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Cornyn Provision for Texas Border Security Reimbursement Included in House ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act’ 

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Cornyn Provision for Texas Border Security Reimbursement Included in House ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act’ 
“The State of Texas spent more than $11 billion taxpayer dollars to protect and defend the southern border in the Biden administration’s absence, and I commend the House for passing language that serves as a good starting point in the One Big Beautiful Bill to secure billions in critical funding for Texas, which did the job of the federal government amidst the Biden border crisis,” said Sen. Cornyn. USCBP image for illustration purposes
“The State of Texas spent more than $11 billion taxpayer dollars to protect and defend the southern border in the Biden administration’s absence, and I commend the House for passing language that serves as a good starting point in the One Big Beautiful Bill to secure billions in critical funding for Texas, which did the job of the federal government amidst the Biden border crisis,” said Sen. Cornyn. USCBP image for illustration purposes

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which includes $12 billion in funding to reimburse states like Texas for stepping up during the Biden administration to secure the border due to President Biden’s dereliction of duty: 

“The State of Texas spent more than $11 billion taxpayer dollars to protect and defend the southern border in the Biden administration’s absence, and I commend the House for passing language that serves as a good starting point in the One Big Beautiful Bill to secure billions in critical funding for Texas, which did the job of the federal government amidst the Biden border crisis,” said Sen. Cornyn. “I will continue to spearhead the fight in the Senate for border security reimbursement funding and strengthen the language to ensure that Texas will be rightfully repaid for Operation Lone Star. I thank Congressman Chip Roy and all Texas Republicans in the House for making this reimbursement funding a priority and look forward to working with my Senate colleagues to send the One Big Beautiful Bill Act with these funds included to President Trump’s desk.”

Background:

Senator Cornyn has led the fight in Washington to secure federal reimbursement for Texas by:

Sens. Cruz & Luján Introduce Bill to Streamline International Bridge Permits

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Sens. Cruz & Luján Introduce Bill to Streamline International Bridge Permits
U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) introduced the International Bridge and Port of Entry Modernization Act. Images: Public Domain. Bgd for illustration purposes
U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) introduced the International Bridge and Port of Entry Modernization Act. Images: Public Domain. Bgd for illustration purposes

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) introduced the International Bridge and Port of Entry Modernization Act. This legislation expedites the presidential permitting process for all international bridges and land ports of entry. It expands on legislation written and passed into law Senator Cruz’s that streamlined permits for international bridges in Eagle Pass, Laredo, and Brownsville.  

Sen. Cruz said, “Streamlining the permitting process for bridge infrastructure between Texas and Mexico has been a top priority of mine. This bill builds on and expands our success in securing presidential permits for four major international bridge projects in South Texas by streamlining the approval process for all future international bridges along the Texas–Mexico border. I strongly urge my colleagues to pass this bill so it can be sent to the President for signature.”

Sen. Luján said, “Ports of entry and international bridges are vital to the economic success of our border communities, supporting trade, business, and tourism. Yet, new border crossings are too often held up by the presidential permit process. I’m proud to introduce bipartisan legislation that will help streamline this process and deliver real investments to Santa Teresa and Sunland Park in New Mexico.”

This bill was endorsed by the City of Laredo and Texas Association of Business. 

Dr. Victor Treviño, Mayor for the City of Laredo said, “I want to thank Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) for introducing the International Bridge and Port of Entry Modernization Act and Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) for co-leading this legislation. Their bipartisan partnership reflects a strong commitment to strengthening trade along both our southern and northern borders. This bill marks a critical step toward modernizing the development and expansion of cross-border infrastructure by bringing much-needed efficiency and predictability to the presidential permitting process—an essential reform for communities like Laredo, which continues to be on the front lines of international commerce as the #1 Port of Entry in the United States. I urge Congress to pass this legislation and send it to the President for his signature.”

Glenn Hamer, President and CEO of Texas Association of Business said, “No state is more impacted by international trade than Texas, and our entire business community relies on robust, efficient cross-border commerce to maintain access to global markets – particularly with our top trade partners Mexico and Canada. By making permanent and enhancing the critical, bipartisan reforms to the cross-border infrastructure permitting process that were implemented last year, Senator Cruz and Representative Lujan are solidifying the most important trade policy since the negotiation of USMCA. This legislation will be a major win for Texas and the entire country, and we applaud Senator Cruz for his leadership in ensuring the federal government moves at the speed of business to keep the Texas and U.S. economies strong.”

