Congressman Tony Gonzales addresses screwworm problem and prioritizing school safety

Press release from the Office of U.S. Congressman Tony Gonzales 23rd Congressional District

05-19-25

STOP Screwworms Act

This week, I introduced the bipartisan STOP Screwworms Act with Texas Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz to combat the growing threat of the New World screwworm—a flesh-eating parasite spreading north through Mexico that poses a major threat to our livestock industry.

The STOP Screwworms Act directs the USDA to build a sterile fly production facility in the United States so we can take matters into our own hands and stop this pest before it reaches our herds.

Ag producers are sounding the alarm—and we’re listening. This is about protecting American livestock and our food supply.

For more information on the Strengthening Tactics to Obstruct the Population of Screwworms (STOP Screwworms) Act, click here.

Fighting for West Texas Oil Communities

This week, during a House Appropriations Committee hearing, I questioned U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy on a critical issue impacting West Texans: road safety in our oil and gas producing counties.

West Texas is an energy-producing powerhouse that sees a lot of traffic, but our road infrastructure is worn down and dangerous.

I’ve seen it firsthand, and it’s a real safety risk for families, workers, and truckers

Click here to watch Rep. Gonzales’ questioning of DOT Secretary Duffy.

I told Secretary Duffy the story of a local mother who said her 15-year-old son is terrified to learn to drive. That shouldn’t be the case in any community, especially one that powers our economy.

I’m continuing to push for funding to move the Pecos East Relief Route forward—this project will reduce congestion, protect lives, and support the continued growth of the oil and gas industry in West Texas.

Rural communities deserve the same level of investment and safety as anywhere else in the country. I look forward to working with Secretary Duffy on this priority.

Prioritizing School Safety

During a recent House Homeland Security Committee hearing, I raised the importance of leveraging every federal resource—including the U.S. Secret Service—to prevent future tragedies.

Click here to watch Rep. Gonzales’ questioning of DHS Secretary Noem.

While best known for protecting national leaders, the Secret Service has a critical but often overlooked role in school threat assessment and prevention. I asked Secretary Noem about expanding that role, and she agreed that more resources are needed to fully equip them for this mission.

We owe it to our children to act before another tragedy strikes. That means investing in prevention, supporting families, hardening schools, and making better use of the tools already at our disposal.

My team and I are always available to assist you. Please feel free to contact my office at any time.

Washington, D.C.

2239 Rayburn House Office Building

Washington, D.C.

20515

202-225-4511

San Antonio

3522 Paesanos Pkwy

Suite 301

San Antonio, TX

78231

210-806-9920