Biography
Vicente Gonzalez, born on September 4, 1967, in Corpus Christi, Texas, is a Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives, currently serving Texas's 34th congressional district. Raised in a military family, Gonzalez's father was a merchant seaman and Korean War veteran, and his mother was born and raised in Mexico. After earning his GED in 1985, he pursued higher education and later established a successful law practice. Gonzalez is married to Lorena Saenz Gonzalez, a former teacher and school administrator, and they reside in McAllen, Texas.
Education
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Associate's Degree: Banking and Finance, Del Mar College, 1990
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Bachelor's Degree: Business Aviation, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, 1992
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Juris Doctor: Texas Wesleyan University School of Law , 1996
Political Experience
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U.S. Representative, Texas's 15th Congressional District: 2017–2023
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U.S. Representative, Texas's 34th Congressional District: 2023–present
Notable Achievements and Positions
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Committee Assignments:
- House Committee on Financial Services
- Subcommittee on Investor Protection, Entrepreneurship, and Capital Markets
- Subcommittee on National Security, Illicit Finance, and International Financial Institutions
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Caucus Memberships:
- Co-Chair, Blue Dog Coalition
- Member, New Democrat Coalition
- Member, Congressional Hispanic Caucus
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Legislative Initiatives:
- Introduced the Repatriate Our Patriots Act to allow deported U.S. military veterans to return to the United States.
- Advocated for agricultural research and trade assistance, securing over $156 million in funding for South Texas agriculture.
- Supported affordable healthcare initiatives, contributing to over $303 million in federal funds for health care research and assistance in South Texas.
Gonzalez is recognized for his bipartisan approach and commitment to the economic development and well-being of his constituents in South Texas.