Read the full text of the bill here.

BACKGROUND

Sen. Cruz was the first elected Republican member to be awarded the Key to the City of Laredo for his leadership in streamlining the presidential permitting process and securing permits to build and expand four major international bridges in South Texas, including two in Laredo.

In October 2024, Sens. Cruz and Cornyn secured a presidential permit for the Laredo 4/5 International Bridge (Bridge 4/5) in Webb County.

The International Bridge and Port of Entry Modernization Act would:

  • Expand the scope to include all international land ports of entry along the U.S.-Mexico and U.S.-Canada borders, rather than being limited to bridges in the original three counties in Texas;
  • Add the word “sole” before “basis” to clarify that the State Department should not consider other factors besides America’s foreign policy interest;
  • Include language to bar future administrations from considering environmental documents (NEPA) during their decision making.

Jury Convicts Home Health Agency Owner in Medicare Fraud & Identity Theft Scheme

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Jury Convicts Home Health Agency Owner in Medicare Fraud & Identity Theft Scheme
Njoku owned and operated a home health care agency called Opnet Health Care Services Inc. doing business as P & P Health Care Services. Njoku was the owner and CEO. Image for illustration purposes
Njoku owned and operated a home health care agency called Opnet Health Care Services Inc. doing business as P & P Health Care Services. Njoku was the owner and CEO. Image for illustration purposes

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U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Texas

HOUSTON – A 64-year-old man has been convicted of all counts as charged for leading a Medicare fraud scheme involving the submission of falsified medical records.

The jury deliberated for less than two hours before convicting Paul Njoku following a three-day trial. 

Njoku owned and operated a home health care agency called Opnet Health Care Services Inc. doing business as P & P Health Care Services. Njoku was the owner and CEO. 

The jury heard testimony from witnesses that Njoku, or others working at his direction, forged signatures of doctors and nurses. Specifically, Njoku and others cut out old signatures and taped them onto newly created doctors’ orders, nursing notes and nursing assessments. Medicare required home health agencies to maintain these documents to obtain payment for providing home health services. Njoku then submitted the falsified records in response to a request for records from Medicare. 

The jury also heard about a registered nurse who had departed Opnet in 2017. Njoku continued using her signature on nursing notes and assessments in 2018 and 2019 without her knowledge or consent. 

A witness also testified that Njoku bribed a doctor in exchange for approving home health services. 

From 2015 to 2019, Opnet billed Medicare over $400,000 in claims for home health services and received over $360,000. Opnet did not maintain the required documentation for many of them and later falsified records to support the claims.

During the trial, a representative testified that Medicare would not have paid these claims had Medicare known there was no documentation or that they were based on falsified records. 

“It is absolutely paramount that Americans—both as patients and as taxpayers—have confidence in the integrity of medical providers that receive Medicare funds. Here, the defendant unrepentantly abused that trust by engaging in bribery and stealing from Medicare,” said Ganjei. “With today’s guilty verdict, the Southern District of Texas aims to restore some of that lost trust. I thank the jury for their time and attention to this important case.”

The defense attempted to blame another person for the fraud. The jury did not believe those claims and found him guilty as charged.

U.S. District Judge Alfred H. Bennett presided over the trial and will set sentencing at a later date. At that time, Njoku will face a maximum of 10 years for conspiracy to commit health care fraud, five years for two counts of false statements relating to health care matters as well as another two years for the identity theft which must be served consecutively to any other prison term imposed. The convictions also carry a possible $250,000 fine for each count.

He was permitted to remain on bond pending sentencing.

The FBI, Department of Health and Human Services-Office of the Inspector General and Texas Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christian Latham and Kathryn Olson are prosecuting the case.

Updated May 21, 2025

Mexican National Gets Over 11 Years for Smuggling Meth & Heroin into U.S.

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Mexican National Gets Over 11 Years for Smuggling Meth & Heroin into U.S.
U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. has now ordered Velez to serve 135 months in federal prison and is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. Image for illustration purposes
U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. has now ordered Velez to serve 135 months in federal prison and is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. Image for illustration purposes

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U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Texas

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 42-year-old Mexican national has been ordered to prison for trafficking methamphetamine and heroin.

Ramon Gustavo Alfaro Velez pleaded guilty Jan. 14.

U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. has now ordered Velez to serve 135 months in federal prison and is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. In handing down the sentence, the court noted the significant quantity of controlled substances that Velez was being held accountable for and the need to deter future criminal conduct.

