EDINBURG — U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz highlighted the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce quarterly Public Affairs Luncheon on Thursday morning, addressing an engaged crowd of local business leaders.
De La Cruz, the first Latina and Republican to represent Texas’s 15th District, served as the guest speaker and drew support from many in attendance for her local ties to the community.
“We were happy to have Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz come out and do one of her first congressional addresses,” Edinburg Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Ronnie Larralde said. “You know, since being elected, we’re proud to say that she’s an Edinburg resident and she’s also a Leadership Edinburg graduate, which is one of the programs that we have that’s part of our chamber of commerce that helps create leaders and kind of gives them a roundabout knowledge of our city.”
Larralde said that he hoped that people in the business community and in attendance would have an opportunity to network with the congresswoman and learn about some of the policies that she is putting special emphasis on.
“She’s hit the ground running, and we’re excited to work with her,” Larralde said. “Everyone here just wants a better Edinburg — wants a better South Texas. So that’s kind of what we’re at.”
De La Cruz made good on Larralde’s wishes, speaking to the crowd for over 20 minutes about her accomplishments since taking office and the goals she has in mind, as well as taking the time to chat and pose for photos with just about everyone in attendance.
“South Texas in the Rio Grande Valley really means a lot to me, and I’ll share with you that along that journey came the opportunity to get active in the Edinburg chamber,” De La Cruz said. “I want to share with you how much I love the Edinburg chamber and how much I appreciate all that chambers do for you, because it is through Edinburg chamber that I actually joined the Edinburg leadership and started my journey there in really looking at the opportunities for leading in a political way.”
She voiced her desire to be representative to the needs of local farmers and ranchers through her support of the 2023 Farm Bill, as well as her support for the Lower Energy Costs Act.
De La Cruz also voiced her support for the Parents Bill of Rights Act as well as increasing border security.
“There is nothing anti-immigrant about wanting a strong and secure border or an orderly immigration process,” De La Cruz said. “We all know the horrors on the southern border. While we have a safe community here — because we do and I love this area, and the great leaders in Edinburg in McAllen have worked very hard to keep our communities safe — we understand that there are dangerous risks posed to immigrants.”
After meeting with those in attendance, De La Cruz took a moment to explain some of her talking points from earlier.
“I wanted them to know that I am their voice in Washington D.C. and that I’m taking up things that are of concern for them, which is helping our farmers and ranchers, securing our border, helping regional community banks who ultimately help small business owners, and community members to fulfill their American dream,” De La Cruz said.
“I am truly honored to represent not only Edinburg but the entire county of Hidalgo and to be their voice in Washington D.C.,” she continued. “I feel excited about what the future holds for South Texas and all the resources that we’ll be able to bring back to make South Texas stronger.”
