Press Releases
In Case You Missed It…
Today, the Brownsville Herald published an editorial cartoon urging President Obama to discuss the water crisis with Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto during their summit on immigration reform in Mexico City today.
Grant is part of the Ticket to Ride program which provides transportation and educational opportunities in national parks to local youth and students
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Filemon Vela (D-Brownsville) announced that the Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park has been selected to receive an $8,000 grant as part of the 2013 Ticket to Ride program from the National Park Foundation (NPF), the
Presented by Region One GEAR UP and Community Development Corporation of Brownsville to educate parents and prospective students about college admissions and financial aid
WASHINGTON, DC – This Saturday, Congressman Filemon Vela (TX-34) and Congressman Rubén Hinojosa (TX-15) will host a Veterans Enrollment Fair at the Tomas Garces Texas National Guard Armory in Weslaco to encourage all eligible veterans to enroll in the VA health system and take advantage of their earned benefits.
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Filemon Vela (D-Brownsville) announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has delayed the closure of all 149 federal contract air traffic control towers until June 15th, including the local tower in Brownsville.
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Filemon Vela (D-Brownsville) visited Sea Turtle Inc. on South Padre Island to learn more about their conservation efforts and see first-hand the important work they do to protect sea turtles in the Gulf of Mexico. Founded in 1977, Sea Turtle Inc.
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Filemon Vela (D-Brownsville) was honored by the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) with the 2013 Champion of Change Award. This annual award is presented to Members of Congress whose leadership efforts have been effective in advancing the nation’s commitment to policies that support positive change for people with Down Syndrome.
Legislation will allow CBP to seek alternate sources of funding to meet essential needs
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressmen Filemon Vela (TX-34), Michael McCaul (TX-10), Henry Cuellar (TX-28), Beto O’Rourke (TX-16), Pete Gallego (TX-23), and Blake Farenthold (TX-27) introduced H.R. 1108, The Cross-Border Trade Enhancement Act of 2013. This bipartisan bill gives U.S.
Historic legislation passes House with bipartisan majority
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Filemon Vela (D-Brownsville) voted in favor of reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), a bipartisan piece of legislation that significantly strengthens the ability of the federal government, states, and law enforcement to combat domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.
Texas Border Congressmen Vela, Hinojosa, Cuellar, Gallego, and O’Rourke Address Sequestration Impact
Members are joined by Border and Maritime Security Sub-Committee Ranking Member, Sheila Jackson Lee, to warn additional cuts could drastically harm border security, agriculture, and education
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressmen Filemon Vela (TX-34), Ruben Hinojosa (TX-15), Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18), Henry Cuellar (TX-28), Pete Gallego (TX-23), and Beto O’ Rourke (TX-16) unified efforts to address the impact these automatic and arbitrary spending cuts will have in their respective districts when sequestration goes into effect this Friday, March 1.
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Filemon Vela (D-Brownsville) met with the Military Heroes' Relief PTSD Peer to Peer Support Group and thanked the organization for their service to veterans and their families. Congressman Vela then presented the group with an American flag that was flown over the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C. in their honor.
Program allows high school students to earn up to two years of college credit tuition-free while obtaining their high school diploma
Testimony by former U.S. Comptroller General David Walker supports Congressman Vela’s position on border security trigger
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Filemon Vela (D-Brownsville) issued a statement on immigration reform, backing the positions held by the National Council of La Raza, the National Immigration Law Center, and La Union Del Pueblo Entero (LUPE) that a border security “trigger” needs to be separated from the immigration debate.
WASHINGTON, DC – Earlier this week, Congressmen Filemon Vela (D-Tex) and Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz) sent a letter to President Obama applauding his recent statements urging a plan for comprehensive immigration reform and his continued leadership on the issue.
“Reforming the immigration system is one of the most critical challenges facing our nation. With millions living in the shadows and with families divided by outdated and arbitrary policies, we must restore balance and fairness to immigration laws.
Farm Service Agency will provide assistance and support to South Texas counties
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Filemon Vela released details about resources and assistance available to the 11 counties in the 34th District of Texas affected by the drought. The U.S.
Congressman Vela will serve on the House Homeland Security Committee in 113th Congress
Brownsville, Texas – Today, Congressman Filemon Vela of the 34th District of Texas and State Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr. (D-Brownsville) received a briefing and tour given by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in conjunction with Border Patrol and Customs and Border Protection regarding ongoing efforts to secure the border.
Will receive a full briefing from Department of Homeland Security regarding issues affecting the U.S.-Mexico border on Thursday.
Brownsville, Texas – Late last week, Congressman Filemon Vela of the 34th District of Texas was appointed to serve on the House Homeland Security Committee during the 113th Congress by the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee. On Thursday, January 10, Congressman Vela will receive a full briefing from the U.S.
113th Congress Freshmen Class on the steps of the United States Capitol Building.
The First Session of the 113th Congress commences January 3rd, 2013.
Washington, D.C. – Today Filemon Vela was sworn in as a Member of the 113th Congress by House Speaker John Boehner in the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. He will represent the 34th Congressional District of Texas. It was an historic moment for South Texas, as this is a newly-established Congressional District.
Congressman Filemon Vela was sworn in as a Member of the United States House of Representatives by House Speaker John Boehner January 3rd, 2013.
Will be only Texas Democrat on committee in 113th Congress
Brownsville, Texas – Today, The United States House of Representatives House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee appointed Congressman-elect Filemon Vela of the 34th District of Texas to serve on the House Agriculture Committee in the 113th Congress. Vela is the only Texas Democrat who will serve on the Committee.