On Oct. 6, 2023, Velez applied for admission into the United States when he drove his Ford F-150 into the Veterans International Port of Entry. Authorities referred him to a secondary inspection, uncovering 45 bundles hidden within a non-factory compartment beneath the bed liner.

Of those, 43 contained a white substance that tested positive for methamphetamine, weighing 139 kilograms. The remaining two bundles contained a brown substance that tested positive for heroin with a total weight of 6.7 kilograms.

Velez will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration and FBI are conducting the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found on the Department of Justice’s OCDETF webpage.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lance Watt prosecuted the case

Updated May 22, 2025

Pre-Registration Now Open for The PossAble Dream Adult High School

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Pre-Registration Now Open for The PossAble Dream Adult High School
Adults interested in earning their high school diploma and a college credential can now pre-register for The PossAble Dream Adult High School through May 31, 2025. Courtesy logo. Bgd for illustration purposes
Adults interested in earning their high school diploma and a college credential can now pre-register for The PossAble Dream Adult High School through May 31, 2025. Courtesy logo. Bgd for illustration purposes

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EDINBURG, TX – Adults interested in earning their high school diploma and a college credential can now pre-register for The PossAble Dream Adult High School through May 31, 2025. Launching in Fall 2025, the tuition-free school will operate at locations in Laredo, Brownsville, and Hidalgo County and serve individuals ages 18 to 50 who have not yet completed high school. In addition to a high school diploma, students will have access to college-level coursework and credentials that support continuing education and workforce goals.

Courtesy image

The PossAble Dream Adult High School will prioritize students without a high school diploma or GED and, if space allows, will also accept individuals who currently hold a GED but wish to return to school to earn a traditional diploma and obtain an industry-recognized credential. This inclusive and forward-thinking approach is designed to improve educational outcomes, expand workforce readiness, and uplift entire families.

“The PossAble Dream Adult High School was created to provide a second chance for adults learners who are ready to return to school and complete what they started,” said Darcia Cuellar, Superintendent of The PossAble Dream Adult High School. “We are excited to support this community and improve the quality of life in Deep South Texas.”

In its first year, the school aims to enroll 900 students and expand to serve up to 2,000 in its first five years. Educational partners such as South Texas College, Laredo College, Texas Southmost College, and Texas State Technical College will help deliver dual enrollment opportunities, continuing education, and access to state-of-the-art facilities.

The adult high school will offer flexible scheduling, wraparound support services, including childcare, and a structured environment designed specifically for adult learners.

Pre-registration is now open online at https://form.jotform.com/251315890816157.

About The PossAble Dream Adult High School
Recently authorized by the Texas Education Agency (TEA), the new school serving Cameron, Hidalgo, Willacy, Starr, Jim Hogg, Webb and Zapata Counties, will address the educational and training needs of the residents of Deep South Texas who lack a high school diploma. This new public high school for adults up to age 50 will expand to serve a number of South Texas communities to achieve regional impact.

In addition to receiving their high school diploma, adults who enroll will receive industry-based certifications, employability training, and the opportunity to take college coursework at no cost. The program will partner with businesses and other local entities to offer internship and apprenticeship opportunities. Upon completion of the program, job placement assistance will be provided, as well as transition support to continue with higher education studies.

Business Trends and Outlook Survey Data Released

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Business Trends and Outlook Survey Data Released
The BTOS includes data for multiunit/multilocation businesses. BTOS will continue to collect data complementary to key items found on other economic surveys, such as revenues, employees, hours, and inventories. Image for illustration purposes
The BTOS includes data for multiunit/multilocation businesses. BTOS will continue to collect data complementary to key items found on other economic surveys, such as revenues, employees, hours, and inventories. Image for illustration purposes

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U.S. Census Bureau

The U.S. Census Bureau has released new data products from the Business Trends and Outlook Survey (BTOS), a survey that measures business conditions and projections on an ongoing basis. The BTOS includes data for multiunit/multilocation businesses. BTOS will continue to collect data complementary to key items found on other economic surveys, such as revenues, employees, hours, and inventories.

Work from home (WFH) supplemental questions were added to the BTOS for one cycle (11/4/2024-1/26/2025). Existing measures of WFH reveal significant data gaps in understanding its scope, particularly from the business perspective. To address this, eleven WFH questions were developed for the BTOS, covering the share and frequency of WFH, challenges, management policies, and business impact. These data are now available.

