across the district and passing key legislation like the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, to returning over $2.9 million directly to Texans, I remain committed to delivering real solutions for our communities. I am proud of all we have accomplished so far, and I will never stop fighting for Texas." - Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz

Background:

Since the start of 2026, De La Cruz has hosted Cabinet officials in South Texas, advanced critical legislation to the President's desk, and delivered major wins for Texas communities. Highlights are below:

Cabinet Officials Visit Texas:

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick at GE Aerospace in McAllen
Acting Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling at Stanley Black & Decker in Mission and Rio Farms Inc. in Monte Alto
Small Business Administrator Kelly Loeffler at United Alloy in Seguin
Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy at the San Antonio Airport

Constituent Services & Local Support:

$2.9+ million returned directly to TX-15 taxpayers through federal casework resolution.
680+ constituent cases closed and actively assisting over 200 South Texans.

New Laws Led by De La Cruz:

The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act: Incorporates five of De La Cruz's provisions to lower costs and expand housing supply:

The Housing Affordability Act
HUD-USDA-VA Interagency Coordination Act
The VA Home Loan Awareness Act
The Housing Supply Expansion Act
Housing Unhoused Disabled Veterans Act

SPEAK Act: Establishes language communication best practices for healthcare providers and patients
Disabled Veterans Housing Support Act: Ensures housing support for Veterans

House-passed Legislation Led by De La Cruz:

Bringing the Discount Window into the 21st Century Act: Modernizes U.S. banking systems to better support community banks

Federal Investments for TX-15:

Secured $21.77 million in federal community project funding for FY26
Submitted requests for over $40 million across 20 community projects for FY27

De La Cruz Hosts Farm Bill Panel in Beeville

Fri, 28 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – This week, Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz joined agricultural leaders from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Texas Farm Bureau, and Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association in Beeville for a panel discussion focused on the passage of the Farm Bill and priorities for Texas farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.

The discussion centered on the importance of passing a comprehensive Farm Bill that protects producers, safeguards crop and livestock production, and invests in rural Texas.

De La Cruz joined panelists Dan Hunter from USDA, James Redfield from USDA, Scott Frazier from Texas Farm Bureau, Stephen Diebel from Texas Southwestern & Cattle Raisers Association, and Jody Brown from Texas Farm Service Agency for a panel discussion on the importance of passing a strong Farm Bill.

Background:
In April, Congresswoman De La Cruz voted to advance the Farm Bill, which includes four of her legislative initiatives:

Texas Agricultural Producers Assistance Act: Addresses the significant economic losses suffered by Texas agricultural 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.
Amendment to establish a permanent, interagency working group to protect South Texas farmers and producers from the impacts of the Mexican government's failure to comply with water deliveries under the 1944 Water Treaty.

De La Cruz, Correa Reauthorize National Diabetes Prevention Program

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) introduced the bipartisan Diabetes Prevention Program Reauthorization Act alongside Congressman Lou Correa (CA-46). The legislation reauthorizes and increases funding for the National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), a nationwide framework focused on preventing Type 2 diabetes.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 40 million Americans are living with diabetes, and up to 43% of adults in the Rio Grande Valley are estimated to have diabetes.

“Preventive care is essential to helping every Texan live a healthy life. While diabetes continues to impact our communities, my bipartisan Diabetes Prevention Program Reauthorization Act guarantees these lifesaving programs remain accessible to the families who need them." - Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz

“For many of our neighbors in Orange County and for millions of Americans across the country, the financial and health impacts of type 2 diabetes are very real, and incredibly devastating. To address this crisis head on, we must increase access to preventive care so that our brothers and sisters on Main Street have access to the support they need and deserve. This legislation is a necessary step in our fight against type 2 diabetes, and I’m honored to work alongside Rep. De La Cruz to keep our communities healthy.” - Congressman Lou Correa

The legislation is supported by YMCA of the USA.

“YMCA of the USA applauds Representatives De La Cruz and Correa for their leadership in reintroducing the Diabetes Prevention Program Reauthorization Act. As one of the first community-based providers of the CDC’s National Diabetes Prevention Program, the Y has seen firsthand how it helps people make lasting lifestyle changes that reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes. We urge Congress to support healthier communities nationwide by advancing this important legislation.” - YMCA CEO Suzanne McCormick

De La Cruz Holds Hidalgo County Congressional Record Ceremony

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON - Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) held her 3rd Annual Congressional Record Ceremony in Hidalgo County to present students, community members, and law enforcement officers with their official Congressional Record.

"It was an honor to present each of our Hidalgo County honorees with their official Congressional Record. As your Congresswoman, one of my greatest privileges is sharing our community's inspiring stories on the House floor and ensuring their achievements are forever preserved in our nation's history." - Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz

Background:
During the ceremony, De La Cruz presented the following honorees with their official Congressional Record:

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Football Team for their record-breaking inaugural season
Miss Aurora Guzman from McAllen Memorial High School on her selection as a Texas Girls Coaches Association All-Star Player
Mr. Jonathan Rodriguez, U.S. history teacher at Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Memorial Early College High School, who jumped into action to rescue one of his former students following a vehicle collision
McCreery Aviation for their 80 years of exceptional service to South Texas
Life and service of Mrs. Sabrina Walker-Hernandez
Life and service of Dr. Lawrence Gelman
Life and military service of Ret. Air Force Major and Former Commander Homer Z. Gallegos
Sergeant Estela Rodriguez of the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office for her retirement after 32 years in law enforcement
Texas Department of Public Safety Officers, Trooper Juan Zuniga and Trooper Roman Gonzalez
Police Chief Jaime Ayala of the Edinburg Police Department, recipient of the Mike Gentry Executive Leadership Award by the Texas Police Chiefs Association

De La Cruz, Acting Labor Secretary Sonderling Visit Hidalgo County

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

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.

