Gonzalez Introduces Southern Border Farmers and Protection Act

Texas Representative Vicente Gonzalez recently introduced the Southern Border Farmers and Ranchers Protection Act, also known as H.R. 6921.

“Glad to join the South Texas delegation in introducing the Southern Border Farmers and Ranchers Protection Act to ensure the well-being and livelihoods of our farmers and ranchers,” tweeted Rep. Gonzalez.

According to the statement, the “bill would provide farmers and ranchers with the financial and technical support needed to repair farming and ranching infrastructure and damage to fields along the Southern border.”

Rep. Gonzalez’s bill is an interesting approach to the border issues that have been a popular topic among Congress and the Biden administration.

“This bipartisan bill recognizes the financial hardship our farmers and ranchers experience from land and property damages caused by waves of irregular migration,” stated the Texas lawmaker.

The congressman emphasized how migrants fleeing from rough conditions can still have an impact on surrounding farmers.

“These folks are forced to repair or replace everything from fences to complicated irrigation watering systems which are often costly and time-consuming. We must support our South Texas farmers and ranchers by providing them with the resources they urgently need.”

Rep. Gonzalez has been concerned with several issues over the past few months. In December, he sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Veteran Affairs and highlighted the need for a VA hospital in the Rio Grande Valley.

"I write to shed light on a pervasive issue that continues to affect over 20,000 veterans in the 34th Congressional District of Texas and thousands more throughout the Rio Grande Valley. As you know, the Rio Grande Valley lacks a Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital."

Texas has the largest veteran population in the nation, as well as a large active-duty population. Additionally, the state leads the nation in PACT Act claims.

"Furthermore, the Rio Grande Valley is a community on the rise. Our population consisting of over 1.3 million is expected to double by 2045, which will further strain the VA healthcare system in South Texas as more servicemembers retire and veterans relocate," reads the letter.