Far West Texas News

Representative Tony Gonzales, who has served in the U.S. Congress representing Texas's 23rd District since 2021, shared a series of tweets discussing military pay and national security issues. Born in 1980 and currently residing in San Antonio, Gonzales graduated from Excelsior College with a Bachelor of Science degree.

On December 10, 2024, Gonzales reflected on his time in the Navy during the 1990s when he earned $798 monthly as an E-1. He noted that today’s E-1 service members earn $24,206 annually. He highlighted that "the passage of the #NDAA will kick in a 14.5% pay raise for our junior troops & a 4.5% pay bump across the board for our service members in 2025—a priority I’ve proudly…"

In another tweet dated December 11, 2024, Gonzales reported findings from a Homeland Security Committee hearing: "The FBI has no clue why unidentified drones are flying over New Jersey," and expressed concern about foreign drone control at the U.S.-Mexico border. He emphasized that "Americans expect more from their government."

Later on December 11, he elaborated on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), stating that it provides significant benefits to military personnel while reducing unnecessary spending: "The NDAA provides our junior troops with a 14.5% pay raise, improves military housing conditions, and strengthens our nation’s defense capabilities—all while cutting $31 billion in unnecessary bureaucratic spending."