WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tony Gonzales (TX-23) advanced the robust Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development (THUD) package through the House Appropriations Committee. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee THUD Subcommittee, Congressman Gonzales crafted and secured several provisions in the package to support Texas’ transportation, affordable housing, and infrastructure priorities, including housing for homeless veterans and foster youth transitioning into adulthood.
“I'm proud to serve on the Congressional Subcommittee that funds our transportation and housing initiatives across the nation, and I worked extremely hard to ensure that communities in my district have access to strong infrastructure funding in this legislation—from the urban centers of San Antonio and El Paso to rural communities across South and West Texas. This year's THUD funding bill returns billions of dollars to Texas to support community projects in my district, in addition to continuing level funding for Community Development Block Grants, which are essential for economic development. I also worked hard to ensure we increased funding for the FAA to hire new air traffic controllers and to improve air safety at Texas airports,” said Congressman Tony Gonzales. “As this bill progresses to the House floor for a vote, I will keep fighting to make sure these important priorities for South and West Texas are signed into law.”
In June, during a THUD Subcommittee budget hearing, Congressman Gonzales addressed the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Scott Turner, about housing issues facing veterans and foster youth in Texas. Both of the issues Congressman Gonzales brought up to Secretary Turner were included in the THUD funding package, including the “The First Lady Melania Trump Youth Foster to Independence Initiative,” drafted by Congressman Gonzales, to fund housing for youth aging out of the foster care system. Congressman Gonzales also received a commitment from HUD Secretary Turner to visit Texas' 23rd Congressional District.
Additionally, Congressman Gonzales supported fully funding the Community Development Block Grant program at last year's levels, which supports housing rehabilitation, water and sewer infrastructure, street improvements, and economic development. Congressman Gonzales represents the largest border district in the U.S. House of Representatives, spanning 823 miles from Eagle Pass to El Paso. Congressman Gonzales also crafted a provision in the bill that directs HUD to provide technical assistance to colonias along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Community Project Funding Initiatives Advanced by Congressman Gonzales:
UTSA Veterans Center (Bexar County): $7,500,000
- This new center will serve as a hub to coordinate services and improve educational success for veterans, servicemembers, and military families
Hudspeth County Community Center (Hudspeth County): $2,000,000
- This facility will be the first of its kind in the area, providing youth development, workforce training, and essential public services
San Elizario Community Center (El Paso County): $2,000,000
- This facility will improve economic opportunities and provide a new space for after-school programming in El Paso County
UTEP UAS Drone Workforce Development Center (El Paso County): $2,000,000
- This center will expand drone and counter-UAS training, boosting innovation, national security, and job growth in El Paso County
Pecos Housing Project (Reeves County): $2,000,000
- This project will provide our first responders in West Texas with improved and more accessible housing options
Key Funding Provisions Advanced by Congressman Gonzales:
Support for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
- Includes over $23 billion for the FAA, which is an increase of $2.307 billion above the FY25 enacted level
FAA Funding Includes:
- Over $10 billion to fully fund air traffic control operations and allow the FAA to hire 2,500 air traffic controllers to replace the retiring workforce
- $5 billion for facilities and equipment, which is nearly $2billion above the FY25 levels
For a summary of the bill, click here.
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