Rep. Tony Gonzales Advances Key Wins for Texas Veterans and Servicemembers

Today the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Fiscal Year '25 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies funding bill. Through his seat on the House Appropriations MILCON-VA Subcommittee, Rep. Gonzales helped include several key priorities for Texas military installations, servicemembers, and veterans in this legislation.

“I served for 20 years in the U.S. Navy - I will always stand up for our servicemembers, veterans, and military families. During my time in Congress, I have focused heavily on ensuring that Texas' military installations are best-in-class, as well as improving quality of life, retention, and force readiness across our service branches,” said Congressman Tony Gonzales. “Through my position on the House Appropriations Committee, I worked alongside my colleagues to craft this important legislation to ensure our veterans have access to the best possible healthcare, benefits, and additional services. With the House passage of this bill, we are prioritizing all those who served and are currently serving our country.” 

The following FY'25 funding items directly benefit Texas' 23^rd Congressional District:

• Provides $94 million for Housing, Classrooms, and a Dining Facility at Lackland AFB
• Provides $77 million for barracks at Fort Sam Houston
• Provides $38 million for the T-7A Ground Based Training System Facility at Laughlin Air Force Base
• Provides $18 million for the T-7A Unity Maintenance Training Facility at Laughlin Air Force Base
• Provides $44 million for the Rail Yard at Fort Bliss

 Bill Summary:

• Fully funds veterans’ health care programs
• Fully funds veterans’ benefits and VA programs
• Includes funding to update and improve military housing and child development centers
• Prioritizes facility improvements for VA cemeteries across our nation
• Ensures veterans receive their benefits in a timely manner from Veterans Health Administration providers
• Protects the 2nd Amendment rights of veterans, preventing the VA from sending information to the FBI about veterans without a judge’s consent
• Prohibits the VA from processing medical care claims for illegal aliens