Texas Border Business
Washington, DC – Today, the passage of six the Fiscal Year 2021 Appropriation bills will fund many projects, including the construction of a new federal court in McAllen Texas. It also provides funding for Defense, Commerce-Justice-Science, Energy and Water Development, Financial Services and General Government, Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development.
Congressman Filemon Vela joined in the passage of six appropriations bills, funding 96 percent of the government for Fiscal Year 2021. The legislation passed today includes funding to address the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, supporting our public health infrastructure and essential workers. This funding package also includes funding for national defense, including a three percent pay raise for servicemen and women, as well as critical research and development for NASA’s space exploration projects. Additional funds are targeted toward expanding educational benefits, necessary police reforms, infrastructure projects, and many other critical areas.
“I am especially proud that the legislation includes $2.8 billion for modernizing land ports of entry. Gateway Bridge, in my district, was last upgraded in 1970 – nearly 50 years ago. I have been working closely with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the General Services Administration, and my House colleagues to secure resources to help Gateway and other bridges along the border that desperately need modern facilities and equipment. I urge the Senate to retain this funding so we can finally provide sorely needed updates to our land ports of entry,” said Congressman Vela.
