Houston Daily

Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz, who represents Texas’ 15th district in the U.S. Congress, visited the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley in Pharr, Texas on October 30, 2025. The visit took place during an ongoing government shutdown that has increased demand for local food assistance programs.

During her tour of the facility, De La Cruz met with staff to discuss the challenges caused by the shutdown. She highlighted concerns about food security for families in South Texas, where almost one in five households rely on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

"Nearly 20% of South Texas households rely on SNAP benefits. I voted over a month ago to keep the government open and fund these critical programs. As the shutdown threatens to jeopardize food security for millions, I am supporting legislation to sustain SNAP and ensure families can continue to put food on their tables," said Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz.

The current government shutdown is expected to cause SNAP benefits to lapse starting November 1, 2025. In response, De La Cruz has co-sponsored the Keep SNAP Funded Act of 2025. This legislation would maintain funding for SNAP during any period when appropriations bills have not been enacted for fiscal year 2026.

De La Cruz began serving in Congress after winning election against Michelle Vallejo in both 2022 and 2024. She replaced Vicente Gonzalez as representative for Texas’ 15th district in 2023.