San Antonio Standard

Today, Congressman Tony Gonzales (TX-23), Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Conference (CHC), sent a letter to Speaker of the House Mike Johnson. The letter calls for a budget that reduces wasteful spending while aligning with President Trump's agenda, without cutting essential programs that impact millions of Americans.

The letter was co-signed by several members of the U.S. House of Representatives: Monica De La Cruz (TX-15), CHC Vice Chair of Communications; Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), CHC Vice Chair of Policy; Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), CHC Vice Chair of Member Services; David Valadao (CA-22); James Moylan (GU-AL); Rob Bresnahan (PA-08); and Kimberlyn King-Hinds (CNMI-AL).

"As Members of the Congressional Hispanic Conference, and those who represent sizeable Hispanic populations, we are writing to express our concerns regarding possible funding decisions stemming from the House Budget Resolution’s committee instructions advanced on February 13, 2025," Gonzales wrote. He emphasized the importance of not cutting programs that support American communities or underfunding critical border security initiatives.

The Congressional Hispanic Conference was founded in 2003 as an organization for Hispanic Republicans in Congress. "Hispanic Americans played a decisive role in securing a Republican majority in 2025," Gonzales noted, adding that their trust was earned by addressing key issues like border security and economic opportunity.

Gonzales expressed support for fully funding border security measures such as completing the border wall and increasing ICE detention capacity. He also backed efforts to reauthorize the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to protect small businesses and prevent excessive taxation.

However, he raised concerns about proposed budget cuts totaling $880 billion under the jurisdiction of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, particularly affecting Medicaid. "Nearly 30% of Medicaid enrollees are Hispanic Americans," he stated, highlighting potential impacts on healthcare access in rural areas.

Additionally, Gonzales warned against cuts to federal aid for higher education through Pell Grants, noting their importance for many first-generation college students. He also stressed protecting SNAP benefits amid proposed reductions by the House Committee on Agriculture.

"Hispanic Americans stood with us because we stood up for them on the issues that matter: border security, economic opportunity, and a government that works for the people," Gonzales concluded.