BTOS data are representative of all employer businesses in the U.S. economy, excluding farms. BTOS provides insight into the state of the economy by providing continuous, timely data for key economic measures every two weeks. By providing continuous data with geographic and subsector detail, BTOS captures the impact of events like natural disasters and economic crises and assists in monitoring recovery efforts.

The BTOS sample consists of approximately 1.2 million businesses with biweekly data collection. Selected businesses are split into six panels (approximately 200,000 cases per panel) that will be asked to report every 12 weeks for a year. The Census Bureau estimates it takes the average respondent approximately nine minutes to complete the survey, including the time for reviewing the instructions and answers.

Data will be released biweekly and available by sector, state and the 25 most populous metropolitan statistical areas. Survey results give local, state and federal officials essential, real-time data to aid in policymaking and decision-making. In addition, the information aids businesses in making economic decisions.

$3 Million Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund Grant Awarded To Tokyo Electron U.S. Holdings, Inc.

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$3 Million Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund Grant Awarded To Tokyo Electron U.S. Holdings, Inc.
Governor Greg Abbott has announced that a Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund (TSIF) grant of $3,080,000 has been extended to Tokyo Electron U.S. Holdings, Inc. (TEL U.S.) for their technical training and research and development (R&D) center in Austin. Image for illustration purposes
Governor Greg Abbott has announced that a Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund (TSIF) grant of $3,080,000 has been extended to Tokyo Electron U.S. Holdings, Inc. (TEL U.S.) for their technical training and research and development (R&D) center in Austin. Image for illustration purposes

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AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott has announced that a Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund (TSIF) grant of $3,080,000 has been extended to Tokyo Electron U.S. Holdings, Inc. (TEL U.S.) for their technical training and research and development (R&D) center in Austin. The facility is expected to create more than $30 million in capital investment.

“Texas is where the technologies of tomorrow are developed today,” said Governor Abbott. “Tokyo Electron’s more than $30 million investment builds on our state’s leadership in the semiconductor industry and will help bolster semiconductor-related job training to prepare thousands of Texans for better job and bigger paycheck opportunities. Thanks to the competitive business advantages found in Texas, we continue to attract job-creating investments by global industry leaders as we advance America’s resurgence in semiconductor research, development, and manufacturing.” 

TEL U.S., a subsidiary of Tokyo Electron Limited, is a leading global company in the semiconductor production equipment industry. The TEL Technical Training and R&D Center will train an estimated 2,200 individuals per year and include cutting-edge training methods using virtual reality and augmented reality. The center will also be dedicated to research and development, working on next generation software and processes to support the semiconductor industry.

“TEL U.S. is honored to receive this funding from the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund to enhance our research and development efforts in the state we’ve called home for over 30 years,” said Tokyo Electron U.S. Executive VP, CFO & GM Rick Turner. “This grant is a testament to the State of Texas’ commitment to leading the production of domestic semiconductor technology, and we look forward to the progress in our industry that funding like this will enable.”

“Investments in semiconductor innovation are investments in Texas’ future,” said Senator Judith Zaffirini. “This Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund grant to Tokyo Electron reflects a shared commitment to ensuring Texas remains at the forefront of technological growth. The new center will generate high-quality jobs and support continued economic progress in Senate District 21 and the Central Texas region. Count on me to continue supporting initiatives that strengthen our economy and expand opportunities for Texans.”

View more information about Tokyo Electron.

Governor Abbott signed into law the Texas CHIPS Act in 2023 to establish the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund (TSIF), an incentive program to encourage the continued leadership of Texas in semiconductor research, design, and manufacturing, as well as the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Consortium (TSIC). These programs, administered by the Texas CHIPS Office, a division within the Governor’s Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office, are designed to leverage Texas’ investments in the semiconductor industry, encourage semiconductor-related companies to expand in the state, further develop the expertise and capacity of Texas institutions of higher education, and maintain the state’s position as the nation’s leader in semiconductor manufacturing.

