"I am committed to ensuring our veterans have access to the best possible healthcare, benefits & services. I’m proud to announce this funding bill contains incredible wins for the communities I represent.”
Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN, Texas – (WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Congressman Tony Gonzales (TX-23) advanced several funding priorities for military installations, servicemembers, and veterans in Texas earlier this week, representing huge wins that were delivered through the House Appropriations Committee's passage of the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) Military Construction, Veterans Affairs & Related Agencies Funding Bill.
The following FY25 funding items directly benefit Texas' 23rd Congressional District:
$70 million for JBSA-Lackland in San Antonio to construct a new, state-of-the-art classroom and dining facility to enhance quality-of-life services for recruits and existing servicemembers.
- This project was identified as a top unfunded project by the U.S. Air Force, and was submitted by Congressman Gonzales as one of his 15 "Community Project Funding" priorities.
- $77 million for JBSA METC Barracks
- $56 million for Laughlin AFB T-7A Training Facilities
- $24 million for Laughlin AFB Military Housing
- $44 million for the Fort Bliss Rail Yard
- Prioritizes funding for the expansion of a VA Community Living Center at the Audie Murphy Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC)
“I served for 20 years in the U.S. Navy. Now, I have the honor of serving our nation in the U.S. Congress. South and West Texas contain vital military installations and VA facilities and is home to many veterans and military families.
"As Congress works through its funding priorities, I’m focused on ensuring our veterans and servicemembers are put at the front of the line. The brave men and women who serve in our military deserve better than to live, work, and learn on a base with infrastructure that is falling apart – or in some cases, poses severe health risks.
"I am also committed to ensuring our veterans have access to the best possible healthcare, benefits, and additional services. I’m proud to announce this funding bill contains incredible wins for the communities I represent,” said Congressman Tony Gonzales.
"As Congress works through its funding priorities, I’m focused on ensuring our veterans and servicemembers are put at the front of the line. The brave men and women who serve in our military deserve better than to live, work, and learn on a base with infrastructure that is falling apart – or in some cases, poses severe health risks.
"I am also committed to ensuring our veterans have access to the best possible healthcare, benefits, and additional services. I’m proud to announce this funding bill contains incredible wins for the communities I represent,” said Congressman Tony Gonzales.
In addition to critical funding for Texas 23rd District, Congressman Gonzales advanced funding priorities to improve military readiness, quality of life, and mental health initiatives at the VA.
In FY22 and FY23, Congressman Gonzales helped secure $700 million for the construction of a new VA facility through his position on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs.
The new facility will be located on Fort Bliss near the William Beaumont Army Medical Center, and will improve access to care for more than 54,000 veterans in the El Paso area.
- For a full summary of the bill, click here.
