The Rio GrandeValley’s congressional delegation, both new and incumbent, have gone off to Washington to begin a new session. As we write this the session hasn’t started. Members of the House of Representatives were still debating who will replace Nancy Pelosi as speaker of the House; once chosen, that person swears in all members and begins the session.
Among that group is Monica De La Cruz, who will represent District 15 and will be the first woman, and the first Republican, to represent South Texas for a full term. Mayra Flores, also a Republican, has filled the District 34 seat vacated by Brownsville Democrat Filemon Vela, but Vicente Gonzalez, the District 15 incumbent, defeated Flores in the November election after moving to District 34. Longtime Rep. Henry Cuellar retained his District 28 seat.
For the first time, South Texas will be represented by members of both major political parties. While their affiliation indicates differences in political philosophy — differences that received voting majorities in their respective districts — we trust that they will be able to see through those differences and work together whenever possible to do what’s best for the people of the Valley as a whole.
Our current legislators have shown a willingness to do that in a region that traditionally has supported the Democratic Party but is more conservative than other parts of the country that also are represented by the more liberal party. Gonzalez is known as a centrist who has joined Republicans on votes supporting law enforcement and opposing gun restrictions. Cuellar’s voting record has even fed speculation that he might switch to the Republican Party himself, although he hasn’t done so.
Likewise, Flores, whose support for, and from, some extreme elements of her party initially raised concerns about her possible performance in office, also crossed party lines on several bills, including those supporting medical marijuana research and other matters.
As she ends her short tenure in Congress, Flores has earned the gratitude of the people she has served.
Differences of opinion should be nothing to fear. In fact, our nation’s founders protected and even endorsed dissent and debate, believing that open discussion of different viewpoints would help decision makers consider more options and ramifications, and lead to better decisions, and the enactment of better policy.
Public perception often is driven by what is seen, which on Capitol Hill is the open debate and frequent grandstanding that is broadcast from the House and Senate chambers or statements made to reporters. The majority of the lawmaking process, however, occurs outside of public view, in private discussions and negotiations. We trust that common interests will supersede political differences and enable our representatives to forge strong relationships that lead to the best possible representation of their Valley constituents, and a united, bipartisan front when necessary on major issues.
A new Congress brings new challenges and new opportunities to support Valley interests and needs. We wish our representatives success in their advocacy for our region.
