After successfully navigating a challenging primary season last year, U.S. Representative Tony Gonzales (R-San Antonio) is positioning himself to amplify moderate Republican views on Capitol Hill.

Leadership Role and Minority Concerns

Gonzales, who has frequently clashed with the more conservative factions within the Republican Party, recently secured a leadership position as the chair of the Congressional Hispanic Conference (CHC), a role that he hopes will enhance the voice of centrists within the party.

With the House of Representatives currently divided by a slim majority of 218-214, the CHC is poised to play a crucial role in shaping legislative priorities, especially in areas that might require bipartisan support to pass.

A Call for Inclusion

In a recent letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), the CHC urged Republican members to back initiatives supporting border security and immigration reforms while also advocating for the preservation of key social programs like SNAP and Pell Grants amidst ongoing budget discussions. Gonzales emphasized the need for the CHC to have a significant role, stating, “the Congressional Hispanic Conference is going to have a seat at the table.”

Focus on Hispanic Voter Engagement

Gonzales has underscored the importance of addressing the needs and values of Hispanic Americans, noting that they supported Republicans because of issues that directly impact their lives. As the representative of a district with the largest segment of the U.S.-Mexico border, he sees himself as a key voice in addressing their concerns.

“A lot of people across all parties like to talk about the Hispanic vote. We actually are Hispanic members, and many of us are in Hispanic districts,” Gonzales said.

Vision for the Congressional Hispanic Conference

In an interview, Gonzales articulated his primary goal for the CHC chairmanship, emphasizing the necessity of having representation in all discussions, particularly beyond just border security. “Our members are from all over the country… This is the first time there’s been a Texan that has been the chair of the Congressional Hispanic Conference,” he expressed with enthusiasm.

He further elaborated on the importance of economic issues, focusing on making the 2017 tax cuts permanent and ensuring fiscal responsibility while maintaining effective social programs.

Addressing Complex Immigration Challenges

Gonzales also spoke about his approach to immigration policy, emphasizing the need to differentiate between illegal and legal immigration. He expressed his intent to tackle the issue of illegal immigration with a focus on convicted criminals, arguing that this should be a priority for the party.

Reflecting on past discussions within the Trump administration regarding immigration, he highlighted the complexity of the issue, likening it to peeling an onion: “The deeper you go, the more complex it gets.”

Fiscal Responsibility in Governance

As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, Gonzales stressed the importance of judicious spending in government. He criticized efforts to retract appropriated funds and called for a more effective dialogue on eliminating waste while protecting beneficial programs. “I want Congress to be strong… to get rid of the waste and still protect the programs that work,” he stated.

Furthermore, he indicated that he believes Texas should be reimbursed for its substantial investments in border security, hinting that upcoming legislative negotiations could yield positive outcomes for the state.