Rep. Escobar Makes Statement on Biden's Budget Proposal

Texas Representative Veronica Escobar (D) recently released a statement about President Joe Biden’s (D) new budget proposal. In the statement, Rep. Escobar praised the proposed allocation of funds.

“For years, I have been fighting to make funding for the railhead at Fort Bliss a priority,” stated Rep. Escobar.

“After bringing @USArmy leadership, including @UnderSecArmy, to El Paso, I'm proud the @DeptofDefense budget includes a recommended $74 million for the needed infrastructure upgrades.”

According to Escobar’s statement, Pres. Biden’s proposed budget for the Department of Defense includes a $74 million proposal for federal funding for the Fort Bliss rail yard infrastructure project.

"Part of maintaining readiness means investing in vital infrastructure at installations with rapid deployment requirements, like Fort Bliss," said Rep. Escobar.

The congresswoman continued, stating, "I'm proud that after years of advocacy, funding for the rail yard at Fort Bliss is included in the FY 2024 Department of Defense President's budget request."

"As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, this has been a priority of mine, and I look forward to doing the crucial work with my committee to support this authorization and secure appropriations for the requested funding.”

The Texas lawmaker’s statement hones in on her history of seeking infrastructure funding.

“Congresswoman Escobar has advocated for years for the construction and funding of a rail yard for Fort Bliss,” reads the statement.

“In August 2022, she hosted the Under Secretary of the Army and native El Pasoan, Gabe Camarillo, on a tour of Fort Bliss and its critical assets."

"During his visit, Congresswoman Escobar also convened Fort Bliss leadership to discuss the importance of securing funding."

Earlier this month, Escobar secured funding for a project of a different nature. The Texas representative secured millions of dollars in climate change funding.

“The first $250 million out of $5 billion from @EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grants are now available!” tweeted Escobar.

”Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, we are providing resources for governments to cut climate pollution and build clean energy economies.”

Furthermore, the “two-staged grant program provides funding of $250 million for noncompetitive planning grants, and $4.6 billion for competitive implementation grants.”