De La Cruz Urges DHS Secretary Mullin to Prioritize Religious Worker Visa Applications

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) wrote Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin, urging the agency to prioritize processing religious worker visa applications.

Processing delays have impacted religious leaders in Texas and those who rely on these individuals for religious and community services. In the letter, De La Cruz urges DHS to use all available resources to minimize delays and ensure religious leaders are able to support their congregations.

In addition to the letter, De La Cruz co-sponsored the bipartisan Religious Worker Protection Act. The legislation would give DHS the authority to extend nonimmigrant religious worker (R-1) status until an individual’s application for permanent residence is finalized.

Read the full letter here or below.

Dear Secretary Mullin,

I write to urge the prioritization of religious worker visa applications. Churches and faith-based institutions serve as the foundation for our communities, and our religious leaders as an extension of our families. Our immigration system recognizes this by allowing for those in religious vocations to serve in the United States, including through the R-1 religious worker visas.

In January 2026, the Trump Administration acted to reduce wait times for religious workers wanting to continue serving our faith-based communities in the United States. Specifically, your department removed the previous one year foreign residency requirement, allowing R-1 workers who have reached the five year maximum to seek readmission without a mandatory one year period abroad.

While we commend the actions taken to speed up the immigration process for our religious workers, I urge you to prioritize reducing the processing times for religious worker visa applications, which U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) data states have processing times of 8.5 and 11.5 months, respectively, depending on the applicant type.

These processing delays are felt throughout our communities, who rely on our religious leaders for vital religious and community services. I urge you to use your available resources to reduce the processing timelines and stand ready to assist you in any way necessary.

Thank you for your continued efforts to safeguard our country and support the diverse faith communities that enrich our society. I look forward to continuing to work together to ensure that our immigration system functions in a way that strengthens religious freedom, supports the rule of law, and provides certainty for the communities we serve.

Sincerely,

Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz

De La Cruz, Commerce Secretary Lutnick Announce $6M for City of McAllen

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) and Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick announced the $6,000,000 grant for the City of McAllen Industrial Park Project from the Economic Development Administration (EDA). The funding will establish new public infrastructure to support existing businesses, bring in new private investments, and create nearly 500 new jobs in the Rio Grande Valley.

Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz joined Secretary Howard Lutnick, City of McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos and City Manager Isaac J. Tawil to announce $6,000,000 in funding for the City of McAllen.

"Today, I joined Secretary Lutnick to announce $6 million in funding for the City of McAllen as we mark this exciting new chapter for our community. What begins here today has the potential to create hundreds of new jobs and give South Texas families the foundation to thrive. This is what effective leadership looks like, and I will continue working to bring federal dollars home to South Texas." - Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz

De La Cruz Pushes to Expand Housing in Texas Communities

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON - Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) introduced the Freedom to Build Act to lower housing costs and eliminate the "bureaucrat tax", the hidden cost per new build caused by regulatory delays and red tape.

The Freedom to Build Act directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to establish a voluntary "Freedom to Build" designation for localities nationwide. This initiative recognizes and rewards communities that make regulatory reforms. Certified localities will receive priority consideration for existing HUD housing grants.

"Government overregulation has created a hidden tax on new home builds, putting the American dream of homeownership out of reach for too many Texas families. My Freedom to Build Act changes that. By rewarding communities that make key reforms, we can lower costs for Texas families and ensure they can afford a place to call home." - Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz

The Freedom to Build Act is supported by the National Association of Home Builders, Mortgage Bankers Association, and National Association of Realtors.

"Housing affordability begins with housing supply, and communities need the tools and incentives to build more homes. Congresswoman De La Cruz's Freedom to Build Act recognizes that outdated regulations, lengthy approval processes, and unnecessary barriers can make it harder to deliver the housing Americans need. By encouraging local governments to modernize permitting and reduce obstacles to responsible development, this legislation helps create an environment where more homes can be built, costs can come down, and more families have the opportunity to achieve homeownership. The National Association of REALTORS® commends Congresswoman De La Cruz for her leadership on policies that address our nation's housing shortage and expand access to affordable housing." - Shannon McGahn, Chief Advocacy Officer and Executive Vice President of the National Association of REALTORS

Background:

According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the "bureaucrat tax" accounts for 24% of the cost of a new single-family home and 41% of the cost for multifamily housing.

To address this extra cost, the Freedom to Build Act establishes a voluntary Freedom to Build designation, which is obtained by adopting key reform requirements, including removing regulations on construction materials, speeding up the approval process, and rolling back government mandates on what can be built, who can build it, and how it is built. Additionally, communities may receive the Freedom to Build designation by demonstrating strong results in housing supply growth and access to affordable housing.

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