Texas Municipal League Leadership Academy Grads

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Texas Municipal League Leadership Academy Grads
Honorees included Hilda Pedraza (Assistant City Manager), Maria Rangel (City Engineer), Imelda Perez (City Clerk), Kimberly Mendoza (Director of Development Services), Elizabeth Diaz (Grants Director), Abel Molina (Special Events Coordinator), and CJ Sanchez (Director of the Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce). Image courtesy of The City of Pharr
Honorees included Hilda Pedraza (Assistant City Manager), Maria Rangel (City Engineer), Imelda Perez (City Clerk), Kimberly Mendoza (Director of Development Services), Elizabeth Diaz (Grants Director), Abel Molina (Special Events Coordinator), and CJ Sanchez (Director of the Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce). Image courtesy of The City of Pharr

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The Pharr City Commission proudly recognized seven city professionals for successfully completing the Texas Municipal League (TML) Leadership Academy, a prestigious program designed to strengthen the leadership skills of municipal officials across Texas. Honorees included Hilda Pedraza (Assistant City Manager), Maria Rangel (City Engineer), Imelda Perez (City Clerk), Kimberly Mendoza (Director of Development Services), Elizabeth Diaz (Grants Director), Abel Molina (Special Events Coordinator), and CJ Sanchez (Director of the Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce). 

The TML Leadership Academy is a rigorous, two-course, six-day program that provides city leaders with training in decision-making, strategic thinking, and management, led by university faculty, policy experts, and experienced public officials. Participants praised the opportunity for growth, collaboration, and networking. “It was truly a great experience. Our cohort learned about leadership behaviors, team building, and gained valuable skills,” said Mendoza. “We collaborated and networked with others from across Texas, and we’re excited to bring new ideas back to Pharr,” added Perez. “I’m grateful for this opportunity to expand our skills and improve the services we provide to our community,” shared Sanchez. 

The City of Pharr remains committed to investing in its employees through leadership development opportunities that strengthen services, build capacity, and support a culture of excellence.

Memorial Day 2025 Travel Forecasts

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Memorial Day 2025 Travel Forecasts
Memorial Day Weekend is a time many Texans get together with friends and family to celebrate the unofficial start of summer. Image for illustration purposes
Memorial Day Weekend is a time many Texans get together with friends and family to celebrate the unofficial start of summer. Image for illustration purposes

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TxDOT

What’s the best time to travel on Texas highways this Memorial Day weekend? 

Drivers can also always check road conditions throughout Texas at DriveTexas.Org or by calling 1-800-452-9292.

TxDOT is also reminding everyone to celebrate Memorial Day safely and always choose a sober ride.  

Memorial Day Weekend is a time many Texans get together with friends and family to celebrate the unofficial start of summer. 

It’s also the start of a particularly dangerous time of year on Texas roads.

In 2024, 31% of total traffic fatalities during the Memorial Day period in Texas involved drivers under the influence of alcohol (DUI-alcohol). 

See the Graphics below for you Texas travel plans for the Memorial Day Weekend:

All Graphics Courtesy of TxDOT

De La Cruz Introduces Sgt. Freddy Gonzalez Congressional Gold Medal Act

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De La Cruz Introduces Sgt. Freddy Gonzalez Congressional Gold Medal Act
Though we can never repay his sacrifice, the Congressional Gold Medal shows our nation’s appreciation for his heroism and will carry on his legacy for years to come." - Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz. Images: Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons. Bgd for illustration purposes
Though we can never repay his sacrifice, the Congressional Gold Medal shows our nation’s appreciation for his heroism and will carry on his legacy for years to come.” – Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz. Images: Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons. Bgd for illustration purposes

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WASHINGTON, DC – Ahead of Memorial Day, Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) introduced the Sergeant Alfredo “Freddy” Gonzalez Congressional Gold Medal Act to posthumously recognize Edinburg-native Sgt. Gonzalez’s service during the Vietnam War.

“Every Memorial Day, we are reminded that our freedoms are not free. Sgt. Freddy Gonzalez is a South Texas hero who sacrificed his life to protect the soldiers in his platoon. Though we can never repay his sacrifice, the Congressional Gold Medal shows our nation’s appreciation for his heroism and will carry on his legacy for years to come.” – Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz

Background: 


The Sgt. Freddy Gonzalez Congressional Gold Medal Act instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue a gold medal dedicated to Sgt. Gonzalez to recognize his service and sacrifice during the Vietnam War.

Sgt. Gonzalez displayed extraordinary bravery and leadership as a platoon commander. While under heavy enemy fire, he maneuvered his unit and saved a wounded comrade despite being injured himself. He continued to lead his men and refused medical attention even after being seriously wounded. He continued to lead his platoon up until his death.

His actions led to accolades, including the Medal of Honor, the Purple Heart, the Presidential Unit Citation, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze stars, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with star, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with palm, the Military Merit Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the namesake of the USS Gonzalez.

Information Source: Office of Congresswoman De La Cruz

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